What time to get to DC?

[TinkTatoo]

How soon before opening should we get to DC (I've seen some threads mention getting there early so you can book and early dolphin swim etc.,) So how early is early??

 

[Ware Bears]

When we went April 2004, we arrived just before 8am. There were already several people waiting in line! We were allocated a swim of 9.55am. By the time they'd checked us in, made our passes, fitted us into our wet suits and shown us around the place we had about 10 minutes to spare! So, I would definitely recommend getting there early!

 

[lkc0538]

We got there an hour earlier than opening as well, and were not the first there and got a 9:30 dolphin swim time. We had no time to spare by the time we got wetsuits on, etc. This was in early November and not a sold out day.

 

[TinkTatoo]

Thanks - we will get there early and perhaps ask for a slightly later swim (if this is possible)

 

[robvia]

Most go for the early swim because they can't wait, or they think the dolphins are better in the morning. Plus they think it may rain, but that usually happens later in the afternoon around 3pm. The dolphins you get will perform great, as they switch them out. All they have to do is point, and whooosh, new dolphins are there and the others are gone. Others want to get the dolphin part done so they can relax the rest of the day. Our swim was at 1pm and it turned out great. We did the coral reef lagoon and went around the lazy river a few times in the morning.

But yes, get there super early so you can get your wet suit, set up your locker, put on sun tan lotion, and pick a nice spot on the beach.

You can either sit near the dolphin pods for quiet, or near the lazy river which will have more kids.

And go to lunch at 11am or 2pm to avoid the crowd. In our case, since we had a late swim, we went to lunch late, and no one was there so things were quiet and there was no line.

 

[TinkTatoo]

............You can either sit near the dolphin pods for quiet, or near the lazy river which will have more kids............

Thanks robvia - what are the dolphon pods??? are they near a beach area as this would suit our kids

 

[robvia]

Thanks robvia - what are the dolphon pods??? are they near a beach area as this would suit our kids

Dolphin pods are where they have the interaction. I should actually say pools, there are three of them.

When you walk into DC, you'll pass the coral reef, the lazy river, bathrooms, and the dolphin pools are at the end of the path.

Most people get chairs near the lazy river, because the water is heated, and the kids make sand castles. Plus this area of the beach is between the entrance to the lazy river, and the coral reef lagoon, so it's closer to everything. Most parents with kids set up here, because the kids can run back and forth, and the parents can keep an eye on everyone. If you want quiet, walk further down to where the dolphin encounters are happening. You'll hear people in the water, but it's not that loud, and you can even watch the dolphins jumping out of the water.

Go here to see my trip from a few years ago.
http://www.nogodforme.com/SeaWorld1.htm
And this is the picture I'm talking about, we're in front of one of the pools.
http://www.nogodforme.com/images/Mvc-015f.jpg
There's a few people around, but there are much more near the lazy river.

 

[edinburghlass]

fabulous report, i cant wait to go now after reading and looking at the photos

 

[TinkTatoo]

What a lovely photo - I think it's the pods for us

 

[Wishing on a star]

We chose a spot on the sandy beach, in front of the Dolphin area... it was great!

About when to arrive.... Here I will copy our trip report, with some information that may be helpful as to deciding how early to arrive!

____________________________________________________________
Wow.

That is all I can say. We had an awesome trip! Dodged most of the rainy weather!

First, Vistana... We had a wonderful stay there!!! We must have received some extra Pixie-dust, and were given a top floor unit in Cascades, overlooking the Cascades Pool. And, as other posters have mentioned, it doesn't really matter which unit you get, as long as it isn't one of the few in need of renovation, Vistana was great!

Next, MK.. We were there on the 3rd and the 4th. No lines!!! Everything was wonderful! I had been worried, and had come up with a touring-plan, which we really never needed. We never even needed a FastPass! DS, and I, really enjoyed Buzz and Philharmagic. They are must-sees! Lunch at the Castle (following seeing Cinderellabration) was really nice! With more Pixie-dust, Cinderella herself was in the waiting area as we were leaving. That means DS got to see here three times! He is in love! LOL!!!!

We did get caught in the rain once... Came out of PeterPan, to a complete squall... a real downpour!!! We made a run for Pinnochio's, but were completely soaked! I just have to say, thank goodness for our new Teva's and Chaco's!!! They were wonderful! And, we eventually dried out to enjoy the rest of the day!

And, yet even MORE Pixie-dust... our evening at MK on that last evening was truly Magical... We got a snack, and walked into the pavilion at the Rose Garden, shortly before dusk. We were the only ones there. We pulled a bench right up to the railing... As dusk fell, and the sky glowed, and the matching pink roses and the hanging planters on the light-post also matched the exquisit pink color that the castle would turn... Sitting there with my DS and DH... No $100.00 meal at the nicest restaurant could have matched that!!!! Just incredible!!!

One note here: If I were to see Wishes again, I would have to brave the crowds somewhere in FRONT of the castle. Do not underestimate how far behind the castle most of the Fireworks come from, to 'Frame' the castle.... And, this means that the only way to get the full affect is to actually be viewing from the front!

As there had been lightning flashes until after 8:30, I was sure that we would not see Tinkerbelle fly.... I had hoped and hoped that we would, as this would be our big once-and-only trip to bring DS to the MK... But I had given up on seeing her. And, lo and behold... SHE FLEW!!!! Down she came, right in front of us!

DH and I did leave DS one evening, and go over to the Grand Floridian for supper.... You would think that the Grand Floridian would be truly Grand and just impeccable. This was our only disappointment. I could not begin to imagine spending the money that they want to stay there... First thing we noticed was the beautiful lights that are outlining all of the roof-tops, etc... Well, a big percentage of them were OUT!!!! Could you imagine paying that kind of money, pulling up with your camera ready for that photo.... Well, Disney, there is no excuse!!! The Fountain in the courtyard, same story, it was not running, it was not lit... nothing.... The Pool with the Pool bar... which should have been alive with entertainment, drinks, etc... Was closed... Dead... The wonderful Lobby entertainment that you hear about.... Music to sleep by.... Mizner's, the bar in the Lobby... also just dark and dead. It is like a cigar-bar, only offering liqueurs, martinis, etc... DH and I actually joked that this was like the Haunted Mansion!!!!! Do not let anyone tell you that this resort is not quiet and 'stuffy'. It is....

We had supper in the Grand Floridian Cafe... A very beautiful restaurant!!! But, now we know why the waiter said, "Are you staying here...(his assumption....) If you get bored......". LOL!!!!

Next, SeaWorld.... We also really enoyed this park! The only thing here is to get to the Shamu Show early and snag a good seat. If you don't want to get wet, I would definately recommend sitting in the First row of the second seating level... This way, nobody is sitting directly in front of you and you have a great vantage-point! We also enjoyed the Clyde&Seamore show. And, the guy who played kind of a Mime during the PreShow was just hilarious!!! We laughed and laughed...

And, lastly, Discovery Cove.... Wow! this is a gorgeous park!!! And, if you really want to 'swim with the Dolphins' it is worth it! Although it is just a short encounter, with one quick Dolphin-pull. DS was thrilled with snorkeling with the tropical fish and huge stingrays!!! His first time... His reaction the first time he put his face under that water... Priceless!!! I am wondering if they could do anything to 'clean' this attraction though... As all the beautifully painted coral, etc... seems coated and is not colorful... Still, nothing compares to that moment when some gorgeous fish, or a big spotted sting-ray go swimming right by you!!!

Here is my tip on Discovery Cove... And, this is contrary to what I have always been reading! They say to get there early and get an early Dolphin Encounter... Well, with the rainy weather we had, it was completely overcast and COLD that morning! (Friday) When we arrived a few minutes before nine to check in, the lady scheduled us for the first available Dolphin encounter, and actually 'escorted' us... ie. Powerwalked us, the entire length of the Park to don our Wetsuits and head for the Pavilion.

I was kind of surprised, and not super happy about being rushed... but now, I wish I had said... Wait! We really do not want to be rushed here... By noon, the sun was shining, it was much warmer, and we were jealous of those who were enjoying their Dolphin encounter out in the beautiful sunshine and the bright teal water!!! Now, DS truly enjoyed meeting the Dolphins, but with it being so dark and cold that morning... HUGE difference in the experience!!!

So, here is my tip... Know that in these circumstances... If you arrive at 9:00am, they will fully expect you to run immediately for your Dolphin Encounter! They know that XX number of guest are still to arrive, and they have to make sure that they have enough encounters during the day to handle everyone..... So, remember, if you are going on a hot, sunny, summer morning, by all means... go ahead... Otherwise, you might NOT want to arrive first thing at 9:00am.

The food was GREAT!!!! We enjoyed our lunch, while listening to a couple of guys playing music. And we all enjoyed what we had. DH's grilled salmon was wonderful. Just do not order any frozen mixed drinks from the bar... We decided to try a Pina-Colada, and DH came back with an awful green concoction that immediately went into the trash can!!!! I think he said they called this their Dolphin-Colada...(instead of PinaColada) and it was bad!

After a week of cloudy rainy weather, when the sun came shining through at noon, it was just AWESOME!!! We so enjoyed swimming in the resort-pool area... doing the lazy-river, snorkeling, and just lying in our beach chairs on that beautiful beach, overlooking the Dolphins area. What a way to end our trip!

We had a truly wonderful and Magical time!
_____________________________________________________________

 

[trevorsem]

Thanks - we will get there early and perhaps ask for a slightly later swim (if this is possible)

Bad move. Try to get the first Dolphin swim in the morning. For three reasons

1) The Dolphins are more interactive in the morning
2) The swim is out of the way. Your free to enjoy the rest of the DC experience without having to clock-watch for when your slot is due.
3) The weather. The afternoons tend to attract rain and thunder storms.

T