11.9.08 EPCOT DiveQuest

Hello everyone.

Just got back from doing this dive. It was FREAKIN" AWESOME! The promo video doesn't do it justice.

Everything you've ever seen posted about this dive was pretty accurate as far as what to expect from the behind the scenes tour and getting geared up and in the water. Be advised, when figuring out your wetsuit size, you might want to go a little bigger than normal. I normally wear a large and the large shorty they gave me was a bit tight in the arms and around the leg seals. Also be aware that the water is allegedly 78 degrees, but it was really cold to me and others in my group.

After getting our wetsuits on we were marched through the lobby of the aquarium for everyone to see us and headed to the aquarium entrance. Our gear was already set up and waiting for us on the ledge and after a dive briefing from the DM, we were allowed to get geared up and wet.

The fish and animal life were as advertised. Lots of close encounters with Sharks, Turtles and Rays as well as the usual reef fish. My buddy, Terri and I found ourselves at one point in the middle of a turtle fight, and the DM had to intervene between the turtles. We also had a blast playing with the kids on the other side of the windows! They were very excited to see us. We passed by a window of a private dining room where a wedding reception was happening. Everyone was dancing and waving at us so Terri and I decided to do some dance moves too. Everyone inside clapped for us when we finished. It was a lot of fun interacting with the people inside.

We got to dive around on our own for the last 25 minutes or so, and man the time flew by! All too soon the recall sound was heard and we had to get out. Total dive time was 40 minutes and I only used 1500 of my 3200psi fill.

Warm towels were given to us after getting out and we were once again marched through the aquarium lobby heading back for our lockers and warm showers and more dry towels. after everyone was cleaned up, we all met in a conference room to fill out survey forms and watch the DVD of the dive. The DVD was $35 with the money going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. We also got a t-shirt and a certificate.

Definitely a great experience for everyone in our group. We were able to do this trip thanks to Scuba Network in Deerfield Beach. John LaFlair put the whole thing together and did an excellent job. He mentioned there would be more trips in the future too.

Definitely go if you have never been. Well worth it in my book and I have been to a lot of places around the world. I plan on going back whenever I can!

Back in the water in Paradise!

The Video Dude