Originally Posted By sherrytodd DS and I will be out in May and with the CityPass we get to choose between either the Zoo or WAP. We've been to the Zoo and LOVE it and would like to go again, but I haven't been to the WAP since I was a kid and you drove your own car through. Which one do you think we should go to?
Originally Posted By Darkbeer I don't think you have been to the Wild Animal Park, as it has never been the park that you drove your car through. The main attraction is a train ride (they call it a monorail) that goes through multiple areas. Lion Country Safari in Irvine was the park that allowed you to drive your car while checking out wildlife until it closed. I would pick the San Diego Zoo for someone who hasn't seen either park, the World Famous SD Zoo has that name for good reasons, it is also much easier to get to. But since you have been to the Zoo, I would check out the WAP if you have a car.
Originally Posted By Elderp Zoo hands down. Been to both and they are both good but your going to get your money's worth at the Zoo.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd When we went to the zoo we really didn't get to spend much time there since Southern California was burning down and the smoke was so bad we left early so I wouldn't mind going back, but I don't know if I'm missing something big by not going to the WAP again.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj << The main attraction is a train ride (they call it a monorail) that goes through multiple areas. >> The monorail ride was replaced this year by a bus-tram system. I haven't visited since it opened, but the reviews so far haven't been very good on their replacement for the original train ride.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj I do love the Balboa Park San Diego Zoo. I live across the street and it's a great place to stroll through on a weekend morning when all of the animals are active. The only downside to the Zoo is the topography -- lots of hills and canyons to negotiate and the layout is a little bit confusing for the first-time visitor.
Originally Posted By knightnfrees My gf and I went to the SD Zoo today and we had a wonderful time. We got there around noon. There was so much to see and so much ground to cover. We got in alot of walking. Some of the animals were nowhere to be seen, while other animals were full of action. I hadn't been in 30 years, so I didn't really remember anything. I'd say we covered about 70% of the zoo before they closed. We didn't chart our course on the map, we just followed the paths to where they took us. It was very casual. We took the Express Bus, it basically took us near the front of the zoo, no tour was being given, since it was late, I suppose. We also took their version of the Skyway. It brought back memories of the one that used to be in DL. It was great. It was like flying over a forest. I would recommend the Zoo and getting there early.
Originally Posted By xrayvision San Diego Zoo for reasons already mentioned, including easier to get to and it's close proximity to other attractions you might want to enjoy. Just be advised that there are a lot of hills to walk up and down at this zoo. So, be prepared and wear comfortable walking shoes. Also note, there does seem to be a lot of exhibits featuring similar looking deer/antelope type animals. Although there are some repetitious deer type exhibits, there are also many one of a kind exhibits that are not to be missed.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd Talked it over with DS and we've decided to go to the zoo. Watch out pandas!
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin I think it depends on when you're going. The World Famous San Diego Zoo is great all the time, Wild Animal Park is great except it is unbearably hot during most of the summer. BUT, if you go to WAP make sure you feed the lorikeets! Great photo op. The zoo has the pandas and that is NOT to be missed. Also the polar bears (when they are active). And the nursery at both parks are worth seeing.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad I have not been in 5 years to either, but I went to both on that trip and I rather liked the zoo a little better but you are more adventurous than me.
Originally Posted By i luv DL Hi! My DH is doing the Baker to Vegas run thing this weekend and, of course, that means I will be at home with the kids. Usually, I would go to DL but I have a feeling its going to be pretty busy. Here is the deal... I would love to take the kids to the San Diego Zoo BUT I will be by myself with a 6 yr old and a very active 2 yr old. It's been a few years since my last visit and I don't remember it being that bad but I was also with the grandparents. Is it too much to handle by myself? I go all the time to DL with the kids but I am a little worried that I am getting in over my head with the zoo.. Thanks everyone!!!
Originally Posted By Dabob2 The last time I was at the SD Zoo, I got the best look at pandas ever. It was uncrowded (an early December weekday, I think) so you could stay and watch as long as you wanted, they were all out and they were all extremely active. Downright playful. My previous attempts to see pandas in Washington and London had been frustrating. They were either asleep, not out in the viewing area, or awake but not moving at all. Which, apparently, is how they are much of the time. But in SD they were great.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj The best time to view any of the animals at the SD Zoo is in the morning and up through lunch. After that, I've never had any luck finding much animal activity.
Originally Posted By Elderp In the summer they do the summer nights program and that is great for the different big cats.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd Hi i luv DL, I guess it kinda depends on you and your little ones. From what I remember the SD Zoo is pretty hilly but they do have the bus that you can take around to help minimize the walking, plus the skyway across the park.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Yeah, that bus/tram is great for tired feet, and they also point out what animals you're passing. So, if you and the kids are tired, take advantage of that for sure!
