Posting to this having experienced it a few days ago- wanted to give my review/a run-down of what happens.
You start the encounter by checking in at the Special Encounters kiosk near the Oceans Gallery on the main level. I checked in ~15 minutes early, which is what they suggest; you're allowed to roam the nearby gallery as long as you're back by the starting time. Encounters consist of eight people. In my case it was me, three couples, and one other solo guest.
You're led back through a few corridors into a small section clearly dedicated to encounters. There's a wall of waders outside of two rooms; one is clearly the "beluga encounter training" room and one seems to be set aside for "meet the penguins" encounters. There's a small staff break room that doubles as a changing room and there's also a bathroom. Before doing too much else, guests are led back to wash their hands, and then you get settled in the beluga room.
There's some charming small-talk with the encounter host as they tell you about their facilities, the work they do with belugas, and some general conversation about the animals. You then watch a total of eight small videos wherein each beluga is introduced (These are not in alphabetical order). In each video, a trainer shares the animals name and age, shows how you can tell the animal apart from the others, and shows off a trick or two that the animal particularly enjoys doing. It's basically just
the text on this page, but with some fun visual tricks. (The trainer in one of them gets
absolutely drenched, which was pretty funny.)
A photographer comes in and briefly explains their job; they'll be taking photos in the "designated photo section" (more on that later). Photo access is sold for $40 for couples or $30 for singles, and includes access to every photo with you in it and unlimited downloads. Everyone is given digital access/unlimited downloads for
one photo for free; you're allowed to review photos before purchasing and can select which one you'd like if you aren't buying. You can purchase on-site immediately after the encounter or can buy online. I chose to just buy on-site because frankly the photo access is a little finicky. They were all uploaded within 30min after my session.
You put on the waders. Fair warning- when you get in the water these constrict to your body quite tightly. There's a lymphedema warning when you sign up, which I found confusing... but it's because of this. It's a squeeze! They went up to my chest and kept me nice and dry, and fairly warm all things considered. An air bubble remains in the toe of each boot, and you're instructed on how to walk to avoid falling over. You basically just have to shuffle your feet.
You're then introduced to two trainers and split into two groups of four. Then, you're lead to the beluga encounter pool; it's a small subsection of tank that's freely accessible to the animals (they can come and go as they please) and hidden from public view. It's worth noting though that the walk
to and
from this area IS public- you'll get some weird looks from people as you trudge by in your waders. You're introduced to a third "safety" trainer, who will stand between the two groups and will help as needed. Within this area is also a trainer-only platform where other trainers will be working with animals separate from the encounter- just doing their normal jobs. One group goes to the far end of the encounter platform, while the other stays nearer to the door. Each group is "assigned" an animal, though it's worth noting the belugas can come and go freely and can be replaced at any time.
The near-to-the-door group is the "hands-on" bit. You feed the animal, learn some tricks/cues, and watch the animal perform some behaviors. Little squirts, some vocalization, lots of spinning/jumping/waving. All really fun! You're taught about why they're able to do some of these things/what benefit those behaviors might serve in the wild. We got to do some tongue pets and some melon pets- both really neat.
The far-edge group is the "intimate photo area" bit. Each individual takes a turn getting photos with the animal; you do a "kiss my cheek" cue and the beluga sets their nose against your cheek. Solo guests get to do a "touch my hand" cue where you reach out with your palm and the beluga rears up to touch it with their nose. Couples have the opportunity to do a fun little pose where they're both doing the "touch my hand" cue at the same time. Then, you have the opportunity to let the beluga squirt water on you! Our beluga, Naya, was pretty gentle with everyone
but me; this is where the "bring a change of clothes" suggestion is really wise. I had a shirt to change into and I'm glad I did, because mine got drenched. The safety trainer will hold your glasses during this bit.
Then you're done! You shuffle out and back into the room, change out of your waders, towel off (towels are provided), and have the chance to buy photos. I personally really enjoyed it. My group got to interact with Naya which was incredible; she's the Shedd's oldest beluga, so it was really special to interact with her. All the staff members involved were also very kind and charismatic, and it felt like they were all really making sure we got our money's worth. My one complaint is that you could
really tell they mostly just get couples/pairs for this... me and the other solo guest had to assert several times that we were not together, which got a little bit annoying. The entire thing lasted about an hour, and I'd say we were in the water for maybe 20 or 25 minutes.
I don't know if I'd pay to do it
again but it was really fun and I'm glad I did. When else am I gonna get to say I pet a beluga- much less got
spat on by one!
