Shedd Aquarium Total Experience Pass Tickets

After reading some of the NEGATIVE reviews we were hesitant. This is why I am posting a POSITIVE review and continue to question some peoples motives and expectations. Just returned from a day at Shedd Aquarium and LOVED it as did our 6 yr. old. Be sure to purchase the TOTAL EXPERIENCE tickets on-line. Might still have to stand in line some but not as long. Plan on taking a cab to avoid parking costs and walking long distances. The Dolphin show, Ice Age 3D, penguin encounter and Jellies were great. You can see everything in 4-5 hours along with one of the best views of Lake Michigan from the Dolphin Encounter. If you are expecting to jump into the tank and get pulled around by Flipper or not having to wait in a line to enter or see a show, then do everyone a favor and stay home.

I visited teh Shedd on 9/14/2013. I can honestly say it was a waste of time and money. I purchused the weekend pass for like $40. The aquatic show SUCKED!!! It was more of a movie than a live fish show. More of a Educational movie instead of entertainment. The String-ray touch was pitiful. they don't even come up that often for you to touch. The other attractions within also sucked. To give you an idea, my 4 yr old daughters lost intrest after 30 mins. The best part was the 4D show. I wouldn't reccomend paying so much. if you want to go, pay only the general admission

I read other reviews about the 'total experience package' before I decided to purchase tickets. So, I suggest to others to read other reviews before spending your money. I would say the 'total experience pass' is the best to get for a family and buy online, instead of going and purchasing your tickets because you will be charged $2.00 extra depending on what show you want to experience... I advise people to go on the website and really look into detail for the type of pass one might prefer. I rated the experience I had at the Shedd was about a '3'! It wasn't bad and it wasn't too good either. Now, obviously, this is my own opinion but the 'Abbott Oceanarium' show with the dolphins and whales was definately 'NOT' what I was looking for..the dolphins and whales did minimal tricks! I actually, had a better time going under ground and seeing them swim. I rate the water show at a '2'! It wasn't all that! So, if you happen to not go to the show..you won't be missing much! Going underground is much better. The 4D show was okay..its strictly geared towards children (which was fine). The price of $2.00 or $3.00 was fair/but it last maybe 10 or 15 minutes. If you happen to miss that..don't worry about it/ your not missing much their. The best to me was the jellyfish and getting to touch the stingrays. Other than that..your pretty much walking around looking at other really cool fish. The food prices are too high, bring your own lunch..or eat after.. Will I come back, maybe one day..but I won't be rushing back with the family.

This was an awesome experience for the whole family. I bought tickets online the night before, so when we arrived there were no lines to wait in. With this pass we already had tickets to the Aquatic Show (Loved it) and also a 4-D movie (Great as well), so there were no additional fees when we arrived. If you are going to plan a day here I would recommend getting there right when they open, as the day went on it got very busy. It was nice being able to walk freely around the exhibits that were later packed with people. Also, with this pass we were all able to touch the Sting Rays. That was really neat, everyone liked it! If your looking for a pass that really allows you the best possible experience for a fair rate, this is it. Hope this helps, and have fun! One last thing, parking was $22!

The Total Experience pass is perfect to see everything at the Aquarium. We were there on a Saturday, the Aquarium was packed, but having the tickets (including show times) in advance made this day a breeze. The line to purchase tickets at the Aquarium (at 9am) was ridiculously long, but with the printed passes you get to by pass the line and go straight thru the Will Call doors to receive your wrist bands. Then you are free to walk thru the Aquarium and see what you'd like in your own time frame. We had 10am seats at the Aquatic Show (20 min long, it was ok, not as great as Sea World), and 12pm tickets for Ice Age 4D (It was great! Your kids will love it! about 20 min long). It is recommend that you line up about 15 minutes before your scheduled show time (just to secure seats together for your family). But, this process was a breeze! I heard a lot of complaints from people who didn't purchase tickets online that the seats for the shows they wanted were already sold out when the Aquarium opened, because so many people are buying the tickets on line. So, if you don't pre-purchase tickets for shows, you probably won't get into your preferred shows on a weekend. We brought our own snacks from home, and just purchased ice cream while there. It's warm inside the Aquarium, but you may need a light jacket in the 4D shows- everywhere else is easily 75-80 degrees . Also, the parking fills up pretty quickly. We used the Valet service ($26). Pricey, but convenient. Ths isn't the kind of place that you'd need to return to (unless a new exhibit comes to town), so spending a couple of hundred dollars knowing we won't be back any time soon worked just fine for my family of 4. We loved the Jellies exhibit and the 4D show!

My husband and I took my 2 1/2 year old son and he absolutely loved it! We had just as much fun as he did! We went during sprink break which was probably a little more busier than usual but it wasn't bad at all. I recommend getting the Total Experience Pass so you can see everything, but you'll need to dedicate a whole day if you do. The only negative part was the cost of the food and snacks, but I can't say I was suprised by this. I would just plan on bringing some of your own....I'm not sure that's allowed though.

As my wife said its life changing seeing all that god has created!

great i will take my kids all the time for example my son loves to see the sharks