/cities/seattle/Amusement-Parks/ Judy's Book - Latest reviews - Amusement Parks - Seattle, WA en-us help@judysbook.com http://images.judysbook.com/members/judysbook.png /cities/seattle/Amusement-Parks/ Reviews - Zoos cat c.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

After a hiatus of about five or six years, as a member of the Woodland Zoo, I had some catching up to do. So I made a trip back on the second day of October 2007 to see what had changed. A new jaguar and one for the gorillas at the beginning of the Tropical Rain Forest were two of the most important additions. Also a "night" exhibition hall for those critters that tolerate very little light (I saw nothing myself, as I have poor night vision. Supposedly it takes 10 minutes to acclimatize to the darkness). Other than not, not that much had changed in terms of animals. Maybe it's my appreciation of the sheer beauty and fascination of the animals, that has changed. October 1 through April 30 constitutes the "winter" season for the Zoo, so I was able to wander about in serenity without having tons of screaming kids and their parent-chaperons. But the zoo closes early (4 p.m.), at which time all the indoor exhibitions are locked down. Visitors can apparently stay until about 5:30, depending on the mood which zoo staff they happen upon. Actually, it was better than when I used to remember it, mostly because it was the off-season. It felt like I had it to myself and a few other interested adult "naturalist"-types. Plus a few families ("o-o-h, see the jaguar. He is lonely. He doesn't have a mate"), a few tourists. The grizzly bears in the Northern Trail section were to use the too-often used adjective, "magnificent" in a way that makes Steven Spielberg seem all too Disneyland-ish. The Monorail, Columbia Tower, etc. seem strictly utilitarian, clunky, and boring by comparison with any of the denizens of this species. Nature wins hands-down. The giraffes, with their impossibly long, thin legs were still there, passing back and forth between their aluminum sheds and the very smallish, narrow quarters outside behind the wire fence. And in the African Savanna--probably the best of the "natural environments"--no rhinoceros, but, instead, I was able to catch a fleeting close-up glance of a male lion, truly regal, before he trotted back into the savanna. I suddenly had an insight as to how obscene hunting is, especially as it is considered a "sport" (?!) and has nothing to do with meeting real human needs, other than that of sheer (mistaken) ego. And a couple of Malayan sun bears were frolicking without self-consciousness in their own miniature neck-of-the-woods. With the improvement of the "natural habitats" of the past ten years (less of the "animals-trapped-in-cages" of earlier times), a trip to the zoo every year or two brings a kind of natural bliss. Just go in the off-season so that the families don't become the principal show. My main criticism of the Woodland Zoo remains the same, and could be directed probably at most zoos: the animals, though housed in relatively "natural" environs, are still, largely, part of a "show," without enough attention being directed towards providing a learning experience. The destruction of 1/3 of the Amazon River Valley in the past few years, the sharp declines in populations, as well as their natural habitats, along with their imminent or probable extinction is not stressed enough. Going to the zoo becomes a family outing no different from other entertainment: going to the movies, to the circus, shopping at Pacific Place, skiing, etc. On the other hand, admission, or a membership, to the zoo is at least a way of showing a little appreciation for all the other members of the Natural World that we take so often for granted and have as much right, if not more, of living on this increasingly crowded (by homo sapien!), polluted planet.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/Catlover/posts/2007/10/526381/ Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:02:50 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/Catlover/posts/2007/10/526381/ Reviews - Aquariums, Zoos & Botanical Gardens cat c.
Review of: Seattle Aquarium

Nice to have the Seattle Aquarium right on the Waterfront. It is packed full of different exhibits AND hordes of tourists/families/kids. Rather confusing lay-out, like a rabbit-warren. Claustrophobic. I liked the Dome where divers feed the fish at about 1:30 in the afternoon, as well as the otters and seals. And the hall in which one can actually touch and feel the sea-slugs, starfish, and the stunning, chrysanthemum-like anemone. But for my money, a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo--mostly out in the open--makes the Aquarium pale in comparison, especially in summer, though, of course, we shouldn't be comparing...
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/Catlover/posts/2007/8/524410/ Sat, 04 Aug 2007 11:50:27 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/Catlover/posts/2007/8/524410/ Reviews - Amusement Parks CAPTAIN S.
Review of: Gameworks

gameworks is the ultimate place to go if you have kids, or are a kid yourself. thier HUGE selection of arcade games will keep you busy for hours. you don't even have to worry about bringing quarters/cash because all the games run off a re-boostable credit card that you put money onto. simply go to the front counter, and they will put as much money as you want on the card, then go to a game, slide the card, and play! they also have a good selection of prizes that kids (or you) can redeem by turning in tickets you have won. they also have an on-site restaraunt and billiards.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/66903/posts/2007/2/516118/ Sat, 24 Feb 2007 21:35:11 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/66903/posts/2007/2/516118/ Reviews - Bingo Supplies bonnie j.
Review of: Big Brother's Bingo

Although the manager likes to interupt the hall with overly loud annoucements during the game with what one may call a "bad attitude", that i believe could wait till intermission, the hired staff itself can be Smug to newbies while they dote on the regulars. They do have seating area outside for smokers with a loud speaker so you can still play if you need to smoke before the break! Which brings me to the multi intemissions for smokers, a normal 3 hour game session turns into a 4 hour because of this. Pull tabs..... the ladies that run the tabs are in general polite, but could speed it up a little ok ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!! The rest rooms. Absolutly GROSS!!!!! With the money this place brings in they could at least fix the toilets which have signs that ask the person using it to hold the handle until it flushes, thats just lazy & rude! If you are one that is annoid easily or has a lack of patience like myself, then is NOT the hall To choose!
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/63783/posts/2007/1/511786/ Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:12:55 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/63783/posts/2007/1/511786/ Reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails HAN O.
Review of: Pike Place Market

I used to live a few blocks from this place and I was SO excited....at first. Ugh, I was so turned off by all the damn tourists who don't know how to walk, the pricey ingredients, the lackluster quality of the food, and overall uselessness of the place. It's a giant souvenir pavillion! We went there several times to get seafood, fruits, breads, cheese, etc but we felt pretty gyped each time we got home and saw what we got for the amount of money we paid. One time, we paid $100 for these giant Australian lobster tails and they had the taste of chemical FUNK. No amount of salt and butter could salvage it. We got crab multiple times and there was a 50% chance that they would give us one with a rotted off leg. As for produce, sometimes they'd let you pick but most times they'd do it for you and it's never consistent. We bascially had to toss batches of fruits and veggies cause they janked us SO BAD. Go there to experience "Seattle" or whatever, but don't go there to buy anything fresh or edible.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/45586/posts/2006/12/500649/ Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:14:51 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/45586/posts/2006/12/500649/ Reviews - Zoos M G.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has been around for a very long time but they have managed to change the exhibits in the zoo to make it more humane and accessible. The African village provides a great learning experience for little children with limited experiences of any world outside of Seattle. While the nocturnal house is a favorite for kids of all ages with its simulated dark jungle. The zoo is the perfect size for a preschooler who will be able to make it through most of the zoo but will be ready to take a nap by the time you circle back around to the gate. The zoo also offers zoo tunes concerts in the summer and they always have a great line up. http://www.zoo.org
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/15515/posts/2006/11/494833/ Thu, 30 Nov 2006 21:03:06 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/15515/posts/2006/11/494833/ Reviews - Zoos Aileen O.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo ( http://www.zoo.org ) is a great zoo to have a yearly membership. We have enjoyed the zoo membership throughout the year. A common misconception is not going during the winters. On the contrary, we enjoy inclement weather- well, overcast or light rain, we are guaranteed that it won't be crowded. One perk of having a membership is that we can focus on one area at a time. In doing so, we never get bored of the zoo, there is always something new and fascinating to see. We enjoy the Zoomazium (indoors), the Birds of Prey exhibit, Willabong station (feed the birds), Butterfly exhibit (summers) and the petting farm.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/40879/posts/2006/11/491210/ Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:24:07 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/40879/posts/2006/11/491210/ Reviews - Amusement Parks Nick M.
Review of: Seattle Underground Tour

I've taken multiple family members on the Underground tour and all have found it quite interesting and enjoyable... It's especially great if you go on a rainy day -- perfect thing to do to introduce them to Seattle's past and, if you haven't done it, you should go too. Other areas we've enjoyed include Port Townsent, Ruby Beach (on the coast), Bellingham and of course, Vancouver. But, if you want to stay within the city, start down with the Underground... Great stuff to see down there and then, when you're done, go have a beer at one of the old ale houses down there.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/32176/posts/2006/11/486581/ Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:09:07 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/32176/posts/2006/11/486581/ Reviews - Tour Guides & Services Juliann B.
Review of: Argosy Cruises

We took the locks cruise during sunset. Seeing the city as well as the mountains at twilight made it worth every penny (it is fairly expensive). This was a birthday gift so I guess its easy for me to say but I wouldn't regret paying for it. The trip was so romantic and beautiful. The tour guides were pretty informative and the crew was friendly. I think its great for both tourists and locals. You learn a little bit of trivia and if you are new to the area a lot about the different neighborhoods of Seattle. It gives you a good sense of the city. But besides all that, its just fun to go out on a boat trip once in a while and see the salmon jump! :)
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/47740/posts/2006/9/460407/ Mon, 18 Sep 2006 21:40:18 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/47740/posts/2006/9/460407/ Reviews - Zoos Juliann B.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

Seriously one of the better zoos in the nation (I've been to maybe 10 all over the country). The exhibits are well done- very habitat specific for the animals at hand. I appreciated that areas of the zoo are divided by habitat/continent so as you walk around you feel like you are walking around the world. The nocturnal house is really cool and well done. But my favorite exhibit was the gorilla one. What majestic beautiful animals. I could spend all day watching them. My major complaint about the zoo is the signage. I felt a little cheated on learning the natural history (being the wildlife dork that i am). There were docents (trained volunteers) walking around to answer questions though. The raptor show was a good addition too because it brought a message of local conservation to the public. Since I don't have kids I did skip the petting zoo and the Zoomazium. I see in other reviews that people felt the Zoomazium is unsafe/pointless. I wouldn't be surprised if that was true but why focus on the rides or the Zoomazium when you have all this really neat wildlife to observe! If I had kids I definitely would bring them here. But even if you don't have kids, if you have any interest in animals this is a great spot to stop and check out.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/47740/posts/2006/9/460400/ Mon, 18 Sep 2006 21:10:25 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/47740/posts/2006/9/460400/