Aquarium of the Pacific

AoW FAQ

Aquarium on Wheels FAQ

Jump to: Auditorium Program, Classroom Program, or Truck Display

I booked an Aquarium on Wheels program/display… now what happens?

About 2 - 4 weeks prior to the date of your program, you will receive a phone call from us at the Aquarium to confirm the details. Please expect this call. We will contact the person who made the reservation. *If you are scheduled for truck display only or a birthday party, you will be contacted even earlier to discuss specifics.

What time will Aquarium on Wheels arrive at our site?

On the day of your scheduled program, Aquarium on Wheels will arrive at your site approximately one hour prior to the start of all programs. Please have someone available to meet our instructors when they arrive to direct them to the correct parking spot.

What type of parking does the Aquarium on Wheels truck require?

The truck is approximately 32’ long, 9’ wide, and 13’ tall. In addition, when parked, stairs fold out the back and side adding an additional 8’ to the length and width. The truck should be parked on a hard (no grass), flat, level surface and must be safely accessible for the participants. This vehicle will be used in the touch portion of the program.

When Aquarium on Wheels is booked for any program type the site must coordinate a parking space that is easily accessible, both in and out of the parking space. In the event of an animal or life support related emergency, we need to ensure a safe exit from the event site.

Does the Aquarium on Wheels vehicle require any electrical hook-up?

No. The vehicle is completely self contained and does not require any electrical hook-up at your site. Our life support systems run from a generator on board the vehicle.

What is the Aquarium on Wheels cancellation and refund policy?

The Aquarium on Wheels is a very unique program in which we utilize live aquatic animals. In the event that the welfare of these delicate animals is compromised, the Aquarium of the Pacific reserves the right to modify or even cancel a program. We will do everything in our power to keep our scheduled appointment with the Aquarium on Wheels, however, if a situation does arise, be it a travel or animal issue, you will be notified as soon as possible and alternate arrangements will be made at that time.

We understand that situations can arise that would necessitate you having to cancel your program. Please realize that the later you cancel your program, the less likely we are able to fill the vacancy you have created.

• Cancellations made one month prior to the scheduled visit time will not be billed.
• Cancellations made less than one month prior will be billed 50% of the reservation admission amount.
• Cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the scheduled visit will be billed the full amount.
• Scholarship recipients – Due to the nature of the program we will not be able to accommodate any cancellations. If you should cancel your Aquarium on Wheels visit your scholarship funds will be reallocated to the next school on the waiting list.

Auditorium Program:

We have scheduled an auditorium program, do we need to supply anything?

Please reserve a room able to accommodate all participants, up to 150 (i.e. auditorium, gym, multi-purpose room). We will bring our own AV equipment. NOTE: This space must have electrical outlets.

Can the auditorium presentation be done outside?

If there is no inside space available, we can do a modified program outside. Please keep in mind, however, that this program will not have the same components as an inside program.

How long is the auditorium presentation?

The auditorium presentation will last approximately 50 minutes.

If we scheduled an auditorium program, when do the participants touch animals?

Participants will touch animals after the auditorium or classroom presentation. Individual classes/groups visit the Aquarium on Wheels vehicle at a designated time. You will be responsible for scheduling each class/group a 15-20-minute time slot for animal encounter. Below is an example time sheet to assist you in scheduling the various classes/groups into their time slot.

Why is there a 150 student maximum per program?

We set our program size at 150 to ensure that every participant gets the best possible experience. Although your auditorium space may accommodate more students, the entire AOW experience includes animal touch time with individualized Aquarium staff and student interaction. We have found that in programs over 150 participants, the quality of the animal encounter has been impacted. Therefore, it is essential you adhere to the maximum number of 150 students per auditorium program.

Example Aquarium on Wheels Auditorium Schedule:

This is just an example but may be used as a guide to prepare your school’s/group’s schedule. Each situation is unique. For example, school start/end times, lunches, number of participants, etc. can be different. If having two auditorium programs, some groups opt to have the two presentations back to back.

Please note we can accommodate up to 150 participants per auditorium program. This includes animal encounter. This total program (auditorium + animal encounter schedule) should take no more than 3.5 hours from start to finish. If you have more than 150 participants you will need to book 2 auditorium programs. When you have prepared a schedule, please fax a copy to (562) 951-3192.

8:10 - 9:00	Auditorium Presentation #1
	Rm. #	Teacher	# students
9:05 - 9:20	Rm. 1	Mrs. Garibaldi	20
9:20 - 9:35	Rm. 2	Mr. Sargo	20
9:35 - 9:50	Rm. 3	Ms. Perch	20
9:50 – 10:05	Rm. 4	…	20
10:05 – 10:20	Rm. 5		20
10:20 - 10:35	Rm. 6		20
10:35 – 10:50	Rm. 7		30
Total			*150
10:50 - 11:20	LUNCH	*Only if you are having two programs
11:30 – 12:20	Auditorium Presentation #2
12:25 - 12:40	Rm. 13		20
12:40 - 12:55	Rm. 14		20
12:55 – 1:10	Rm. 15		20
1:10 – 1:25	Rm. 16		20
1:25 - 1:40	Rm. 17		20
1:40 - 1:55	Rm. 18		20
1:55 – 2:10	Rm. 19		30
Total			*150
Total number of students for two programs=		150+150=	300

Classroom Program:

We have scheduled a classroom program, do we need to supply anything?

Please reserve a room able to accommodate all participants, up to 50 (i.e. classroom, auditorium, gym, multi-purpose room) and a table to place the supplies that we bring with us to teach. It is best for us to set up in a space that allows the students to come to us during the programs.

Can the classroom presentation be done outside?

Yes. If there is no inside space available, we can do the programs outside.

How long is the classroom presentation?

The classroom presentation will last approximately 50 minutes.

If we scheduled a classroom program, when do the participants touch animals?

Once the classroom portion is complete, the Aquarium instructor will lead the class/group to the vehicle for animal encounter.

Truck Display

We have scheduled a truck display, do we need to supply anything?

You do not need to supply anything other than a parking space. Please see “What type of parking does the Aquarium on Wheels truck require?” for additional information.