When we went to DC in November we actually got there around 7:45 and we were among the first in the parking lot. We parked right up by the building. But when we checked in and they took our pictures and gave us our ID cards we left there and went straight to eat breakfast. We spent about 30 minutes eating breakfast. A few of the guys went back and got seconds on some stuff. (You can eat as much as you like as often as you like all day long) But once we got through with breakfast the park was open. We went and got into our wet suits then went straight to feed the birds. I read on these boards if you want to spend some time in the bird aviary then go first thing in the morning while they are hungry. If you wait until lunch time or later to go in there then they have been fed all morning and are no longer hungry. Then our Dolphin swim was for 9:30 so we went straight from the aviary to the cabana where our group was set up to check in. The earlier in the morning you check in, the earlier in the morning your Dolphin swim will be. If you don't want to do the Dolphin swim first thing then right when you go to check in ask them right away if they can schedule your swim for later or after lunch or whenever you want it to be.
DC was our best experience, our favorite day out of all our days last trip.
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