SeaWorld vacation packages

Question

Hi all, I'm looking at a family short stay in San Diego in December (3-5 nights), after a few night in Anaheim for Disneyland. 2 adults, 2 kids (boys age 9&13) travelling from Australia. Our budget is max $400usd/night or less preferably for accomodation. I think I have narrowed our choices to:

Ocean Park Inn

Catamaran resort

Bahia resort

On our list of activities are: Sea world, San diego zoo, balboa park, and I'd like to look around LaJolla and the parks up that way.

I see sea world has vacation packages, and these seem quite economical with the inclusion of tickets. I've estimated the day tickets to be around $300-$400usd, and the package is coming up only around $100 more than the accommodation only cost. Is this a good option?

thanks!

Answer

Booking a SeaWorld vacation package in San Diego can be a smart choice, especially if you’re traveling internationally and want to simplify planning and budgeting. Since you’re looking at 3-5 nights with two adults and two kids, the package deal can save both money and time, particularly during December when some hotels may have lower rates and parks are decorated for the holidays.

Here’s a breakdown of your options and considerations:

Ocean Park Inn: Budget-friendly, very close to SeaWorld. Rooms are simple, clean, and convenient for walking or a short drive to the park. Great for families focused on park visits rather than resort amenities.
Catamaran Resort: Larger property with resort-style amenities: pools, beach access, and on-site dining. A bit pricier, but more comfortable for a longer stay. Good if you want a mini-resort experience for downtime between parks.
Bahia Resort: Also a resort-style property with pools and beach access, and located near Mission Bay. Offers more of a vacation feel, which can be nice if your kids enjoy swimming and water activities outside of SeaWorld.

Regarding SeaWorld vacation packages:

Packages typically include hotel stay plus park tickets, sometimes with added benefits like early park entry, meal vouchers, or parking included.
Pricing: If the package is only about $100 more than the accommodation-only rate, and standard day tickets cost $300-$400, this is a very good deal. You’re essentially getting the park tickets at a deep discount or even for nearly free, plus added convenience.
Convenience factor: Having tickets included means you don’t have to stand in line to buy them on the day, which can be especially helpful during December holiday periods.

Other considerations for your San Diego stay:

San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park: You’ll need at least one full day for the Zoo and another for Balboa Park museums and gardens. Consider purchasing multi-attraction passes if you plan to visit multiple venues.
La Jolla: Perfect for a half-day trip. Enjoy walking along the coast, spotting sea lions, and grabbing lunch at casual cafes.
Transport: Renting a car is recommended. It gives flexibility to reach La Jolla, the parks, and explore neighborhoods.
Budgeting: For 3-5 nights at $400 USD or less, all three hotel options can work depending on availability. Booking early is key for December, especially with package deals.

Overall, the SeaWorld vacation package appears to be a good value. It simplifies your planning, saves money on tickets, and keeps your accommodation close to activities, which is ideal for a family traveling with kids. If resort amenities are important for downtime, Catamaran or Bahia may be preferable; if proximity and budget are your priority, Ocean Park Inn is excellent.

SeaWorld vacation packages

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