First look at the brand-new Sesame Place theme park in San Diego
There's a new theme park on the block — and it's a very familiar block, home to Bert, Ernie, Big Bird and friends.
Sunny weather and a perfect blue sky were on hand for the opening day celebrations for Sesame Place San Diego. Kids of all ages were on hand as Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and the gang officially opened the combination theme park and water park just outside San Diego.
We had a chance to visit on opening day to witness the glee of guests as they got to meet their favorite Sesame Street characters. Whether a guest is 4 or 40, there is something here to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Here's what you need to know if you've always wanted to hang out in a real-life, Sesame Street-themed land
Sesame Place features
Full of the friendly characters and the colorful fun of Sesame Street, the new 17-acre park offers a wide range of activities. This park is the first of its kind on the West Coast and only the second in the nation. It has 18 Sesame Street-themed rides, interactive experiences, shows and water park features, including a gigantic wave pool and several twisty tunnel water slides.
A lazy river circles through the middle of the park, which is dotted with splashing waterfalls and kid-safe wet and dry rides for kids for kids ages toddlers on up.
On my visit, there were playful Sesame Street characters roaming throughout the park and interacting with kids.
Elmo, Abby, Bert & Ernie, Count von Count and others posed for photos and welcomed hugs from their adoring fans. The interactions were mellow, charming and very heartwarming as we could clearly see the kids were over-the-moon excited to meet their Sesame Street heroes. I even had a fun conversation with Big Bird that rekindled some fond memories.
Rides and slides
The majority of rides, shows and attractions are geared to the young children who have always been the primary focus of the Sesame Street audience. However, park designers took the entire family into consideration when creating experiences for all ages.
From every vantage point during our visit, we were delighted by something interesting to see, hear and enjoy. Laughter was the soundtrack for the day.
To help park guests determine which rides fit best, Sesame Place has given each experience specific height requirements. Signs at the park entrance and at each ride inform guests of the height minimums and safety protocols. Most rides are possible for kids of all sizes when accompanied by an adult.
Related: First look inside the new Peppa Pig theme park
Splashy water activities
Many families headed straight for Big Bird’s Beach, a giant wave pool where toddlers and smaller children can wade into gentle waves with their parents at the shallow end. Deeper into the pool, larger waves give older kids a bigger thrill. Life jackets are mandatory in this area for children under 48" tall; they are provided at no charge and color-coded on racks by size for easy selection.
Other water fun includes:
- Bert’s Topsy Turvy Tunnels — tube ride down enclosed or open-air slides.
- Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides — six slippery slides for smaller kids.
- Honker Dinger Dash — race down slides on a mat.
- The Count’s Splash Castle — interactive water playground with giant water bucket drop.
- Oscar’s Rotten Rafts — family-sized rafts slip down a twisty course.
Related: New theme park attractions coming in 2022
Family-friendly rides
If getting wet is not in the cards, Sesame Place has you covered with an array of other fun rides. During our visit, the Sunny Day Carousel proved to be particularly popular. While not the flashiest ride, it has a great location within the Sesame Street Neighborhood, positioned in the midst of fun interactive games and surprises.
The collection of dry rides includes:
- Abby’s Fairy Flight – family swing ride.
- Cookie Climb – pull yourself up the cookie towers.
- Elmo’s Rockin’ Rockets – rockets glide in a circle and go up and down.
- Rub-A-Dub Sub – the S.S. Duckie submarine goes up, down and all around.
- Super Grover’s Box Car Derby – a family-friendly roller coaster.
Related: Regional theme parks that are closer to home and just as fun as big names
Shows and parade
Of course, the devoted audiences of Sesame Street begin their love of these iconic characters when they are wee little bundles of fun. Babes in arms, toddlers in strollers and young kids ready to run and play can find plenty of activities designed just for them.
For example, the colorful Sesame Street Party Parade is a crowd pleaser and really had us tapping our toes to the music. All the characters are included as the parade makes its way from Sesame Street Neighborhood through the park. There is a lot of dancing, singing and interaction, and the smiles on the kids’ faces were testament to how much they love these characters. Even young babies in strollers seemed mesmerized by the fun commotion.
A new singing, dancing and character-filled show is debuting at Sesame Place's San Diego location. Welcome to Our Street stars all the favorite characters as they each welcome guests to their home in their own special way.
The show is very well done and, by the end, kids and their families were clapping along and smiling from ear to ear.
Sesame Street neighborhood
The complete Sesame Street neighborhood is brought to life in full scale, including the famous 123 Sesame Street address and front stoop. This area is positioned at the park entrance and includes multiple interactive elements for guests to discover.
For example, Oscar the Grouch’s garbage can is here — and a knock-knock on the top will bring a grouchy interaction.
Ring Bert and Ernie’s doorbell for a set of fun responses from the famous pair. In an area nearby, Big Bird hosts storytime from his giant nest. Even for this grown-up, it was great fun for me to interact with these family favorites.
Certified autism center
A very special program geared to guests with autism is part of the regular Sesame Place experience, with specific programs aimed to make the visit enjoyable for all. The team here is designated as a Certified Autism Center. Patterned after the very successful program at sister property Sesame Place Philadelphia, the autism program here is the only one of its kind on the West Coast.
There is even a special host: Julia, the Sesame Street character with autism.
Related: Tips for flying with a child on the autism spectrum
In addition to a team trained in sensory awareness, motor skills, communications skills and more, Sesame Place has created a Sensory Guide to its rides.
Dining options
Typical amusement park fare, such as hamburgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs and pizza, along with healthier options such as wraps and salads, can be found at various locations throughout the park. Other treats and snacks are also easily available.
Tickets and logistics
- Tickets: Individual day tickets begin at $64.99 if purchased in advance; children under 2 years old get in for free. Season passes are available starting at $132 and include perks like free parking and guest passes. Bundled discounts are offered for the purchase of a combined ticket with both Sesame Place and SeaWorld included.
- Hours: Park hours vary right now, and guests are advised to check the website for what days the park is open. Regular park hours are 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. The park is currently open seven days a week during spring break, and then only on weekends until going back to daily operations during the summer.
- Location: Sesame Place is located approximately a 20 minute drive south of downtown San Diego in the city of Chula Vista. The park address is 2052 Entertainment Circle. The park suggests checking drive times before setting out, due to occasional events being held at the nearby North Island Credit Union Amphitheater that can add to traffic in the area.
Related: The most magical Disney vacation is no longer in the theme parks
Tips for first-time visitors
Parking at Sesame Place is plentiful, but there is a charge of $30-$35 if you don't have an annual pass, so budget accordingly.
You may want to consider reserving a cabana for the day to give your family a shady resting place. A change of clothes and a towel are also must-haves if you want to take advantage of the water-based experiences. There are lockers available to store your belongings.
Last but not least, unless you are certain you are only going to visit once in the year, it may make sense to look at the season pass options.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.