1. pets
2. aquariums

Spring 2014
Dear Guests,
Ten years ago,
very few people
had ever heard of
a website called
TripAdvisor.
However, by the end of 2013
TripAdvisor became the world’s
largest and most trusted travel
website site in the world, drawing
over 260 million unique visitors
a month, all looking for help in
choosing a destination or hotel.
This represents a 600% growth in
traffic since 2010. I am sure many
of you visit TripAdvisor often. I used
TripAdvisor to make all my hotel
choices in Spain and Ireland four
years ago and I was so glad I did.
There is nothing more helpful than
to look up a property and get real
time feedback from guests that have
recently been there. To steal an old
quote from Smith-Barney, “When
TripAdvisor talks, people listen!”
All of us in Galveston were
so pleased in December when
TripAdvisor named Galveston
Island 7th in their list of Top 10
Destinations on the Rise in the
US. It’s nice to be ranked with places
like Destin, Florida, Santa Fe, New
Mexico and Jackson, Wyoming.
The rankings were based on year
over year positive score growth for a
particular destination. For all of us
here on the island, it is a testament
to our passion for tourism. Here
at the hotel we are proud of our
TripAdvisor #6 ranking out of 49
hotels on the island. In fact we have
been given their coveted Certificate
of Excellence for 2013, receiving
this award for the last three years.
Now is a perfect time to come
visit us as we are at the final stages
of our $20 million dollar renovation
project that is transforming all guest
rooms and public areas. We are reopening our main restaurant March
1st with a dramatic new look, new
menu and new name-Café in the
Park. In late March we start in on
our lobby upgrade along with the
final 48 guest rooms. The project
will be 100% complete by Memorial
Day weekend.
Moody Gardens and Galveston
Island make for a great destination
and we would love to see you here
this spring and summer. Don’t
just take my word on this. Visit
TripAdvisor and see what our guests
are saying.
Cheers,
Garvin O’Neil
General Manager
Highly Anticipated Speakers
Featured at Celebrating
Women Conference 2014
T
he annual Celebrating Women
conference is scheduled for April 11
at the Moody Gardens Convention
Center. Every year, the conference, whose
mission is to educate, inspire and motivate
women, has a special theme. This year’s
theme is “Super Sisters.” Christy Benson,
Aisha Tyler, host of “The Talk.”
Each year the conference
brings in a world renowned
keynote speaker. Event officials
say the speaker lineups get better
and better. “This is undoubtedly
one of the best speaker lineups we
have ever featured at Celebrating
Women,” says Becky Trout,
Chair. “In addition, we will
once again feature the health
expertise of UTMB Health,
along with advice on fashion,
nutrition and new business break
segments that will bring a variety
of professional development and
personal education opportunities
to conference-goers.” The
featured speaker for this year’s
event is Aisha Tyler, host of “The
Talk.” Tyler is also Lana on the
animated series “Archer,” hosts
the popular TV show “Whose
Line is it Anyway” and charted
a New York Times bestseller
with her book Self Inflicted
Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of
Epic Humiliation. “She has quite
a lot going on right now, and
she has a second book coming
out and she’s just plain funny”
says Benson. Previous speakers
1
Vice President, says the theme encourages
women of all ages to band together to
support one another during their journey to
achieve their goals and dreams. With more
than 700 guests in attendance last year, the
conference is expected to attract between
800-900 guests at the day-long event.
included Candace Bushnell,
author of Sex and the City,
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of
Eat, Pray, Love and Leigh Ann
Tuohy, who was the subject of The Blindside.
Other notable guest
speakers this year
include, Kendra
Scott, a renowned
jewelry designer and
owner of Kendra Scott
Jewelry. Lucia Ferrara
Bettler, owner of the
well-known Huston
gift and herbal shop,
Lucia’s Garden. Victor
S. Sierpina, MD, a UTMB
Distinguished Teaching
Professor. Angelica
S. Robinson, MD,
Director-at-Large
for the Gulf Coast
Region of the Breast Health
Collaborative of Texas. Sami
Kilic, MD, Chief of Minimally
Invasive Gynecology Research
at UTMB. He is the first
surgeon to be robotically assisted
during laparoscopic surgery on a
pregnant patient’s cervix.
This year’s conference also
features the popular fitness
breaks along with shopping
and education seminars.
Benson says, “as women get
to a certain age, they need
to know about their personal
affairs, entrepreneurial
ventures and more.” Those
who find themselves enjoying
the fitness breaks, shopping,
education and business
seminars are welcome to
remain in the halls to talk and
work with experts.
Spring
Renewal
G
et ready for the sand
and sun by paying a visit
to the Spa at Moody
Gardens. Enjoy a dip in our
hydrotherapy bath for the Island
Soak. The soothing ocean scents
and therapeutic jets will wash your
stress away. The 30-minute Island
Soak service is available for $40.
The Like Mother, Like
Daughter side by side express
mango pedicure provides a
wonderful fragrant
treatment. The
30-minute
treatment for two
is offered for $70.
Island Getaways
…. At the magnificent 428-room Moody
Gardens Hotel nestled among 242 acres of lush
tropical garden landscaping. We have put together
Spring Break
Family Fun
March 9-22
Sun – Thurs starting at$229 + tax
Fri – Sat starting at $269 + tax
Schlitterbahn
Wasserfest Package
March 1 – April 13
Weekends Only
$269 + tax
The package includes a
luxurious guest room for one
night, two adult tickets to the
Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark
and complimentary parking.
Stay & Play
Golf Package
March 1- May 22
Mon – Thurs
Sgl $179 + tax Dbl $224 + tax
Trip $269 + tax Quad $314 + tax
Fri, Sat & Sun
Sgl $279 + tax Dbl $344 + tax
Trip $409 + tax Quad $474 + tax
Revive winter hair with a
shampoo and style featuring a
Silkening Power Treatment.
This treatment replenishes and
moisturizes, leaving hair feeling
naturally silky, shiny and beautiful.
The hour long treatment is
available for $50.
As an added bonus, patrons
will also enjoy 15% off
individual Spa services*
throughout the spring season.
For appointments or more
information on the services
provided by the Spa, call 409-683-4440.
*Some restrictions apply
the following special packages which include
taxes and gratuities based on a nightly rate.
For more information call 888-388-8484.
Package includes a luxurious
room with your choice of a king
or two queen beds, a round of
golf at the Moody Gardens Golf
Course (per person), a golf cart
and a bucket of range balls.
“Blackout dates my apply. Tee times can be booked
45 days in advance.”
Explore
Moody Gardens
March 1- May 22
Sun – Thurs
Dbl $218 +tax
Trip $260 +tax
Quad $302 +tax
Sat/Holidays/Special Event’s
Dbl $298 +tax
Trip $340 +tax
Quad $382 +tax
Package includes a luxurious
room and two day passes to all
the exciting Moody Gardens
attractions, complimentary valet
parking and complimentary yoga.
(Yoga offered Saturday & Sundays only)
Romantic
Escape Package
March 1- May 22
Sun – Fri $209 + tax
Sat/Holidays/Special Event’s
$289 + tax
Package includes a luxurious room
for two, a bottle of Champagne
& chocolate covered strawberries,
a rose, breakfast buffet, juice and
coffee for two, complimentary
valet parking and complimentary yoga.
All prices are subject to change. All
packages are made on a space available
basis and are not valid during high
occupancy. Some weekends may require
a minimum night restriction. Offer
excludes group bookings and may not be
applied to room rate.
Spa Package
March 1- May 22
Sun –Fri $436 + tax
Sat/Holidays/Special Event’s
$516 + tax
Package includes a luxurious
room with your choice of a
king or two queen beds, a
couples hydrotherapy bath or
sauna, followed by a couples
50 minute full-body Swedish
Massage and complimentary
valet parking.
Bed & Breakfast
for Two
March 1- May 22
Sun – Fri $179 + tax
Sat/Holidays/Special Event’s
$259 + tax
Package includes a luxurious
room for two, breakfast buffet,
juice and coffee for two,
complimentary valet parking
and complimentary yoga.
(Yoga offered Saturday & Sundays only)
Please note: The total voucher is $30.00 plus tax
and gratuity. A la caret times can be ordered. Any
food charges over the $30.00 will be responsibility
of the guest.
(Yoga offered Saturday & Sundays only)
Please note: The total voucher is $30.00 plus tax and
gratuity. A la caret times can be ordered. Any food charges over the $30.00 will be responsibility of
the guest.
Nancy Manlove, An Inspiring
Woman of Many Talents
M
oody Gardens has
exceptional people doing
exceptional things on
a daily basis and Nancy Manlove
is no different. As a Garde
Manager Brigade (cold food prep)
at Moody Gardens, Nancy’s love
for creating and cooking have
taken her far beyond her wildest
dreams. Last November, she
traveled to Las Vegas to compete
against 350 competitors in seven
categories in the 2013 World
Food Championships. Her recipe
for Best Lamb Ever qualified her
to compete for the chance to win $25,000.
Nancy, who has worked at
Moody Gardens for 19 months,
says she entered the
contest to compete
with some of the best
cooks across America,
exposure, meeting new
peers and culinary
friends and make
great memories that
will follow her in life.
When asked what
advice she would give
to other aspiring chefs,
Nancy replied, “keep
it real, focus and strive
to learn something
new each day. Revisit
the reason why you
want to cook for a living.” Her
focus on why she cooks for a
1
2
living has earned her top honors in 24 various food and
cooking contests.
The competition was
just like what is commonly
shown on TV, with dozens of
deadline driven, intense and
fast-paced chefs working under
the bright glare of a clock.
Nancy’s first dish prepared
was a Signature Pasta Dish.
The second dish she prepared
was her Best Macaroni N’
Cheese. Due to contractual
obligations, Nancy is limited
on what she can say about the
competition. Find out where
she placed, who won and
more when the World Food
Championships air on an
A&E Network Channel this spring.
Thrills and Excitement
for the Whole Family
I
t’s never too early to start
thinking about Spring
Break. Spend your day of
non-stop excitement starting
with breakfast with Sunny the
Penguin. Next, enjoy the lush
surroundings and adventures that
await you and your family.
Younger guests are encouraged
to participate in Kids Crew, a
seasonal program designed to
excite children with multiple
supervised activities such as
digging for buried treasure, arts
and crafts, scavenger hunts
around the park, pool coin dives,
bounce houses, kite flying, face
painting, karaoke, video games,
movie nights and s’mores.
For those who enjoy friendly
competition, head over to
the Moody Gardens Golf
Course and play a round of
Championship Golf or aim for
solids or stripes while playing
pool in the Garden Cay.
Visit the Discovery Museum
and see Real Pirates: The
Untold Story of the Whydah.
The touring exhibition, organized
by National Geographic and
Premier Exhibitions, Inc., brings
the classical age of 18th century
piracy to life by showcasing over
200 artifacts recovered from the
wreck site of the Whydah, the
world’s first authenticated Pirate
Ship that was discovered just off
the coast of Cape Cod.
The Aquarium Pyramid
immerses guests in a 1.5 million
gallon oasis, full of oceanic
animals ranging from the popular
penguins, to seals, sharks and
more. Stroll in the Rainforest
Pyramid and learn the climates
and the animals that live in the
rainforests of Asia, Africa and
the Americas. Sit back in our
3D and 4D Theaters and give
3D Theater
Moody Gardens is home to America’s
first 3D theater and offers spectacular
images on our six-story screen. Our
400-seat theater features 3D and
2D films from the world’s foremost
filmmakers.
your senses an experience to
remember. Watch Journey to the
South Pacific in 3D, Penguins in
3D and more.
Challenge your agility, balance
and strength as you encounter
the four-tier ropes course.
Toddlers and small children can
even take on an adventure of a
smaller scale on the kids ropes
course that is appropriate
for those who are 42”
and under.
Thrill seekers
can now take
adventure to a
whole new level
at the Moody
Gardens Zip
Line. Snap into your
harness and step to the
edge of the zip line platform
and glide over Palm Beach and
the Lazy River 50 ft. in the
air for a bird’s eye view of the
Moody Gardens Pyramids and
tropical gardens.
Watch the sunset over Moody
Gardens while riding the Colonel
Paddlewheel Boat, a replica of
an 1800s paddlewheel boat.
Relax at the Texas-sized heated
swimming pool, swim up to the
bar and order drinks,
lounge in the cabanas
and let the ambiance
of Moody Gardens
Hotel wash over you.
When the craving
for your favorite
ice cream hits, visit
Blossoms for a scoop
or two. If you’re in
the mood for a cup of
java, visit Moody Brews
Starbucks beverage outlet.
For the ultimate in Spring Break
pampering, indulge with 15% off
our signature Spa services.*
* Some restrictions apply
Easter: here comes
Peter Cotton Tail...
T
his Easter, join Moody
Gardens Hotel and
experience the best
celebration around. On April 20,
enjoy multiple family-friendly
events and activities ranging from
games, arts and crafts, a petting
zoo, pictures with the Easter
Bunny and the popular Moody
Gardens Easter Egg Hunt. As
Rainforest Pyramid
Experience the Rainforest Pyramid
complete with free-roaming Saki
monkeys, two-toed sloths, tamarins,
birds, lizards and butterflies. Walk the
spectacular canopy walkway for a true
rainforest experience.
a special treat, kids will receive a
complimentary Easter Egg Basket
at check-in.
Sit down with family and
friends in the wonderful Frances
Anne Moody Ballroom and enjoy
roast leg of lamb with fresh herbs,
baked ham, chilled Gulf shrimp,
roasted pork loin, chicken cordon
bleu, fruits, cheeses, salads and
an omlet and waffle station and a
dessert table bursting with cakes,
cookies, mousse and more.
Reservations are required.
Seating times are available from 11:00 am until 1
2
3
3:00 pm. Prices are $45.95
for adults, $35.95 for seniors,
$21.95 for children ages 4-12
and children 3 and under are
free. Call 409-741-8484 to
schedule your reservation. Go to
moodygardenshotel.com to view
the full Easter
Buffet menu.
Aquarium Pyramid
Dive into the four major oceans of
the world at the Aquarium at Moody
Gardens. With over 100,000 square
feet of building space and 1.5 million
gallons of water, the Moody Gardens
Aquarium Pyramid is one of the
largest facilities in the world. Make
sure to stop by and visit our tuxedo-clad penguins!
Ridefilm Theater
America’s first Ridefilm Theater
takes you on a rocking and rolling
adventure. Three specially designed
theaters, featuring our 18-seat
motion based pods and 180-degree
wrap-around screens, keep you in the action.
4D Special FX Theater
See, hear, feel and smell the action!
Hi-def digital 3D projection, audio
and show control systems combined
with special effects, such as wind,
smoke, mist, leg ticklers and SFX
lighting and DTS surround sound
system immerse you in a unique
short-film theater experience that is
thrill for all.
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
This authentic replica of an 1800’s
Paddlewheeler features daily hour-long
cruises of Offats Bayou. Dinner and
private cruises are also available for
groups of 65 or more.
Tropical Gardens
Moody Gardens offers a variety of
botanical experiences with more
than 25 acres of indoor and outdoor
gardens. Experience the beauty of
a butterfly garden in full bloom.
Hundreds of colorful subtropical
blossoms and foliage await to excite
the senses, including one of the
nation’s largest Oleander collections.
Palm Beach – Reopens May 10
Start your summer with a splash as
Moody Gardens’ Palm Beach opens
weekends beginning May 10 before
opening daily for summer vacation
season. Sink your feet into our soft
white sandy beaches or cool off in
our 650-foot lazy river with over
60 interactive points to spray your
friends as they float along.
Now showing at the
MG 3D Theater
New movies beginning February 15
Journey to the South Pacific 3D
New movies beginning March 8
Penguins 3D
Movies continuously showing
Sharks 3D
Wild Ocean 3D
Titans of the Ice Age 3D
Journey to the South Pacific 3D
Narrated by Cate Blanchett, Journey to the South
Pacific will take moviegoers on a breathtaking
IMAX® 3D adventure to the lush tropical islands
of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above
and below the sea. Join Jawi, a young island boy,
as he takes us on a journey of discovery to this
magical place where we encounter whale sharks,
sea turtles, manta rays, and other iconic creatures
of the sea. Home to more than 2,000 species of
sea life, this exotic locale features the most diverse
marine ecosystem on earth. An uplifting story of
hope and celebration, Journey to the South Pacific
highlights the importance of living in balance with
the ocean planet we all call home.
KwaZulu-Natal Wild Coast. Breaching whales,
frenzied sharks, herding dolphins, and diving
gannets compete in an epic underwater struggle for survival.
Titans of the Ice Age 3D
Titans of the Ice Age transports viewers to the
beautiful and otherworldly frozen landscapes of
North America, Europe and Asia ten thousand
years before modern civilization. Dazzling
computer-generated imagery brings this mysterious
era to life—from saber-toothed cats and giant
sloths to the iconic mammoths, giants both feared
and hunted by prehistoric humans. The magic of
the giant screen reveals the harsh and beautiful
kingdom of these titans: an ancient world of ice,
the dawn of our ancestors, a time when humans
fought for survival alongside majestic woolly beasts.
NOW PLAYING AT THE
4D SPECIAL FX THEATER:
Rio the 4D Experience
When the last blue macaws on Earth, Blu and
Jewel, are captured and chased by evil cockatoo
Nigel, they must work together despite Blu’s
inability to fly. This unexpected duo takes you on
a thrilling 4-D journey through Rio de Janeiro,
finding courage, friendship and maybe even love
along the way. Don’t miss Rio 4D beginning March
8 in the Special FX Theater!
Wild Ocean 3D
Wild Ocean 3D is an explosive, symphonic giant
screen film about man and nature that captures
one of the world’s greatest spectacles. Each year
a massive feeding frenzy takes place in the oceans
of South Africa as billions of fish migrate up the
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS:
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah
The touring exhibition, organized by National
Geographic and Premier Exhibitions, Inc., brings
the classical age of 18th century piracy to life
by showcasing over 200 artifacts recovered from
Calendar of Events
March 8
ArtWalk
Get wined and dined while enjoying great art. One
of the Galveston Art League’s largest programs.
ArtWalk promotes visual art and supports the
art-based community. Visit www.galvestonartleague.
com/ArtWalk.html for all upcoming dates.
March 8
“The Miracle Worker”
The true story of victory over unimaginable odds.
Born blind and deaf, young Helen Keller managed
to forge her own path. With the help of Anne
Sullivan, her infamous tutor, Keller triumphs over
anger and confusion to lead a path to greatness and
inspirational notoriety. Visit www.thegrand.com for
tickets and information.
March 9-22
Spring Break at Moody Gardens
Take a break this spring and jump into an action
packed getaway sure to excite the entire family.
Start your day with a character breakfast featuring
Sunny the Penguin followed by a full day on non-stop excitement. Visit www.moodygardens.com
for more details.
March 9
Galveston Symphony Orchestra
Listen to classic compositions featuring
Beethoven’s Coriolan overture, J. Hayden’s trumpet
concerto and renowned trumpeter Sparky Koerner.
For ticket information go to www.thegrand.com.
March 23
The Rob Landes Trio Plays the
Johnny Mercer Songbook
The masterful Academy Award-winning American
lyricist John Mercer receives a stylish salute by the
ever-entertaining Rob Landes Trio. Who can resist
those incredible Mercer songs, including “Moon
River,” “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa
Fe,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” ”That Old Black
Magic,” “Jeepers Creepers,” ”Come Rain or Come
March 24
Galveston Rotart Crawfish Boil
One of many activities to highlight The Rotary
Club of Galveston’s 100th anniversary will be held
in the Big Tent near the Discovery Pyramid at
Moody Gardens. Go to www.galvestonrotart.com
for more information.
March 29
Hello, Dolly! Starring Sally Struthers
Winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical,
Hello, Dolly! is one of the most enduring Broadway
classics. Emmy- award winning Sally Struthers
stars as the strong-willed matchmaker who travels
to Yonkers to find a match for the ornery Horace
Vandergelder. Go to www.thestrand.com for details.
April 13
West Side Story
More than 50 years ago one musical changed
theatre forever. Now it’s back and mesmerizing
audiences once again. From the first note to the
final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest
love story of all time. This revival, based on
Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’
Broadway direction, remains as powerful, poignant
and timely as ever. Visit www.thegrand.com for
more information.
April 20
Easter Sunday Buffet
Enjoy a lavish Easter Sunday Buffet in the
beautiful Frances Anne Moody Ballroom. Seating
times are available from 11a-3p.
Call 409-741-8484 for reservations.
April 22
Earth Day at Moody Gardens
Celebrate Earth Day while exploring the Rainforest
Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid and other attractions
offered at Moody Gardens.
May 10
Palm Beach Opens Weekends
Palm Beach at Moody Gardens opens weekends.
Float down the Lazy River, ride the wave in the
Wave Pool, cruise down the 18-foot Tower Slides,
play on the splash pad, white sands and freshwater lagoons.
experience an island of fun
Seven Hope Boulevard
Galveston, Texas 77554
PAID
the wreck site of the Whydah, the world’s first
authenticated Pirate Ship that was discovered just
off the coast of Cape Cod.
Shine,” and “Autumn Leaves.” Visit www.thegrand.com for more information and show times.
Permit No. 224
NOW PLAYING AT THE
RIDEFILM THEATER:
Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride
Dare to race down the frozen cliffs of Antarctica in
Mumble’s Wild Ride! Join Mumble and his comical
penguin friends in this action-packed 4-D ride film
adventure. Immerse yourself in the excitement as
they reach chilling speeds in their breathtaking icy
journey. Look out though! Mumble’s fun turns into
a suspenseful chase as he comes face to face with a
villainous Leopard Seal. But don’t worry, this wild
ride has a happy ending!
Galveston, Texas
Sharks 3D
Sharks 3D is a breathtaking new threedimensional film experience that offers audiences
a truly unique perspective on these amazing
creatures. Come face-to-face with a multitude
of shark species, including the Great White,
Hammerhead, and Whale Shark. Witness them as
they really are: not wicked man-eating beasts, but
wild fascinating and endangered animals that have
been in existence a million years before dinosaurs
roamed the Earth.
U.S. Postage
Non-Profit Org.
Penguins 3D
Come experience the unforgettable tale of Penguins
3D beginning March 8. Narrated by David
Attenborough, follow a special King Penguin on an
epic journey through the most challenging time of
his life as he fights to keep his new family alive in
the sub-Antarctic island of Penguin City. Penguins
3D highlights a King Penguin’s journey through
his species’ central rite of passage.
Calendar of Events