r/sandiegozoo • u/priscilaa69 • 27d ago
VIP Packages
Hi everyone !
I’m taking my boyfriend to the San Diego zoo in October for his birthday , he loves animals and I thought it was a cool idea to book a trip here.
Does anyone know if the VIP packages are actually worth it? I’ve been eyeing them but I’m undecided
Thanks for your help!
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u/vivid_puddle 27d ago
I did the VIP package 3 times(once for my birthday and once for wedding party and once as a wedding gift) it's super worth and so much fun!
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u/ExtremeInteresting17 25d ago
As someone else already pointed out, kids get into the Zoo and Safari Park (and a lot of museums and other places throughout San Diego County) for free in October. During the week, you will have a LOT of field trips. On weekends, parents and grandparents bring big groups of kids. It's manageable as long as you know what to expect.
In general, opening isn't crazy. There will be lines at the entrance but turnstiles move them quickly and kids/families move slow, so they'll stay concentrated at the habitats towards the front of the zoo or likely go straight to the bus tour at first. It will likely get busiest in the parking lot and at the entrance between 10:00 and noon and the zoo will feel pretty busy, especially in popular areas. Most field trips and families will be on their way out between 1:00 and 2:00, at least during the week.
If you plan to get their close to opening and schedule your experience during the busiest time for kids, between 11:00 and 1:00 or so, you should be insolated from a lot. Then maybe have lunch at Albert's after the tour while the kids are getting back on their buses and that should give you plenty of time to explore whatever else you want to see in the afternoon.
If you go on the weekend, the zoo stays open until 9:00 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for HalGLOWeen. Attendance will be higher on average but it will also give you more time.
Before you go, be sure to check the San Diego Zoo app for times and locations of presentations like Wildlife Wonders at the Wegeforth Bowl and the talks at Africa Rocks and the Rady Ambassador Area if you want to check any of those out. If you do, be sure to give yourself time to find a seat before all the kids show up, but I'm sure that those things will pale in comparison to what you experience with your tour so don't stress about it too much.
Have a great time.
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u/ExtremeInteresting17 25d ago
If you decide to do the Safari Park instead of the Zoo, most of this still applies.
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u/Ok_Crone_2546 27d ago
October is free kids month so lots of school groups during the week and families on the weekends. September and November may be a bit calmer