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sacgfgirl sacgfgirl
 
M$1 March 23, 2009 04:48 AM

Which "special experience tour" would you recommend when visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park?

I'll be visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park in April for a special occasion and want to take one of their "special experience tours" but can't decide on which one. I have been to the park a few years back and took the basic Savanna Safari. The three I'm curious about are the photo caravan tour, the rolling safari tour on a segway, and the ride on the wild side tour.

I'm looking for someone with 1st hand knowledge to share their experience of one of these tours: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/tickets/wap_special_experiences.html
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viridicus viridicus
 
 March 23, 2009 09:59 PM
I can't personally advise you on any of the trips, but from their info pages I would have a hard time choosing myself.

I did find a few reviews online:

- http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g60750-i41-k735491-VIP_tours_of_Zoo_WAP-San_Diego_California.html
- http://photography-on-the.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-441543.html

Check out the zoo's YouTube clips on the Photo Caravan and Rolling Safari tours:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=megUvEphAZ4&feature=PlayList&p=FD2FD835BA7D419C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIKQz9S_mo8&feature=channel_page

From what I found, the photo caravan tour is the most popular/interesting. That would probably be my first choice. The Rolling Safari video seems to focus mostly on the technicality of segways than on the actual safari.

The Ride on the Wild Side tour keeps you pretty far away from the animals the lions because the cart is open. But the tour is only available through June 19th, so it might be worth catching now if you think you'll be back for the others.
Asker's Rating:
• The information from the photography forums was interesting and the videos were a nice addition. We'll have to ponder and decide. Thanks


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robbrown robbrown
 
March 23, 2009 12:09 PM
I don't have first hand experience of the VIP tours, but I have been to the Zoo and enjoyed it.

Carefully reviewing all of the VIP options, I'd go on the Vet Center tour.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/wap_vet_center_tour.html

It's one of the least expensive add-on tours at $45. More than that, it seems to be the least "gimmicky". The zipline "tour" would be too quick, the segway tour would glaze over many of the features that have been carefully planned for pedestrians, the photo caravan doesn't look bad but at $90, I'd hang out with the camera nerds in the regular areas.

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sacgfgirl sacgfgirl
 
March 23, 2009 05:45 PM
The vet center tour was not one of the 3 I specified, and price really isn't an issue as it's for a very special occasion.

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robbrown robbrown
 
March 23, 2009 06:01 PM - New Source
No problem. I figured that I wasn't the best qualified to answer your question because I haven't been on any of the VIP tours. However, I figured that I'd have a peek and offer an opinion anyway in the hope that it would help you out regardless.

If only the 3 that you chose were avaliable, I'd likely select the Photo Caravan. Here in Ontario we have a place called "African Lion Safari" (http://www.lionsafari.com/ ) where in much the same way, guests get up close to the animals. It's great for kids and really great for photographers.

If you do take that tour, I'd suggest that you use a very long (at least 200mm) lens. Animals are unpredictable at the best of times but with a long lens, you'll be able to capture a few great shots no matter where the animals are. There are a bunch of places that rent lenses. Locally, I'd expect to pay between $45 and $75 per day for a long (maybe 200-500mm) lens.

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jsarmiento jsarmiento
 
March 23, 2009 04:33 PM
Be aware that the Wild Animal Park is detached from the SD Zoo proper and is a pretty fair distance away up the 15 freeway. If you are just visiting SD, and you don't rent a car, anything there (ex. Photo Caravan) is not going to be feasible.

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sacgfgirl sacgfgirl
 
March 23, 2009 05:44 PM
Yes I am well aware of where the park is located.

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picapiedra... picapiedra...
 
March 23, 2009 06:12 PM
Hi, I lived in San Diego for 3 years so I think I can get you a good answer. For each Destination I have put pros and cons.

1) Sea World (my personal recommendation #1)
pros: There are only few Sea Worlds in US or around the world. It is a San Diego unique experience. Plus you don't have to walk around much, just enjoy the show. Tip: Be there before 10 am so you can watch all the important shows in a day.
2) Animal Park
pro: Safari Style
cons: 30 ~40 min drive from SD downtown.
3) San Diego Zoo
pro: located in downtown
con: you have to walk around a lot.

Also, whatever you do in the afternoon you can visit the following San Diego sites at night.
1) La jolla cove. Beautiful restaurants and cafes plus a night walk road through the beach.
2) Coronado Hotel: Favorite movie start and presidents resort destination.

MUST if you are going with a lady and want a romantic date:
- Gondola ride through the Coronado Bay. Beatiful over the water houses and boats. www.gondolacompany.com

Don't forget the seaport village next to Hyatt Hotel at downtown, to buy souveniers and a game of San Diego padres at the beatiful PETCO Park~.

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sacgfgirl sacgfgirl
 
March 23, 2009 09:20 PM
That's good information but not really relevant to my question.

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