This kills me, but it's two stars.

This has been one of my favorite places on earth since I started coming here, oh... maybe 40 years ago? I fell in love with the place, and with Carl. The space tunnel, the giant 3d moon, even the cautionary video they show before each show, every part special to me.

So obviously I was pumped out of my mind to see the newly renovated version. I was hoping they upgraded the seating, since it got a big downgrade during their last renovation. The old seats swiveled, were deeply cushioned, and had speakers right in the headrest. Just awesome!

First off, all of the exhibits outside the theater are exactly the same, no upgrades at all. So far, I'm cool, I loved it before and love it still. I was hoping for something new or different, but I figured all of the renovation money went into the main event.

Well.

The chairs have been MASSIVELY downgraded. There are no real theater seats, just... OFFICE CHAIRS. "Wait," you're asking me, "you mean like someone would sit in if they worked at the DMV or something?" EXACTLY. Just stupid desk chairs. Not only do they not recline, but there is no head support at all, for a place where the main event occurs on the CEILING.

Sorry I'm shouting, it's just like I say, I really love this place, and this is such a monumentally stupid thing to do.

There are a few folding deck chairs that do recline, but only eight or so. If you're further back in the line than 8, you're screwed. You'll either end up missing the show or having a bad neck ache. I guess it's because they want to clear out the chairs so they can cater events in there. Great for them, but it's a giant middle finger to people who actually enjoy planetarium programming.

The kids get beanbag chairs, and they liked that. I think the adults would have liked that better than what was presented. I mean, just a bunch of desk chairs thrown into a room. Sorry to belabor the point but it's just. so. dumb.

The new projection system is better, really impressive. If the seats were at all suited to planetarium viewing, this review would be a five. But, as it stands, it's a like a restaurant serving delicious soup that only gives you forks to eat with.