is dc a whole day?

[goemanb]

we booked discovery cove in January, I am a little worried about weathr, but in various pots- even in inclement weather people still had fun. We signed up about 1-2months ago. Does anyone know if it is first come first serve for reservations? I am guessing we will be earlier in the day if that is the case. If so, will there be a full day there for us (kids 10, 14, 17) or will we be done in time to run over to epcot for the evening.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I'm also heading there in January and hoping for nice weather. I went in Feb 2007 and it was rather chilly in the morning, but they had these big freestanding heaters out. Once the sun came out it warmed up a bit, and honestly if you just take the plunge in the water, you get used to it pretty quickly.

The park closes at 5 or 6, but there's enough to do from open to close. You go in to the reception building first and get your ID cards and assigned time for the dolphin swim, assuming that's the package your're doing. The times are first come first serve, I'm not sure if you can say "I'd like to do the swim around 2" or if its just "You were here first, you get the first time slot".

When we went, we got our welcome picture taken, then met an employee who gave us a very short kind of welcome introduction of the "Go to the left for the aviary and the right for dolphins, over there is where you get your wetsuit" variety. They serve a continental breakfast, but when we were there they had quiet a variety of food. You queue up to get your wetsuit and you have a few options here, a full suit, a "shorty" suit that ends at your knees and elbows, or a vest. They'll also give you a mesh bag to keep everything in. I believe they'll give you a locker key here as well. The lockers are free to use for the day. The bathrooms are large as they have shower stalls in them. They're really nice, and even have shampoo and whatnot in them to use.

If memory serves, you'll dolphin swim time will be printed on your ID card, as well as which pool you'll be at (there are 3).

We ended up leaving at 3:30 ish and had later ADRs which we had plenty of time to get to. I would have loved to stay the whole time, but the person I was with made things kind of hard (they didn't do the coral reef, the sting rays, or the lazy river so I felt guilty spending a lot of time in those attractions) I'd suggest making your ADRS a bit later if you think you'll be at DC for awhile if you're planning on eating, or try to go to an EMH PM park.

Hope that's the kind of info you were looking for (lol not the PITA I was with story but the rest of it)

 

[Dizneydaz]

For us yes! We went 3 years ago and had a great time. We are going again on 9/28! We stayed all day and would have stayed longer if we could have!

When we were there in Sept. 07 a storm starting to approach DC and they closed all the water areas, inc. beaches. It was about 3-4:00. We got a few sprinkles and most guests started to turn in their gear and get ready to leave. Us among them. Then I overhead a guest and employee talking and the employee was saying they were going to be re-opening the beaches, water, etc. and would be staying open a little later to make sure that all guests got to do their dolphin experience (or they would have to give them a free ticket for a return visit!). That got us really excited! Problem was we had turned in our gear and needed to get new gear. One of the employees was very accommodating and went behind the scenes to get us new gear! We had the best time! The water areas were basically deserted. I had the Coral Reef to myself for quite a while! It was so cool as all the fish, rays, etc. were just swimming around me, getting so close that I could have easily touched them (you are not supposed to) and in fact I had to back pedal several times to keep from running into them.

So, is it wrong for me to hope for a storm to approach in the afternoon of the 28th? The park wasn't crowded when we were there but when most of the guest exited due to the storm, it became so much better! And we all know that afternoon storms are pretty much standard in Sept.

So, back to your question-yes, DC is an all day park. It's just so cool and relaxing. But since the park closes at 5:30 you could still have time to end your day at EPCOT.

 

[fan of the TTA]

personally, i can't see what people get out of staying a whole day at discovery cove.

this trip what we did is go and do the dolphin swim (we had a 9 45 swim) did that, swam with the stingrays, went to relax in the pool where the lazy river is, and then gave up and spent the rest of the day at aquatica.

 

[melissac]

For what we paid for a family of four we made sure w spent the whole day there.

 

[SmallWorld71]

We went in August. Got there at 8 and decided to head to the place where you get your pictures around 5. Left DC around 5:45. We had an absolute blast! It was everyone's favorite day of the vaca hands down. We wished we had another day. In addition to the dolphin interaction, we spent lots of time in the snorkel lagoon, the lazy river and the aviary, where we all had fun feeding the birds.
When we went it was first come first serve for the dolphin times. We got there just before 8 and our time was 9:20. We wanted early because of the frequency of afternoon storms in August. Although, we lucked out and it was the only day of our vaca with no rain. I don't know what time of day would be best in Jan., but you will have wet suits to help keep you warm. (In the summer, people just wore vests.) With any luck, this coming winter won't be as cold as the last one in FL!
Even though we spent all day, it was very relaxing. So, unless you have little ones in your group who might be worn out, you could probably end the day with a couple hours at Epcot.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I can't see us leaving early, even to go to a water park. (which we love) The experience of being able to swim with all the fish and be in the ray pool is just awesome. Plus the longer you stay the more food (and drink for those who imbibe) you can partake in. And as PP said, you are paying pretty penny for the experience. I would plan it to be an all-day experience. But then that's just my opinion.

Have fun!

 

[keishashadow]

we're usually really tired after a full day of water park or snorkle session/beach day...i figure we'll be lucky to stay awake & make our late ADR that night

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

Please read my trip report about DC It is in my siggy.

 

[CarmenPeteron]

We have been to DC twice and I would love to buy a annual pass if I could. Unfortunately they do not offer one. We feel like we are on a tropical island in the middle of Florida. In my opinion the Dolphin Swim is not worth the extra money since it is so short. Everything else is fabulous and a great way to spend a day in paradise.