Ideas neeed for after Disneyland/Hollywood Trip - Newport or ???

[scottmel]

I'm also an SD zoo member Scott. If you want a cool behind the scenes look at the zoo, there's a few options here
http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/tours/backstage-pass
and
http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/tours/inside-look-tours

But if you want something a bit different than the zoo experience you'd be used to, check out the Safari Park instead. It's park of the San Diego Zoo (both parks are operated by the same zoological society) but it's more centered on reintroducing endangered species to the wild (like the California Condor) rehabilitating injured animals, and breeding endangered species for conservation efforts. The dynamic is very different (HUGE open field enclosures for the most part) and there are a TON of different "safari" experiences. these are just a few.
http://sdzsafaripark.org/view-all-safaris

good luck and have fun.

Thanks! Zoo it is! My daughter definitely wants to see the pandas. Have you ever done the Early Morning Panda thing where you get into the zoo early? I thought this looked good...torn between that and the Backstage Pass.....

 

[Plasticletters]

Thanks! Zoo it is! My daughter definitely wants to see the pandas. Have you ever done the Early Morning Panda thing where you get into the zoo early? I thought this looked good...torn between that and the Backstage Pass.....

I'm a zoo member, so I'm lucky enough to be able to do quite a few things the general public isn't. I've done the early morning thing, but just the zoo member version. I've never purchased the tour so I can't really recommend/not recommend.

I can tell you for sure that it's definitely an all day event if you want to see the whole zoo. It's huge.