Amusement Park/Zoo Reviews: San Diego, California

I had the pleasure of spending five days in beautiful San Diego for a family vacation this past weekend. My family and I met up with my mom and dad and my brother and his family for a kid friendly weekend of enjoying the amusement parks located in the San Diego area. There were 10 of us in total, though when we were at Legoland, my cousin and her family joined us adding another 6 to our already large group. At any rate, here are my ratings and reviews for the Amusement Parks/Zoo's in the San Diego area.

I will be reviewing it in the order of our visit.

San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park: Located in Escondido, CA this zoo is a spacious and rambling park that is a hiker's and walkers paradise. However, it was not stroller friendly, especially in the heat (lots of hills). I found it way to big with not much to see or do. The Journey into Africa tour/tram ride seemed promising but it was a big disappointment. Nothing close to Disney's Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari. San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park's version had way too many gazelles and nothing more. Okay there was an occasional Rhino and Giraffe but other than that, it was pretty boring, even my four year old said so. The shows were okay, the magic show was a good thing to see while fighting off the heat.

Highlights: The Gorillas, Dino Mountain, and Conservation Carousel.

At $35 per person...save the money and just go to San Diego Zoo.

I rate San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park my 2-P rating. I say pass it up and head on to some place else.

San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park
Visited on Friday, July 24, 2009
Located in Escondido, CA
Entrance Fee: $35/Ages 12+ and $26/Kids 3-11

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Legoland: I've been to Legoland before and it's a place that I did not think that I would go to ever again. However, on this visit, with my 4-year old son, I found out that it was actually quite fun. Legoland is great if your kids are 36" or more, don't even consider going if they are not, because you are able to experience the rides with them. Legoland is especially great if your kids are into Lego's. At any rate, I had such a great time and wouldn't mind returning. The only gripe that I have is that I did not have time to check out the new Sea Life Aquarium because of logistics and timing on our part (I'll visit it next time) and the ridiculously long wait for the Sky Cruiser (waited over an hour for a 2 minute ride). But all in all, it was fun.

Highlights: Bob the Builder 4-D, Splash Battle, The Dragon, Fun Town Fire Academy, Volvo Driving School, Miniland USA, Lego Technic Test Track.

I rate Legoland my 4-P rating.

Legoland
Visited on Saturday, July 25, 2009
Located in Carlsbad, CA
Entrance Fee: 1 Day Hopper: $75/adults and $65/child 3-12 or seniors 60+
($10 less if you just go to Legoland without visiting the Sea Life Aquarium)
Tip: Look for coupons at AAA or local grocery stores or at local fast food restaurants.

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SeaWorld: I have never been to SeaWorld and I have to tell you I had so much fun and I loved the shows. It reminded me of my childhood and going to Marine World in the San Francisco Bay Area, when Marine World was not a major amusement park with all the thrill rides. All the shows are must see, but definitely see the Sea Lions Tonight last. You will see why.

The kids loved Sesame Street Bay of Play. Great little place for parents to relax while the kids play in a giant jungle gym, or in the water area, or even riding the three mini rides that they had. It was enjoyed by all ages! The only gripe that I had was it seemed that the shows all ran at the same time, so it was hard to get to all of them. We missed the Pet's Rule Show by a minute and they would not let us into the theater, which was kinda sad. At any rate, it was still enjoyable.

Highlights: Cirque de Mer, Journey to Atlantis (42"+ only), Shamu Rocks, Sesame Street's Lights, Camera, Imagination 4-D Show, Dolphin Discovery, Sea Lions Tonight, Wild Artic Interaction.

I rate SeaWorld my 4-P rating.

SeaWorld
Visited on Sunday, July 26, 2009
Located in San Diego, CA
Entrance Fee: $65/Ages 10+ and $55/ages 3-9
Tip: McDonald's had a $15 dollar off coupon that I found before our visit, so check local fast food restaurants for coupons. In addition, SeaWorld has an AAA discount.

-Percy
The P-List
For rating legends/scales please visit here.

Picture/logos from above mentioned parks