Dolphin Experience tour at Epcot Living Seas

[nannon16]

Has anyone been on the the Dolphins in Depth tour at the Living Seas at Epcot? I love dolphins and think this sounds like a really exciting tour but am a little unsure since it's so expensive! Can any one who has done this let me know if it's worth the $150/person? Do you get to spend a lot of time in the water with the dolphins? Also, do they require you to be a strong swimmer? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help

 

[LJC1861]

I really enjoyed this tour. It is very educational and I ended up learning lots more than I expected to. You begin with learning all about dolphins. Then they take you upstairs to meet the boys. After that is a lesson on how dolphins are trained using people from the group as "dolphins" Following that is an actual training session that the tour group has front row seating for. Then it is time to change into wetsuits and get in the water. You are in the water for about 30 minutes in an upper pool in the tank. You are standing on a ledge in about 3 ft of water. The experience does not require you to be a strong swimmer as you never actually swim with the dolphins. You get to touch and do a few hand signal moves and then you get an individual picture taken of you with one of the dolphins.

The tour ends with some goodies being given out as well as your picture. Even though this is on the expensive side I am totally glad I had the opportunity to take this tour.

Linda

 

[snowglobe girl]

I swam with them in Jan 2003 and I tell everyone that it was the best $150 I've ever spent. My experience is exactly the same as Linda's. You don't have to be a strong swimmer at all since you are not actually swimming. You'll be standing on a ledge in the tank a little more than waist deep. You're also wearing a wetsuit that helps you float. I was so amazed at how large the dolphins really are. They will pair four of you and a trainer per dolphin, let you pet him, give him commands to do certain tricks, and have you picture made with him. That part was really neat because you get down on one knee and he swims into your lap. I will tell you to spluge and do it. I don't think you'll regret it or feel it was a waste of money at all. Not only are you getting personal interaction with the dolphins, but it is very educational and you get access into restricted areas of the park/exhibit. I'll do it again sometime!

 

[kimbac3]

Is there an age limit for this? And where can I get more info..like where and how to sign up?
Thanks,
Kimba

 

[jennz]

I believe the age minimum is 16.

 

[SamR]

While it's a bit dated, here is a link to a report on my experience with Dolphins in Depth:

Dolphins in Depth Report

I think a few things may have changed a bit in the year-and-a-half since I wrote that report, but I would think the basic quality of the experience would be the same.

 

[WDWLVR]

We did this tour a number of years ago and loved it. We didn't get photos with the dolphins at that time, but did get a video and t-shirt.

As others have said - it is a great learning experience. Just being able to interact with them is wonderful!

 

[jennz]

Update...the age minimum is 13

 

[nannon16]

thank you for the great replies!!! After reading your responses, I think I am going to go for it!