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| - I'm going to try my best to review this a simply as possible. It really needs to be done in 2 different perspectives.
1st is as a single person or couple. This would be a 1 time trip only if I were single or a couple just looking to check it out. It is great in every way except for sheer cost and how to get there.
At my perspective, a mom with kids in tow, I LOVED this place. Again, cost is an issue, but knowing I will be here more than once in a year, it makes the season pass more cost effective. It is a great learning experience for the kids and even I learned a lot since I'm not a native Ohioan.
Overall, here's the dish. Getting there was kinda difficult because the rapids don't go this far. You HAVE to drive. Great if you have kids in tow, but parking is $5. Season pass or not, you PAY for parking. At least it is a large lot. (4 stars)
The building was renovated pretty well. Very clean and neat throughout. Very easy to find the aquarium and the staff is extremely helpful and very friendly. They answered all my questions and even gave great suggestions like, "Mornings are best because by the afternoon we get very crowded." (5 Stars)
Great learning experience. Every so often they have a caretaker allow patrons to have a hands on approach with the sea life. Today we got to feel a star fish, a lobster and a sea urchin. Because I have a friend that works there, we were able to get "backstage" treatment and feel an alligator and a turtle. We were also able to go into the Alligator enclosure and learn about them in great detail! A lot of the staff is stationed at critical junctions throughout and were able to answer questions about the animals and tons of fun facts. The shark area also has the water tunnel to walk through. WORTH IT!!! (5 Stars)
Finally the gift shop. Small and over price but worth it if you're not coming back. Stuffed animals, clothing items and a few jewelery pieces, so selection is very limited. Normal gift shop wears. (3 stars)
Overall, I give it 4 stars. Like I said before, sheer cost was the main driving force there. $21 per adult and $15.95 per kid (2-12yrs). Under 2 is free. Single person season pass $50 and Family season pass is $130. I can't remember the couple pass price, but it pays itself off in 2 visits.
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