FH and I went there last night, we had been there about 3 years ago with ex friends of ours who wanted to get married there... so we're pretty familiar with everything... long story short, we both LOVE it.. it's the first place we walked out of and were BOTH happy... except the price... it's a little too high for us, but we think we might be able to edit the menu a little and get the price down. Plus the BM threw in EVERYTHING under the sun, I don't know if he does that for everyone.... but it made me happy.
We went back to FH's house and told his parents about it and his mother was not happy... she doesn't like it there, although she's NEVER been there, she's just driven past it... ONCE. FFIL was a little more on our side, but still needs a little push.
I thought my mother was going to like it, but this morning said she didn't know if she liked the idea, but I think when all our parents go with us they'll fall in love too.
Anyway.. my questions: Did you have your wedding there or have you BEEN to a wedding there? Reviews?
FH's co-worker went to a wedding there a while back and said she was not impressed, but I don't know why.
Also, like I said before, did they throw in everything on the enhancements to loop you in?
thanks!
Junebride2010
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Re: atlantis marine world
I attended a wedding there about 3 years ago. To be honest with you it was pretty cool (the fish tanks) but It wasn't my favorite. I didn't like that the dance floor was in another room. Felt that the table arrangement was awkward. I thought cocktail hour was cramped and I really didn't enjoy the food. This is only my opinion--it may have been an off night.
sykogodezz
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Re: atlantis marine world
Posted by bunny032002
I attended a wedding there about 3 years ago. To be honest with you it was pretty cool (the fish tanks) but It wasn't my favorite. I didn't like that the dance floor was in another room. Felt that the table arrangement was awkward. I thought cocktail hour was cramped and I really didn't enjoy the food. This is only my opinion--it may have been an off night.
I went to a military ball there last year (I think it was last year) and while I thought the place was beautiful and unique, there were things that didnt seem right for a wedding. The shape of the room is a little awkward. Like there are parts where people will sit where you can see whats going on. I agree with you also on the dancefloor situation. I dont want me or my guests to have to go to a separate room to dance. Overall its a beautiful place, and for any other event its great, I just wouldnt like it for a wedding.
Tracey1979
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Re: atlantis marine world
I have never been to a wedding there, but I think you should think long and hard about doing your wedding at a place that does not do weddings on a regular basis. I almost did mine at a restaurant I love, but they so infrequently have weddings. When you go to a place that has them a lot, they are like a well-oiled machine, there are no issues, etc.
FallBride2010
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Re: atlantis marine world
I havent been, but also heardthe dance floor is in a separate room. I wouldnt like that if I was a guest and would probably dance a lot less. I think having two separate rooms kind of ruins the mood of the wedding.
JAAMS
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Re: atlantis marine world
FH & I went there to visit not too long ago. I LOVE the idea of having an entire aquarium for my wedding.
HOWEVER, I agree with the other girls about the setup of the room. I've heard people complain (not about there in particular, but in general) about places that have dance floors elsewhere + rooms where people are in different places. Also, the fishy smell concerns me a bit.
I've heard 'things' about the food. FM me if you want info.
megan_gallagher
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Re: atlantis marine world
FH told me today he's not 100% on it (all of a sudden- I think it's because of what his co-worker said) But I kind of like the idea that the dance area is separate, only because we have a LOT of older guests who won't be dancing and the music might be a little much so I think its nice to give them that option. But at the same time... I've heard that when you're just sitting at a table that you don't feel like you're at a wedding.
I don't know, I really like it there. I'm just concerned because I'm hearing mixed things about the food... how is it?
MarjorieFrank
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Re: atlantis marine world
Can't help you out with the food, but I remember walking through the room on a visit to the aquarium and I remember being really turned off by the smell. It is not ultra pleasant. I think you should look into other places, maybe ones by the water, so you have something to compare AMW with. Good luck!!!
netsirk10
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Re: atlantis marine world
I actually went to a sweet 16 there about 3-4 years ago. It was really nice but I am not so sure for a wedding. I was considering doing my wedding there but the whole separate room thing for a dance floor raised too many problems. Although you might have some older guests who are not interested in dancing or the loud music it kind of makes everything really segregated in a way. It also can start to get confusing when it comes to special parts of the night like the father daughter dance, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, etc. People might be upset if they miss or can not see that type of stuff. HTH
DWKSwed
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Re: atlantis marine world
I thought about this place too when I first got engaged, although I hadn't been there, and oddly my priest was the one who recommended we see the place we wound up booking, and recommended AGAINST the aquarium. He said he had been to a wedding there and did not think it was a good place to have a wedding. I don't think it was just coming from a religious clergy kinda place as he's pretty cool and normal.
I went through the same thing as you... I had my heart set on a place that everyone was down on, was concerned guests might not enjoy it, and eventually I gave in and looked at more conventional places... in the end I booked someplace else that I'm totally in love with now, and while I miss my unique initial 1st choice place, I realize it wasn't as practical and might be better for another event down the road. I recommend you be open to different options if you're on the fence about the aquarium. But if you love love love it, and the food is up to par, then it's your wedding, do what you want. The best piece of advice I ever got about wedding planning was 'no matter where you have it, it will be the best day of your life, it will be beautiful, and perfect.' You will make it great if you have it there.
sykogodezz
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Re: atlantis marine world
Posted by megan_gallagher
FH told me today he's not 100% on it (all of a sudden- I think it's because of what his co-worker said) But I kind of like the idea that the dance area is separate, only because we have a LOT of older guests who won't be dancing and the music might be a little much so I think its nice to give them that option. But at the same time... I've heard that when you're just sitting at a table that you don't feel like you're at a wedding.
I don't know, I really like it there. I'm just concerned because I'm hearing mixed things about the food... how is it?
The food at the event I went to (which wasnt a wedding), was ok. Not bad, but not out of this world.
JAAMS
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Re: atlantis marine world
Posted by MarjorieFrank
Can't help you out with the food, but I remember walking through the room on a visit to the aquarium and I remember being really turned off by the smell. It is not ultra pleasant. I think you should look into other places, maybe ones by the water, so you have something to compare AMW with. Good luck!!!
To add to this, there's a 'dead fish cart' by the entrance which accounts for MOST of the smell. FH & I asked about that when we went there and the guy said there would be 'absolutely no smell.... the dead fish cart is taken away'
However, I find this hard to believe because the entire place IS fish and water etcetcetcetectec
Mrs Z To Be
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Re: atlantis marine world
Ok, my father plays in a jazz band, and they did a wedding there. He told me that the accoustics are not that good.
Other than that, he said it was nice.
08JulyBride
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Re: atlantis marine world
I went to a friend's wedding there a few years ago, and it was very nice going to a wedding someplace different than a regular hall.. it was fun walking around and seeing all the fish, etc. I think the food was good, and I reeeaallly liked their champagne!
Only negative I can remember was the dancefloor issue which was already mentioned...
megan_gallagher
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Re: atlantis marine world
Posted by JAAMS
Posted by MarjorieFrank
Can't help you out with the food, but I remember walking through the room on a visit to the aquarium and I remember being really turned off by the smell. It is not ultra pleasant. I think you should look into other places, maybe ones by the water, so you have something to compare AMW with. Good luck!!!
To add to this, there's a 'dead fish cart' by the entrance which accounts for MOST of the smell. FH & I asked about that when we went there and the guy said there would be 'absolutely no smell.... the dead fish cart is taken away'
However, I find this hard to believe because the entire place IS fish and water etcetcetcetectec
actually we had mentioned this, but one of my students sisters got married there this past summer and my student said all you smell was food. She said the wedding was AMAZING, but she's also 13 and I don't know if I'd go by her opinion 100%. So the smell doesn't worry me because we were there until 7:30ish, after they had cleaned and the animals were fed and as we left we couldn't really smell anything. and it wasn't that we got used to it because we left the aquarium to go outside and into the office and went back into the aquarium to leave.
TheLadyJ
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Re: atlantis marine world
I have heard mixed reviews.
AMW was the first place FH and I looked at. I fell is love with the whole idea of the place. I love aquariums and I thought getting married near the seals and having my guests greeted by penguins was incredible.
Plus, I had talked to someone who said it was one of the most memorable wedding they had ever been to. It really stand out.
But after meeting with the BM and hearing the price quote, my heart sank. 18% service charge + 18% gratuity on top of the regular price. Plus, I don't think they make the food there. Did you see the kitchen, there is no way food for 150 ppl can be prepared in that tiny room.
And then I thought more about it all. My family is from Queens, so almost everyone would need to stay in a hotel. Plus, the place did smell like fish. If the weather was bad everyone would be stuck inside and miss 1/2 the attractions.
I wasn't fond of the layout either. Plus, my family has small kids and I guarantee one of them would have would up getting wet.
Ultimately, while I loved the idea and concept, when I started thinking about it practically with FH we decided it was not for us. I have no doubt they offer excellent service, but you just have to decide if the price and venue are what you want.
EsquireBride
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Re: atlantis marine world
We really wanted to get married there and we loved the place in paper and in theory, but once we got there and saw the menu and learned about the layout we decided against it.
1) The dancefloor - yes, the floor is separated from the dining area. Just because a guest is older and doesn't dance doesn't mean they don't want to watch YOU dance. And trust me, some of your older guests may surprise you.
2) The food - the menu was expensive for an off-season, off-day wedding - close to $100 a person and the food did not seem spectacular, just very basic options and nothing too memorable.
3) We loved the idea of dining with the fish, etc. But the place did smell. PLUS, the place is an aquarium and you can't do a middle of the afternoon wedding, you have to wait until they close down and can set up for you.
4) The distance - I don't know where you live, but most of our guests are from Manhattan, Westchester, Queens, Nassau and a few from eastern Suffolk. DH and I felt like we had to drive forever to get there and we could not imagine our guests making that trip, then going home for work the next day.
Soon2bMrsH
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Re: atlantis marine world
If you like the idea of an aquariam venue for your wedding, check out the NY Aquarium in Coney Island. My cousin got married there and it was a great time. they got to bring in their own caterer, which prob saved a whole lot of money too.
they had part of the aquarium open so guests could wander around. but the reception was upstairs (outside) covered by a tent and the tables went around the huge fish tank
