Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at the incredible Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando! Recently, our family had the joyous opportunity to explore this highly anticipated addition, a vibrant, six-acre wonderland that stands as the largest Sesame Street-themed land within any SeaWorld park. Coinciding with Sesame Street’s momentous 50th anniversary celebration, this immersive environment replaced what was formerly Shamu’s Happy Harbor, transforming it into a place where beloved characters and iconic landmarks from the classic television show come to life. Stepping into this world, guests are immediately transported to the familiar neighborhood, complete with Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, Mr. Hooper’s Store, and the legendary 123 Stoop. Every corner offers a chance to meet and interact with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends, creating cherished memories for visitors of all ages.
The vision behind this remarkable expansion was clearly articulated by leadership upon its grand opening. Mark Pauls, President of SeaWorld Orlando, shared his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to walk down Sesame Street for the very first time in the theme park capital of the world. This highly-anticipated, immersive new land is the largest Sesame Street land inside of any of our SeaWorld parks. With over 30 new ways to play and an award-winning parade, this is a new land that guests of all ages will love, and we are excited to share it with the world.”
Echoing this sentiment, Scott Chambers, Senior Vice President/General Manager, North America Media and Licensing, Sesame Workshop (the nonprofit educational organization behind the iconic brand), emphasized the deep connection this park fosters: “Theme parks represent one of the most powerful ways for families to engage with and delight in the Sesame Street characters. Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando will enable us to establish deeper connections with even more families while helping the Workshop sustain its nonprofit and educational mission.” These statements underscore the commitment to both unparalleled family fun and the enduring educational values that Sesame Street has always championed.
Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando masterfully blends entertainment with education through a variety of engaging interactive experiences. Children and adults alike can immerse themselves in playful learning moments that reflect the show’s core message. At Elmo’s Window, for instance, guests are invited to sing, dance, and play along with the lovable furry red monster and his friends through an interactive window display. This delightful experience encourages movement, rhythm, and imaginative play, making learning feel like a spontaneous party. Similarly, the Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck Challenge offers a fun, hands-on activity where participants follow dynamic video instructions to “cook up” delicious meals alongside Cookie Monster and his culinary companion, Gonger. This interactive game introduces basic kitchen concepts and promotes teamwork in a deliciously entertaining way, ensuring smiles and giggles all around.
Thrilling Rides for Little Ones at Sesame Street Land
Beyond interactive play zones, Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando features an exciting collection of six colorful, themed rides designed with younger visitors in mind. Navigating height requirements in theme parks can sometimes be a bit confusing for parents, and we noticed some initial ambiguity here. For all rides, with the notable exception of Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, the rule is consistent: guests must be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone, or they can ride if accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old. This means if your child is under 42 inches, an adult or older teen must ride with them, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic safely. No hand-held infants are permitted on any of these attractions for safety reasons.
Abby’s Flower Tower
Prepare for a magical ascent aboard Abby’s Flower Tower! With just a sprinkle of Abby Cadabby’s magic, guests are whisked high into the air in vibrant, oversized flower pots. This gentle, family-friendly ride offers a unique perspective of Sesame Street Land, and for those who love a bit of extra fun, the flower pots can be spun manually by riders, adding an extra dimension of twirling delight. It’s a perfect ride for all ages, providing both a relaxing aerial view and an exciting spin if you choose!
Cookie Monster’s Cookie Drop!
Get ready to bounce with glee on Cookie Monster’s Cookie Drop! This ride simulates the delightful chaos of being carried away in a cloud of cookie crumbs, as you gently bounce up and down. It’s an absolute hit with everyone, from the littlest adventurers to the adults. The rhythmic dropping motion is surprisingly enjoyable and perfectly themed to Cookie Monster’s insatiable love for cookies. It quickly became a family favorite during our visit, delivering smiles with every bounce.
Slimey’s Slider
Venture into Oscar the Grouch’s quirky world aboard Slimey’s Slider! Climb into vibrant, grub-themed vehicles for an exhilarating swoop and swivel ride through Oscar’s treasured compost collection. This attraction is known for its enthusiastic spinning, offering plenty of rotations that make it a thrill for those who enjoy a dizzying good time. If you’re not a big fan of spinning, you might want to delegate this one to other adults in your party, but for thrill-seekers, it’s a unique and memorable experience.
Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl
Get ready, set, and spin in your very own nest on Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl! This classic tea-cup style ride invites guests to spin to their heart’s content, creating their own level of dizzying fun. Adorned with colorful bird’s nest designs, it’s a cheerful ride that encourages laughter and playful disorientation. If you or your children aren’t keen on spinning attractions, this might be one to bypass, but for those who love a good whirl, it’s an absolute blast and a colorful addition to the park’s offerings.
Elmo’s Choo Choo Train
All aboard for fun on Elmo’s Choo Choo Train! This delightful, interactive train ride is a must-do for everyone, especially the youngest visitors. Guests can actively participate by ringing bells and honking horns as they journey through a cheerful landscape. It’s a gentle, charming ride that captivates children with its interactive elements and the joy of a classic train journey. The vibrant colors and familiar Elmo theme make it an irresistible stop for families looking for a calm yet engaging experience.
Super Grover’s Box Car Derby
Join Sesame Street’s own furry superhero for a racing good time at Super Grover’s Box Car Derby! This junior roller coaster is perfect for introducing young children to the thrill of a coaster in a gentle, yet exciting way. Riders strap in for a winding track that offers mild drops and turns, making it an ideal first coaster experience. Special height requirements apply here: guests must be at least 38 inches tall to ride. Children between 38 inches and 41 inches tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion, ensuring a safe and memorable ride for aspiring superheroes.
Cooling Off and Entertaining Moments
One of the most appreciated features of the new land, especially during Orlando’s warm months, is the Rubber Duckie Water Works wet play area. This vibrant splash pad provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to cool off and burn some energy in a fun, watery environment. Here’s a pro parent tip: definitely bring bathing suits and towels so your children can fully enjoy this refreshing area. Parents, don’t hesitate to take off your shoes and get your legs wet too – it’s incredibly refreshing, especially in the summer heat! While we absolutely adore this play area, it’s worth noting that shade is minimal both within this specific water zone and throughout much of Sesame Street Land. Plan accordingly with hats, sunscreen, and perhaps a strategic break to avoid the midday sun.
No visit to Sesame Street is complete without experiencing the award-winning Sesame Street Party Parade. Find a comfortable spot on the curb, or join the enthusiastic crowd, and prepare to move to the beat during this incredible party on wheels. This vibrant parade is a true spectacle, featuring Elmo, Big Bird, and all your favorite friends atop colorful floats, accompanied by lively music and even a few special surprises. It holds the distinction of being the very first parade ever at SeaWorld Orlando, making it a truly unique event. Visitors of all ages will find themselves up and dancing, celebrating alongside the characters as the parade winds through the streets, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and shared excitement.
Beyond the rides and parade, daily highlights within the neighborhood include the heartwarming Storytime with Big Bird. Guests can gather at Big Bird’s cozy nest for an intimate storytelling session with the beloved yellow bird himself. Our daughter absolutely adored catching one of these storytimes; it’s a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with Big Bird in a calm and engaging setting. Storytimes are typically scheduled daily at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm, so be sure to check the park’s schedule for exact timings during your visit.
Dining and Shopping on Sesame Street
A full day of adventure at Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando inevitably builds up an appetite, and thankfully, the land offers delightful dining options at Eats on the Street. This charming food hub brings together various food trucks and a specialty drink stand, providing guests with a delicious variety of choices, ranging from healthy snacks to sweet treats. While we haven’t personally had the chance to sample all the culinary offerings yet, the menu typically features family-friendly favorites like chicken tenders, hot dogs, pizza, fresh fruit cups, and themed desserts, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate after a day of play. Keep an eye out for unique character-themed beverages and snacks that add to the immersive experience.
To take a piece of the magic home, guests can visit Mr. Hooper’s Store, the iconic neighborhood shop, now brimming with exclusive Sesame Street at SeaWorld merchandise. Here, you’ll find an array of adorable plush characters, comfortable apparel for all ages, collectible pins, and unique souvenirs that aren’t available anywhere else. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a memento of your visit or a special gift for a loved one. For an extra layer of enchantment, consider purchasing Elmo’s Interactive Light-Up Bubble Wand. This innovative wand unlocks hidden surprises, special effects, and exclusive content found throughout the street, transforming your exploration into an interactive treasure hunt and adding another dimension of fun to your day.
Memorable Character Meet & Greets
One of the highlights for any Sesame Street fan is the chance to meet the characters, and the Photos with Elmo and Friends experience offers exclusive backstage access to your favorite Sesame Street pals. We’ve visited a handful of times, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the manageable wait times – typically a maximum of 20 minutes, which is excellent for a character meet and greet. The experience is thoughtfully organized, beginning with a fantastic opportunity to meet and interact with the one and only Cookie Monster, who is always ready for a hug and a photo.
After your fun encounter with Cookie Monster, you’ll proceed to meet one of the most popular and beloved furry red creatures – Elmo! The photo set primarily utilizes a green screen, which allows for unique and creative digital backdrops. If you have the SeaWorld Photo Key Card, like we do, you’ll unlock access to these cool, professionally enhanced photos. However, even without the Photo Key Card, you absolutely still get to meet and interact with the characters, creating personal memories. Individual photos and frames are always available for purchase, ensuring everyone can take home a tangible reminder of their special character encounters. These meet and greets provide genuinely heartwarming moments that truly bring the magic of Sesame Street to life.
Our family absolutely adores the new Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando. It’s a testament to the nearly 40-year exclusive theme park partnership between Sesame Workshop and SeaWorld in the United States, a collaboration that continues to bring joy and educational experiences to millions of families. This land offers a perfect blend of nostalgic charm for adults and endless entertainment for children, all within an environment that champions learning through play. We highly recommend adding it to your Orlando itinerary for a day filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable character encounters. For more detailed information and to plan your visit, please explore: Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando.