Disney has always been known for capturing the hearts of many with their touch of pixie dust to make every experience enjoyable and memorable. Such is the same even underwater. As a scuba diver, I have the privilege of seeing many creatures and aquatic life most people will never witness first hand. Having dove in fresh water springs before, my first dive at Dive Quest at the Living Seas (Seas with Nemo and Friends) was actually my first saltwater dive. I was a bit unsure since I was already biased to how beautiful spring dives were.
Dive Quest at Epcot – By Ashleigh Stewart
Photo by Ashleigh Stewart
I met with a group of divers around 5:00 p.m. by the Epcot will call and all of us may not have known each other, but as divers we have this connection. The Epcot cast members were extremely organized when checking out names of this list for check-in and collection our certification cards before the dive. All gear is provided and they even take your shoe size for booties and size for wet suits. You also are able to choose your favorite color for a drawstring bag you are given at the end of the dive. After check-in was completed, we were lead behind the scenes of the Living Seas.
Cast members showed up backstage areas where the tank filtration system was and explained the how it was the lifeblood of the whole Seas exhibit. This was something I had no clue was included in the dive, so I thought this was amazing. We continued into the facility where we saw the food prep area for the animals and they showed us this map of around the world where Disney Conservation had several ongoing projects. Every dime you spend on the dive goes to the Conservation Fund, which I thought was spectacular.
We were led through the backstage area where the manatees were and were informed of some of the most information about the creatures. We then were led to a building outside where we signed waivers and were informed on the particulars about the dive. Then it was time to suit up for the dive. Males and Females separated off into the locker rooms where each of us had our own personal lockers with our names written on them. Towels, wet suits, booties, and our draw string bags were included in the lockers. Showers were available in the locker room so divers could clean off after the dive. After everyone was finished, we were led out to the main area of the Seas. Cast members told us we were officially part of the Disney magic and we were led around in out wet suits until we met the spiral staircase in the main area for fish observations on the second floor. As we traveled up the stairs, we finally were top side. More diver cast members met us and briefed us more about the dive. All of them were extremely helpful and engaging. They helped everyone with their BC, masks, fins, and made sure all gear fit properly so each diver would have the most comfortable dive.
After everyone was suited up the moment we were all waiting for was about to happen. We swam to the center of the water and then all of us as a collective group descended into the water. To get a feel of the dive, a Dive Master led the group through the whole tank and then we were allowed to separate and explore. During the entire dive, there was also a videographer to capture the whole experience which was available for purchase at the end of the dive. All proceeds also go to the Conservation Fund.
Sandtiger sharks and reef sharks were swimming peacefully with numerous colorful and tropical fish. I even had a triggerfish attempting to try and eat parasites from my wet suit. Stingrays swam right next to me and the green sea turtle in the exhibit was very inquisitive. You can also interact with the guests in the park. They are so excited to see divers in the tank. This one particular guest was worried when I was swimming next to the shark. I had a chuckle since swimming with sharks was something I’ve always wanted to do and I was nothing but calm around them. The Coral Reef restaurant also had viewing so when the guests were eating their meals they can see the divers. Some of them practically run over other guests eating just so they can get a picture of the divers. Little kids wave excitedly as you swim by. I even did a little dance for some kids and they loved it! Be sure to keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys during the dive.
It was about 45 minutes of bottom time and we had to ascend. The Master Diver hit two rocks together to signal the end of the dive. We all met in the center and ascended together. As we all reached the surface we were talking discussing how amazing and relaxing this dive truly was. We felt as though we were treated as royalty. After all the gear was taken off, towels were provided to us and we talked with the cast members about how incredible the dive was. Once everyone was situated, our cast member led us back to the locker rooms where we cleaned up and returned out wetsuits, booties, and towels. There were bins in the locker rooms with labels to designate which items go where. All the showers had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Talk about a scuba diver’s dream for a dive!
Photo by Ashleigh Stewart
We met again and went upstairs to this room where dive posters, benches, Disney Conservation Fund Pins, paperwork and a dive log sticker were waiting for us. All the necessary information to be logged for the dive was written on the white board so we could copy them on the dive log sticker provided or our own dive log books. Paperwork was there to review the whole experience and to provide any necessary feedback. The Conservation Fund pin was for us to keep since our proceeds for the dive helped support the fund. The video of the dive was played and after viewing it you could decide whether or not you wanted to purchase it. The DVD was about $30 and all proceeds again go to the Conservation Fund.
I knew Disney already went above and beyond to make every experience memorable, but this was by far the best example of Disney magic. I have been on the dive three times now and for the price, it is worth every penny. I will continue to dive at the Seas. Each experience is a different especially if you go with a group like I did with my scuba club at the University of South Florida. If you are a diver, I highly recommend this dive. You will not regret it and you’ll be talking about it for a lifetime.
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