Prosdog
06-23-2012, 12:04 PM
As a present for my 18 year old high school graduate, we took him to WDW. It was our third trip in 5 years and wanted to do something extra special. Last year for his birthday, I got him SCUBA certified. When I found out that The Seas at Epcot had daily diving tours of the aquarium, it was an easy decision. Its not cheap, $180 per diver if I remember correctly, but the proceeds all go towards the Disney Conservation organization. Also, discounts are available for AAA, AP holders and other organizations.
We met our tour guide outside the guest relations building at Epcot. I don't remember his name but he was the most upbeat, friendly and outgoing cast member I've ever met. We toured the facility, saw the filtration system and saw the parts of the aquarium that are not shown to the public. After a briefing, we were taken up to the top of the aquarium to begin the dive. Disney doesn't let you bring your own equipment, except for your mask and dive computer. Not an issue, their equipment is all top of the line and well maintained.
The first 10 minutes of the dive we followed the dive guide as he showed us around and the videographer got footage of us for the DVD they sell you afterwards. After that, as the dive guide said, "for the next 45 minutes, you guys are all unpaid Disney cast members!"
What a blast! We interacted with people behind the glass at the restaurant and the observation windows. We followed rays, turtles and other marine life. I hovered over the bottom as an 8 foot shark passed 2 feet below me. Boy those teeth looked big.
After an all to brief 45 minutes, it was time to surface. Definitely the highlight of all of my trips to WDW. If you're a diver, you must do this attraction. If you're not a diver, become one and do this attraction.
We met our tour guide outside the guest relations building at Epcot. I don't remember his name but he was the most upbeat, friendly and outgoing cast member I've ever met. We toured the facility, saw the filtration system and saw the parts of the aquarium that are not shown to the public. After a briefing, we were taken up to the top of the aquarium to begin the dive. Disney doesn't let you bring your own equipment, except for your mask and dive computer. Not an issue, their equipment is all top of the line and well maintained.
The first 10 minutes of the dive we followed the dive guide as he showed us around and the videographer got footage of us for the DVD they sell you afterwards. After that, as the dive guide said, "for the next 45 minutes, you guys are all unpaid Disney cast members!"
What a blast! We interacted with people behind the glass at the restaurant and the observation windows. We followed rays, turtles and other marine life. I hovered over the bottom as an 8 foot shark passed 2 feet below me. Boy those teeth looked big.
After an all to brief 45 minutes, it was time to surface. Definitely the highlight of all of my trips to WDW. If you're a diver, you must do this attraction. If you're not a diver, become one and do this attraction.