OT - Sesame Place Philly, PA

[jessica52877]

I am looking to book a trip to Sesame Place this summer sometime and hoping someone can help me. Having never gone before I have lots of questions. Any tips on saving money would be greatly appreciated! Places for discount coupons, etc. I think I have one from the entertainment book but hoping for maybe a buy one get one free or something of the like.

Can anyone help me with whether you have stayed at one of their preferred hotels. I was looking into the Hamptom Inn Philly NE. But want to make sure it is in a good area of town. How do you just book a hotel when you have no idea what kind of area it is in?

From I-95
Exit #35 (Woodhaven Rd.). To Route 13 South (Bristol Pike). Hotel on left.

From PA Turnpike:
Exit #351 to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Rd.) Follow to Route 13 South (Bristol Pike). Hotel on left.

From NJ Turnpike:
Take Exit 6 to PA Turnpike West, then follow directions above.

That is the directions coming from different areas if anyone is familiar with the area please let me know.

Also wondering about the water, does anyone know if it is heated or not? I would love to go in May, but leary of water temps at that time. I have thoroughly searched their site with no luck on the water temp. I am also looking for any other info, maybe websites or groups to help me along.

Appreciate everyone's help! My son is 3 and I think he'll LOVE it. We also plan on doing a couple days around historic Philadelphia if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks so much!

Jessica

 

[Hannathy]

There was another thread about Sesame not too long ago you may want to search. I can answer a lot of questions later don't have time right now. One the water is not heated , May will be cold.
AAA has discount tickets
Soda cans distributed locally usually have an offer or 2 during the summer
have never seen buy one get one
weekends will be more crowded
I'll have to think which motel that is I noticed at Xmas that a few had changed names.
More later

 

[tammyandtommy]

well I have taken both my kids there, but we live 2 hrs away so we didnt stay there, Just and FYI, much of sesameplace is water attractions, very few dry rides, and I felt it was too expensive for the length of lines and the water rides were just not for us. BUT if you like them, then I say have a great time. You can usually find discounts when you get to the area, but I would just search online to see what you can find! Good Luck and Have fun! My kids love historic Philly

 

[MomBoyd]

We stayed at the Hamptom Inn Philly NE 2 1/2 years ago. It was quite nice and we felt very safe. I would recommend it. We booked a different hotel the next summer to try to save money and it was so horrible we left! We took our second day (two for the price of one) the last week in September instead as a day trip. The water was still warm from the summer and we were able to participate in the Halloween Spooktacular. If you want to avoid the summer crowds you might want to consider fall rater than May when the water is COLD! Your 3 year old will love it!

 

[Hannathy]

Just checked with my DH that motel is in northeast Phila. OK area. it is a busy location where several major roads meet, restaurants, office buildings etc.
Avoid any motel that the city is Bristol Pa (not Bristol Pike that is a street)but the city name is Bristol this is a run down area.
May is good for the Historic Philly stuff not mobbed like in the summer.
Sesame has become almost entirely a water park- 20 years ago it was the opposite- there are a few shows and a parade but most is water. If you do go in May I would say it would have to be weather dependent it might just be too cold. I agree it is pricey so if you can't go on the water slides it is a lot to pay to play in the wave pool, see 2 shows, ride 1 rollercoaster(fun but small) and see a parade.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

I live in Bristol, 10 minutes from Seasame, its not too bad but I agree NO nice hotels. Seasame is NOT heated, your best bet is weekdays in late June, July or August when its HOT. There is a Sheraton across the street which is very nice and TONS of restaurants, being this close you can go back to the room for a "break" or nap if need be. Plus there is a BK next door so you can get an inexpesive lunch. Coupons are few and far between, there is a $5.00 off in the Entertainment book BUT its not good for Elmo's passport, which gives you a 2 day ticket. Parking is $7 or $10, if you stay at the sheraton I "think" there is a shuttle. Also an indoor pool at this hotel. Close to the mall, and the restuarants close by are Chili's, Old country buffet, TGI Fridays, Bertucci's, Cheesburger in Paradise, Red Robin, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Wendsy's, Panera (soup and sandwiches) food court in mall which also has a Disney store if you need yoru fix The hotel in the Northeast is about 15 minutes from Seasame Place.

Let me know if I can help anymore, we usually get season passes.
ANYONE can PM me with Questions

 

[don8life]

We went 2x last summer and I will never go again after our second trip. Once was the beginning of June. It was great we had lots of fun. Not many people at all. Water is not heated so make sure you get a hot day. The second time we went it was insane. In August during the week. Truly disgusting. Kids pooping in the pool, spitting whereever tehy please. Absolutley the grossest place I have ever been too. Too bad becasue it is a great idea. The shows were great.
We stayed in Princeton NJ. Very nice area. 15 minutes away.

 

[Mary6949]

Hi Jessica -- My 2 nieces (9 and 4 at the time) and I went to sesame place about 2 1/2 years ago -- using sesame's vacation package (2 day pass, one night at a hotel). I took a leap of faith and booked the Comfort Inn. I also was concerned about what the heck I was getting myself into, but it turned out to be fine. The hotel was clean and we felt safe there. I remember there being a bit of a ride to the park, but nothing that I found inconvenient. I'm not sure about the Hampton NE, but maybe if you did a search online on the hotel itself, you may be able to see pictures, get reviews, etc. that might help in making your decision.

Sesame itself is great..the kids loved it. We had the two-day pass which was included in the package. The only meal we ate in the park on day one was lunch -- and as expected, it was a bit expensive. I'm not sure if you can bring anything into the park for lunch, that might save $$.

On the morning of day 2, I did pay for breakfast with big bird and friends -- and that turned out to be a real highlight. I will never forget the look on the 4 year old's face when Elmo sat next to her and pretended to drink her milk...it was priceless. She talked about it for days. Or, when she saw Cookie Monster and he opened his arms real big to give her a hug -- I amost started crying! LOL! It really made the trip all worth it.

Also, Elmo's World is great..and I remember them having a really cool parade with all the characters...similar to the Disney's main street parade.

Good luck in your decision. You will definately not regret going.

 

[marcyinPA]

We did Sesame Place about 5 years ago. Once was enough for me. Too many water rides, not enough "other stuff", and way too pricey! To make matters worse, we were not impressed with the people who shared the park with us that day(I'm trying to be nice here!)...people cursing at their kids, littering in and around the pools, people cursing and using foul language in general.

It's no Disney World, that's for sure!

 

[maux]

I live in Tullytown, Pa which is about 10 minutes from Sesame Place. Just to let you know, there are a couple other hotels besides the Sheraton that are about 5 minutes away from the park. There's a Holiday Inn Express, a Red Roof Inn and a Courtyard by Marriot. The park is actually in Langhorne, Pa in the Oxford Valley Mall's parking lot!

maux

 

[jessica52877]

There was another thread about Sesame not too long ago you may want to search. I can answer a lot of questions later don't have time right now. One the water is not heated , May will be cold.
AAA has discount tickets
Soda cans distributed locally usually have an offer or 2 during the summer
have never seen buy one get one
weekends will be more crowded
I'll have to think which motel that is I noticed at Xmas that a few had changed names.
More later

Thank you, I'll try searching again later. Last night it kept telling me server too busy when searching so I became impatient! So far I have noticed that at some point it seems everything has been discussed.

Appreciate all the info so far, I am going to read again later when I can think so I might have more questions! Thanks!

I appreciate the tips on the bad and the good. I am worried as far as I am used to Disney and Cedar Point, two extremely clean parks but this is a one time thing. My son LOVES sesame street. We actually had this thought out for last year until the free dining came along, so changed our trip to Disney!

I think I'll go with late summer then, I was very concerned about the water part as reading through it seems it is a big part of the park. Can anyone give me a heads up as to when the local kids go back to school. Hoping to hit it right after on a weekday if it is still open.

And I had written off the character breakfast but it sounds like something my son would love so I'll probably go ahead and do it now! We plan on doing historic Philly too so I wasn't so concerned with a hotel being so close to Sesame Place. I plan on researching all mentioned as atlest I know someone thinks they are okay!

THANKS!

 

[moopdog]

I went in the beginning of June when most schools were still "in" but still pretty warm out, but still the crowds were not pleasant. I'd feel guilty if I didn't come straight out and say "maybe reconsider this trip" If you've been to Disney and Cedar point I realize that there's only going to be some dissapointment at other places but Sesame Place will (in my opinion only) probably REALLY dissapoint you. IF your children are absolutely addicted to the Sesame Street characters and watch every day, etc. and if they are under the age of 7 or 8, maybe go for it, but even still.... There's other places in the general area I'd suggest before SP.

Good Luck and have fun wherever you go!!

 

[kikakeko]

We went a few years back and were not impressed at all. Expensive for what you get and I won't go back. My DH still reminds me of "that god awful trip to philly that you made us go on" But I hope it is different for you all!

 

[jmminarik]

But want to make sure it is in a good area of town. How do you just book a hotel when you have no idea what kind of area it is in?

It's an Ok area...more of a inner-ring suburban design than urban. It is close to shopping malls and reasonably quick to get to Center City outside of rushhour.

However, it really doesn't offer any of the benefits of urban living...your restaurants tend to be typical suburban chains...you need to drive everywhere....not much "touristy" stuff in the same sense as Center City.

You may want to check out the gophila website. They've just announced they are bringing back the Philly Overnight packages.

As for Sesame Place itself...no kids, no desire to take neices or nephews based on my friends and family's opinions.Conveniently located in the middle of one of the most densely populated, highly metropolized regions of the country, it has a fairly large draw from most segments of the socio-economic spectrum...even with the seemingly outrageous prices.

Good Luck....and thanks for coming to Philly.

-Joe

 

[marcyinPA]

Conveniently located in the middle of one of the most densely populated, highly metropolized regions of the country, it has a fairly large draw from most segments of the socio-economic spectrum...even with the seemingly outrageous prices.

EXACTLY my thoughts...but you said it much better than I could have!!

 

[haycam98]

We have been to Sesame Place 3 times in 5 years. Our last visit was last summer. Both my kids had a ball ( ages 4 and 7). The day we were there was rainy but warm and it worked out because it drove others out of the park and there was no waiting in line. We stayed and had fun because since it is a water park we were going to get wet anyway. We found it clean and pleasant. Would I take my kids back? If they wanted to go, I would definitely. Yes, it isn't Disney but then what is.

As for a hotel, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and would recommend it. It is about 10 minutes away and a straight shot. The closer hotels to the park are a bit more pricey.

Another great treat for our kids was KahunaVille (sp?). When you pull out of the Sesame parking lot, turn right and it is located at the mall. Similar to the
Rainforest Cafe (atmosphere) and Dave and Buster's(games).

Hope that helps, Jodie

 

[belleandthebeast]

Sesame Place has a new area opening this summer-Elmo's World (or Place, something like that) and they have 3 new rides, one called Peak A Bug. How cute is that???? I would have never thought to go there before. But now, I seriously considering it for this summer. My niece loves Elmo.

Just a thought, but AAA usually discounts the Sesame Place tickets. Our AAA sells a 2-day pass for about $42 (not 100% sure on the price).

Have fun! It's looks like an awfully cute place to spend the day.

 

[jmminarik]

EXACTLY my thoughts...but you said it much better than I could have!!

Well, if I said you get more dirtballs from the northeastern US than you'd ever find at Disney, someone would get upset. I pick my politically incorrect battles.

-Joe

 

[Mary6949]

I was out at the pool at the Boardwalk in Disney and I remember watching a worker there removing a dirty pamper that someone had stuffed into a potted plant...yuk!

The NE does not own the exclusive license on dirtballs...pretty much can find them anywhere.

 

[ChrisAlli]

Well I live in Langhorne and have had season passes for the last three years.

The schools here will be out by mid-June and usually have been going back a few days before Labor Day.

First week in June is pretty good, but may not be too warm for water rides.

Unfortunately, we never go near the place in July and August. There are MANY buses that come this time of year. Very crowded. But if you go after 4 or 5 it's better.

I suggest the first week in June or last week in August. If you stay close by, Sheraton across the street offers a shuttle, there's a Courtyard by Marriott, fairly new you can take a break mid day if it get's too busy and come back. Or go over to the Oxford Valley Mall to eat and escape the crowds for a bit.

Kahunaville as I think someone else had mentioned closed a while back.

I think some people are taken back by where Sesame actually is located. It's on a major road pretty much in the front of a mall parking lot.

My kids are 2 and 4 and love it there, but it is not at all Disney.

As far as things in the city of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Zoo is great! The Franklin Institute is another favorite and the Please Touch Museum.

Just thought I'd add some thoughts