Sesame Place {Review & Giveaway}

There is something about Sesame Place that keeps us coming back every year. 
Maybe it is the awesome waterpark.
Perhaps it's the dry fun attractions that are as suitable for our 9-year-old as they are for my 5-year-old
Maybe its the size of the park; not too overwhelming and so easy to navigate.
Could it be the shows, or the parade that entertains my children from start to finish?
Whatever it is - or maybe it's a little bit of it all - it's become a part of our family tradition to visit - every year...
...since my oldest (who will soon be 21) was a toddler.
And it never seems to get old.
Even though my middle son is almost 10 - he still LOVES it
As much as my 5 year old does.
It's the perfect family day trip
And we look forward to visiting every year!

Located at 100 Sesame Road in Langhorne, Sesame Place is a quick ride up I-95 from Delaware County (about 30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia).  The ride is simple and straight-forward - and not too far from home.

Parking is located directly across from the park - $15 for General Parking, $18 for preferred - or you can opt for VIP parking on the same side of the street at a rate of $30.  Admission is  $57.99 (plus tax) for either a one or two day pass and is the same for all ages 2 and up.  Children 23 months and younger are free.  Season passes are also available and vary in price depending on the type you choose.  We were season pass holders two years ago and enjoyed visiting the park on a regular basis from opening day in the spring all the way through to Hallo-Weekends in the fall.  The season passes are perfect for anyone who wishes to visit the park several times a year and have many awesome perks that come along with them such as discounts,  special member only events and more.   Now through 6/29/12 is an especially great time to visit as Sesame is offering $20 off single day weekday admission tickets when you purchase them online HERE.

Last weekend, my family and I were invited to spend the day at Sesame Place for a Blogger Playdate.  We had a perfect day.  The weather could not have been better and the crowds were not too overwhelming.  The staff was incredibly energetic and welcoming.  Lines moved along quickly with very minimal wait times and the staff was super friendly.  Everywhere we went someone was greeting us with kind words or a smile.

I should mention that one of my favorite things about Sesame Place is that the park is a nice size but in no way overwhelming to navigate. Those of you with iPhones will also appreciate the cool Sesame Place iPhone app which is loaded with a GPS to help get you around, show times, Sesame Street facts and more. So cool!

We started the day enjoying the rides.  My son was quick to jump in line for the roller coaster and after watching her big brother enjoy the ride, my 5-year-old decided that she too was ready to join my husband for her first roller coaster ride...

She is still talking about that ride - and giggling about how much fun it was - and how she cannot wait to go back and ride it again - and again - with her Daddy!

We decided to split up for a while and my husband took my 9 -year-old son to the Nets 'N Climbs while I took my youngest on a whirlwind of rides - all perfect for her age.   Needless to say both kids had a blast and were ready for some waterpark fun as the day started to get a little hotter.

The water area is awesome to say the least.  My kids pranced around for over an hour in the Count's Splash Castle.  My 5-year-old required a bit of help navigating the steps and such as it can get a bit crowded and overwhelming, especially when the big bucket comes splashing down with water.  The entire family relaxed and enjoyed some time floating in tubes down the lazy river, and later we all made a big splash on the Sky Splash.  My husband and son rode the Slippery Slopes while my daughter and I played on the slides and under the sprinkler in Twiddlebug Land.

At 3 PM, we took a break to watch the parade as my kids sang and danced while watching the characters perform.  The parade runs twice a day, giving everyone a chance to enjoy one or the other - or maybe even both if it's a good day!

There were plenty of photo ops available with the characters.  Some required waiting in lines, but we found that the lines moved quickly and the staff was glad to take family pics if you asked.

At 5:30 PM, we met up at Big Bird's Riverside Pavilion for a cupcake social with other bloggers and their families who were attending the playdate.   We munched on delicious Elmo cupcakes while mingling and chatting amongst ourselves.  We were joined in pavilion by Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster, who were more than glad to ham it up for the camera with the kids.  It was the perfect ending to an absolutely wonderful day.

As we headed back to the lockers at the end of the day to gather our belongings, my kids made me stop to check out this absolutely awesome gadget:

THE PEOPLE DRYER!

Yes - that is correct - Sesame Place has thought of it all.  No need to worry if you forget to pack a change of clothes, simply hop in the family dryer and you will be all dry and ready for the car ride home.

Some tips I would suggest when visiting:

• Consider packing a small cooler with water or juice boxes to keep everyone well hydrated on a hot day ( you are allowed to bring a small cooler into the park with you)
•  Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat and reapply throughout the day.  The park is very open and when you are having so much fun it's easy to forget just how hot the sun can be
• Wear your bathing suit to the park with a comfortable cover up.  It's much easier than having to change into them when you are there.
• Wear water shoes or waterproof flip flops or sandals for the waterpark.  The ground gets extremely hot fast and you do not want to risk burning your feet (or your children's)
• Purchase a waterproof case for your smart phone if you plan to carry it around with you.  Sesame Place has nice ones that you can hang around your neck for around $8 and they are awesome for protecting your belongings in the waterpark area.
• If you want to save money, pack a lunch and some snacks in a cooler and leave them in your car.  You can always go back to get it when you are ready to eat.
• Check the times for the shows as soon as you arrive.  It's best to have a game plan so that you can work the shows into your game plan for the day.

How would you like to visit Sesame Place with your family?  Sesame Place is generously offering 4 single day admission tickets to one very lucky Delco Deal Diva reader.  Simply enter via the easy Rafflecopter form below. Winner will be chosen 7/6/12.

For an additional chances to win, my friends Cara over at Chesco on the Cheap and also my friend Sarah at Finnegan & the Hughes are also giving away 4 tickets each to Sesame Place.  Head over to their blogs toto increase your chance of winning!

Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: My family and I were given complimentary one day tickets to Sesame Place for a Blogger Playdate.  Opinions, as always, are my own.