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Coordinates: 40°11′09″N 74°52′19″W / 40.185808°N 74.871976°W / 40.185808; -74.871976
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For about 30 years, Busch Entertainment operated Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. In 2009 and 2010, under the new ownership, kiddie areas in Busch Gardens and Sea World parks were converted to Sesame themes. A second [[Irving, Texas|Sesame Place]] park also existed in [[Irving, Texas]] from 1982–1984 (a [[Walmart Supercenter]] now sits in its place), closing its doors due to poor attendance and a large number of [[water park]]s competing for its business. A third one in [[Tokyo, Japan]] was open from 1990 until December 31, 2006. In 2017, a new location in an undetermined location was announced; it will open "no later than" mid-2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sesameworkshop.org/press-releases/5474/|title=SeaWorld Entertainment and Sesame Workshop Announce Expanded Partnership to Include New Sesame Place Theme Park - Sesame Workshop|publisher=}}</ref>
For about 30 years, Busch Entertainment operated Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. In 2009 and 2010, under the new ownership, kiddie areas in Busch Gardens and Sea World parks were converted to Sesame themes. A second [[Irving, Texas|Sesame Place]] park also existed in [[Irving, Texas]] from 1982–1984 (a [[Walmart Supercenter]] now sits in its place), closing its doors due to poor attendance and a large number of [[water park]]s competing for its business. A third one in [[Tokyo, Japan]] was open from 1990 until December 31, 2006. In 2017, a new location in an undetermined location was announced; it will open "no later than" mid-2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sesameworkshop.org/press-releases/5474/|title=SeaWorld Entertainment and Sesame Workshop Announce Expanded Partnership to Include New Sesame Place Theme Park - Sesame Workshop|publisher=}}</ref>


In 1994, a ''[[Sesame Street]]'' themed amusement park called Parque Plaza Sesamo ([[Plaza Sésamo]]) was opened in [[Monterrey, Mexico]]. According to TEA's Global Attractions Attendance Report, Parque Plaza Sésamo is one of Latin America's highest ranking theme parks by attendance, with 1.2 million visitors per year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf|title=TEA Global Attractions Attendance Report|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)|access-date=}}</ref> In [[Salou]], [[Spain]], the [[PortAventura]] park has a Sesame Street themed area called SésamoAventura.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.portaventura.es/parque-tem%25C3%25A1tico/s%25C3%25A9samoaventura|title=Far West - PortAventura World|website=www.portaventura.es|access-date=2016-06-04}}</ref> [[Universal Studios Japan]] has a Sesame Street section in their Universal Wonderland themed area.
In 1994, a ''[[Sesame Street]]'' themed amusement park called Parque Plaza Sesamo ([[Plaza Sésamo]]) was opened in [[Monterrey, Mexico]]. According to TEA's Global Attractions Attendance Report, Parque Plaza Sésamo is one of Latin America's highest ranking theme parks by attendance, with 1.2 million visitors per year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf|title=TEA Global Attractions Attendance Report|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)|access-date=}}</ref> In [[Salou]], [[Spain]], the [[PortAventura Park]] has a Sesame Street themed area called SésamoAventura.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.portaventura.es/parque-tem%25C3%25A1tico/s%25C3%25A9samoaventura|title=Far West - PortAventura World|website=www.portaventura.es|access-date=2016-06-04}}</ref> [[Universal Studios Japan]] has a Sesame Street section in their Universal Wonderland themed area.


==Attractions==
==Attractions==

Revision as of 08:47, 3 November 2018

Sesame Place
LocationLanghorne, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates40°11′09″N 74°52′19″W / 40.185808°N 74.871976°W / 40.185808; -74.871976
OpenedJuly 30, 1980; 44 years ago (1980-07-30)
OwnerSeaWorld Entertainment (under a license from Sesame Workshop)
ThemeSesame Street
SloganGo Before They Grow
Operating seasonMay through December
Area14 acres (5.7 ha)
Attractions
Total27
Roller coasters2
Water rides9
WebsiteSesame Place Home Page

Sesame Place is a children's theme park, located on the outskirts of Philadelphia in Langhorne, Pennsylvania based on the Sesame Street television program. It includes a variety of rides, shows, and water attractions suited to young children. It is one of 12 parks owned and operated by SeaWorld Entertainment with a license from Sesame Workshop (formerly known as Children's Television Workshop).

Overview

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.

In 2007, it became the first theme park in Pennsylvania to become completely smoke-free.[1]

Sesame Place is one of 11 parks operated by SeaWorld Entertainment. Others include SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Florida, Adventure Island (water park), and Water Country USA.

For about 30 years, Busch Entertainment operated Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. In 2009 and 2010, under the new ownership, kiddie areas in Busch Gardens and Sea World parks were converted to Sesame themes. A second Sesame Place park also existed in Irving, Texas from 1982–1984 (a Walmart Supercenter now sits in its place), closing its doors due to poor attendance and a large number of water parks competing for its business. A third one in Tokyo, Japan was open from 1990 until December 31, 2006. In 2017, a new location in an undetermined location was announced; it will open "no later than" mid-2021.[2]

In 1994, a Sesame Street themed amusement park called Parque Plaza Sesamo (Plaza Sésamo) was opened in Monterrey, Mexico. According to TEA's Global Attractions Attendance Report, Parque Plaza Sésamo is one of Latin America's highest ranking theme parks by attendance, with 1.2 million visitors per year.[3] In Salou, Spain, the PortAventura Park has a Sesame Street themed area called SésamoAventura.[4] Universal Studios Japan has a Sesame Street section in their Universal Wonderland themed area.

Attractions

Each attraction is split into a category. Dry rides are open during Elmo's Springtacular, 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.

Oscar's Wacky Taxi

An area featuring the titular Roller Coaster.

Name Manufacturer Opened Description
Oscar's Wacky Taxi The Gravity Group 2018 A Children's Wooden Roller Coaster, it is located near the front gate.

Twiddlebug Land

An area themed to the Twiddlebug characters.

Name Opened Description
Mix n' Match Twiddle Tracks 1993 A children's railroad
Silly Sand Slides 1993 Three giant slides; A large watch, a spoon on a bag of marbles and a dumped bucket of sand.
Sky Splash 1995 A large raft water slide that stands more than 6 stories high, it is designed to look like it's made out of giant toys.
Slimey's Chutes 1993 Two spiral tube water slides. Single and double tubes are used.
Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave 1993 A 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) wave pool formed from Ernie's wild garden hose.

Sesame Island

An area featuring water-based attractions.

Name Opened Description
Big Bird's Rambling River 1990 A slow-moving, 1,000-foot (300 m) waterway winding through Sesame Island.
Ernie's Waterworks 1990 A small water play area.
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 Studios 1980 An indoor theater currently showing Elmo the Musical: LIVE!
Sesame Place Neighborhood Theater 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.
Sesame Streak A pair of tube water slides, one for single riders and the other for double riders.
Slippery Slopes Four short vertical water slides that drop into a three-foot pool.

Elmo's World

Themed after Elmo, more specifically the Elmo's World segment.

Name Opened Description
Bert & Ernie's Slip & Slide 1985 Two intertwining body flumes that empty into a splash pool. Despite the name, it is located in the Elmo's World section of the park and features his image on the exterior.
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 Ariel Carousel ride, similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Snuffy's Slides - Two long dry tube slides for kids 12 and under.

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 twist-like ride.
Monster Mix-up 2014 A teacup ride.
Flying Cookie Jars 2014 A 40-foot (12 m) high tower ride that affords a view of the park.
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.[5]
The Count's Fly By A smaller version of Elmo's Cloud Chaser, themed after The Count.[6]
The Count Around A ferris wheel.[7]
The Count's Cruisers A Carousel-type attraction with 4x4 cars.
Sesame Place Furry Express A locomotive train.
Twiddle bug Gingerbread Factory A retheme to Twiddlebug Land.

Former attractions

  • The Count's Ballroom - A giant ball pit with over 80,000 balls. (1980-2006) (replaced by Blast Off)
  • Rainbow Pyramid[8] - An attraction that taught kids about air pressure. (1980-2001) (replaced by Sesame Playhouse)
  • Rubber Duckie Pond (original) - Before the "splash pad", it was a giant water bed. Kids could Jump Around and play on it. (1980-unknown) (redeveloped to a splash pad) [9]
  • Orange Zoom Flume - A water slide that closed in 1986 due to low capacity and the additions of other water attractions (1983-1986) (replaced by Little Bird's Birdbath)
  • Crystal Climb - (1982-unknown) (relocated to other side of the part) (original replaced by Adult's Oasis, relocated attraction replaced by Sesame Slab Slides)
  • Adult's Oasis - Area for adults.
  • Sesame Slab Slides - Slides that go from the top of the Nets & Climbs to the bottom.
  • Twiddlebug Hop - A rope swing (1980-1986) (replaced by garden area)
  • Circle Theatre - A theatre presenting an Animal Show (1983-unknown)
  • Super Grover's Cable Glides - Rope swing. (1980-1986)
  • Sesame Garden - A flower garden. (1981-1990s)
  • Balancing Buoys (1981-1982?)
  • Herry's Hand Over Water - Playground equipment (like monkey bars, rings, etc.) over a pool of water. (1980-1984) (replaced by Sesame Construction Company)
  • Sesame Construction Company - Giant building blocks that can be used to create structures (1985-2001) (replaced by Big Bird's Balloon Race)
  • Slippery Slopes (original) - Foam covered slides (1980-1985) (replaced by Sesame Streak)
  • Ernie's Bed Bounce - a huge, springy yellow air mattress. (1980-2013) (replaced by Honger Dinger Derby)
  • Ernie's Bed Bounce (2nd) - due to the popularity of the first, a second was added. (1981-1983) (replaced by Circle Theater)
  • Bert's Balance Beams - Balance beams. (1980-unknown)
  • Grover's Rubber Band Bounce (unknown)
  • Oscar's Balance Beams - Balance beams. (unknown)
  • The Count's Fount - a water play area that was replaced by a bigger and better one. (1985-2008) (replaced by The Count's Splash Castle)
  • Mix and Match Muppet Totem Poles (unknown)
  • Twiddlebug Tunnel - A tunnel for kids to crawl through where "mysterious colors and sounds await." (1980-unknown)
  • Little Bird's Court - a playground and sand box for children to play in. A bigger, better version is built on "Sesame Island". (1980-2001) (replaced by Grover's World Twirl)
  • Oscar's Obstacle Course - a twisty maze in a sand box (1980-unknown)
  • Sesame Beach - A sandbox for kids to play in, similar to Little Bird's Court (1980-2006) (replaced by Peek a Bug)
  • The Computer Gallery - While computers are very common today, in the 1980s, barely anyone had a computer. In 1993, it was turned into The Games Gallery, which featured several arcade games, such as SegaSonic the Hedgehog. (The Computer Gallery: 1980-1993, The Games Gallery: 1993-2001) (replaced by Cookie's Cafe)
  • Shadow Room (1980-2001)
  • Rainbow Room (1980-1999)
  • Pedal Power and Cycles (1980-1999)
  • Create a Muppet Show
  • Sesame Production Company
  • Sesame Dream Network
  • Everyone is You and Me (1983-1990s)
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Pin Tables
  • Chat Lag
  • Pitch Switch
  • Multiscopes
  • Teleidoscope Temple (1980-1999)
  • Zoetrope
  • Snuffle Ball (1981-unknown)
  • Talking Picture Show
  • Foot Notes
  • Touch of Spring (1983-unknown)
  • Anti-Gravity Mirror
  • Mirror Mirage
  • Circus Mirrors
  • Cheshire Cat (1982-unknown)
  • Little Bird's Birdbath - A sprinkler park for little kids (unknown-2008) (replaced by The Count's Splash Castle)
  • Runaway Rapids - A tube water slide (1984-2008) (replaced by The Count's Splash Castle)
  • The Amazing Mumford's Water Maze - A maze of tubes with water sprays. (1980-2004) (replaced by a pathway)
  • Rubber Duckie Pond (new) - A water play area (unknown-2010) (replaced by Elmo's Cloud Chaser)
  • Big Bird Steps - Formerly "Big Bird Bridge," the park icon of Sesame Place (1980-2007) (replaced by Sunny Day Carousel)
  • The Snake Tube (1981-unknown)
  • Nets & Climbs - hundreds of yards of cargo netting connected by 200 feet (61 m) of suspended net tunnels. (1980-2013) (replaced by Captain Cookie's High C's Adventure, Monster Clubhouse, Mini-Monster Clubhouse)
  • Tunnels of Fun (1980-2013)
  • Whisper Walls (1980-2013)
  • Grover's World Twirl - a character-themed teacup ride (2002-2013) (replaced by Monster Mix-Up)
  • Big Bird's Balloon Race - a 40-foot (12 m) high balloon tower ride that affords a view of the park (2002-2013) (re-branded as Flying Cookie Jars)
  • Cookie Mountain - a tall blue mountain that kids seven and under can attempt to scale on their own (1980-2013) (replaced by Captain Cookie's High C's Adventure)
  • Big Bird's Court - a small playground and Big Bird's Nest, a large padded area with blocks kids 5 and under can build with and run around on (1980-2013) (replaced by Monster Clubhouse, Mini-Monster Clubhouse)
  • Monster Maze - a small, sand bottom pit with large "monster" bags kids can run around in (1980-2013) (replaced by Captain Cookie's High C's Adventure)
  • Elmo's World Live

Shows and parades

  • Neighborhood Street Party Parade - A parade with all costume characters and has dance stops throughout the parade route. (2011-2014, 2016–present)
  • 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.[10] (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.
  • Let's Play Together - Come for a playdate with Abby, Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Bert, and Ernie. They are playing, singing, and dancing for the crowd.

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".[11] (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).[12] (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.[10] (2014–present)
  • Neighborhood Halloween Street Party

A Very Furry Christmas Shows/Parades

  • Christmas Storytime - Enjoy a Christmas story in Mr. Hooper's Emporium.
  • Elmo the Musical- A Christmas 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.[10] (2014–present)
  • A Sesame Street Christmas - Visitors can join their Sesame Street friends to help Abby Caddaby learn about the December Holidays.
  • Neighborhood Christmas Street Party
  • Elmo's Christmas Wish
  • 1-2-3 Christmas Tree
  • Everybody Ought To Know

Costume characters

Families can have breakfast with the characters an hour before the rest of the park opens. This is not included in regular admission price. The entire Sesame Place crew struts down Sesame Street twice a day in the "Neighborhood Street Party" Christmas parade. This features all of the Sesame Place characters, large floats, dancers, and music. The characters include:

Current characters

Sesame Street

Former characters

References

  1. ^ "where Sesame Street comes to life". Sesame Place. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "SeaWorld Entertainment and Sesame Workshop Announce Expanded Partnership to Include New Sesame Place Theme Park - Sesame Workshop".
  3. ^ "TEA Global Attractions Attendance Report" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).
  4. ^ "Far West - PortAventura World". www.portaventura.es. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
  5. ^ Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "The Castle Swing". sesameplace.com. Archived from the original on 2015-11-08. Retrieved 2016-06-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "The Count's Fly By". sesameplace.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-09. Retrieved 2016-06-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "The Count Around". sesameplace.com. Archived from the original on 2015-11-09. Retrieved 2016-06-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Hutchinson, Guy (27 June 2012). "Big Bird Bridge: Rainbow Pyramid".
  9. ^ Hutchinson, Guy (26 November 2012). "Big Bird Bridge: The "boat slide" at Rubber Duckie Pond (version 2)".
  10. ^ a b c Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "Elmo the Musical - Live at Sesame Place". sesameplace.com. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
  11. ^ Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "Let's Play Together!". sesameplace.com. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
  12. ^ Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "The Magic of Art™". Retrieved 2016-06-04.

Further reading

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