Sesame Place, is the nation's only theme park based entirely on the show Sesame Street. The place is celebrating their birthday this year and we were there to join the fun. It is an ideal park for families with young children. If you want to get your feet wet in doing theme parks with the kids, Sesame Place is the way to go. It's a good size park for a weekend getaway, and it has a nice variety of theme rides, water fun, parades and show that kids will truly enjoy! In my opinion, it is a must do park while the kids are little.
We enjoyed the Elmo Rocks show and the parade and had fun going around the attractions in Elmo's World and the Big Bird's Rambing River and Elmo's Waterworks! Like every amusement park, you must know that there will be a crowd when you go on weekends, and peak hours. So if you can plan your vacation to go on a weekday, it will be much better. If you can be at the park as soon as it opens then you can beat the crowd and the lines for the rides are much shorter early in the day. 
Since we were only going for a day it helped that we have the Abby's Magic Queue, to get priority boarding at select attractions (not all). Was it worth it? Yes and No. Yes because with a toddler waiting in line could be a challenge, so we were happy that we skipped the lining up part. Things to consider, the place where they have the lines are not shaded, so you will be out in the sun for a while, and there is nothing to do or see while in line to "entertain" your littles. The Abby Magic Queue is good for select attractions only, for the major ones, which is usually where the line is anyway, we could not use it. I remember staying in line for Sesame Streak only to back out after our child gave up waiting.
Here are some tips to make the most of your Sesame Place experience:
1. Plan Ahead. Find the best deals available online. Sign-up for their e-newsletter to get information on deals, sales, etc. Visit their website to check what are the Park attractions including height requirements and park policies, decide how to it best fits your budget and what are the must do's for your family keeping in mind quality vs. quantity.
2. Download the Mobile App. You will get the latest real-time information about the park, with all sorts of features to help you make the most of your visit, like exclusive offers and deals, and daily show times. You’ll also find an interactive map, fun photo frames, insider park tips and more. Plus don't forget to sync your credit card with your mobile app to make purchases for food and merchandise easy! If you were not able to download the App, then grab a map as soon as you get in, this will help you navigate around the park and will help you plan your day.
3. Get Around the Park With Ease. Bring the biggest stroller you have to carry your food, towels, clothes, sunscreen, and water-friendly shoes. Yes you need water-friendly shoes, for going around the waterpark comfortably. If you don’t have a stroller, consider something that you can leave outside each ride to keep your stuff in one place like a wagon, or a backpack. You may rent strollers for $18 but do you really want to use your money on a stroller? That is why it is prudent to bring your own.
4. Bring a Cooler. It is one of the few parks that allows you to bring a cooler, so take advantage. We wanted to save money on food and drinks and make sure that our little man has familiar and healthy snacks and drinks so we brought a small cooler. Luckily it was just the right size! The maximum size of an acceptable cooler is seven quarts or no larger than 10"x10"x12" and they check the size and what's inside when you enter the park. Check Sesame Place's cooler and picnic policy for more details.
5. Dine with Elmo and Friends is the best way for your child to get to meet the characters. Seriously consider this if your child is a fan and would love to meet characters and get their autographs. You don't waste time waiting in line plus it is a guaranteed way to get up close and personal with your favorite Sesame Street Characters.
6. Waterproof Case/ Pouch A Must. I like taking pictures so I bought a waterproof pouch for my mobile phone from Amazon, prior to going, and I am so glad I did! It really came in handy. This will come especially handy if nobody in your party will be staying behind to watch the valuables and you do not want to rent a locker which is about $20, and is located way up front by the park entrance. You may use your Waterproof Case/ Pouch, to protect your phone, put your credit card and/ or some cash.
7. Parades. If watching the parade is a must-do for your family, then you want to , and stake your spot by putting a towel or parking a stroller. If you have seen the Parade once, then this is the best time to go on some rides with the longest lines. Usually families start staking their spot an hour before the parade begins so be mindful of the time and your location if you don't want to miss it.
8. Parking. It is not very far from the park itself so we did not find the need for paying preferred parking. I think getting preferred parking at $18 or VIP Parking at $30 only makes sense if you plan to leave your stuff in the car or packed some lunch for the whole family. If you are staying in a hotel, look for one with free shuttle, it takes you right to the entrance.
9. Use your own camera. There are photos spots where paid photography is being offered but you are also allowed to take pictures of your own. So ask nicely and the Sesame staff will gladly take your family photo.
10. FREE Souvenir when you buy a Children's Combo meal! It comes with a Complimentary Plates and Straw Cups.
11. Twilight Ticket, this is an after 3PM ticket, if you want to avoid the lines both inside the park and out as well as beat the heat. It costs less than the full day pass and the park empties considerably around 6pm. There is still a parade in the evening, plenty of room in the restaurants, shows to see, etc. Five solid hours playing inside the park.
12. Season Pass. You get the return on that investment within two visits. Preferably buy it either in the winter during the sale or in mid-summer when you can get the rest of one year and the whole next year for one price. This is best recommended for those that plan to go more than once, or if you live close to the area or have relatives there and don't have to pay for lodging when visiting PA.
Details:
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road Langhorne, PA 19047
Tel: 866-GO-4-ELMO
website: http://www.sesameplace.com
Disclosure: I was given a 1-day pass to go to Sesame Place in order to review it. All opinions expressed in the review are mine and are honest.
