SD Zoo or Wild Animal Park?

[dr&momto2boys]

I hear there's a lot of walking at both places...but which do you think is better for us?

I'll be 6 months pregnant and my sons are 2 and 3 1/2. They can ride in a stroller my husband pushes so no big deal there. (Unless it's one of those days where they beg to be carried!) But I anticipate I will wear out and need to sit frequently with a lot of walking.

Is the walking situation about the same at both parks? If so, which place would my little ones enjoy more? They have been to a lot of zoos and always enjoy them. I have no idea what WAP is like. We can only see one park. Which should it be?

 

[Mrsjvb]

the WAP is EXTREMELY Hilly. steep ones, too. and its much warner in the WAP(its inland and it gets hotter there than at Balboa.) Balboa is too, but they have escalators and a sky tram.

That being said, if you want up close and personal with the critters, WAP is the way to go. Clyde(the Orang u tan) isn't always hanging out right by the glass at Balboa.

 

[RSHale]

I went with a friend to the San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park) for the first time last weekend. We went on a Sunday morning. I would suggest getting there when the zoo opens. The zoo is large, but we were able to see a lot of the zoo in about three and a half hours before eating lunch, and I didn't feel like we rushed by the exhibits. The crowds were very light until about noon when things started to get really busy. I think it would have taken us much longer if we had gone later in the day, and viewing the animals was a better experience with fewer people.

The zoo has a bus tour, but we decided to see everything on foot instead. There are a number of ticket options, and the bus tour was included in the tickets we purchased. I can't remember the name of the ticket, but the adult admission was $34.00. I got an "$8.00 off per person" ticket at our hotel bringing each ticket to $26.00. We didn't do any of the shows, and we didn't use the sky tram. Somehow we missed the Koala exhibit, bit I think we saw everything else that we wanted to see.

After lunch, we walked around Balboa Park and went to the Natural History Museum. There are several museums within walking distance of the zoo.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Unfortunately we won't be able to be there at opening. We're flying into San Diego that day (just from San Francisco so the kids won't be worn out or anything.) So we're going on Friday, October 3rd. That's why I thought the zoo would be a good place to spend that day. Just having second thoughts if walking is easier at WAP or if it would be more fun for all of us.

 

[melbajcz]

I have only been to each one time, and never with children (hoping to go next year with our kiddos!), so take this for what it is worth! LOL I would vote for the Wild Animal Park. I loved both, but, reallly felt the Wild Animal Park was more unique. It really felt like you were in the animals' territory rather than at a zoo. I don't have any advice on walking at one vs. the other, sorry!

Melissa

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I don't think *I* would go to the WAP 6 months pregnant, knowing how much walking is involved. Heck, I won't even go if I'm tired.

The tram tour at the WAP is ok, but there is quite a bit of hilly walking just to get to it.

The bus tour of the zoo is more comprehensive, and if you want to avoid steep hills, it's much easier than at the WAP.

 

[ScooterL]

I think walking around the WAP is far more strenuous than the Zoo. There are escalators at the Zoo that will allow you to avoid most of the uphill parts, and I think the whole thing is a little more compact than the WAP. And, as others have said, it's going to be a LOT cooler at the Zoo than at the WAP! I would also think that your kids would enjoy the Children's Zoo (at the Zoo) which has a lot of exhibits that are scaled to be more kid-sized, and you get closer to most of the animals. The petting zoo is there, and I think there are some other hands-on activities, also.

I agree with Monkey Monkey that the bus tour at the Zoo is a good thing to do. I recommend doing that first, and then if you see things on the tour that you want to examine further, you can go back to those exhibits later.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Of the 2 parks I like WAP best, however, there is a very steep hill that you will have to walk up after you visit Lion Camp, or other areas. They do operate a shuttle for those who can't make it, I believe there is a phone located at the bottom of the slope to call them.

However, I would rec. the Zoo for you as well. Whichever ticket you buy make sure to buy tickets for the Express bus. This is different than the Guided tour as you can get on and off as often as you want. Saves alot of walking! I checked their website (sandiegozoo.org) and they have a great ticket package but it's only good to Sept. 1. 2 Adults and 2 Kids min. $88 (ITED OFFER!

Purchase our Family Four Pack - 2 Adult and 2 Youth (ages 3-17) tickets - for $88.00. Your special package includes ticket admission into the San Diego Zoo, all exhibits and shows, and unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari aerial tram. Offer valid for advanced, online and on-site purchase. Required minimum purchase of 4 tickets (2 Adults and 2 Youth Tickets). Good for one-time entrance until September 1, 2008)

Maybe they'll extend it or have another one for your trip.

Have fun!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Thanks for the info everyone!