San Diego Zoo Backstage Tours, Panda Experience etc

[scottmel]

Hi first time at zoo in July with DD16 and DH. Which backstage tour do you think is best? Is the panda experience worth it? Any other experience better at the zoo? Any input appreciate!

 

[ncc1701]

Didn't do any backstage tour but if you have never been my one suggestion is to do the bus tour to get an idea of the layout. And if needed take advantage of the Express bus and escalators get to places quicker. Made our visits easier. We thought the National Zoo in DC was hilly in spots but very manageable, San Diego is very very steep in areas.
We also had lunch at their sit down restaurant Albert's, great place to have a break and the food was very good.

 

[scottmel]

Thanks for the advice ncc1701. The panda excursion does a tour of the park in the morning so I think I will go with this! GREAT advice. thanks! steep hills and bad knee don't mix

 

[akaler2010]

I HIGHLY recommend checking our their Safari Park. It's a bit of a drive out of town, but if you are animal lovers and have some money to spend, it's totally worth it. They have several different tours where you get up close to the animals, similar to a real safari. We were able to feed rhinos and giraffes. It was for sure one of the best things I've ever done in my life.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

It kind of depends on what you want to experience. Backstage Pass is awesome, think personal animal show, where you get to feed rhinos and get up close to other animals. Inside look tours get to go into behind the scenes in a couple of areas, which varies depending on which tour you select. The panda tour is really good, starts at 8:30 and heads directly down to the panda exhibit. You get to visit the Pandas (right now it is the boys -Dad and almost 3 year old) in the exhibit before the Zoo opens, once guests start coming down, you move into the back area to try to see Mom. Tour ends at 10:30, which gives you plenty of time to see the rest of the Zoo and it is open until 9pm

Albert's is a great restaurant and is the only one my DH will go to when we are there.

Pm me if you have any other questions (I work at the Zoo)

 

[scottmel]

It kind of depends on what you want to experience. Backstage Pass is awesome, think personal animal show, where you get to feed rhinos and get up close to other animals. Inside look tours get to go into behind the scenes in a couple of areas, which varies depending on which tour you select. The panda tour is really good, starts at 8:30 and heads directly down to the panda exhibit. You get to visit the Pandas (right now it is the boys -Dad and almost 3 year old) in the exhibit before the Zoo opens, once guests start coming down, you move into the back area to try to see Mom. Tour ends at 10:30, which gives you plenty of time to see the rest of the Zoo and it is open until 9pm

Albert's is a great restaurant and is the only one my DH will go to when we are there.

Pm me if you have any other questions (I work at the Zoo)

Thanks! Where is Alberts? In the zoo or outside? Tahnks for advice. I think I decided on the Inside tour only b/c Panda one is SO early and we are driving in from Newport Beach that morning and afraid something could interefere with us getting there on time!

 

[Disney Kidd]

I HIGHLY recommend checking our their Safari Park. It's a bit of a drive out of town, but if you are animal lovers and have some money to spend, it's totally worth it. They have several different tours where you get up close to the animals, similar to a real safari. We were able to feed rhinos and giraffes. It was for sure one of the best things I've ever done in my life.

I agree with this. Both are awesome, but the Safari Park is more unique. I am a little biased though because I do work there The Caravan Safari should not be missed - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is pricey, but totally worth it ($105/person for a two hour tour). The Africa Tram tour is included in admission. It's a 30 minute tour around a few field enclosures. Also really cool! It's about the same distance from Newport as the zoo. Tie in a stop at some of the wineries in Escondido (Orfila or Cordiano) before or after the park, and you've got yourself a fun-filled day! I'm sure you will enjoy whichever one you choose!

 

[scottmel]

I agree with this. Both are awesome, but the Safari Park is more unique. I am a little biased though because I do work there The Caravan Safari should not be missed - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is pricey, but totally worth it ($105/person for a two hour tour). The Africa Tram tour is included in admission. It's a 30 minute tour around a few field enclosures. Also really cool! It's about the same distance from Newport as the zoo. Tie in a stop at some of the wineries in Escondido (Orfila or Cordiano) before or after the park, and you've got yourself a fun-filled day! I'm sure you will enjoy whichever one you choose!

Thanks! I did look at this but maybe because we have been to aNimal Kingdom so many times it sort of reminded me of it - Africa, et. But thanks for the info!!!

 

[ncc1701]

Thanks! Where is Alberts? In the zoo or outside? Tahnks for advice. I think I decided on the Inside tour only b/c Panda one is SO early and we are driving in from Newport Beach that morning and afraid something could interefere with us getting there on time!

Albert's is inside the zoo. It's in the Lost Forest section with inside and some outside seating. It's been a few years but I remember using an elevator or steps to get to it. Sort of had a tree house feeling.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

Albert's is located inside the Zoo. You can make reservations through the Zoo's website under the Albert's info page. I would recommend the reservations, especially during Summer

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

What is the difference between the Panda tour and the Inside Look Tour? Both look very interesting to me. I visited San Diego Zoo 10 years ago, and didn't get to see everything. Instead of staying an extra night at San Diego to visit the zoo for 2 days, I'm wondering if the tour make it an one day trip. Thx.

 

[scottmel]

What is the difference between the Panda tour and the Inside Look Tour? Both look very interesting to me. I visited San Diego Zoo 10 years ago, and didn't get to see everything. Instead of staying an extra night at San Diego to visit the zoo for 2 days, I'm wondering if the tour make it an one day trip. Thx.

Panda is done before park opens so you have to get there super early. The inside look tour has a panda stop but you can schedule the tour for many times during the day. We opted on the Surprise Inside Look Tour...