Discounted San Diego Zoo Tickets via Reserve Direct + Giveaway!

This is a sponsored post written by me for #ReserveDirect. #ReserveSanDiego #SDZoo100 

One of my siblings is moving out of state so we're trying to spend as much time with them as possible. Since they were in San Diego the same weekend we were on Spring Break, our schedules some how lined up so we were able to have a Family Day at the San Diego Zoo. The Zoo has changed so much since we were last there five years ago. You know how huge the Zoo is, right? I remember pushing a double stroller around, and there was a lot of walking. We were there all day and still didn't see all the animals.

GIVEAWAY! Enter below for a chance to win $100 Credit for Reserve Direct purchases!

Fast forward to now, we're no longer in strollers but our other family members were. All our tickets included unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. Taking the bus around the zoo is a game changer. When we got tired, we looked for a bus stop. For example, there is a steep uphill climb from Eagle Trail to the Polar Bears exhibit. My brother had to push his twins up that hill, and it wasn't easy. After we visited the Polar Bears, we were relieved to see a Kangaroo Express Stop on our route. Here are the differences between the two buses...

Guided Bus Tour

The Guided Bus Tour is an open top bus that takes you on a 35-minute narrated tour around the Zoo. You can sit on either level. There is no hop on or hop off. Stroller parking is available but you can also fold up your stroller as you enter the bus. There is also a photo opportunity and a short video about the zoo while we waited to tour. It's a nice way to experience the zoo and a nice little break from all the walking.

Kangaroo Express Bus

The Kangaroo Express Bus is also open top but they are a hop-on/hop-off shuttle bus which has 4 locations:

• Stop #1 is by the Rhino/Koala Bears next to the Outback and Urban Jungle, 
• Stop #2 is near Panda Trek and Eagle Trail between Lost Forest and Panda Trek, 
• Stop #3 is close to the Skyfari West and the lions between Northern Frontier and Elephant Odyssey, and 
• Stop #4 is over there by the south end of Elephant Odyssey. 

This is a great way to see the zoo especially if you have strollers! If you get tired, just locate a Kangaroo Express Stop and fold up your stroller. The only thing about this route is it doesn't take you all the way around the left side of the zoo, but it still covers a large portion of the Zoo.

Skyfari Aerial Tram

The Skyfari Aerial Tram Presented by Alaska Airlines is a great way to experience the zoo from the treetops. It was our first time on the tram and we loved it so much. The only thing I didn't like is you will have to get back in line if your idea is to do a round-trip, but the line moves pretty fast and makes it fair for passengers waiting. Please note that double strollers are not allowed on the tram.

We had a wonderful family day at the San Diego Zoo. Every time we go, the children learn a little bit more about the animals in the Zoo. The Zoo is huge and the shuttles make it easier to get around the zoo. I loved visiting the rare panda family in Panda Trek and the Aerial Tram ride, my husband loved the Polar Bear, Panda Bears, & the Grizzly Bears. My kids loved spending time with their cousins and exploring the zoo together. These are memories we will always treasure.

Here are my recommendations whether you are visiting with or without children:

• Make the most of your day and arrive early to enjoy a full day at the zoo. (We missed half the animals because we arrived after lunch time.) 
• There are several routes to enjoy the animals but you'll want to take the route that covers the most animals you want to see first. 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, and study the map to plan your route before you arrive at the Zoo. 
• Pack water, snacks, sunblock and a cap.
• Download the free app if you would like to go mobile. 

The Zoo is about an hour and a half drive from Orange County and parking is free. If you get hungry or need a snack, there are several cafes, kiosks, and restaurants throughout the Zoo. San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego, California. For more information, please visit their website at www.sandiegozoo.org.

Have fun!

Mary

Save with Reserve San Diego

Thank you, Reserve Direct, for sponsoring this post! The San Diego Zoo is one of Reserve Direct’s top attractions on its travel website, Reserve San Diego (www.reservesandiego.com). Through Reserve Direct, we saved $2 off per ticket, and they included unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. Purchasing tickets through Reserve San Diego, was very easy to do on mobile as well as on a computer. The website is user-friendly with lots of attractions to choose from. Not only will you get discounts on regional attractions and hotels, but insight and tips. My e-tickets were emailed to me within minutes after purchase. (Note: Keep them handy as they will be scanned again for each bus ride.) 

San Diego Zoo Celebrates 100 Years! 

This year the San Diego Zoo is celebrating 100 years. The Zoo has opened a new animal show at Wegeforth Bowl, built a Centennial Theater featuring the conservation work of San Diego Zoo Global, designed a centennial themed Dr. Zoolittle show, and planned 10 different ongrounds birthday parties for ongrounds guests. There will also be special events at the San Diego Zoo during the centennial, including Play Days, Nighttime Zoo and Kids Free month. And on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 6:00 pm, the San Diego Zoo is throwing a party at Balboa Park! All of San Diego is invited to this momentous community celebration with live music, food, animal presentations, a zoo-themed spectacle you'll have to see to believe, and a group who will create a “roar” that they hope will break records. This event is free to attend and open to all ages. Please note: the San Diego Zoo is not open the evening of May 14. All Centennial Celebration activities take place in Balboa Park.

One lucky reader will win this prize. Please enter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


US Residents Only. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will receive $100 Reserve Direct credit to be used for any destination across the U.S. (up to a $100 value). No cash value. One winner per household. Prize will be awarded by sponsor. All readers have an equal chance to win, however, you must enter to win. A winner will be randomly selected via RaffleCopter and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected the same way. Several different ways to earn entries. Prize will be fulfilled by sponsor. One prize per household. Not liable for unclaimed prizes or fulfillment. Good luck!