If you’ve ever tried choosing a hotel in Las Vegas, you’ll know how overwhelming it can be. There are so many big names, bold themes, and over-the-top experiences — but what if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed?

Welcome to Park MGM, the Strip’s first smoke-free hotel and casino, and one of our new favorite stays in Vegas. This was our base for our most recent trip, and after checking into nearly every major resort in town over the years, we were excited to see how Park MGM stacks up. Spoiler: we were impressed — though it’s not without a few quirks.

Booking & Perks

We booked our stay through our travel partner Fora, and honestly, it was a great decision. Not only did we get a cheaper rate than Booking.com or Expedia, but we also enjoyed some seriously nice perks — early check-in, late checkout, and even a $100 food and beverage credit.

Even better, after we booked, the price actually dropped. Fora rebooked us at the lower rate automatically, which saved us even more.

If you’d like similar deals and extras on Las Vegas hotels, you can check out our travel site at USA Travel Advisors — we can help you lock in exclusive rates and perks at Park MGM and many other Vegas resorts.

Arrival & Check-In

We arrived late after flying in on British Airways’ Club World Suite (full review coming soon!), so our early check-in perk went unused. Still, check-in was smooth and efficient. There was no queue at all around 10 PM, and even at busier times during our stay, the front desk staff handled crowds well.

We weren’t offered a direct upgrade, but we did get a high-floor room with a pool and CityCenter view, along with a full explanation of our included perks. A solid start to the stay.

Room Review: Park MGM King Strip View

Our Standard King Room (upgraded to a Strip View) was modern, comfortable, and well-designed — if not particularly large.

At around 400 sq. ft., it’s a bit smaller than newer Vegas rooms, but the recessed bed area makes it feel more spacious. The design and decor are sleek and contemporary, with stylish artwork, dark tones, and a boutique vibe. Everything felt fresh and recently renovated.

We especially liked the bathroom, with its deep red tiles and high-end finishes. It was spotless, smelled clean, and had a sense of understated luxury.

There’s no traditional desk, but the small dining table doubles as a workspace. The minibar is minimalist — just a few snacks and waters — but honestly, we prefer that over the overpriced, motion-activated ones you find elsewhere on the Strip.

The bed was excellent: plush linens, great pillows, and perfect after a long night out in Sin City.

The only downside? The view. Even on a higher floor, the windows are small, and the outlook isn’t exactly iconic Vegas. But overall, the room struck a nice balance between comfort and value.

What We Loved About Park MGM

1. The Smoke-Free Casino

This is the standout feature — and one of the main reasons we booked. Walking through a Vegas casino and not smelling smoke is a revelation.

The air feels clean and fresh, and your clothes don’t reek after a few hours on the floor. While we know not everyone will love a smoke-free casino, for us, it made the experience so much more enjoyable.

2. The Location

Park MGM sits in a prime central spot on the Strip, right next to New York-New York and Aria. You’re close to most of Vegas’s top attractions without being swallowed by one of those mega-complexes that take 15 minutes just to exit.

Unlike Aria, which is set back in CityCenter, Park MGM opens directly onto the Strip — super convenient.

3. Compact and Easy to Navigate

One of the biggest frustrations in Vegas hotels is how long it takes to get from your room to the street. Park MGM is refreshingly compact. You can be out on Las Vegas Boulevard in under five minutes — no need for a map or hiking boots.

4. Great Dining Options

More on this below, but Park MGM punches well above its weight when it comes to food.

What We Didn’t Love

Park MGM isn’t perfect, and we did have a few nitpicks.

The biggest drawback is that it lacks that over-the-top Vegas wow factor. There’s no jaw-dropping theme, no dancing fountains, no wild decor. It feels more like a modern city hotel than a flashy resort — which can be a good or bad thing depending on what you’re looking for.

The views are also underwhelming, and the rooms, while stylish, still reflect the hotel’s older bones in their layout.

That said, compared to similar mid-range resorts, Park MGM feels far more polished and fresh. It’s a hidden gem rather than a showstopper — and we’re perfectly fine with that.

Food & Drink at Park MGM

This is where Park MGM shines.

Right at the entrance, you’ll find Eataly, a bustling Italian marketplace with multiple food counters serving everything from pizza and pasta to gelato and Aperol Spritzes. It’s casual, lively, and the perfect spot for a quick bite or a lazy lunch.

Then there’s Best Friend, Roy Choi’s Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant, which is an absolute must-try. If you’ve seen the movie Chef, you’ll know Roy Choi was the inspiration — and you can even grab one of his famous Cubanos at the nearby Chef Truck.

We also loved La La Noodle for quick, tasty Asian comfort food, and The Crack Shack for its crispy chicken sandwiches right on the Strip. Even the poolside nachos were excellent (and huge).

For fine dining, Bavette’s Steakhouse and NoMad Library are both on-site and highly rated, though we didn’t get to sample them this trip.

Pool & Amenities

Park MGM Pool

We weren’t expecting much from the pool area, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

It’s split into several smaller pools surrounded by greenery, offering both sun and shade. The vibe is relaxed, not party-heavy, and there are plenty of free loungers. Reserved daybeds and cabanas are available too and priced fairly by Vegas standards.

It’s not the most glamorous pool on the Strip, but it’s comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a mid-morning dip before heading out.

Entertainment & Things to Do

Park MGM doesn’t have a huge lineup of in-house attractions, but its location more than makes up for it.

Dolby Live, the on-site concert venue, regularly hosts big-name acts and residencies, and the On The Record nightclub keeps the nightlife energy alive. Beyond that, you’re steps from T-Mobile Arena, The Cosmopolitan, and all the action of the Strip.

Final Thoughts: Is Park MGM Worth It?

Absolutely.

We found Park MGM to be one of the best-value 4-star hotels on the Strip. It’s clean, calm, and refreshingly smoke-free, with great dining and an unbeatable location. It’s ideal for repeat visitors who’ve done the glitz and just want a comfortable, convenient base to explore from.

If it’s your first Vegas trip and you’re chasing that “wow” factor, you might prefer something flashier like the Bellagio or Venetian. But for a relaxed, modern Vegas stay that doesn’t break the bank, Park MGM is a winner.

We paid around $930 for four nights, even during the busy Electric Daisy Carnival weekend — a real steal when neighbouring resorts were charging nearly double.

It may not scream Vegas extravagance, but that’s part of its charm. Park MGM is a calm oasis in the chaos of the Strip — and we’d happily stay again.

Have you stayed at Park MGM or another favourite Vegas hotel? Let us know in the comments — and don’t forget to check out our upcoming Las Vegas reviews on Your USA City Guide.

About the Author

Your USA City Guide is created by a team of passionate travellers exploring America’s most iconic destinations. From road trips and city escapes to hotel reviews and hidden gems, we share real experiences to help you travel smarter, better, and with confidence.

Follow our adventures across the States on YouTube and Instagram, and check out more guides at yourusacityguide.com.

With this in mind, we bring you our thoughts on The Old Lahaina Laua, one of the oldest and most revered Luaus on the Island. But with new and high-end premium Luau’s popping up all the time does the Old Lahaina Luau still cut it? With all the Recent Price hikes, is it still good value and what exactly can you expect for your money at this premium Luau presentation that focuses primarily on Authenticity over commercial trappings of the Hotel Luaus? Find out everything you need to know here in our Old Lahaina Luau Review.

• Event: Oceanside Luau Feast and Show
• Location: Lahaina, West Maui – Oceanfront
• Cost: $220 – Adult – $134 Child (3-12yrs)
• Drinks: Open Bar
• Included: Flower Leu
• Best for: Most Authentic Luau in Maui

• Premium Options: None

Is It Worth Attending a Luau

For us, no trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to a Luau. Yes, we know they are incredibly touristy and have more to do with commercialization than tradition, but they are just fun and part of the more modern Hawaiian traditions.

Prices have really shot up since the pandemic and they now really represent a huge outlay and a significant chink in your trip budget. But they still offer one of the best ways to spend an evening in Maui. Dinner, a show, an open bar, and exposure to some Hawaiian culture, even if it is a little caricatured.

The fact that these events are now so expensive, means there is even less room for error in finding the best Laua on the island. So we have put together some detailed reviews of the island’s best Luaus, and top of that bunch is the legendary Old Lahaina Luau…

What is the Old Lahaina Luau

The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the oldest Luau operating in Maui. Its focus is on authenticity and a welcoming friendly vibe. The Luau does not strive to emulate or match its rivals and instead treads its own path, daring to be different with the aim that Authentic is better.

You get everything you expect with a Laua on Maui, a fantastic feast, bottomless drinks, stunning grounds, Hawaiian activities, and a vibrant and exciting show. But they do most things a little differently and the result is a very special Luau we think most people should strongly consider.

History of the Old Lahaina Luau

The Old Lahaina Luau has been running in one shape or form since 1986 and has always focused on a culturally sensitive approach and has tried to avoid the tacky trappings of most Hawaiian Luau Presentations.

The Luau was situated on the oceanfront at 505 Front Street, which was the location of the Feast at Lele (Sister Luau). It received critical acclaim and many repeat visitors and its success saw it move to larger grounds on the other side of Lahaina.

A New Era of the Luau was ushered in after the COVID shutdowns as the Luau moved from a Buffet Feat to Table service with a greater focus on presentation and quality.

The latest Chapter has been scorched into this Luau’s history with the horrific fires that destroyed the majority of Kahain Town, the Luau somehow survived, but surrounded by affected areas this dark chapter of Mauis history will always leave a mark on the Luau.

Is the Old Lahaina Luau the Best Luau on Maui?

The word best comes with lots of judgment and opinion and other is never really a definitive answer to what the “best” anything is. But as far as Luau’s on Maui, it really is hard to make a case for any rival luau being better. Some may do certain things better, but as an overall package, none of them can beat the Old Lahaina Luau.

This does not mean the others are poor (some of them are), or that they offer bad experiences, it’s just the Old Lahaina Luau is just so good it’s hard to compete. The setting, excellent drinks, fantastic food, wonderful hosts, and intricate and spectacular show, all just add up to the most complete package.

We love the authenticity of the Luau. The efforts the team goes to, in order to stay as authentic and real to the Hawaiian Culture are really admirable, They even do things, and omit things that are detrimental to their success, simply as the alternative would not be authentic. Old Lahaina Luau suffered structural damage from the Lahaina Fires in August 2023 and was closed for a considerable time. We really do love the Old Lahaina Luau and it has made us so happy to hear that they will be re-opening on February 18th you can now book on their website! After everything their staff and families have been through, we are rooting for Old Lahaina Luau and wish them the best in their re-opening.

We need some full disclosure here. We are not in any way affiliated* with the Old Lahaina Luau and have full editorial control over this article, and all the other Luau Reviews (and every other single article and review on our site, we are 100% independent). We thought that it important to get across early as, well we kind of love the Old Lahaina Luau, and maybe our opinion could be considered “hard-sell”, but really we just have experienced so many Luaus on multiple Hawaiian Islands and not really any of them compete (Ok maybe the PCC on Oahu). If we sound overly enthusiastic about the Luau it really is just our honest opinion!

*We may receive some small commissions if you book through some of our affiliate links, but this would be the case for any of the Rival Luaus. We have no particular incentive to encourage you to book the Old Lahaina Luau, other than giving you the best possible advice as we see it.

What Makes The Old Lahaina Luau Different?

The big thing that makes the Old Lahaina Luau different is Authenticity. They really strive in every way to make things as authentic as possible. The grounds, the Cultural activities, the feast, the Imu Oven, and even the show are all as authentic as possible. The reality is they are still a long way from an authentic Luau of the Hawaiian Chief Era, things have changed so completely since then that an attempt to be 100% authentic would be pretty intolerable for our Western tastes (you can forget the open bar Mai Tais!), but the Old Lahaina Luau still applies a lot of cultural sensitivity to its presentation, while still accommodating western tastes.

The big ticket difference from almost every Luau we have attended is the omission of Fire Knife Dancers, why…because they are Samoan.

No Fire Knife Dancers

Tourists in Hawaii, us included, love the Fire Knife Dance. As darkness falls there is little more impressive than watching a tattooed warrior spinning and twirling their Fire Knife Staff is mesmerizing and intoxicating. But this is a Samoan tradition. So it has no place in an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Of course, the Old Lahaina Luau could just grin and bear it and allow a little inaccuracy in for the benefit of the guests, but no, and we admire their resistance, to keep things real.

The same applies to the Show in general. The dance is all Hawaiian and doe not introduce other Polynesian dancers as most other luaus do. There is no Mauri “Haka” or Fijian “Meke” here, it’s pure Hawaiin.

The show is also vastly different from the other Luaus on the island in that it is a real show, with a story, telling the myths and legends of how the islands were inhabited. More on this later.

The Old Lahaina Luau has a real Imu oven, in which they roast the Puaʻa Kālua underground and offer you the chance to witness the unearthing. The grounds in general are really fantastic. More than any other they feel self-contained. Most other Luaus are situated on busy ocean paths, so there are always people wandering past, but the Old Lahaina feels far more secluded. It feels like it’s just the Luau with no outsiders looking in.

The grounds are beautifully manicured too, with lush tropical plants, and a natural stage with a stunning ocean backdrop, The seating is also very unique with the tables surrounding the stage and the whole show interacting with the crowd as the performers move through and around the guests. There is also the option of traditional seating which we look at more later.

Overall the whole feel of the Luau is more real, warm, and friendly. We really feel the workers appreciate the adherence and sensitivity to the culture and enjoy introducing the guests to this. They have real pride in the presentation and this really comes across in all elements.

What is included with The Old Lahaina Luau

• Flower Lei on Arrival
• 5 Course Traditional Luau Dinner
• Open Bar
• Cultural Activities
• IMU Presentation
• After Dinner Show
• Makena “Gift”
• Lots of Aloha!

The Old Lahaina Luau really pulls out all the stops. It’s an all-inclusive affair and the lack of upgrades and options means everyone is getting the whole package. The flower Lei’s are stunning, and the Cultural Activities fun, engaging, and a little educational.

Booking Options

<<< Book the Old Lahaina Luau NOW >>>

There are just two booking options with the Old Lahaina. The Traditional Seating and the Table and Chairs Seating. There is no price difference and other than where you sit there is no difference in service. Both options get a Flower Lei on arrival and a full open bar.

Traditional Seating

The traditional seats are low-level tables, around knee height, with the diners seated on cushions on the floor. Thus how Hawaiian Royalty used to dine and it’s a funs and different way of experiencing the feast. The Traditional seating is also nearest to the stage for when the show starts.

Currently, you can only book traditional seating for groups of 4 so bear that in mind.

Tables and Chairs

The Standard Table and Chairs options are pretty much as you would expect. The tables are slightly raised above the traditional seating so you still get a fantastic view of the stage.

All tables are 8 to a table so if you are a smaller group or couple you will be seated with other guests. But that is all part of the Luau and we love making new friends. The Open Bar certainly helps assist with this.

Really both options are great and the fact there is no difference in price makes it a tricky choice…

Traditional Seating or Tables and Chairs?

We love the fact that there is no price difference between the two different seating options. The Traditional Seating gets you right at the front of the show, however, there is a price to pay for this, it is just not monetary.

We love the traditional seating, but it can be very uncomfortable. We are fairly young, flexible, and have no real health issues, yet we still found sitting, essentially on the ground, for such a long period pretty hard work. There were a lot of position changes, creaky backs, and general numbness and discomfort. This was not helped by the soaring temperatures of the Hawaiian evening.

For anyone with a bad back, joint issues, or general inflexibility, the Traditional seating options are a really poor idea. As this type of seating was traditional in Hawaii, the ancestors we just used to sitting like this, but in our Western culture we have grown accustomed to chairs, and sitting on the floor is no longer very common. This really can make for an uncomfortable evening.

If you are in two minds, we say go for the table and chairs. You still get a great view, you will be nice and comfortable and overall just enjoy t more. If you are a sprightly young thing or used to sitting on the floor for long periods of time, then go for the Traditional, we tend to, even though we find it a bit uncomfortable, just as we love the experience.

Experience

The experience starts as you arrive at the purpose-built Luau grounds on the Outskirts of Lahaina. There is parking available, but with the open bar, we do not drive in! Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a flower lei, offered a welcome drink, and taken to your seats.

We love the grounds, not just because they are so beautifully planted with lush tropical foliage, but because they are really isolated. Like most Luau’s the Old Lahaina Luau is oceanfront, but unlike most, there is no real public access along the front. While it is open to the public, the is just no reason for anyone to want to walk along this piece of oceanfront. It doesn’t go anywhere and is in a really de-populated part of the town. There is just no one down there and as such the Laua has this little corner of paradise to itself!

Along the front, there are various crafts and activities you can partake in or purchase one of the hand-crafted keepsakes. On the cultural activities front, there is far more going on at here than at any other Luau. They want to help promote the Hawaiian culture and readily showcase as much as they can.

After exploring the grounds and taking in the culture, you will be invited to witness the IMU* ceremony. At most Luaus the IMU pig is simply brought out, and presented to the crowd, raising serious questions as to whether it was cooked in a real Imu at all. There is no doubt here as you will be able to witness the unearthing of the pig as the chefs peel off the taro leaves and dig out the pig from under the baking soil.

The Pig is then taken off and prepared for dinner.

The Dinner is currently a Table Service meal. In the past when we visited, the Feast was served Buffet Style, but Covid restrictions have seen the Luau change to a Table Service model. The food is largely the same only it’s pre-plated for you. You might not get quite as much as before, but the portions are huge and most people leave stuffed, especially if you try everything!

We are unsure if the Laua will stick with this model permanently or revert back to a Buffet as Covid fades into a memory.

After dinner, the Show kicks off. We really like the separation of Dinner and the Show, as at some Luau’s they are mixed together with the show happening between courses. This detracts from either the food or the Show as you only have so much attention. Here you get your feast, and then can sit back and really appreciate the show.

While all this is happening, two other things are going on. The Open bar is pumping out the drinks and the sun is dipping down into the Pacific Ocean and delivering one of Maui’s stunning sunsets.

After the Show, you receive your gift and can leave the grounds. Be warned, it gets a little hectic in the carpark, so we find it best not to rush and just head out after the initial rush, or just wander into Lahaina for a last drink, a 5-minute stroll.

Let’s look a bit closer at the Meal, Show, and Bar offerings.

*Underground oven

Luau Feast

The feast is a five-course menu and is served on individual plates with some items served Family Style. It’s all high quality and really delicious but it is more home-style than some of the more gastronomic Luaus, but honestly, it’s not a huge gap.

First Course

The first course is less of a course and more of a selection of nibbles. This is handy as there is quite a long period between the gates opening and the meal getting started properly. So having some stuff to snack on is great.

The Haupia and Kulolo are certainly an acquired taste but you should at least give them a try, a bit like blancmange but made with coconut, these are usually served as dessert, but these are less sweet than other versions.

Traditional Course

The Hawaiian course is served family style and offers the chance to try all the authentic Luau foods that Hawaii is famous for. Here you get the Pua’a Kalua, the Pork roasted in the underground Imu. Salty, lightly Smokey, tender and so delicious!

The LauLau does not look like much but the slow steaming makes the pork really tender. Ahi Poke is one of our favorite things to eat in the world and this version is very authentic and basically the recipe we most try to emulate! If you have not got around to trying Poke (just head to Safeway) then this is your opportunity. Yes, it’s raw, but it SOO good.

LomiLomi Salmon is another must-try Luau food and we rarely get this anywhere other than Luaus. It’s not quite as delicious as the Poke, but still a favorite.

The Poi here is disgusting, but it’s disgusting anywhere. If you have always secretly wanted to eat purple wallpaper paste, today is your lucky day! Again, you have to try it, just so you can say it’s awful

Bread Course

Main Course

The main course veers away from the traditional a little and more towards catering to Western tastes. This course will be individually plated for each guest. You get a scoop of purple sweet potato mash, some veggies that come more oven-roasted than Stir-Fried, and then 3 meat dishes. The meats all have a large-scale catering feel about them.

The Steak is not the best steak, it’s flat iron and cooked slowly, don’t expect a nice seared steak. But as a dish, it’s still pretty nice and the truffle oil really lifts it. The Fish will change based on the season but is often Mahi Mahi, and tends to be oven-roasted in a variety of flavors. The Chicken, again, has a mass catering feel about it, cooked in a large tray, covered in sauce. The sauce is pretty amazing though!

Overall this is the most disappointing course. It doe not feel that authentic and goes towards appeasing western tastes and just filling people up. These courses were always available on the Buffet but you could avoid them by loading your plate with the more authentic foods.

It’s still an enjoyable course, we just prefer the more traditional foods. So really we hope they ever to the buffet at some point in the future.

Dessert

Ok, the dessert is a bit of an oddity. Everything the Luau does is an attempt to be as authentic as possible. However, for the dessert course, they let that go. Apart from some ingredients, there is nothing remotely authentic about this dessert. Other Luaus do this course far more authentically serving Haupia or Lilikoi Tarts.

Oddly enough, they are all pretty awful, we never enjoy Luau Desserts.

The Hawaiians were just not really dessert people it seems.

Dietary Requirements

The Luau is happy to accommodate vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten Free diners, but requires over 24 hours’ notice. All servers are very clear on asking guests about allergens before dining and will provide guidance if this is the case.

Fussy eaters may struggle a little. This is a traditional feast and there is little contrition made for Western diets. The main course is fairly familiar to most people, but the starter and Hawaiian course may prove challenging to those unfamiliar with experimenting with their diet.

Anyone who likes to try new things will have no issue, it’s not a fussy menu, and loads of flavors and textures will be familiar, it’s just not burger and fries.

Luau Show

For us, the show is where the Luau really shines. This is far more a Full production show than any other on the island. It tells the story of the arrival of the islands and their myths and legends as the kings and their gods took over paradise.

The story follows along with the development of the Hula dance and starts off with the voyages setting out from Polynesia, following the golden plover as they make their way across the ocean. It moves on to tales of Gods and Kings, as hula was used in ancient times to tell the stories of the past, and this tradition is kept alive.

Hula evolved greatly over time right up until the tourist invasion of the last 50 or so years, and the story ends with modern-day hula and how the dance is enjoyed on the islands today.

The show is so much more engaging than most, which simply put the performers on stage and shows you the various dances, often including non-Hawaiian dance. Here the story develops and the music and chanting are vivid and visceral.

As the Seating arrangement circles the stage the show is not confined to the small state area and takes place in and around the crow as well. Performers rush through the aisles chanting and shrieking as they go. It’s very immersive and involving.

The Stage lighting is very vivid and as the sun dips the colors of the costumes and set really pop. The movement and choreography are frankly mesmerizing and the whole show is just a few notches above anything else we have experienced on the island.

On our first visit our server, who was also a performer, was very humble about the show, telling us not to expect too much, and that it’s not like Cirque Du Soleil. While it might not be that level, it is still so much better than the humble performer let on. It’s vibrant dynamic, even visceral at times, with the intense shrieks and hollas coming from all around.

We don’t want to spoil too much about the show, it’s one to relax into, with your bellies full, and just enjoy the spectacle.

What Drinks are included at the Old Lahaina Luau

Like most Maui Luaus the Old Lahaina Luau offers an open bar. The bar is a walk-up affair and we find the queues to be really short and the service super fast. Unfortunately, this is largely because the drinks are mainly pre-mixed.

This is great as the drinks flow out of the bar really fast, but not so good in terms of quality. The Mai Tais were good, and we worked through the rest of the menu, with varying success, there are a lot of syrups and vivid colors used. These remind us of 70-80’s style cocktails, rather than the modern hand-crafted drinks we seek out now. Honestly, it kind of fits in with the vibe and it’s not like they are bad, we certainly had no issues getting through a good selection, better than many we have received in restaurants at $15 a pop, it’s just an area we think could be improved upon.

Beer is provided by Maui Brewing Company, which is more than fine with us. and the wine was of decent quality, from Josh Cellars, and had a good selection, 2 Whites, two Reds, and a Rose, but no bubbles, unfortunately. There is also a good range of spirits, all premium brands, and the accompanying mixers.

Overall Is The Old Lahaina Luau Worth it?

Covid has seen a huge lift in the prices of Luau’s and The Old Lahaina is no exception here. The recent price hike has seen it bust right through the $200 barrier, and that is a big chink of cash, especially for a family.

However, it’s still a long way from being the most expensive Luau on the island, that honor goes to Feast at Mokapu over in south Maui, and infact most South Maui Luau’s top Old Lahaina in price, making it seem pretty good value, when you consider, in our opinion, it is easily the best Luau on the island.

Also while the price has raised significantly, so has everything else. A 3-course meal, with 4-5 drinks in a higher-end West Maui restaurant is easily going to top 140-160 pp, maybe more, and with the Old Lahaina Luau, you are getting the best show on the island, one of the finest settings, a flower lei, and a whole lot more thrown in.

If you are planning on attending a Luau, even the most bargain basement Luaus are still a big outlay and the difference between a cheap Luau and the best on the island is pretty small really, and definitely worth the extra.

We can’t really imagine coming to Maui and not attending a Laua, and if you are going to Visit a Luau, it might as well be the best.

Why would you not Choose Old Lahaina Luau?

We honestly can’t think of many reasons why you would not choose Old Lahaina but there is a few possible reasons you may choose to go elsewhere. Over 2 million people visit Maui every year and they can’t all visit the Old Lahaina Luau

No – Luau

You may have just chosen not to do a Luau at all, we get this, you don’t have to visit a luau to get the real Hawaii experience, we like to, but we know everyone is different. Maybe the menu is not appealing to you, maybe you don’t care for shows, maybe it is all just too commercial, not cool enough, you prefer more natural sights, or maybe the huge outlay could be spent better for you. There are a ton of reasons why a Luau isn’t right for your trip, and we don’t want to sway you too hard.

There are hundreds of things to do on Maui, so if a Luau isn’t jumping right out at you as a MUST-DO the large outlay may well not be worth it.

Based in South Maui

Honestly, this is the biggest reason. And we 100% get it. This is a West Maui Luau and the trek over the Lahaina from Kehei or Waliea is a pain in the proverbial. However good Old Lahaina Luau is, a 45-1hr drive from South Maui is a tough ask, especially when there are great Luaus on your doorstep.

We almost always stay part of our trip in West Maui so it has never been a decision for us, but it really is a tough ask, especially when you consider you will need a designated driver or head over in a taxi, vastly reducing and cost advantage over visiting one of South Maui’s more expensive Luaus.

Too Expensive

While we get it, the Old Lahaina Luau is very costly, we don’t think it’s that much more than the competition that it does justify that extra cost. However, if the budget just doesn’t stretch that far there are several cheaper options that still give a good Luau Experience.

Fire Knife Dancer

W do here people say they just really want to see the Fire Knife Dancers and skip Old Lahaina for that reason? We would rather have the incredible and authentic experience the Old Lahaina Luau offers any day over Fire Knife Dancers, but if these are just something you want to see and YouTube is not scratching the itch, then maybe this is not the one for you.

Repeat Visitors

Repeat visitors to Maui often skip Luau’s as they have already done several. We fall into this category but keep going, but mainly due to keeping our site updated, and currently, we might well not bother every trip otherwise (we certainly would not d 2-3 as we do now).

Also, you may have already done the Old Lahaina Luau and want to try out somewhere different!

Too Slow

We warned you at the beginning of the article that the Old Lahaina Luau is a sell-out every night, that it can be booked out months in advance, and you may have gotten to this article too late. It may be gone for the dates you want to visit. I so you have a couple of options, either join the waitlist, just keep checking for cancellations, or both.

Overall, if you want to visit a Luau, if you can justify the outlay, are in west Maui, or are willing to travel, you prefer authenticity and quality over a fire knife dancer, and want to get the best experience possible, the Old Lahaina is the number one choice.

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Other Luaus

Feast at Lele – $193 pp – West Maui- CLOSED DUE TO LAHAINA FIRES

This is the Sister Luau to the Old Lahaina and operates out of the original Luau grounds at 505 Front Street, which has had a recent redevelopment. It’s a very different Luau and focuses on the gastronomy of Polynesia. Here you get an in-depth look at several Polynesian cultures and their foods and dances. It’s a really great evening and a fantastic feast. You also get fire dancers!

Royal Lahaina Luau – Myths of Maui – $160 – West Maui

This is West Maui’s most budget Luau. The location is less picturesque, the food a little cheaper, the drinks less premium, and the show a little less polished. But it’s still a great night out and can save a family hundreds of $dollars!

Te Au Moana Luau – $240 pp – South Maui

This is our favorite alternative in South Maui. The Te Au Moana has a lot in coming with the Feast at Mokapu, including Tahiti production shows. It’s ocean-side and has the ocean as a backdrop. The meal is currently served as a 3-course table service meal, although it is served Family Style. This used to be a Buffet and remains to be seen if they return to this or stay in a table service format.

The Luau is a little cheaper and has a few extras such as a flower lei. But it’s a big luau with a lot of people attending and not quite as picturesque. It’s a good choice if you just can’t run to the Feast at Mokapu.

Feast at Mokapu – $280 pp – South Maui

This is Maui’s most expensive Luau, and possibly the world! It is very prestigious, very luxurious, and sits on absolutely stunning grounds. It is the only one to really give Old Lahaina Luau a run for its money, but it still falls short in a few ways. However it’s still a great night out and if you are looking for a South Maui luau it is hard to beat, it just comes at a cost!

Check out our full Maui Luau Guide for more details of every Luau Available on the Island.

Have your Say

Have you been to the Old Lahaina Luau? How did you find it? Was it good value? Did you like the feast? How was the show? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments, we would love to hear about your experience. Got any questions, again just fire away in the comments.

You May Also Like

• Best Luau’s in Maui
• Feast at Lele Luau
• What to eat in Maui
• Best things to do in Maui

Most of America’s Aquariums are not really worth the hassle of traveling to just for the Aquarium itself, but more a place to visit when in the City or Area. However, some of the best aquariums on our list really are so incredible they are worth the trip to Just for the facility itself. A Couple we even think are worth the trip from the UK. These are attractions to base a whole trip around, and we have done. Either way, if you are just looking for some amazing ocean exhibits or seeking out the absolute best in marine aquascapes our list will show you all the 10 best Aquariums in the USA.

10 – SeaWorld – Orlando

• Orlando, Florida
• $89.99 Adult – $89.99 Child
• Water Volume – 15,000,000 Gallons +

We Start with a contentious one. We are not even sure SeaWorld counts as an Aquarium as it is a theme park and aquatic entertainment center all one. However, there are definitely good Aquarium elements in the park. We are judging the Park based on those elements only, and these only just get it a place on the list, especially with the $85.99 entry fee, which is not too bad for the actual waterpark but for an aquarium, it’s pretty steep!

But you should not look at it that way you are paying for the theme park and getting the aquarium elements free. These are often undersold as the headline rides and Big Marine Mammals take center stage but there are a large number of aquaria present as well. Large Shark Tanks, Manta Rays, Antarctic Penguins, Giant Sea Turtles, Dolphin Nursery, Stingray touch tank, and many smaller displays that are easily lost amongst all the glitz and glamour. If you took all of the extras away, you really would still have a world-class aquarium on your hands.

Of Course on top of these are the Marine Mammals, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Beluga Whales, Walrus, and Seals. And of course, there are the spectacular Orca on display. We are still not sure where we stand on the remaining Orca in Captivity (Read More Here) But it’s hard to argue they are incredible to see.

We could make a case for all three USA SeaWorlds to be on this list, as aquariums, they are equally matched and very similar. Orlando certainly is the better theme park with San Diego being noted for its history and legacy, with San Antonio being a great day out as well. But we naturally didn’t want to fill the list just with SeaWorld Parks…So although this entry is for Orlando, count it as all three!

Another mention should go to Discovery Cove by Sea World in Orlando. Not an Aquarium as such but a marine park where guests can snorkel and swim with the marine life in the enclosures. It’s sort of like a swimming pool filled with fish or a manmade beach with a reef. Often rated as the best attraction in Orlando!

9 – Newport Aquarium

• Newport, Kentucky
• $39.99 Adult – $31.99 Child
• Water Volume – 1,000,000 Gallons

From now on we focus on proper aquariums and judge solely on exhibits, not rides and shows. First up is the Newport Aquarium in Newport Kentucky. This family-friendly aquarium features a large number of sharks from smaller Cat Sharks to the fearsome Sand Tiger shark and Blacktip Reef Shark. There is even a rope bridge that inches over the tank that lets you test your bravery as you traverse the open-top shark-infested tank.

The Aquarium is very proud of its Shark Rays and they are the only Aquarium in the country to feature these odd creatures and are heavily involved in the breeding and conservation of the sharks.

There are plenty of small and very interesting exhibits featuring Giant Pacific Octopus, Japanese Spider Crabs, Sea Dragons, Arapimne, Stingrays, and Guitar Fish. Alligator Alley features a host of crocodilian residents such as Alligators (including Albino), Caiman, and Crocodiles, however, the crowd favorite Mighty Mike a 14ft monster Gator returned home to Florida after being loaned to the Aquarium.

The Dangerous Creatures Exhibit was one of our favorites and features all sorts of nasty beasts such as Snakes, Electric Eels, Gil Monsters, Phirana Stonefish, and more.

There is a lot going on in quite a small and compact aquarium and it is well worthy of a place on our list.

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8 – The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

• New Orleans, Louisiana
• $29.95 Adult – $24.95 Child
• Water Volume – 1,000,000 Gallons +

Down on the Bank of the Mighty Mississippi is the Audubon Aquarium of The Americas. We love this New Orleans icon as the exhibits and displays are significantly different from most aquariums and it’s a refreshing experience.

The Huge Gulf of Mexico tank is an open ocean exhibit based around a deepwater oil rig. The tank has a variety of fish we don’t often see such as large alligator gar and Tarpon along with the more usual Sharks and Rays.

The Caribbean Reef is a large and spectacular display featuring a tunnel walkthrough. The Amazon Exhibit has Macaws, Anacondas, Phirana, and Freshwater Stingrays. There are also penguins and Sea Otters on Display.

The Mississippi River exhibit features the creatures found in this mighty waterway and while we assumed it would just be tanks filled with polluted muddy water, the variety of life that has survived the human colonization of the river is quite surprising! Catfish, Paddlefish, Sturgeon, and even an Albino Alligator are all on display.

This Aquarium is Included on the Go New Orleans Pass

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7 – New England Aquarium

• Boston, Massachusetts
• $39.00 Adult – $30.00 Child
• Water Volume – 500,000 Gallons +

The New England Aquarium in Boston is a fairly compact facility mostly centered around its 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank. The Aquarium has been a feature of Boston’s restored waterfront for many decades and is much loved by the passionate Bostonites. The Iconic architecture of the aquarium leads to a multi-story exhibition space centered around the monster tank. Open at the top and with a spiral walkway linking the 4 levels

The Giant Ocean Tank features a replica Caribbean Coral reef, populated with Green Sea Turtles, Moray Eels, Baracuda, Bonnethead Sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks Stingrays, and a plethora of reef-dwelling fish. The Unique cylindrical design is very appealing and helps provide a real focus to the aquarium.

Other displays feature, Sea lions, Goliath Grouper, Sea Dragons, Sharks, and rays. There is an Amazon Exhibit with Phirana, Arapaima, and Electric eels and the giant Indo-Pacific Coral Reef tanks filled with stunning coral and small but vibrant reef fish including Nemo and Dories.

Finally, during the months of April – October you can take a cruise out to the Stellwagon bank to see the area’s abundant Whale population, such as Humpbacks, Finback Minke, and Pilot Whales.

It is worth mentioning a little confusion with the New England Aquarium. Even a Google image search will bring up images of a huge open ocean tank and massive display windows, none of which can be found at the Boston site. Most of this confusion comes from the Movie Ted where Mark Wahburg takes the animated bear to break some bad news, we believe these scenes were shot here however they definitely used some Hollywood magic to make the exhibits seem much larger and more impressive than they are. We love the New England Aquarium but you will not find the sort of experience depicted in this Aquarium. For that, you need our number one Choice!

Available on the Boston CityPASS and the Boston Go City Pass

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6 – National Aquarium

• Baltimore
• $39.95 Adult – $29.95 Child
• Water Volume – 2,200,000 Gallons +

The National Aquarium sounds very grand and official, signifying the figurehead of aquariums in the USA, however, the actual facility is far less grand than you would imagine. It is still a very good aquarium however and its locations down on the waterfront, amongst the museum ships and Submarines, make this one of the top attractions in all of Maryland.

Taking over piers 3 and 4 of the old harbor the building is modern and grand and the exhibits are well put together featuring some wonderful creatures. The Main Building on Pier 3, is set on many levels and has a more diverse set of attractions than most. The upper levels are taken over by tropical rainforests, tamarins, and sloths climb through the branches while birds sing and Poison Arrow frogs croak. They even have pink Bin Chickens!

Blacktip Reef features several sharks including Black-tips and Zebra Sharks along with Calypso a huge 500lb Rescued Sea Turtle. It’s a beautiful exhibit. The Mountains to Maryland features Local wildlife such as Crabs Frogs and turtles, along with grouper and flounders from the bay. Bonnet Sharks, Moray Eels, and Pufferfish join the thousands of fish that populate the Atlantic Reff exhibit.

A Second Sark Tank houses the Aquariums Big Guys. Feel what it is like to be circled by sharks as Nurse Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Rays, and Sawfish swim around the ring-shaped tank.

Most of the Aquariums 2.2 Million Gallons are taken up by the Oceanaroium over on Pier 4, connected by a Walkway. Here you will find the Aquarium’s 6 Dolphins. However, interestingly their days at the aquarium are numbered. As the aquarium dolphins are all captive-bred and a return to the wild would be a death sentence, The National Aquarium is setting up a Marine Sanctuary for them, an ocean pen 100 times the size of their current enclosure. This exciting development is a first for the USA and could lead to a solution as to what to do with the country’s remaining marine mammals that are still in captivity but can never be released into the wild.

What the aquarium will do with this huge aquarium real estate has been unannounced! We also visited Iceland recently to see how they are tackling the Marine Mammal Situation.

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5 – Maui Ocean Center

• Maui, Hawaii
• $44.95 Adult – $28.95 Child (Big Discounts for Hawaii Residents)
• Water Volume – 750,000 Gallons +

When visiting Hawaii you are constantly reminded of the stunning beauty and diversity of the Pacific Ocean’s Wonders. Water surrounds everything in Hawaii and is a constant invitation to explore what is under the waves. While there are many ways of exploring Hawaii’s Diverse and wonderful marine world, Snorkelling, Diving, submarine, or even just waiting for it to haul out on land, It is sometimes nice to witness it in a more relaxed setting. The Maui Ocean Centre provides just that.

The Ocean Centre puts a lot of effort into showcasing its new Humpback Whale exhibit, to the point it sounds as if they actually house Humpbacks at the facility…They don’t, thankfully, although during Whale Season you can see them from the Aquarium’s outdoor deck, looking out over Maalaea Bay. The Humpback exhibit is a multi-sensory learning center that gives you huge amounts of information and understanding about Hawaii’s largest tourists. There is even a 4K 3-D Theatre that allows you to “swim” with the Whales.

The living exhibits are also pretty special. The Open Ocean Shark tank is filled with several species of sharks and rays along with many Hawaiian reef fish. The Turtle Lagoon lets to get up close and personal with some of Hawaii’s most prized natives the Honu. The Living Reef is a stunning recreation of a Hawaiian reef and features Coral grown by the institute to help restore the reefs that have been so badly damaged by Tourism and Climate change.

The Institute does a lot of research and conservation in the Hawaiian waters and for this reason alone it is worthwhile to support them but be assured of a wonderful time at the institute in return for your support.

If you are on Oahu also check out the Waikiki Aquarium or the Sealife Park, while not quite as stunning as the Maui Ocean Center they are both fun and exciting locations to see Hawaii’s marine life up close.

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4 – Aquarium of the Pacific

• Long Beach, California
• $36.95 Adult – $26.95 Child
• Water Volume – 1,000,000 Gallons +

The Aquarium of the Pacific gets the award for the most underrated Aquarium in the States. Hidden away in Long Beach the Facility gets far less spotlight than some of the other aquariums in both California and across the States but it actually shocked us how good and complete an experience it was. Focussing mainly on the Pacific Ocean, the exhibits feel very relevant to the location, as you look out over the Long Beach harbor and out to the vast Pacific Ocean.

There are no Stand-out exhibits, but while what was there was fairly standard is all really healthy with full-grown, happy, and healthy inhabitants. The Tropical Pacific reef display is their showpiece tank. Featuring Sharks, Rays, Turtles, and a host of vibrant tropical reef fish and living coral. It is a beautiful display and rivals anything we have seen in other aquariums.

The Main Shark tank is surprisingly outside and while the tank is small and fairly unassuming there are some big sharks in here not least the jumbo Sand Tiger Shark that cruises around with its multitude of intimidating teeth poking out of its mouth.

The Northern Pacific focuses on the Coldwater inhabitants of this region, the Giant Pacific Octopus, Spider Crabs, Jellyfish, and a display of arctic birds such as Puffins and auks. The colorful Baja and Southern California Exhibit showcases the regional marine life such as Kelp Forest ecosystems found up and down the coast.

Overall we were mightily impressed with the aquarium, we did not expect too much from our visit and were really bowled over by the quality we found on display. Well worth the trip to include this as part of your Los Angeles Adventures.

Included on the Go Los Angeles Pass, save money on your Los Angeles Attractions

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3 – The Shedd Aquarium

• Chicago
• $39.95 Adult – $29.95 Child
• Water Volume – 6,000,000 Gallons +

Housed in the Historical Landmark building in Chicago’s Museum campus down by the Lake Michigan Shoreline the Shedd Museum is anything but an attraction in a Shedd! One of America’s most visited aquariums and one of the largest in terms of water volume this incredible facility houses some unique and wonderful exhibits.

The vast majority of display space is given over to the Oceanarium, over 3 million Gallons house the Facility’s biggest creatures. Here Beluga Whales, Dolphins and SeaLions, Penguins, and Sea Otters can play and put on shows. The Wild Reef is the Aquarium’s Shark tank, featuring Sandbar and blacktips amongst others. The tank also houses a huge array of reef fish and other species such as Sawfish, Turtles, and rays.

The Waters of the World is the oldest exhibit and features many varied creatures from all types of water, including Lake Michigan. The Newly added Amazon Rising showcases life from the tropical watershed of the Amazon. The Caribbean Reef holds another living reef complete with sharks, Rays, Turtles, and a bucket load of reef fish.

It is a stunning facility and being right in the heart of a major city is quite unexpected. From the outside, despite the stunning classical architecture it’s hard to believe the building houses such a vast array of stunning marine and aquatic life!

Included on the Go Chicago Pass, save money on your Chicago Attractions

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2 – Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Monterey, California
• $65 Adult – $45-50 Child/Youth
• Water Volume – 2,200,000 Gallons +

Really, we wish this could have been number 1. There is a very special place in our hearts for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and we adore the location, the exhibits, and all the fantastic work the aquarium does for the conservation in the surrounding area, one of our favorite coastal regions in the world.

However being objective it does not quite live up to the Number 1 Spot as you will see, it is Streets ahead of any other aquarium on the list though. The Stars of the show are the super cute Sea Otters. These are all rescue animals and have been part of the Aquarium’s successful campaign to reintroduce the furry critter back to the coasts of California. This incredible success is one of the reasons we adore the Non-Profit Aquarium.

On top of the Otters and the unbelievably beautiful setting, The Aquarium is packed with amazing Exhibits. The vast open ocean tank is over a million gallons and is filled with schooling baitfish, just like the sardines that school in the bay and bring in the Giant Whales. The Sardines are accompanied by a host of pelagic open ocean creatures, Turtles, Giant Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Hammerhead Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, and Mahi Mahi, Stingrays, and more. It is a wonderful display.

The Kelp Forest tank shows what life is like under the surface of the bays Kelp-forests and having dived the forests the day before I can say it is most accurate. The Living Reef allows you to actually find Dory after all the Aquarium is the spiritual home of the Ocean Institute featured in the Disney Sequel, Finding Dory!

The Deep Exhibit is one of our favorites, the dark underground bunker hosting a myriad of rare and elusive creatures such as the Pacific Octopus, Humbolt Squid, and the Prehistoric Nautilus, We never dreamed of seeing these living fossils alive until we arrived here.

The Aquarium is a place of wonder and amazement. We adore it, along with the beautiful town where it resides. If you are heading down the PCH…which you should, do not miss out on Monterey Bay, its stunning wildlife, and its incredible Aquarium!

We love this aquarium so much that we have a full review here.

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1 – Georgia Aquarium

• Atlanta, Georgia
• $39.95
• Water Volume – 11,000,000 Gallons +

As we said we love the Monterey Aquarium and actually wanted to “not like” the Georgia Aquarium, It is however utterly jaw-dropping. The 6 Million gallons (that’s nearly 10 Olympic Swimming pools!) Ocean Explorer Tank is like no other in the States and is nearly on par with Sea Worlds Orca Enclosures. One of the largest display tanks in the entire world this stunning ocean enclosure houses the majestic Whale Sharks, The only aquarium in the USA, in fact anywhere outside of Asia, to display these awesome creatures.

The Behemoth Tank also houses another of our favorites, Manta Rays along with Sharks, Turtles, Stingrays, Schools of Trevally, Sawfish, Wobbegongs, and a whole host of varied tropical and reef fish. Multiple viewing windows allow different perspectives but the Giant tunnel and enormous theatre window, one of the world’s, largest really take your breath away.

On top of this, there are another 4 Million Gallons of exhibits, nearly as much as its nearest rival, The Shedd, in Chicago, has in total! The Coldwater Quest has Beluga Whales, Sea Otters, Spider Crabs, Penguins, and a whole host of Coldwater Species. The Tropical Diver Exhibit is a living coral reef exhibit. There is a dolphin display tank, The River Scout, featuring American Species, Alligators, Pirahna, and otters. and many more.

All in all, it is a breathtaking facility and without the “main” attraction as good as any other Aquarium in the States. But with the Ocean Explorer tank, it really is next-level…and then some! It is the ONLY aquarium we would recommend going to just for the aquarium. All the others, are worth seeing if you are in the area, and Monterey Bay is just SO beautiful you must visit the town the aquarium is part of that, but the Georgia Aquarium is worth the trip JUST for the Aquarium, sure there is plenty to see in Atlanta, but once you have seen the Georgia Aquarium, all other aquariums just do not compare.

Read more here

Available as part of the Atlanta CityPASS

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Have Your Say

Have you visited any of the Aquariums on our list? Maybe your favorite didn’t make it or maybe you had a poor experience at one of the above locations. Let us know in the comments below and if you had a great time then we would love to hear from you as well. Basically, anything you have to say just fire away in the comments.

You May Also Like:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Aquarium of the Bay
• Georgia Aquarium
• Sea World San Diego review

Finding the Aquarium from Finding Dory

Ok, First up, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not in Morro Bay. But it is the Inspiration for the Marine Life Institute featured in Finding Dory. As its Name Suggests, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is in the heart of Monterey, one of our favorite towns in California. The Aquarium is touted as one of the best in the country and as we just LOVE aquariums, we needed a little excuse to head to Monterey to check it out in our Monterey Bay Aquarium Review. This trip was just the latest of several trips we made to the Jewel over the years

While the Real Aquarium lacks the Whale Shark (Destiny) and the Beluga Whale (Bailey), Most of the other exhibits are real and actually in a few cases, far more spectacular than the Films. In fact, even the Marine Life Institute lacks Destiny and Bailey after they escaped to the wall-less Ocean at the end! But enough of the Disney stuff, let’s take a look at the REAL aquarium.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Location – Monterey, California
• Entry Fee – Adult: $49.95
• Entry Fee – Chile: $29.95
• Entry Fee – Senior/Student: $39.95
• Opening Hours – 10 Am – 5 Pm
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Right in the heart of Monterey, the Aquarium is one of the biggest draws in town. Set right on the coast the outdoor viewing areas showcase the Bay’s incredible and diverse marine life while the huge indoor exhibits house a very impressive array of sea creatures from around the world.

The Aquarium houses over 35,000 creatures from 550 different species in over 2.3 million Gallons of Sea Water that are taken directly from the Bay. It is a genuine world-class aquarium and is on just about any list of top aquariums in the world It is only pipped to the best Aquarium in America by the stunning Georgia Aquarium, and even then probably only due to their Whale sharks.

Monterey Bay

The most stunning thing about the Aquarium is its actual location. There is no need to visit the aquarium at all! The Bay itself is a true wonder of the world. Absolutely teeming with marine life. And not the sort of life you expect. We are talking about Giant Whales, Rare Sea Otters, Seals, Sea Lions, and a million sea birds. It is probably the most alive place we have been.

This is due to the Monterey Submarine Canyon. This giant undersea rift funnels nutrients up from the deep Pacific drawing in a huge array of sea creatures.

Take a look at our recent Whale Watching trip out of Moss Landing, just a few miles down the road.

Destruction

It all could have been very different, as this abundance of life drew in the worst of all predators. Humans. We plundered the oceans and all but exhausted the vast stocks of sardines that supported the Marine Ecosystems. Without the Sardines the rest left or starved. And to make things worse we hunted whatever remained to almost extinction.

However, Today Monterey Bay is a good news story. It’s a shining example of what we can do when we try and protect an Ecosystem. after the introduction of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the entire bay has hugely recovered and today plays host to feeding Humpback Whales in astonishing numbers. Herds of gigantic blue whales feast in the water of Monterey during the summer and the stunning kelp forests support a variety of Marine Mammals including the previously almost-extinct Giant Sea Otters. Along with a huge array of undersea critters that are less obvious from the surface.

With all this one offer for free is it really worth visiting the aquarium…

We think so, pretty resoundingly too. We are guessing if the thought of seeing all this marine life is appealing to you, then you are likely the type who loves nature in all its forms. The Monterey Bay Aquarium while showcasing the best the bay has to offer also has some pretty staggering displays that you can’t witness from the pier at Fisherman’s Wharf.

We see it entirely as complementary to the wonder of the bay, rather than in competition. So let’s take a look at what you can expect from this world-class aquarium.

Exhibits:

With over 200 Exhibits ranging from small single tanks to a staggering 1.2 million Gallon Open Ocean Tank with its 90ft window, the Aquarium has a host of staggering exhibits filled with enchanting and incredible creatures of all kinds.

We love that most of the Exhibits are found directly in the waters surrounding the Aquarium. The Bay has such a diverse range of ecosystems, from kelp forests, sandy and rocky shorelines, access to the open ocean, and huge pelagic species and even plunging to the depth of the abyssal plane in the Submarine Canyon. it’s all on the Aqaurium doorstep and it’s showcased here in the stunning facility.

Ok, there are a few exhibits that are not found locally, there are no Dory’s or Nemo’s in the bay, but you have to give the audience what they want, and younger audiences really only want to find Nemo! And they will definitely be able to do this.

Kelp Forest – Monterey’s Most Iconic Habitat

The coastline all around Monterey is littered with some incredible and pristine kelp forests. These incredible plants support a huge array of life that is unique, varied, and beautiful in its own way. So we find the Kelp Forest exhibit very fitting.

The day before we visited I had just dived the actual Kelp forests at San Carlos Beach Park. While the real forests were even more spectacular, it was still a very accurate representation of what I saw out in the ocean. The main difference is the size and abundance of the fish. Out in the real world, things were a little more sparse and petite.

Monterey Bay Aquarium was the first in the world to have a Living kelp forest on display and to this day it’s one of their most spectacular exhibits.

Here you will see Leopard sharks, Kelp Bass, rockfish, kelp fish, California Sheep Heads, and the amazing Giant Sea Bass, all cruising around the swaying towers of giant kelp.

Open Sea – Entering the Pelagic Zones

This is the Big Tomolae. This humongous tank, 1.2 million gallons, holds over half of the aquarium’s seawater. It has the largest viewing window at over 90ft of reinforced glass it was the largest viewing window in the world in its time.

Inside the tank are some truly epic inhabitants of the open ocean. Scalloped hammerheads, Giant Tuna, and stunning Mahi-Mahi cruise the tank chasing shoals of Anchovy and Sardines. While Green Sea Turtles, Palegic Rays, and Monster Ocean Sunfish bumble around doing their thing.

It is a really mesmerizing view where you can get lost in the endless movement of these majestic ocean giants as they make their way around the exhibit. This is one tank we really have to heave ourselves away from, as we can spend hours hypnotized by the swirling mass of sardines and the giant predators just picking them off.

There are also some great exhibits before you get to the Open Sea’s Tanks, such as the amazing Jellyfish Display or shoaling Makerel and Anchovies. Take your time and don’t just rush to the main event, no matter how tempting.

Sea Otters – Monterey’s Cutest

The Sea Otter exhibit is everyone’s favorite. These cuddly critters known for their “Cuddle Parties” can be impossibly cute. They are energetic and playful in their exhibit and are wonderfully tame and interactive come feeding time.

Sea Otters in California, which numbered nearly 16,000 were hunted to presumed extinction for their fur. By pure chance, a tiny population of around 50 had survived in a remote corner of the Big Sur coastline. Breeding from this population has helped them rebound to almost safe numbers. But they still face multiple threats and despite appearances are not out of the woods yet.

It’s reassuring to know these Mammals are all rescue animals and not ones taken from the wild. The Aquarium does a lot for the recovery of the otters in the wild and now partly due to these efforts the nearly extinct critters have rebounded massively and can be seen all around the bay in quite spectacular numbers. It really is great to see. But the Exhibit gives rescued animals a home when they may not have survived in the wild and lets you see them up close…really up close.

It is also clear the great lengths the Aquarium goes to in order to keep the Otters entertained and engaged and how they promote natural behavior such as foraging by littering the display with toys and games for them. They clearly love their otters even more than we do!

These are the only Mammals on exhibit in the Aquarium, with no room or space for larger mammals or Cetaceans (Dolphins/Orca/Whales). We love this as we know many people have a problem with supporting institutes that hold Marine Mammals in captivity. So nature lovers really can visit here with a clean conscience. The Aquarium is cruelty-free. And remember all of the otters housed here would almost certainly not made it if they were left in the wild!

Life On The Bay – Outdoor Viewing Decks

The Aquarium is built right on the coast and is built in a U shape around a natural bay. Surrounding this are a series of outdoor viewing decks where you can witness the natural beauty and abundance of life in the Bay Area.

On a good day, you can see anything from whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and a huge array of sea birds all living naturally in the bay. The giant floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out to the decks are there to blur the lines between Aquarium and Nature. It’s a great design that makes the whole place bright airy and wonderful.

This is one of the things that makes the Aquarium so special as the whole facility is woven into the very nature of the Bay. You really can see all the habitats visible from the decks actually inside the aquarium. It really helps build the connections between nature and yourself.

Monterey Bay Habitats

This area is designed to mimic the natural and manmade area around the piers, pilings, and moorings along the town’s coastline and the creatures that live among them.

This is another large habitat exhibit that is bright and filled with some impressive large species. Seven Gill Sharks, Big Skate, Californian Halibut, and white Sturgeon cruise around while the 200lb Giant Sea Bass sits amongst the Pilings.

A great Exhibit that will really make you think next time you are walking the Pier at Fisherman’s Wharf!

Giant Pacific Octopus – Tentacles

Tucked away in a dark corner of the Aquarium is another Disney favorite from Finding Dory. Hank the Giant Pacific Octopus. These Stunning Cephalopods are fairly nocturnal so spend a lot of the time in a ball hiding, but when they do come out to play they are seriously stunning.

Make sure you find time to hint out Hank the master of disguise…

Mission to the Deep

The Deep Sea Exhibit is one of our favorites.

It may not feel like the deepest reaches of the ocean are very local to Monterey, however, the plunging depths of the marine canyon mean many of the crazy, alien creatures of the deep can be found right off the coast of the Aquarium. With the Monterey Submarine Canyon dropping down to over 2.5 miles and linking up with the vast Abyssal plain of the Pacific Ocean.

Fluorescent Jellies, Ghostly giant Spider crabs feeding on Whale Carcases along with Hag Fish and Elephant Fish and Crazy looking critters such as the basket star.

There is even a Touch pool with Giant Isopods brought up from the depths, living fossils of giant underwater Woodlice

It is a seriously impressive exhibit, one of the aquarium’s newest, and a really unique addition. It’s just a shame they no longer have Nautilis on display like the previous time we visited.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are not very popular in the ocean critter world. Their tendency to sting and their natural un-cuddliness mean they are universally hated. Look at them in the right way however and they are quite beautiful.

The Aquarium has several exhibits showcasing the un-noticed beauty of these ancient and simple creatures. Their colors and beauty can really come to life as they float around in the gentle currents of their exhibits. With no fear of being stung, they can be mesmerizingly peaceful. From the bouncy sea nettles to stunning Lionsmain Jellies, tiny killer Box Jellies, and even a selection of stunning Bio-luminescent deep sea Jellyfish.

There are a lot of Squishies on display here.

Coral Reefs – Finding Nemo and Dory

So far we have focused on a lot of local and cold water exhibits, but we know you want to find Nemo…

The Monterey Bay Aquarium really focuses on the Life in and around Monterey, and this means there is very little in the way of Coral Reef. However, most younger visitors only REALLY want to see Dory and Nemo, Thanks Disney, so the Aqaurium balks slightly here and does allow a couple of beautiful reef tanks to be on display, you have to give the audience what they want after all.

These tanks are filled with colorful fish, stunning Corals, and of course Dory and Nemo, or Regal Tangs and Clownfish to the more scientifically inclined,

Penguins

The Penguin Exhibit is a really fun and action-packed area of the Aquarium. The Playful and energetic little birds really do have an awful lot of energy and just seem to spend the whole time playing, in and out of the water.

Seeing the contrast between the graceful underwater gliding and the awkward wobble on land is great. We really love these little guys and it’s clear from the excitement all around this exhibit just how popular they are.

Obviously these are not local to the Aquarium but are a great addition.

Rocky and Sandy Shores – Touch Pools, Interaction, and Aviaries

Another of the Monterey Bay habitats are the shallow tides pools and sandy shores that surround much of the bay. This is home to numerous creatures and the exhibits showcase these as a series of touch pools and even a walk in Aivary with a display of plovers, turnstones, and Oystercatchers.

The shallow pools are filled with a variety of Bat Rays, Guitarfish, crabs, and starfish many of which can be touched in the touch pools.

Kids love a good touch pool. These shallow pools allow you to get up close and personal with a variety of sea creatures found in the shallows and tide pools around the coastline. The Monterey Bay Aquarium takes things further with its Bat Ray touch pools where you can get hands-on with large rays and other larger sea animals.

The regular crab’s anemones and starfish are also available but the Ray pool is a bit different.

Overall

We had an utterly fantastic stay in Monterey, and the aquarium was right up there as one of the highlights. Sure it didn’t quite beat seeing 20+ Blue Whales surrounding our boat, but it’s still a wonderful experience. The Pacific Coast Highway is the quintessential US Road Trip and we implore anyone embarking it to make a stop at Monterey. And while here, it really is a crime to avoid the Aquarium.

There really are few aquariums worldwide that rival Monterey Bay and the fact it is a non-profit organization that does so much to help the natural surroundings of the Bay make it an absolute MUST-see attraction.

<< Buy Tickets here >>

Have Your Say

Let us know what you think of the aquarium. Were you as enthralled and in love as us? Or did you come away feeling short-changed? We struggle to see why you would not love it but we all have different opinions. Let us know in the comments below. And fire away if you have any questions relating to the Aquarium.

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We headed to Salem on our Recent trip to the East Coast, to hunt out our favorite spots from the film. Salem is the perfect spooky Halloween location and hinting out some great Filming locations is the perfect addition to your Halloween plans in the City. Here are the 10 Hocus Pocus Filming locations in Salem that you can visit today.

1. House of Seven Gables

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
• Visit The House Of Seven Gables | Salem MA Historic Homes & Tours (7gables.org)

The House of Seven Gables is a restored 1668 home that inspired Disney Imagineers when building the Sanderson Sister’s House. Yes, unfortunately, the exact Sanderson Witch Museum from the Hocus Pocus movie was built especially for the movie on a Disney soundstage and it no longer exists. However, the film Set Director herself credits the House of Seven Gables as THE inspiration for the Sanderson Sisters’ home. If it’s good enough for the Disney Imagineers then it’s good enough for us! This house is practically now known as the Sanderson Sister’s House location in Salem so it is a must-visit.

Of course, the inspiration was taken from the exterior of the House of Seven Gables only, but the grounds and mansion are open daily for visits if you wish to learn more about the history of the house, outside of its film connections.

2. Max and Dani Dennison’s House

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• 4 Ocean Ave, Salem, MA 01970

Any scenes that were filmed as the inside of Max and Dan’s house were filmed in a sound studio (considering the mess the Sanderson Sisters make when they come to get Dani, it is easy to understand that a homeowner did not want Disney Studios wrecking their home)

However, the house used as the exterior of the Dennison House is located at 4 Ocean Ave Salem. The white house with its turret is easily recognisable from the street as is the corner of Ocean and Shore Ave. The current residents do not mind Hocus Pocus fans admiring their house from a distance but please respect their privacy when visiting and keep in mind that the filming location is private property. Take all the photos and selfies you want but be respectful and keep your distance.

3. Pioneer Village AKA Salem Village

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• 98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970
• www.pioneervillagesalem.org

The scenes at Thackery Binx’s village were filmed at the historical site Pioneer Village. This recreation of a 16th-century village is a living history of a colonial village and looks just how Thackery’s village would have looked way back when. The Pioneer Village is open at weekends from 12th June- 29th October only so if you really want to visit this filming location, you will need to plan your trip to Salem within those dates accordingly.

4. Governor’s Faire House AKA Binx’s House

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• Pioneer Village, 98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970
• www.pioneervillagesalem.org

Binx and Emily’s House in the opening scene of Hocus Pocus is also located within Pioneer Village in Salem. Look out for the Governor’s Faire House which is the building used as Binx and Emily’s house. Make sure you check it out during your visit to Pioneer Village.

5. Old Burial Hill Cemetery

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• Marblehead, MA 01945

Not far into the film, we see Max’s new neighborhood kids give him a ‘not-so-friendly- welcome’ to Salem in a cemetery. This scene was filmed in nearby town Marblehead, at the Old Burial Cemetery. Although this little town is not in Salem, it is one of the oldest New England Cemeteries and was part of Salem until granted independence in the 1640s. There is a memorial to Marblehead’s resident who was killed in the Salem Witch trials, cementing its connection with Salem.

It’s worth mentioning at this point that it was just the day cemetery scene that was filmed at the Old Burial Hill Cemetery. The graveyard scenes for Billy Butcherson’s grave were not filmed on location in Salem. Unfortunately, the night cemetery scenes were filmed at Stage 2, a very famous Walt Disney Soundstage that has also been used to film Mary Poppins and Pirates of the Caribbean.

6. Allison’s House

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• Ropes Mansion, Peabody Essex Museum, 318 Essex St, Salem, 01970
• https://www.pem.org/visit/historic-houses/pem-walks/ropes-mansion

The exterior of Allison’s House is located at a building within the Peabody Essex Museum. The Ropes mansion within the museum’s grounds is instantly recognizable from the film as Max and Dani approach the house while trick or treating. The filming location for the interior scenes is not the actual insides of the Ropes Mansion, which was filmed elsewhere in California. The mansion is registered as a National Historic Place and is open for tours 5 days a week. The grounds and gardens behind the house are open all year round free of charge, making them worth a visit.

If you visit during Halloween, the house really embraces its Haunted Heritage and decorates itself really nicely for the Season, but it gets even better once the sun goes down as the house is lit up in demonic red light, really adding to its spooky credentials.

7. Jacob Bailey High School

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• 56 S Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970

The filming location for the High School in Hocus Pocus was actually an old Elementary School which closed down a year earlier. The Phillips Elementary School closed down in 1992, leaving a perfect empty space for a filming location. The building is still there on South Washington Street opposite Salem Common. You can not go into the building but you can take pictures of the highly recognisable exterior.

8. Halloween Party

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970

The Halloween Party scenes are probably the best scenes of the whole Hocus Pocus film, especially Bette Midler’s rendition of ‘I Put a Spell on You’ where she bewitches the whole town including Max and Dani’s parents. The outside shots for this iconic scene were filmed at the Old Town Hall on Derby Square. The inside scenes of the party were filmed in California but the exterior of the building features towards the end of the film when Max and Dani go looking for their Parents.

The Old Town Hall is a National Historic Site and the oldest municipal building in Salem. The Town Hall is nowadays used for public events including re-enactments of the Salem Witch trials- definitely worth a look!

9. Ocean Avenue/ Shore Avenue

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• 2 Ocean Avenue, Salem, MA 01970

If you stand opposite 2 Ocean Ave, you are actually stood at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Shore Avenue. With the sea out in front of you and 4 Ocean drive to your left, Shore Avenue begins on your right. This corner is used in the scene where the children are walking, following the sound of Sarah Sanderson’s singing. You will also see this filming location from an aerial view as Sarah flies over it to approach the Dennison House. Again, if you visit this filming location please remember that all the houses are residential and therefore private property. Please keep this in mind and be respectful when visiting.

10. The Town Park

• VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
• Salem Common, N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970

Near the beginning of the film, Max heads to the Town Park after school where he bumps into Allison. Here, Allison hands him the note back containing his phone number. The Town Park filming location is Salem Common, at Washington Square. The High School building used for filming is also here, when watching the scene, if you look closely, you can see the High School building in the back behind them. In real life, if you face South Washington Square, you can see the High School from the Town Park just like in the movie.

Other Key Filming Locations

If you love Hocus Pocus as much as we do, you may be wondering about a few key scenes that are not mentioned here in this article. Unfortunately, not all scenes for Hocus Pocus were filmed in Salem.

The Bus Scene where Sarah Sanderson runs over Binx the cat is filmed on the Warner Brothers Ranch in California on Blondie Street. The big house she drives past was also used as the Griswold’s family home in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. More recently, it was used as Wanda’s House in Marvel’s WandaVision- another witchy’ connection!

The Trick or Treat Scenes with Dani and Max were also filmed at Warner Brothers Ranch in California. When the Sanderson Sisters roam the streets, they find the ‘Devil’s’ House (a poor unsuspecting homeowner and his wife). This house is actually located on Friends Street on the Warner Brothers Ranch.

The Fountain

After the Sanderson Sisters have been lured into the oven, Max, Allison, Dani, and Binx are seen celebrating in the Town’s central Park. This again, was filmed back in the 90’s at the Warner Brothers Ranch including the large fountain behind them that is also the fountain from the Friends credits. Now, the fountain has been moved to the Warner Brothers Tour circuit, so if you are ever in California and visit the Warner Brothers Tour, you may be able to see it!

Have Your Say

Did you enjoy this article about the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations? Have you visited Salem yourself and found some locations we have missed? Let us know if we have in the comments box below. Perhaps you are planning your Salem 2023 trip and are researching the filming locations to visit yourself; if so, we hope you have found this article useful. If you have any questions regarding the locations of Hocus Pocus please ask us by writing them in the comments box below.

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Back on the Road on our Biggest Trip Yet

Pre Amble

It had been a long gap between our last trip and this one. With the hangover from COVID-19 travel restrictions behind us, we were more “caught up” and traveling at a more normal rate. With just 1-2 BIG trips a year. in 2023 we had done 2 huge adventures. With our May trip all over the West Coast and then our Halloween madness trip on the East Coast in October/November our travel adventures had been pretty hectic. So we were slowing down a little in 2024 with just one small trip planned.

Well as we were only hitting the road once this year, we needed to make sure it was a worthwhile trip, with lots of content opportunities and heaps of experiences to share with you guys to keep you all entertained for a whole year. So our short trip turned into an absolute beast. From June 18th right up until July 10th a whole month off exploring our favorite spots in the USA along we a few new experiences.

This was also a BIG year for us. On June 22nd we would celebrate our 10th Wedding anniversary. So we need to make this one epic for that reason too. It was our Honeymoon trip to Maui that had pretty much started off our incredible Blogging adventures and we could only think of one place in the world to celebrate that momentous occasion. So we were heading back to Maui to Relive our Honemyoom memories, catch up on old haunts, and then hit out at a few new spots we were yet to visit in the Hawaiian Islands. We had a week in West Maui at Napili Shores, 5 days in Wailea to take in a little luxury, and then a week on the Stunning Garden Island of Kuaui, and finally a trip to the Big Island.

Stunning Scenery, amazing Beaches, Incredible Wildlife, crystals Blue Oceans, and jaw-dropping experiences all in the Amazing Hawaiian Islands…But first, we had a little visit to California to take in, again heading back to one of our all-time favorite places Monterey California, and the Pacific Coast Highway. However, we had a bit of a journey to get there first.

T-Minus 1Day

We start out the day before as we head down to London Heathrow for our flight out to the States. We normally fly out of here as the flights are just better scheduled and often a lot cheaper. We had managed to get a really cheap deal on Premium for this flight. Forgoing our recent dalliance with Upper-Class we would be traveling a bit more like mortals this trip, but still not in economy so would have some level of comfort. Important for our 11-hour legs right across the Atlantic and the Continent over to the West Coast.

We made the 4ish hur drive down the M1 from around midday arriving at the Airport area around 4pm. We had booked a parking space on a driveway via the YourParkingSpace.com app as we were finding Airport parking for a whole month to be pretty costly. This option was only coming in at around £130 for the month, a bargain compared to the £3-400 our usual providers were offering. We then booked into the Renaissance Hotel which offered a fantastic Runway View Room where we could relax and get ready for tomorrow. We bagged a free upgrade to the Executive Lounge as they were unable to honor the free room upgrade we got without Gold Status at Marriot.

This got us some free snacks and several free drinks to help keep the cost of this part of the trip nice and low. We planned on this being as frugal a trip as possible as we had some mighty expenses coming up as we were paying for a whole month in one of the most expensive places in the world, Hawaii.

The Centurion Lounge London Heathrow.

The morning after we awoke nice and early, around 7 am for our 11:45 flight to San Francisco. We were all ready and prepared so simply grabbed our stuff and headed on over to the Airport. A £12ish Uber taking us the 10-15 mins over to T3 Virigns home Terminal.

Here we found Check-in had become a bit of a faff as they have replaced people with automated machines. These are really clunky, and we are not professional check-in agents so it takes us a while to input everything, all the while the agents are still sitting at the desks waiting for us to drop the bag, it really feels awkward and an unnecessary step in the process. We will remember to Chick in line from now on as it is much easier, it’s just the last few flights we have been upper so had not experienced these new terminals yet.

Another step in these transatlantic carriers becoming just another Budget Airline!

Anyway, Security seemed a bit of a mess, but the queues seemed to actually be worse outside the main hall, and once through we pretty much just got straight through with no issues. A quick look around duty-free and then we headed to the Centurion Lounge.

We get lounge Access through Our Amex Platinum Card Holder Status and were really pleased to have this as the main terminal area was total chaos. Heading into the lounge all that simply melted away.

We really like the LHR Centurion. It’s not the biggest of lounges but there are varied seating options and great food and drink on offer. There is no natural light so it’s a touch dark and dingy, but the vibrant modern decor is quirky and their styling really nice with lots of varied seating options.

We got a nice quiet corner rin the cozier section of the lounge and waited for the flight in style. Starting off with some Bubbly we then tried out the breakfast. This was a Buffet Style, but it was really high quality for a Buffet, and the food itself was still fresh and hot. They also had some amazing French toast that came with some divine Maple syrup that had wonderful smoky notes and was some of the best French toast we have had.

We then worked our way through the drinks menu happily sampling a few of their excellent cocktails, until after a while we approached the boarding time of our flight and headed out to the gate.

Virgin Atlantic Premium London Heathrow to San Francisco

As we had Premium Boarding we simply strolled straight onto the flight and we settled into our large comfy seats. This was one of Virgin’s older 787 Aircraft, but these are still really modern and the seats are super comfy, with some of the newer aircraft offering more ergonomic seats, these are still plush and offer a huge amount of legroom in a nice 2-4-2 layout.

We got a Welcome glass of Champagne and then just waited for takeoff, which was prompt and on time.

Once in the air, we got our one and only drinks service! This was a little weak for an 11-hour flight, however whenever we asked for drinks they were happy to provide us one, but they really are locking down how many drinks are offered.

After our drinks, the Main Meal service was offered. We had pre-ordered our meals and got a choice of Pork Chilli, Breaded Chicken, Or Truffle Mac and Cheese. Kate is obsessed with Truffle, and I wanted one last spicey meal before a month of Bland and Baige food in the States, so we had the mac and cheese and the Chilli/ The Chilli was ok but a little overcooked and obviously a little on the bland side as is per usual with Airline food, But Kates Mac And Cheese was really nice with lots of earthy notes form the Mushrooms and Truffle.

This came with a really light and fresh Cous Cous Starter, a decent little Cheese Board, and a sharp and refreshing Lemon Posset for dessert. The food is not going to win any awards, but it was all perfectly edible and came on real plates with proper cutlery and is several steps above the overcooked ready meals served in Economy.

The Main meal came with a choice of drinks but the Wine on board is still being served from cans which is our least favorite way of providing wine…

There was then a Coffee Service, which we tactfully requested another Bar-drink instead, and then the whole plane transformed into Night Mode. We found this really odd. This is a day flight leaving at 11:45 and landing at 14:15 in the afternoon. However, it was being treated as a Night Flight. The Window Shades were plunged into darkness, all lights off, and the Cabin Crew doing Minimal Service.

This always seems to be the case on San Francisco Flights, but not other USA and West Coast destinations, Some Vegas Flights turn into all-out Party Buses! Most people went along with it, but we raged against the machine and refused to just fall asleep and miss the entire flight, however, whenever I overrode the window blind a Cabin Crew Member would ask me to close it again. I like being able to see out, and this is the main reason I choose a window seat, especially on this route as we pass over Greenland, Northern Canada, the Rocki Mountains, and the North West Coast of California, It’s a really beautiful flight, and I really did not like being denied the view simply because someone had pre-ordained out MIDDAY Flight to be Midnight!

Maybe they do this as they have completely ruined the once great IFE system, Vera. Our screens were excellent, better than we even remembered, and the system is smooth and slick, even though some of the Navigation choices are a little Style over function. We really would prefer a grid layout over the endless scrolling, but still, it does look cool. But the big problem was the actual content.

It really was light on anything at all really. The new releases were really poor and they had even dropped one of the most lucrative films of the year after only a couple of months on the roster, namely Barbie. It was even featured in the Pre-Takeoff adverts on the screens but was not available once the actual IFE started. The Back CAaog was also really weak and between us we really struggled to find 2 films each to watch. We used to look forward to these long flights as a way to catch up on films we have missed, but this trip the selection was really poor.

As the long night in the middle of the day drew on and we tried to eek some amount of entertainment from Vera, we utilized the Planes wander-wall for snacks and drinks and requested more drinks for Kate from the Galley (I would need to drive once in San Francisco) until finally, the Dawn Broke at around 6-7pm in the evening, and the CAbin crew returned to offer us Afternoon Tea…for Breakfast, or dinner, who knows at this point…

This was Virgin’s 40th Birthday and they have prepared a special Afternoon Tea to celebrate. This was really cute with lots of 40th styling and cute little cakes with special 40th motifs. It was a lot of fun and everything tasted great with the Scones easily passing the twist test and copious amounts of Cream and Jam provided. An excellent treat.

With this served the Cabin was allowed to be illuminated again and we could watch the final few miles out of the window as we passed over the Rockys, Crater Lake, Sonoma, and Napa Valleys, and finally down the coast to San Francisco. Our arrival was a little early and we were on the ground before 3 pm.

Skipping San Francisco

For some reason, San Francisco Airport seems to HATE Virgin Atlantic. Every time we have flown here, there seems to be some kind of awful hold-up on the tarmac with is queueing in the exact same spot for 30-45 mins. This trip was no exception and we were stuck in the Apron, just waiting for a parking spot, uber annoying after we had made great time in the air.

Once we finally were allowed off the aircraft we headed to Customs to find a hideous queue awaiting us. This was doubly annoying as we had meant to use the new MCP app to skip this queue but had completely forgotten the week before our flight. This was doubly compounded by the fact there was ZERO queue at those entry points and we could literally walk through is had used the APP.

Infact the queue was so grotty, and we estimated a good 45-1hr wait, we figured, let’s just try the App NOW. So after a little fiddling on the Airport Wifi, we added all our trip info and then exited the usual Queue and straight onto the MCP (Mobile Passport Control) Line. We were through the line in literally 5mintues and off on our way. It is so good we cannot possibly recommend this to anyone as if everyone works this out the Queues will be just as bad as the regular queues as everyone will be in the MCP Line.

The next stop was the Rental Desk and we were a little worried about this as we had taken a gamble. As we are doing one way, we had a little trouble getting a good price and in the end, only Budget offered us the car we wanted, on the terms we wanted at a price that was decent. We have had a bad experience with Budget in the past so were wary. However, we arrived at the desk with no queue and a really happy and helpful agent who checked us in in no time with only a minimal low-pressure upsell, before directing us to our fantastic Rental car for the next few days. A stunning White Mustang Cabriolet…one of 4 cars we would rent for this trip!

We then the road and headed out into the fantastic California Sunshine. Heading Straight out of San Francisco with so much as a howdy Doody! Why, well it’s nothing personal, we just did San Francisco last May, and were a little pushed for time on this itinerary. So it was straight down to our first stop Monterey.

Pacific Coast Highway

With the top down and the sun shining we headed straight across to the coast to pick up the PCH. This is one stretch of the highway we are yet to drive and follow it along the coast from Pacifica, through Half Moon Bay, then Santa Cruz, and finally into Montery. With the top down we got the full experience, wind in our hair, and the smell of Pine Forresrs and ocean breezes. I was a wonderful 119 miles before we arrived in one of our favorite small Cities and checked into our pretty basic Motel.

Monterey

Our base for the next couple of days would be the pretty basic Stevenson Motel. This was one of the first Motels we ever stayed in, and while it’s early pretty ugly located with a stunning Petrol Station View, it’s a great location and has everything we needed and was at least really cheap.

It was getting pretty late now as we had taken a long time getting out of San Francisco Airport so we just headed down to Fisherman Wharf to grab some food and try and spot some Otters, but really all we found were the abundant Sea Lions whose population really have exploded in recent years.

We grabbed some Clam Chowder from Crabby Jims before admitting defeat and heading to bed after a really long day of traveling. The time now was 10 pm and we had been on the go since 7 am, but in reality, it was 6 pm on our body clocks so we had been on the go for just short of 24 hours. and things were not going to get easier tomorrow!

In our blog tomorrow we are going to give a little bit more info on this part of the trip, why we are doing things the way we are, and what is coming up. Along with a HUGE day right off the bat.

Live Blog – Trip Report

<<< Back To Live Blog

Day 2 – Whale Watching and the Pacific Coast Highway >>>

100 Years of Disney

First off, it’s important to note that 2023 was the 100-year Anniversary of Walt Disney Studios. That’s right, the animation studios of Walt Disney have been thrilling us with their entertainment for over 100 years now, and boy are we thankful! This rightly deserves a Celebration and as any die-hard Disney fan is aware, the Walt Disney Company knows how to put on a Celebration! The 100 Years of Wonder celebrations ran across all Parks in the world for the entirety of 2023 and into 2024. This of course includes new Nighttime shows and Fireworks!

Disneyland California had 2 new Nighttime shows at its park for 100 Years of Disney Celebrations:

Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Park and World of Color: ONE at Disney California Adventure Park.

You can read about the Nighttime Show World of Color: ONE in our Nighttime Shows at Disney California Guide but here, we are focusing on the fireworks show at Disneyland.

Along with Wondrous Journeys, Disneyland Park also has the following Nighttime shows throughout the year:

• Fantasmic
• Mickey’s Mix Magic
• Halloween Screams (seasonal)
• 4th July (Independence Day)
• New Year’s Eve (obviously only shown on 31st December)
• Believe in Holiday Magic (seasonal)

The bottom four shows are clearly only available at certain times of the year so it’s best to check if any of these seasonal shows are running during your visit before you go!

Nighttime Shows mean Fireworks, right????

Well… Unfortunately, NOT necessarily … Let us explain:

This is where the bad news part comes in… Disneyland sometimes only has Fireworks on select nights.

So does this mean you won’t get to see Fireworks Shows during your trip? To answer, YES and NO.

To be clear, Disney pretty much has Nighttime Entertainment every night. Fantasmic and Wonderous Journeys both show daily but are only accompanied by fireworks usually at the weekends. So generally, on weeknights, you will still be able to see the nighttime spectaculars but they won’t be accompanied by the amazing pyrotechnics. Confusing and disappointing, we know.

Now, Disney does like to keep us on our toes so every now and then there will be nighttime shows during the weekdays WITH fireworks. This is usually reserved for holiday dates and special celebrations and can be for a limited time only. There is often little or no notice about whether there will be fireworks at Disneyland Park in the week so it’s really hard to try and plan your trip around this factor. As you get close to your visit date, you can always check the Entertainment Schedule for any updates.

Here is a breakdown of all the Night-time Shows at Disneyland California, when they are on, and if they usually include the magical Disney Fireworks.

Wondrous Journeys

• Duration: 13 mins
• Location: Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street USA
• Time 9:30 PM
• Variations: Wondrous Journeys with Projections and Wondrous Journeys with Fireworks
• check Entertainment Schedule for details

As already mentioned, this nighttime spectacular was created by Disney to celebrate 100 years of animation storytelling by Disney Animators. Beloved Disney characters are brought to life with stunning state-of-the-art projection technology, accompanied by classic Disney music to engulf you in the 100 years of Disney Magic all in one show! Our only complaint about the show was that it is too short, 13 minutes is NOT enough to fully celebrate all the magic and wonder the Walt Disney Company has created in the last 100 years. Still, I teared up as my favorite Disney moments appeared on the screen, accompanied by my favorite Disney music and the all-important Mickey-shaped fireworks high above the castle. The projections and music alone are enough to delight any die-hard Disney fan but the fireworks just add that extra level of magic. And Wondrous Journeys is set to return in Spring 2024.

Fantasmic!

• Duration: 25 mins
• Location: Frontierland, Rivers of America
• Time: 9:00, 10:30 PM
• No Variations, Projection Show Only
• check Entertainment Schedule for details

Returning in May 2023, Fantasmic is back!! After a long break since an unfortunate technical difficulty in February 2023, Fantasmic has finally returned to Disneyland. The show is a thrilling almost half-hour featuring Disney’s best villains. Mickey’s sweet dream as the Sourcerers Apprentice takes a dark turn when he is pulled into the Magic Mirror and the Evil Queen sets her Disney villain pals on poor Mickey. Featuring a fantastical array of live performers, enhanced special effects, and state-of-the-art projections, Mickey has to do his best to banish the Villains from his dream. Since the fire that broke out last year, the dragon sequence has been removed from the show and the new Fantasmic now features scenes from Peter Pan. This is added to the already memorable moments from The Lion King, Tangled, Aladdin and more Disney classics.

Mickey’s Mix Magic

• Duration: 10 mins
• Locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street USA, It’s a Small World
• Time: 9:30 PM
• Variations: Mickey’s Mix Magic Projections and Mickey’s Mix Magic with fireworks
• check Entertainment Schedule for details

Get ready to Party with DJ Mickey! Well, for 10 minutes anyway. Shown at 3 different locations across the Park, DJ Mickey spins a playlist of remixed Disney songs including Friend Like Me, Let It Go and I wanna be like You. Mickeys Mix Magic is a spectacular show with kaleidoscopic projections, exciting lights and lasers all set to some of your favorite Disney song classics. Mickey’s Mix is due to return on January 8th, 2024.

Seasonal Shows

• Halloween Screams
• Sweethearts Nite
• 4th July
• New Year’s Eve
• Believe in Holiday Magic

To celebrate various Holidays, Disneyland has seasonal shows that are only available around the holidays and for a limited time only. Depending on when you are planning your visit, you may be able to see some of the shows mentioned above. With the exception of the New Year’s Eve fireworks show, the seasonal nighttime entertainment can run for a couple of weeks or even more depending on the Holiday. Halloween Screams and Holiday Magic shows can run for up to 8 weeks. Again, during the week, these shows tend to be Projection only, with Projection and Fireworks only available at the weekend. Check the Entertainment Schedule before you go to see if any Seasonal shows are running.

So I can only see Fireworks at Disneyland on the Weekends?

Pretty much, Yes. Nighttime Entertainment is projection-only on weekdays at Disneyland California, or at least this was the case until June this year when they started showing Fireworks on select weekdays too. Until then, apart from special Holiday dates or celebrations, you could only see Fireworks at Disneyland California at the weekends.

If watching Fireworks over the castle is a MUST- DO then you did need to plan your trip to Disneyland for during the weekend days. There is no guarantee that there will be Shows with Fireworks during the weekdays when usually they are scheduled for the weekend days. You can check the Entertainment Schedule for more accurate information nearer the time but as most people book their Disneyland trips way in advance, this does not give enough previous information when booking your trip. To be safer, it’s best to book a Disneyland trip over the weekend so you have a better chance to see Fireworks.

Only being able to see Fireworks at Disneyland at the weekend brings with it a major issue that all Theme Parks suffer with; Weekends are busy. Apart from Holidays, Weekends are the busiest time at Disneyland as most Guests visit when they are off work or school, etc. And more Guests means a fuller park. And a fuller Park means long wait times for the rides.

However, if seeing those fireworks is non-negotiable then you are going to have to visit at some of the busiest times. But don’t panic, you can visit the Park to see the Fireworks at the weekend AND still get the most out of your trip all while enjoying yourself too. Here are some tips on how to still get the most enjoyment out of your visit to Disneyland Park on the weekends:

How to get the most out of your Trip to Disneyland at the Weekend

• Select Dates: Yes, traditionally weekends at Disneyland are busy. But if you plan strategically, you could pick a Weekend date that will be quieter than your typical weekend. If you visit off-peak the Park is quieter during those months compared to others. January and February are traditionally quieter than the rest of the year. Likewise, if you pick a weekend after a major holiday, the Park will have been rammed the week before so it’s likely that numbers will drop considerably right after.

• Use Genie+: Using Genie+ in Disneyland Park is the most time-effective way to get the most out of your trip when it is busy. Yes, it comes at a cost but using the Genie+ system is really the only way you are guaranteed to achieve everything you want to do during your time at the Park. Read more about how to use the Genie+ system effectively HERE

• Purchase Lightening Lanes: In the same concept of purchasing Genie+, paying for Lightening Lanes could be the only way you can get on a certain ride without a long wait time. Skipping the queues is time-effective and allows you to do more in your day, especially when the Parks are busy. Unfortunately, Lightening Lanes are not cheap so it really depends on your budget on whether this is a viable option for you. Read more about Lightening Lanes HERE

• Use Single Rider: Some rides at Disneyland operate a Singer Rider lane, which typically queues are shorter. If you and your party are willing to ride separately, it could be a good way to beat the long wait times when the park is busy. Please read our article about the Single Rider system at Disneyland to learn more.

Time to watch the Fireworks!

Hopefully, if you follow some of our time-saving tips, you will have enjoyed your day at Disneyland California with plenty of time to spare to watch the Fireworks. Because that’s what you came for, right?

Have Your Say

Do you think visiting Disneyland at the weekend is worth witnessing the fireworks show? Or are you planning to visit sometime in 2023 on a weekday now they have opened up the schedule? Let us know what you think of the Fireworks in our comments section below. Or perhaps like us, you agree that the projection stand-alone shows are just as good. If so, let us know in the comments section below! If you have any questions on how to watch the Fireworks at Disneyland please ask in the comments section and we will get back to you.

You May Also Like:

• Disney California Adventure Night Time Shows
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Disneyland Dining Guide

Attraction Passes can get a bad rep on some internet travel boards, and they do not suit every type of traveler but on the whole, we are fans of the products and we think, especially first-time visitors can get great value from them. So in our Go City Chicago Pass Review post, we take a look at the Pass to see if the Go City Chicago Pass is Worth it. if the attractions included are worthwhile and analyze the Pros and Cons of the Pass. A family could spend hundreds of dollars on a pass like this or on attractions in general so it is important to be sure it’s a good deal!

• Product: GO City Chicago Pass – All Inclusive
• Price: $124 – $248
• Price Child: $86 – $180 (Child 3-12yrs)
• Where to Buy: GoCity.com – Direct
• Number Of Attractions: 29+ Top Attractions
• Time Limit: 1,2,3, or 5 Consecutive Calander Days.
• Time Limit: 2-5 days unlimited (Consecutive Days)
• Expiry: 90 Days Refund (No Quibble) – 2 Year Expiry for First Use
• Rating: 4.3/5 Stars

Attractions Included – Unlimited All-Inclusive Attractions:

• Shedd Aquarium
• Skydeck Chicago
• Art Institute of Chicago
• 360 Chicago
• Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago – 1 Day Classic Tour
• Field Museum
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
• and Many more…

What is the GO City Chicago Pass?

The Go City Chicago Pass is an All-inclusive Pass that allows you to visit any number of attractions you like for a set number of days, 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. This allows you to visit as many attractions as you like from the list of 29+ attractions. This list covers most of the city’s most popular headline attractions and should have something for everyone. You simply arrive at your chosen attraction scan the pass and you are in. Most attractions require no pre Booking, however, since COVID some attractions do require you to make a reservation. Doing this does not activate your pass but it is a requirement for entry to some attractions.

The Go Chicago Pass is the All-Inclusive option but there are a few other passes available from the Go City People. Such as the Explorer Pass, Build your Own, and Package Options.

What is the Go City Chicago Explorer pass?

The alternative to the Go City Pass – All-Inclusive is the Chicago Explorer Pass. This is similar but works in a slightly different way. Here you pick the number of attractions (3, 4, or 5 attractions) you wish to visit and can visit them at your leisure during a 30-Day Period. As we discuss below a major downside to the all-inclusive pass is trying to cram too much in or chasing the pass, the way Explorer Pass works stops the temptation to do this, as you only have so much to get packed it.

In Practice, it works pretty much the same as the Go City Chicago Pass so you can continue reading this review and decide later if the Go City Chicago All-Inclusive Pass or explorer options are right for you. However it is important to remember the Shedd Aquarium which is very highly rated by us, is missing from the Explorer pass.

Click here to buy the Explorer Pass

Which is the best?

We do really like the GO All-Inclusive Pass in this instance. The Inclusion of the Shedd aquarium really sells it. The Nature of any Visit to Chicago is always quite hectic and the all-inclusive pass suits this quite well. For short trips, the Explorer pass does work very well though simply having a few good attractions to visit in the City really helps make the trip special without the stress of cramming things in. For longer visits, we prefer the Go All-Inclusive Pass though.

How Much is the Go City Chicago Pass?

Go City Chicago All Inclusive

• 1-Day – $124 – Adult – $86 Child (3-12)
• 2-Day – $174 – Adult – $129 Child (3-12)
• 3-Day – $207 – Adult – $153 Child (3-12)
• 5-Day – $248 – Adult – $180 Child (3-12)

Go City Chicago Explorer Pass

• 2 – Choice Pass – $69 Adult – $40 Child(3-12) – $34.50 Per Attraction
• 3 – Choice Pass – $86 Adult – $59 Child(3-12) – $28 Per Attraction
• 4 – Choice Pass – $116 Adult – $78 Child(3-12) – $29 Per Attraction
• 5 – Choice Pass – $126 Adult – $90 Child(3-12) – $25.20 Per Attraction
• 6 – Choice Pass – $144 Adult – $99 Child(3-12) – $24 Per Attraction
• 7 – Choice Pass – $153 Adult – $109 Child(3-12) – $22 Per Attraction

Check Our Promo code page to see if you could save even more!!! 

Check out our Promo Code Page to see if you could save EVEN more when Purchasing a Go City Chicago Pass. Click here to check out our available discount codes. or Click the Reveal button Below to Unlock our BEST current Code!

Clicking Reveal takes you directly to the Go Chicago Pass Page to input the code, we receive a small commission if you buy after clicking our link. This is how we support the Page

Go City Chicago Pass in Practice?

The pass is a Digital Pass. This means there is no physical item to be delivered and as such you get the pass instantly. It is then used directly from your phone or you can print it out and use it that way. It’s basically just a QR code that you show and scan at the attractions.

The Go Pass is activated upon first use and then you have 1,2,3 or 5 consecutive calendar days to use the pass as much as you like.

It is important to remember that the pass is CONSECUTIVE CALENDER Days. Meaning, If you activate a 3-day pass on a Tuesday, you have Tuesday Wednesday, and Thursday to use the pass. It is not 24hr blocks. So if you activate late on Tuesday you only have till midnight that day, so it’s important to visit your first attractions early to get the FULL day, or you may only be getting 2 1\2 days or less!

Using the pass is very simple it’s a simple scan of the QR code at the attraction’s entrance, and you are in. Some attractions offer Priority entry, This is essentially the fact your Pass is your ticket meaning you head straight for the entry queue whereas walk-up visitors will have to queue for tickets first.

The exception to this is the cruise where you need a timed ticket or a reservation. For this, you will have to queue up to get the timed ticket and then queue for the cruise. This is a bit of a pain really and could be avoided if you bought a timed ticket online beforehand. However, in practice, we often miss our timed slots and need to queue for new tickets anyway (they will swap missed slots for free). Since Covid, a few of the attractions require reservations to be booked beforehand. This does not activate your Pass but it will allow you to visit the attraction of your choice. Unfortunately, this does take away the spontaneity of the pass but the good news it is only applicable for a few attractions, many on the Pass still work on the walk-up system.

On the plus side, the Cruises sail from Navy Pier which is one of our favorite places in Chicago. So it’s easy to arrive at the pier, grab a timed ticket for the next hour or two, and then explore the Pier while you wait for the ticket! It makes for a fun afternoon/ evening.

Overall the pass does work very well and is incredibly simple. We use these passes all over the States and never had a serious issue. There are always drawbacks, which we discuss below,  but on the whole, they make our trips SO much more rewarding and can turn a pretty mundane aimless trip into a trip to remember for a lifetime! While the pass is a great idea for many people, they are not the right choice for everyone.

Is the Pass Right for me?

With the Choice between the Go City Chicago All-Inclusive and the Explorer pass, most types of visitors are covered by these passes. For very short trips or trips where your reason for visiting is a Festival, Convention, or some specific reason but you also have time to get out and see a bit of the city the Explorer pass is fantastic. You can get just the highlights at a huge discount with no time pressure at all.

For longer trips or where the City is the reason for visiting the Go Pass All Inclusive is the perfect option, The pass gets you right t the heart of the best attractions the city has to offer and you will find yourself touring the best tourist part of the city as you travel from attraction to attraction.

For those who detest planning, the Go Pass All Inclusive is a poor choice, it does require a certain amount of planning so those with an aversion will hate it. A lot of people want to experience what they feel is the “real” City or get an “authentic” experience. The pass encourages an unashamedly Touristy approach to sightseeing. Those attempting this type of travel will probably be disappointed.

But for most, those wanting to see the City from on high, For those wanting to see the city’s world-class museums and exhibits, for those wanting to really explore everything the City has to offer the Go Pass All-Inclusive gives you everything you could want, at a fixed low price!

Really the most important aspect of any pass, is that the Attractions are the ones you WANT to visit! So on that basis, we take a look at what is on the pass and point out our favorites.

Attractions:

The Attractions included on the Go City All Inclusive card are some of the best attractions in the City. We put together our list of the best things to do in Chicago and most of the attractions included on the pass came up on the list! So really we do think for most people the pass does have almost everything they would want to do in Chicago included, as far as paid attractions go that is.

One big omission currently is the Art Institute which used to be included on the pass, but is still on the CityPASS.

Shedd Aquarium – $45.88

We Make no secret of the fact we love Auqauriums, most Cities we visit we head to the Aquarium (if there is one) and love seeing the wonders of the undersea world. In Chicago, The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best in the country. We would rank it at number 3 just behind the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium, which both rank as some of the best in the world. The Shedd is a little behind but it is absolutely world-class.

We couldn’t visit Chicago without heading to the Shedd, and it’s great to see it on the pass, it’s a good half-day attraction so make sure you factor in a full morning or afternoon to get the best of it!

Reservation Required

Skydeck Chicago – $36

In any City getting up high and getting a good view of the Skyline is one of our favorite attractions. This is especially true in such heavily vertically built cities such as Chicago. The Willis Tower, Formally the Sears Tower was the tallest tower in the USA and has only just been surpassed by the Freedom Tower in New York. The Skydeck Chicago is the Towers 103’rd floor oversedation deck, and at 1353ft is the highest observation deck in the country.

The View is simply mind-blowing. From the Skydeck, you have 360 views of the entire city and can see 4 States, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and across Lake Michigan into Michigan itself.

You also have the gut-churning “ledge”! A glass Balcony that suspends you over the 1353ft drop to the pavement below. It is perfectly safe, but try telling your brain that!

Reservation Required

360 Chicago – $35

Another observation deck is 360 Chicago. While it might seem unnecessary to have two observation decks on the pass, The 360 is a fairly different experience. It’s not as high as the Willis Tower but the 1000ft + is pretty tall. The John Hancock Building is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and gives stunning views of the City, the Magnificent Mile, and the Coastline. Unlike the Willis tower which is right in the heart of things, the 360 is away from the downtown area meaning you get a better view of the imposing skyline of the City.

As is the case with most towers these days the view is apparently not enough. They need a Gimmick like the “ledge” on the Skydeck or the SkySlide in L.A. The 360 has “Tilt”. This is a window that tilts outwards over the City as you hold on leaving you face-first over the plunge. It’s a bit gimmicky and not as terrifying as it sounds and has an extra fee on top of the Go Card!

Most people ask which Observation platform is best. Our answer is if you are going for the Pass, do BOTH. They are both great in their own right and quite short experiences, so it’s well worth making your own mind up! It also gives you the opportunity to see Chicago from heights both day AND night!

Reservation Required

Art Institute of Chicago – $35.00

Not as Famous as the Louvre (Paris), The Britsh Museum (London), or the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, but in reality, every bit as good a museum) the Art Institute is a genuine world-class museum. What it lacks in prestige it makes up for in incredible pieces of art, culture, and history. This Monster of a Museum can take a full day to see properly, which can be a problem for pass users wanting to pack a bit more in! However, a good half day will easily pack in the highlights and give you a great idea of just how special this collection is! Personally, we don’t really want to spend a whole day in a museum anyway?

Any art lover will need little enticement to visit the location, but many of us are not the biggest art fans. We might pretend to be artier than we are just to appear a bit more cultured. But there are works of art here that are truly awe-inspiring such as Edward Hopper’s famous Nighthawks, Chagalls, America windows, Grants American Gothic, and Matisse Bathers by a river. 

It’s not just old paintings, however, There are huge pottery collections, Sculptures, Modern and Contemporary art, suits of armor on horseback. The varied collection ranges from Ancient artifacts to modern-day masterpieces. Really you would have to really really hate art to not be very impressed with this wonderland of culture!

This is one of the reasons we love passes. We would probably skip places like this without the pass, but not having to pay means we check them out and are normally very thankful we did! The Art Institute of Chicago is a revelation in that sense!

Unfortunately, the Art Institute of Chicago has been removed from the Go City Pass, if this is important to you it’s still available on the Official Chicago CityPASS

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago – 1 Day Classic Tour – $49.99

Hop On Hop Off Buses are pretty poor in terms of transport. They are irregular, slow, have long queues, and are pretty packed. For getting around, we don’t really recommend them! However, that doesn’t mean we don’t like them!

When arriving in a new City, your bearing can be shot to hell and you have no idea where you or anything else is. These tours are great an orientating yourself and learning the basics of the City. The elevated views from the top decks are great and it really can be the perfect intro into the City. This tour is worthwhile in its own right.

However, it’s not completely useless as transport. It certainly links up many of the top attractions so on the first day we always use it and hop off a few times at certain points before hopping back on and completing the loop. After that, we revert to more reliable and regular forms of transport!

Field Museum – $35.00

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of Chicago’s top museums and is ranked in the world’s top 10…So Don’t tell anyone, but we prefer the Field Museum!

Really they are completely different offerings. The field is a natural History Museum showing the wonder and beauty of the world in a really modern and spectacular way. With huge Dinosaur Skeletons, Egyptian Tombs, a Giant Insect room, and many enthralling exhibits of the wonders of our planet it’s anything but a stuffy exhibit of stuffed animals. We love the Field Museum and it’s a great addition to the Pass

Museum of Science and Industry – $33.95

Another really fantastic Museum that shuns the concept of boring stuffy museums. This interactive playground museum showcases all things science and does so in a really fun way that is really suited to younger audiences, as well as adults. If the regular museums are a bit too grown-up for you the Science and Industry Museum is far more likely to excite you.

Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel, and 4 Ride Pass – $45.00

Chicago is a fairly serious city. Filled with Museums and culture. Fun can often be pretty hard to come by so the Navy Pier can be a welcome relief. An old town-type fair with rides and attractions for all ages. The Highlight of the pier, apart from the fantastic setting, of course, is the 200 ft Centennial Wheel. And really this is where the pass’s value comes into its own. The Pier itself is actually free to explore but to actually do or see anything costs extra. With the PAss, you get access to any of the pier rides, including the Centennial wheel.

You can also board one of 3 Cruises included on the pass from the pier and we highly recommend arriving at the pier booking your cruise then enjoying the pier until your time slot. Head out on the cruise then carry on at the pier into the evening!

Remember that during the summer on Wednesdays and Saturday Evenings, there are fireworks at the pier too so plan your trip here for one of those days…but count on it being busy!

If you have kids do not miss the pier, but with loads of food and drink options, and a generally fantastic setting even an adult-only trip should definitely head to the pier too.

Shoreline Architecture River Cruise – $51.23

As we mentioned before there are three cruises available on the pass. Whenever a location is on the water we really love getting out onto the waves to see the city from a different angle. All three Cruises can be boarded at the Navy Pier and use timed tickets. So you turn up show the pass and then wait until your allotted time. The Navy Pier is the perfect place to pass that time.

• Architecture River Cruise
• Classic Lake Tour
• Tall Ship WINDY

Our Favourite is the Architecture tour. It isn’t your regular boat tour as it explores the city from the 3 branches of the river as it winds around the city. This 70 Min cruise takes in many of the City’s amazing landmarks, highlighting the impressive architecture of the city. Real Architecture buffs may be disappointed as it’s a friendly take on the city’s buildings but it gets you up close and personal to the city from a completely different angle to what you would expect, and after all most of us are not real architecture buffs!

Unfortunately, you can only do one cruise per day with the pass. But TBH how much time do you want to spend on a boat each day?

So, Is the Go City Chicago Pass Worth it?

From a purely financial point of view, it’s pretty hard to argue a case against the pass. It really can save you a stack of money. Below is a costed example of a very reasonable and do ale itinerary. We always take care not to suggest too much or pack out the pass to give unrealistic expectations. Of course, simple maths is not the only thing to consider with a pass so we take a look at the pros and cons afterward.

*We have done a little funding up/down just to ease the maths, but we are only taking a few cents either way

Day 1:

• Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago – 1 Day Classic Tour – $49.99
• Skydeck Chicago – $36
• Magnificent Mile Shopping – Free

Total –$ 85.99

Day 2:

• Shedd Aquarium – $45.88
• Field Museum -$35.00
• Navy Pier – $45.00
• Shoreline Architecture River Cruise – $51.23
• Centennial Wheel and Rides – $included with Pier

Total – $177.11

Day 3:

• Alder Planetarium – $35
• Museum of Science and Industry – $33.95
• 360 Chicago – $35 (Sunset)

Total – $ 103.95

• Full Price $ 367.05
• Pass Price $ 207
• Saving $ 160.05

That’s a saving of 54+% Saving over paying full price on the gate. That’s a big lump of cash you could put toward something else! But as we said it’s not just about the money. there are some pretty meaningful advantages to getting a pass.

Check Our Promo code page to see if you could save even more!!! 

Check out our Promo Code Page to see if you could save EVEN more when Purchasing a Go Chicago Pass. Click here to check out our available discount codes. or Click the Reveal button Below to Unlock our BEST current Code!

Clicking Reveal takes you directly to the Go Chicago Pass Page to input the code, we receive a small commission if you buy after clicking our link. This is how we support the Page

Advantages of the Go City Chicago Pass

Inspiration

Often when Visiting any new City you do not always really know what there is to actually do. We have headed to many new places only to arrive and not really know what we should do or where we should go. The pass solves this problem pretty well. With access to many of the Citys best attractions, we find ourselves doing and seeing a lot more than we would if we just winged it!

You may have found just scanning our list of attractions something you didn’t know about but actually really like the look of.

Budgeting

While we would all love money to not be an issue, unfortunately for most it is the defining characteristic of any trip. It’s awful to miss out on things because the budget won’t stretch, or worse get home to building credit card bills you didn’t plan for. With a pass in hand, you know all this is taken care of beforehand! As far as attractions go you know exactly what you will spend and can even get that out of the way before the trip.

Then you only have spiraling food and drink costs to contend with!

Do MORE!

Equally, Once this is paid for, you can do as much as you like. We find with a Pass we will do a lot more than we would without. We will see and do things we would not have considered before and often have a great time. How often have you looked at an entry fee and just thought “I am not paying that!” With a pass, you can check it out knowing it’s all covered! After all, Travelling is all about seeing and doing new things!

Planning

Planning is most people’s least favorite part of any trip and it can always be hard to know where to start. The pass can really help out on this front as you map out the attractions you most want to visit on the pass. You can then tie these up to free attractions and other things you want to do in the city. It really does help pull a trip together.

Flexibility

The other great thing about the pass is it makes that planning very flexible. With pre-booked timed tickets and rigid planning then it’s all set in stone. But life doesn’t really work that way. If you have your River Cruise all booked and the day breaks and it’s given torrential rain all day, then said cruise will be pretty miserable, Same with an open-top bus ride. This would be doubly frustrating if yesterday’s sunshine was enjoyed inside a museum!

With the Pass and the fact that nothing is set in stone means you can chop and change to suit mood and weather! We recommend planning days. lumping attractions together based on location and weather appropriateness. Then these days can be taken in any order as you see fit! So if the forecast is for rain head to the museums, sunny, and do the outdoor options.

What We don’t like!

Not everything is as rosy as you may think, however. There are always downsides to everything. And really these passes can get some pretty severe stick from online travel forums. Most of this stems from timed ticket issues.

Things like cruises cannot be pre-booked beforehand with the passes. So you need to turn up at the cruise, use the pass to get a timed ticket then wait for your allotted time. This is fine when quiet but at busy times it can be quite a bit of queueing. As we have pointed out though the Cruises depart from Navy Pier Which is a great place to pass time waiting for your cruise. Also, some other attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute offer priority entry so it’s kind of swings and roundabouts.

It is a shame that the pass is consecutive days as some passes offer Non Consecutive days. This means packing quite a lot into a short window. This is fine on shorter trips, and most people’s trips to Chicago tend to be shorter trips, but if you have more time to spend it can make things a bit hectic. It’s not a big thing with Chicago but it’s always nice to have the option of having days where you don’t do paid attractions and just relax, shop, or maybe explore further afield

As with all passes, the temptation can be to Chase the Pass. This is where you attempt to pack too much in and not properly enjoy what you do see as you are in a race to get to the next attraction. A pass should improve your enjoyment of the City, so worry less about getting value and more about enjoying the city the best you can.

Cramming too much in can also be very very tiring, you need to factor in getting to and from the attractions, and tearing around the City will leave you pretty exhausted. It’s likely you will be ready for your bed whatever you plan in Chicago but planning too much can leave you feeling like you have run a Marathon!

You also should not skip the free things the City has to offer that are not included on the pass, the many parks, the incredible coastline of Lake Michigan, and Lincoln Park Zoo. These are all free and as such not included. You should not skip these though just to get the best use of the pass or you will not be getting the best of the City!

We find a lot of complaints come from people not knowing properly what they are getting, and not properly planning out how to use the pass. If you have got this far in our review we like to think we have helped you understand exactly what the pass is and how to maximize its use. But we hear all the time from people who felt it wasn’t good value, or they were misled. We think most of these complaints come from a lack of understanding as everything is in black and white and we have never personally experienced any issues in using any pass that we were not aware of prior!

We are also really disappointed to see one of the best Museums in the world, The Art Institute of Chicago, being dropped from the Pass. This is a big loss, and it makes us lean toward the CityPASS instead!

Conclusion.

Overall we are big fans of the Chicago Go Pass. It really does help you get to see the best Chicago offers. In most, cases it adds to your experience far more than it takes away. We find ourselves visiting far more than we would ever do without a pass and for us, it’s the biggest strength of the pass. Money-saving should always be secondary to an improved experience (after all we could just stay at home for free!) and we find the Go Chicago Pass really gets us to the best Chicago has to offer.

Check Our Promo code page to see if you could save even more!!! 

Check out our Promo Code Page to see if you could save EVEN more when Purchasing a Go Chicago Pass. Click here to check out our available discount codes. or Click the Reveal button Below to Unlock our BEST current Code!

Clicking Reveal takes you directly to the Go Chicago Pass Page to input the code, we receive a small commission if you buy after clicking our link. This is how we support the Page

Have Your Say?

Have you tried a pass? Did you get good value from it? Did it help or hinder your trip? Would you recommend it to friends and family? We certainly would but would love to hear your take on it. Just drop us a comment below. Also if you have any questions regarding the Pass just fire away in the comments below and we will get right back to you.

You May Also Like:

• Chicago Attractions
• Chicago Visitors Guide
• Getting Around Chicago

This was a great relief as our journey was pretty stressful and we had arrived at the airport pretty early so it was really nice to have a place to unwind and reset ready for the flight back to New York. We naturally took this opportunity to have a really good look around the lounge to bring you our full review of the AMEX Centurion Lounge at Charlotte Doughless Airport. Here is what you can expect if you are an AMEX Platinum Card Holder and are passing through Charlotte North Carolina.

AMEX Centurion Lounge – Charlotte North Carolina

The Centurion Lounge Network is Amex’s own-brand premium lounge range. It offers a high-end luxury Lounge experience for all members of its Platinum Card Program. The lounges offer a relaxed and refined space away from the main Airport concourse offering complimentary food and drinks while you await your flight.

Why is there an AMEX Lounge at Charlotte Douglas Airport?

When we were planning this trip, we flew into and out of Charlotte simply for convenience. we were visiting the lesser frequented parts of the states and just really thought of Charlotte as a pretty small-town Airport. So we were really surprised when we found out there was a Centurion Lounge here!

Centurion Lounges are pretty prestigious and are usually reserved for pretty large and renowned airports, LAX, JFK, London Heathrow, etc…not little old Charlotte. Even Chicago O’Hare is not large enough to have a Centurion lounge as we found out on the way here!

After a little more research, we actually found out that Charlotte is the 9th busiest airport in the States (23rd in the world) and thoroughly deserves its Centurion Lounge (Although we are still not sure why O’hare (5thbusiest) still misses out? ). We admit that it is used extensively as a hub and not for people actually visiting the Carolinas, which is a shame as we had an amazing time in North Carolina!

Anyway Back to the Lounge

Finding the Lounge

We are not really sure why, but they really seem to love hiding the Centurion Lounges away. If we were more cynical we might begin to believe it was to keep numbers down simply by not letting people find them…

Of all the lounges we have visited, this was the hardest to find! We got the rough area fine but were completely unable to find the elevator up to the Mezzanine where it was located. The Elevator is at the far end of the Terminal between the concourse for Gates D/E, in the new Plaza Expansion. But the actual elevator to the lounge was almost invisible to us.

Access to the Lounge – Who can get in?

The Centurion Lounges are exclusively for American Express Platinum Card Holders and their Guests ONLY. Those with US Cards are charged for each guest they bring ($50 for adults $30 for Children) unless spending $75,000 per year on their card, while Card Holders from other countries have not had those new rules imposed on them yet and can still bring 2 additional guests free of charge.

For those in the US, it is important to remember that you only need to be a Card Holder, not a member, so in our case, Katie is the Member and I am an additional Card Holder so we both get free access. (Actually, our card is a UK card so we both get free access anyway, but if it were a US account adding people to the account gets you around the charge)

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve area also granted access, with the same restriction on guests as the platinum cards, and must be traveling on a Same Day Delta flight.

Unless you are a cardholder of the above or a guest there is no way to access these lounges.

The full access policy can be found here

The Amex Lounge Layout and Seating

We really like the layout of the lounge. It is not a huge space, but it is open on both sides with large floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the runway and apron of the airport, with nice views of the Airport Museum and Charlotte in the distance.

The lounge is unmistakably Centurion, and the Amex branding runs throughout the lounge. It has a really classy and playful theming through. There is also a really nice artwork collection running throughout with works from local artist Amanda Moody.

The main lounge is surrounded with nice comfy seats looking out of the large windows which offer a great place to rest and relax. There are also more upright seats better for working or eating and some more private cozy snugs.

There are also several enclosed spaces, perfect for families and businesses. One of the best additions to any lounge we have seen was the Phone Room. People use lounges for all sorts of reasons and most of us are looking to relax. But Business travelers use them to and sometimes need to make Phone Calls. None of us really want to listen to these, but this is often the case as busy people need to get the calls in before boarding. Having a Phone Room specifically designed to conduct these calls is perfect, giving the caller privacy and the lounge guests peace and quiet…Kudos!

There was a ton of power points and USB charging sockets all over the lounge. Every seat had access to something and we were easily able to top up everything ready for the flight.

Overall it was a brilliantly thought-out space and one with a spot available for just about every kind of traveller.

How Busy Way The Lounge?

When we arrived, at around 11:20 am the lounge was really quiet and we were able to get a spot by the windows straight away. We stayed for around an hour and a half and the lounge did fill up quite a bit, but there was still lots of space to sit, even prime spots were available.

We do imagine at the morning peak hours then things might be pretty hectic. But on the whole, it does not seem to be suffering the same overcrowding some lounges are experiencing. But this can obviously change and AMEX lounges are always very susceptible to fluctuation in use and they can never really guess how many people will show up. It’s not like an Airline Lounge when they know how many planes they have operating out of any particular airport.

Food

The Food selection was really good. The Centurion Lounges claim to base the cuisine on local flavors and this has been a little tenuous at some lounges, at Charlotte it was spot on with excellent Southern Fare on offer. The Salads were fresh and tasty with an excellent Cowboy Caviar (Beans and Corn) some hearty roast Veg, Saffron Rice, and Voodoo Tofo. A little limited, but excellent. The Satr of the show was the Beef Brisket which was pretty good for an airport lounge. There was also a wholesome Cheese and Broccoli Chowder that may have a little more of an acquired taste but was pretty good with fresh bread rolls.

Overall for a Buffet style menu, it was pretty good. Everything was hot and fresh and well stocked. We were not scraping the barrels getting the last dregs of food which can be the case. Maybe this was good timing, but on the whole, we were impressed.

Drinks

We only got around 90 mins in the lounge so our drinks experience was a little limited. We were not able to get through as many choices on the menu as we normally would. But what we did try was excellent. There was a good selection of beers on tap and some local brews on offer along with some domestic and imported beers in bottles.

The wie offering was also really good. Champagne was on offer and there was a good selection of high-end reds and whites with some East Coast Offerings which was pretty unique!

The Cocktail menu looked excellent, but our time was limited. We had a great Old Fashioned and Kate tried one of the specialty cocktails, the Cheery Cola which was also excellent. The lounge offered a full bar and talented Bartenders able to rustle up anything that might tickle your fancy.

We find the drinks selection a real strong point of centurion lounges and Charlottes Bar was no exception.

Amenities

The Lounge amenities were a little thin on the ground. These were pretty much limited to Shower rooms, private spots, High-Speed Wifi, and a Print/Copy/Fax service.

While the amenities were limited, we think people can expect too much from lounges and what was on offer there is about all we really need or would use. When they have things like spas and bookable treatments etc…we rarely go near, to be honest.

Even here, where we were pressed for time, we didn’t even use the showers or anything other than the basic amenities. All we want is somewhere to sit down and plug in, good Wifi, and decent food and drinks. These were all present and correct. We popped our heads into the showers, and they looked very plush. Like the bathrooms, it was all stone and wood finishes, and each bookable shower suite was cleaned between uses.

Overall

The Centurion Lounge had pretty much everything we have come to expect from Amex’s top-end Lounge Range. The space was really bright with great views, and the food at a really hight level, at least for buffet-style food. Drinks were the same super-high quality across every Amex Centurion Lounge we have visited and we really wanted more time here to experience the full range.

The Layout really is clever with lots of little spaces to make the best possible use of what is actually quite small and boring rectangle space.

We really didn’t expect to find a Centurion Lounge at this airport but we were really happy we did and thoroughly enjoyed our time here on what was otherwise a pretty stressful day!

Have Your Say

Let us know your thoughts on the Centurion Lunge at Charlotte Douglas. Have you visited the lounge? How did you find the Amenities, the Space, the food, the Drink, and the Crowd levels? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and if you have any questions just fire away.

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The Pandemic wrecked so many Travel Plans and lounges were really hard hit, with many very slow to reopen. The Revivals lounge was one of the last to do so with Virgin’s customers screaming out for the reopening of one of their favourite little Virgin Treats. Many, including us, feared the Revivals Lounge was to be one of the many long-term casualties of the pandemic meaning another perk lost to the cost-cutting that has been ongoing as the Airlines recover.

However, this is not the case, and Finally, the Revivals Lounge is back open for business and this little Shangri-La for Upper Class passengers is once again welcoming us in for a glass of bubbly, a hot shower, or just a nice cup of tea before our onward travel.

What Is Virgin Atlantic’s Revivals Lounge?

The Revivals Lounge is simply an Arrivals Lounge. It’s a place you can go after your flight to rest recuperate, get some refreshments, do some work, read a newspaper, catch up on your socials, and just generally re-adjust to the real world after being coupled up in a tin can for several hours.

Where to Find The Revivals Lounge

The Lounge is actually pretty tricky to find. Or at least it feels that way. You are almost outside of the Airport before you get to it and it feels like you may have missed it.

As you head through Customs and then Baggage reclaim you will leave the Airside of Arrivals through the “anything to declare” lanes. You then need to head to the left following the signs for Arrivals Lounge past the Rental Car Booths. You need to head up to the First floor and we find the best way is using the lifts as these are clearly marked for the Virgin Arrivals Lounge. But there are also stairs.

You then follow the branded walkway until you get to the reception. It’s quite easy really but it just feels like you might have missed it as you really are almost outside before you get the lifts. You definitely have to be looking for it and are not going to get here by accident!

Here is an interactive map to help guide you, but following signs should suffice.

How To Get Into Virgin Atlantic’s Revivals Lounge?

Entry is severely restricted to same-day Virgin Upper Class or Delta One Customers, Virgin Gold Members, only when arriving same-day on a Virgin or Delta Flight, along with certain Card holders and Member Statuses

• Passengers traveling in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
• Flying Club Gold members traveling with us
• Passengers traveling in Delta One
• Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion cardholders
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion cardholders
• Virgin Australia Velocity Club Platinum cardholders
• Virgin Australia Velocity The Club cardholders

However, remember you must be arriving on a Virgin or Delta Flight the Same day to gain access. These requirements are subject to change also. Up-to-date list here.

Why Do You Need An Arrivals Lounge If You Sleep On The Flight?

As the Lounge is reserved mainly for those in Upper Class you may wonder what the point is. Those in Upper Class have had Lie-Flat beds, Endless food and beverage options, a comfortable and relaxed space, and generally should be getting off the flight more refreshed than when they boarded.

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This is never really the case, however. While flying in the luxury of Upper Class really helps with the tiredness and Jet Lag it does not really cure it and after a long flight, often overnight you still disembark feeling pretty rough. Take our recent flight from New York. We were in the air for less than 6 hours and left the plane still in the dark with a body clock time of 3 am after 2-3 hours max of rest. We felt pretty awful, probably better than if we had been stuck in economy, but still pretty awful. So the lounge was a really welcome addition to our trip.

We usually also get the feeling of being abandoned by Upper Class Travel. You are welcomed to the departure airport with a special check-in desk, fast-track security, your own special lounge, waited on hand and foot on the plane, and then, just booted out the other end to fend for yourself. This is an odd complaint we know, but it can be a really rude awakening. The Revivals lounge helps soothe that just a little.

As Flights often arrive at Heathrow early morning, then there is also the issue of what to do. You are unlikely to be allowed to check into a Hotel yet, if you have a long drive you may well need more time to come around from the flight, you may be quite sticky and grimy from the long flight and longing for a shower, or maybe you just want that one last treat from the Virgin bar! There are loads of reasons that you might require, r just like, a little extra piece of luxury.

Admittedly those stuck in the back of the plane are probably far more in need of this kind of amenity, but their ticket was probably a tenth of yours so they miss out, sorry guys.

TOP TIP – The Breakfast on our last flight was absolutely ghastly. This is not always the case, but even so, you need to be woken up early to get an onboard breakfast, and they never really go down too well even when they are better cooked than ours. Ask the Cabin Crew to leave you snoozing, and instead grab something from the excellent Revivals menu instead. It’s better cooked, and fresher, and you get that extra hour of snoozing!

What To Expect in Virgin Atlantic’s Revivals Lounge?

Space

The Lounge is really quite small. At least the main lounge area is, the overall space is pretty huge, but well over half of it is taken up with the 20 Shower cubicles on offer.

After checking into the lounge there is only limited seating options. The tables and chairs are Cafe Style with sofas running around large parts of the lounge. There is limited bar seating, but most of the options are table and chairs tye of affairs. The lounge is probably only good for 40 or so passengers so if there are a lot of arrivals it can be tight, and it is always possible you are not permitted access if full.

There is no view as such, but the Windows are outside facing, however, the View is over the top of a roof area and not particularly exciting so it is largely kept behind frosted windows that allow a small amount of natural light in. Honestly, as a revival lounge, we would prefer more natural light to help bring us around, but we do understand the limitations.

Overall it’s a nice space, just a little small and…well not dingy, but just could be brighter.

Food

Food is a cut-down version of the Clubhouse Menu. Breakfast Items are excellent and all freshly prepared. You can go for a full English or something a little lighter if your stomach is not quite ready for that.

We made the mistake of eating on the plane and were really not hungry at all.

Drink

The Bar is more limited than at the Clubhouse but really that is no bad thing for an Arrivals Lounge. It’s mostly limited to Tea, coffee, Juice, and of course, free-flowing Bubbly. I was on driving duty so stuck to the Tea, which after 4 weeks in America was heavenly, but Kate managed a cheeky glass of Bubbly, and our companion who we had acquired on the flight was making full use of the flowing bubbles!

Amenities (Lots of Showers)

As the Lounge is past Baggage collection and past the point of no return you will have all your luggage with you which is a pain. However, they have full baggage storage so you can get rid of anything you don’t need in the lounge.

There is also a Clothes press service. We had no need for this so can’t vouch for it personally, but if you have a meeting that you were flying in for and your shirts are mangled up in your bag, a Nice Freshly pressed shirt would go down a treat!

And finally, there are the showers. These take up well over half the total space of the lounge with 20 cubicles available. You need to book in but as there are so many showers and not that much space in the lounge we never had anything remotely resembling a wait. We just got directed straight to the appropriate number.

The Showe hallway is a thing to behold as it seems to run off endlessly into the distance, more like a hotel hallway, with showers on either side. The Cubicles themselves were pristine, smelt fantastic, and were highly cleaned and polished.

The White Tiling was a nice touch and the water pressure strong and powerful. It’s hard to describe how amazing this felt after being on the go for 20+ hours with two airports of grime seeping into our pores.

The Showers were stocked with Virgins Partner Tolitry Brand Ren, which adds a really nice luxury touch.

Service

As ever with Virgin Atlantic we found the Service to be fantastic. The Staff were all super polite, friendly, and welcoming. Orders can be taken at the bar or via the App. A quick scan of the QR code and your order worked its way over in a couple of minutes.

We very rarely have any complaints about the fantastic Virgin Atlantic Crews and Staff, They just seem to match our style of traveling, fun, friendly, and un-stuffy.

Overall – Summing up The Arrivals Lounge

Overall, we love the Revivals Lounge. It adds that final layer of indulgence to your Upper Class flight and really sets you up for the day. As we say the Upper/Business Class experience seems to normally just end as you leave the plane so having this final flourish really helps.

It is also really quite useful. We killed a couple of hours here, as we landed so early we really had nothing to do. It was cold and miserable and we were nowhere near fit to drive the 4hours back up the Motorway to Manchester. We had a Hotel Booked in Richmond for an overnight but check-in there was midday at the earliest (paid for early check-in). This would have been a long time to kill in the rain without the lounge. We can also think of many other use cases where the lounge is the perfect stop-off for those just not in a rush to get onto their forward travel or experiences.

Yes, the actual lounge area is pretty small and it can get busy, but Virgin has gauged the throughput quite well and it’s not often full. Most people have plans and just get on with their day, but for those willing to take an extra beat and just make full use of everything the Upper Class experience has to offer the Revivals Lounge is the last stop and should not be skipped…even if it’s just for an amazing Cup of Tea!

Have Your Say

Have you visited the Revivals Lounge at Heathrow recently? What did you think of the Lounge, Food, Amenities, and Services? What were the reasons you stopped by? And how did you find the occupancy levels? Whatever you have to say about the Lounge, just drop us a Comment and if you have any questions just fire away in the comments.

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