Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Seaworld Hotels and Lodging San Diego

(800) 25-SHAMU
500 SeaWorld Dr. San Diego, CA 92109
View Website
Attraction Closures
Shamu's Happy Harbor is closed and will reopen as Sesame Street Bay of Play on May 27.
Manatee Exhibit is closed till Spring 2008
The Skytower will be closed until Mid May 2008.
Extreme Zone's Rockwall will be down until May 1, 2008
Fireworks Schedule
Weekends April 5-May 18 at 8:50 p.m.
Weekends May 24-June 14 at 9:50 p.m.
Daily June 15-Sept. 1 at 9:50 p.m.
July 4, 20-minute show starting at 9:30 p.m.
Admission Single-Day Admission.
$59 for guests age 10+.
$49 for guests ages 3 through 9.
Free for guests 2 years old and younger.
More Ticket Options > Hours of Operation Opening and closing times vary by season. Hours are extended during holiday periods and summer evenings (May through Labor Day). Please click here for our operating schedule for our hours of operation.
Parking
$10 for cars.
$15 for RVs and campers.
$6 for Motorcycle.
$15 for Preferred. Wheelchair/Stroller Rental Wheelchair access is provided at all shows and attractions. For safety reasons all strollers must be parked outside of most exhibits and attractions. SeaWorld is not responsible for strollers or their contents left unattended in the park. Guest must be 18 years or older to rent.
$37.71 for electric (plus $5 refundable deposit).
$10 for manual (plus $2 refundable deposit). Stroller rates: $10 single $15 double Reserve your wheelchair or stroller now > Food and Beverage Policy Restaurants and concession stands are located conveniently throughout the park. Large hard or soft coolers, glass containers, food, drinks and picnic lunches may not be taken into the park. Guests with special diets, baby formula or baby food may bring their items into the park. Smoking Policy For your convenience, SeaWorld provides Designated Smoking Areas for our guests. Please refer to the park map for directions to these areas. Security Procedures SeaWorld San Diego has increased security procedures, which may result in slight delays while entering the park. As a part of this process:
All bags, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the park.
As a reminder, the following items are not permitted to be brought into SeaWorld for the safety of our animals and our guests: weapons, knives, any other type of sharp objects, straws, large hard or soft coolers, and any hazardous items or materials.
Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.
SeaWorld is not responsible for fire, theft, damage or loss of vehicle including articles left within. Will Call & Ticket Kiosks Will call is located at the Will Call and Travel Vouchers Window just right of the Park Entrance turnstiles.
All Silver and Platinum Passports sold online are Quick Ticket or "Kiosk Ready" eTickets that can be redeemed at any one of our fast and easy self-service Ticket Kiosks.
Ticket Kiosks are also available for purchasing tickets and passports with a credit card. Ticket Kiosks cannot redeem discounts or coupons.
Single-Day (excluding Group), Two-Day and Vacation Package tickets that are bought online are all "Turnstile Ready" eTickets that may be taken directly to the park entrance turnstiles for admission. There is no need to wait in a will call line. Kennel Services SeaWorld provides a pet facility for a nominal charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. SeaWorld is not responsible for the pet. Please refer to accesibility guide for specific answers to access information for your assistance animal. Lost and Found Contact the Information Center inside and just right of the Entrance turnstiles to report lost children and lost and found items. SeaWorld is not responsible for lost, missing or stolen personal property. Lockers All Day Lockers are located adjacent to the Reservation Center. Stop by the Rental Center to check availability.
$7.00 plus $5.00 refundable deposit. Single use lockers also available at:
$1.25 Inside Seseme's Street Bay of Play
$1.25 Entrance to Journey To Atlantis
$1.25 Entrance to Shipwreck Rapids
$1.50 Located by Exit turnstiles in the Main Gate Plaza.
ATM and Credit Cards US Bank ATMs are located through out the park. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and JCB are accepted at all ticket booths, restaurants and gift shops with proper identification. Sorry, personal checks not accepted. Special Needs and Accessibility Guide Click here to view the SeaWorld San Diego Accessibility Guide > Information Center The Information Center is located just inside the park to the right of the Main Entrance. Team members can assist you with the following:
Visitor information (hotels, campsites, points of interest)
Guides for guests with disabilities
Show information for the hearing impaired
Travel assistance
Lost and found
Lost children's center
General park information and assistance.
Location and Directions 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109 From Interstate 5: Exit SeaWorld Dr. and head West one mile. From Interstate 8: Exit Interstate 5 North to SeaWorld Dr. and turn West towards park entrance.
Public Transportation: SeaWorld is easily accessible by public transportation. For city trolley and bus schedules and routes please call (619) 685-4900. Many local hotels and motels offer complimentary shuttle service to SeaWorld. Ask your lodging operator for more information. Nearly 290 daily inbound airline flights and 10 AMTRAK trains service San Diego daily. For AMTRAK information please call (800) 872-7245. For more information call (800) 25-SHAMU (74268). Group Information Group Sales You can purchase advance tickets online for a group of 15 or more people at least seven days before your arrival date. Buy Group Tickets Planning an Event? A Group Event at SeaWorld San Diego offers you and your guests a unique and wonderful experience. Nestled among nature's beauty in historic Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego offers one-of-a-kind event locations for 75 to 10,000 guests. Choose from the open-air setting of the Garden Plaza banquet facility or fall in love with the whiskered muzzle of a manatee at the Manatee Rescue. With over a dozen special and spectacular venues to choose from, you can choose to make any event extraordinary. Visit SeaWorldGroupEvents.com
Corporate Events
Wedding Receptions
Banquets
Private Picnics
Full-Park and Half Park Buyouts
Custom Events Are you a school group, scout group or youth group? Bring your group to SeaWorld and learn about the fascinating world of marine animals. This flexible, all-day program allows leaders and scouts to explore the park at their own pace. Fee covers entrance to SeaWorld, a patch for all participants, and a "Whales" teacher's guide for the group. The SeaWorld Youth Award program runs Monday through Sunday, year-round. Explore SeaWorld until park closing. You can make a group reservation at least 48 hours prior to arrival by calling (800) 25-SHAMU (74268) and press 3. Payment is due upon arrival.
Top Tips from SeaWorld Insiders If you love animals...
Make time for feeding times: Meal time is the best time to meet some playful Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and sting rays, who you can even feed by hand—but only at designated times throughout the day. Stop by in the morning to check the day's schedule, then give yourself some extra time to get a great spot right at the water's edge.
Meet an animal trainer in person: It's hard to ask animal trainers about their job when they're racing through the water on the back of Shamu. But here's something most guests don't know. Our Dine with Shamu programs are the only time guests get back stage access to our killer whale habitat, where whales and their trainers share an inside look at their remarkable bond and what makes it possible. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited.
See what goes on behind the scenes: Up Close Tours like our Saving a Species or Penguin Encounter tour times aren't listed on the park map, so they're easy to miss out on once you're here. An insider's tip? Book online ahead of time, or stop by the tour desk just inside the front gate. If you're bringing young kids...
Bring a disposable waterproof camera: There's wet, and there's Shamu wet. If you're in the Soak Zone at Shamu stadium, you'll have a lot more fun watching kids' reactions if you don't have to watch out for an expensive camera. A little tip for parents? Pack a parka—or pick one up at the gift shop. It's a great way to keep yourself and a towel or two dry, and still get in on the fun.
Feed their imagination: Look for interactive work stations and computers located throughout the park that give kids a fun way to learn about the animals they meet. Kids can test their lung power against a walrus in Wild Arctic or see how a manatee grinds its food at Manatee Rescue.
Sesame Street Bay of Play: Watch your kids play at Sesame Streets Bay of Play opening spring 2008.
Make an autograph book: Put together an autograph book with kids ahead of time, then catch the Shamu and Crew characters from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate.
Catch the show before the show: Take your seat for the Clyde and Seamore show at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Late-comers miss out on their zany pre-show antics. Once you've worked up an appetite...
Beat the crowd: Plan to have lunch during show performances and you'll get ahead of the crowd.
Don't skip breakfast: Start your day at Breakfast with Shamu. You'll get a seat next to our biggest star, plus enjoy an-all-you-care-to-eat buffet that will take care of even the biggest appetites well into the afternoon. Insiders say this is one of the best kept secrets in the park. A few last tips from those in the know...
Choose your seats wisely: You will get drenched if you sit in the front seat of Journey to Atlantis—and we mean drenched.
Beat the heat: Temperatures can get quite high—especially in the middle of the day. Plan to take in these "cool places" when the thermometer rises: Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, Shark Encounter or any one of three Aquariums.
Remember the kid in you: Don't be surprised if you find yourself choked up in the presence of Shamu. Or your arms covered with goose bumps in 85° weather as your hand touches a dolphin. There's an incredible connection between humans and animals, one we celebrate here every day. Take a few deep breaths and drink that in when you feel that move through you, and you'll carry that feeling home with you.
Venture beyond the ocean's door at SeaWorldâ San Diego. Get so close you can touch a dolphin's fin, stare down a shark and connect with the sea's creatures in their world. Come see what everyone's talking about and experience Believe — the visually stunning Shamuâ show. Encounter polar bears at Wild Arcticâ and brave the daring drop on the Journey To Atlantisâ water coaster. Everywhere you look, the energy and wonder of the world's water surround you in the sights and sounds of SeaWorld. Sesame Street is coming to SeaWorld. Starting in spring 2008, you can share a breakfast buffet with your favorite Sesame Street friends. Experience Sesame Street's spectacular new 4-D movie, Lights, Camera, Imagination. And, late spring play in our all-new themed play area, Sesame Street Bay of Play. Come laugh, play and dine with all your Sesame Street friends … only at SeaWorld.

San Diego Attractions Hotels Accommodations

San Diego California hosts attractions like Sea World, Wild Animal Park, Legoland and so much more...
Sea World :
This is at the top of our list. The San Diego Seaworld was the first Seawold in the world. You can see first hand various types of animals such as beluga whales, orca whales, a pilot whale, polar bears, dolphins, penguins, manatees, and much more. When it comes to the rides they are short and slightly dissapointing. It should be noted that this is the most expensive attraction, over $60 for an adult. We recommend you pay $10 more and get the 2 day pass. With this pass you get a behind the scenes tour. The tour is different each day, but we got a close up look at a pilot whale, and had the opportunity of petting various small sharks.
Wild Animal Park:
This is the Zoo of the future. Animals roam and interact with one another in over 2000 acres. The animals are all truly happy. There is a lot to see and do. Since this is 35 miles out of the city you will need to rent a car or take a tour to get there. We highly recommend this attraction. The must see exhibits include the all new lion habitat. We witnessed 5 lions cuddling within inches from us. You should also take some time to feed giraffes. The featured attraction is a 1 hour narrated train ride, that takes you through the various habitats, you should do this no matter what. Our favorite was dining at the restaurant in the Heart of Africa habitat. You can eat outside and have an amazing view of the habitat.
World Famous San Diego Zoo :
This is probably the most famous Zoo in the world, and placed San Diego on the map for many tourists. They have several exhibits that are not available at other zoos, such as being able to watch panda bears. You should also take some time to view the Mountain Gorilla habitat, as it's one of the best in any zoo. When we attended there was a baby gorilla entertaining the humans while annoying his siblings.
Other Attractions:
Whale Watching
San Diego has Grey whales that pass through as they migrate annually from the end of December through the end of March. Unfortunately we stayed in San Diego in mid-December and therefore missed this opportunity. In the past I have seen Belugas, and Humpbacks in the wild, and there is nothing like whale watching. If you have never done this, I highly recommend you take a day to go out in the ocean and enjoy yourself. HELGREN'S COMPLETE SPORTFISHING CENTER and SPORTFISHING FLEET
Is located along a scenic stretch of the Southern California Coastline in beautiful Oceanside , California ( San Diego North County ) just south of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Helgren's Sportfishing trips offer a variety of daily scheduled, or charter activities for individuals or groups: Deep Sea Fishing Trips , exciting Sea Life Whale Watch Adventures , and relaxing Oceanside Harbor Coastal Excursions . Helgren's is also a provider of Burials at Sea and Ocean Memorials , serving families and funeral professionals throughout the area. Whatever your needs, Helgren's will provide you with the professional, courteous staff you should
Expect from a quality landing.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
This is one of the most under recognized attractions. They are a research station with a nice public exhibit. This aquarium has various types of sharks such as nurse, leopard, horn, angel, and much more. They have an outside pool that enables you to touch tide-pool animals and to see them in their natural habitat. Once you're done with this you should enjoy the spectacular view, as it directly overlooks the ocean. What the aquarium specializes in is raising its own coral reefs, and these are spectacular. You'll see reefs from various parts of the world. They also do a lot of sea horse breeding, and it's amazing to see the various types of sea horses, some of them have adapted in unique and strange ways when it comes to camouflaging themselves. A must see for ocean and nature lovers.
Old Town San Diego
The pamphlets and website really don't do this place justice. You can walk around and enter themed shops, and visit museums. Everything is free, and it's a good way to spend several hours. The shops here are unique and sell some unusual objects. There's also a trolley tour that's offered, but you'll get much more out of the place if you walk.
Balboa Park
This is the heart of the city. Balboa has 13 museums and the World Famous San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Museum of Man and the San Diego Natural history museum look very impressive. We tried the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and are sorry to report that we were very disappointed. Many of the interactive exhibits were small, outdated, or simply non-functional. Unless you have kids you might consider skipping this museum. You should take some time to simply walk around Balboa Park to enjoy the fine architecture.
Sea Port Village
This is a nice little area that surrounds the harbor. Take some time to walk around and visit some of the stores. There are plenty of places to dine. Once you have enjoyed an hour or two strolling you can visit an old aircraft carrier turned museum. Visiting this museum should take a maximum of an hour and a half. You can also choose to do a 1 or 2 hour harbor tour. We took a tour offered by blowhorn, and were disappointed. This was advertised as being an educational narrated tour, but instead turned out to be narrated by someone who obviously had too much to drink and was making failed jokes. This turned out to be annoying, and made the entire 2 hour trip long and uninspiring. At $20 a person it's certainly not worth the money. The admission prices vary by institution. Memberships are also available for purchase from the museums and performing arts organizations, offering an opportunity for visitors to support these San Diego cultural treasures on an annual basis. Admittance to the Park grounds is free. The Botanical Building, outdoor gardens and some additional attractions are also offered free of charge. Passport to Balboa Park , San Diego's best cultural value, offers visitors the chance to experience 13 museums in the Park, with savings of more than 50% and the convenience of a one-time purchase. The Passport is valid for seven consecutive days, and includes one admission to each of the 13 attractions. The Zoo/Passport Combo includes the Passport to Balboa Park plus one-day deluxe admission at the San Diego Zoo, all for one low price.

Travelodge Hotel Circle Newly Remodeled

Travelodge Hotel Circle Mission Valley is conveniently located off of I8 in Hotel Circle san Diego California. http://www.travelodgehotelsandiego.com The Travelodge San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle is conveniently located off I-8, and centrally located on Hotel Circle, just a brief drive from all San Diego's most popular attractions, including two nearby Shopping Malls. Save time by purchasing your attraction / tour tickets at our front desk. You may also enjoy the Trolley Tour of San Diego which stops directly in front of our hotel.
Or, if you prefer, simply relax in our heated Swimming Pool and Spa. We offer Free High Speed Wireless Internet Access. Guest Laundry & the Business Center is also available for your convenience. For your dining pleasure we have two Restaurants on site, and in the evening there is live entertainment at the Piano Bar.
Special considerations: A Valid Credit Card is Required Upon Check-In. Please contact hotel about our Pet policy. Local airport shuttles serve our hotel. Please contact the hotel for details.

Hotel has new Website

Great new website for the Travelodge Hotel Hotel Circle. Please come visit at http://www.travelodgehotelsandiego.com . Great specials and packages available online along with all the information and amenities you will need to find out about hotels in san Diego.