Many families planning San Diego vacations center them around visiting SeaWorld San Diego. It is the San Diego theme park that I am asked about the most because it’s one of the best activities in San Diego for kids from toddlers to teens. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to buy discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets reliably.
Which method you choose depends on how long you intend to spend in the park, your itinerary once inside, and which other San Diego attractions are on your to-do list. Rest assured that you’ll easily be able to choose the right SeaWorld ticket based on the information below.
Please note (Last Updated 8/22/20): SeaWorld San Diego is temporarily closed. However, they were just given permission to open certain outdoor areas of the park (no rides). More information is coming soon about what to expect at the reopening. If you purchase tickets using the links in this post, I may be compensated.
SeaWorld San Diego Reopening Guidelines
Jump to: Discounted Tickets
SeaWorld San Diego has already released new health and safety guidelines in anticipation of reopening. When you buy tickets, you acknowledge the below.
Similar measures are already in place at sister parks SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld Orlando.
Important General SeaWorld Ticket Tips
Jump to: Discounted Tickets
You will save money by purchasing tickets and experiences online, in advance. For reference, normal retail price at the gate for single entrance SeaWorld San Diego tickets is $93.99 for ages 3 and older. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
Spending a half-day at the park is completely doable if you are pressed for time. A full day is most common, however, and many people buy the 7 days for the price of 1 ticket.
It’s important to read all terms and conditions before purchasing SeaWorld tickets. Be sure that they do not expire before your visit and check refund or transfer policies.
SKIP THE LINES
SeaWorld San Diego has a variety of Quick Queue passes that provide guests with express entry to the best SeaWorld San Diego rides like (Manta roller coaster and Electric Eel) and priority seating at shows. We would recommend this for older kids who will primarily be interested in the thrill rides which tend to have long lines.
1. Discounted SeaWorld Only and Multi-Park Tickets
I offer discount SeaWorld tickets right here, powered by aRes Travel who is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to major California attractions. These SeaWorld tickets are print-at-home or in a mobile format so that you can head straight to the gate without the need to redeem a ticket voucher. There is a $2 convenience fee per ticket but you will still likely come out ahead.
2. Direct From SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego offers numerous different admission ticket options via its website. Keep in mind that they charge a $9.99 service fee for online orders.
VISITING FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY?
Definitely consider a Fun Card, Annual Pass, or 7 Days for the Price of 1 ticket.
3. SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card
Fun Card holders receive unlimited visits through Dec. 31, 2020 to SeaWorld San Diego. This SeaWorld San Diego ticket does have some limited blockout dates, but it’s popular with residents and people who may visit more than once in a year and don’t plan to park a car in the lot.
It doesn’t provide parking and dining discounts, but it’s still a great deal seeing that it’s nearly the same price as 1-Day SeaWorld tickets. Price: $93.99/adults and $88.99/ages 3-9
4. SeaWorld San Diego Annual Passes
For a bit more than the Fun Card, a SeaWorld San Diego Annual Pass can add more value.
Silver Annual Pass
These annual passes include unlimited admission throughout the year with no blockout dates, two free passes for friends during promotional event dates, free general parking, a 10% discount on dining and shopping, and more. (Price: $120/person)
Gold Annual Pass
The Gold Annual Pass also includes unlimited admission with no blockout dates; free general parking; three free admissions for friends during promotional event dates; up to 50% off of dining, shopping, and select animal experiences; 1 free all-day Quick Queue pass, an exclusive animal experience and more. (Price: $150/person)
SeaWorld Platinum Pass
Get access to SeaWorld San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Williamsburg; Aquatica San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio; Adventure Island; Water Country USA; and Sesame Place with no blockout dates in addition to a number of other VIP benefits and discounts for 12 months with a Platinum Pass. (Price: $213/person)
SeaWorld + Aquatica San Diego Annual Passes
You can also buy silver, gold platinum annual passes that will get you into both SeaWorld San Diego and Aquatica San Diego. NOTE: Aquatica San Diego is closed. This summer (2020) was supposed to be the park’s final season, but I think this is still to be determined.
5. Go San Diego (Most Popular San Diego Attractions Pass)
The Go San Diego pass saves up to 55% off of admission to 55 top San Diego attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, in three simple steps:
- Choose the pass option that best suits you (you can buy an All-Inclusive pass, Explorer pass, or a Build-Your-Own pass) and buy your pass in advance.
- Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
- Show the pass at any eligible attraction and you’re in for free.
The All-Inclusive passes are available in 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7-day options, each at different prices. Add only the attractions and tours you know you’ll see to the Build Your Own pass, which you can use over 60 days from first activation. With the Explorer pass, you’ll buy the option to see 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions and tours that you can choose as you go, over the course of 60 days from first use.
Make sure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. This by far the most popular San Diego sightseeing pass.
See also: 10 Benefits of the Go San Diego Discounted Attractions Pass
6. California Explorer Pass (Includes Los Angeles and San Francisco Attractions)
The California Explorer Pass offers an excellent solution for those on a California road trip. Explore 3, 4, or 5 major California attractions over 60 days. Participating attractions include:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- LEGOLAND California
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Warner Brothers Studio Tour
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Knott’s Soak City
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Belmont Park
- California Academy of Sciences
- California’s Great America
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNT
Use promo code LJMCAL10 to apply 10% off the California Explorer Pass!
Offer expires August 31, 2020
7. Bundle a Hotel with SeaWorld San Diego Tickets
You can often save even more with a SeaWorld San Diego vacation package that includes your hotel and cost of admission.
8. AAA Discounts (None Available at This Time)
Members of AAA can receive various SeaWorld San Diego discount ticket options throughout the year. None are available in California at the time of this writing, but you can check with your regional office.
However, be mindful that it is often less expensive to buy directly through SeaWorld San Diego or aRes Travel than it is to use AAA.
9. Military Discounts
Active duty military members and veterans receive special offers through the Waves of Honor program. Military personnel and three direct dependents will each receive one ticket per year.
10. Teacher Fun Card
SeaWorld San Diego offers unlimited free park admission (plus two free single-day tickets) to certified California and Arizona K-12 teachers via its complimentary Teacher Fun Card. Teachers must register by June 30, 2020 for a 2020 Fun Card but keep an eye out for revised or 2021 dates.
SeaWorld San Diego Tickets FAQs
These are the most frequently asked questions that land in my inbox. Or, consider this your TL;DR (too long; didn’t read).
How much are tickets to SeaWorld in San Diego?
The gate price for general admission SeaWorld San Diego tickets is currently $93.99 for ages 3 and older.
How can I get discounted tickets to the park?
I offer up-to-date tips for finding discounted tickets through trusted vendors. The theme park also offers Black Friday sales and limited-time offers throughout the year.
I have tickets for when the park was closed. What happens?
Unused SeaWorld San Diego tickets that were to be used when the park was closed in 2020, automatically have an extended expiration date. These tickets will be valid through December 31, 2021. Unused internationally-purchased tickets will be valid through the first week of January 2022.
You do not need to do anything to receive the expiration extension. You can also reschedule unused park experiences through December 31, 2021.
Do children get into the park for free?
Children under the age of two can enter the park for free year-round. However, SeaWorld San Diego participates in the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion in October. This is a county-wide promotion where kids receive free admission when accompanied by an adult who holds a qualifying ticket. Details for 2020 have not yet been released, but SeaWorld San Diego always participates.
How many days do I need at SeaWorld San Diego?
If you are pressed for time, you can enjoy the park in a half-day. However, most families spend a full day unless they’re splitting visits into multiple days.
Believe it or not, multi-day visits are common, especially for families staying in nearby Mission Bay hotels. They’ll buy the 7 Days for the Price of 1 ticket and spend a few or more half-days in the park. This is especially convenient when traveling with children who need to nap or don’t have the stamina for a full theme park day.
Can you buy packages that include SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo?
Yes, you can purchase several multi-park passes that include both theme parks.
- Seaworld and San Diego Zoo Combo Package includes one-day general admission to the San Diego Zoo and seven consecutive days of SeaWorld San Diego general admission.
- The San Diego 3-For-1 ticket gets you admission into SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park within seven days of your visit to the first park.
- The Go San Diego® 3-Day Pass grants you access to more than 55 attractions in the area, including both parks, but you must visit them within three consecutive days.
How much is SeaWorld San Diego parking?
General parking for a single car costs $25. Up-close parking costs $28 and VIP parking starts at $35. Annual pass holders receive free general parking.
Does the park offer annual passes?
Yes, the park offers three versions of the SeaWorld annual pass: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each pass has its own unique perks, but all passes offer unlimited admission, free guest tickets, discounts on dining, free general parking, and more. The Platinum pass provides unlimited visits to 11 other parks across the country.
What kind of ticket upgrades are available?
The park offers a number of different upgrades you can purchase, from animal encounters and reserved seating at shows to Quick Queue front-of-the-line access (we recommend this upgrade) and dining specials. These experiences are additional add-ons to your general admission ticket.
Are all the rides included with admission?
All the rides are included with your ticket, except for Bayside Skyride gondola and Skytower. Both rides cost an additional $6 for ages 3 and older.
What is your personal experience with the park?
I live on Mount Soledad in La Jolla and I can see SeaWorld San Diego from my backyard. Having grown up in Orange County, I’ve been visiting the park since I was a kid. And, I get to visit now as a parent. Sesame Street Bay of Play appeals to toddlers, the new roller coasters thrill teens, and there’s plenty to do for ages in between.
When marine mammals are in danger along the San Diego coastline, it’s SeaWorld San Diego who rescues them. I’ve called their rescue hotline when I’ve seen La Jolla seals and sea lions hurt or malnourished. They’ve always responded and have even followed up with me to let me know what happened to the animals.
How do you buy discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets?
See also: Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego and Best Things to Do at Mission Bay
Learn also how to buy discount:
- LEGOLAND California tickets
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- Disneyland tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
- Universal Orlando tickets
- Aquatica San Diego tickets
- Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
- Walt Disney World tickets
Photo credits: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld® San Diego
from Blog – La Jolla Mom https://ift.tt/2zaNc3R
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