Sesame Place: The Lowdown on tix and navigating the park

comments in light magenta below were added later, on 8/22/09

We were rained out of a scheduled Sesame Place trip earlier this summer. But since SP gives you a free ticket to return if it rains continuously for an hour or more on the day of your visit we were able to return last week! (Note: we went on a weekday so that probably considerably impacted the tone of this review. There was a good sized crowd and we didn't have to wait on lines. But, I could see weekends being packed! Therefore, go on a weekday if you can!)

Tickets: Season vs. Elmo 2Day

We had a group rate ticket from Citymommy that was around $22/ticket. The normal ticket is $50.95 for everyone 24 months and older (but you can use it on two nonconsecutive days--the Elmo Any 2 day ticket).

 The park is open till end of October so you have two more months to use it if you so decide to buy it. Also, they have a deal now, that if you buy the season pass for next year you get the rest of this year included. For our family of four a season pass would be $361.80. If I count 7 months of usage (sept, oct, may, june, july, aug, sept), that works out to $50/month. For our family, two trips will cost $203 (with the Elmo 2 day pass). 

I didn't count October because it is probably too cold to do the water rides then. They do have a great Halloween event in October, though. I think this park is really strong in the water rides area and not so much in the dry rides. 

Entering the Park

There is no glass allowed--we had to give up the two glass juice bottles we had just bought at Barnes. Drat! 

The website says no outside food allowed and the cooler you bring must be 10"x12". But, someone at the gate said you can bring in food as long as it's already prepared (no making cold cut sandwiches there!) There is a nice covered pavilion called The Riverside Pavilion where they sometimes have an all you can eat cookout for around $11. I would recommend bringing food because the food court is pricey--a kids meal cost us $10 each (granted you do get a souvenir cup and Elmo plate)--and not that good (Actually, the food at Sesame Cafe is not bad, I think it's better than Elmo's Eatery. You also get 30% off if you are season pass holder so it's more affordable.  

Another thing I noticed was a lot of the staff was cleaning while we were there--whether mopping down the bathroom floors or sweeping in the dining area. We had an impression of a clean park. 

Navigating the Park

Upon entering the park, I would go to your left side and put your valuables in a locker (or just leave them at home/car). It costs $20 but you get $5 back when you return the key. The number on the key is your locker # (I mistakenly thought you just pick any open locker!). I had a mild panic attack when I thought someone stole my stuff. LOL! 

Change your clothes in the bathrooms in the middle area. I was surprised that they didn't have separate changing rooms--most public parks and beaches require that! (The changing room near the Count's Splashcastle DID have changing rooms opposite the bathrooms). Besides the floors being wet the bathrooms weren't so bad. 

The Water Section

I would then head straight into the water park section on the left. You can start with Big Bird's Rambling River. It was relaxing and parents can even get out and push their little ones in their tubes.

Then, Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave is a great, 2 ft. pool with three different sections. My daughter was practicing her swimming and we could sit and relax in the water next to them. There are no "waves" so the title is a misnomer. It started pouring as we were here and it didn't dampen our fun at all! The life guards are very attentive to the kids. 

If you have kids over 4 years old they might be able to try Slimey's Chutes. There are no hard inclines but they did look like they were going very fast at the end. (This time my hubby took my son (2yrs) on and he was fine. It's a fun ride!) Someone we ran into said that Sky Splash was really fun for the whole family (you need min 3ppl in a group) the only incline that is scary is at the end. Maybe next time!

If your kids like playing in sand, try Sand Castle Beach. I lounged in a beach chair while my son napped and daughter played in the sand--washing off the sand in Ernie's Waterworks nearby. If you've been to a sprayground before you know how much fun they can be. Ernie's is smaller while a short walk away is The Count's SplashCastle--much bigger with the requisite huge pail of water that tips every few minutes. (Note: they rent out cabanas in this area but it's not really necessary) Unless, maybe you go on the weekends when the seating area gets crowded. 

The Dry Section

The best dry rides for our aged kids was the carousel, flying fish, bed bounce (too high for my 2yr old, though), and Monster Maze (dirt floor, though!). The play structure was just huge and looked like it would be good for older kids. 

Don't miss out on the 1-2-3 Smile With Me building (it's easy to miss!). Here you wait on line and get to take pictures with Elmo, Abby Cadaby and Big Bird. Our kids loved this. 

Quarter after every hour (ex, 4:15) they have the Elmo show at Sesame Studio. It's like a mini-version of his show and kids get to meet Dorothy and Mr. Noodle. It's a small theater and they pick some kids from the audience to participate. It's a lot of fun. 

The Parade

At 2 and at 7pm they have a parade of dancers and all the characters. You get to have a prime viewing spot right on the roadway and the characters come around to shake people's hands. This was really fun for the kiddies as they got to "dance in the street." It made me realize that parades can be fun for the kids!

So, we still haven't decided on the Season pass. But, I can see us returning next season for two visits at least. There are other water parks to explore! We did decide to get the season pass and already I'm happy we got it. I think it's one of the best deals around. We even roped grandma into getting one! For parents who don't like stomach-dropping rides this is a fun park because it's very thrill-lite!

Additional costs:

parking $15; locker $15; photo package at 1-2-3 Smile with Me: around $17 min.

not necessary: VIP parking ($22.73), stroller ($18.87)(the strollers might not be a bad idea because your stroller gets wet with all towels n stuff. Also, I saw lots of sleeping kids on them so it might be nap-inducing!), cabana ($169.99). 

Tips:

 

• Trader Bert's sells swimsuits and swim diapers. 
• Bring enough towels and your stroller so you can park everything in there while on rides.
• Bring a plastic bag to store your wet items. Put your credit cards/money in a plastic ziplock
• Bring moisturizer--you will get dried out after all day of chlorine!
• If you want to do character dining, arrange that as you enter the park. Or Call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO for reservations
• You can sign your child up to be in the parade at Mr. Hooper's Emporium. 
• Best place to see the parade: in the middle of the route. 
• If you do decide on season passes, buy one of them as a Big Bird pass because this one affords you free parking the whole season. 
• Two good dining options nearby: A-1 Japanese and Lee's Hoagie House

 

If you want pictures, bring a disposable waterproof camera! Or, you can buy one there for around $20. 

Places to look for other discounts:

Some of their partners include McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Walgreens, CVS and the local AAA office. Discounts are also available if you present a Pepsi can at the ticket booth. Corporate discounts (for companies with 100 or more employees) are available by registering at www.clubsesameplace.com.

If you are a Costco member, try checking out a location near Langhorne...they could have discounts. If you are a military family you may get free admission (double check Anheuser Busch)

100 Sesame Road; Langhorne, PA

www.sesameplace.com

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