Has anyone experienced the "Dolphin Swim" adventure at Discovery Cove in Orlando. What was the actual interaction with the Dolphins like and what was the rest of Discovery Cove like?

Any input would be appreciated. thanks

Check out disboards.com for lots of info. and trip reports.

Hello. I am from the UK an have just returned from a hol in florida. I did do discovery cove and it was just something else. You have a full day there. And although the actual interaction with the dolphins is only 40 mins or so its just such a moving experience. There is plenty to do there. you can snorkel with the rays and tropical fish. It is an expensive day out but i felt it was worth it. but beware, when you have done you time with the dolphins then you are hurried off to view your pics before you return to where-ever you are sitting. but do it, its great

I would ask you to please reconsider the dolphin swim. They are incredibly cruel. I did it once and was sorry ever since. No matter how clean or nice it looks, more than half of the dolphins die within 60 to 90 days of capture.
In order to make an informed decision, please visit:

http://dolphinproject.org/

http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727

(The second site is the Humane Society of the United States' position on SWTD programs.)

Our family went to Discovery Cove two years ago and had a wonderful time! We did NOT do the dolphin swim, my youngest was under the minimum age, but had a great time anyway, also the admission is substantially less if you are NOT doing the dolphin swim. You can spend time on the sandy beach, go to the stingray pool, swim the coral reef or lazy river areas, and my kids LOVED spending time in the aviary helping to feed all the birds. Also there is an observation area where you can watch the dolphin interactions. When I watched it, the dolphins at Discovery Cove (who are mature and most of whom have been born and raised in captivity) were very social and seemed to enjoy their interactions with humans. The trainers strictly limit the amount of "work time" for any dolphin. Also your Discovery Cove admission includes a week long pass to Sea World, so it is a terrific value.

I agree with Diana. These parks exploit dolphins for your hard earned $$. And the dolphins are NOT having a good time swimming with you! They only do it for food because they are hungry and this is the way they are trained...food depravation.
Go to the section titled "What's Wrong With Discovery Cove" on the web site given by Diana and read for yourself. This place is just as disgusting as all the other 'swim with dolphin' parks and the fact that some of the dolphins were born in captivity does not make it better! They are still dolphins and are still born with the same characteristics of the wild dolphins. Really. Just read the article yourself and then try to admit it's still okay to participate. Thank you.