The Happiest (Underwater) Place on Earth

Although I’ve been certified Open Water since 1982, I’ve recently re-discovered my diving itch and my desire to be a master diver. My wife and kids have joined in to help me and support my quest. Now we look at every family trip for opportunities to dive.
This year’s family vacation was planned to celebrate my in-law’s 50th wedding anniversary. We planned a couple of days at Disney World followed by a four day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. This was my chance to see how diving at the Happiest Place on Earth would pan out.

My wife, who is not too fond of the water, set up a dive as a surprise. Both of my sons are Advance Open Water certified and my wife signed us up for Dive Quest at Disney’s Epcot Center. Dive Quest is a great opportunity to see Epcot’s 5.7 million gallon Living Seas aquarium from a very unique point of view.

We showed up at about 5:30PM and began our pre-dive tour of the Epcot Living Seas Aquarium. We began with the back stage tour, visiting the water processing and monitoring facility. Then we visited the marine research and medical facility where many medical procedures have been pioneered. The Dive Quest team explained how the health of the Living Seas inhabitants is monitored and maintained. We visited the holding tanks for the manatees and dolphins. Finally, we visited the galley, where we learned that the inhabitants of the Living Seas Aquarium get first pick of the food as it comes into the park.
The dive brief was next. For this dive all gear must be provided by Epcot. The gear was in great condition and most of the spectators thought we worked for Disney. The average dive depth was 25 feet, temperature 73 degrees, visibility was end to end (203ft) and the expected dive duration, 45 minutes. The Living Seas contains the world's sixth-largest ocean and is the biggest facility ever dedicated to man and ocean. Inside the aquarium we would find a complete coral reef inhabited by more than 2,000 tropical fish that represents over 70 species. The population includes sharks, rays and dolphins, all exotic and colorful forms of life that normally migrate in Caribbean reefs.

This was easily the most relaxed dive I’ve ever had with sites from many different areas. A camera man followed us through our tour of the tank. Photo opportunities included masks off in the submerged dive bell and a family photo with my wife at the viewing window. After the tour, we were able to explore on our own as five Dive Masters watched over us. Four sharks, including a 10ft sand tiger and a 400lb sea turtle were the stars. However, the eagle rays, groupers and assorted fish provided a great supporting cast. And, as the aquarium also provides a back drop to the restaurant, we could swim up and entertain the watching diners and invite them to join us.
It was the happiest dive on earth. Very professional, efficient and enjoyable, Dive Quest was an outstanding family dive. The fees were 100% donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Although I am pursuing my Rescue Diver Certification, I’d say Dive Quest a must see and must do for any level of diver.