Some San Diego Zoo Questions

[kristinLC]

We will be visiting the San Diego Zoo on a Friday in mid-August with hubby and two kids 8 and 5. The kids really want to see the polar bears. Is that one of those exhibits like the pandas that gets really crowded and needs to be seen early in the day? We have decided to do the $39 discovery tour and need to meet at the front by the bus tour station at 10AM for a 10:15 tour. We are get there early, pre rope-drop kind of people so will be there before 9AM. I was thinking of going to see the polar bears at 9AM before our tour, but not sure if it's even possible to get over there, see the exhibit, and get back in an hour? I saw that the express bus and Skyfari don't start until 10AM so those are not options for getting around. What are other recommendations for our first hour? The tour has priority access for the pandas so sounds like we are good there.

I read somewhere else that the zoo actually starts letting people in the gates around 8:30AM? Also, is there any kind of rope drop show? One other thing, we were thinking of renting a stroller for the 5YO, but on the map it looks like there are escalators to help get you places. I'm guessing you can't take the big honking zoo rental stroller on those so would we be better off without one? Thanks so much for any help and advice!!!

 

[llump41]

I would worry about seeing the polar bears. You should have no trouble with lines. I also would try to get from the bears to the bus tour. Those are pretty much on the opposite sides of the park.

We took our 3y/o grandson this last week and pushed him in an umbrella stroller. Those easily fit on the escalators and is better than having to carry him. It's also a nice place to keep a backpack, etc without hauling those around.

The zoo, although compact, is hilly. The escalators only go up, there are no down escalators.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

I would mention to the Discovery Tour guide about the polar bears. One of the nice things is that they kind of arrange the tour based on what everyone on the tour like, or wait until after your tour, and then go see them.

The stroller would be a good idea, except you can't take them on the Skyfari, and buses.

At 8:30 to about 8:50, there are volunteers to give you information and help you plan your day. At 8:50, usually one of our animal ambassadors come out, most of the time, it is our flock of Macaws.

 

[Hunnypaw]

Polar Bears are not a problem to see. Pandas can be if you get there in mid-day... it can take 60 mins sometimes on the weekends.

You should be good... only heat a factor during August, but SD Zoo heat is pretty comfy compared to WDW or DL heat that same time of year.

 

[PHXscuba]

We did the zoo with a 3-year-old and no stroller, so you could probably get away without one. The tour, express bus, sky tram, and escalators will help a lot with the walking.

And I agree the polar bears are not super high-traffic, especially so far from the entrance. I don't think I'd hike there early vs. going by sky tram later.

PHXscuba

 

[kristinLC]

Thank you for the helpful replies! We're looking forward to our visit. We're from Texas so not worried about the heat. It was 108 here the other day - August San Diego temps will feel heavenly.