jrgutknecht
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2000
- Messages
- 199
Day 6 - May 10th Part One Dolphins In Depth
Cast of characters: Me - 36 first trip in about 15 years
Tom - also 36, first trip to WDW
Im splitting todays report into two sections because I think the Dolphins in Depth program deserves its own report.
I had read with great interest all of the reports on this board before booking this tour and Im glad I knew what to expect going into it. We made the reservations months ahead of time and since they only allow 8 people per day, if youre interested I would book as far in advance as possible. Additionally if you have a Disney Club card, this is one of the few things you can still get a discount on. I saved 15% when booking with my Disney Club card.
We were told to arrive at Epcot Guest Relations by 8:45. Not wanting to be left behind we made sure to be there extra early. We decided to take the monorail to Epcot, so we took the first bus to the TTC and then transfered to the monorail. We were there just in time for the first monrail to Epcot at 8am and as an added bonus, we got to ride IN THE FRONT!!! Another thing I've always wanted to do!
When we arrived at Epcto there were a surprisingly large number of people already there at 8:30. We found an empty bench and waited. Shortly before 8:45 a group of CMs came out from the backstage entrance and gathered people into groups for the various tours that were being offered that day. They announced that the Dolphins in Depth guides would be out shortly. By now there were only 8 of us left waiting. Within a few minutes two cast members wearing Dolphins in Depth polo shirts arrived to begin our tour.
We were greeted by Skippy and Kelly who took us to a quiet area to the side of the Guest Relations office where we began our briefing. They introduced themselves as members of the Living Seas staff and told us a little bit about their backgrounds. Both had been there for a couple years and Kelly was new to the Dolphins program and said she was tagging along today. Both of them were very personable and immediately made us all feel relaxed. They got the day off to a great start. We then quickly introduced ourselves and much to my surprise one of the three other couples there was from Waukegan, Illinois, just a few miles from our home. One of the other couples was from Ontario and the last couple was from Florida. Everyone was eager to meet the dolphins and get started, but there were a few things we had to know first.
We made our way backstage to the Living Seas building (which is just on the other side of the wall from Guest Relastions.) Skippy told us a little bit about the building, the tank and the water filtration system. I wasnt aware that there was a series of building behind the pavilion that were just as big, if not bigger, than the Living Seas building that were responsible for water filtration and treatment. We learned a little bit about the construction of the building and the programs that were being run there. We were advised as we began the tour that in addition to getting wet in the tank with the dolphins we should expect to get wet anywhere in the building. They explained that as a working facility there was water everywhere, in the halls, even in the elevators .they promised we would learn soon enough why there was water in the elevators. So the first thing they did was to hand out keys to our lockers where we could lock up anything we didnt want to get wet.
The men and woman each had separate locker rooms which were sparkling clean. There were about a dozen private showers and more than enough lockers. I put my swimsuit and wallet in the locker. We then met back in the hallway before going on a quick tour of the backstage area, which led us right into the main Living Seas guest area. The pavilion wasnt open to guests yet, so we had the place to ourselves. Kelly had set up four benches next to one of the windows. On the benches were stuffed dolphin toys. We each sat down and grabbed a dolphin and spent the next few minutes going over basic dolphin anatomy. Kelly pointed out the correct anatomical names for the different areas of the dolphin. She explained that we needed to know if the trainer said please dont touch the rostrum what the rostrum was! Nothing covered here was too advanced and it was nothing I didnt already know from watching the Discovery Channel and/or the Animal Planet. Kelly also explained a little bit how our hopeful interaction would proceed. She then explained that she kept referring to it as a hopeful interaction because if the dolphins dont want to participate, they cant force them to do so. We asked about this and she also told us that in the years that theyve been doing this program its only happened twice.
Next we were taken backstage to the elevator (which was indeed wet) and up to the third floor. Once upstairs we met one of the actual dolphin trainers where we were told a little bit about the dolphins diet and the different kinds of fish they eat. She then gave us a little bit more information about the work they were doing. She then told us that we would get a chance to meet them up close in a little while and as much as we might be tempted to reach out and touch them right now, we should resist the temptation. With that said, she led us into a room that was off of the main tank area where the dolphins stayed (their bedrooms) when they werent in the main tank. There were towels arranged in a semi-circle on the floor for us to either kneel or sit on right at the edge of the pool.
We could see the dolphins in the water going back and forth checking us out. The trainer sat on one end of the semi-circle at the pools edge and Kelly sat at the other. They slapped the water with their hand and we got our first glimpse of Bob and Toby. We were told we would get to know them better, but that Toby had a small black mark over one eye and that was the easiest way to tell them apart. It was a very strange experience sitting there so close looking at the dolphins as they bobbed their heads out of the water and seemed to be staring back at us. We were told that this session was designed to introduce us to the dolphins so they would remember us when we got in the water with them. The trainers explained a little bit about how they were using animal husbandry techniques to get the dolphins to assist in their own care. They showed us as an example of how they would get the dolphin to open its mouth so that they could examine their teeth. We didnt stay here very long, just long enough for the boys to get a couple fish. I thought it was great that we got so see the dolphins so soon into the tour, it really livened it up and gave us something to really look forward to.
After this brief session, Kelly introduced us to one of the researchers responsible for the actual research projects. We were past the boys bedroom and into the main tank area. There is a walkway that circles the top of the tank and we followed it about halfway around the tank to where they had the large yellow dolphin keyboard set up. There were some chairs set up for us and we learned a little bit about the research projects the dolphins were involved with. We stayed here for about 30 minutes while we learned how they were testing the keyboard with the dolphins to see if they could learn to communicate. We got a chance to ask questions and I think we surprised all of the staff members working that day with the extent of our questions. It was probably our questions that made this section slightly longer than it was supposed to be.
Skippy returned and led us downstairs again where they had a small classroom. They had complimentary coffee and soda here and we got a chance to sit down for a while and learn more about dolphins.. We spent some time here learning some more about common mis-conceptions about dolphins. For example, did you know that that sound you associate with dolphins (the one from the TV show Flipper) is actually a South American Kuckoburo bird? Dolphins dont really make sound from their mouth. We also spent some time learning about their anatomy. We discussed the research projects that were going on. Currently they were working on a project to test the dolphins ability to distinguish between different materials using their sonar and/or visual acuity. Today they were running a test (which we would get to see shortly) where they would show an object behind a screen to one of the dolphins and ask him to swim to the other side of the tank to pick out the matching object behind a screen using only his sonar. We were given Disney lab coats to wear and then we made our way back into the Living Seas pavilion (which was now filled with guests) to see the project in progress. We had front row seats to watch the project from behind the glass. We stayed there for a few minutes and then went upstairs through the center of the observation module where we watched from above the water.
After this we returned to the classroom where we spent a little bit of time reviewing how the interaction was going to work and then headed down to the locker rooms to change.
They had asked us earlier in the day for our shirt size and shoe size. When we arrived in the locker room there were bags (labeled) for each of us with a clean wet-suit and water shoes. Skippy reminded us that our bathing suits were to be worn under the wet-suits (apparently someone came out with their suit on top of their wet-suit once) and told to get changed and bring back our locker key, which he would hold until the end of the session.
We all changed as quickly as possible and then headed back up to the third floor where we were lead across the platform to the center of the tank where a ramp led down to a floor that was actually the roof of the observation area we had just been in earlier in the morning. Here we met both of the trainers and split into two groups of four. There were benches set up along the center hub. We made our way into the water (which was a very chilly 72 degrees) where we sat on the bench while the trainers got the dolphins to come over.
We started with Bob (who as I learned was the less social dolphin) and the other group started with Toby. Both groups did basically the same things, but in different order so that the video camera could capture each of us on tape as we had our one-on-one interaction with the dolphin. Our group started with the four of us in a group rubbing Bobs side. He then turned around and we rubbed his other side. Next the trainer took each of us one-on-one in the water with the dolphin. She had us kneel down on one leg and Bob then swam up and literally laid in our laps while we rubbed him down. We each did this for a few minutes. Finally the four of us each got to try a command with Bob. We got him to roll over, wave, squirt us with water and finally splash us with his tail. He didnt want to do the tail splash and the trainer finally had to step in and give him the command. He did it, but was reluctant. I thought it was funny she called him Robert when he wasnt doing what she wanted him to do. After this, the trainers switched places and we had a little time to spend with Toby. I think we were in the water for about 30 minutes, but it seemed like much longer. After we were finished we headed back to the elevator and all simultaneously realized why the elevator was wet as we all stood there in our wetsuits dripping water all over the floor. We all got a big chuckle out of this and when the elevator door opened Skippy was waiting there for us with our keys. He commented on how everyone was always smiling when they came out of the elevator and today was no exception. I was indeed smiling, this was a wonderful opportunity and I really enjoyed it.
After we struggled to get the wet suits off (the key is to ROLL it down, dont try to pull it off like regular clothes) and showered, we met briefly back in the classroom where we received our Dolphins in Depth T-shirts, some printed reference material and copies of our video tape.
We finished the tour just around 1:15 and we were taken back to the entrance we came in through. Im not sure why park admission is required for this tour, as we never actually went in the park. Since we were taken outside the park after it was over, I suppose you could actually do this tour without park admission, but our tour could have been the exception to the rule. Check with Disney to be sure.
My over-all impressions were somewhat tamed by my expectations. I knew that this was not a swim with the dolphins and I worried that the classroom sections of the tour would bore me. I already had a good deal of knowledge about dolphins and how they were trained. I have to admit that with the exception of the session with the dolphin keyboard above the tank (which went on just a little too long because of our questions), the entire tour moved very quickly from one section to the next. None of the information presented was too advanced for anyone in our group and although it was information that I already knew, I didnt find it boring at all. I had the impression that it was a very well choreographed tour. We moved from one section to another, from one guide to the next and right on through to the end. Kelly and Skippy deserve a great deal of credit for this. They were energetic and animated and kept us interested the whole time. The actual interaction session came up so quickly I thought perhaps they had shortened the tour. When it was all done and I realized it was after 1pm, I was shocked it had all gone by so quickly.
Being in the water even for short time with dolphins was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Its something I will never forget. For anyone who has a love for animals or is interested in dolphins, their care, or their training, I really recommend this program. I have a new respect for the people who work with the dolphins on a daily basis and the sacrifices they make (smelling like fish all the time) for these wonderful creatures.
Cast of characters: Me - 36 first trip in about 15 years
Tom - also 36, first trip to WDW
Im splitting todays report into two sections because I think the Dolphins in Depth program deserves its own report.
I had read with great interest all of the reports on this board before booking this tour and Im glad I knew what to expect going into it. We made the reservations months ahead of time and since they only allow 8 people per day, if youre interested I would book as far in advance as possible. Additionally if you have a Disney Club card, this is one of the few things you can still get a discount on. I saved 15% when booking with my Disney Club card.
We were told to arrive at Epcot Guest Relations by 8:45. Not wanting to be left behind we made sure to be there extra early. We decided to take the monorail to Epcot, so we took the first bus to the TTC and then transfered to the monorail. We were there just in time for the first monrail to Epcot at 8am and as an added bonus, we got to ride IN THE FRONT!!! Another thing I've always wanted to do!
When we arrived at Epcto there were a surprisingly large number of people already there at 8:30. We found an empty bench and waited. Shortly before 8:45 a group of CMs came out from the backstage entrance and gathered people into groups for the various tours that were being offered that day. They announced that the Dolphins in Depth guides would be out shortly. By now there were only 8 of us left waiting. Within a few minutes two cast members wearing Dolphins in Depth polo shirts arrived to begin our tour.
We were greeted by Skippy and Kelly who took us to a quiet area to the side of the Guest Relations office where we began our briefing. They introduced themselves as members of the Living Seas staff and told us a little bit about their backgrounds. Both had been there for a couple years and Kelly was new to the Dolphins program and said she was tagging along today. Both of them were very personable and immediately made us all feel relaxed. They got the day off to a great start. We then quickly introduced ourselves and much to my surprise one of the three other couples there was from Waukegan, Illinois, just a few miles from our home. One of the other couples was from Ontario and the last couple was from Florida. Everyone was eager to meet the dolphins and get started, but there were a few things we had to know first.
We made our way backstage to the Living Seas building (which is just on the other side of the wall from Guest Relastions.) Skippy told us a little bit about the building, the tank and the water filtration system. I wasnt aware that there was a series of building behind the pavilion that were just as big, if not bigger, than the Living Seas building that were responsible for water filtration and treatment. We learned a little bit about the construction of the building and the programs that were being run there. We were advised as we began the tour that in addition to getting wet in the tank with the dolphins we should expect to get wet anywhere in the building. They explained that as a working facility there was water everywhere, in the halls, even in the elevators .they promised we would learn soon enough why there was water in the elevators. So the first thing they did was to hand out keys to our lockers where we could lock up anything we didnt want to get wet.
The men and woman each had separate locker rooms which were sparkling clean. There were about a dozen private showers and more than enough lockers. I put my swimsuit and wallet in the locker. We then met back in the hallway before going on a quick tour of the backstage area, which led us right into the main Living Seas guest area. The pavilion wasnt open to guests yet, so we had the place to ourselves. Kelly had set up four benches next to one of the windows. On the benches were stuffed dolphin toys. We each sat down and grabbed a dolphin and spent the next few minutes going over basic dolphin anatomy. Kelly pointed out the correct anatomical names for the different areas of the dolphin. She explained that we needed to know if the trainer said please dont touch the rostrum what the rostrum was! Nothing covered here was too advanced and it was nothing I didnt already know from watching the Discovery Channel and/or the Animal Planet. Kelly also explained a little bit how our hopeful interaction would proceed. She then explained that she kept referring to it as a hopeful interaction because if the dolphins dont want to participate, they cant force them to do so. We asked about this and she also told us that in the years that theyve been doing this program its only happened twice.
Next we were taken backstage to the elevator (which was indeed wet) and up to the third floor. Once upstairs we met one of the actual dolphin trainers where we were told a little bit about the dolphins diet and the different kinds of fish they eat. She then gave us a little bit more information about the work they were doing. She then told us that we would get a chance to meet them up close in a little while and as much as we might be tempted to reach out and touch them right now, we should resist the temptation. With that said, she led us into a room that was off of the main tank area where the dolphins stayed (their bedrooms) when they werent in the main tank. There were towels arranged in a semi-circle on the floor for us to either kneel or sit on right at the edge of the pool.
We could see the dolphins in the water going back and forth checking us out. The trainer sat on one end of the semi-circle at the pools edge and Kelly sat at the other. They slapped the water with their hand and we got our first glimpse of Bob and Toby. We were told we would get to know them better, but that Toby had a small black mark over one eye and that was the easiest way to tell them apart. It was a very strange experience sitting there so close looking at the dolphins as they bobbed their heads out of the water and seemed to be staring back at us. We were told that this session was designed to introduce us to the dolphins so they would remember us when we got in the water with them. The trainers explained a little bit about how they were using animal husbandry techniques to get the dolphins to assist in their own care. They showed us as an example of how they would get the dolphin to open its mouth so that they could examine their teeth. We didnt stay here very long, just long enough for the boys to get a couple fish. I thought it was great that we got so see the dolphins so soon into the tour, it really livened it up and gave us something to really look forward to.
After this brief session, Kelly introduced us to one of the researchers responsible for the actual research projects. We were past the boys bedroom and into the main tank area. There is a walkway that circles the top of the tank and we followed it about halfway around the tank to where they had the large yellow dolphin keyboard set up. There were some chairs set up for us and we learned a little bit about the research projects the dolphins were involved with. We stayed here for about 30 minutes while we learned how they were testing the keyboard with the dolphins to see if they could learn to communicate. We got a chance to ask questions and I think we surprised all of the staff members working that day with the extent of our questions. It was probably our questions that made this section slightly longer than it was supposed to be.
Skippy returned and led us downstairs again where they had a small classroom. They had complimentary coffee and soda here and we got a chance to sit down for a while and learn more about dolphins.. We spent some time here learning some more about common mis-conceptions about dolphins. For example, did you know that that sound you associate with dolphins (the one from the TV show Flipper) is actually a South American Kuckoburo bird? Dolphins dont really make sound from their mouth. We also spent some time learning about their anatomy. We discussed the research projects that were going on. Currently they were working on a project to test the dolphins ability to distinguish between different materials using their sonar and/or visual acuity. Today they were running a test (which we would get to see shortly) where they would show an object behind a screen to one of the dolphins and ask him to swim to the other side of the tank to pick out the matching object behind a screen using only his sonar. We were given Disney lab coats to wear and then we made our way back into the Living Seas pavilion (which was now filled with guests) to see the project in progress. We had front row seats to watch the project from behind the glass. We stayed there for a few minutes and then went upstairs through the center of the observation module where we watched from above the water.
After this we returned to the classroom where we spent a little bit of time reviewing how the interaction was going to work and then headed down to the locker rooms to change.
They had asked us earlier in the day for our shirt size and shoe size. When we arrived in the locker room there were bags (labeled) for each of us with a clean wet-suit and water shoes. Skippy reminded us that our bathing suits were to be worn under the wet-suits (apparently someone came out with their suit on top of their wet-suit once) and told to get changed and bring back our locker key, which he would hold until the end of the session.
We all changed as quickly as possible and then headed back up to the third floor where we were lead across the platform to the center of the tank where a ramp led down to a floor that was actually the roof of the observation area we had just been in earlier in the morning. Here we met both of the trainers and split into two groups of four. There were benches set up along the center hub. We made our way into the water (which was a very chilly 72 degrees) where we sat on the bench while the trainers got the dolphins to come over.
We started with Bob (who as I learned was the less social dolphin) and the other group started with Toby. Both groups did basically the same things, but in different order so that the video camera could capture each of us on tape as we had our one-on-one interaction with the dolphin. Our group started with the four of us in a group rubbing Bobs side. He then turned around and we rubbed his other side. Next the trainer took each of us one-on-one in the water with the dolphin. She had us kneel down on one leg and Bob then swam up and literally laid in our laps while we rubbed him down. We each did this for a few minutes. Finally the four of us each got to try a command with Bob. We got him to roll over, wave, squirt us with water and finally splash us with his tail. He didnt want to do the tail splash and the trainer finally had to step in and give him the command. He did it, but was reluctant. I thought it was funny she called him Robert when he wasnt doing what she wanted him to do. After this, the trainers switched places and we had a little time to spend with Toby. I think we were in the water for about 30 minutes, but it seemed like much longer. After we were finished we headed back to the elevator and all simultaneously realized why the elevator was wet as we all stood there in our wetsuits dripping water all over the floor. We all got a big chuckle out of this and when the elevator door opened Skippy was waiting there for us with our keys. He commented on how everyone was always smiling when they came out of the elevator and today was no exception. I was indeed smiling, this was a wonderful opportunity and I really enjoyed it.
After we struggled to get the wet suits off (the key is to ROLL it down, dont try to pull it off like regular clothes) and showered, we met briefly back in the classroom where we received our Dolphins in Depth T-shirts, some printed reference material and copies of our video tape.
We finished the tour just around 1:15 and we were taken back to the entrance we came in through. Im not sure why park admission is required for this tour, as we never actually went in the park. Since we were taken outside the park after it was over, I suppose you could actually do this tour without park admission, but our tour could have been the exception to the rule. Check with Disney to be sure.
My over-all impressions were somewhat tamed by my expectations. I knew that this was not a swim with the dolphins and I worried that the classroom sections of the tour would bore me. I already had a good deal of knowledge about dolphins and how they were trained. I have to admit that with the exception of the session with the dolphin keyboard above the tank (which went on just a little too long because of our questions), the entire tour moved very quickly from one section to the next. None of the information presented was too advanced for anyone in our group and although it was information that I already knew, I didnt find it boring at all. I had the impression that it was a very well choreographed tour. We moved from one section to another, from one guide to the next and right on through to the end. Kelly and Skippy deserve a great deal of credit for this. They were energetic and animated and kept us interested the whole time. The actual interaction session came up so quickly I thought perhaps they had shortened the tour. When it was all done and I realized it was after 1pm, I was shocked it had all gone by so quickly.
Being in the water even for short time with dolphins was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Its something I will never forget. For anyone who has a love for animals or is interested in dolphins, their care, or their training, I really recommend this program. I have a new respect for the people who work with the dolphins on a daily basis and the sacrifices they make (smelling like fish all the time) for these wonderful creatures.
)
I love these reports
