OT - Sesame Place Philly, PA

[makinorlando]

The Franklin Institute is another favorite
Just thought I'd add some thoughts

The Franklin Institute gets a big thumbs up from me. I grew up and lived in the Phila suburbs until moving to Orlando 2 1/2 years ago, and the FI was always a favorite. My DD8 still remembers going there, and says she would like to go back some time.

We did Sesame Place the year before we moved here, and yes, once was enough. We were there there mid May and it was a little cool for the water but my DD and friend persevered! I agree that sometimes the crowd is a little rough around the edges.

 

[MagicAddict2178]

I absolutely HATE Sesame Place (this is just my opinion). We took 2 trips there last summer, even though we thoroughly hated it the first time. Why? Because the first day we went it rained all day so they gave us passes to come back another day and, considering the price, we felt obligated to use them.

The park was dirty. The bathrooms were torture. The waterpark was nasty - there was all kinds of stuff floating in the water and the whole place smelled bad. Food was priced outrageously high! And you had to wait in a 45 minute line just to get any! Needless to say, I was disappointed in the quality of the park. But I was also disappointed in (maybe even moreso) the quality of the other park guests. Like others have said, the park does seem to attract a lot of less-than-desirable patrons. Just foul-mouthed people with no respect for other people or for the park in general.

My entire family hated it and would never go back or recommend it to anyone. That is our opinion and I hope I'm not being too harsh... I just feel very strongly about that place!

If you do go, I hope your trip is fabulous!

ETA - We also briefly went to Philly and the Please Touch Museum was a lot of fun!

 

[lisaross]

I live in NY and we've been to Sesame the last few years! My kids and us love it so.

My boys absolutely love it there. the parades are lots of fun the rides are great!!!

I've been in both July and August I think its probably less crowded mid-week! we always stay overnight - not sure where but we pick a motel within 5 or so miles - and try to pick a motel that INCLUDES bk-fast!

Prices are not that crazy at the park - not greaat but i'll do for a day or so!

I don't find the park dirty!

I would go either July or August when its nice and hot!!!

have fun

lisa

 

[summerrluvv]

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!

That's how we felt. They do bus a lot of kids from the city there in the summer from daycamp, etc. My son kept getting stepped on and people were pushy and had potty mouths. It wasn't fun at all. The park was cute, but the people made it a bad experience.

 

[lpbm4]

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.

This is exactly why we chose not to go to Sesame Place. We took our 1st family vacation to PA last May/June and we were going to stop there. But I got a lot of negative reviews so we chose not go to. Instead we did Dutch Wonderland and my kids *LOVED* it. We had a great time there.

 

[becky7953]

We took our kids 3 years ago. We went in June, the crowds weren't bad, but there were alot of rude people there. Nothing to ruin our trip. We were considering going again, but decided to go to Idlewild Park in PA. It is a smaller park, and it gets rave reviews about how clean it is. This park is for little kids too. It has a storeybook forest, with characters from fairy tales.

If you still decide to do Sesame Place, take time to check out the Crayola Factory. We saw it last time but didn't get a chance to go.

Good Luck!

 

[bjakmom]

jessica - I took my DNeph (then 7) and DGrD (the day after her 2nd b'day) to SS last summer and managed to have a great time - got so much help from everyone here on the DIS that I just wanted to share what worked best for us. We spent the Weds and Thurs before Labor Day in the park - Weds was absolutely empty - we didn't wait for one single ride/or show all day. We stayed at the Sheraton across the street - an older, more run down Sheraton than I'm used to, but OK. First day we took the shuttle over at opening and did the shows/rides - back to the room by noon for naps. Back over to the parks in our swim suits at about 2:30/3:00 and played in the water park area until dinner time. We drove about 5 or 10 minutes that night to a local Friendly's (the kid's fav place when we travel) for dinner. There was a storm threatening all day, but it never did rain and might have been why the crowds were so absent. On Thurs AM we reversed because it was hot and sunny - went at opening in our suits and played in the water area, which was absolutely empty that morning, but the park was now much more crowded. Back for naps and changed into our clothes for afternoon parade and character dinner. The place was jammming and we waited for over an hour to hold a parade spot on the curb - only to have a mother and kids try to literally come from behind and stand right in front of DGrD and the family waiting next to us - that father said 'no way!' and she moved on after some hesitation. Sometimes I do think this might be a 'cultural' issue with people from other cultures not seeming to think there is anything wrong with jamming in at the last minute. I was so glad we had done the rides and shows the day before, because the waits this day were ridiculous. The character dinner was nothing fancy, but the character interaction was great! - and my two loved every minute of it. There were so many characters there I can't think of any who weren't making the rounds- and every one of them came to our table and posed for pics (except Big Bird and Cookie Monster, who stay in a central location because of their size). We had a great time and the kids loved the characters - loved the parade - DNeph got picked to be in the Elmos World show - they loved the water play areas, but first thing in the AM they were very clean and uncrowded for us - they were mobbed later in the day. So, all in all, it certainly is not Disney - but we still had fun by pacing ourselves and being where the crowds weren't. If I go again, I'll go that same week, but pick Tues and Weds instead of Weds and Thurs. Hope you have lots of fun!!

 

[bsusanmb]

Humm, I have not been to Sesame Place since the late 70's or early 80's. At that time it was a small, lovely park.
Now I have a grandson who is going to be 2, lives in Springfield PA with DD and DSIL. since DH and I have 2 year passes to Sea World, I bought annual passes for DGS, DD, DSIL. I figured that even if we just pushed him through on the stroller and only stayed long enough for him to see Elmo, it would be nice. Now I worry about all the talk about poop in the pool, etc.
I have experienced rude, awful behavior at Universal Island of Adventure. It isn't Disney. I couldn't believe the goth people, all the tatoos and piercing, and the foul language. I had an annual pass and only went twice. Couldn't stand it.
I wouldn't want to have my DGS exposed to parents behaving badly. I guess if I wasted the money, so be it. We also have passes to the Phila Zoo, and that is an area you don't want to venture out of after dark! The zoo is really nice, but smelly in the hot weather, I have found.
Dutch Wonderland was bought by Hershey Park a couple of years ago and it is ideal for little children. It is located in Lancaster PA, in the dutch country.

Will feel really bad if grandson can't experience Elmo....Oh, well,should have read about it on this board before I bought.

 

[Hannathy]

I have been taking various children in my family for over 20 years and have never seen "poop" in the pool. I guess with the hundreds of thousands of kids under 5 an accident could happen but we had to get out of our local Y pool for the same thing. We have found it generally very clean my daughter pointed out that after the parade they immediately sweep up the confetti. My Nephew worked as a Life guard for several summers and he never mentioned poop I know he would have talked about that! He did talk about some rude "city" people but it is the east coast folks. I do know they are very serious about water safety and will throw people out. The water also has a lot of chlorine in it. My kids have always enjoyed it.

If you go when it is crowded get in line for the big bird raft ride first thing this line gets long, and the second parade is usually less crowded than the lunchtime one.

 

[jessica52877]

Well, I am appreciating everyone's honesty! The good and the bad! I live near Atlanta now and we dont really go to Six Flags because of the type of crowd it draws. But i know I have a tainted view of everything growing up Disney. I also know one day won't kill us, honestly if we don't like it we'll leave. And with my son being so young I was looking forward to the water stuff, it seemed quite geared for the littlier ones but I would never put his safety at risk. So of course that will have to be decided when there.

Keep the opinions and suggestions coming. I am glad i know what to expect or I could have had a horrible experience, going now I know not to expect alot. And honestly, if disney did the free dining again, I see us backing out another year.

And i LOVE Friendly's! I am so glad to know there is one nearby! We'll be hitting it!

 

[jessica52877]

Is the Crayola place nearby? I checked to see how close Hershey was and it might be a bit far, but not sure (think it said 2 hours but away from everywhere we were going). Our plans are to drive from GA and visit family a couple days in Baltimore, possibly a freind in NJ a night and then the rest of the time at Sesame/Philly area. We'll only have about 8 days including drive time.

 

[emma'smom]

We took our dd two summers in a row when she was in her "Everything Elmo" stage. I admit the crowd was a bit rough around the edges, but we went in knowing that..so we just rolled with it. I'd say my biggest issue is that it isn't as well maintained as a Disney or Cedarpoint. I wouldn't really call it "dirty", just worn- a little less "Mainstreet, USA" and a little more "urban crossroads". Elmo's House was great though...but when it started raining half-way through our day, we were out of luck. They gave us "rain day" passes, but we were only in town for the day and most rides were water rides- so thunder pretty much cleared the park!

Hershey Park may be worth the 2 hour drive- Who can't be happy in a place that gives out free chocolate bars?

 

[marcyinPA]

Is the Crayola place nearby? I checked to see how close Hershey was and it might be a bit far, but not sure (think it said 2 hours but away from everywhere we were going). Our plans are to drive from GA and visit family a couple days in Baltimore, possibly a freind in NJ a night and then the rest of the time at Sesame/Philly area. We'll only have about 8 days including drive time.

The Crayola Factory is in Easton...probably about an hour drive or so(heading north). Depends on which way you go and how heavy the traffic is. It's fun, but it's not very big. We've been a few times, and we've done it in 1/2 day.

We love going into Philly...the zoo is great, and the Please Touch Museum is really good too. We've been to the Franklin Institute, but honestly, I wasn't all that impressed. Many of the hands on activities were broken the last time we were there. They were also reconditioning the walk-through heart, so we didn't get to do that.

I love Hershey Park...we have yet to bring our kids because they aren't really thrill ride types, but we have gone to Chocolate World quite a bit because my dh's grandmother lives in Hershey. Chocolate World is outside the park, and is free. They have a little ride that shows you how chocolate is made, and you get a free candy bar (snack size!) afterwards.

Also, we went to Dutch Wonderland (in Lancaster) several years ago before Hershey bought it, and my DS 2 (at the time) LOVED it! Cute little park, good for the younger set.

Our favorite PA park is Knoebels in Elysburg. Great park, free admission and parking. You buy tickets to ride the rides, and on special days, you can buy a wristband. Very clean, GREAT FOOD, very reasonable. It might be a little farther than you want to go...it is off of route 80 just south of Bloomsburg.

 

[JulieEck]

Well, I am appreciating everyone's honesty! The good and the bad! I live near Atlanta now and we dont really go to Six Flags because of the type of crowd it draws. But i know I have a tainted view of everything growing up Disney. I also know one day won't kill us, honestly if we don't like it we'll leave. And with my son being so young I was looking forward to the water stuff, it seemed quite geared for the littlier ones but I would never put his safety at risk. So of course that will have to be decided when there.

Keep the opinions and suggestions coming. I am glad i know what to expect or I could have had a horrible experience, going now I know not to expect alot. And honestly, if disney did the free dining again, I see us backing out another year.

And i LOVE Friendly's! I am so glad to know there is one nearby! We'll be hitting it!

Have you checked out American Adventures in Marietta/Kennesaw? It's geared directly toward little ones. We haven't been yet, but I would love to go there and I do have friends that get annual passes to there. The admission is very reasonable. It's right next to White Water and they are both affiliated with Six Flags. Not having been there, I'm not sure about the crowd type. Sorry about being OT!

 

[DisneyDazed]

We live near by and took our son for the first time last year, as he loves Elmo so much. Even at the front gates my husband and I looked at one another and chuckled as we both said " This is no Disney thats for sure" Since its a short drive for us it didnt matter if it was a bust. Thank goodness as I think the Six Flags crowd is much better then the Sesame crowd. My son had a great time, the park cleanliness wasnt too bad but as another poster stated it draws a "certain " crowd. Even if they cleaned it up and it was spotless, the crowd we experienced that day totally ruined it for us. (well except for our son who had a blast and in the end thats what is important) Cursing, yelling, screaming at their kids and pushing and butting in line. I can honestly say Its not a park I would travel for. You will love Baltimore Inner harbor. Gorgeous! The crayola factory is nice but if its not on your way Im not sure its worth the drive really. Its pretty much a self guided tour. Its fun but again, i wouldnt go too far out of my way for it.

 

[SamiL]

I noticed when I bought our SeaWorld tickets that the "Pepsi" code could also be used for a discount on Seasame Place tickets. If you go to seaworld.com and click "buy tickets" at the top of the page on the left hand menu of the page that comes up click on "Enter Promotion Code" and enter the code "Pepsi" You can then choose from any of the Anheuser-Bush Parks. You save a couple of bucks on a two day ticket, and looks like you save a bit more on a one day ticket (20% off -- $33.56).

If you have time, it might also be worth ordering a packet from that areas tourist council (or the state's). Sometimes you find some good coupons in those.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[Honeybehr1]

If you go to the park and get the ELmo pass its buy one day get one free but you cant use coupons and such. It comes out cheaper if your wanting to go two days.
We have been 4 times in the past 6 years and I willnever go again on a friday or a weekend. OMG it is a nut house. There are just too many people in as a small place
Its a great park and every time we went we had a great time. I have always hated water parks but Sesame cured me of that.
My8 yr old just brought it up yesterday that we could go back there for vacation if I wanted too.
The food prices are high for what you get but we did find one place that had great carved turkey sandwhiches. Its at the very end of the park next to the lazy river. I cant think of the name. Its the only place we will eat from now on. We all got sick one trip from everything being fried.
I only cleaniless issue I have had is at the end of the day, the bathrooms near the pool and lockers are pretty nasty. Other than that, I havent had an issue.