Typhoon Lagoon/shark swim

[marriedmarylander]

This is free right? It doesn't cost extra. We definately want to swim with something when we are there. We wanted to do Dolphins but even at $150 a person at Epcot it's expensive on top of the rest of the vacation so we can settle for some sharks if they are free.

 

[carolfoy]

was definately free last November

 

[jclark3]

I wonder why Disney keeps the tank temp so cold? As a fishtank owner, I know that when you want fish to breed, you jack-up the water temp! Are the fish more docile when the water is cold?

 

[Ted and Holly]

I wonder why Disney keeps the tank temp so cold? As a fishtank owner, I know that when you want fish to breed, you jack-up the water temp! Are the fish more docile when the water is cold?

Most of the fish in the Shark Reef are native to Florida waters. You might think that this means warm water, but in reality the water can be quite cool in Florida waters. In the summer, when the Gulf temps get to 90 degrees, many species move to deeper, cooler water.

Cooler water means slower metabolisms for the fish and less feeding and less cleaning. Also, cooler temps help keep the fish comfortable when the sun is beating down and hundreds of people are adding their body heat.

Having lived in NH and swam in the ocean in all of New England, I can say that the Shark Reef is kept a bit warmer than you will find the Atlantic near New England most of the year.

Ted

 

[bigsis1970]

I thought I had read some place that there is a plexiglass layer between you and the sharks? is this not true -- now I am not so sure we will try this in July? Thanks Michelle

 

[Ted and Holly]

I thought I had read some place that there is a plexiglass layer between you and the sharks? is this not true -- now I am not so sure we will try this in July? Thanks Michelle

There is nothing separating you from the fish. Keep in mind that nothing in that tank eats anything much larger than a shrimp. You will find that most often, the fish will move away from you as you approach.

Ted

 

[Godwyn]

Here are some pictures I took in 2000. Definitly no plexiglass.

 

[jiggerj]

A few years ago my family observed first then quickly changed our minds about going in. There was a man that we watched go in and immediately have a major anxiety attack. He had to be pulled out. He really panicked and flipped out.

He was fine after he was out of the water but family and I all decided to skip it.

 

[bethbuchall]

we are soooo looking forward to this! our local aquarium offers a similar experience but at $50/person, i just cannot justify it (esp when we can do it for "free" in wdw! LOL!)

so, tell me... they give you snorkel equipment and teach you how to use it... they toss you in and you swim across? that's it?

also, you get a buoyancy vest? are these available for "pooh" sized people? anyone know? i would hate to get there, assure my kids that dad and i will do it w/them and then not be able to! also, is there a minimum age?

There is a little instruction before you hit the water the first time. That is mostly directions, such as no kicking, swim only one direction across, etc. I am sure that they will also help with the snorkel equipment if you ask. If you go more than once, you don't need to stop and listen to the instructions each time. We went in May, and we could just keep going back around.

You don't have to wear a buoyancy vest. My kids and I were asked if we wanted them, but since we were comfortable swimming (no kicking) at the surface, we didn't use them.

I don't think that there is a minimum age. My 4 year old ds (turning 5) was going to go, but he didn't like the way the mask fit (they have only adult masks), so he watched with dad and grandma.

I was prepared for the water to be freezing, but I didn't think it was all that cold. Maybe because it was a hot day or maybe because I was prepared for it to be so cold. It definitely wasn't the 80+ degree water found everywhere else, but I have an aversion to cold, and it wasn't that bad at all.

Beth

 

[kilee]

I had read about plexiglass too- and asked the CM on my first time through. He kindly laughed at me. There is defintely no plexiglass. DS (then 10) and I, on our first time, had the pool so empty they let us sit on the ledge for nearly 15 minutes while various sealife swam all around us. It was incredible.

Anyhow, DS is in love w/ sharks. He does all his school reports about them and such. He's a really strong swimmer too. Anyhow, he freaked out in the pool. He HATED the snorkeling concept and the no kicking. So, he won't do it again. I for one thought it was incredible. DH thought it was just okay. He's only come to TL once w/ us and it was really busy that day. The sharks and other fish were all staying near the bottom that day.

 

[skeeterbug]

We were there in mid June, water cold, but not unbearable. The swim is very short and quick. The fish and shark stear clear of you. You are instructed to swim directly from stairs in to stairs out. We were not allowed to "swim around". At one point I turned toward a wall to get a better look and was scolded! It really isn't as exciting as you might think it will be. Sharks are small and not interested in the people at all. Glad we tried once, but won't wait to do it again.

 

[jclark3]

Anyhow, DS is in love w/ sharks. He does all his school reports about them and such. He's a really strong swimmer too. Anyhow, he freaked out in the pool. He HATED the snorkeling concept and the no kicking. So, he won't do it again. I for one thought it was incredible.

This reminds me of the time I took DS11 with me to the Stingray encounter on Blue Lagoon in the Bahamas. We were instructed to tread water while the rays (all sizes) swam below us. We were to be very careful not to step on one. DS got so scared he literally climbed up my body and onto my head! I think he's watched Jaws one too many times (my favorite movie!) I know I'll never get him to swim with the fishes at TL, even though he's almost 15! What a chicken...