Folks,
I just did this dive 2 days ago with my two boys, what an awesome dive. The backstage tour was cool, but not great, however the dive and the service were awesome.
For those who have never been or are thinking of doing it. When you first get to Epcot you gather just outside the main gate at the Guest relations booth. They come get you through a side entrance and you enter "backstage". They walk you past the emense filter system that they told us filters 35 thousand gallons a minute. and they give you a quick tour of the inside of the place with a speech on conservation. This is where you learn all the money goes to conservation. Next they take you past the Manatee tank and into the lounge where you sign a release and watch a short video. They also tell you this is a no touch dive, unless of course the fish initiates the contact. Then onto the changing rooms. The changeing rooms are like resort bathrooms, and your shorty wetsuit and booties are waiting for you in a bag with your name on it. Once you change you head through the living seas exhibit and up to the dive entry area. Our dive was delayed a few moments while they got our tanks ready so we were givin a quick tour of the Dolphin tank while we waited. Once things were ready we suited up, got a brief pre-dive briefing and were in the water.
Once your in the water, they give you a quick tour of the place (camera man in tow) and then your off on your own. I loved the Sharks myself, my kids had thier 20 minutes of fame entertaining guests in the restaurant and the viewing area (ok, so did I). 40 minutes total bottom time, although we didn't change tanks they were quick with the divers who needed it done. 25 foot depth, 77 degree water. My words cannot adequatley describe how great a dive this was.
Once out of the water and dressed you go back to the lounge for refreshments and to do log books. You get your tee shirt and you watch the video.
BTW, one of the best parts of the dive, No clean up and tear down of gear afterwards.
BTW2, If you are a annual passholder (we are) you can do the dive for $120, $20 off the regular price.
Web site for DiveQuest
http://www.epcotdivequest.com/index.htm