How are dolphin times decided at Discovery Cove?

[TiggerPiglet]

I was curious as to how the times at Discovery Cove for the Dolphin Swim are determined. ARe they determined before you get there or as you check in? For instance, if I get there early, is it possible I may not get my dolphin swim time until 3 o'clock in the afternoon? Can I arrange a time before I get there? Thanks.

 

[robvia]

When you book your reservation, you pick morning, or afternoon. The morning times usually sell out first, but it's not a problem if you get an afternoon time.

When you show up, it's based on first come, first served.

In our case, we had an afternoon time, but arrived very early, so we got a time of 12:20.

The people who have the first morning times are actually let in early, at about 08:30am.

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Thanks.

Do you know if 12:20 is the last time they give or were people swimming with the dolphins later? I only ask this because I have reservations at 1900 Park Fare at the GF at 6:00 and was wondering if I should just cancel now since I'll be charged if I don't show up.

 

[robvia]

There are swim times later than 12:20. I'd say the latest swims are at 3pm. They try to get them in quickly before the afternoon rain showers happen.
DC closes at 5pm, most leave around 3pm or so.
You'll be tired after spending the entire day in the sun and swimming. You'll want to go back to your hotel, rest, and then get something to eat.

 

[halo969]

When I booked my Discovery Cove experience, I was not asked whether to pick morning or afternoon. None of that was determined until check-in that day (which was yesterday). They schedule your swim time based on when you arrive. We were there at 8 am so we got the first dolphin swim at 9 am. Since it was cold, I asked whether we could have something later like 11 am but they wouldn't give it to us, citing they have to fill up the earlier times first. So if you're looking for a later swim time, don't go early! Also the early birds get the cabana (Sand Dollar) that is furthest from all the other areas (except the dolphin swim) and this is where your locker is located, so you do a lot of walking back and forth. I wish we had gotten there later. I thought by getting there early we'd have the advantage but that's not the case. The good news is the water is pretty warm in the dolphin pool and lazy river. It's a different story in the stingray and fish pools. Brrr!

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Thanks

 

[robvia]

Well, that's news to me, getting there late. Seems they'd reward the early arrivers.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I agree with Halo!!!

Our experience was exactly the same...

It turned out cold and cloudy that morning, but we went ahead and checked in when they opened.... BIG MISTAKE, They practically RAN us across the park and into our wetsuits!!! We FROZE!!!

Man, was I so jealous of those who were able to enjoy their dolphin experience in the warm sunshine a little later!!!

It would be very wise to coordinate your arrival time with the time you hope to swim with the dolphins. If it is a nice sunny warm morning... go for it!!! Otherwise you may not want to be there right when they open up.

PS: Discovery Cove is WONDERFUL!!! This was our only complaint!!!

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Maybe I will try to get there a little later, it's suppose to be 79 for a high, not all that warm for a cold swim

 

[Special Agent Jazz]

We asked for the morning swim so we could wander around afterwards. We were one of the first ones swimming with the dolphins. After that was done, we were able to go look at our dolphin pictures, pictures with the other wildlife and see other things.

But we didn't' stay the whole day. With the sun and all that swimming, we were pretty tired. I was relatively tired but my best friend fell right to sleep the minute we got back into the hotel.

 

[halo969]

Well, that's news to me, getting there late. Seems they'd reward the early arrivers.

That's what I thought too. I guess not. I know they changed the scheduling thing in the past year because my friend who went last year was given a time when she booked whereas when I booked a few months ago, my confirmation letter just advised to arrive before opening as times were first come first serve.

 

[TiggerPiglet]

You would think they would let people pick times in advance as they book the excursion. I'm wondering if they tried this in the past and maybe people didn't show up on time, maybe this way it assures people will be on time. Who knows

 

[maine_jennifer]

The good news is the water is pretty warm in the dolphin pool and lazy river. It's a different story in the stingray and fish pools. Brrr!

Not sure about the times, we did the TFAD and it was pre-scheduled for us. I had heard it depended on when you checked in.

The dolphin pool water is regulated to what the dolphins prefer. Meaning ocean temperatures. Some find it warm, some find it cool. Some are surprised to find out it's salt-water.

My nephew and I had a reservation at Chef Mickey's for 6pm and ended up being late. There was a rain delay (60 minutes) and we were running way behind. Since you're on your own, you could just leave whenever you want. One thing is that you might want to go back to your hotel and shower before dinner. They do have showers there, but then you have to bring all your shower junk with you.

HTH!