SeaWorld and Zoo question

[karylrocks]

We will be visiting Sea World the last Saturday in August; hours are 9am to 11pm. Is there any reason we would need to be there at opening? If we are planning to stay until closing, what time would we need to get there to see everything? We are not morning people and I am trying to save my "drag everyone out of bed" efforts for Disneyland if possible. Same question for the zoo on Sunday - we have visited many zoos and will not want to see every animal, mostly the cats, bears, and anything unique to SD Zoo (also planning to take the bus tour). I would like to leave the zoo around 6pm; what time would we need to arrive?

 

[iceskatejen]

With Sea World, I guess you don't have to get there that early, but if you want to feed the dolphins, sea lions, or stingrays, make sure you get to their areas before 4pm because I think thats when the last feedings are.

With the zoo, probably the most unique thing is the pandas--they usually go off display around 2pm, so make that one of your first stops. Also, if you go early, it's easier to see the animals (because of crowds) and they're more active.

 

[Goofster57]

My family has passes to Sea World and we have never found it necessary to be there at opening. Most of the planed shows don’t start for until a couple of hours after opening. If you are going to stay until closing you should have no problem in seeing all of them.

 

[mowsluver]

If you get to take a bus tour, try to get on with "Drew". He is a great tour guide, and a personal friend! He is very easy going and will make the tour a memorable experience!

Tell him 'Lou' says hello!!! And enjoy yourself! But be warned...!!! The zoo has some steep hills in it!! I almost felt like I should have been a mountain goat! Try to get to see the polar bears, they are way too cool!

 

[YoHo]

I don't think Sea World does shows after 4 or 5 which means you're going to be catching the rides and the aquariums and drinking beer after then. So, if you plan to do all or most of the shows, you may want to be there at least by 11.


As for the Zoo, the pandas go off display around 4:30 at least they have every time I've been there. Although that may change as they think the female is pregnant again.

The Zoo has many animals you can't see at any other zoo (4000 speices) although many of those are gazelles and such so maybe aren't as interesting. The bus is a greeat way to get an overview of especially the hooved animals.

 

[karylrocks]

Thanks for all the tips! We will plan to arrive at SeaWorld at least by noon, and stay for the Summer Nights shows (they look great). For the zoo, we will attempt to get there at opening; I know the animals are more active then.

 

[diberry]

Can you tell me about the bus tour please? I don't know anything about it.

 

[karylrocks]

Can you tell me about the bus tour please? I don't know anything about it.

From the zoo website:
Enjoy a 35-minute tour on a double-decked bus covering about 75 percent of the San Diego Zoo. Your bus tour ticket also includes use of the Express Bus, double- or single-decked buses with green signs on the sides that allow guests to hop on and off at five different stops throughout the Zoo. The Express buses pass by the stops every 20 minutes or less and are for quick transportation around the Zoo.