1 or 2 days for San Diego Zoo and Sea World?

[scldir]

We are adding a day onto our vacation, which means we could spend 2 days at both the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Or, we could spend more time exploring the area. Or, we could add a day to DLR (currently have 2 full and 2 partial days planned). The cast is 2 adults and DD6. Any advice? Thanks, Pam

 

[darph nader]

If you've been to a zoo before,1 day should suffice. We usually do 1 day at each.

 

[sonnyjane]

I work at the zoo

I don't think it's a two-day affair, but it is definitely one FULL day! If I'm reading your post correctly, then I would spend one full day at the zoo, and one full day at Sea World.

 

[PineapplePrincessCA]

I don't think it's a two-day affair, but it is definitely one FULL day! If I'm reading your post correctly, then I would spend one full day at the zoo, and one full day at Sea World.

I agree. Our zoo is wonderful but not a 2 day event. Plan on one full day.

 

[scldir]

Do you all agree that Sea World should also be a one day event? If you think it is, that means we have an extra day to play with, which is great. That would leave 4 days at DLR, 2 in San Diego, and 1 day to do some else based out of Anaheim or San Diego. I'm thinking probably not Universal, as that seems too intense. I'm not sure about LegoLand, because I'm wondering if DD6 is a little old and girlish. I'm interested in seeing the Children's Beach at La Jolla. Any other ideas? Thanks! Pam

 

[PHXscuba]

IMO, If you are doing Disney, Sea World, the zoo, all pretty much back-to-back, I think I'd use that extra time for a more relaxing day in the San Diego area -- walk on the beach, take a trolley tour, run around in Balboa Park, etc. The other things you are planning will probably be enough "structure" for a 6-year-old to want a day to just run and play.

I think if you are doing all of the other things than a day at Legoland might feel expensive if you're not totally sold on it. Your DD is a good age to go -- I know my daughters liked it. But I think I'd still cast my vote for something less pricey or rigid.

San Diego has enough to do to keep anyone busy for weeks!

PHXscuba

 

[bumbershoot]

I've felt like I *needed* two days at the zoo, but I have *wanted* two days at Seaworld.

To be happy with one day at the zoo, we planned the MUST sees...and we saw those animals, and the ones in between, and called it a good day. And we were still exhausted.

We ended up with two days at seaworld b/c they often have "buy one day get two days" deals there, so since it was free, we went. And it was great! But it wasn't one visit right after the other, there were a few days in between (my brother lives in SD and it was during a visit to him, NOT a big theme park trip).

Everyone DS talked to (on the plane, at the store, wherever we went) said that Legoland is PERFECT for a 6 year old....

But on the other hand, DS loved the little bits of time we spent in downtown SD! Walking along the embarcadero (he really wanted to go on/in the "pirate" ship that's actually the maritime museum), then later he and his aunt went to Ghiradhelli and took a pedicab ride...the kid was in heaven! So there's something to be said for down time!