Love it!! We were season pass holders for a few years when my son was 3 and 4. We always had a great time!! I'd try to avoid summer weekends if you can, but otherwise it's such a fun daytrip. It's not too far so it's easy to get there, and it's a very manageable size for young kids. We always brought a stroller primarily to corral crap (there is "stroller parking" everywhere).
The fall is actually our favorite time to visit, because the crowds are a little lighter and they have a fun Halloween theme. But that's the neat thing, they change it up seasonally so you can enjoy different shows and decorations at different times of year.
They've recently completed a big renovation of part of the park and we haven't been there since that point.
We went this year when they allowed families with children on the Autism spectrum to come for a day prior to their official opening. We were there two hours before our grandson was "done" and the kids had a great time - our daughter and her family rarely get to do something as a family, so this was really special. Suggestions: definitely bring a stroller (even for an older kid) and pack your own food and drinks.. check their site for container size limitations. Food was very expensive and it was a long wait - I envied the family that packed in their own fried chicken, salads and beverages. IMO, parking is expensive $25 per car. The water park section wasn't open when were were there, but it looks to be a good way to cool down if you go in the summer.
I've enjoyed my 2 visits there as well. We'd arrive at opening, do the few rides and shows and then just enjoy splashing in the pools/waterparks in the afternoon.
They really cater to the season pass holder ... and I saw an email the other day that Season Passes for 2016 are on sale now - so you get the rest of 2015 and 2016 for your season pass. With the SP, you get 30% off most purchases in the park, including food. My daughter and I paid $15 total for a full meal for each of us the other day, that included drinks.
As far as parking, there are 3 lots to choose from. General parking is $17 per day. You can get free parking in the General Lot with higher level season passes.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are your best days to go.
Lots of discount coupons are available right now, as it's their 35 birthday this week.
We have been several times. It is awesome, fun and exhausting. Perfect for littler kids. They have water slides and many rides for smaller children. Worth reserving a locker. The meal with Elmo is also super fun the first time.
Totally agree about the season passes, they're a very good bargain. We got the basic one for two of us, and then one with the upgraded free parking. We easily made our money back in 2 visits between the cost of admission, food and parking.
I would just suggest going before the last week or two of August, when camps are out, as it was super crowded when we went a couple years ago.
I have not been in years, but when my son was young I found the Land of Make Believe, closer, cheaper and less crowded. That said, I think Sesame Place is a great place to visit, but not so much on the weekends or other busy times. I'm still amazed I waited an hour and a half just for one ride.
composerjohn said:
My younger son is 19 months. Too young?
This really depends. I took my 13 month old there the other day. He had a blast, BUT, we have season passes and were in the area. With free parking and lunch being $15 total (we split an adult and kids meal 3 ways), the outlay of cash was minimal.
Personally, if you go, I would buy the 2016 season passes for the adults. The 19 month old is free. Buy the 19 month old a season pass for 2016 in the winter when they are 30% off. Next summer the 19 month will have a blast there. If you have the ability to go on a weekday, it is less crowded and more fun!
composerjohn said:
My younger son is 19 months. Too young?
I think he'll be the perfect age in the fall. Unless the water attractions are really important, I'd wait just due to summer crowds (unless weekdays are an option). My son's first visit was a few months before he turned 2 and he really had a blast.
We always packed a large cooler and left it in the car. Paid the extra money for the VIP parking (the closest to the entrance) and then went out to the car at lunch time. They have picnic tables in the area for this very reason. That way you can avoid the long lines and the mediocre food offerings!
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Anyone ever taken the kids there? If so, thoughts (pros, cons) and / or recommendations?