I purchased a day pass through Gulf Coast Educators Credit Union since it was slightly discounted. The cost was $46 per person and it gave us entrance to all 3 pyramids, the 4D movie, a 3D movie and Palm Beach. I wasn't sure how much time we'd spend at each pyramid and I was certain Jocelyn would like the Pirates' exhibit. Overall we had a great time - but I think it's a bit pricey for what you get (and I'm one that thinks Disney park tickets are worth the astronomical price).
We arrived at 10am - right at opening, and went to the Aquarium first. Jocelyn loved the seals and the penguins. We looked at all the fish, turtles, star fish and I let Jocelyn take as much time as she wanted. Being a 4 year old - she was ready after about 30 minutes.
Next up we headed to the Discovery Pyramid for the Pirate's exhibit. I thought she'd love this because she really likes Jake and the Neverland Pirates. The exhibit was based on the findings of a real pirate ship called the Whydah. We watched a short movie all about the history of the ship and the discovery of the wreckage. The film wasn't scary and didn't seem to bother Jocelyn at all. But as soon as the doors opened to head into the exhibit, Jocelyn started to freak out a little. There weren't any scary artifacts - just stuff from the ship - the bell, cannons, cannon balls and there were recreation sets of what some parts of the ship looked like. We were in there for about a minute and Jocelyn started to cry and wanted to leave. There was no consoling her, so we headed to the next stop.
The last pyramid was the Rainforest Pyramid and she liked this one but not as much as the aquarium. We saw lots of birds, snakes, fish, etc and she liked it but didn't have any interest in learning much about life in the rainforest - no big surprise there. She did see the python and commented that "it must be the snake that eats people." Not sure where she learned that from. It was very warm in the pyramid (as it needed to be) and all Jocelyn wanted to do was go to the gift shop because I promised her she could pick out 1 thing.
Next stop = the gift shop. She picked out a long stuffed snake and she loves it. We took our purchase and headed into the 4D movie featuring Rio. Jocelyn really enjoyed this. There were special effects throughout - rumbling of the seats, puffs of air to go along with scenes from the movie, etc. It was only about 15 minutes long and very enjoyable.
Next we took a break to eat lunch before heading out to Palm Beach. We ate at the Garden Restaurant. The menu was good with lots of variety, plus there was a large buffet will lots to choose from. I ordered a simple BLT with avocado and fruit and Jocelyn has the grilled cheese. We had a nice table right next to the window that overlooked the water. The service was good and it wasn't too pricey (more than fast food of course). Jocelyn liked having a grown up glass with a straw.
The best part of the day was Palm Beach. We headed back to the car to grab our bag with our swimsuits and walked over to the water park area. A quick change in the ladies restroom, a rental of a locker ($10 charge) and selection of life vest (this was free) and we were good to go. The ladies restroom had a few showers and the stalls just for changing we right next to those, so the floors of the changing area were soaked and made it a little challenging. I didn't get any pictures of her in the water because I kept my phone and wallet all locked up in the locker.
First we went to the splash pad, then the kiddie slide area, then the wave pool and the beach. She had a blast. Of course she wouldn't do the big slides - she loved the wave pool.
Overall, we had a great day. It didn't feel too crowded and I had no trouble finding a table or chair in the water park area. We could've spent the whole day at the water area and just paid for that part, but I wanted her to see the other exhibits. Now that we've done them, I'm not sure I'd buy another full day pass.
I'd like to check out Schlitterbahn Galveston next. I'm sure she'd love that too.
