With Tips on Planning Together!
Langhorne, PA (March 10, 2007) -- Babies take their first step and parents cheer. Babies begin to speak and parents are thrilled. Each new adventure a young child conquers feels miraculous whether it's exploring new heights in playgrounds or taking family excursions, even visiting their first theme park. That's when children are ready for Sesame Place, the nation's only theme park based on the award-winning television show Sesame Street, located near Philadelphia in Langhorne, PA.
Why is Sesame Place the best theme park to visit first?
Rhonda Clements, Ed. D., immediate past president of the American Association for the Child's Right to Play and Professor of Education at Manhattanville College, is a long time fan of Sesame Place. The author of nine textbooks on children's play activities, she said, "Parents are always seeking that one special experience that their young children will remember for a lifetime. For some, a theme park can be overwhelming, but not at Sesame Place. After all, it was created to encourage children to learn about the world, to explore and seek out adventure with the same philosophies as Sesame Street, the television show. And, Elmo is there! We all know how young children adore this furry red character. At Sesame Place many of the rides, attractions and shows are themed for Elmo and other Sesame Street characters. It's truly a safe haven for parents."
Another major benefit, in the opinion of Dr. Clements, is the importance of playing out of doors with children. She continued, "Young children today benefit greatly from escaping the confinements of the home and spending time with family members outdoors. Sesame Place is the ideal environment to do this as it awakens children's senses, sparks their curiosity, fosters creativity, and exposes all family members to possibilities that are beyond their immediate imagination."
All theme parks offer adventures, but look at the creative opportunities for the young child, growing up with Sesame Street! There is the new 21,000 sq. ft. playland called Elmo's World with three fun-filled thrill rides " Flying Fish, Blast Off and Peak a Bug. There are 15 water rides including Sky Splash, topped with an 8' tall Rubber Duckie and Teeny Tiny Tidal Waves where a larger-than-life Ernie billboard oversees a wave pool. There is the family roller coaster called Vapor Trail, themed with Super Grover. There are many shows including the new "Abby Cadabby Treasure Hunt" starring all the Sesame Street friends, and, in addition, there is a newly themed Elmo's World Live stage show. Children love wandering down Sesame Neighborhood, which is the replica of Sesame Street, where they can hug (and tickle) their favorite Sesame friends including the newest neighbor on Sesame Street, Abby Cadabby.
Before visiting Sesame Place, plan together with the children. Go to the website www.sesameplace.com and view the map and the pictures of the various rides and shows. Dr. Clements recommends planning early, selecting activities to do together. She said, "Overall, parents play an important role in getting children comfortable about this first time experience. Everything leading to the big day will help assure that your child will find joy in the experience. Share the excitement and the anticipation together."
The following preparatory tips will be helpful. Parents should remember to check the Sesame Place website for all details " including dining schedules and nearby hotels:
- Plan your day, keeping flexibility in mind. It will be fun to view the website with your children and make a list of everything they would love to do. Then choose priorities, just in case there isn't time to do it all. This will be a big help as you enter the park and begin the adventure.
- Review the park map and check show schedules. Plan meals and activities around show times. For example, if you want to be sure to see the "Rock Around the Block" parade, have lunch early so there's plenty of time to get a good spot for the parade.
- Select which dining with the characters meal is timed best for your visit. Make reservations in advance.
- If you are staying overnight, find a hotel nearby so the child can go back for a nap. Get your hand stamped for re-admission.
- Consider what clothing to bring by how you plan your day. Do you want to do water rides immediately? If so, you could wear bathing suits under clothing and bring another outfit for later. Remember to pack water shoes, towels and a change of clothes " perhaps two bathing suits.
- Have keys and valuables in a small case that you can wear or easily hold.
- When meeting the Sesame Place characters, suggest the children ask them "yes" and "no" questions, as the lovable walkaround characters will happily respond to these type of questions.
- Bring your cameras and you'll notice photo opportunities at the park for professional shots you might want to purchase.
- Knowing young children, anything is possible. The youngster eager to meet Elmo might get shy when first meeting him. Take your time. Let him look from afar until he is comfortable getting close enough for a hug and a photo!
- Remember, each child is an individual. At each stage, a child will experience the park in a unique way. Older siblings love the water rides and will enjoy being the teachers for their brothers and sisters.
Sesame Place offers many stimulating play activities featuring exhilarating water attractions such as Sky Splash, live stage shows, the "Rock Around the Block" musical parade, the physical challenges of Nets n' Climbs and memorable Sesame Street character greetings throughout the day. It is located only 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of Manhattan. Sesame Place is a division of Busch Entertainment Corporation, which operates Sea World, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. For more information, visit www.sesameplace.com.
Sesame Place opens May 5, 2007. It is open Friday through Sunday until May 25th when the park is open daily. After Labor Day, Sesame Place is open weekends only until October 27, 2007. Single Day General Admission is $44.50, under two years of age are free, and seniors (55+) are $39.50. Twilight prices are $26.50 after 2 p.m. when the park is open until 5 or 6 p.m. and after 4 p.m. when the park is open until 8 p.m. There are varying selections of season passports such as the entry level Sesame Passport, upscale Big Bird Passport and platinum level Super Grover Passport with benefits throughout the season. To learn more about Passport benefits, Breakfast or Dinner with Big Bird & Friends, the line-up of special events and general park information, call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO or visit www.sesameplace.com. Please note that prices listed above are before taxes.
Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in children's lives around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendarySesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching. Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programs like Dragon Tales, Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat, and Pinky Dinky Doo and ground breaking multimedia productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia. As a nonprofit, Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of Sesame Street, Dragon Tales, Sagwa, and Pinky products right back into its educational projects for children around the world. Find the Workshop online at www.sesameworkshop.org.
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