We just got back from Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Epcot last week. Discovery Cove was definitely the high light of our trip. My family and I have never encountered Dolphins ouside of seeing them in the wild from boats or the shore and had never tried snorkeling. With that in mind I have to say it was a magical day!
We arrived early at about 8:30 and only waited for 10 minutes to check in and get our Dolphin swim time of 9:30. From there we were off to lockers, wet suits, and locating a beach chair. Our time did not allow for us to get in the water before our scheduled Dolphin swim with Diego. He was much bigger than I anticipated but playful and fun. We had two kids a DD - 10 and a DS - 13. DD was a little scared and nervous in the water but liked the dolphin play. I think she would have relaxed more if we had a later swim so she could see the wet suit helped keep her afloat.
We were in the water about 30 or 35 minutes and it seemed to last longer than I expected. We then were taken to the pictures tent where we were not pressured, had all our questions answered, and spent what we had decided (although we planned on 175 - 200 dollars) by purchasing a CD with 5 pictures and the video. All items we are happy with even now.
After that it was playing in the fresh water area to get used to our masks and snorkels. We then went to the aviary as we had been warned in the picture tent that the birds are more active when they are hungry. We fed a Toucan by hand as well as numerous other birds. The kids kept disappearing into the fresh water creek area.
Before hitting the salt water area we decided on lunch. The food was good for a park and everyone had enough choices and enough to eat. I have to admit we were eager to get back to the water. It was getting hot so we switched our wet suits for vests and off we went.
The water was cold but felt refreshing. If you get too cold you can jump into the fresh water which is much warmer. DD was nervous around the salt water pools because of the sting ray (some had to be at least 5 feet) but even she swam around a while. I found it magical and peaceful - different fish ands sights every where you look. The area where the sharks are is well done. I found myself glancing behind me just in case.....
About 4:15 it started to rain. We heard thunder but no one asked us to leave. A life guard we asked about that indicated that they have an advanced weather forcasting system that alerts them to when people need to get out of the water. About 20 minutes later that occured. As it was close to closing we decided, reluctantly, to head back to the hotel (although we stopped for dinner first - I was less tired than I expected at the end of a very full day)
Everyone agreed it was our best day of the Orlando portion of our trip (and maybe best day on vacation in years) If I went back I might not swim with the Dolphins - it was fun and exciting and well worth it this time, but there was so much more to do. It was a great experience!
We arrived early at about 8:30 and only waited for 10 minutes to check in and get our Dolphin swim time of 9:30. From there we were off to lockers, wet suits, and locating a beach chair. Our time did not allow for us to get in the water before our scheduled Dolphin swim with Diego. He was much bigger than I anticipated but playful and fun. We had two kids a DD - 10 and a DS - 13. DD was a little scared and nervous in the water but liked the dolphin play. I think she would have relaxed more if we had a later swim so she could see the wet suit helped keep her afloat.
We were in the water about 30 or 35 minutes and it seemed to last longer than I expected. We then were taken to the pictures tent where we were not pressured, had all our questions answered, and spent what we had decided (although we planned on 175 - 200 dollars) by purchasing a CD with 5 pictures and the video. All items we are happy with even now.
After that it was playing in the fresh water area to get used to our masks and snorkels. We then went to the aviary as we had been warned in the picture tent that the birds are more active when they are hungry. We fed a Toucan by hand as well as numerous other birds. The kids kept disappearing into the fresh water creek area.
Before hitting the salt water area we decided on lunch. The food was good for a park and everyone had enough choices and enough to eat. I have to admit we were eager to get back to the water. It was getting hot so we switched our wet suits for vests and off we went.
The water was cold but felt refreshing. If you get too cold you can jump into the fresh water which is much warmer. DD was nervous around the salt water pools because of the sting ray (some had to be at least 5 feet) but even she swam around a while. I found it magical and peaceful - different fish ands sights every where you look. The area where the sharks are is well done. I found myself glancing behind me just in case.....
About 4:15 it started to rain. We heard thunder but no one asked us to leave. A life guard we asked about that indicated that they have an advanced weather forcasting system that alerts them to when people need to get out of the water. About 20 minutes later that occured. As it was close to closing we decided, reluctantly, to head back to the hotel (although we stopped for dinner first - I was less tired than I expected at the end of a very full day)
Everyone agreed it was our best day of the Orlando portion of our trip (and maybe best day on vacation in years) If I went back I might not swim with the Dolphins - it was fun and exciting and well worth it this time, but there was so much more to do. It was a great experience!
DC was a real highlight for us as well.Was this by chance the same Toucan Sam? The Aviary was a pleasant surprise.
