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| - Anxious to see this new addition and knowing it was being marketed as the largest in the US., my family went on the second day it was open. Admission for 2 adults and 1 child came to $52 and change, which made it more expensive than other local attractions. Overall, we enjoyed the experience but it was not worth the money, especially when both the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are a 15 minute drive away, both are cheaper, larger, provide much more to see and do for a longer period of time, and DBG has it's own Spring Butterfly Exhibit.
Our son enjoyed the 3D movie, and throughout our entire visit, was the most educational aspect provided - although it centered around Monarch butterflies and their migration only. The Chrysalis Lab, which you visit next, was the highlight of the visit. However, there was absolutely no information provided aside from the paper tags identifying the types of butterflies in each type of cocoon. Because you visit this area directly after the movie and the entire theater is emptied directly into this room, you really only have the length of the next movie to enjoy yourself before being crowded in upon by the next incoming group. Due to my family being at the back of our theater, by the time the room cleared out enough to give us a good view of the cocoons, we had about 5 minutes or so and then were swarmed by the next large group of people anxious to get a look and were crowded out.
The atrium itself was alright, but disappointing for what was being boasted about it. It was hot and humid, as to be expected, and the vegetation has a lot of growing to do before it can even be considered as rainforest-y. The butterfly guide provided when admission was paid was both lacking quite a few species which were spotted, and listed a handful which weren't identified anywhere. Aside from the few guides answering questions for children and marking their punch cards (they received a prize at the end for having a completed punch card), there was absolutely no information, signage, etc. provided anywhere...which was disappointing.
The ant colony and bee exhibit were alright, but have potential to be much better. There were a few native AZ species in a corner that looked like they were thrown in as an afterthought and were out of place. The fish seemed as an odd addition, and were nothing spectacular. All very common species of fish found at any chain pet store and in the center of the room was a touch tank with 4 very small stingray laying on the bottom of the pool. Only one came up on occasion, and the moment it was touched, went straight back down to the bottom. Not faulting the stingray and wanting to be left alone, but a lot more could be done with that exhibit if they want to make it memorable in any way.
Overall, a once-a-year-if-that sort of place unless you REALLY like butterflies. It was expensive, and didn't provide enough for more than 1 1/2 to 2 hours of entertainment in its entirety. Other valley organizations are cheaper, and have a lot more to offer. I'll wait until the Odyssey Aquarium is built next to it, before ever venturing back over to that area.
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