Share
1,155
Expert MemberExpert Member
1,155

PostJan 06, 2020#326

KansasCitian wrote: ↑
Jan 06, 2020
Google reviews have not been kind to the Aquarium. The place has a mediocre 3.0 rating with 140 reviews. 
I had to go read some. Almost every negative comment says it's nice but small. They all keep using the word "underwhelming" for some reason. 
Far too many comments are comparing it to Chicago though which makes me want to punch something. One comment said "I went expecting a world-class aquarium." Which... good god. 

On a positive note, St. Louis likes to beat itself up but we have high expectations in our attractions. Says something about our zoo, botanical garden, etc. 
2,055
Life MemberLife Member
2,055

PostJan 06, 2020#327

A lot of the negative review seem to setting the bar at other city's aquariums or the zoo which is tough... considering.  I gave it a 5-star myself... 
2,419
Life MemberLife Member
2,419

PostJan 06, 2020#328

I'm sure that expectations were set too high, but I personally look at things such as Google reviews before visiting attractions like this in other cities. Without knowing the local story, like I do here, I might pass on something that costs $25 per family member and only has a 3.0 rating. 

I hope this doesn't hurt the aquarium in the long run. I don't think it will, with MLS practically moving in across the street, and with Union Station and the Aquarium having plenty of room to expand, but it's undeniable that the early reviews are kind of lackluster. 
5,705
Life MemberLife Member
5,705

PostJan 06, 2020#329

KansasCitian wrote: ↑
Jan 06, 2020
Google reviews have not been kind to the Aquarium. The place has a mediocre 3.0 rating with 140 reviews. 
You might say it might be on the realistic side if understand that the aquarium itself is a step or above anything that has been in region beforehand but at the end of the day is probably a step below from the Chicago Shed Aquarium.   I can't remember the guy's name who ended up at the landing with his aquarium collection but remember taking my three year old son when he was in the Hanely Industrial park, not impressive but worked for 2-3 year old, and have been to the Shed a few times.   So I picture Union Station Aquarium somewhere in between and ratings would expect reflect some what the same
788
Super MemberSuper Member
788

PostJan 06, 2020#330

I think with the positive response from the media and the great turnout the owners will start planning upgrades pretty quickly. Just looked it up and Shedd has 3.5 stars on yelp compared to 3 at Union Station. Although it has 4.6 on google. 

With that said I really enjoyed it. People are complaining about $25 but then suggest going to a different city to see their aquarium. The complaints sound crazy entitled to me. I thought it was a bit small but I think the price is fair and I believe that they will expand and are still growing into the place. The workers/handlers were knowledgeable and friendly. We went to the last time slot at 8 and it took us probably 1-1.5 hours to get through but we were interested in being there and were not just rushing through. 
2,481
Life MemberLife Member
2,481

PostJan 06, 2020#331

dredger wrote: ↑
Jan 06, 2020
KansasCitian wrote: ↑
Jan 06, 2020
Google reviews have not been kind to the Aquarium. The place has a mediocre 3.0 rating with 140 reviews. 
You might say it might be on the realistic side if understand that the aquarium itself is a step or above anything that has been in region beforehand but at the end of the day is probably a step below from the Chicago Shed Aquarium.   I can't remember the guy's name who ended up at the landing with his aquarium collection but remember taking my three year old son when he was in the Hanely Industrial park, not impressive but worked for 2-3 year old, and have been to the Shed a few times.   So I picture Union Station Aquarium somewhere in between and ratings would expect reflect some what the same
Leonard Sonnenschein.  His aquarium went from City Museum to Hanley Industrial Park (or was it the other way around?) to the Landing.  

There was once a proposal to build an aquarium on the north end of the Arch grounds.  That proposal was much larger than the Union Station attraction, somewhere around the size of the initial phase of the Baltimore Aquarium.  That aquarium would have been a large step below Shedd Aquarium.  
5,705
Life MemberLife Member
5,705

PostJan 07, 2020#332

I can see expectations being pretty high when their is probably a fair share of St. Louis people who have at least visited the Chicago Shed Aquarium at some point.  At same time, you have to be glad something legitimate came together with room to grow the aquarium downtown.   You would have to think that Union Square aquarium incorporated into the other attractions will have more staying power then say a stand alone on the Landing.    

My wishful idea was a full on aquarium on the riverfront with a Big Muddy viewing window so that one day a kid could be scared out of his wits by a Big Muddy catfish coming up to the window hoping for some lunch.   Why think small with a shark or two when you might get a full on view of a monster catfish staring you down.  
2,481
Life MemberLife Member
2,481

PostJan 07, 2020#333

dredger wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I can see expectations being pretty high when their is probably a fair share of St. Louis people who have at least visited the Chicago Shed Aquarium at some point.  At same time, you have to be glad something legitimate came together with room to grow the aquarium downtown.   You would have to think that Union Square aquarium incorporated into the other attractions will have more staying power then say a stand alone on the Landing.    

My wishful idea was a full on aquarium on the riverfront with a Big Muddy viewing window so that one day a kid could be scared out of his wits by a Big Muddy catfish coming up to the window hoping for some lunch.   Why think small with a shark or two when you might get a full on view of a monster catfish staring you down.  
A Big Muddy viewing window would have been very disappointing.  🙂  But yes, an aquarium on the riverfront, run by the St. Louis Zoo, was always at the top of my pipe dream list.  I think it would have tied in perfectly with the Landing and the Arch attractions, and they would have fed off of the combined activity very well.

I think there is a disconnect with the Union Station attraction.  It is not comparable to the institutional aquariums around the country, and never will be, but they seem to be billing it that way.  People will inevitably be disappointed if that is what they are expecting.  It is an aquatic attraction designed for families with young children, like all the other attractions at Union Station, and there's nothing wrong with that. 
9,549
Life MemberLife Member
9,549

PostJan 07, 2020#334

I bet Landry’s seafood gets no business from people leaving the aquarium. *ill let myself out now*
2,481
Life MemberLife Member
2,481

PostJan 07, 2020#335

dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I bet Landry’s seafood gets no business from people leaving the aquarium.     *ill let myself out now*
Do they have otter on the menu?  🙂
6,119
Life MemberLife Member
6,119

PostJan 07, 2020#336

To be completely fair, twenty five sounds high for a "family" attraction to me. But I b**** and moan something fierce with sticker shock when in other cities. We're so used to world class cheap or free. Honestly, dollar for family museum dollar the only city that I think beats us is DC. And they have the fed funding the show, and we come a lot closer than we have any right to.

All that said, one hopes with the kinds of numbers they're putting up and the built in room to expand they have that they will indeed eventually compete with the institutional aquariums. Even if they do put it in the middle of a baby Navy Pier. (And while they're at it they might consider knocking the price down some. We have a reputation to maintain here. Geeze! Ask for subsidies if you gotta. We'll give 'em to a good museum.)
9,549
Life MemberLife Member
9,549

PostJan 07, 2020#337

symphonicpoet wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
To be completely fair, twenty five sounds high for a "family" attraction to me. But I b**** and moan something fierce with sticker shock when in other cities. We're so used to world class cheap or free. Honestly, dollar for family museum dollar the only city that I think beats us is DC. And they have the fed funding the show, and we come a lot closer than we have any right to.

All that said, one hopes with the kinds of numbers they're putting up and the built in room to expand they have that they will indeed eventually compete with the institutional aquariums. Even if they do put it in the middle of a baby Navy Pier. (And while they're at it they might consider knocking the price down some. We have a reputation to maintain here. Geeze! Ask for subsidies if you gotta. We'll give 'em to a good museum.)
They should have tried to stay closer to City Museums price, $16. 
195
Junior MemberJunior Member
195

PostJan 07, 2020#338

I'm not expecting the Shedd Aquarium so that's not the experience I'll be comparing it too, but $25 does seem awfully steep for the experience I'm expecting. That's more expensive than the Dallas World Aquarium or the resident price for Shedd. I'm looking forward to taking the kids to see it, and if it seems like it could be a regular outing for us we could always get the annual pass.

My cheapness aside, I'm happy it is doing well, and that people are at Union Station again. 
2,419
Life MemberLife Member
2,419

PostJan 07, 2020#339

I expect that Union Station is going to make a killing with the new attractions and that it is not going to die down anytime soon. 

I hope that the developers have a plan to continue adding attractions, and expanding onto the aquarium, over the next five to ten years. 
123
Junior MemberJunior Member
123

PostJan 07, 2020#340

Ken from Chesterfield needs to stay away from outlet mall in Chesterfield, gun fire seems to be common there now a days.
I agree with the one poster, complete troll job.  Probably has a beef with the owners.
19
New MemberNew Member
19

PostJan 07, 2020#341

I also saw a lot of negative reviews complaining about how "crowded" it was. That to me has always seemed like one of the stupidest reasons to review a business poorly. It's ironic to me; because if I'm at a place for the first time and it's busy, that tells me it must be a pretty amazing and desirable place. Not to mention I think everyone that's been to the aquarium knows it's brand new; are those people expecting to be the only ones there? No, you expect it to be crowded. Hopefully at some point the crowds die down and it won't appear to be as "busy" and "all hype." I also hope the same for the rest of the Union Station attractions and restaurants; they've taken quite a beating with the reviews, namely the Soda Fountain (I went and everything was just fine). Not sure why the constant complainers about Union Station when it's such an amazing place now to me.
123
Junior MemberJunior Member
123

PostJan 07, 2020#342

eflurer wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I also saw a lot of negative reviews complaining about how "crowded" it was. That to me has always seemed like one of the stupidest reasons to review a business poorly. It's ironic to me; because if I'm at a place for the first time and it's busy, that tells me it must be a pretty amazing and desirable place. Not to mention I think everyone that's been to the aquarium knows it's brand new; are those people expecting to be the only ones there? No, you expect it to be crowded. Hopefully at some point the crowds die down and it won't appear to be as "busy" and "all hype." I also hope the same for the rest of the Union Station attractions and restaurants; they've taken quite a beating with the reviews, namely the Soda Fountain (I went and everything was just fine). Not sure why the constant complainers about Union Station when it's such an amazing place now to me.
I have come to the conclusion most people just like to b!tch about ever thing.
2,481
Life MemberLife Member
2,481

PostJan 07, 2020#343

dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I bet Landry’s seafood gets no business from people leaving the aquarium.     *ill let myself out now*
And by the way, I don't know if that was a sly reference to this fact or not, but Landry's does own several aquariums around the country.  I believe they all have seafood restaurants in them, or at least nearby...
2,813
Life MemberLife Member
2,813

PostJan 07, 2020#344

Rooster wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
eflurer wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I also saw a lot of negative reviews complaining about how "crowded" it was. That to me has always seemed like one of the stupidest reasons to review a business poorly. It's ironic to me; because if I'm at a place for the first time and it's busy, that tells me it must be a pretty amazing and desirable place. Not to mention I think everyone that's been to the aquarium knows it's brand new; are those people expecting to be the only ones there? No, you expect it to be crowded. Hopefully at some point the crowds die down and it won't appear to be as "busy" and "all hype." I also hope the same for the rest of the Union Station attractions and restaurants; they've taken quite a beating with the reviews, namely the Soda Fountain (I went and everything was just fine). Not sure why the constant complainers about Union Station when it's such an amazing place now to me.
I have come to the conclusion most people just like to b!tch about ever thing.
I agree. People are spoiled and with technology and instagratification In today's American world, it is getting worse.

We went today to the Aquarium. It was busy but not jammed (on a Tuesday at 1:30pm). I liked it and I think it was very nicely built and looks really nice. A lot of interactive spots throughout. The entrance was amazing to me... the entire welcome aboard train ride was great and so well done with John Goodman narrating. Then onto the Mississippi Delta and aquariums...nice. the outside area (inside Union Stations climate controlled building) was really a great open space with many touch pools and interactive stations for all... kids love that... then down and descending into the Shark Canyon was nice. The key is to look up down around... there are viewing glass windows everywhere and then two larger viewing areas of the aquarium. It is nicely done. The last portion is the gift shop. Also many may not realize to go into the Aquarium Conservation museum across from the main entrance. It is nice too. The Soda Fountain has a gift show, seated area with service and menu, and a coffee/bakery bar too. The wheel is massive and really nice. The caroself and train park is nice. Landrys look great and the fire show on the lake is cool even during the day. Build a Bear's new store looks nice and full too. Ate at Lombardos across from Landrys and the wheel at Drury Inn and Suites Union Station.
The entire place looks great.
Yes, the aquarium can expand more and will I am sure.... relatively quickly too.
Took about 1 hour... and 25 bucks isn't much really. We are just so use to free everything for attractions in this city. Shed is 40 bucks a pop and parking 20. Union Station parking for the aquarium is only 5 bucks.
221
Junior MemberJunior Member
221

PostJan 08, 2020#345

St. Louis Aquarium has 100,000 visitors in first two weeks.

From St. Louis Public Radio/NPR.
Link
6,119
Life MemberLife Member
6,119

PostJan 08, 2020#346

^Sweet Jesus! Very nice! Even if I hope they manage to get their prices down just a tad, I do wish them continued success. Went to a crazy German speaking dinner group tonight and one of the fellows there has already been not once, but twice with I believe his grandkids. Sounds like LHM built a winner.
1,291
Veteran MemberVeteran Member
1,291

PostJan 08, 2020#347

eflurer wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I also saw a lot of negative reviews complaining about how "crowded" it was.
Brings to mind "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded."
2,481
Life MemberLife Member
2,481

PostJan 09, 2020#348

Actual ticket prices for the Aquarium at Union Station are $21.43 for adults and $15.43 for children.  The reported prices of $25 and $18 are inflated in part because they include a whopping 16.7% tax.  The US Aquarium has $5 discounted parking with purchase of an aquarium ticket, but also says that "hourly rates apply". 

Comparing ticket prices to similar aquatic tourist attractions like Mall of America (SeaLife) and Gatlinburg, TN (Ripley's), the Union Station Aquarium does seem to be at the lower end of the range.  Of course most of these also have free parking available, and have more in terms of surrounding attractions.  

PostJan 09, 2020#349

Trololzilla wrote: ↑
Jan 08, 2020
eflurer wrote: ↑
Jan 07, 2020
I also saw a lot of negative reviews complaining about how "crowded" it was.
Brings to mind "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded."
Feeling "too crowded" can be an indication of poor layout and management as well.  In my visit, for example, there seemed to be a lot of large groups of people just milling around the interior aquarium entrance, I suppose waiting for their ticket times.  And yet there is a very large bare, empty space between the Midway and the aquarium entrance, which is walled off with a security fence and gate (although the gate door was open).

Obviously, it just opened, and they haven't had a chance to work out all the kinks.  But I really hope they have a plan for all the bare drywall and security fence.
2,037
Life MemberLife Member
2,037

PostJan 09, 2020#350

If there have been 100k visitors I would imagine the Aquarium is raking in quite a bit of cash!
Read more posts (57 remaining)
Share