Sesame Place Philadelphia is a children's theme park and water park based on the children's educational television program Sesame Street. It is one of the twelve Sesame Place theme parks owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts under an exclusive license from Sesame Workshop, the non-profit owner of Sesame Street. Located outside of Philadelphia in Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania[1] (with a Langhorne mailing address),[2] it is the oldest of the two Sesame Street theme parks in the United States (the other being Sesame Place San Diego). Sesame Place Philadelphia includes a variety of rides, shows and water attractions suited for young children, and is the first theme park in the world to become a certified autism center.
| Location | Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°11′06″N 74°52′19″W / 40.18500°N 74.87194°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | July 30, 1980 |
| Owner | United Parks & Resorts Sesame Workshop (license) |
| Operated by | United Parks & Resorts |
| Theme | Sesame Street |
| Slogan | Go Before They Grow |
| Operating season | Year Round |
| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 26 |
| Roller coasters | 2 |
| Water rides | 9 |
| Website | Sesame Place Philadelphia Home Page |
History
Sesame Place first opened in 1980 near the Oxford Valley Mall and initiated the expansion of the commercial complex in the vicinity. It was designed by Eric McMillan, a Canadian designer, Sandra Hanna of Lambertville, New Jersey and several other designers.
The park is open from early May through Halloween for The Count's Halloween "Spooktacular", and mid-November through December for "A Very Furry Christmas". The original park was 3 acres (1.2 ha) and featured play areas and large computer labs where kids could color their favorite Sesame Street characters. Since then, it has expanded to 14 acres (5.7 ha) with rides and water attractions. The expansions included the construction of Cookie's Monster Land in 2014 - the park's largest renovation to date.
The theme park is described as having implemented features to make it accessible to children with autism, and on World Autism Awareness Day in 2018 was announced to be the first theme park that is a Certified Autism Center.[3] Certified Autism Centers "[help] businesses better serve guests and clients with cognitive disorders, including autism".[4]
In 2007, it became the first theme park in Pennsylvania to become completely smoke-free.[5]
Beginning in January 2021, the park began its year-round operation.[6] The park's previous operating season ran from April through early January; however, 2021 was the first time the park has ever been open during the winter months. Each weekend was a limited capacity event that featured rides, dance parties, and a parade. In 2023, Sesame Place did not continue year-round operation but only closed between mid-January to mid-February.
Alleged snubbing case
In July 2022, the park faced criticism after a family claimed in an Instagram post that the character Rosita snubbed their two young black children by ignoring them as they waved to her.[7] The video went viral as other users posted similar incidents of costumed characters and black children, with those on social media calling for a boycott of the park.[8] The park released a statement that the costume had made it difficult for the performer to see the girls. They later followed with another statement that the performer had not intentionally snubbed the girls, but instead rejected a request "from someone in the crowd who asked Rosita to hold their child for a photo, which is not permitted."[9] On July 19, Sesame Place Philadelphia formally apologized to the family and invited the family back for a personal meet-and-greet with the characters. They also announced that their employees will undergo racial bias training to ensure park guests have an "inclusive, equitable and entertaining" experience.[10]
Attractions
Sesame Place features dry rides and water rides. Dry rides are open during Elmo's Springtacular, the summer season, The Count's Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas. Water rides are open only in the summer season (Memorial Day-Labor Day). Other rides are only operated during Elmo's Springtacular, The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, or A Very Furry Christmas.
Sesame Plaza
The front entrance.
| Name | Manufacturer | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor Trail | Vekoma | 1998 | a Super Grover-themed custom Vekoma family roller coaster with several helixes. |
Sesame City
An area themed to mass transit and a big city.
| Name | Manufacturer | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar's Wacky Taxi | The Gravity Group | 2018 | a Gravity Group family wooden roller coaster featuring a crazy taxi ride with Oscar, it is located near the front gate.[11] |
| Big Bird's Tour Bus | Zamperla | 2022 | a crazy bus ride themed to a tour around the city with Big Bird. |
Big Bird's Beach
Formerly known as "Twiddlebug Land" from 1993 until 2023.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elmo's Surf n' Slide | 1995 | a large raft water slide that stands more than six stories high. Formerly known as "Sky Splash" from 1995 until 2023. |
| Rosita's Seaside Slides | 1993 | two spiral tube water slides. Single and double tubes are used. Formerly known as "Slimey's Chutes" from 1993 until 2023. |
| Litte Bird's Bay | 1993 | a 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) wave pool formed from Ernie's wild garden hose. Formerly known as "Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave Pool" from 1993 until 2023. |
| Abby's Splash n' Sprayground | 1993 | A kids play area with a giant watering can. This attraction was unnamed until 2023. |
Sesame Island
An area featuring water-based attractions.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abby's Paradise Theater | a covered outdoor theater that currently features Meet and Greets with Snuffy, and will soon show Welcome To The Party. | |
| Bert and Ernie's Splashy Shores | 2023 | A water adventure area with water umbrellas, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and a spraying water tower. |
| Big Bird's Rambling River | 1990 | a slow-moving, 1,000 ft (300 m) waterway winding through Sesame Island. |
| Sand Castle Beach | 1990 | a giant beach-like sandbox and playground. |
Sesame Neighborhood
A full-scale replica of Sesame Street. Opened in 1988.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny Day Carousel | 2008 | a carousel with Sesame Street-designed horses. Its location was formerly the home of the Big Bird Steps. |
| Sesame Studio | 1980 | an indoor theater currently is occasionally used for special events as there is no set show here at the time. |
| Sesame Street Theater | 1980 | a large outdoor theater that currently shows The Magic of Art. |
The Count's Court
Themed after Count von Count and features water rides. The special Count-themed dry attractions only operate during special events and are listed below.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Count's Splash Castle | 2009 | a multi-level, water park attraction features over 90 play elements, including a 1000-gallon tipping bucket. |
| Abby's Fairy Falls | four short vertical water slides that drop into a three-foot pool. (Formerly known as Slippery Slopes until Mid-July 2021). |
Elmo's World
Themed after Elmo, more specifically the Elmo's World segment.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elmo's Silly Splashy Slides | 1985 | two intertwining body flumes that empty into a splash pool. (Formerly known as Bert & Ernie's Slip & Slide until Mid-July 2021) |
| Peek-A-Bug | 2006 | a Rock 'n Tug themed to a bug in a garden. |
| Blast Off | 2006 | a tower drop ride in which riders travel to Planet Elmo. |
| Elmo's Cloud Chaser | 2011 | riders fly around in swings. |
| Flyin' Fish | 2006 | an aerial carousel ride, similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant. |
| Snuffy's Slides | 1980 | two long dry tube slides for children 12 and under. This is the last vestige of the Big Bird Bridge system. |
Cookie's Monster Land
Named after Cookie Monster. Opened in 2014.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Cookie's High C's Adventure | 2014 | pirate ships circle a rising and falling track. |
| Oscar's Rusty Rotten Rockets | 2014 | a whip-like ride, but with hanging garbage can-shaped rockets as vehicles. |
| Honker Dinger Derby | 2014 | a Tivoli Orbiter. Formerly operated at Busch Gardens Tampa as Sandstorm. |
| Monster Mix-Up | 2002 | a teacup ride. Formerly known as Grover's World Twirl. |
| Flying Cookie Jars | 2002 | a 40 ft (12 m) high tower ride that affords a view of the park. Formerly known as Big Bird's Balloon Race. |
| Monster Clubhouse | 2014 | a net-climbing attraction. |
| Mini Monster Clubhouse | 2014 | a play area for smaller children. |
Special Event Rides
These rides only operate during specific seasonal events.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| The Castle Swing | a swing ride.[12] |
| The Count's Fly By | a smaller version of Elmo's Cloud Chaser, themed after the Count.[13] |
| The Count Around | a ferris wheel.[14] |
| The Count's Cruisers | a carousel-type attraction with 4x4 cars. |
| Sesame Place Furry Express | a locomotive train. |
| Twiddlebug Gingerbread Factory | a retheme to Twiddlebug Land. |
Former attractions
| Name | Opened | Closed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult's Oasis | Unknown | Unknown | An area for adults. |
| The Amazing Mumford's Water Maze | 1980 | 2004 | A maze attraction consisting of tubes with water sprays. The spot where the attraction once stood is empty, being used as a simple pathway. |
| Anti-Gravity Mirror | Mirrors for children. | ||
| Balancing Buoys | 1981 | Circa 1982 | |
| Bert's Balance Beams | 1980 | Unknown | Balance Beams. |
| Big Bird Bridge/Steps | 1980 | 2007 | The original park icon, consisting of a large Big Bird head and a long bridge, which led to various slides, although near the end of its life it only led to the tube slides. The bridge was removed in the Late-90's and Big Bird's mouth was closed up, which left the steps for photo ops. The steps and head were fully removed in 2007 to make way for the Sunny Day Carousel. |
| Big Bird's Court | 1980 | 2013 | A small play area featuring large padded grounds and blocks. Only children under 5 were permitted inside the attraction. It was removed to make way for Cookie's Monster Land. |
| Chat Lag | A place to chat. | ||
| Circle Theatre | 1983 | Unknown | A theatre that presented an animal show. The theatre's building later became home to the 1, 2, 3, Smile with Me! Photo-op. |
| Circus Mirrors | Mirrors for children but circus themed. | ||
| The Computer Gallery/The Games Gallery | 1980 | 2001 | This attraction housed an area featuring many computers, allowing attendees to play simple educational games featuring Sesame Street characters. In 1993, the area became The Games Gallery, with arcade games replacing computers. In 2001, the attraction was converted into a quick-service restaurant, known as Cookie's Cafe. |
| Cookie Mountain | 1980 | 2013 | An inflatable mountain where children could climb on their own. Only children under seven were permitted at this attraction. It was removed to make way for Cookie's Monster Land. |
| The Count's Ballroom | 1980 | 2006 | A large ball pit containing over 80,000 balls. It was removed to make way for Elmo's World, with this attraction replaced with Blast Off. |
| The Count's Fount | 1985 | 2008 | A water play area. It was demolished to make way for the larger Count's Splash Castle. |
| Create a Muppet Show | 1980's | Unknown | Create Muppets Show! |
| Crystal Climb | 1982 | Unknown | A set of geodesic climbing mazes. It was soon relocated to another area, before being removed entirely and permanently. The original location later became home to Adult's Oasis, while the relocated version became home to the Sesame Slab Slides. |
| Elmo's World Live | 2001 | 2016 | A live show based on the segment of the same name. It was replaced with Elmo: the Musical - LIVE!. |
| Ernie's Bed Bounce | 1980 | 2013 | An inflatable, springy air mattress. For two years in 1981, a second mattress was also added in the spot where the Circle Theater later stood. The main Bed was removed to make way for Cookie's Monster Land in 2013, with Honker Ginger Derby sitting where this once stood. |
| Ernie's Waterworks | 1990 | 2022 | A small water play area. Removed at the end of the 2022 season to be replaced by Bert and Ernie's Splashy Shores. |
| Everyone is You and Me | 1983 | 1990's | Unknown |
| Foot Notes | Notes for people. | ||
| Grover's Rubber Band Bounce | A giant rubber band four feet wide and eight feet high which let kids "bounce off the walls." | ||
| Herry's Hand Over Water | 1980 | 1984 | A playground set over a pool of water. It was later replaced with the Sesame Construction Company attraction. |
| Kaliedoscope | |||
| Little Bird's Birdbath | 1990's | 2008 | A sprinkler play area made for young children. It was demolished alongside its sister attraction Little Bird's Rapids to make way for The Count's Splash Castle. |
| Little Bird's Court | 1980 | 2001 | A sand-focused playground. It was later moved to Sesame Island. The spot where the original version stood was replaced with Grover's World Twirl. |
| Little Bird's Rapids | Unknown | 2008 | A junior water slide. It was demolished alongside its sister attraction Little Bird's Birdbath to make way for The Count's Splash Castle. |
| Mirror Mirage | |||
| Mix and Match Muppet Totem Poles | |||
| Mix n' Match Twiddle Tracks | 1993 | 2021 | a children's railroad. Its trains were removed after the 2021 season. |
| Monster Maze | 1980 | 2013 | A small, sand bottom pit with large "monster" bags children can run around in. It was removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land. |
| Multiscopes | |||
| Nets & Climbs | 1980 | 2013 | Hundreds of yards of cargo netting connected by 200 ft (61 m) of suspended net tunnels. It was removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land. |
| Oscar's Balance Beams | A set of balance beams. | ||
| Oscar's Obstacle Course | 1980 | Unknown | A twisty maze in a sand box. |
| Pedal Power and Cycles | 1980 | 1999 | |
| Pin Tables | |||
| Pitch Switch | |||
| Rainbow Room | 1980 | 1999 | |
| Rainbow Pyramid | 1980 | 2001 | An attraction that taught children about air pressure. It was replaced with Sesame Playhouse.[15] |
| Rubber Duckie Pond | 1980 | Unknown | A giant water bed that kids could jump on. It was later redeveloped into a water play area under the same name.[16] |
| Rubber Duckie Pond | Unknown | 2010 | A water play area that replaced the above water bed. It was demolished in 2010 to make way for Elmo's Cloud Chaser. |
| Runaway Rapids | 1984 | 2008 | A tube water slide. It was demolished to make way for The Count's Splash Castle. |
| Slimey's Square | 2021 | 2023 | a children's play area designated for children 5 and under. |
| Sesame Beach | 1980 | 2006 | A sandbox area. It was demolished in 2006 to make way for the Elmo's World area, with this attraction replaced with Peek a Bug. |
| Sesame Construction Company | 1985 | 2001 | A play area featuring giant building blocks that can be used to create structures. It was removed to make way for Big Bird's Balloon Race. |
| Sesame Dream Network | |||
| Sesame Garden | 1981 | 1980's | A flower garden. |
| Sesame Slab Slides | A set of slides that go from the top of the Nets & Climbs to the bottom. | ||
| Sesame Production Company | |||
| Sesame Streak | 2020-2022 | a pair of tube water slides, one for single riders and the other for double riders. This water slide closed between 2020 and 2021 and remained Standing but not Operating until late 2022. | |
| Shadow Room | 1980 | 2001 | |
| Silly Sand Slides | 1993 | 2019 | Three giant slides modeled after; A large watch, a spoon on a bag of marbles and a dumped bucket of sand. The attraction was removed in 2019. |
| Slippery Slopes | 1980 | 1985 | A set of foam-covered slides. It has no connection with the water slide Abby's Fairy Falls which formerly had the same name as this water slide. It was later replaced with Sesame Streak. |
| The Snake Tube | 1981 | ||
| Snuffle Ball | 1981 | ||
| Super Grover's Cable Glides | 1980 | 1986 | A set of rope swings. |
| Talking Picture Show | |||
| Teleidoscope Temple | 1980 | 1999 | |
| Touch of Spring | 1983 | Unknown | |
| Tunnels of Fun | 1980 | 2013 | A set of tunnels. Removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land. |
| Twiddlebug Hop | 1980 | 1986 | A large rope swing. It was later replaced with a garden area. |
| Twiddlebug Land | 1993 | 2022 | A large themed area in the waterpark themed to make yourself feel as small as a Twiddlebug. The land & attractions remained and were rethemed in 2023 to "Big Bird's Beach". |
| Twiddlebug Tunnel | 1980 | unknown | A tunnel for kids to crawl through where "mysterious colors and sounds await". |
| Whisper Walls | 1980 | 2013 | It was removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land. |
| Zoetrope | |||
| Zoom Flume | 1983 | 1986 | A water slide. It was demolished in 1986 due to low capacity and the additions of other water attractions, with its spot being replaced with Little Bird's Birdbath. |
Entertainment
- Sesame Street Party Parade - A parade with all costume characters and has dance stops throughout the parade route. (2011–present, anniversary: 2015, 2020)
- Elmo the Musical! - Magic, mayhem, and music add up in Elmo the Musical - Live at Sesame Place! Join Elmo as it's time to raise the curtain and light the lights, when this brand-new show takes over the Sesame Studio at Sesame Place.[17] (2014–present)
- The Magic of Art - Abby Cadabby is getting ready for the art show on Sesame Street. Abby isn't sure what to create. Abby asks for help from Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and Telly. She then learns art comes in all shapes and sized, with paintings and sculptures. They inspire Abby to use imagination and create your own masterpiece. (2016-present)
- Our Street is Sesame Street - Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Big Bird! Sing, dance, and clap along as you watch the show at the Sesame Street Neighborhood. (2019-present)
- Welcome to the Party - Elmo, Abby, Grover, Rosita and Cookie Monster want to put on a show to welcome their new friends to Sesame Street but can’t decide what kind it should be. From a dance show to a magic show to a cookie show, everyone has a different idea! With the help of some new friends, like Elmo’s adorable puppy Tango, our Sesame Street pals realize that by working together, they can put on the biggest, most spectacular welcome show of all! (2023-present)
Holiday shows and parades
The Count's Halloween Spooktacular Shows/Parades:
- The Not Too Spooky Howl-Ween Radio Show! - A show starring the "Sesame Street" characters that they performed at the WSME theater and our Halloween broadcast. Located in "Abby's Paradise Theater".[18] (2010–present)
- Who Said Boo?! - A show at Sesame Place where Sesame Street characters went to the Count's Halloween Party but they hear an eerie BOO! Shows in the "Sesame Street Neighborhood Theater" (formerly "Monster Rock Theater").[19] (2014–present)
- Elmo the Musical- A Halloween Adventure! - Magic, mayhem and music add up in Elmo the Musical - Live at Sesame Place! Join Elmo as it's time to raise the curtain and light the lights, when this brand-new show takes over the Sesame Studio at Sesame Place.[17] (2014–present)
- Sesame Street Halloween Parade (2013-present)
- Our Street on Halloween (2022-present)
A Very Furry Christmas Shows/Parades:
- A Very Merry Sesame Street Sing Along - Visitors can join their Sesame Street friends to listen to various holiday songs sung by Elmo and friends. (2020-present)
- Sesame Street Christmas Parade (2013-present)
- Elmo's Christmas Wish (2011-present)
- 1-2-3 Christmas Tree (2019-present)
Mardi Gras Shows/Parades:
- Sesame Street Mardi Gras Parade (2022-present)
Costume characters
Families can dine with some characters at Dine with Elmo and friends (or one of its seasonal variations). This is not included in the regular admission price and takes place at varying times depending on season. The characters at the dine change seasonally. Many of the Sesame Place characters strut down "Sesame Street" in the "Neighborhood Street Party" parade (or one of its seasonal variations). This features 15 Sesame Place characters, large floats, dancers and music. The park also features character meet and greets that vary through the year. During the holiday season, characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer appear in the park, thanks to a licensing agreement between SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, and Character Arts LLC. The characters that feature in the park include:
Current characters
Sesame Street
- Abby Cadabby (regular, parade)
- Baby Bear (random)
- Barkley (parade only)
- Bert (regular, parade)
- Big Bird (regular, parade)
- Cookie Monster (regular, parade)
- Count von Count (regular, parade)
- Elmo (regular, parade)
- Ernie (regular, parade)
- Grover / Super Grover (regular, parade)
- Gonger (random)
- A Honker and a Dinger (random)
- Julia (regular)
- Lightning the Reindeer (seasonal)
- Murray Monster (random, parade)
- Oscar the Grouch (regular, parade)
- Prairie Dawn (random, parade)
- Rosita (regular, parade)
- Snuffleupagus (regular)
- Tango (regular)
- Telly Monster (random, parade)
- Zoe (regular, parade)
Other
- Chocolate Chip Cookie (seasonal)
- Santa Claus (seasonal)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (seasonal)
- Clarice (seasonal)
- The Bumble (seasonal)
Former characters
- Hoots the Owl (removed in 2009)
- Jackman Wolf (removed in 2010)
References
Further reading
- Chris English (May 3, 2007). "What's new at Sesame Place?". phillyBurbs. Calkins Media, Inc. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.
- Manasee Wagh (November 5, 2008). "Variety Kids Celebrate Halloween at Sesame Place?". phillyBurbs. Calkins Media, Inc. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
- Crissa Shoemaker Debree (August 18, 2008). "Psst…Oxford Valley isn't closing". phillyBurbs. Calkins Media, Inc. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008.
- Jo Ciavaglia (August 28, 2008). "Abby Cadabby…a baby girl born at Sesame Place". phillyBurbs. Calkins Media, Inc. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
- Jacqueline Burt Wang (August 8, 2008). "We're Outta Here! Four Fantastic Day Trips For Families". New York Post. NYP Holdings, Inc.
- Kristie Rearick (June 27, 2008). "'Hip Hop Harry' takes stage at Sesame Place". South Jersey News Online.
- Kara Mcguire (May 2, 2008). "Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Place?". Star Tribune.
- "Durham-Wahlberg family at Sesame Place". People Magazine. August 20, 2007.
External links
