Is it worth it?

[christi]

Hi everyone

Going to WDW in October and considering a trip to Discovery Cove.I've heard good things about it from those I know who have been but it does seem a huge amount of money! Can anyone give me their opinion on whether it is really worth it?

Thanks

 

[buzz2400]

you might be better off going to the seaworld/discovery cove threads. I went a few years back. I felt it is only worth it if you tie in seaworld (because of the free admission). I will say that it is an experience that I will never forget. You really are only with the dolphin for maybe 20-30 minutes. the remainder of your stay you can swim with the rays or the other "lazy river". I also got a free lunch from then and you get to bring home your snorkle. If you really want to swim with a dolphin then it is worth it but remember that swim with the dolphin means: you get divided into groups of approx. 8 people, you get into the water with your assigned dolphin. the trainer tells you about the dolphin and you might be able to touch the dolphin, kiss him, shake his fin, little things like that while you are standing in waist deep water. Then they take half the group out into the deep water where you hang onto the dolphin and he brings you back to the low water. Hope this helps.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

It's definitely worth if if you take advantage of Sea World. When we did Discovery Cove in 2002, we actually went to Sea World twice, because admission was included for 7 days. (this was a 10 day trip, with the other 7 days being spent at WDW!). If you really want to interact with dolphins,then yes, it's worth the price even without the inclusion of Sea World. My family couldn't get enough of the snorkeling, the bird sanctuary, just swimming, and the quality of the food at lunch was very, very good. We had great dolphin trainers, who really made a big deal of my kids (we were lucky as the other people in our swim group were 2 adults.) We did Discovery Cove after 4 LONG days at WDW, so this was a very welcome relaxing day. We are thinking of going back, and scheduling their Trainer for a Day program.

If you do decide to go, get there early, as dolphin swim times are assigned (or at least they were in 2002) on a first come, first serve basis. We were there about 30 minutes after opening, and our swim time was at 3:20 pm! Also, try and schedule this for the middle of your trip if you can. They do cancel swim times in the event of lightning storms. If you don't get in that day, then you can come back the next day. We heard of people who left this for the last day of their trip, and had to receive credits for a future trip. Best to plan for all events! Best thing to do is get to Discovery Cove EARLY.

 

[christi]

Thanks so much. We had pencilled it in for the last day of the holiday so after your advice I'm moving it! It does seem like a lot of money but I think we will get the Discovery Cove Plus passes which include 14 days admission to Seaworld and Busch Gardens so we feel that we've got our money's worth a bit more! They are only a small amount more and as we were wanting to do Busch Gardens this time it seems to make sense.

Can I also ask if you need to be a strong swimmer to join in? My smallest is 7 and not the best swimmer in the world yet. Do you need to be able to tred water etc?

Thanks again