Shark Reef Ages

[kmk1180]

Is there an age minimum to go to Shark Reef at TL?
Or any other requirements neede to participate?

My 5 year old son wants to swim the friendly sharks.
I figure this is as close as he's going to get.

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Can he do the follwing? then maybe
can he swim? or at least propel himself thru water with little splashing?
He can not cling to you. Is he ok in water that is very deep water where he can not touch the bottom (an neither can you) and he will have no "sides" to hold onto?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

We saw many very small swimmers do it last year. Not sure of their ages, but they were much smaller than my, then, 9 year old son.

 

[miah2o]

I have a 3 & 4 yr old who can both swim and I am so looking forward for them to have this experience. I haven't seen any age restricts in all my research. I sure hope there isn't.

 

[stevepete]

A couple of years ago my son used a raft that my husband pulled along with him. There was "mask" area built into it.

 

[kmk1180]

Can he do the follwing? then maybe
can he swim? or at least propel himself thru water with little splashing?
He can not cling to you. Is he ok in water that is very deep water where he can not touch the bottom (an neither can you) and he will have no "sides" to hold onto?

He can if he has arm floaties on.
Is that ok?

And do they have kid size masks for that age?

 

[ukool]

Is thiere an extra charge for this? My brother would love to do it but it would all depend on cost.

 

[kmk1180]

Is thiere an extra charge for this? My brother would love to do it but it would all depend on cost.

no extra charge.
but it does get busy so do it early if your going to.

 

[ukool]

no extra charge.
but it does get busy so do it early if your going to.[/Q

Thanks Its now on the list.

 

[mickeymom1]

we were just there last week and there is no age limit. my 4 year old did it with his arm floaties on. there are not different size masks. we did have our own small swim goggles and they said we could use them.
but be prepared for the very, very cold water!!!

 

[Disneysuzi]

We did the Aqua Sea tour last August, DD & DH had a blast, this MN mom floundered around. We're giving the Reef a try in May!

 

[bizneydizney]

My 4 year old son did it with no problem, he was/is a very good swimmer though. If I remember they did have small and large sized masks.

Great experience but the water was quite cold. Much colder than the swimming pool water and it was rather "brisk" to say the least but was fine after a few strokes.

 

[ShannonMB]

OMG, it sounds really frightening! Especially the really deep water (I swim and float very well, but the whole *sharks and other ocean creatures* below me in really deep water sounds rather terrifying). Those of you who have done it, was it scary at all??

 

[Jacklynn]

I've done it twice now and didn't think it was too scary. The water isn't THAT deep, it is 10.5 feet I think they said (I could be remembering wrong).

The water also didn't feel all that cold to me either and I don't like getting into cool water at all... BUT I had anticipated it to be really really cold, so I think that made it feel warmer to me.

 

[camnhan]

He can if he has arm floaties on.
Is that ok?

And do they have kid size masks for that age?

We did it quite a few years ago...can't remember how young everyone was but young...the problem was that there is only one size mask and snorkle that made it very hard for the younger kids..to big for them.
it is a salt water tank so you float very easily....just kind of glided along the top of the water and enjoyed the view!!

 

[chartle]

He can if he has arm floaties on.
Is that ok?

we were just there last week and there is no age limit. my 4 year old did it with his arm floaties on.

I thought there was a no outside flotation device rule at the WP's.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/blizzard-beach/guest-services/

Guests may not bring their own flotation devices to Disney Water Parks.

OMG, it sounds really frightening! Especially the really deep water (I swim and float very well, but the whole *sharks and other ocean creatures* below me in really deep water sounds rather terrifying). Those of you who have done it, was it scary at all??

The fish are below you and really don't come up to you.

 

[hhowe2003]

Yes please does anyone know about what you can use in the water (own life jacket, floatys ect)... Please answer quick I leave in 3 days

 

[3darlings]

I think 5 years old is too young for most children. We were at the Shark Reef this past Sunday and we went several times. I was amazed at how many people were trying to take small children there. Many were crying and terrified. It was really painful to watch. Every one going across the pool, including children, had to use a mask and snorkel which means you have to breathe through the snorkel not your nose. That is a difficult thing even for adults who are not used to it. Most children just don't understand this (unless of course they have used a snorkel). I took my own children a few years back when they were young and they were terrified. Even this time, my 11 DD wouldn't go because she was so terrified last time. Many people, including older children and adults, were wearing life jackets which are provided if you want them. I am pretty sure that you can't use your own flotation devices though.

 

[supermommyof4]

My family did this today. There is no age restriction, but the child must be able to swim w/ a life jacket independantly. They will provide a youth life jacket & swim mask. ALL masks are adult sized w/ adjustable straps. These did not fit my youngest boys. Bring your own youth googles!! They recommend it too!

The water is kept @ 68 degrees. Quite a bit chillier than the rest of the water in the park. Both of my little boys chickened out at the ledge of the reef. They went back & watched from the bridge above.

I did see several other little kids around age 4+ do it & there were many more kids that chickened out at the last minute too!! It really depends on your child's personality & confidence level. I would talk about it before you go to prepare him & good luck!!

 

[padlock]

Does shark reef (or any of the other water park attractions) allow for child swaps?