We really enjoyed our visit here. It is loud, but we didn't think it was so loud that you couldn't do anything else. Sort of like Rainforest in that it's louder at certain times. The atmosphere definitely is worth a trip.
I don't remember our food, except that it was the one place that my Mom actually took a picture of her entree. It was really beautifully presented. If I don't remember it, it's a good thing! We were there right after they opened in October of 2008. We walked up and put our names in and were able to get a seat after about a 30 minute wait.
My son had a great time playing in the fossil digging area. He was 4 at the time and he wasn't afraid, at all, of the noise inside, and he is normally very sensitve to loud noises.
We are going back in Feb. of 2011 because my husband will be with us this trip, and I know that he will enjoy the place, especially the fish. My son will also enjoy showing him the dinosaurs. The ice age room is really beautiful!
Fun! You will definitely enjoy it. I agree that it's somewhat over-sized, over-priced TGI Friday's food, but for us, the ambience was absolutely worth the price!