Divequest Viewing?

[pospisil]

I called this morning to find out if Divequest would still be offered in Sept since the Living Seas will be closed, since my brother has a reservation for the 15th, and was told that Divequest woiuld not be affected by the closing. I asked if we would still be able to see him dive, and she said the notes say that the best viewing is from the upstairs area of the pavilion, and there are no notes saying the viewing would be affected by the closing, so we should be fine. But if it is the pavilion that is being renovated, wouldn't that cause the viewing areas to be closed? I'm confused!

This is our first trip, are there any other areas that we could view the dive from, besides the Coral Reef? It's just way out of our budget, and I don't want to use up 2 table service meals for the one dinner.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

By my understanding only the rooms going off the main room will be closed. The Aquarium and Manatee exhibits will still be open. So you should still be able to view him from the Aquarium.

 

[pospisil]

I knew someone would know!

They have manatees there? Too cool, I've always wanted to see a manatee!

 

[disnut8]

I have to add some thoughts into the Dive Quest viewing. First of all, glad to hear you'll still be able to see your brother diving. It really is a special event, not only for him, but for you. I did this for my father and stepmother a few years ago and I wasn't sure who had more fun, them or me.

Be prepared because you will be able to be in the video that they shoot of the dive. Your brother will be able to swim up to the viewing glass and you can kneel down and "interact" with him. You can track him all throughout the dive. They will do a controlled dive first (that's when the video thing happens) and then he'll be paired with a buddy and they can go off and do whatever they want in the tank.

After the dive, we met my dad and stepmother at the gift shop but you might want to choose somewhere else. It was a boring wait for them. They watched their video (and wisely bought it) while we waited. I'd advise a place outside The Living Seas. Maybe the seating area at the Fountain View Bakery for some people and fountain watching while you wait.

About the manatees - they are not that active but they are impressive.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi

I am very interested in your post as I have booked dive quest for my DH, in just over 2 weeks. He is really excited about it.

Disnut 8

Could I ask a little about timing? DH has to be @ the guest relations at 4:30. Should I make my way to the Living seas then. Where exactly would be the best place to see him? We have PS for coral reef afterwards 7:50pm the last one. CM said theat I would be able to go to the restauant and wait for him to join me there. Do you think this would work?
Looking forward to your answers

Thanks

 

[Jena Finn]

I'm also very interested in details on this!! I booked it for my husband for October and made 5:00 dinner reservations for Coral Reef for me and our girls. Is this not the best spot for viewing? would it be better to make a later dinner so we can interact in the viewing area?

 

[rkdahl]

I've done Divequest several times but I can't recall the exact timing of the water entry. I'd say it's roughly 90 min, maybe a little less, after they leave Guest Relations. They sign waivers, watch a video, have a little class session about the dive, do the tour, change into dive gear, then head through the Living Seas 'on stage' right by all the guests, to the circular staircase in the viewing area. They climb up there and get into the tank directly above the viewing area. Note this is almost in the middle of the tank and across the aquarium from the Coral Reef which is on one side of the aquarium. The Divers are in the water for 30 min and after a short swim around, follow the leader style, the are able to go where ever they want to in the tank, except near the dolphin 'fence'.

They divers can clearly see inside Coral Reef although the further from the water and higher they are it becomes slightly more difficult for them to see in there. If you are looking at the divers you can take video and pictures but do not use your flash since it will just be a glare on the glass. It's a little dark and the colors are off slightly. If your video camera allows it, try adjusting the white balance when aiming at the water to get an improved color.

They'll love the dive!! Any more questions?

 

[AbbysFamily]

Just a word of warning --- Like always, different CMs are giving different answers. They are all saying that our dives are not being affected.

However, the one that I talked to said that the only viewing possible will be at Coral Reef. The entire Living Seas attraction will be closed.

This makes more overall sense given the refurbishment than saying you will still be able to interact. It doesn't matter as much for me as I am going to do the AquaTour while the rest of the family is swimming/resting up for MNSSHP. So this is really an experience for me, but I could see how this could affect DiveQuest for some.

 

[disnut8]

My dad and stepmother had to be at Guest Relations at 4:30 as well. Their dive was to be at 5:00. We were there to watch the entry right at 5:00. It was a rush. They were supposed to do the controlled dive for 20 minutes, then the buddy portion for another 20 minutes. We were to meet them at the gift shop at 6:30 (allowing enough time for debriefing and all). They didn't get out of there until close to 7:00.

MrsJobba1 - your plan of meeting your husband at the Coral Reef at 7:50 sounds great. Should be fine but be prepared to do some time on your own. He's going to be so thrilled with the dive.

Jena Finn - I'd really think about redoing your dinner reservations. IF you can view from somewhere else than Coral Reef, you'd be better off. We did dinner in Morocco for my stepmother. We had a 7:30 seating and made that in plenty of time.

For everyone, call closer to your plans and find out how far along the renovations are going. Since you are paying so much for the experience, I can't imagine you will not be able to view the thing. Also remember that the entire thing is tax deductible since all proceeds go towards research. $140 written off on the taxes isn't something to sneeze about. Save the receipt.

 

[Jena Finn]

Now I really don't know what to do. My little ones can't start dinner at 7:30! After trips of tired, cranky kids(sometimes) we decided this year to try to stick close to regular bedtimes and probably end up with a more peaceful trip. Maybe we can eat at 6 after watching the dive and head back to our resort when my husband comes out and he'll just have to grab something in the food court. Is that a better idea?

 

[disnut8]

Now I really don't know what to do. My little ones can't start dinner at 7:30! After trips of tired, cranky kids(sometimes) we decided this year to try to stick close to regular bedtimes and probably end up with a more peaceful trip. Maybe we can eat at 6 after watching the dive and head back to our resort when my husband comes out and he'll just have to grab something in the food court. Is that a better idea?

Why don't you and the kids go over to The Land food court after the dive and meet up with your husband there? If he gets out earlier than my dad and stepmother, he can grab something there. If not, you can make alternate plans. And remember that you can get things to go so your husband can get his dinner and have it back at the room.

And make sure to have the kids in the video and have your husband buy it. It's $35 but worth every penny.

 

[Jena Finn]

Great!! Will definitely take your advice!! Thanks so much!!!