Feeding the dolphins

[jacbak]

We just returned from a trip to US/IOA and SW/Aquatica. We all had a great time but thought I would give anyone planning on feeding the dolphins while at Seaworld a heads-up. You are now REQUIRED to buy fish to feed the dolphins or you will only be allowed to view them from an area in the back of dolphin cove. We hadn't been to SW in a few years and the last time we were there, we could get right up to the water to view them and try to touch them. They now have dolphin cove divided into 2 areas...feeding and viewing. In order to feed them, everyone in your party has to purchase a tray of fish at $7.00 each. We were told that this is a relatively new change. I just wanted to let everyone know so you can decide ahead of time if this is something you want to do. Even my kids thought it was a waste of money and chose to go pet the rays instead. Hopefully SW won't decide to do the same at the ray exhibit. This is one of the reasons we visit SW...something you can't do many other places.

 

[muffinman71xx]

I just got back from SW today. I was shocked at how they have changed the dolphin feeding at the dolphin cove from just a few years ago.

First, every member has to pay $7 each to enter the feeding area. if you want to view, you are sent to the far left/shallow end of the cove. believe me, when the feeding takes place, the dolphins are going for the fish, and you don't see anything.

the $7 is for a cardboard carton of 4 fish. after paying my $28 (ouch) you are herded into what was once the viewing/feeding area. the "trainer" places the carton with the fish on the wall. then you take the fish, hold it just above the water line, the dolphin comes up, takes the fish, and if you are lucky, you get a quick touch of the dolphin before it goes under the water. I was able to touch the dolphin each time since my arms are long. my kids were not able since their arms were shorter, and were afraid to reach in.

I was able to get a few profile shots of my family feeding the dolphins. But, you had to be very quick to get a decent picture. once you fed your 4 fish, you were done. after a few minutes, you are asked to leave the area.

the entire experience took about 5 minutes. of course, there are photographers from the far side of the lagoon taking pictures of you feeding the dolphins. the picture was $20 for an 8x10. the picture was not a close up, and had four people against the wall. fortunately, it was our family, or there would have been three strangers included in the picture. I dont know if this was on purpose, or by accident. if you wanted a fancy frame, they wanted at least $12 on up extra.

It was an overpriced ripoff. I would have preferred to have one or two cartons and have everyone share it.

 

[Jason71]

The requirement that you buy fish to get up close on the left side of the pool has been in place a couple years now. But MuffinMan, this is the first I've heard of every person in the party being required to buy fish. Usually they would allow fish-less parents to accompany kids.