Children nationwide have laughed, danced, learned and sung along with the characters of Sesame Street since 1969. “Until we began this project, there was one Sesame Place and now through the long standing partnership with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, and Sesame Workshop, after 41 years, we are opening the second park in the United States based entirely on the iconic children's television program” said John Dunlap, Sesame Place San Diego President, at the park’s sign unveiling event.
The parent company SeaWorld closed Aquatica early this month for what is now Sesame Place, mirroring it’s sister location in Philadelphia which was the first theme park in the world to achieve this concept. According to SeaWorld San Diego Vice President of Marketing, Erica Diprofio, Aquatica employees were given the opportunity to transfer over to Sesame Place San Diego. The park is looking for more employees with about 800 positions to fill.
Sesame Place San Diego will open as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as designed by the International Board of Credentialing and continuing education standards (IBCCES). Sesame Place staff will receive training prior to the park’s debut. According to the park’s website, Sesame Place focuses on providing every family with an enjoyable and memorable visit offering specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs. “Bridging the gap between education and fun. The Sesame Street brand has a rich history in providing valuable learning opportunities for America’s children” said Dr. Akilah Weber, District 79 Assemblymember who joined the event.
There will be planning resources for families including a park-specific sensory map that will help parents plan and match their children’s specific needs and accommodations. The park will also have designated quiet spaces with comfortable seating. “We are proud to be opening this new park as a Certified Autism Center and are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special abilities. Providing fun and memorable experiences through exceptional service is a part of that” stated Marc Swanson, Interim Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment.
“Cookie GroundBreaking” event was scheduled for November of 2019, delayed due to the pandemic. This multigenerational family friendly experience allows people to celebrate kids of all ages, young and young at heart, with their favorite characters like Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird. According to project manager for Sesame Place, Clint Brinker, Sesame Place will have seven dry rides and eleven reimagined splashy rides as well as a musical play area, live theatre shows and an award-winning parade. “We have an agreement with the Sesame Workshop to open another theme park and that is one of the driving reasons. But also, this is a great opportunity to bring Sesame Place to the west coast. Far away from Philadelphia where our sister park is and New York City where Sesame Street originated. So you are going to get a west coast experience with an authentic neighborhood that has all of the characters that you love,” Brinker said.
Season Passes will be available soon but day passes are available for purchase and are valid during any operating day for the 2022 season.
