What would you do???

[Andy Lou & Meg]

There are 7 (6 adults and DD5) of us going to the world in Sep / Oct this year and we have a problem.

Whilst discussing our itinerary Discovery Cove was mentioned, great when can we book I thought but then I realised something. Our DD will only just be 5 when we go so will not be ablel to do the Dolphin Swim. So now we are left with the following choices

We all go to Discovery Cove and when its mine and DH husbands turn for the Dolphin Swin our DD stays with our friends (and not mention where we have gone)

Or

DH, DD and I not go at all and have the day on our own.

I really dont know what to do for the best, I would love to take part in the swim but then I would feel really guilty because of DD not being able to take part.

The money is not really an issue (what the hell we are on our hols) and DH and I decided that on our first family trip last year we would be going back every year so its not as if its now or never.

I really dont know what to do.

PLEASE HELP

 

[gilld]

Personally, as you are going back often, I'd say leave it until she's old enough. She might be very disppointed if she's there but unable to participate. Could you do something special with her that day, just the three of you?

Others might feel differently but for me - I couldn't do it. Good luck with making your decision.

 

[SEVANS2208]

My daughter was only 3 when we went and my Mum looked after her while we did our dolphin swim (she'd already done it on a previous trip). However, the lovely chap in charge of our group told me to go get her and bring her in to meet the dophin so maybe this would be an option for you.

As an aside, I have to say she HATED it. I think that a "great big dolphin" (in her eyes) swimming up to her was just a bit too scarey!! She'll be 6 when we go next and she says she wants to swim with the dolphin then - just shows how much they can change.

If money isn't a problem and you think she'd like the rest of what's on offer at DC then I'd say go for it.

 

[KayleeUK]

I would give it a miss this time and save it for when you can enjoy it together.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[vernon]

IMHO the age limit at DC is pretty arbitrary, if you say she's 6 (and she looks close to it) they aren't going to argue with you, they don't check ID. There will be kids younger than the age limit who'd easily manage the experience, there are older kids who don't manage it. My older DD was a real water baby and wouldn't have had any problems with this even at age 4, my elder one wouldn't have managed the experience at age 10 or 11. If your DD is resonably big for her age, confident in water and a decent swimmer it is an option to take her as well. But as her parent you will know best if she's ready for this experience, if you have ANY doubt I would say leave the swim experience until she's older. If you decide she's not ready for the swim, then you need to ask yourselve whether she is of the mentality she will accept there are some things she's not able to do because she's to small/young or if she'll hit meltdown. Again you know your child better than anyone. The trainers are excellent at including kids who are too young to do the full swim. Often they will give them the chance to pet the dolphin at the end of the groups time. In my experience few kids of that age are calculating enough to realise everyone else has had something 50% more than they have, it's easier for them to work out "they had something and I didn't get ANYTHING" often a quick hug of the dolphin and a chance to paddle in the dolphin pool is more than enough to satisfy them.

There is PLENTY of other stuff at DC for her to enjoy so I think it would be a shame for you (and her) to miss out from the group visit. Maybe you could talk to her and see how she feels about the idea, it might be something that she'd find too scary, she might be very understanding that she's not yet old enough but would like to do the other stuff.

Sorry if it's not much help, but IMHO it's SUCH an individual and personal issue that it's impossible for anyone to give sound advise unless they know your daughter VERY well.