Sesame Place 2013 - Family Fun at its Best

It's that time of year again - Sesame Place is open for another season of family fun! 

Two weeks ago, my family and I were invited to enjoy opening day along with other local members of the media.  We were treated to a relaxed outdoor reception complete with Elmo cupcakes, Elmo pretzels and other yummy desserts and refreshments.

We could not have asked for a nicer day to visit, as the weather was beautiful and everything in the park was open for our enjoyment - even the water attractions!

Although we were not quite prepared to brave the water, I can tell you that despite the slightly cool breeze that day, much to our surprise, quite a few visitors took the plunge and appeared to be having a great time on the lazy river, sprinklers and water slides. {Brrrrrrr!}  Of course my kids ohhh'd and ahhh'd about how much fun the water attractions looked, and they could not stop mentioning how excited they are to return later this summer to spend a day enjoying all of the water fun.

We did, however, take full advantage of the beautiful weather and made our way through the majority of the dry rides.  Vapor Trail was our first stop, as we always start our adventure with a fun ride on the roller coaster as a family.  My 6-year-old talks about the roller coaster non stop from the time she arrives until we leave.  It is always her biggest thrill of the day.

Nets 'N' Climbs is another favorite.  My kids spent almost a half an hour climbing through the net mazes and getting in some exercise in the process!

 

Some other family favorites we enjoyed were a spin on Elmo's Cloud Chaser (aka the swings) and Hailey's favorite - Grover's World Twirl (aka The Tea Cups)!

Can you tell how much she loves them?



We finished our visit dancing and singing along with the characters during their high energy parade performance.  I can't think of a better way to end an absolutely perfect day!

Some new and exciting things you can look forward to at Sesame Place in 2013 include:

• New shows which include kid favorites Max & Ruby and Calliou
• Celebration sticker badges (which can be picked up at Guest Relations) - These are such a fun way to proudly display something you or your child may be celebrating such as a first visit, a birthday or other special mention.
• Elmo's Lunchbox Stop - families can preorder boxed lunches online prior to coming to the park and pick them up and eat them at your leisure while enjoying the day.  Grab and go lunches mean more time for fun and less time fussing to stay seated and eat inside one of the restaurants, which we all know can be a challenge with the little ones!
• Starting in May, Sesame Place is also adding a food truck to its street, which will be another quick dining option for guests looking for a quick bite
• You will also be delighted to see even more allergen-friendly foods and healthy-eating options than ever on the menus.
• This year, along with the park’s popular Fireworks shows, guests will be entertained by a newly choreographed  pyrotechnics display.  Fireworks are scheduled for 5/26, 7/4 and 9/1 and 12/31

Some ways families can save money when visiting Sesame Place:

• Purchase a 2013 Season Pass - It will pay for itself in approximately two visits and will allow for unlimited visits to the park all summer.  Sesame Place season passes start at under $100.  This year Sesame Place is also offering a new six-month EZ pay plan for as low as $16.17 per month.  Season passes can be purchased through June 30, 2013 for this year.
• Pick up Sesame Place admission discount coupons at local promotional partner locations including McDonalds, Rite Aid, Wawa, Sesame Street Live or Kid Stuff Books.  Full info on discounts can be found HERE.
• Gather all of your friends and visit together! Groups of 15 or more can save up to 50% at Sesame Place on single day admission tickets.
• Pack a lunch or dinner and eat prior to entering the park.  Pack some snacks and a few water bottles to keep with you.

Some additional tips I would suggest when visiting:

• Consider packing a small cooler with water or juice boxes to keep everyone well hydrated on a hot day (you are allowed to bring a small cooler into the park with you)
•  Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat and reapply throughout the day.  The park is very open and when you are having so much fun it's easy to forget just how hot the sun can be
• On warm sunny days, wear your bathing suit to the park with a comfortable cover up.  It's much easier than having to change into them when you are there.
• Wear water shoes or waterproof flip flops or sandals for the water park.  The ground gets extremely hot fast and you do not want to risk burning your feet (or your children's)
• Purchase a waterproof case for your smart phone if you plan to carry it around with you. 
• Check the times for the shows as soon as you arrive.  It's best to have a game plan so that you can work the shows into your game plan for the day.

I am honored to have been welcomed back as a Sesame Place Sunny Day Blogger again this year and I am looking forward to keeping you up to date on all of the fun you will find at Sesame Place in the weeks to come.  Be sure to watch my weekly weekend event calendar for updates on special events and more.

Sesame Place is family fun at its best!  My family and I look forward to visiting again this summer for another day of non-stop fun. "Meet me at Sesame Place!"


You can also check out my previous review of Sesame Place HERE.

Disclosure: As a Sesame Place Sunny Day Blogger, my family and I received complimentary tickets to facilitate an honest review.  All opinions, as always, are my own.