Moody Gardens is a tourist complex in Galveston, Texas.Moody Gardens features three main pyramid attractions: the Aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world and holds many species of fish and other sealife; the Rainforest Pyramid, which contains tropical fauna and flora; and the Discovery Pyramid, which focuses on science-oriented exhibits and activities.Another major attraction is Palm Beach, a landscaped sandy area with freshwater lagoons and offering children’s activities. Moody Gardens also has a Ride Film Theater with motion-based pod seating, a 3-D IMAX theater, a paddlewheel cruise boat, a hotel and a convention center.Moody Gardens is a Awesome Place For Vacations.
Moody Gardens was founded in the 1980’s, as a hippotherapy riding program for individuals with head injuries. The gardens began with only a horse barn and riding arena, through an eight phase master plan, the institution has grown to be one of the largest recreational and educational facilities in the Southwest. Moody Gardens is a popular attraction for tourists visiting the Galveston area, each year the facility welcomes over 2 million visitors.In 1986, the hippotherapy site expanded to add animal and horticultural therapy. At this time, the facility also began offering both educational and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. The structure known as Hope Arena was expanded from 35,000 to 60,000 square feet to include a convention center, and the facility was named the Moody Gardens Convention Center.In the 1990’s, Moody Gardens underwent extensive expansion and upgrading of its facilities. The Production area contains two greenhouses and a Medicinal Plant Program was enacted. In 1993, the Rain Forest Pyramid and IMAX Theater were added. The Rainforest habitat contains over 1,700 exotic plant and animal species from Asia, South America and Africa. The Visitor Center has a restaurant and the Dancing Waters lights show, complete with dancing water fountains choreographed in time to music. A second pyramid was added in 1997, the Discovery Pyramid has NASA themed exhibits and other scientific displays.In 1999, the gardens added a 1.5 million gallon Aquarium Pyramid which has marine life from the North Pacific, Caribbean, Tropical Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans. The Aquarium Pyramid is one of the largest aquariums in the world. The tank features up close views of sharks, penguins, seahorses, moray eels and many other types of sea animals.
With the addition of the aquarium, the facility also added a hotel and expanded the convention center in 1999. The Moody Gardens hotel is an architectural wonder with 428 luxuriously decorated rooms and 22,000 square feet of meeting space, a spa and full service salon and fine dining restaurant. The hotel was expanded again in 2004, at this time a 125-room suite was added and the Exhibit Hall was expanded to 60,000 square feet Travel Advice in USA.During 2005, a 4D Special Effects Theater was added to the facilities. The theater boasts 3D images and offers special effects such as leg ticklers, scents, a mister, snow and many more features. The theater is a one-of-a-kind experience that treats guests to actually smelling, feeling and hearing the action in a totally unique way.
Visitors to Moody Gardens can expect an island type environment rife with fun and excitement. Guests can explore the 10-story Rain Forest Pyramid, take in a movie at the 4D Special Effects Theater, enjoy the Ridefilm 18 passenger or experience any of the other features the facilities has to offer. Moody Gardens is an incomparable facility designed to give guests a unique experience to be remembered for a lifetime.
