Clearwater Marine Aquarium (things to do, best, money)

[ISOnewplace]

Originally Posted by jchipgcs

No, it's really more disgusting that you want to get in free to a facility that has to beg and borrow and take donations to do rehab and release of sick and injured animals. What a winner.

[planedition]

ISOnew:

The OP is not the only person who thinks the place is overrated, so do a lot of other people from all over the world who are coming specifically to visit the CMA/Winter, and are shocked and appalled at the condition of the place. If you are not ashamed that people from all over the world are coming here and getting this impression of a "TOP tourist attraction" in our region, then you lack civic pride. Just read the reviews all over the Internet.

[jchipgcs]

Originally Posted by planedition

ISOnew:

The OP is not the only person who thinks the place is overrated, so do a lot of other people from all over the world who are coming specifically to visit the CMA/Winter, and are shocked and appalled at the condition of the place. If you are not ashamed that people from all over the world are coming here and getting this impression of a "TOP tourist attraction" in our region, then you lack civic pride. Just read the reviews all over the Internet.

That's great.....but if you're able, do you care enough to donate or volunteer to make it better? Not just complain.

[planedition]

Somebody just posted this today on Google. WOW.


mboss ‎ - Apr 6, 2012

I took my family to this with low expectations. Wife and daughter saw the dolphin tale move and wanted to see Winter. We paid $70.00 to get in, and when we found out it was another $25.00 to pet Winter, we thought that this place is really out to get your money. When you see the look on peoples faces as you walk around, you will be able to tell that people felt "let down" by what they paid to get in. This is more like an animal rescue education center than an aquarium, and if they are looking to raise money as a non-profit organization, they should take donations instead of hitting you up for so much money at the door. When you get there and see the admission stands under tents, the snack bar under a tent, and then the main entrance takes you right into the gift shop, you will know what to expect from that point forward. For about the same amount of money, you can go to the Tampa Aquarium and have a great experience there.

[dfrn2112]

Originally Posted by jchipgcs

Perhaps the fabulous GA aquarium should have volunteered to take Winter in and pay for her rehab.

AMEN! I agree with the supporters of CMA!! Their money goes to RESCUE, REHAB, and RELEASE!! They rely on donations...and my daughter, who is an intern at CMA, said CMA didn't make anything off of the movie other than from merchandise/gifts that they've sold...and I agree with its not Disney World!!

[dfrn2112]

Originally Posted by jchipgcs

no, it's really more disgusting that you want to get in free to a facility that has to beg and borrow and take donations to do rehab and release of sick and injured animals. What a winner.

right??

[sinatras]

Of course it's not Disney World. Nobody ever said it was Disney World or should be like Disney World.

Not one post in this thread says the place should be like Disney World.

The point is, the CMA is attracting all these people (due to the Dolphin Tale film), and people are leaving very disappointed and like they've been ripped off. Not because they expect Disney World, but because they expect an aquarium that is well-run, clean, with lots of fun exhibits/things to do, lots of animals, etc.

The CMA is none of those things.

[carolyninfl]

Originally Posted by dfrn2112

right??

ya thats right. I could see paying a few bucks but not 12.00 or so for a childs ticket.
Yes its disgusting. Dont agree thats fine with me

[carolyninfl]

Originally Posted by sinatras

Of course it's not Disney World. Nobody ever said it was Disney World or should be like Disney World.

Not one post in this thread says the place should be like Disney World.

The point is, the CMA is attracting all these people (due to the Dolphin Tale film), and people are leaving very disappointed and like they've been ripped off. Not because they expect Disney World, but because they expect an aquarium that is well-run, clean, with lots of fun exhibits/things to do, lots of animals, etc.

The CMA is none of those things.

Thats correct.

[ISOnewplace]

Originally Posted by planedition

then you lack civic pride. .

I'm sorry but that is just ignorant! I would be willing to bet that I spend WAY more time " contributing" to the community than you. When was the last time you went out to clean up a beach? I'm raising my child to be a good steward of the earth and he doesn't expect "entertainment" when going to an aninal rehab center.

If you are so ashamed of this struggling not profit trying to rescue and rehab animals, why don't you do something.

Personally, I would be more ashamed by all the people who have seen the movie and know the story and then go there and see the wonderful work they did with Winter and then COMPLAIN about having had to pay for it.

They didn't go out a get a dolphin and then cut off it's tail for publicity. When the story got out about the wonderful work they were doing, people came to see Winter for inspiration before it was made into a movie. The fact that people want to meet this incredible team and this inspirational animal should not be confused with "false advertising". What do you want them to do wth the money thay are making from the movie? Kill all the sick animlas, fire the marine biologists and hire entertainers and tour guides.

BTW: it was filmed on location and the story is basically about their struggle to NOT lose the facility so the fact that it is not a big fancy aquarium shouldn't be a shock to anyone!!

You know what I am ashamed of. That Tampa is filed with attitudes like yours!