Dolphins in Depth Experiences?

[1971DBday]

Has anyone done the Dolphins in Depth? This is a graduation present for my DD14 and Father's Day present for DH. I know interaction is not guaranteed, but how much time do you get to try? How long are you in the water?

 

[1971DBday]

Bump: Can anyone help?? I just want to make sure this is worth the price or should we make a day trip to the ocean?

 

[make.it.blue]

We did this tour a couple years ago and loved it! They told us the interaction time would be 30-45 minutes, and ours was right at 45 minutes. I think the total tour time was around three hours. We learned a lot and had a great time

 

[Jotash]

DH did this a few years ago. He loved it and wants to do it again. He spent about 30 minutes in the water.

 

[jsilvers]

It should be emphasized that much of the tour is spent learning about dolphins and their facilities rather than actually wading in the tank, but my wife and I greatly enjoyed the tour. For example, we were told that when the Seas pavilion originally opened, there wasn't a separate section for the dolphins, but that was quickly changed - not because the dolphins were in any danger, but because they were the bullies of the tank, playing games such as spin-the-sea-turtle.

In the tank, we had a chance to both touch two of the dolphins (as seen in the photo) as well as give them hand signals and see if they responded. Officially, the tour is considered part of the dolphins' training - i.e., to teach them to be used to humans other than their trainers, and to respond to signals no matter who is giving them.

I understand that Dolphins in Depth normally sells out well in advance, but we were lucky because there were only us and another couple on the tour. Our in-water time was probably about 30 minutes - with more people, it probably would have been longer, but only to wait for others to have a turn.

I also note that our guides and the trainer - Stephanie, Jason, and Leslie - were also among the most enthusiastic and engaged CMs that I've ever encountered. (Stephanie taught us that the appropriate way to respond to an offered high five is with a fist and extended thumb - and yelling "Look! A turkey!" Nothing to do with dolphins, but...)

 

[weewuvvdisney]

DH & DD went in March. I had gone about 10 years ago. They really enjoyed themselves. Their dolphins "didn't want to play" so they changed them for two other dolphins which were more co=operative. There is no guarantee that you will have interactions with the dolphins. However, it is nice to know that they will can the dolphins if they need to. There was four in their group as well. I would have loved to have gone again but it is a bit pricey.

Hope your DH & DD have a great time!

 

[Lisa75]

Do they really have a wetsuit that will fit everyone?? My DH is 6'5 250 pounds. I want to book this as a surprise for our November trip, but he will probably kill me when he finds out that he has to sport a wetsuit. Especially if the whole thing is the size of his leg

Just wondering what your experiences have been?

Thanks!

 

[JulieSharp]

Does anyone know how much it is? I am struggling to find the price of the tour anywhere.

 

[shyjade]

Google "dolphins in depth epcot" for many reviews and additional information. There isn't much discussion about it on the DIS but I did find a lot of additional information thru Google and have decided to book it for our February 2011 trip.

 

[1971DBday]

Does anyone know how much it is? I am struggling to find the price of the tour anywhere.

You have to call, but it's costing me about $415 for the two of them. This is a graduation present for DD14 and a Father's Day present for DH (includes tax). We live near Chicago and it would have been more for the two of them at our local zoo (Brookfield Zoo), so I figured what the heck but NEVER again.