Is it worth it to take 3 1/2 year olds to Discovery Cove?

[HLester3]

I have always wanted to go to Discovery Cove and swim with the Dolphins. However, I don't want to leave my twin 3 year olds behind at the hotel. We will be taking them to WDW and I was thinking about a side trip to Discovery Cover. However, since it is kind of expensive, I have been thinking about just going to Sea World. Does anyone have experience with preschoolers to DC?
Thanks, Heather

 

[Immelman]

it would make a great picture with the dolphins, but I couldn't justify the expense. the water is cold, even with the wetsuit, especially for little ones. you'd get great pics and video, but I don't think they would remember much. our daughter is 11 and wants to become a dolphin trainer, and she's had a lot of dolphin interaction at SW. even when she was 8, she had minor scares going one on one with them. now it's all she wants to do.

 

[Kittikat074]

Children must be 6 years old to swim with the dolphins, so if that would be a highlight, I'd have to say it's not worth it. If a dolphin swim isn't important, I'd still be a little weary. The aviary is great, as is the resort pool and sting ray pool. The lazy river and coral reef get pretty deep though.
Jessica

 

[SandrainNC]

No.

We took our 3 year old this past November and they charge way too much for a child this age for what they can do. Like previously stated, he couldn't swim with the dolphins (but they did let him come out for a picture). He couldn't use the snorkel equipment. So he pretty much just played in the water. I didn't mind paying the money because I really really wanted to do this, but I will wait until he is much older before we go again. They had an exit interview when we were leaving and asked if it was worth the money and I quickly told him "no" for my son.

Sandra