Sesame Place Philadelphia Explained

Sesame Place Philadelphia
Location:Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates:40.185°N -74.8719°W
Season:Year Round
Status:open
Rides:26
Coasters:2
Water Rides:9
Owner:United Parks & Resorts
Operator:United Parks & Resorts
Slogan:Go Before They Grow
Theme:Sesame Street
Homepage:Sesame Place Philadelphia Home Page

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 two 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 older of the two Sesame Street theme parks in the United States (the others 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.

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 and featured play areas and large computer labs where kids could color their favorite Sesame Street characters. Since then, it has expanded to 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.

Sesame City

An area themed to mass transit and a big city.

Name Manufacturer Opened Description
Oscar's Wacky TaxiThe Gravity Group2018a 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 BusZamperla2022a 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' Slide1995a large raft water slide that stands more than six stories high. Formerly known as "Sky Splash" from 1995 until 2023.
Rosita's Seaside Slides1993two spiral tube water slides. Single and double tubes are used. Formerly known as "Slimey's Chutes" from 1993 until 2023.
Litte Bird's Bay1993a 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' Sprayground1993a water play ground with gigantic watering can 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 Theatera covered outdoor theater that currently features Meet and Greets with Snuffy, and will soon show Welcome To The Party.
Bert and Ernie's Splashy Shores2023A water adventure area with water umbrellas, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and a spraying water tower.
Big Bird's Rambling River1990a slow-moving, waterway winding through Sesame Island.
Sand Castle Beach1990a giant beach-like sandbox and playground.

Sesame Neighborhood

A full-scale replica of Sesame Street. Opened in 1988.

Name Opened Description
Sunny Day Carousel2008a carousel with Sesame Street-designed horses. Its location was formerly the home of the Big Bird Steps.
Sesame Studio1980an indoor theater currently is occasionally used for special events as there is no set show here at the time.
Sesame Street Theater1980a 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 Castle2009a multi-level, water park attraction features over 90 play elements, including a 1000-gallon tipping bucket.
Abby's Fairy Fallsfour 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 Slides1985two intertwining body flumes that empty into a splash pool. (Formerly known as Bert & Ernie's Slip & Slide until Mid-July 2021)
Peek-A-Bug2006a Rock 'n Tug themed to a bug in a garden.
Blast Off2006a tower drop ride in which riders travel to Planet Elmo.
Elmo's Cloud Chaser2011riders fly around in swings.
Flyin' Fish2006an aerial carousel ride, similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Snuffy's Slides1980two 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 Adventure2014pirate ships circle a rising and falling track.
Oscar's Rusty Rotten Rockets2014a whip-like ride, but with hanging garbage can-shaped rockets as vehicles.
Honker Dinger Derby2014a Tivoli Orbiter. Formerly operated at Busch Gardens Tampa as Sandstorm.
Monster Mix-Up2002a teacup ride. Formerly known as Grover's World Twirl.
Flying Cookie Jars2002a high tower ride that affords a view of the park. Formerly known as Big Bird's Balloon Race.
Monster Clubhouse2014a net-climbing attraction.
Mini Monster Clubhouse2014a play area for smaller children.

Special Event Rides

These rides only operate during specific seasonal events.

Name Description
The Castle Swinga swing ride.[12]
The Count's Fly Bya smaller version of Elmo's Cloud Chaser, themed after the Count.[13]
The Count Arounda ferris wheel.[14]
The Count's Cruisersa carousel-type attraction with 4x4 cars.
Sesame Place Furry Expressa locomotive train.
Twiddlebug Gingerbread Factorya retheme to Twiddlebug Land.

Former attractions

Name Opened Closed Description
Adult's OasisUnknownUnknownAn area for adults.
The Amazing Mumford's Water Maze19802004A 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 MirrorMirrors for children.
Balancing Buoys1981Circa 1982
Bert's Balance Beams1980UnknownBalance Beams.
Big Bird Bridge/Steps19802007The 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 Court19802013A 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 Theatre1983UnknownA theatre that presented an animal show. The theatre's building later became home to the 1, 2, 3, Smile with Me! Photo-op.
Circus MirrorsMirrors for children but circus themed.
The Computer Gallery/The Games Gallery19802001This 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 Mountain19802013An 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 Ballroom19802006A 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 Fount19852008A water play area. It was demolished to make way for the larger Count's Splash Castle.
Create a Muppet Show1980'sUnknownCreate Muppets Show!
Crystal Climb1982UnknownA 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 Live20012016A live show based on the segment of the same name. It was replaced with Elmo: the Musical - LIVE!.
Ernie's Bed Bounce19802013An 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 Waterworks19902022A 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 Me19831990'sUnknown
Foot NotesNotes for people.
Grover's Rubber Band BounceA giant rubber band four feet wide and eight feet high which let kids "bounce off the walls."
Herry's Hand Over Water19801984A playground set over a pool of water. It was later replaced with the Sesame Construction Company attraction.
Kaliedoscope
Little Bird's Birdbath1990's2008A 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 Court19802001A 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 RapidsUnknown2008A 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 Tracks19932021a children's railroad. Its trains were removed after the 2021 season.
Monster Maze19802013A 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 & Climbs19802013Hundreds of yards of cargo netting connected by of suspended net tunnels. It was removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land.
Oscar's Balance BeamsA set of balance beams.
Oscar's Obstacle Course1980UnknownA twisty maze in a sand box.
Pedal Power and Cycles19801999
Pin Tables
Pitch Switch
Rainbow Room19801999
Rainbow Pyramid19802001An attraction that taught children about air pressure. It was replaced with Sesame Playhouse.[15]
Rubber Duckie Pond1980UnknownA giant water bed that kids could jump on. It was later redeveloped into a water play area under the same name.[16]
Rubber Duckie PondUnknown2010A water play area that replaced the above water bed. It was demolished in 2010 to make way for Elmo's Cloud Chaser.
Runaway Rapids19842008A tube water slide. It was demolished to make way for The Count's Splash Castle.
Slimey's Square20212023a children's play area designated for children 5 and under.
Sesame Beach19802006A 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 Company19852001A 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 Garden19811980'sA flower garden.
Sesame Slab SlidesA set of slides that go from the top of the Nets & Climbs to the bottom.
Sesame Production Company
Sesame Streak2020-2022a 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 Room19802001
Silly Sand Slides19932019Three 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 Slopes19801985A 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 Tube1981
Snuffle Ball1981
Super Grover's Cable Glides19801986A set of rope swings.
Talking Picture Show
Teleidoscope Temple19801999
Touch of Spring1983Unknown
Tunnels of Fun19802013A set of tunnels. Removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land.
Twiddlebug Hop19801986A large rope swing. It was later replaced with a garden area.
Twiddlebug Land19932022A 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 Tunnel1980unknownA tunnel for kids to crawl through where "mysterious colors and sounds await".
Whisper Walls19802013It was removed in 2013 to make way for Cookie's Monster Land.
Zoetrope
Zoom Flume19831986A 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

Holiday shows and parades

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular Shows/Parades:

A Very Furry Christmas Shows/Parades:

Mardi Gras Shows/Parades:

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

Other

Former characters

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fish. Wayne. Sesame Place Classic still a big attraction for runners, walkers and kids of all ages. Pocono Record. 2022-03-10. 2022-12-26. [...]Sesame Place [...] have enjoyed the famous theme park in Middletown Township[...].
  2. Web site: Directions. Sesame Place. 2022-12-26. 100 Sesame Rd Langhorne, PA 19047.
  3. Web site: Sesame Place Becomes First Theme Park to Be Designated a Certified Autism Center . Brigit . Katz . Smithsonian Magazine.
  4. Web site: Certified Autism Center | Autism Certification for Business Locations.
  5. SESAME PLACE – FIRST THEME PARK IN PENNSYLVANIA TO BE 100 PERCENT SMOKE-FREE . Sesame Place . 21 March 2007 . 2009-09-03 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080609204551/http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame/pa/parkinfo_4themedia_2007_pressrelease.aspx?PRID=125 . June 9, 2008.
  6. Web site: Elmo's Furry Fun Fest | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids . January 15, 2021 . mommypoppins.com.
  7. Web site: __jodiii__ . I'm going to keep posting this, because this had me hot. We were on our way out of sesame place and the kids wanted to stop to see the characters. THIS DISGUSTING person blatantly told our kids NO then proceeded to hug the little white girl next to us! .... . . https://web.archive.org/web/20220718161117/https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGAHtyFoHg/ . July 16, 2022 . July 18, 2022 . July 25, 2022 . live.
  8. News: Alfonseca . Kiara . Ross . Kendall . Family calls for Sesame Place performer to be fired . . July 20, 2022 . July 25, 2022 . July 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220726021757/https://abcnews.go.com/US/sesame-place-undergo-bias-training-calls-racism/story?id=87064051 . live.
  9. News: Bella . Timothy . Sesame Place apologizes after Muppet seems to snub Black girls in video . . July 19, 2022 . July 19, 2022 . https://archive.today/20220719191121/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/07/19/sesame-place-philadelphia-black-girls-video/ . live.
  10. News: Davis . Wynne . Sesame Place apologizes after video shows 2 Black girls being passed over at a parade . . July 19, 2022 . July 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220720062426/https://www.npr.org/2022/07/19/1112234153/sesame-place-apology-backlash-racism-rosita . live.
  11. Web site: New Roller Coaster | Oscar's Wacky Taxi | Sesame Place Philadelphia.
  12. Web site: The Castle Swing . Entertainment . SeaWorld Parks & . sesameplace.com . 2016-06-04 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151108044435/http://sesameplace.com/en/langhorne/play/dry-fun/the-castle-swing/ . 2015-11-08.
  13. Web site: The Count's Fly By . Entertainment . SeaWorld Parks & . sesameplace.com . 2016-06-04 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160309235630/https://sesameplace.com/en/langhorne/play/dry-fun/the-counts-fly-by/ . 2016-03-09.
  14. Web site: The Count Around . Entertainment . SeaWorld Parks & . sesameplace.com . 2016-06-04 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151109180132/http://sesameplace.com/en/langhorne/play/dry-fun/the-count-around/ . 2015-11-09.
  15. Web site: Big Bird Bridge: Rainbow Pyramid . Guy . Hutchinson . 27 June 2012.
  16. Web site: Big Bird Bridge: The "boat slide" at Rubber Duckie Pond (version 2) . Guy . Hutchinson . 26 November 2012.
  17. Web site: Elmo the Musical - Live at Sesame Place . Entertainment . SeaWorld Parks & . sesameplace.com . 2016-06-04.
  18. Web site: Let's Play Together! . Entertainment . SeaWorld Parks & . sesameplace.com . 2016-06-04.
  19. Web site: The Magic of Art™ . Entertainment . SeaWorld Parks & . 2016-06-04.