What is the most desired dolphin swim time at DC & why?

[TigerLaw]

Going to Discovery cove for the first time next summer. Assuming my family arrives early enough at check in, I know the dolphin swims are scheduled at first thing but do we have any say and what time we are assigned to? If so, what are the best times to do the dolphin swim and why?

My guess is late morning or early afternoon based on what I've read about wanting to be at the avairy very first thing and to avoid afternoon rain showers, but I would love to hear from those DC veterans who may have other thoughts.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

My guess is late morning or early afternoon based on what I've read about wanting to be at the avairy very first thing and to avoid afternoon rain showers

I've only been once but would agree with this. The aviary is definitely best first thing. You want to be able to eat breakfast and plan to be at the aviary for when it opens. Then, having the dolphin swim fairly early in the day (before lunch) means that you don't have to worry about watching the clock the rest of the day - you just meander at your leisure doing the other activities.

 

[TigerLaw]

So sounds like you do have some choice then in your time block for the dolphin swim over a time just being assigned to you, is that correct?

 

[Joanna71985]

The last time I went to DC, the time was assigned

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Mine also. I don't know if you can request a later time than you're assigned, but I doubt you can request to be moved earlier.

 

[GusGus77]

We have gone twice now and were assigned a time. We did not have a say in it. The first time we were the first time in the morning. That was stressful because we didn’t know what to expect. But we didn’t have to watch the clock so that was nice. The last time about a month ago we were 10:30. We did the aviary and once around the lazy river first. I didn’t like being paranoid about the time, but it was nice to do something small before and then not worry about the time.

 

[TigerLaw]

I wonder if you could request a time in advance, sorta like a hotel room request. Guess it can't hurt to ask.

 

[Capt_BJ]

orlando is a land of afternoon thunder storms in the summer

when it thunders, all water attractions will shut down (safety) and stay closed until 'clear' for 30 minutes .... get another 'boom' and the clock restarts

for this reason getting the swim in early is a good idea cuz if you wait you could get 'thundered out'

IME the time we were first offered WAS early but I believe the slots are issues' first come first served' when you check in and you CAN ask for a different time and they will look at what's available at that time ..... it is a pretty flexible process. FOR THIS REASON you will see folks recommending arriving on the early side even tho you never need worry about a 'full' sign . . . .