For our Sesame Street-loving toddler, we took a family trip to Sesame Place park near Philadelphia, PA. I had no expectations for this trip other than having some fun, riding some rides and getting to see Sesame Street characters.
We got there shortly after the park opened at 10 a.m. and went to the rides first. We figured we’d get in as many rides as possible since it looked like most people went to the water rides first. We walked through the Sesame Neighborhood, took some pics and kept going.
While my two big kids (6 and 8 years old) were enjoying the rides, I browsed the app (which is extremely clunky) and realized we needed to get in line to meet Elmo stat. The app had a list of events and clearly stated you could meet Elmo in the Sesame Studio.
One major issue: Sesame Studio was not on the app. Nor was it on the maps at the park. And none of the 6 employees we talked to knew where it was. After zigzagging the same general area, FINALLY, we saw this sign on the back of the building….
If you’re looking at the Sesame Place map, Sesame Studio is the unnumbered blue building with the bathrooms icon on it, just above the Monster Clubhouse and next to Elmo’s Eatery. It’s literally one of the most important places in the park IMO took us about 30 minutes to find. #fail
We waited in line for about 40 minutes to meet Elmo and Abby Caddaby, her favorite! My toddler wasn’t having any of it. #momlife
While waiting in line to meet Elmo, I remembered it was their “Christmas in July” themed day because the TV showed Christmas Sesame Street shows and the characters were dressed for Christmas. Otherwise, there were no reminders of Christmas the rest of the day. #fail
Every toddler is different, but seeing how mine reacted, I am thankful we didn’t spend money to dine with Elmo only to have her scream and cry through the meal.
When you meet a character, they have a professional take pics and then give you a card with a QR code so you can buy your photos later. Luckily, one of the assistants took pics with my phone because it turns out my QR code was empty. #fail But I was somewhat grateful since a PDF of one photo was like $30.
The big kids loved the rides, but my toddler was a bigger fan of the shows. I think because the characters were farther away. Our favorite was The Magic of Art, featuring Abby Cadabby and friends.
We parked our stroller outside and sat down in the far back right as the show started. It wasn’t crowded so we could social distance, we were in the shade and all 3 kids enjoyed it. #winning
For lunchtime, instead of waiting an hour for chicken fingers, pizza or a meatball sub, we went into Mr. Hooper’s Food Market. It had pre-packaged sandwiches and salads along with grab-and-go items (cheese sticks, pudding cups, chips, granola bars, etc.).
There were no prices anywhere. We bought 3 salads, 1 sandwich, 3 chocolate milks, 3 apple sauce cups and 1 Uncrustable for $58. Expensive? Yes. But we didn’t have to wait in line and it was much healthier.
The website says no outside food or drinks. However, we read a review saying to ignore that so we brought in a bunch of snacks and water bottles. We figured the worst that could happen was we’d have to bring the food back to the car.
To give you an idea of the food you have the option of waiting in a very long line to eat, here’s a pic of one menu. There were a few food places completely closed too. Seriously, the park needs more food options if it’s back at 100% capacity! #fail
Since you can leave the park and re-enter on that same day, we saw a few people who had pizza and other food delivered right to the park entrance! #genius
We tried watching two different parades, but it was just insane. To get a “good view,” we were up on a rock on their beautiful landscaping (sorry Sesame Place!) and still could barely see the characters.
Even though it was fascinating people watching, I felt so bad for all of the kids that could barely see unless they were on someone’s shoulders.
This is when it hit home that we were of the few people wearing a mask. Yes, we were outside. But this was the first post-pandemic crowd I was in and the Delta variant is out there. We were so uncomfortable and couldn’t really see so, we left the parade. It wasn’t worth it. #fail
While we knew we weren’t going to stay completely socially distanced, the parade crowds were too close for comfort.
The swings or mostly empty Monster Club House and Mini Club House was more our speed. Shade, space, bathrooms nearby and calm. #fun
Around 4:30 p.m., we were ready to get out of there. Every store, food stand and bathroom was packed. Ride lines were long. Kids were cranky. It was hot. We were just done.
Overall, I’m glad we went to Sesame Place, even though we didn’t go on at least half of the rides. The Sesame Street characters were magical to my toddler and the big kids had a good enough time on the rides. We knew it wouldn’t be a Disney experience, but overall it was better than the average county fair. However, it was more expensive too, so I don’t think we’ll go back unless the kids specifically ask to return.
Sesame Place Amazon Shopping List
Moms have a lot going on. Below I’ve linked the items we brought (or wish we had brought) to help make our experience easier and more enjoyable.
Buying anything Sesame Street ahead of time will definitely save you money (and shopping time when in the park)!
And, if you’re in the market for some adult Sesame Street shirts before you visit, below are a few of my favorites I spotted on Amazon. Many of these have different colors or adult and child sizes.
If you’ve been to Sesame Place park recently, how was your experience? Or if you’re about to go, was anything above helpful? Please comment below!
Molly says
Oof! Interesting read. I went as a kid in the early 90s and loved it, but we spent most of our time in the water part I think. I had thought of it as a less expensive alternative to Disney, but maybe we’ll re-think!
Debbie says
Agreed– it’s definitely a less expensive alternative to Disney. The kids of course didn’t notice all of these things, they just were so happy to see the characters and ride the rides. I still think it’s worth going if your kiddos would appreciate it, but bring your own food and drinks! We didn’t do the water rides, but those seemed to be a hit, so maybe we just missed the best part!