Originally Posted By skinnerbox That's why I specifically stated Happy Hour. Dinner is overpriced, but Happy Hour is a bargain, if you like that kind of finger food. And the ambience of Tonga Room is affordable during Happy Hour, and not as rushed. <<Academy of Sciences? SGV gave this a thumbs down.>> Has SGV been to the Academy since the new building opened in Sept 2008? It's wonderful! I'm a member and go as often as I can to the various lectures and events. I say, ignore SGV on this one. The new Academy is terrific. And be sure to visit the Observation Tower at deYoung before the sun sets. The view of SF from the Tower is terrific.
Originally Posted By LuLu >>Has SGV been to the Academy since the new building opened in Sept 2008?<< I think so, he said it's now smaller, more confusing, and less science. But I never saw the previous one so... We saw the building from outside last time and it looks really cool. Thanks for your thoughts! Plans are shaping up. I love that 511 site for getting around by Muni! You can get pretty much anywhere in town. Also, thinking of getting a City Pass, it includes Muni pass, Academy and de Young, plus other things I don't think we'll have time to use: SFMOMA, Aquarium of the Bay, Bay Cruise Adventure. Hmmmm.... can't fit everything in!!
Originally Posted By Schmitty Good Vibes Skinnerbox, I was very impressed with the building that houses the Academy of Sciences and the rainforest exhibit. I wasn't too impressed with much more. I went with my daughter and her fiancé, and we all agreed that there was too much emphasis on the environment and how we, as human beings, were ruining the earth. It was kind of a downer. The aquarium was very confusing and wasn't as good as something like the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Given how they had the opportunity to have done something even better, I was disappointed. Personally, I prefer physics to environmental sciences, and there was little there for me, unlike before the change. We didn't have the opportunity to see the planetarium and that's too bad, because it is one of the best. I suppose that if I lived much closer, I'd also join the Academe for the opportunity to go to the lectures, etc. But for the admission cost, I won't go out of my way to go back. We got in for free and still didn't think it was worth it. I'll give it another try someday though as we may have gone on a bad night (one of those Thursday night events). I think this just all boils down to personal preferences.
Originally Posted By Schmitty Good Vibes Rats, my paragraph spacings didn't carry over from my word program. I'll be more careful in the future.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox SGV, I can understand your complaints. If physics is your thing, CalAcademy isn't the best place, even though the new planetarium is way cool. MBA does the aquarium thing better, but I would expect that from them, given their research focus. And I'm sorry you went on a Thursday night for your first impression. That's the weekly singles mixer (NightLife) which is hugely popular. I would highly recommend going back in the fall (after the tourists have left) and seeing it during a weekday. You'll walk away with a different perspective.
Originally Posted By Schmitty Good Vibes Will do. And I'll make darn sure I see the planetarium. Is it entirely new, or is it an upgrade of the old one? I will always remember the SF skyline on the perimeter of the screen. I'll also remember that, when I first saw it at roughly three years old, my dad had me convinced that we were actually going into outer space. That scared me quite a bit.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox The planetarium is totally brand new. Set up more like an OMNIMAX theatre (if you've ever been to the one at OMSI in Portland) than the more traditional on-the-ceiling type of planetarium display the original Academy offered. As for the Moss Room... if I could only afford those special event dinners that are offered to members. Great setting for a great meal. But my bank account can't afford three-digit meals right now. 8^(
Originally Posted By LuLu I'm still working on how to group our destinations by day, and what to let go of. I decided to nix Sausalito AND Angel Island in favor of the bay cruise that comes with the CityPass. Trying to do what comes with the pass, so I'm going to have to boot a few more of the things that don't: WDFM, Ft Point, Crissy Field and Maritime Museum. Right now I'm leaning towards Maritime Museum vs WDFM etc, which take more travel time. UGH! I really wish I booked an extra day in SF, too much $ to change it now How many hours should I allow for the Academy? I'm thinking 3 - 4...
Originally Posted By velo I may be wrong, but the Maritime Museum is fairly close to the WDFM - so I'm not sure there's that much more travel time involved? Knowing how much you love DL, etc. I would think that the WDFM would be more enjoyable for you?
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Maritime Museum is next to Fort Mason, which isn't near the Presidio, in terms of walking or easy MUNI access. You can catch the outbound 30 Stockton bus one block from Maritime Park (on North Point St) to the Marina, and transfer to the outbound 43 Masonic bus on Chestnut St (between Webster and Fillmore) which goes through the Presidio. The closest bus stop to WDFM is in front of Lucasfilm. It's about 1/4 mile walk to WDFM from there. Or if that seems like too much hassle, you can take a cab. But those are basically the only options. I'm in agreement with velo here. The Walt Disney Family Museum is not to be missed, if you're a Disney fan. It might be a bit of a hassle to get there if you're not driving or taking a cab, but it's worth it. And if you're a Disneyland fan (and I'm assuming you are), the Walt's Disneyland model is a MUST SEE. No kidding. If you cannot do both and have to choose... I would go with the WDFM. Save the Maritime Museum for another trip. And if you go to WDFM, be sure to walk between the brick buildings to the back area behind the museum, for a spectacular view of Golden Gate Bridge. And regarding CalAcademy... allow at least 3 hours, and avoid the third Wednesday of the month, which is free admission day. Seriously huge lines and wall-to-wall bodies. Not a good way to see the place.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I'd go with the WDFM too We had a great visit and had no idea how touching and informative it would be. Allow plenty of time. There is a nice little cafe where we met first but they also suggested going there for a break during the tour. I believe your DD is interested in art and the format that his family set for his life should be very inspiring for her
Originally Posted By LuLu I think I'm fitting it all in, I'm just not sure if I'm gonna exhaust ourselves! Plus, I'm not leaving time for leisurely meals. I need to write everything down and evaluate. The Maritime Museum will be nixed if we get in late or need the time for lunch. But it's a straight shot from our hotel on the cable car, and near 2 other destinations: Aquarium of the Bay and Pier 39 for our cruise. So we'll at least stop to look at the ships! I've had a tough time on where to fit WDFM in. We have to buy timed tickets... Kathryn Beaumont is there at 3 on Saturday... nothing really closeby to visit. Plus, I'm the least Disney fan on LP But I'm fitting it in! Should we go early? Is 10a - 3p too long to visit and have lunch there?
Originally Posted By LuLu >>avoid the third Wednesday of the month, which is free admission day<< Fridays-Sundays are "neighborhood free days," too. I'm hoping they're not too crowded, 'cause it's just not working any other day.
