Moody Gardens - Galveston

One of the largest attractions in Galveston is a place called Moody Gardens. It's like any large theme park, way too much to see in one day. So, they offer different packages along with varying price ranges to allow people to explore at their own pace. 

First of all Moody Gardens sits on 242 acres of land. It officially opened in 1986 and declares itself as a non-profit organization that educates visitors using nature as its platform. The park is open 365 days a year with over 2 million visitors each year. The park has three main attraction, the Rainforest Pyramid, the Discovery Pyramid, and the Aquarium Pyramid. Other attractions include the MG 3D theater, Palm Beach, the paddlewheel boat, and a golf course just to name a few. There are two seasonal attractions during the winter months which include the festival of lights and Ice Land.

Our first major decision, what attractions are we going to see. We decided to start with the Rainforest Pyramid, then do Ice Land, and finish it off with the Festival of Lights. The cost was $30 each. Definitely doable so away we go. Enjoy.

The Rainforest Pyramid is exactly what it says, a rainforest pyramid. The large clear pyramid opened in 1993 and reaches 10 stories. Of course the first thing that hits you when walking in is the humidity, then you see all the vivid colours and wonderful sounds.

We spent a good couple of hours walking through the Rainforest Pyramid and what a wonderful experience it was. Now on to Ice Land. Prior to entering we were shown a short 5 minute film on the making of this icy cold palace. Using 2 million pounds of ice the VYA Ice Carving Team from Harbin, China was given the daunting task of making the ice come alive. Working in a 28,000 square foot insulated tent with a   continuous temperature of 9 degree F, the 30 man/woman team carved towering ice figures. This years theme: SpongeBob Squarepants.

They give each person long parkas before entering. Me loving cold I just laughed. Rule number one you have to wear it. As soon as you walk in the cold hits you like a baseball. We noticed the temperature on the ice wall as we were walking around. They weren't lying.

Yes that is Susan under all those clothes. She was not a happy puppy. Finally, I'm in my element and loving it.

The ice slide is a favorite. I wanted to try it so bad but with my tailbone issue I didn't risk it. Maybe another time.

I kept having to remind myself this is all made from ice.









By this time we had enough of the theme park thing so we went home for some much needed rest and relaxation. We still had the Festival of Lights later on after dark, so a few happy hour drinks was out of the question.

It's dark so back to Moody Gardens we go to see the Christmas light display. It consists of a mile-long walking trail of over one million lights and 100 lighted scenes situated on Galveston Bay. As you walk around you're senses are stimulated by the smells of popcorn, hot chocolate, and roasted marshmallows over a campfire all while listening to holiday music.

          

The Lanterns Festival has been apart of the Chinese New Year celebration since the Han Dynasty of the Chinese Empire 206 BC - 221 AD. The people of the Han Dynasty believe that fire contained mystical properties that would ward off evil and prevent natural disasters. Being in a hurricane zone, Galveston could sure use all the help it can get. Anyway, these lantern were to honour the ice carvers who came to Moody Gardens from Harbin China sharing their trade and culture.