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When I was in Arizona for the holidays, we did something different from our usual shopping excursions; we went to Butterfly Wonderland. It’s located off the 101 and you can see it as you drive on the highway. That’s what piqued my interest. What the heck was a butterfly wonderland? Would there be butterflies there? Over the holidays, I made my family go and check it out.
As we pulled up, we could see a greenhouse on the outside of a complex. The complex not only held the Butterfly Wonderland’s building, but the OdySea Aquarium, and the Mirror Maze. We only did the butterflies because we needed to save something for the next time we’re in Arizona.
Upon entering the wonderland you’re ushered into a small theater with 3D glasses. I’ve never been a fan of 3D because it usually makes me sick, but it didn’t in this case. The short film about a butterfly and her offspring is the best 3D film I’ve ever seen. The butterflies feel like they’re flying at you, around you, and you feel like you can reach out and touch them. I heard so many oohs and ahs from the parents as we all watched. Even the kids were riveted during the film, that’s saying something!
After watching the film, we then went into the chrysalis room. Behind glass were butterflies in various stages of metamorphosis. When we were there a number of the butterflies emerged from their shell. The shells themselves were all different colors, which surprised me. I also learned from the short film that the entire composition of the butterfly changes during chrysalis; they grow wings, antennae, legs, and eyes that make up the butterfly that we know.
Finally, we were allowed into the atrium. Oh. My. Gosh. It was butterfly heaven! I’ve never seen anything like it. Butterflies were everywhere. They landed on people, were on every plant and tree in the place, and even hung out on the floor. We were warned to watch our step to ensure we didn’t step on a butterfly and kill it.
I’ll leave you the rest of these pictures to share with you just some of the magic. Pictures help, but don’t convey every bit of the experience. When you go to Arizona, this is a must!
