If we hadn't read the previous reviews we would probably have been quite disappointed. But our exppectations were well managed and with a buy an adult admission get a child's admission free we enjoyed a nice change of scenery for an hour and a half.
Sea Life is dreaming if they think the regular admission price matches the value of the experience. The shark talk was pretty lamely delivered and included a blanket statement that "sharks are an endangered species".... perhaps true for specific species of shark, but I doubt the kid deliveringthe talk would understand the difference between genus and species. Also when we asked what other names the "mexican lookdown fish" also went by (Because it looked familiar to us but we had never heard the name Mexican lookdown fish before) he had no suggestions. However...at least he was making an attempt to discuss the animals on display, unlike the two kiddos manning the tidepools...think "Omg im so excited for my play tonight! My costumes all over the backroom because I totally have to finish it on my break!!! Like totally!"....ugh.
All that said, if you have a 2 for one and you're looking for a change of scenery for an afternoon and you are willing to lower your ideals for what an aquarium is about....go. but go forwarned.
Also...no conservation message? But a request for some random charity called Merlins Magic Wand for which there is no obvious mission? The most specific statement made was "makes kids smile"...okaaaaaaaay.