Sd Zoo!!

[pumpkin5156]

I haven't been to the Zoo in few years and we're taking our animal-obsessed son on Monday. It looks like a few things are closed..what are they and has anyone been recently?

All info is appreciated. And can you bring soft-sided coolers, drinks, etc?

Thanks

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I haven't been in a couple of months, but you can bring food and drinks, and probably coolers too. I've never seen anyone get checked like they do at DL or SW - they don't even have a security checkpoint.

Have fun!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

From what I can remember, one thing by Elephant Mesa is closed for the new giraffe exhibit. I would recommend going on the tour because you get to see a lot of animals w/out walking and you can take their bus to go back to any of the stops to re-visit animals.

 

[pumpkin5156]

From what I can remember, one thing by Elephant Mesa is closed for the new giraffe exhibit. I would recommend going on the tour because you get to see a lot of animals w/out walking and you can take their bus to go back to any of the stops to re-visit animals.

Good idea about the bus. I love walking, but I don't think the rest of my group finds it fun. And pushing a stroller with a 30 pound child wouldn't be easy either.

Oh well about the giraffes. They are my son's favorite animal.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

Good idea about the bus. I love walking, but I don't think the rest of my group finds it fun. And pushing a stroller with a 30 pound child wouldn't be easy either.

Oh well about the giraffes. They are my son's favorite animal.

Well they might still have the giraffes in their old exhibit, it's just that the animals who used to reside on the left side of the elephants aren't there anymore. Hope your son gets to see them!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Well they might still have the giraffes in their old exhibit, it's just that the animals who used to reside on the left side of the elephants aren't there anymore. Hope your son gets to see them!

The last few times I was there, the giraffes were not on exhibit. Neither were the zebras.

I really can't wait for the new elephant habitat to be finished and ALL the animals back on exhibit!

 

[pumpkin5156]

Just wanted to reply that they did have the giraffes on view right by the elephants. It looked like they were there to stay as well. We also saw the area under construction for the new Elephant Odyssey and it looks amazing. It's the biggest and most expensive renovation the Zoo has ever done.
We also walked right in with all of our coolers/waters and no problems. There are not even security points at all. It was a perfect day in SD. I'll post pics later. Thanks all!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Just wanted to reply that they did have the giraffes on view right by the elephants. It looked like they were there to stay as well. We also saw the area under construction for the new Elephant Odyssey and it looks amazing. It's the biggest and most expensive renovation the Zoo has ever done.
We also walked right in with all of our coolers/waters and no problems. There are not even security points at all. It was a perfect day in SD. I'll post pics later. Thanks all!

Yay! I'm so glad the giraffes are back! DS is going to be so happy.

And I'm glad you had a great time! I can't wait to see your pics.

 

[dancom]

Hi,
We will visit Sd zoo in July 6 Do wee need to buy extra tickets for the bus tour? and how often that bus tour run? I couldn't find any info about the bus tour & its schedule on the web site. Thanks in advance.

 

[pumpkin5156]

If you buy the Best Value ticket ($34 for adults without any coupons) you get unlimited bus and Skyfari rides. It's well worth it IMO. Coupons are easily obtainable at most local hotels, magazines, coupon books, etc. We used $7 off coupons for 6 adults.

The main bus tour leaves every 15 minutes or so on crowded days (which it will be when you go). It is 35 minutes long and well worth avoiding all that walking. Sit on the bottom left-hand side of the bus for the best views and the most shade.
The Express Buses leave every 8-12 minutes from their 3 stops around the park. This works exactly as a city bus and is included in the price of the Best Value ticket.

Again, buy the Best Value tickets, as it is very expensive to pay for these things a la carte.

Have fun and wear your sunscreen!!

 

[dancom]

We bought a Southern California pass from AMA which includes a gate admission to the Zoo. Now, I was wondering whether or not the gate adminssion will cover the bus tour . Any ideas? Thanks. Can I buy the bus tour seperately?

 

[pumpkin5156]

You can buy the tour seperatly, but it will add up depending on the size of your party. Is the price printed on your zoo tickets? Maybe you can just pay the difference? I think you should call the Zoo and find out. Sorry I couldn't help you more.

 

[dancom]

Thank you pumpkin5156. There was a note on the ticket "redeem at any turnstile for best value admission package including Bus tour". I guess I should read first.

 

[pumpkin5156]

Thank you pumpkin5156. There was a note on the ticket "redeem at any turnstile for best value admission package including Bus tour". I guess I should read first.

I am glad we figured it out! Have a wonderful day. Remember to sit on the lower left hand side of the bus tour.

 

[dancom]

I am glad we figured it out! Have a wonderful day. Remember to sit on the lower left hand side of the bus tour.

Thank you. I learn a lot of thing from this board. So amazing. I will definitely sit at a lower left hand side of a bus tour. Sorry, just want to clarify, when you say left hand side, does it means on the same side of the bus driver?

 

[pumpkin5156]

Thank you. I learn a lot of thing from this board. So amazing. I will definitely sit at a lower left hand side of a bus tour. Sorry, just want to clarify, when you say left hand side, does it means on the same side of the bus driver?

It sure does! Most of the animal sightings are on this side (pandas,bears, giraffes, elephants, etc.) and if it's a hot day, you'll want the lower to avoid the sun. Have a blast!

 

[dancom]

Thank you all. Can't wait... One more day to go