SD Safari park, which tickets to buy? Where to stay?

[mrs.ariel]

Hi,

So, we have decided to offically plan our SD trip. My boys really want to see SW and the Safari park. I am confused as to what tickets to buy.

I see they have a 3-in-1 pass that includes SW, zoo and safari park- I might get this one, in case we have the energy to add the zoo to our trip, too. But we might do a beach day instead.
My main question is about the different safari tickets for the safari park? There is Africa, cheetah, etc..which do I need? I don't want to miss out on any part.

Also, anyone want to suggest hotels? We have a car, so transportation is not a huge issue. My boys will prob want to swim, too....

Thanks

 

[ImDMous]

I would just go with the basic Africa Safari ticket. The tickets are a bit odd. They all include admission to the park, the names are just based on add-ons that they have "conveniently" packaged together with your admission. Seeing the Cheetah run is pretty cool, but if it's your first trip I really don't think you'd notice anything missing from your day if you don't see that. The Private Cart tour and photo caravan and all that extra stuff are definitely not needed to enjoy your day. There are plenty of things to see with just the basic admission.

The Safari Park is in North San Diego, Escondido more specifically. There isn't anything else touristy to see up here so staying down in San Diego and driving the half hour north to the park is probably your best bet.

 

[Zbugz]

We just got back from a stay at the Residence Inn San Diego Scripps Poway which is part way between the two places. It was a fabulous stay. The management was very much in touch with its customers and went out of their way for us. The hot breakfast was very good with lots of variety and the manager's reception was a nice bonus too. It's rated #2 on Tripadvisor.

 

[danaesacto]

With the 3-1 tix, it is only $22 more than SW and Safari single day for adults and only $9 for the kids right? If you were possibly going to the zoo- that is the best way IMO. If you don't think you are doing the zoo, are you interested in the ropes course or the zipline? (and are your kids old enough?) If so, the packages include the park, the safari tram plus those extras. The safari cart and watching the cheetahs up close doesn't interest me- and it seems pricey, but you night think it is worth it. You can't go wrong with the basic ticket and then after you are there, if there is something you want to add on- do it then