Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs 4D Experience at the San Diego Zoo

Credit: S Morales

Syreeta had the opportunity to experience the newest attraction at the San Diego Zoo, Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs 4D and shares all about it.

On Saturday, I visited the San Diego Zoo with my kids in tow, to catch the debut of the Zoo’s newest attraction, Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs: The 4-D Experience . The event started with a fantastic array of delicious breakfast fare and plenty of spectacular Ice Age photo ops (courtesy of my amazing photographer husband). While we snacked on pastries and cookies with Sid the Sloth’s face on them, we were able to observe the amazing elephants in their habitat, playing with their toys, eating, and enjoying the cool, spring morning air. We also got to meet a few of the zoos most special creatures. One was Bubba, the White Belly Tree Pangolin , who can only be found in Asia and Africa, and Tipu, the Lesser Anteater.

Credit: S Morales

The treats were followed by the introduction of Bob Dylan, former elephant handler and current Director of Operations for the Zoo. Mr. Dylan then introduced Keke Palmer, who is the voice of “Peaches” in the upcoming movie, Ice Age: Continental Drift, set to release in theaters on July 13. My kids and I can’t wait for this new movie. Keke Palmer might be better known for her role in the Nickelodeon hit, True Jackson, VP, a show my kids and I love! Keke gave a brief description of the movie and shared how much she loved the new Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs: The 4-D Experience.

Credit: S Morale

We headed down to the 4-D Theater, which is located between the elephant habitat and the awesome Skyfari Aerial Tram. We had the opportunity to take pictures with Sid the Sloth and the infamous Scrat, while reporters from various media outlets asked Keke questions about her role in the new movie. The best question came from a teenage reporter who asked Keke “What’s the difference between a schoolgirl crush and a wooly mammoth crush?”

Credit: S Morales

After pictures and questions wrapped up, Keke cut the ribbon, officially opening the attraction and welcomed us into the 4-D theater where we got to experience one of the most awesome attractions the Zoo has to offer outside of their amazing wild animals. The 15 minute-long “movie” features bumps, jumps, snow, and lots of laughs as you are guided through the Prehistoric Ages with Manny the Mammoth and his friends as they try to rescue their buddy Sid. The cost of the show is $6 for general admission, and $5.00 for Zoo members. We would have gone in to see the show a second and third time, but the line was so long! The word is already out about this great attraction, and I can’t wait to head down to the San Diego Zoo for another beautiful weekend to enjoy Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs: The 4-D Experience again and again!

Credit: S Morales

Why I love My San Diego Zoo/Safari Park Membership

Africa Tram Safari

Last Saturday we decided to head over to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with some friends. We have a Diamond club Membership to the zoo and love to use it whenever we have the opportunity. One of the benefits of having a Diamond club Membership is getting 4 Free Guest passes to either The San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We decided to take our friends The Cordero’s for a day at the park.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

It was a perfect day at the park and it seemed like we had the park to ourselves. I love heading to either park this time of year because the weather is perfect and the crowds are far away in another season called summer. It really felt like we had the park to ourselves.

: The new Bat House Exhibit

One of the benefits of having a membership is being able to visit any time you would like. There are no black out dates and you could visit both parks if you would like.

: Flamingos in the morning

You can also enjoy discounts throughout the park and free parking at The Safari Park with Diamond level status and above. The best part is that your membership is completely tax deductible. With Tax Season right around the corner, it definitely helps to have another deduction handy.

: The Pride of the Safari Park

A membership to the San Diezo Zoo and Safari park would make a great Christmas gift. If you are still looking for a gift for that special family, this would definitely be a great choice.

Lorakeet Landing

To learn more about the different types of memberships head here.

Panda Trek at The San Diego Zoo

Credit: Maribel Reyes

My family and I are members of the San Diego Zoo and absolutely love heading down to visit, whenever we have the opportunity. My kiddos are obsessed with all of the animals but they definitely have a soft spot for the panda exhibit, in part due to one of their favorite shows, Ni Hao Kai-Lan. Maribel, had the opportunity to check out the new Panda Trek at The San Diego Zoo and shares all about her experience.

Credit: Maribel Reyes

Two weeks ago the news we have been waiting all summer to hear finally was announced: Phase I of the Panda Trek Exhibit at the San Diego Zoo was open and ready to allow guests to view the hard work and team effort that was put into the design and construction (that was carried out by the team of experts from house and land packages sydney). We had the opportunity to be there a few days ago and let me tell you my 20 month old enjoyed it as much as I did. It was everything the San Diego Zoo had planned and more! Panda Trek is located in Panda Canyon next to the Giant Pandas Exhibit.

As you enter Panda Trek,you walk through a stone path and are greeted by staff to take pictures holding you guessed it! Pandas. There is also an exhibit hut that has equipment used to track pandas such as radio, collars, boots and books. Not only are the giant black and white animals on display at this new exhibit, but you will also find the Red Panda, Takins and Vipers.

Credit: Maribel Reyes

First on Panda Trek is the Red Panda which is native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China, it loves to be in trees and surprisingly eats not only bamboo but also birds, eggs, insects and small mammals. The little guy was taking a midday nap when we arrived and we first had a little bit of a hard time finding him as we thought he would be roaming around his new home but he was nestled between the tree branches. As you keep walking you will find the Takins. They are interesting to observe and also to photograph. They are not camera shy at all!

Across from the Takin exhibit is the Mang Mountain Pit Viper, although at the moment is still not in its new home. We were able to read about them and see a picture. The exhibit looks ready to welcome this viper and it should happen in the next couple of days. When it makes its way to the exhibit make sure to take the time to visit, because this venomous viper is rarely seen in its habitat or in zoos! This is quite the treat!

Credit:Daytrippingmom

One of my favorites features of the exhibit is walking along the path that will lead you to the Giant Pandas. As you make your way, you will be able to see different kinds of bamboos and feel as if you were just in China! The San Diego Zoo team designed a fabulous exhibit that allows you to travel across the globe to a Chinese forest without ever leaving the Zoo.

The giant black and white Pandas are the end to this Trek and it is always fascinating to observe these endangered and magnificent animals in action. We were in for quite the treat. We usually catch the Pandas napping but on this visit, they were roaming, climbing trees and romping in the water.

Panda Trek is truly a must see!

P.S. Don’t forget that the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are offering kids free admission during the month of October!

Maribel is a mother of two, that is always looking for an adventure. To read more about her fun outings head over here.