Dolphins In Depth @ Epcot

[whitfields]

HI ALL

Can anyone tell us anything about this? seen it? done it? or bought the tshirt!!

have already done discovery cove and was looking for something different

thanks

Whitfields

 

[Goofyish]

Never done it, but I've found some info. for you:

Runs Monday to Friday and starts at 9:45am.
Tour last about 3 hours.
Cost is $150 per person - this includes a photograph with the dolphins, refreshments and a t-shirt.
You need to be 13 or older. If you are between 13 and 17 you need an adult with you.
No jewelry allowed.
Wetsuits are provided, bring your own swimming costumes (there are facilities to shower and change after the tour).
You spend about 30 mins. in the water with the dolphins, waist deep. (note: dolphin interaction not guaranteed - if the dolphins aren't in the mood to play ).
Cameras and videos not allowed.
No pregnant women allowed to take the tour.

 

[wifey]

Will they also need their park tickets for entry into Epcot??

 

[Hilary]

DD did this a few years ago and this is what she experienced then, but I don't know if it has changed at all. I didn't go with her, so this is from what she told me.

There was no Epcot park ticket required, as the group (of about 6, I think) met near the entrance and were led to a backstage area. There they had a welcome meeting and briefing before being kitted out with wet suits and sent to change (lockers, towels and even Disney soap provided).

The encounter took place at the top of one of the huge aquariums. Participants stood waist (?) deep on a platform - there is no swimming involved (or allowed). The group was divided into 2 smaller groups and each took it in turns to 'meet' the dolphins, and then everyone had individual interaction time with the dolphins. This was filmed and the participants received a copy of the video as well as a t-shirt at the end of the session.

I think the whole thing took about 2 1/2 hours, but the actual time in the water was probably no more than 40 minutes. DD thought it was amazing, and enjoyed it more than a visit to the Dolphin Research Centre in The Keys a couple of years later, although she said it may have been the fact that it was her first 'dolphin experience' that made it more special.

 

[dytx]

we (family of three) are scheduled for this on the 11th of July 07. I dont know when you are going but if your visit is after yours; we would be more than happy to let you know how it goes. we are on the platinum plan this time so we get almost any tour they have.

 

[whitfields]

hi

were there in last week of september

thanks

whitfields

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

DD (13 at the time) and I did this last year. It's an excellent 3 hours. You get a tour of the facilities. Informed about dolphins. Shown how they are trained. Then you get your 1/2 hour with the dolphins. There were 8 of us divided into 2 groups of four and 2 dolphins. The dolphin interaction isn't guaranteed as the dolphins themselves choose whether to interact. The are not forced as in other areas. Having said that, they know the routine and it's only if one of the dolphins is having a "bad day" that you may be unlucky.

You get a photo, badge and T-shirt.

DD loved it and we would definately do it again. You don't need a ticket for EPCOT, they take you through a back entrance near customer services and let you out there as well.