Just back from DC

[sunshineNJ]

Just back from DC. We LOVED it!!! Kids did dolphin interaction. They loved it. It is very much centered around the pictures but still great. I LOVED the lazy river which is really more like a real river. I could have stayed on that all day. It is the most peaceful place! LOVED it!! and didn't want to leave.

 

[tink20]

Just back from DC. We LOVED it!!! Kids did dolphin interaction. They loved it. It is very much centered around the pictures but still great. I LOVED the lazy river which is really more like a real river. I could have stayed on that all day. It is the most peaceful place! LOVED it!! and didn't want to leave.

Glad you had a great time. We are thinking of going in June. We have never been. How old are your kids? I was wondering how my DS would do, he will be 11 in June. He isn't a strong swimmer though. He loves playing in the water, just not going under. Any advice is welcome.

 

[sunshineNJ]

I can't really help you because my kids are much older. I can't remember but I would think they provide life jackets. Check the website. It's such a special place. I highly reccomend it!

 

[Leona Fishback]

Tink20 -- I think he'll be fine. First of all, he can choose to wear a shorty wetsuit, which provides a little bouyancy (and warmth, the reason I opted for one). There are plenty of flotation vests available, if that'd make him more comfortable in the Grand Reef area (the water's a little deeper there and because of the fish and rays, can be a little daunting to a kid). I have an 10 year old who is a so so swimmer and gets anxious, and it took him a little time to warm up to the Grand Reef, but he took his time and eventually loved it. All three of my kids (then 10, 8 and 6) loved DC and said it was their favorite day out of the whole WDW vacation. (The 6 year old did not swim the grand reef though -- the rays scared him, but he was very happy making sand villages at the water's edge with some other kids his age.)

The lazy river is really relaxing, nothing to make a weak swimmer nervous, and has plenty of places you can "pull to the side" and hang on some rocks by a little waterfall, etc. And lots of lots of noodles everywhere, with almost everyone taking advantage of them (so no need to feel embarressed, which I mentioned since kids care so much about blending in).

 

[Queen2]

we are doing this for our trip

 

[tink20]

Thanks guys, very helpful info.

 

[Cdnmom2001]

we took my 7 and 10 year old and it was absolutely perfect! my son is not s strong swimmer either and as long as he had his noodle in the lazy river, her preferred to be there all day long. AHHH I am dreaming about my return next year already. Dolphins, water and sun...here we come!

 

[graceandhayes]

I see mentions of noodles on the lazy river. We are going in November. My daughter will be 6 and my son 7. They are both good swimmers - go off the diving board in the deep end at our neighborhood pool, but like to be close to the side, unless they have a noodle. Are there noodles available for them to use at Discovery Cove - grand reef, lazy river, etc? Thank you!

 

[Treelight]

Noodles are available for the Lazy River. They seemed plentiful when we were there in August. The noodles are NOT allowed in the Grand Reef.