San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld-Three in One Package

Two other things in Balboa park that my son loves are the mini-train (right near the Zoo entrance) and the Fleet Science museum. There are a lot of fun hands on activities at the museum designed for todlers.

Hi. I bought the 3 in 1 package at Costco. If your son is under 3 years old, then he is free. I think the 3 in 1 package was $79.99 for an adult. Good Luck.

Get a hotel near Hotel Circle. They all cater to families and most have mini fridges in room along with continental breakfast. Hotel circle is minutes away from both places so you can come back for a nap then head out again. We've stayed at Comfort Inn. Hotel Circle is near Mission Valley which has tons of restaraunts-cheaper than eating in the parks. We always eat at Fudruckers-the portions are big for sharing. There is also a food 4 less down Mission Valley road. Some hotels offer shuttles to Sea World to save on Parking. Parking at the zoo is free.
We always bring in food to both places. The bag "inspection" is not thourough and you can easily put sandwiches under the diaper. If we do plan on eating at a park, we only buy at the Zoo. The zoo is non profit-all proceeds some tickets, shops and food sales goes right back to the care of animals. Seaworld and the zoo both offer big drink cups that you can get free or reduced price refills on.
There is also a train and carousel in Balboa park next to the zoo.

Hi V.-

This link is on Sea World's website. I think it's what you're looking for.
http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=351

My suggestions would bring food and leave it in a cooler or rent a locker. Both Sea World & the Zoo now have a no outside food policy. Sea WOrld has tables right outside the park for that reason. The Zoo's policy is new so I don't know what they have set up. I don't know how strict either place are with that because I have passes and leave when hungry. I always bring snacks and water, and haven't had any problems with that. AS far as hotels go, I have had great success with hotwire.com. You just key in the area you want to stay in and then pick how many stars you are willing to pay for. Last May, my daughter and I stayed at the Hyatt, extremely close to Sea World for $89.00 a night. The room was so comfortable, balcony, feathertop bed, great sheets!!! (Ahhh, now back to reality!) The bummer about Hot Wire is you might not know exactly which hotel you are staying in until after you pay, but it tells you what types of hotels fall in that star category. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to email me.

Have a great vacation and enjoy San Diego!!

Stephanie

My tips have nothing to do w/ deals. Wild Animal Park will be HOT in the summer, so plan on going and leaving early. or go at night. The zoo is open at night during the summer-and the animals are much more active. SUNSCREEN! I am a sunscreen freak, and I still manage to always burn at SeaWorld. Also, the beach, and Balboa Park are fantastic for kids. My kids still love riding the butterflies. Have fun.

We're in Reno, and here you cab buy the 3-in-1 passes at Costco. If you're going to do all that, the pass is a BIG discount. There's also a Balboa Park pass that covers everything there. Pick up those magazines, coupon books and brochures that are available all over San Diego at restaurants and such. They have great discounts and let you know about free events and special events.

We always buy a few "souvenirs" before we leave home, then hand them out during the day when the kids are severely tempted by the gift shops. It's SO MUCH cheaper to buy plastic zoo animals and stuffed orcas outside the parks, and hand them out during the day than it is to shop in the gift shops.

Make time for free stuff like a trip to the beach, too.

Have fun! :)

Pack a bag with food and water to take to each park. It will save you lots of money. We go to Sea World and the Zoo about once a month each and have never had any problems with taking food into the park.

Hi V.,

You've received some great advice here. I actually wanted to clarify one post because we are members of the zoo, live 5 minutes away and recently had our son's 1st birthday there. You are allowed to bring food and drink into the zoo so long as you don't bring in hard plastic coolers. Also, they don't allow drinks with straws and plastic lids. Other than that, you can bring in a picnic and head over to the left when you enter towards the children's zoo area and there is a picnic area for you. After you eat, you can head over to the children's petting zoo - always a hit.

Have fun and I wish you a lovely sunny Southern California day;)

We are going to San Diego soon. We have a large family including a 17 month old daughter. so budgeting is top priority. The three for one that I have found to be the cheapest you can get at Costco. Adult tickets are about $90 and kids are about $73. Toddlers are free!! Since it includes all three it really is the cheapest I have found.
As far as hotel, just a low budget one will do since your days will be out and about. Get one that includes free continental breakfast. For other meals try plannin on getting food and bringin it to your hotel?? Our family will also be taking a cruise on the harbor and a baseball game at PETCO park which I have been told is a must.

Some hotels will also bring in a small microwave for you if you are traveling with a baby/toddler. Comes in handy for heating up Graduates or pasta, etc.

Just go online and google it, I did it ....no prob to find it.

i googled it heres the link.
http://www.goingtocalifornia.com/pages/amusement-parks/sa...
a far as making the trip cheaper dont stop to eat places (pack a small lunch for the drive). stay at a lower budget hotel since your going to be out and about most of the time. bring your own stroller so you dont have to rent one. set a budget for what you want to spend at the parks. also when booking the hotel ask if they have a personal frig (not the mini bar kind that charge you for taking stuff out) for you own use in the room. if they do buy some food atleast for breakfast and a few snacks. then you wont be eating out every meal (hotels usually have a complimentary breakfast) but i was thinking more for the baby. also ask if they have cribs so you dont have to pack the play pen or share the bed with the baby (unless you co sleep)... i hope this is helpful :)

I typed in san diego zoo, went to the homepage and followed the links for packages. Also for seaworld. they have an all three and hotel for like two or three hundred, which included two adults for three parks and three or four nights at a nice hotel...
Good luck and happy traveling
R.