faqs

Q: How long does it take for the entire experience?

A: It will take approximately 90 minutes.  This time could vary as you cruise through ZooLights and enjoy the sights. 

 

Q: How many people can join me in my car?

A: Your reservation is limited to six (6) people per vehicle.  Additional guests can NOT be added onto your reservation as capacity is limited.

 

Q: When do I arrive?

A: Please arrive at your scheduled reservation time.  If you are not sure what your scheduled reservation time is, please contact Chris Gutierrez (cgutierrez@phoenixzoo.org).  We kindly request that you arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your reservation time. 

 

Q: What do I do when I arrive?

A: When you arrive at the Phoenix Zoo at your scheduled reservation time, you will check-in with one of our staff members.  Our friendly Park Rangers will direct you to pull into the Check-In area.  Then, you will begin your Wildlights for Wildlife adventure.

 

Q: What will I receive at check-in?

A: When you check-in, you will receive an iced bottle of water for each guest in your vehicle (up to six), a tray along with napkins and hand-wipes for each of your guests and a compostable trash bag to help keep your vehicle tidy. 

 

Q: Can I walk around the Zoo?

A: No.  This is a drive-thru only event.  For the safety of all guests and staff, we ask that you stay in your vehicle at all times.

 

Q: What food will be served at Wildlights for Wildlife?

A: Sample-size portions from six food trucks will be offered to each guest as they drive up in the comfort of their own vehicle.  No need to get out of your car, the food will be delivered to you.

The Menu includes Pork Potsticker with Vegetable Fried Rice or Steamed Vegetable Dumpling with Vegan Fried Rice, Shrimp and Fries or Veggie Hush Puppies and Fries, Chicken Tinga Tacos or Cheese Quesadilla Slice, Slice of Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza or Slice of Cheese Pizza, Bite Size Chicken Shawarma Pita or Falafel with Hummus Dip, Fresh Cinnamon Sugar or Powered Donuts. Plus, Kettle Corn and Hot Cocoa.

 

Q: Will vegetarian options be offered?

A: At check-in, you will be asked if there are any vegetarians in the car.  If so, staff will put a card on your vehicle that will notify the food trucks as your drive up that you will need a vegetarian option.  

Due to the nature of the event, guests will not be able to switch back and forth from the featured menu item and vegetarian option.  

 

Q: Can you accommodate allergies and special meal requests? 

A: Due to the nature of the event we will not be able to accommodate special meal requests. 

 

Q: Can I pull over to eat?

A: Yes, once you receive food, you may safely pull over to the side to enjoy.  Please remember to look both ways as you merge back into line.  

 

Q: What beverages will be offered?

A: Cold bottles of Dasani water, Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite will be available throughout food and beverage portion of the evening.  Each guest will receive a hot cocoa in a commemorative mug once inside the Zoo to enjoy during drive thru ZooLights.

 

Q: Will there be alcohol served?

A: No. Due to the nature of the event, alcohol will not be available.

 

Q: Do I have to pay for food or beverages?

A: No. Your food and beverages are included with your reservation. 

 

Q: Can I buy additional food or beverages?

A: No. You will receive a menu item from each food truck as part of your reservation.  Beverages are complimentary and unlimited during the food and beverage portion of the night.

 

Q: Can I buy glow items?

A: Yes, we will have a booth set up for you to purchase fun glow items before you enter the Zoo for the event.  There will be items such as a light up necklace, snowflake wand, candy cane sword and bubble wand, all ranging in price from $10 to $15 each.  Both cash and credit cards will be accepted at the booth.

 

Q: Will there be entertainment?

A: Yes.  Guests will enjoy entertainment from stilt walkers, professional hula hoopers and globe balancing jugglers. Magician, Gary Lazok, will be performing his magic to entertain you in the parking lot.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on the ZooLights trail to wave hello along with a few of your favorite animal mascots.

 

Q: Will there be animals?

A: Yes.  During the food and beverage portion of the event, there will be animal encounters as you drive through the parking lot.

 

Q: When I drive through the Zoo will I see animals?

A: No.  Animals are resting comfortably in their night houses this time of the evening.

 

Q: Will there be restrooms?

A: Yes.  There is a restroom located in the parking lot.  If you need to use it, please pull safely off to the side and walk to the restroom.  There will limited restrooms available once you are inside the Zoo.