How long is the Dolphin Interaction Program?

[madfelice]

Just how long does it go for? I see conflicting reports of this all over the web.

 

[Capt_BJ]

Specifically which interaction are you asking about?

The interaction as part of a visit to DC is only about 30 minutes, scheduled during your day; that is you get assigned a time slot. Outside of that interaction period you are not allowed in the dolphin pool. Trainer for a day offers additional interaction, but it still isn't all day. Just an additional 'deep water' experience.

You could take one of the 'behind the scenes' tours at SW and get a bit more....but still, don't expect a 5 hour tour to be 5 hours of animal interaction. DD did the marine mammal keeper tour last year and altho she loved it, was a bit disappointed in the amount of actual animal contact.....

 

[madfelice]

I am talking about the one where you get in the water for a little while with the dolphins after a talk beforehand. I have seen it listed as 45 minutes, an hour, an hour and a half. As you can tell I am a little confused! My son has it scheduled for 11:30 and we are supposed to do the picnic lunch during Believe at 12:30, so I am wondering if I should make the dolphin thing later in the day or not. Is it feasible to do the Dolphin program and believe at 12:30?

 

[Capt_BJ]

I am talking about the one where you get in the water for a little while with the dolphins after a talk beforehand. I have seen it listed as 45 minutes, an hour, an hour and a half. As you can tell I am a little confused! My son has it scheduled for 11:30 and we are supposed to do the picnic lunch during Believe at 12:30, so I am wondering if I should make the dolphin thing later in the day or not. Is it feasible to do the Dolphin program and believe at 12:30?

Sorry...I'm no help on that one

 

[abbey753]

Is there and age liit for this 'behind the scenes' ? Would it be too much for a 10yr old?

 

[madfelice]

I think you have to be at least 10. My son will be 10 and he's psyched!

 

[abbey753]

I guess we are going to look into it, thanks!

 

[DixieDolphin]

I am talking about the one where you get in the water for a little while with the dolphins after a talk beforehand. I have seen it listed as 45 minutes, an hour, an hour and a half. As you can tell I am a little confused! My son has it scheduled for 11:30 and we are supposed to do the picnic lunch during Believe at 12:30, so I am wondering if I should make the dolphin thing later in the day or not. Is it feasible to do the Dolphin program and believe at 12:30?

Hmm. I'm not sure what program this is. Are you talking about Sea World of Florida or another of their parks?

To my knowledge, the only dolphin program at Sea World of Florida is the "Dolphin Spotlight" tour. This doesn't include getting IN the water, however. From what I understand, it's a backstage tour with a feeding session on the surface at the community pool.

They also have the "Beluga Interaction Program" at Sea World. Which involves in-water interaction with the beluga whales at the Wild Arctic exhibit. This is all shallow water interaction and doesn't involve 'swimming' like Discovery Cove.

Then, of course, there is the "Marine Mammal Keeper Experience," which from what I understand is an all-day program/tour at various locations within the park.

To my knowledge, they do not have any in-water dolphin programs at Sea World of Florida now that DC is open. They still offer it at Sea World of San Diego, though.

Regardless, you may want to give the park a call directly if in doubt. They'll know best!

=)

 

[madfelice]

It's in San Diego. I was hoping to avoid calling since I am in Australia. Lookslike I may have to bite the bullet. Anyone know if the Arctic experience is the same at San Diego and Florida?

 

[Capt_BJ]

aaahhhhh, San Diego...well that explains the confusion as I suspect most like me are looking at Orlando since that's the primary location for most of us.

And looking to the Sea World SD the quick answer I have for you is to use the online form to send them an e-mail question. It's cheaper than a phonecall.

Second choice is a call.

I concur that their web site doesn't answer the question but here's what I put together.

The trainer gig is a "full day" like in Orlando and costs nearly $500

There are many 'experiences' which run under an hour and cost under $100

Then there is this interaction...which is over $100. A similar program at Orlando is described as 1 hour. But a 1 hour program in my experience is gonna take more than an hour. If for no other reason then the time to get from point A to point B in the park. And you may be queued up etc etc.

I think you are cutting it too close. Why program stress into your vacation from the git-go? Move it if you can.

 

[madfelice]

Yeah. My thought exactly. i'm gonna move it to later and book the Arctic one for 11 which gives a half an hour to get to our reserved seating if they are on time and I doubt they will be over half an hour late. When I call to change it though I'll ask.