Ocean World is it worth the $$$?

[TheQueen]

We are taking the kids to Ocean World in November. We are wondering if it is worth the money. We had some reviews of it from the people on our resort but most of them were cranky! lol

We are wondering what general admission into the park costs? Is there a website that shows the prices at all? I called and got information on the Dolphin Encounter and for all the kids (7 of them) to do this it is going to cost $550. Which we think isn't bad. However that doesn't factor in us two parents!

We plan to allow the kids to decide if they want to do the Dolphin encounter or the stingray encounter.

[marliejaneca]

There are numerous threads on Ocean World - use the search function and you will get all the info you need.

The general concensus is that it is a world-class operation, and quite the experience.

One of our fellow Dr1'rs - conchman - is the general manager and is a very well respected gentleman - so that tells you a lot right there.

Marlie

[Maggie6872]

I went to Ocean World with a friend from the States in late December. Having previously participated in Dolphin Encounters in the Florida Keys and Hong Kong, I decided that I would pass and play photographer all day for her.

The Dolphin Encounter in my opinion was spectacular. She was able to get closer and have more interaction with the dolphins in this program than I had in either of the other programs (and if I really thought about it, probably more than the 2 programs I did put together, the one in HK was not worth it).

She also did the Stingray and Shark Encounter, which was very interesting, very hands on and one that I will probably participate in next time I have some visitors.

The Ocean World experience is one that my friend will never forget. It is a smaller park than say a US Sea World, and the programs therefore are a bit smaller (I'll say less extravagant, but still worthy- I watched the sea lion program twice...), but the fact that is easily navigated (I could take my Mother who is wheel chair bound), you can get a front row seat to nearly everything, and there are no huge lines anywhere.....Well, it really makes a difference in the enjoyment factor. Having taken a couple of nieces and nephews to Sea World in Orlando previously, I have to say that I enjoyed Ocean World more and actually am looking forward to taking the passel of kids when they come down for summer vacation.

The Buffet food was ok to good (i'm a picky eater), and the drinks at the bar were quite refreshing after nice day. I do wish that they had some cheaper beach towels in the gift store, but I understand the law and supply and demand...

PM me if you want some photos.
Maggie

[wishingiwasthere]

Do it & go! It will be a memory that lasts forever. For Kids, I honestly dont think there is a better day out on the Island!

[Hlywud]

Worth every penny. A once in a life time thrill.

[TheQueen]

Thanks for the input! I am sure the kids will love it!

[Ringo]

I think that Ocean World advertises on DR1.

Since you appear to have a large group, perhaps you can contact them directly and get a... little more information and perhaps a VIP rate from them?

Regards, Ringo.

[expatsooner]

I didn't participate in the stingray interaction at Ocean World but I have watched it there and I did a stingray interaction at the Disney Bahaman Island cruise stop. They are fun but marine mammal interaction is better IMO.

I have participated in the dolphin interaction at Ocean World and it is worth every penny and then some. It was my fifth marine mammal interaction (2 have been with Belugas) and it is wonderful.

My heartfelt advice would be to do the dolphin interaction as a complete family. The photo of the dolphin jumping over our whole family as we tread water in the lagoon is one of my most treasured "family portraits".

We were fortunate enough to qualify for the Domincan price but it still would have been worth 3x the price of the foreigner fee.

Book it - you won't be sorry.

[xdaniellex]

its worth it, there are a few other things to do in the park once you finish your encounters. we done the dolphin encounter and the shark/stingray, we enjoyed both alot and we would def do these again.. to be honest i cant remember how much it cost but we got a combined offer that they were offering at the time & im sure they will still do special deals etc. They do have a website, just google ocean world and you should find it

the memories will last forever & we had a enjoyable day out.

[Denmay565]

I didn't go but my wife and daughter went and they raved about the place so much so that the next time we go to the North Coast, all three of us plan to go.