Is Phoenix OdySea in the Desert Handicap Accessible?
Discover OdySea in the Desert wheelchair accessible attractions, things to do, tours and activities for disabled travelers. Read our informative review to learn if the OdySea in the Desert destination and the OdySea Aquarium are wheelchair accessible and wheelchair friendly or if Wheelchair Jimmy recommends this attraction be avoided by travelers in wheelchairs.
OdySea in the Desert is a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination featuring 5 world-class attractions. Guests can experience the beauty of marine life at OdySea Aquarium, the wonders of one of Mother Nature’s most beloved creatures at Butterfly Wonderland, interact with live dolphins at Dolphinaris, enjoy more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs at Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs, and Bodies Revealed, a must-see during its limited time in Scottsdale! The attractions at OdySea in the Desert are complemented by more than 20 dining, shopping and amusement establishments, all surrounding a bustling, outdoor courtyard which offers a variety of entertainment throughout the year. Parking is free and there is no admission fee required to enter OdySea in the Desert.
- City Attraction Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Fully Accessible Entry: Yes
- Accessible Restrooms Onsite: Yes
- Restrictive Steps: No Steps
Jim’s Accessibility Comments:
OdySea in the Desert is Phoenix’s newest entertainment destination. I’ll tell you right up front, this complex is huge, absolutely spectacular and totally wheelchair accessible. I initially came here to see the OdySea Aquarium but WOW there’s so much more to see.
The OdySea Aquarium which is the largest aquarium in the southwest has over 30,000 animals and 500 different species in 50 exhibits. The aquarium offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experiences for guests of all ages. There is even a shark tank in the men’s restroom (really unbelievable). This aquarium complex is huge with wide hallways, a 3D theatre, the OdySea Voyager and large restrooms, and everything is wonderfully wheelchair accessible.
But what’s incredible is that the complex features so many uniquely fun exhibits: There is the huge Butterfly Wonderland exhibit featuring the largest butterfly conservatory in the country with over 3,000 fluttering butterflies. There is also the Land of the Dinosaurs exhibit with more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and the very cool Bodies Revealed exhibit. And then there’s my personal favorite – the live dolphin show where I sat and had lunch and watched the show. Spectacular! Sadly, several of the dolphins have died through early 2019 and the future of this exhibit may be in doubt.
There is also a dolphin feeding area which is wheelchair accessible including an ADA WC lift into the pool for disabled guests to feed the dolphins. Incredible! So bring your bathing suit!
In addition, the OdySea in the Desert complex includes many dining, shopping and amusement establishments, all surrounding an outdoor courtyard which offers a variety of entertainment throughout the year. The outdoor courtyard includes a fun Lazer + Mirror Maze exhibit, a train ride for the kids (not wheelchair accessible), and kids bumper boats in a shallow water pool (not wheelchair accessible). Although parking is free, the various exhibits have an admission fee.
I spent about 3 hours here today but could easily have spent all day or a couple days.
On the WJAR Index the OdySea in the Desert gets a 5! There are many great attractions in the Phoenix area but this is my new favorite! Can’t wait to come again!
Phoenix Travel
