Mickeys Halloween and DC Dolphin Swim

[AnitaCB]

Hello. I'm looking for some advice about these two subjects so I can decide whether they are worth the money! Is the Halloween lots of fun for two girls (aged 10 and 8)? Can anyone tell me the approx. cost and what happens? Also is the dolphin swim good? I know that it is a lot of money but I think it might be an amazing experience. Any advice would be very much appreciated - we are going in October next year and I can't wait!!

 

[Shooby doo]

MNSSHP is well worth the extra cash,not scary in the least but WDW really push the boat out- Headless horseman galloping down mainstreet,all of the Dis characters have "trick or treat" costumes on .There really is too much to see & do in 5 hours! If you are after something scarier then look to US/IOa their horror nights are superb & very scary -including some of the rides in the dark.
DC haven't done it,I'm sure the dolpin swim is a once in a lifetime experience but we feel it is a lot of money for @30 mins with the dolphin & we never need the 7 day pass as we have Flex passes.I've also heard that it isn't 1 dolphin per family but per group.
SD aw:

 

[carolfoy]

Just wanted to add that although the DC swim IS very expensive it does look like an experience not to be missed, we've done dolphin swims in various other parts of the world where its a lot cheaper but from the trippies on this board and the pics I've seen it does look amazing

 

[arieljasmine]

Hi Anita

We have done both the Halloween party and the DC dolphin swim, and I can honestly say, yes they are worth the money, are both wonderful experiences, and I would certainly like to do them again.

The Halloween party is so much fun. You can dress up if you like, but it's not compulsory. All the Disney characters are in fancy dress and some are available for photographs. You also get a free photo of your party on a Halloween background as part of the price which they post out to your home. There is a fun parade, and excellent fireworks (though be aware, these are the nosiest fireworks I have ever heard!) Most of the rides are open, and I thought it was particularly exciting riding Haunted Mansion at this time of year (a little too exciting perhaps, one of the CMs asked what I was laughing at because Haunted Mansion is no laughing matter!) My favourite part of the whole thing though was the trick or treating. You get a carrier bag when you go in, and they have areas all over the park where CMs are giving out chocolate and sweets. I got so much I was eating it for weeks afterwards! There are other little events going on around the park, but we didn't get to all of them.

The dolphin swim was one of the best experiences of my life. You split into small groups of 8-10 (your party will stay together) and there is one dolphin and two trainers for each group (our dolphin was called Hutch). You get to stroke and kiss the dolphin, learn about dolphins from the trainers, and watch your dolphin do some neat tricks. The experience culminates in riding a short distance on your dolphin's back which is truly amazing. Be warned that the video of your experience and photographs are expensive, and you will want to buy them all!

Hope you have a great trip.

ArielJasmine

 

[wilma-bride]

Haven't done MNSSHP (but hoping to next year )

Did a Dolphin Swim at Discovery Cove last September and it was absolutely fantastic. It was one of (if not) the best experiences of my life. We got about 40 minutes in the water with two dolphins (a younger one first, then an older one for the tow back to shore). I really thought it might be a waste of money because of the limited time for the swim but I would happily pay it again and again (if I had the money, that is - lol).

Cannot recommend it highly enough, Discovery Cove is a great place to spend the day and we really had a great time - best day of our holiday. You can read some more about it on my trip report if you want

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=891850

 

[nicknsara]

hi

the dolphin swim was a great treat.the whole experience is superb but is a lot of money for a family.

Why not try the dolphin experience in epcot as a cheaper option.thios is however just an interactive dolphin programme and not all the other bits n pieces you will find at discovery cove.

this time we have really pushed the boat out at seaworld and are going to be mammal keepers for the day(only two people a day).allowed.

we will let u know on the return if $300 is worth it.

nick n sara

 

[AnitaCB]

Thanks everyone - I think I definitely want to do both so I am going to have to do some serious saving over the next few months! My daughters would love to dress up for Halloween which they love anyway. I didn't know about the dolphin experience at Epcot but I think I would really like us all to get in the water with the dolphin.

One more question - how far in advance do you need to book for the Halloween and is there alot of Halloween decorations in the shops and restaurants in Kissimee?

Thanks again!!

 

[arieljasmine]

Hi Anita

I would recommend that you book as soon as possible, as the Halloween parties do tend to sell out. There is more information at: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm

We booked our tickets online and then just picked them up when we arrived at MK for the party.

AJ

 

[Disneybubs]

We are in Florida at the moment and did the Swim with the dolphin on saturday,I have to say that it was the most expensive day out we have ever paid for but was absolutely worth every penny.There was four of us and every one of us said it was the best thing we have ever done.We got there really early (7.30am thanks to the advice on this board) and managed to get our swim at 8.30,this left us the rest of the day to snorkel with the rays and relax.
I would say start saving you wont regret it.

 

[Laurafoster]

I would also recommend you book the dolphin swim asap! DC is limited to about 1000 people per day and they can fill up months in advance!