San Diego in August

[danabell618]

Hi. Anyone been to San Diego in August? How is weather? How is California Adventure for 5 and 8 year old girls? Which is better for one day, S.D. Zoo or Wild Animal Park?

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi. Anyone been to San Diego in August? How is weather? How is California Adventure for 5 and 8 year old girls? Which is better for one day, S.D. Zoo or Wild Animal Park?

Yes, I lived there for five years. San Diego is great in August. DCA is a fine place for younger children. With the Animation Studios, Turtle Talk With Crush, Monsters Inc, and It's Tough To Be A Bug, you will have plenty to do for at least half a day. If the younger one meets height requirements, there is also Grizzly River Run (42 in) and Soarin Over California (40 in).

As a former annual pass holder at the SD Zoo and Wild Animal Park, I would choose the zoo for one day.

 

[JohnZ46]

I agree with HydroGuy. You'll see a larger variety of animals at the Zoo.

Plus you'll be able to take in some of Balboa Park if you have some leftover time.

 

[casaazul]

You will have wonderful weather, we were there the first week in September and had a great time.

We have not been to the zoo or wild animal park, so can't help, but I would recommend the zoo for smaller kids. Plus you will be right in San Diego, and you won't have a long drive.

If you go to Disneyland and Calif. Adventure, you may want to get a hopper pass. If you finish with one park, you can head over to the other. I have never spent an entire day at Calif Adv., just not enough for us to do, even after riding Calif Screamin 10 times!!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I'm of the opposite opinion. I would choose Wild Animal Park over the Zoo. I too have a membership there, as well as Sea World (which would be my first choice) I also have a 7 y/o DD who loves WAP! My family went to SD in January for a short trip (2 nights) We hit WAP on the drive down. Did SW the next day and the Zoo the last day (before we drove home.) One mistake we made was we did the Zoo on Sat. and it was packed! WAP on Thursday and SW on Friday were great!

My DM and I discussed it after we left the Zoo, and (no offense to others) I just don't like the Zoo. Compared to WAP it's looking so tired and the animals are in such small confines. We ended up ride the Skyfari and the Express bus for most of the visit (Walking at the Zoo is even worse than WAP.) Plus, there is no comparison at the Zoo when it comes to WAP's Lion Camp. It is truly wonderful to stand and watch the lions (sometimes only seperated from you by a 1 inch piece of glass). The male lion is truly awesome and spends alot of time on a jeep (right now watching the nearby construction). I could watch the pride for hours. They are redoing part of the tram ride and it's expected to be done in April 2007. I think it's going to be more like AK Safari ride (that's my hope).

Also, a few weeks ago I went to WAP with my DD7 2nd grade class. The kids had a wonderful time. I think my group enjoyed feeding the Lorikeets the most, followed by looking at the lions.

Here's some pictures from our recent trips:

Male lion at Lion Camp-------------------------Rinos from tram--------------Cha Cha the elephant

DD and Lorikeet-------------------Lion Cubs---------------------Lion on Jeep

Meerkats-------------------------------Gorillas


Also, in August expect both parks to be warm, if not hot. Dress appropriately, bring mister fans, drink water, wear hats, and wear sunscreen

 

[casaazul]

May be will try that next time. The photos are great!!! We just never have enough time to do everything!

 

[eriklb]

Great tips. We were going to go to the SD Zoo but I have heard many people now say go to the other one. Thanks