Questions from a DC - BC newbie!

[wdw-ocd]

I'm thinking of buying the Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens package for July but I want to make sure I get all of the facts before I pay almost $1900. I would really appreciate your help if you can answer any of my questions!

-I've read that the actual dolphin swim is only a 1/2 hour long. Are you given a specific time to go to the dolphin pool or do you just go any 1/2 hour time slot you want?

-What happens if it rains/thunderstorms on the day that you've booked?

-We'll be in Tampa before we hit Orlando. Can we do Busch Gardens before Discovery Cove or do you have to do DC first?

-How many days after (or before) your Discovery Cove day does the Busch Gardens tickets last?

Thanks so much for your help and advice!

 

[wdw-ocd]

Anyone?

 

[greenclan67]

Hi Jackie, I will try to answer your questions for you. First off I would like to say that we loved, loved Discovery Cove out of any park that we did in Florida the last 2 years. I have a 7 & 9 year old girls, who said that was the best day of their lives so far. So to start off with your questions.

The dolphin swim is only a 1/2 hour to maybe 40 mins tops. Your time totally depends on the time you arrive in the morning. We got there around 9:10 am, and our swim wasn't until 2:10 pm. So if you want an earlier swim then that, be there right at opening. You are given your time at check in, and the cabana you are to go to (ours was sand dollar)
Next question is hard for me because we had an 85 degree day, in Feb, but I believe what it says, if it is raining you can continue to enjoy the day, if there is lightening, everyone must come out of the water, until there is no further lightening, sorry.
We did the SW pkg, and we went to SW for 2 days prior to DC. You just have to go to a seperate window for your tickets at BG.
Your tickets are for 14 days, regardless if before or after DC. It does show up that you have used them before going to DC, so you get 14 days total.
Have fun, it is like an Oasis in the middle of Orlando, and worth the price tag. I have a hard time dropping that kind of money for a day, but it was worth it. Don't forget to enjoy the free beer, try the Bud Lime it was great!

 

[wdw-ocd]

Thanks so much for answering my questions!
Half of my family really wants to do this and the other half could care less, so it's been a real struggle as to whether or not to go. But your answers have amped up my excitement and now I'm totally psyched to go!

 

[Dolphina]

I'm going to DC in November and can't wait!

How does it work to go to Sea World one day before when I don't have the ID card yet? What do I have to show them that they know I have this 14 days Sea World pass from Discovery Cove?

Hope anyone can help me! Thanks in advance!

 

[twinglesmome]

I'm going next month. I believe you take your confirmation email/letter (from Discovery Cove) to Seaworld if visiting before your Discovery Cove visit.

 

[Dolphina]

@ twinglesmome: thanks!

 

[Dolphina]

another question: they put all photos from the whole day together on one cd, right? i don't have to chose from any photos i just get them all at the end of the day (if i buy the photo cd), right?

 

[Dolphina]

do the DC photohraphers actually also take underwater pics in the snorkel area or in the area where the sharks are or when you're diving somewhere?

something like that (Ifound it on flickr):