When will we find out our times for our Dolphin swim?

[bcbmommy]

The other day I read a post that mentioned trying to get the dolphin swim early, but when I called to reserve our day, they didn't ask what time we wanted. Is that taken care of when we get there?

 

[canadiankim]

Yes, you get your time allocated when you check in. The earlier you check in the earlier you get to swim. Whatever time you get to do your swim you will still have plenty of time to enjoy all that DC has to offer from the breakfast through to the snorkelling.

We are back to DC August 2015 and can't wait as there are things there now that were not when we went in June 2012.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

canadiankim is correct....dolphin swims are assigned when you check in. Generally speaking, the earlier you arrive, the earlier your swim will be.

In the summer months, you will find many families arriving VERY early (before 7:30 am) to ensure they get a swim time as early in the day as possible to avoid the infamous afternoon thunderstorms. When we went in late August, we pulled into the parking lot at 7:20 am and there were so many people already there that our swim wasn't until late morning.

Another thing to keep in mind is that when you arrive that early, there will be a delay before you can use the water features (which don't open until 9 am). So be prepared to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax (you can also get your wetsuits or vests and snorkels). DC staff will also sometimes bring out various animals to meet guests as it gets closer for the water features to open. We had a unique opportunity to make the acquaintance of a very sleepy armadillo in August, and a sloth in 2012.

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

Gina and Kim, we are going on Memorial Day and don't have a problem getting there as early as need be. Any suggestion on when we should get there to secure a morning (before 11:00am) swim time? What time do they open the gate to start processing the early-bird maniacs, when does breakfast begin to be served, and do they open the aviary before you can get into the water at 9:00?

I can't wait!

 

[thatgirl23]

When we went last July, we arrived at approx 6:45am and there were already 20-30 people waiting in line. That day they started checking people in before 7am. From my other experiences, it's usually around 7am (7:15 at the latest). Hope that helps.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina and Kim, we are going on Memorial Day and don't have a problem getting there as early as need be. Any suggestion on when we should get there to secure a morning (before 11:00am) swim time? What time do they open the gate to start processing the early-bird maniacs, when does breakfast begin to be served, and do they open the aviary before you can get into the water at 9:00?

I can't wait!

lol, I am not sure exactly how early they actually start allowing people inside the park. On each visit, we have traveled with teenagers.......so we were lucky to get there before noon!!

In all seriousness, last August, my boss and I traveled during the same week (though we visited DC on different days). Boss and his daughter didn't arrive until 8:00 am and got a 9 am dolphin swim. We arrived at 7:30 and didn't get our swim until almost noon. So, it seems to be hit and miss!

 

[thatgirl23]

Gina, you did a package last August with a buoy correct? I really think that if you're getting a buoy delivered it makes a difference with your swim time. I've never asked, so I can't say for sure, but I'm just going on experience. All the dolphins don't do the delivery so they probably have to work around what times those dolphins are scheduled to be out. That could explain the difference between your boss' time and yours.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, you did a package last August with a buoy correct? I really think that if you're getting a buoy delivered it makes a difference with your swim time. I've never asked, so I can't say for sure, but I'm just going on experience. All the dolphins don't do the delivery so they probably have to work around what times those dolphins are scheduled to be out. That could explain the difference between your boss' time and yours.

Yes, we had the Elite package (which included a buoy delivery). That may have had a hand in the timing....I am really not sure!

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

When we went last July, we arrived at approx 6:45am and there were already 20-30 people waiting in line. That day they started checking people in before 7am. From my other experiences, it's usually around 7am (7:15 at the latest). Hope that helps.

Whaaaaaat?! 6:45 and already 20-30 people there? What is wrong with some people?! LOL I think I'll just roll the dice with 7:00am and see how it goes. We are going to do the buoy delivery, so I'll be sure to report back if I notice a big difference between our swim time and others that check in around me.