Discovery cove for non swimmers (water phobia!)

[DLPDreams]

I am just getting an idea of costs for tickets we will need. One such experience both my DDs would like is swimming with dolphins (have looked at WDW interaction one (which would be sufficient) but they are too young for it). So we will have to go to Discovery Cove.

Now, it's not cheap at all. And yes, I know you get lunch and Seaworld tix etc too. But, my Mum absolutely hates water (she will paddle up to her ankles and that is it!). Is it worth paying for her as a non-swimmer there? I am really thinking it's not - most of the attractions seem to centre around you getting in the water. Oh, and did I mention she doesn't like birds either

You get my drift..... This may cause a little issue as the rest of the party will want to do this day, I really don't think it's worth it for her, so it would mean a day on her own (and I'm not sure she would be keen on this).....

Help please!

 

[Azza1987]

Hi hon!

We did DC last year in May as got our tickets through attraction tickets direct, off memory I think I paid $239 each for the Dolphin Swim last year. Got a free underwater disposable camera thrown in too

It was OK but I really don't think i got our value for money as I'm not big on snorkelling or lounging in water. My OH on the other hand spent ages snorkelling etc so worth it for him. There really isn't much else to do but sun bath on the 'beach' or swim/snorkel! The lazy river & atrium are also nice.

We really only did it to swim with the dolphin though, which was nice but nothing that would make me go back. We were assigned the 1pm group so we left lunch until afterwards. I can't remember how many were in our group but I think about 6. We all got a swim with her, and saw her tricks, stroked her, learnt about Dolphins etc.


The food is average (and the tea luck warm!) so it's not worth the money for the all inclusive food. But it might be worth it just so she can see the kids enjoy the swim! I will point out they must be able to swim in water where they cannot reach the bottom & tread water for a few minutes whilst waiting for their turn to swim so make sure they can do that

 

[DLPDreams]

Thanks for the reply Azza

Mum is not really one for just lazing on a beach - she's better off at the resort pool. At around £141 for a non swimmer I think it's just not worth it. I've just had a look at a few promo videos and it is a water themed day really - if you aren't happy in water above your ankles (unless in a shower ), then I don't think it's for you.

Both my girls are water babies (we live by the sea so I was adamant they'd learn to swim early - and DD1 in particular can swim better than me ). So, the swimming/treading water won't be an issue for them .

 

[zavandor]

I agree that for a non swimmer it's not worth the cost. The aviary is nice, but not £141 nice.

 

[DLPDreams]

I agree that for a non swimmer it's not worth the cost. The aviary is nice, but not £141 nice.

Erm, she doesn't like birds that much either . So, it's a non starter!

 

[Princess Leia]

We did Discovery Cove for the first time in July. This was our family's fourth trip to Florida and had always felt I couldn't justify the cost. We also got our tickets from Attraction Tickets Direct. I had managed to keep it a complete surprise. We all had a lovely day. My children are confident swimmers and my 8 year old swims in a club. If I'm honest the dolphin swim was a bit underwhelming as basically you swim out a short distance and get towed along by the dolphin. You are not allowed to do any swimming. For anyone less confident they can go across the pool in shallower waters. My children enjoyed getting to meet Coral the dolphin. They really enjoyed the other areas of the park. My daughter's favourite turned out to be snorkelling in the Great Reef. For me it will be a one off experience both to do with cost and I am also becoming increasing less convinced about keeping dolphins in captivity. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[tinkerpea]

I am just getting an idea of costs for tickets we will need. One such experience both my DDs would like is swimming with dolphins (have looked at WDW interaction one (which would be sufficient) but they are too young for it). So we will have to go to Discovery Cove.

Now, it's not cheap at all. And yes, I know you get lunch and Seaworld tix etc too. But, my Mum absolutely hates water (she will paddle up to her ankles and that is it!). Is it worth paying for her as a non-swimmer there? I am really thinking it's not - most of the attractions seem to centre around you getting in the water. Oh, and did I mention she doesn't like birds either

You get my drift..... This may cause a little issue as the rest of the party will want to do this day, I really don't think it's worth it for her, so it would mean a day on her own (and I'm not sure she would be keen on this).....

Help please!

We're also looking into this, I've done over 25 trips to disney:universal etc and never done this experience,
We get free sea world tickets with the military and so I have to base the experience purely on the day & the swim.. I'd love to do it once and my kids love the water! Still undecided

My mum doesn't do universal as there is nothing for her so she will Nd spending those 4 days mainly on her own she always finds stuff to do and enjoys it

 

[DISWolves]

As a lot of people have said.....it is quite expensive!
Sometimes they offer discount entry for Sea World AP holders
The crowd numbers are restricted so it never seems overcrowded.
For people who are not confident swimmers, you can wear a life vest when taking part in the dolphin interaction.
After a number of busy days in the parks, we find this a great day to chill out
Been fortunate to visit 6 times so far, and last time we got to meet Warwick Davies there!

 

[DLPDreams]

We're also looking into this, I've done over 25 trips to disney:universal etc and never done this experience,
We get free sea world tickets with the military and so I have to base the experience purely on the day & the swim.. I'd love to do it once and my kids love the water! Still undecided

My mum doesn't do universal as there is nothing for her so she will Nd spending those 4 days mainly on her own she always finds stuff to do and enjoys it

I'd double check the Seaworld military deal. I think this has now disappeared if you are non US military. I can't remember what I read but it's something to do with Seaworld being taken over recently (ish).

Here you go from Aug 2013:

Thank you for contacting our SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment® family of parks. We appreciate your questions as they are valuable in helping us to improve the high level of service that we strive to provide.

I am excited to learn that you are planning to visit SeaWorld® Orlando and hope you will enjoy all of our wonderful rides, shows and attractions! I am happy to hear that you were previously able to take advantage of our Here’s to the Hero’s offer and that you enjoyed your visit. Currently, active duty US military members receive a complimentary admission under the Waves of Honor program. At this time, coalition forces are not eligible for the free admissions. I apologize for any disappointment this may cause for you for your upcoming visit.

I would recommend taking advantage of our Any Day admissions available online only. This offer will save you $10 per admission purchased off of the current gate price of $92/$84. You may purchase your SeaWorld® Orlando admission tickets online at seaworldparks.com/en/… and print them off your home computer using our Print @ Home option. Then on the day of your visit, take your printed tickets and a photo ID for adults seventeen and older straight to the turnstiles to enter the park. Please keep in mind that your tickets will expire one year from the purchase date unless otherwise stated. The weekday admission is a restricted product and not available to international guests.

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