[khawk]

I heard that there is a place where you can get into a pool and actually swim with dolphins. I thought it was at Epcots living seas but then I heard Discovery Cove. Does anyone know for sure and what is Discovery cove. Is that not a part of disney? Any idea how much it costs to swim with dolphins? Thanks
Kim

[mickaholic4077]

Discovery Cove is part of the Sea World organization. It is VERY expensive to go to and they won't let you take your own pictures. I guess the dolphins aren't bothered by the company's pictures,but are bothered by swimmers own pictures.

[BDavis932]

Yes, Discovery Cove is approx $279/person! Wow!! My sister said they got to swim with the dolphins in Cozumel for $20/person! (I think I'd opt for the latter!!)

Anyway, there are 2 different tours available at EPCoT (info in the Birnbaum's Guide) that feature the follow:

First there is a 3 1/2 hour program that teaches guests about dolphins behavior. It allows you to "interact" with the dolphins (no where does it say you get to swim with them!) $140/person.

There is also a DiveQuest program at The Living Seas, 3 hour program (only 30 minutes of actual swim time) with sharks, rays, etc. In one of the worlds largest aquariums. $140/person.

Call 407-WDW-TOUR to get more info on both of the Living Seas Programs.

[khawk]

What is the Birnbaums guide? Is this an up to date book that I can buy at a bookstore? Like an idiots guide to disney?
The 2 different ones at Epcot, they are expensive but I noticed that for one of them you have to be over 13. What is the age on those? my girls are 9 and 11. I told them they might have to wait for another disney trip when they are older....or it may be cheaper to take them to cozumel in a yr or two. LOL
Kim

:cry:

[BDavis932]

Seriously, from Texas, it is cheaper to head to Cozumel for a 4 day weekend, than to pay that for 3 hours each! lol!!

But, Birnbaums Guide is the "official guide" to WDW. They have a version for families (my favorite), one just for kids, and one for couples (thumbs down, I don't care for this one).

I use my official guide as a reference for everything relating to WDW. You can get it at the Disney store, or amazon.com or any bookstore. It runs about $15.00.

[wdwjeff]

I did DiveQuest about 5 yrs. ago. It's a scuba experience in the tank at the Living Seas, and it is phenomenal. You have to be a certified scuba diver to do it, but, if you are, it's worth every penny. Discovery Cove is connected to Sea World. For the dolphin experience, it's $219 pp. I researched it because we may do this for my daughter's Bat Mitzvah in 2005. True, it's expensive, but here's what you get for the $219:
Only 1,000 people are allowed in the park each day, so it's very personal
You get 15 minutes of instructions, then a half hour one on one with a dolphin and a trainer, including a dolphin ride
Lunch is included
There is also a large reef area where you can snorkel as if in the Carribean(it's teeming with fish, rays, sharks, etc.)
There is also a river you can snorkel in, through a waterfall to an open air aviary with thousands of birds
A 7-day pass to SeaWorld is included
For more details, you can go towww.discoverycove.com
Like I said, we haven't done this, but I know people who have, and they swear it's worth the cost. Hope this helps.:love: :)

[khawk]

The dolphin swim at Discovery cove sounds like alot of fun but I dont think its gonna happen on this trip. Maybe in a few years when my kids are older. I dont scuba dive but I went snorkeling in Jamaica a few years ago and it was so much fun. last trip to disney in 2000 I took my daughter (now 11) to typhoon lagoon and we did the snorkeling tank with the sharks in it. I liked it but my daughter was scared and clung to me the whole time. She is older now but maybe in a few years we can do the seaworld trip. Thanks.
Kim

[bbowers]

The Dolphins in Depth does involve getting in the water with the Dolphins, but you do not swim. (Hub and I are doing this in June and I made sure of that because I can't swim!) There is a "shelf" that the trainers stand on where you are in chest-high water and during the interaction the dolphins will come up into that area, and if they're not in a bad mood (rarely happens), you will be able to pet them, etc.

They take a picture of you during this and you wear a wet suit. Also, there is no charge to get into Epcot to do this. Only 8 people may be involved per day, and it only runs on the week days.

[mattomouseman]

Originally posted by BDavis932
There is also a DiveQuest program at The Living Seas, 3 hour program (only 30 minutes of actual swim time) with sharks, rays, etc. In one of the worlds largest aquariums. $140/person.

Call 407-WDW-TOUR to get more info on both of the Living Seas Programs.

The "Downtime" for this is now 40 minutes or until your tank runs low, which ever comes first. The divemasters will let you use a second tank if you run down fast, some use air faster then others. Also to take part in Dive Quest you have to have a C-card (Be certified by a recongnized dive group ex: PADI, SSI etc.) It is awonderful experience, I have done it three times and will be doing it again in August.:)

My wifes sister and her family did the Discovery Cove trip a few years ago and they loved it. Being an avid SCUBA diver I would love to do it. I think I will wait until my boys are a little older and more comfortable in the water so that they can enjoy it more!:)