Dolphin Swim - DC vs EPCOT vs Miami Seaquarium

[Chad316]

I plan on swimming with the dolphins in Jan 2002 and was wondering which you think is better. The leading contender is DC, just because it's THE best around (according to websites and 20/20 a few nights ago, good piece - anyone see it). You also get SW tickets ($50), so the swim is $149 plus you get a day at the park after your swim. What are your thoughts

Discovery Cove ($199)
Dolphins in Depth @ EPCOT ($140, $112 w/ AMEX)
Miami Seaquarium ($140)

DC is the whole package where you get to spend the entire day there after your swim, plus a SW ticket.

Epcot is interesting because you get a videotape of your session. That is the only reason I am considering it because my family won't be there in person to videotape me w/out paying themselves. I have read that dolphin interaction is NOT guarenteed and you are just basically huggingg, kissing and watching tricks.

MS is the only swim near Fort Lauderdale w/out a long drive. The MS is recomended on every destination site I have been to. Haven't heard much about the swim though. You get a sourviner towel and admission to the park. Fun Fact: the TV show Flipper was filmed here.

I will be in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando for our trip and have seen swims in the Keys, and if anyone has been to one of those your opinion is welcome also. I don't plan to drive all the way to Key West, but Key Largo is another option. Here are some more on my list. With the exception of the first one, DRC, I am not sure of the credability of the others.

Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key $135 for swim, $15 to watch)
Dolphin Plus (Key Largo, $150, $10)
International Divers (Key Largo, $160, $10)
Dolphins Cove (Key Largo, $150, $20)
Theater of the Sea (Islamoroda, $125, $??)

Thank you for your help

 

[kellymonaghan]

Unless they've changed it recently, you gte seven days at SeaWorld with your Discovery Cove admission.

Discovery Cove also videotapes your dolphin interaction for $30.

I'd vote for DC. When you add the snorkeling reef, the aviary (where you can feed exotic birds that sit on your shoulder), the stingray pool, the gorgeous white sand beaches, and the good food (included in the price), there's just no comparison.

 

[Peterd]

Kelly, could you give me more info on the DC dolphin swim? My 10 and 12 year olds, (great swimmers), would really love to swim with the dolphins. How does it work? Was I mistaken, do they get 7 days at sea world also? We haven't been to sea world in years, and since we read about the dolphin experience, our kids were pretty excited about trying it. We have APs at Universal, Fanclub cards, AAA members and was wondering what type of discounts they might offer.
If the kids do the dolphin thing, how much is it for the rest of the party to watch, etc...? We're going in Nov., and it would be a nice surprise for the kids. Thanks for the help.
Pete

 

[vernon]

A lot of the information you need you can get on http://www.discoverycove.com I would vote for Discovery Cove as IMHO , the whole package ( a day in the rest of DC, a week at SW and lunch) is pretty good value. I don't think you'll have much luck on discounts as the park is selling out most days. The cost for "non dolphinswimming" guests is about $90, I think, which is GREAT value,

 

[robvia]

I'll agree. DC is the best.

I live in Ft. Lauderdale and never even considered the others.

Did you see my trip report?
http://www.pompano.net/~robvia/SeaWorld1.htm

The dolphin swim is great. DC feels like a tropical paradise.

 

[Granny]

You are on the DC/SW board, so not surprisingly you will get a lot of votes for DC dolphin swim.

And here's one more!

Don't forget...in addition to the 7 days of Sea World passes you also get included in the DC price: free valet parking, bird feeding in the aviary, snorkeling in a coral reef, and the best lunch you will find in any theme park in Orlando.

I haven't been on the other dolphin swims you mention but I know that DC handles it in a first class manner.

ENJOY!

 

[kellymonaghan]

You can download my complete guide to Discovery Cove by clicking on the "www" link below this post.