Im Tempted, but what would you do, Discovery Cove?

[signtalker]

Okay, DH is at work, and Ive been contemplating the last hour or so whether to do Discovery Cove again, as a surprise for DH and DS.
As you all know DH lost his hearing very quickly towards the end of last year, and DS has multiple disabilities, Ive also been going through a rough patch at work, now to be honest I cant really afford it, but I was thinking of maxing the credit card with the oh b&%^&r it expense attitude. Ive worked out that with the sea world ticket included, its only a couple of hundred pounds more for a fantastic day.
What do you all think, am i mad, and would you do it again??, can i justify the cost?.
DH has always said he would be happy to sit and watch me and DS swim with the dolphins., so he could film us on the video camera, so there would be no reason really why we would have to surcum to DC video(we already have one from last time).
So what do you think??>

Jules

 

[vernon]

In your situation I would be very tempted also. I agree it's a wonderful day out and it does seem to be one that really is ultra special for kids in your DS's situation. The downer is how much you "really can't afford it". You know your DH well I'm sure, is his reaction going to be "how sweet" or "how could she" ? If you're in any doubt it could be the second I would suggest talking the idea through. If he isn't that fussed about the swim himself, it's possible that, for him, it wouldn't be that big a treat ( although obviously he'll be aware that it is for you and DS) , there is also the possibility, he might suprise you and book it , knowing you'd like to go. Given the cost, I think that's a situation that it's worth contemplating.

Maybe the "play off" is to drop something else that would have cost a similar amount and make more use of the SW tickets than you would usually have done. I.E by just using SW for one extra day and not visiting a different park is a saving of about $150 for your family. I've found I really enjoy SW by taking 3 or even 4 half days and covering all the different shows (like pets ahoy that I usually wouldn't set time aside for). This also allows you a lot more time over the animal exibits like Dolphin cove, Pacific point preserve, Wild arctic and my favourite the penguins. IF you're not in a rush to complete things it allows you to take 30,45 even 60 minutes at these places without feeling you're "wasting precious time". IT does depend I understand on your DS's attention span for these things.
It allows you to have a more relaxed start to a day (lie in ) , maybe add a visit to one of the malls for an hour or so and to pick a restaurant that you wouldn't normally have the time to visit if you were "park bashing".

 

[SpottyDog]

Jules, you know my stance on wall-to-wall debt.

Do it girl!!!!

The little I know about Andy and Josh, I'd say 7 days unlimited access to SeaWorld will be right up their street, never mind the DC experience again.

 

[Sian]

Just do it!

Next question...
Seriously, my philosophy is do everything with your kids that your credit cards will stand - they are not with you forever. But then I am totally irresponsible...

 

[kazzie]

Jules,

My saying think about it has nothing to do with money, I'm all for just doing it when you're thre.

We went to DC in October 2001 and had a fantastic,magical day.If someone had said to me as we left you have to give me another £100 I'd still have said it was worth it.

So wanting to recreate this I booked again for October 2002,with only 2 of us doing the swim this time. The day was nice,but in no way was as special as the visit the year before.I think the following year was to soon to go back and would advise (and wish I'd done it) a two year gap before returning.

I guess it seemed a bit of an anti-climax after the first visit.I'm sure there are many who would disagree with me,this is just my opinion

 

[Leech esq]

I am also contemplating doing D C, but find it hard to afford.I sent an e mail to them to ask if we( two adults,four children) could do a total non-dolphin swim and they said not on the web,but, if we booked it over the phone.
Geoff.

 

[signtalker]

Geoff what cost would that be do you know is it the same as quoted as the non swim on the net??.
Jules

 

[Leech esq]

I assume so,with my pre-plan I've budgeted for the 129$ per person,though I havent been in contact yet.