My first experience with Moody Gardens was to drive through and look at the pyramid structures longing to see what they contained.  That was several years ago.  Finally, with pyramids on my mind I returned to experience Moody Gardens and discovered the secrets those triple pyramids held deep within the glistening triangular walls. (Lobby picture Below.)

Driving up the palm lined entry way, lush tropical foliage greets you gently bowing from the gulf breeze as if to say “welcome home weary traveler.”  Stepping out of my car I notice a calm quietness about the hotel.  Inside the luxuriously well appointed lobby, white stone columns spirally surrounded by tropical foliage gave homage to a soft luminescent blue sky with puffy white clouds.  Looking twice, I realized the artisan had deftly brought the heavenlies inside.   Mmmmm…. I’m already in the mood for Moody Gardens and the adventure has only begun.  

When choosing a destination vacation such as Moody Gardens, save up to enjoy it.  Don’t skimp on the experiences.  Always call ahead and get an idea of the price ranges and packages offered then begin saving for your vacation.  The rooms are well appointed and accommodate a variety of sleeping arrangements with one or two bathrooms and some with extra living space.  For that senior couple needing extra space or just newly married, one of the suites with a “parlor room” offers a fabulous view of Galveston and the gulf along with a truly divine sunrise experience!   Moody Gardens understands the needs of families and seniors.  There are handicap accessible facilities within the hotel itself and to all the attraction venues within the properties, not to mention the fine dining of all levels located throughout the hotel and visitors center complexes.

Imagine sitting beach side running your toes through soft white sand while the sun filters down through your lounge chair umbrella.   Moody Gardens has tons of white sand and palm trees along their palm beach.  Enjoy freshwater lagoons, easy on the backs and knees; a great time to float and enjoy talking the time away, or read your favorite book you never had time for!  Is senior beach bumming not your style?  One of the incredible treats you’ll encounter in the tropical forest pyramid is birding.  I encourage you to take along a pair of binoculars and plan to spend quite awhile in the tropical rain forest pyramid (built in 1993) home to more than 1700 exotic plant and animal species from the rainforests of Asia, North and South America, and Africa.  Within its triangular borders,  a pair of sloths, tamarans, several four legged animal species, and a myriad of feathered friends dub this clear walled pyramid home. 

Moving on to the largest pyramid, you’ll find an undersea extravaganza.  Considered to be one of the world’s largest aquariums with more than 1.5 million gallons of water and thousands of colorful fish, sharks, king penguins, the new rock hopper penguins, seals, rays, and much, much, more in this under water haven, you’ll definitely be in the mood for Moody Gardens before finishing through 1/4th of this exhibit. 

This facility is entirely ramped for handicapped accessibility or ease of walking.  Gentle sloping ramps make this just as enjoyable to walk as to watch and observe the marine wildlife.  One word of advice is offered here – if you should decide to purchase a backstage pass to meet the penguins (highly recommended) watch out for king fisher penguin “Noel” she is fast and very willing to give you a “welcome peck!”

The third pyramid which was actually built second in sequence in 1997 is home to spectacular traveling science exhibits, the Ridefilm Theater which offers thrilling ride simulations, and hands on learning area for kids.  Perhaps you are the vacationing senior with your grandchildren; Moody Gardens is the perfect combination for seniors and children.  Using the techniques of hands on learning at age

appropriate levels, grandparents and grandchildren can

share in the many discoveries awaiting them at Discovery

Pyramid. Have I sparked your mood for Moody Gardens? 

For more information regarding room rates, packages available, seasonal and off-season ticket prices, go to www.moodgardens.org or call 1-800-582-4673.  One more word of advice, Galveston, Texas and Moody Gardens Galveston Island, is a “drive to” destination.  You either arrive at Moody Gardens in your own car or fly into Houston and drive in with a rental.  Should you decide to fly to Houston, attempt acquiring flights to Hobby International airport in Houston.  Hobby International Airport is only 45 minutes from Galveston and a straight shot down South I-45.  Avoid exiting the vacation and flight out between the times of 3 pm – 5 pm Monday – Friday.  Hobby Int. airport is used by business men and women going back and forth from Dallas, Texas. to Houston.  This is a high volume time with lines extending throughout the building.  You’ll truly

understand why the two hour arrival time to the airport is necessary. 

After you’ve stayed at Moody Gardens send me a note on your thoughts regarding your experience there.  It will keep me in the mood for Moody Gardens!  Happy Traveling.