Upon entering the first room, we were already seeing mini-gift-shop stands trying to hock toys and such at us. The first big tank we came to was incredible - or would have been if not for the overly loud and artificial nature and animal sounds being blasted in from every direction. I assume it's there to cover up the noise of the kids, but I don't know.
Despite stopping and admiring at every tank, reading most of the signs, and taking moments for pictures, the entire experience was about 45 minutes; 15 of which was standing in the pay line (that's fine, lot's of people, whatever) and the forced photo line (a completely artificial and unnecessary bottleneck). Just as we were starting to get hyped up over the beauty and majesty of the animals, we came out to a gift shop/photo sales stand/loud children gathering area. We both thought "was that it?".
After paying to get in, you have to wait in another line while pictures are taken against a green screen so that they can sell you photos of your kid at the end of the trip. If you don't want to do photos, you still have to wait in the line. This applies even if you are two grown women who have zero interest in that sort of tourist trap nonsense. Obviously, they don't let you skip even as adults because then groups with kids would try to skip and they would lose an opportunity to nickel and dime you for a photo.
If you want the short version of this review: do not go here. If you want a good animal experience for you and your kids, go to the Denver Zoo, or the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Either will be cheaper and better.
That's where the positive points end.
We asked to see a manager. A very helpful employee by the name of Jevon got us in touch with the GM for the location, Chad. Chad behaved as if he didn't want anything to do with us. Despite laying out our concerns, he boiled them down to "you weren't happy with the line?". When we asked for a refund, he said "well you're welcome to leave"... as if to really make sure we knew he wasn't holding us hostage? The last thing I told him was "I'll be honest with you: I don't think we're your target audience. This place is designed to rip money from the hands of parents of young kids. That's your business model, and that's fine. But that's not what your website makes it out to be, and we were very disappointed."
You should check this place out for the experience, but have low expectations for the food. It's pricey and not well flavored. That said, eating next to a giant aquarium is an experience you don't often get to do! Also, be prepared, when the mermaids come out, the music gets really loud, but only lasts about 3 minutes.
Not bad service was ok same with the food. The overall aquarium experience is great for dates as well as days out with the kids. Will be coming back soon.
He eventually offered us a 50% refund. Honestly, that's fair. It was about a $10 experience. But even at $10, I wouldn't return. Seriously. Go to the zoo. Go to the Wild Animal Sanctuary. You won't feel pressured to spend additional money, and it'll be cheaper to not only go the first time, but to return again and again to continue your and your kids' loves of animals.
The place was far too linear, which created a feeling of shortness and overcrowdedness. The artificial noises were far too loud and impeded on the enjoyment of the experience. The constant feeling that we were in a long gift shop line rather than an animal conservation experience ruined the majesty of the tanks.
I took my daughter here for her bday and it was less than ideal when it came time for the things she wanted to do. First off when buying the extra perks value pass make sure to ask about feeding times. this wasnt made known to us as we were wrapping up the main exhibits my kids wanted to feed the sting rays, well we were told we would have to wait 46min untill feeding time. so we decided to try and kill some time and get some snacks at the concession stand, well kids wanted pretzels and capri suns, nope, all out of stock, but hey if my kids wanted Starbucks no problem. so we decided not to hang around and go try the 4d movie. well waiting outside in the shade in the winter months is cold even with jackets. if your going to have an outside attraction like the pod for the 4d attraction maybe some outdoor heating or heaters would be nice after all it is a family oriented event. Overall extremely disappointed with the visit here. i wasted extra money on passes that my kids were not able to use. My impression is that this place preys on parents, with no intention of delivering or operating what is suppose to be a family oriented attraction.
The design of the viewing areas was very good. Lots of opportunities for panoramic views and getting your head close to whatever creatures decided to swim your way. Half way through though, an entire room is devoted to a mermaid show. Again, piles of kids, overly loud sounds and speech being piped in.
The tanks and viewing areas are mostly well designed. The variety of animals is great.
Wen is the best Bartender I've ever had! I was not a fan of the hostess, because of her almost left. But because of him I'll be coming back on multiple occasions! Amazing food he's an amazing bartender and I will be back. And just for management I was there on Sunday evening.
When I asked the photo person if there was a manager to whom we could talk, we were blown off. This is before we even saw a single animal. It left a foul taste in my mouth and soured my excitement about what I'd heard was a very cool place.
Aquarium Restaurant is a US Amusement Park based in Denver, Colorado. Aquarium Restaurant is located at 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211, USA.
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