Sesame Place review and tips

We went this weekend and I got so much info from these boards that I wanted to post my thoughts. We were there from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon and stayed at the Homewood Suites in Newtown, PA which was less than 10 minutes away. The hotel was great, new, clean, reasonably priced and spacious. Got the 1-bedroom suite and there was plenty of room. We were able to close the door completely to have our DD sleep. The only downside is that they don't offer a shuttle to the park.

I expected SP to be super crowded and kind of dirty on Sunday. It was definitely crowded but I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness. There were lots of people but since we weren't doing any of the "big kid" rides, it wasn't bad at all.

Wear your bathing suits because a lot of the park is water based. The toddler areas were really nice and perfect for DD. She even ventured over to Duke's Castle (or whatever it was called; the big sprinkler/pool in the back) and had fun. Watch out for unruly children though.

In addition, we got the Magic Queue pass which made it SO nice and easy for us. We got to skip to the front of the line on just about all the toddler rides, as well as the lazy river. It really came in handy when it came to the Elmo's World show--we didn't have to wait in line and went straight to the front. Totally worth it.

I reserved a locker but didn't end up using it. If you have a stroller with you and leave your valuables in the car/hotel/home, you should be fine. Just wear your bathing suit under your clothes and you're all set. We had our car key, a credit card and a little bit of cash in one of those waterproof bags and that was perfect. There is stroller parking in front of every attraction so you can leave the towels and stuff there and no one bothers it.

The character breakfast was totally worth it for us. Not only does it get you into the park early, you get to see a lot of the characters in one place. We did the Elmo and Friends that had Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Zowie and Big Bird. I think Cookie Monster and Abby are at the other breakfast. After you check in, you can leave before the breakfast officially ends at 10:15 (the park opens at 10) to go straight on the rides that get crazy later in the day. We were able to do the tube rides with no wait.

The shows are really cute. We saw Elmo's World which is just like the segment on Sesame Street. It's nice because it's indoors and air conditioned but you may have to line up to get in. Elmo Rocks was a really fun show (has just about all the characters). Lots of seating so there shouldn't be a wait but it is outside, albeit under shade tents.

All in all, I had low-ish expectations but they were definitely exceeded. I thought it was a terrific park for my almost 2 year old. She had such a great time and loved it all, except leaving. We're now dealing with her asking for "Elmo park more" all day long.

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

thanks for the review. How was she on the rides. We took my ds to a carnival and I went on one of the rides with him and he was skiddish to say the least.
He is 21 months

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

thanks this is great info. We are taking my almost 2 year old in about 2 weeks. Do you need to buy the Magic que for all 3 of you? Since I think you dont pay if you LO in under 2 right?

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

We were there at the same time!!! We got there around 2pm on Sunday, stayed at the Sheraton across the street and left on Monday after it poured and they closed the park.

I really enjoyed it and DD had fun but she is 18 months and could'n go on any rides (most rides are 37" and up)...she could only go on the lazy river but we still enjoyed and can't wait to go back.

Really great place for small kids!

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Thanks we are planning on doing since he loves Elmo and Seasame Street we thought it would be fun.

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Thanks for the review. Sounds like it was fun!!!

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Thanks !

Did you happen to notice if the little kid powered cars were still there ( I think it was called the twiddlebugs or something like that) It was kind of hidden under the big slide with the rubber ducky .....

When we took my DS 2 years ago he loved them, and my friend went and said she didnt see them this year!

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Good info...I was just talking to my DH about taking our almost 2 year old this summer but thought he may be afraid of any large characters...still on the fence but we'll see

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Posted by Bops

Thanks !

Did you happen to notice if the little kid powered cars were still there ( I think it was called the twiddlebugs or something like that) It was kind of hidden under the big slide with the rubber ducky .....

When we took my DS 2 years ago he loved them, and my friend went and said she didnt see them this year!

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

Posted by HappyWife

Posted by Bops

Thanks !

Did you happen to notice if the little kid powered cars were still there ( I think it was called the twiddlebugs or something like that) It was kind of hidden under the big slide with the rubber ducky .....

When we took my DS 2 years ago he loved them, and my friend went and said she didnt see them this year!

I think I saw something like that...it was more like a little train though.

I just checked the Sesame Place map and it looks like there's something just like you described.

We didn't go on it though, so I can't be sure.

Re: Sesame Place review and tips

thanks for the review.....we're going next week and have been looking for a hotel with suites to stay in