SeaWorld Orlando, Dolphin Interaction Area by David Douglass

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the eight world class theme parks in Central Florida. Of all the parks, this is one of my favorites for a fun relaxing day in a beautifully landscaped area with all sorts of neat sea animal exhibits and shows. It also features a couple adrenaline rides like the coaster Kraken and the Journey to Atlantis water ride. The free beer samples at the Annhauser-Busch Hospitality House doesn't hurt either.

This shot is of "Dolphin Cove" where visitor can interact with the dolphins, actually touching, petting and feeding them. A recent change in how the area is operated is that feeding times are now very highly controlled. It used to be that any visitor to the park could go anywhere along the wall, dip their hand in and try to pet the dolphins, with set times for sales of fish for feeding (about $5 for a small tray of cut fish I think). Now with the new system, non-paying guests are herded off to the right side while the left side of the pond is reserved for the paying to feed people. Obviously the dolphins are smart enough to know that those on the right have little to offer, so avoid that area, waiting for the paying guests on the left. There is an underwater viewing area under the simulated rocky outcrop on the far right that is pretty cool.

Taken with a Canon Powershot G9 on full manual.