Family Christmas @ Del Coronado
 

We are taking 14 adults (ages 21-65) and 15 children (ages newborn-18) to San Diego for Christmas '08 staying @ the Del from 12/25-12/29. Trying to decide if Legoland is better choice than Sea World or Zoo. Also any other suggestions for such an eclectic group - not that we all have to do everything together.

Legoland is at least 45min-1hour from Hotel del. Sea World has shows, rides etc. While Zoo is more traditional in nature. Both have hands on areas for children.
Where are you coming from? Have you been here before? How are you getting around San Diego? Personally, I would split up based on interests and age groups. Going in such a large group would be frustrating and annoying. I would schedule perhaps 1 or 2 outings together. Such as a Harbor Cruise of the bay or a picnic at Balboa Park. Still, that is alot of bodies.There is sooo much to choose from, perhaps list options for each day and have people choose. Divide and conquer.

Most are from Dallas, TX area; one family group from Winston-Salem, NC. Only 3 of us have been to San Diego before. Not sure of how we are going to transport everyone yet(thinking of renting vans). Not sure about public transportation. We have decided to spend Christmas Day and day after at Del and Coronado area. That leaves all day Saturday and Sunday plus about 1/2 day Monday for everyone to do their own thing. You are so right about the # of bodies; the logistics are overwhelming.

LegoLand is definitely geared to younger kids - from what I hear if you're over 10 years old it's not that interesting. But everyone can enjoy Sea World and the Zoo.

With that many people maybe some oversize limos might be the best...you could always call the concierge at teh Del and ask for help re: transport.

SeaWorld does have buses that p/u from hotels...

for that matter Seaworld would probably help with arrangements for that many people...

Also you might want to check leasing the "Beachfront" villas at the Del 2-3 3-4 couples could share 1 villa together..not cheap but it might be cheaper than inidvidual rooms

The zoo is interesting for everyone and in the cooler weather the animals are out and active.
Some people love Seaworld and for them it's $60 per head that's well spent.

Wild Animal Park is another option and they are having a Family Caravan on the weekend you'll be in town. They take you and the kids in a truck to get a little closer to some animals.
Here's the zoo and wap website.
sandiegozoo.org

I was at the zoo today - it is lovely imo for all ages.

Thanks for all the input; I will share with the family. We are staying in beach house and villas - more space and flexiblility for such a large bunch.

Some other suggestions:
:Old Town:
*Old Town Trolley Tour...Hop on and hop off type tour.
*Walk through Old Town (shops, real history, space to run)
*Lunch at Old Town Mexican Cafe....Ladies making tortillas in the window and yummy carnitas(split up into smaller groups for seating, very popular).
*Walk through Balboa Park (tour has a stop here)There is a carousel for kids of all ages.
This may be a good options for those not interested in the Zoo. It begins near the Zoo and so combined transport may be available. DO NOT count on public transportation, ours is terrible.
:Double Decker Bus-Hop On and Hop Off of Coronado:
* I was in Coronado a few weekends ago and saw this for the first time. It would be fun and perhaps a good solution to moving around the local area.
* Ferry over to Downtown and the Gas Lamp District. You could divide up for different restaurants based on price/ age / likes etc.
*Seaport Village is also near the ferry stop. Shops, lovely views of the bay, perhaps more kid friendly. Another carousel.
* ZOO :important things to know.
1.It is very large and there is alot of ground to cover.
2. Take a bus tour of the Zoo first.
3. Do see the Sea Lion Show
4. Do go to the Children's Zoo.
5. Do take the sky way to see the polar bears.
6. Decide on a few animals of interest and MAP out a route.(or you will be exhausted: especially little people)
7. Skip Hoof and Horn Mesa, if you have never been before. It is mostly varieties of deer/antelope from Africa.
I'll keep thinking and post in the future.

I would do the Zoo or Seaworld. Legoland is about 50 mins of Coronado and I think not worth the drive or money! The Zoo is great but it is very spread out and lots of hills!! Sea World is great as well. Both the Zoo and Seaworld will be much closer and enjoyable.

I would also hit up Balboa Park and the museums, Old Town and the La Jolla Cove


Hill

www.edufire.com

a couple of additional questions: any idea of restaurants other than those @ Del Coronado that will be open on Christmas Day for dinner? Will it be too cold during our stay for the adults to do the Gondola from Loews?

I've been to the Boathouse on Christmas so I know it's open..and right down the street from the Del. Also check Primavera, Brigantine, Peohe's (not my favorite for food but nice view).

The gondola - I wouldn't wear shorts but jeans and a jacket and you'll be fine. You don't get wet or anything.