Is it worthwhile all the fear?

[Ber]

Hi Everybody,

I am currently learning to swim at the moment and am absolutely terrified but I am determined to learn.........27 years of age
I was just wondering from a swimmer's point of view, what should I not miss after I have learned to swim. I am going back to Orlando next Oct'\Nov' and was wondering what are the best water parks and also, is it really worth the expense of going to Discovery Cove?
I have always wanted to swim with dolphins (who hasn't) and this is actually the main reason I am learning to swim!!
Could you tell me that it's worth all the hard work im putting in at the moment trying to overcome my fear of water!!

Thanks in advance,
Ber.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Hi Ber - yes learning to swim is definitely worth it, even if you aren't going to Orlando

You don't need to be a good swimmer to enjoy Discovery Cove - my DH isn't and was given a life vest but we found the swim vests that we all wore added to our buoyancy too and so with both on, my DH was really high in the water !!!

I think it is worth going to Discovery Cove particularly with the 7 days unlimited admission to Sea World that goes along with it - it means you don't feel you have to spend a full day at Sea World but can visit several times as you wish within that 7 days.

At that time of year, Typhoon Lagoon usually goes into rehab ( this year it closes on October 27th) so you may only have Blizzard Beach as an option but it is a very enjoyable water park, and the waves are gentle. You can also get in a rubber tyre and float around the lazy river.

Is it deep water that scares you? I'm just wondering how you'd feel about the slides at BB but of course if it is a sunny warm day, you can relax on a lounger whilst the others in your party enjoy the slides etc.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Absolutely! I'm not a strong swimmer, just enough to get by and not be concerned about going into the water. For me a visit to Orlando would not be complete without a visit to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. They make a wonderful change from the other theme parks, with an opportunity for thrills and spills on the water slides and relaxation in the lazy river. Discovery Cove was also a wonderful day.

I'm sure that you will be able to overcome your fear - just focus on what you will be able to do when you've learnt!

Regards

Rob

 

[Olaf]

Congratulations on learning to swim, that's wonderful. Discovery Cove is definitely worth it. You might also practice with a mask and snorkle before you go. It does take some getting used to.

 

[Ber]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your replies, WDWfanUK, to answer your question, Yes I am terrified of deep water so that's why I was asking about Discovery Cove, it's all very well learning to swim in a 4ft deep pool, but the thoughts of being in deep water makes me feel sick with fear!
I wouldn't dare do any slides even when I can swim, they look really scary, and im easily scared, just getting me into a shallow pool is an achievement!!
Anyway I intend to see this through and I will let you all know when I have mastered the art of Swimmimg!

Talk soon,
Ber.

 

[caroley]

I learnt to swim when I was in my early thirties. I was scared at the thought of going out of my depth, getting my face wet, lifting my feet from the bottom, loosing the side etc etc. I'm sure you can relate to that
I learnt as I was going on holiday with family, and they could all swim. I got confident enough to swim a length and tread water in the deep end. They even got me to sink to the bottom of the deep end and then bounce up again. Not saying I liked doing that, but it helped to know that I could.
I had a great time on holiday. I swam in the sea - with the family keeping a close eye on me, and in a sheltered, very safe cove. I also went to a water park, and although I wouldn't go on the slides, I had a lovely time in the lazy river.

If I can do it, anyone can. I'm sure you'll do fine, and enjoy the water on holiday

 

[Ber]

Tanx Carole,

Im sure I will eventually trust myself enough to be able to swim in deep water, it's just going to take a little time and energy and hopefully I will be able to swim with confidence!

Talk later,
Ber.

 

[vernon]

Just in case you're not aware, at the waterparks most of the slides go into water that's just waist deep so it's certainly possible to enjoy the slides without being able to swim.

 

[sam_b]

Hi
Good luck with your swimming!

I would just like to second Vernon's comments. Slush Gusher and Summit Plummit don't end up in any water (other than the inch or so that keeps you moving.

You should certainly be able to handle the family raft rides (where you sit inside a giant paddling pool) - this is my favourite of all.


Enjoy yourself!!!

 

[Ber]

Hi Vernon & Sam_B,

In theory I would love to try the water slides, but in reality I think they will scare the hell out of me, I know you said that the water is only waist deep, but if your sliding down the slide at a very fast rate how are you supposed to control how you land in the water? I have an image of myself attempting my first slide and going so fast into the water, I end up going straight to the bottom somehow roll upside down in the water and smack my head off the bottom of the pool!
I suppose what im trying to say is " how are you supposed to control how you land in the water if your sliding down the slide at great speeds?
God just typing this is making me scared.....maybe I will just stick to the "lazy river"!!!

Talk later,
Ber.

 

[sam_b]

Hi Ber,

My advice would be to go to all of the water parks, DC etc with an open mind. Have a close look at everything before you try them, so that you know what happens throughout all stages of the experience.
I haven't done DC but I love Disney Water Parks.
Family raft rides would be fine for you - you sit inside a huge inflatable round plastic thing along with up to 4/5 other people. This then slides down a track with minimal water on it - enough to keep you moving. At the end of the ride you come out into deeper water BUT you remain inside your plastic thingumy- not in the water. Then a CM helps you out of the plastic thingumy and out of the water. The only time that you would be in waist high water would be when you are climbing out with help.
Also, as you will be with other people, you won't feel afraid. It is very gentle but very pleasant.

Some of the body slides are just literally giant slides - the water is only there to keep your bum from sticking to the plastic - on these you are NEVER in more than 2 inches of water. Do check the end of these slides out though because some of them ( at typhoon lagoon I think) do end up in a pool, whilst some of them don't.

I think that the key is that you know what each ride/slide involves and you make an informed decision - you really don't want any suprises. However, with care, a water park - especially a Disney Water Park - might just turn you into a mermaid!!

Have a great time and remember, most people on these boards will be able to describe all of the water Park rides in detail - much better than I have, to help you make your decisions.

 

[Hilary]

Congratulations on your decision to learn to swim! It is absolutely worth all the hard work, and something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

I can swim, but I'm not a strong swimmer by any stretch of the imagination. If I was left to my own devices I probably wouldn't go to the water parks, but DH and DDSs really enjoy them so we usually visit at least one each trip to Orlando.

Although I don't go on any of the big slides I still have a great time - drifiting around the lazy river is my favourite - and have surprised myself by going on some of the smaller slides and really enjoying them!

Having said that, I still haven't managed to keep my eyes open on the Family Raft ride at BB! It's a bit too scarey for me No deep water to worry about, just the ride down!!

I hope you do go to Discovery Cove (I haven't been) as I'm sure it will make all the weeks of learning to swim even more worthwhile!

 

[Ber]

Hi Everybody,

Thanks so much for all your advice and helpful hints!
I really can't wait to go back next year and hopefully be able to enjoy a lot more rides etc because I will be able to swim!

Talk soon,
Ber.