Swimming with dolphins package

[MeganMango]

I have a few questions! Before I ask, I need to say I don't like any kinds of fish. I want to do this all for the dolphin experience!!! I went to Disney in March and regretted not doing their dolphin activity, but read this is better.

1) I'll be flying in and staying on Disney property. Is there public transportation I can take? If so, how/where? I'm staying at Pop Century.

2) do you have to feed the dolphin fish yourself? (I have a weird fear of fish, and don't want to have to touch anything besides Dolphins!!

3) is it worth it compared to Disney's dolphin experience? Discovery cove's looks better. Is it worth it even if I hate fish?! What else is there to do? Is there a "real" beach?


4) how much are photos?

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

I can't answer all of the questions, but I will ring in with what I know. You can very easily bypass feeding the dolphins if you don't want to touch fish. In fact, I am not 100% sure in my memories if we fed them at all. Watching is very fun.

Personally, I can't imagine not spending hours in the Grand Reef with all of the fish, but you do not have to do it. The lazy river is the best I have ever been in, and is very fun. The aviary is wonderful, go early! There is not a beach as you have emphasized "real", but there is A LOT of sand. Keep in mind this is a plot of land in Orlando, however, they do a remarkable job to make you forget that there is a major metropolis just a little ways away. When our daughter was a little too young for the snorkeling and dolphin, we brought in sand toys, and she had a blast!

We have always rented a cabana that includes a steep discount on photos, but a large package is in the neighborhood of a few hundred dollars. Gina (when she is done celebrating her son's well-earned college graduation) will have the exact number, or you can search her threads to find it. They are not cheap, but the photos of our children kissing the dolphins at multiple times through the years are our most viewed photo souvenirs without question!

I heard a quote yesterday for the first time, although it is not a new quote - "Comparison is the thief of joy!" It was in the manner of parenthood and comparing your children - but it made a huge impact on me in so many ways. I have been known to compare/judge way too much in life - Uni vs. Disney in my short time on these boards, but in many other lights as well. I have never done Disney, so I couldn't if I tried, but I know we just feel good when we are at Discovery Cove and we never want the day to end.

 

[MeganMango]

Thank you! Lots of useful tips!

 

[gregf71]

We enjoyed a fabulous day at DC last month and did the dolphin experience. We did not feed the dolphins at all. The trainers alone did that. We got to touch the dolphins backs, tail, and fins (during the actual swim portion)...oh and of course we each planted a kiss on a dolphin's nose! Also, just so you know, the trainers gave them not only fish, but ice and gelatin cubes. Do the dolphin experience, you will LOVE it!