Grand Rapids, MI.

[Terredax]

Are there any members in the area?
I've been invited to go to John Ball Zoo, and the Gun Lake Casino Buffet.

I wondered if anyone has been to either one, and if it's worth the time to visit. It's about a 3-4 hour drive, and I have a hard time sitting in a car for long periods. Stopping to stretch and move around will only lengthen the trip, so I hoped that someone could verify it's worth it.

I appreciate any opinions.

 

[Terredax]

Well... I was convinced to make the trek.

I have to say, it was more than disappointing.

At the zoo, it was all uphill. There are a lot of steps to get to the various levels. Several of the animals were off exhibit, and there were very few of the others that were active. Most were hiding while taking a nap. There are no giraffes, rhinos, elephants, sea lions, or even large apes. We were there for over two hours, and to say I was beat and tired, is an understatement.

I was looking forward to a descent lunch, and figured that at a buffet, I should at least get that. Again, I was very disappointed. Everything they had, was straight from Gordon's Food Service. It was even labeled as such, and nothing at all was actually made in their kitchen... it was just heated up.
The other Casino buffet's I've been to, they actually prepared and cooked most of the food in their kitchen, and it was more than acceptable. Some will even make a dish they don't have on the buffet, upon request.

All in all, I won't be returning to either place, and I wouldn't recommend either to anyone else.

 

[SteveJ]

I hate wasting time like that and ending up exhausted also. San Diego Zoo is an amazing place, but man are there a lot of hills to climb! Denver Zoo is mostly flat and doesn't exhaust you to see the animals. I went to the MGM buffet in Vegas last summer and although the food was fantastic, at the price (about $40) it should have been!

 

[MRDucks2]

Best way to see the San Diego zoo is to ride the buses as much as possible.

Having lived in the Houston area for 7 years, we feel the Houston Zoo is nicely sized, flat, easy to get around with great animals/exhibits, lots of places to rest and lots of shade and water mists.

I only stopped my membership there after questioning the direction, decisions and price increase of the new zoo director in 2015, I believe. Now live outside Indianapolis.


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