this is where all their favorite characters reside.
Park goers these days are looking for exceptional overall experiences, so engaging with guests in a unique and personal way is essential to the health of the amusement industry. Intellectual property (IP) agreements with franchises like Peanuts, Dr. Seuss, Minions and Sesame Street are key to enticing parents with young children through the turnstiles today. These brands have established relationships with wide audiences the world over, and the bigger parks are using those relationships to connect better with their audience and attract more visitors.
In an effort to keep pace with the industry trend, in 2017 SeaWorld Entertainment extended their decades long IP agreement with Sesame Workshop, giving rise to the new Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando last year, just in time for Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary. The immersive six-acre community caters to an age group that truly believes this is where Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster and all the characters reside. While skipping down the street to ‘Sun-ny Day…’ lyrics, they can meet and greet the real-life furry characters they see on their television and computer screens, take a photo on the stoop at apartment building 123, knock on Oscar’s trash can, and attend story time at Big Bird’s nest. There’s also six kid-friendly rides for pint-size thrill-seekers: Big Bird’s Twirl ‘N’ Whirl, Cookie Monster’s Cookie, and Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, and educational interactive play around every corner. Wander into Mr. Hooper’s store with them and pick up Elmo’s Interactive Light up Bubble Wand. It’s a little pricey, but unlocks special effects, and allows the holder to activate elements scattered all through the neighborhood.
After cooling off in the fountains at Rubber Ducky Water Works, make your way over to Eats on the Street, featuring two food trucks that serve up kid favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and juices. And, if you’re looking for a refreshing break, stop by the Sesame Sips stand; you can choose from healthy on-the-go snacks or a fruit smoothie to enjoy while watching the Sesame Street Party Parade. There’s so much to do in Sesame Street Land, it’s no wonder that the 2020 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards lists it as the Best New Amusement Park Attraction.
Before you head out to the park, check out our SeaWorld Orlando Park Guide to plan your visit, and be sure to look at the Events section. The Halloween Spooktacular is going on right now, every weekend in October through November 1st. Come dressed in your costume, make your way through Spookie and Kookie’s Pumpkin Patch Maze, have your face painted, join the scavenger hunt and meet a mermaid! For $2.50, you can purchase a reusable bag at the park and visit the candy stations along the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast, and Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster are also available with the purchase of an upgrade.
*Seaworld Orlando is designated as a certified autism center by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
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