As a member of the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, I go several times per year. They are beautiful parks, great for people of all ages, and prestigious research facilities. I am amazed at how wonderful both parks are, but I'm also amazed at how expensive they can be if you just show up for a day at the zoo instead of planning in advance. Let's get to the big secret.

The park has two distinct groups of visitors; locals and one-time out-of-towners. In order to maximize income, tickets are somewhat pricey. Wild Animal Park Best Value tickets are $34 for adults and $24 for children. It includes the Journey Into Africa, a 20 minute guided tram ride. It does not include $9 for parking. This means for a family of 4 it would cost $125 for 4 tickets and parking. I know that the money goes to a good cause, but that's pretty pricey for most families.

When it comes to the Wild Animal Park, don't try to save money by buying general admission tickets. You save $5.50 on adult tickets but it does't include the Journey into Africa which is well worth the cost.

The best way to save money, even for only a 1 day trip; buy a membership. It might not make sense, but buying a membership, even for a one day trip, is often cheaper than one day tickets. And don't just buy the regular membership, go for the upgraded Diamond membership. The Diamond Membership is $118 and will allow the entire family into the park.

The Single Diamond Membership allows the member and one guest to get into either park for free. At the animal park it includes parking (parking is free at the zoo) and the Journey Into Africa ride. The annual Diamond membership also includes two free guest passes for the zoo and two for the Wild Animal park. This means that for $118 four people can go to the zoo and animal park. (The regular single membership does not allow you to bring in one person for free every time, does not include parking, or Journey Into Africa, and only includes two free guest passes)

Here are some addtional benefits

• If you don't use the 4 guest passes, you can give them away; the member does not need to be present (I also heard the zoo will accept the Animal Park passes and vice versa but I have not confirmed this)
• The cost of the membership is tax deductible. If you itemize your taxes this will save many people about $30.
• You get the Zoo News magazine which sometimes includes coupons
• You get limited member specials such as discounts at the gift shops and on food

On my visit yesterday I took my girlfriend and her cousin's daughter. As a single Diamond member, I got in free, my girlfriend got in free, and I used guest pass for her cousin. My girlfriend and I got the Journey into Africa ride free and we paid $6 for her cousin's ticket. At lunch I had a 20% off coupon and they had a monthly special of buy one soda, get one free. Before we left, I used a 10% off coupon to buy a little stuffed animal.

So, if you are taking a family trip to the Wild Animal Park, consider a Diamond membership or possibly a regular membership for a smaller family. Even if you are only going for a day it can save you money and you never know; you might like it so much you'll change your schedual to go to both parks on your next vacation.