We made our visit to the museum today and while some things have changed, we still made it through all the exhibits we were interested in seeing in under four hours. The first one we hit was the special Star Wars exhibit. It was interesting, but I’m not so sure it was worth a special $10 fee per person. I was also peeved that they placed Darth Vader at the end under bright lights making it impossible to get a decent photo without tons of unwanted reflections. Boo on you, MSI!
After the exhibit we went on the Millennium Falcon “ride” which was really just a simulator with a five minute show about the universe as told by C-3PO. Only 5-6 people can go at a time so we were with a family with this nine year old boy who had a total anxiety attack and didn’t want to go on the “ride”. I think he left before it started and then the younger girl started whining so the family left early.
We didn’t cheap out (for once) and ate in their cafeteria. As we were walking toward it Joe sniffed the air and said “I smell food” and I replied, “I smell $20”. It wasn’t quite that much – more like $13 for a chicken caesar salad and a sandwich. Still a total ripoff but I was so hungry I didn’t care.
One thing that blew my mind was the U-505 Submarine exhibit. The museum has owned the sub for a very long time – I recall visiting as a child – but I could have sworn it used to be outside. Sure enough, I was correct. In April 2004 the museum moved the submarine and then built a new wing around the massive vessel. It was a great idea because the new setup lures more visitors. Plus they make more money by charging a fee to go inside the sub which I don’t think they used to do before. We didn’t go inside, however, because I’m claustrophobic. Speaking of, I can’t tell you how ridiculously anxious I felt just sitting in the real 727 they have on display. I don’t know how I’m ever going to kick my fear of flying if that made me nervous. But I digress…
I was disappointed that the prenatal development exhibit was closed for refurbishment because it’s one of my favorite exhibits. Morbid, I know, but fascinating. Luckily the chick hatchery was still there because it’s always a must-see when I visit the museum.
Since we spent more time at the museum than we originally estimated, we skipped the Planetarium. We toyed with the idea of hitting Lincoln Park Zoo to check out the expanded lion house but the weather was starting to turn ugly so we discarded that idea too.
I think I’m set for at least another five years in regards to the museum now unless they have another special exhibit worth venturing into the city to see.