Fishy Tips ?!

[Belle24]

Howdy !

I'm off to Florida in 3 weeks and I am ridiculously excited !!

We've booked to go to Discovery Cove on the 8th and I'm hoping it's going to be an experience of a lifetime. I've read Jo's trip report which is brilliant, and I read what she got up to at DC.

Does anybody else have any tales to tell to get me in the mood for that special day !? I'm a little worried that we may have poor weather when we go - do you think this would spoil it a great deal ???

What's the food like - and is the dolphin swim scary ?? I'm not a great swimmer but I'm not nervous either. tell me tell me tell me !

:ears: :ears: :ears: :ears: :ears: :ears: :ears: :ears: :ears: :ears:

[Jordan]

You are going to have so much fun! We've been to DC twice, and I can't wait to go back again. I think if the weather is poor, you may want to reschedule the day. If I am correct they let you reschedule once. Call them to confirm this though. Since you are out doors the whole time, and you can see the fish and other animals better underwater on a sunny day is the reason I say this. On the flip side you are going to be wet anyway! Don't worry about not being a strong swimmer. You have vests on that offer a little flotation, and you can also weat a life vest which they provide free of charge as well (I opted not to use the life vest because I didn't think it would look as pretty in my photo kissing the dolphin!) I was really surprised that the food was as good as it was. Usually when you go somewhere and food is included, you get hamburgers, hot dogs, baked stuffed chicken, etc. I think I had the fijitas the first time, and a pasta dish the last time. You also get a salad, dessert, and drink. You really do have quite a selection (maybe 6-8) and they have food for children as well (chicken tenders, hot dogs etc.) One of the scariest things was when you are snorkeling in the tropical reef and you go past the window built into the rocks that has sharks and baraccuda! You can't tell that there is a window, and it really scared the heck out of me!! Make sure to also go in with the sting rays. They are so soft (like wet velvet) and sweet. In the aviary I had birds even landing on my head! (Thank goodness that was the only thing that landed on me!) One suggestion is that if you are planning on going out to dinner or do something else after They have nice showers/changing rooms/hairdryers/liquid soap/shampoo/conditioner, even bags for your wet bathing suits! Bring a change of clothes, and anything else you find you may need and you can head out when DC closes to your next destination instead of going back to the hotel first. I am a real picky person when it comes to showers and bathrooms and they were really nice and clean. They even provided white fluffy towels in the bathroom! You are going to have so much fun! I am so jealous. It really is worth every penny that you pay. Let me know what you thought when you return. If you have any other questions, just let me know :)

[Belle24]

Thanks for this - it was a brilliant reply with loads of info !! I am so glad you commented on the showers - I am exactly the same, even if there is a hair of the floor that doesn't belong to me I freak out so it's nice to hear that they meet our fussy standards !!

I'm really excited now - thanks to you !! Will let you know all about it when I write my trip report !!!

Only 1 week to go !!:bounce:

[Jordan]

One more thing I thought of. You way want to bring water shoes with you as well. They aren't required, but walking around barefoot on the hot sand and cement (plus to go into the bathrooms) it's really nice to have them. They do sell them there, but they are A LOT more expensive than if you got them at home. They also provide (at least they did, you may want to call first) a water resistant sun tan lotion for you to wear that is safe for the animals. You may also want to buy a throw away underwater camera to take photos in the coral reef, and sting ray area. (I even just used that in the aviary) They don't let you bring them into the dolphin swim because the dolphins mistake them for toys, but there is a photographer that takes photos (and they turn out really well!) that you can buy.