Developers of OdySea in the Desert hope to hook families with the aquarium and keep them reeled in with good food and unique activities.
The OdySea Aquarium opens Saturday. Owners estimate two million people will walk through the exhibits in the first year.
About 8 million visitors come to Scottsdale annually, and they spend around $1.4 billion.?
"We take the presentation of marine life and we integrate it with theme park technology," OdySea Chief Marketing Officer Ran Knishinsky said.?
One exhibit gives novices the feeling of scuba diving.
"It's an underwater walking expedition," Knishinsky said. "You literally will go to the aquarium, and you all disrobe. We will give you a wetsuit and you walk underwater."
RELATED: OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale sets opening date
The OdySea Aquarium already has two neighbors: Butterfly Wonderland and a mirror maze attraction.
In a few months, developers expect a swim-with-the-dolphins company to open, as well as and 30 shops, restaurants, and bars offering family-friendly nightlife.
There will be a year-round winter wonderland called Polar Play.
"People can sit on ice benches; they could look at ice sculptures, all kinds of games," said Knishinsky, "They can drink out of ice cups, so there's so much more entertainment coming here to OdySea in the Desert."
