San Diego: Sesame Place Ticket With Optional SeaWorld Ticket

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego and looking for a way to entertain the kids (and yourself), the Sesame Place ticket might be worth considering. This ticket grants access to the first West Coast Sesame Street-themed park, and with the option to add a SeaWorld visit, it offers a flexible way to experience some of Southern California’s most popular attractions.

What caught our eye are two things in particular: the chance to meet beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Grover up close, and the variety of rides and shows designed for all ages. Plus, splashing around in the 500,000-gallon wave pool sounds like a solid way to cool off on a warm day.

However, there’s a noteworthy consideration — some reviews mention rides being closed or limited, and the parking fee can add up if you’re not prepared. Still, if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that blends character encounters with fun rides, this could be a good fit.

This experience mainly suits families or groups traveling with kids who love Sesame Street characters, enjoy water play, and want a relaxed, predictable day of entertainment. Be mindful of the possibility of ride closures and consider the extra costs of parking when budgeting.

Key Points

• Family-friendly: Perfect for kids of all ages who enjoy Sesame Street characters.
• Flexible options: Choose between a 1-day ticket or extend your visit with SeaWorld.
• Includes rides and shows: From a rollercoaster to live parades and interactive games.
• Water attractions: Large wave pool and raft rides are highlights but check for closures.
• Good value: At $66 per person, especially with the SeaWorld combo, it offers broad entertainment.
• Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible and well-suited for young children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Exactly Is Included?

The ticket grants entry to Sesame Place, along with access to all rides and shows at the park. If you opt for the 2-park ticket, that includes a visit to SeaWorld San Diego within the next six months, making it a flexible way to explore more of San Diego’s highlights without committing to multiple days.

The ticket price of $66 per person seems reasonable considering the variety of activities and attractions packed into this experience. However, keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for meals — especially if your kids get hungry after multiple rides.

Parking is an extra cost, and some reviews highlight frustration over paying $45 just to park, which can significantly increase the overall expense if you’re not prepared.

What Can You Expect at Sesame Place?

When you arrive, you’ll start by exploring the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood. Imagine lots of opportunities for photos with characters like Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Grover — a hit for kids and nostalgic adults alike.

The park boasts 18 Sesame Street-themed rides, catering to different ages and thrill levels. For the little ones, there’s the Sesame Street Soar & Spin, which offers gentle fun and great views of the park. For slightly older kids, there’s Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, a family-friendly rollercoaster ideal for a first coaster experience.

Beyond rides, you’ll find live shows and dance parties, with the Sesame Street Party Parade being especially lively. We loved the way the characters come to life and welcome visitors in their own unique styles, adding that special touch of magic to the day.

Water Attractions and Splash Zones

One of the park’s big draws is Big Bird’s Rambling River, a relaxing tube ride that lets you drift through a Sesame Street-themed waterway. It’s a good way to cool off, especially on hot days.

The wave pool is another highlight; at half a million gallons, it’s one of the largest in Southern California. Kids and parents can splash around together, making for a fun, relaxing aqua experience.

But a word of caution from reviews: some visitors mention rides being closed or limited, especially the lazy river which only had half the rings out, leading to longer waits or missed opportunities. Once, several reviewers noted that certain water attractions were not fully operational during their visit, which was disappointing.

Live Shows and Parades

The Sesame Street Theater hosts “Welcome to Our Street,” a live show where characters greet visitors — a fun, interactive experience that keeps the kids engaged. We also found the Sesame Street Parade to be a lively, dance-filled event that adds excitement to an already cheerful atmosphere.

Guests have loved the way the characters dance and participate in the parade, making it a highlight of the day. One reviewer described it as “fabulous,” which sums up the general impression nicely.

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Considerations & Downsides

While the experience offers a lot, it’s not without its quirks. Many of the big rides might be closed or only partially available, as reported by some visitors. This can be frustrating if you’re expecting a full ride experience, especially on busy days.

Plus, the parking fee is steep at $45, which can make the total cost higher than the ticket alone. If parking is a concern, consider arriving early or carpooling to mitigate costs.

Another point raised in reviews is the short parade — some found it to last less than three minutes, somewhat underwhelming given the ticket price. Also, some visitors had trouble with their vouchers, feeling they weren’t accepted as expected, so it’s wise to confirm all details beforehand.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for families with young children who love Sesame Street or water parks. It’s ideal if you’re after a relaxed, kid-friendly day with character meet-and-greets, gentle rides, and splash zones.

If your children are water lovers or fans of the Sesame Street characters, they’ll likely enjoy it. But if you’re expecting thrill rides or long water slides, you may find the park somewhat limited or disappointed by closures.

Final Thoughts

The San Diego Sesame Place ticket offers a cheerful, accessible way to enjoy some of the most beloved characters and a variety of rides in a safe, family-oriented setting. At $66, it’s a reasonable price for a day full of character encounters, live shows, and water play — especially if you add SeaWorld to extend your adventure.

However, be aware that ride availability can fluctuate, and the extra parking fee adds to the cost. It’s best suited for families who prioritize meet-and-greets, water fun, and interactive shows over high-thrill rides.

If you’re traveling with kids who adore Sesame Street or want an easy, mostly outdoor activity that keeps everyone entertained, this could be a great choice. Just plan ahead, confirm your tickets, and bring your sun protection — and you’ll have a fun, memorable day.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for one year?
Yes, the ticket is valid for one year from the booking date, giving you flexibility to plan your visit.

Can I visit SeaWorld with this ticket?
Yes, if you select the 2-park option, you get a SeaWorld San Diego ticket that can be used within six months of your Sesame Place visit.

What rides are available at Sesame Place?
There are 18 Sesame Street-themed rides, including gentle options like the carousel and more adventurous ones like Super Grover’s Box Car Derby.

Are there shows included in the ticket?
Yes, you have access to live shows like “Welcome to Our Street” and the Sesame Street Party Parade.

Is parking included?
No, parking costs an additional $45, so plan accordingly to include this in your budget.

Are the water attractions suitable for all ages?
They are designed for a range of ages, but some reviews mention ride closures which might affect availability.

Are the rides wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and water shoes for water attractions and sun protection.

What if the rides are closed when I visit?
Ride closures can happen; check in advance or on the day for updates. Some visitors found certain attractions unavailable during their visit.

In the end, this ticket provides a solid day of fun for families or those young at heart, especially if Sesame Street characters are a hit. Just keep expectations realistic about ride availability, and plan for extra costs like parking. With a bit of preparation, you’ll walk away with plenty of good memories in this cheerful, character-rich environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: