Very oriented to wowing very small kids. More of a "show" than a museum for live sea life. Not like most aquariums that ALSO focus on education. Descriptions are minimal, probably good if you bring small kids. Very good displays, heavy on river fish which are not colorful. The underwater viewing and tubes are well done. The "voyager" carousel that rotates to view 4 habitats is tacky, doesn't describe the other animals in the tanks, but good to sit down for 20 minutes after walking an hour +.
Glad we did the evening tickets for $25 for 5pm to 8pm compared to $38 or regular hours. Popular with families and large groups as a big cost savings. We did a very leisurely pace and were out in 90 minutes. Which was perfect as all the restaurants close at 8pm. Use the $5/ticket coupon with evening pass purchase for dinner (or gift shop).
We had a excellent Mexican dinner at El Encanto on the 2nd level - highly recommend for the food but their Cave Creek location is more "authentic" and relaxing (i.e. no carnival barkers on bullhorns in the courtyard).
For a "free" dolphin show, go to the High Bar (above the Views restaurant) at noon and 4pm, sit by the south facing rail with a drink and snack and enjoy the trainers working with the dolphins! NO entry fee. The wrap around High Bar deck also has great sunset views of McDowell Mountains and Camel Back. The restaurants are accessible without buying tickets to one of the attractions. Park for free.