MuppetsOfSesameStreetLANGHORNE, PA, (April 18, 2013) – Sesame Place, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning television show Sesame Street, opens Saturday, April 27 kicking off a season filled with fun for the entire family and some exciting changes in the park, which first opened in 1980 .  

 “Opening day at Sesame Place is a Delaware Valley tradition and 2013 is no exception,” says Park President Bob Caruso, who is looking forward to seeing many familiar faces return for the season. Caruso continues, “All of the changes we implemented at the park for 2013 are designed to enhance the overall experience of our guests.” 

 This year, Sesame Place opens the doors on its thirty-third season with a lot to celebrate.  From a star-studded concert line-up including kid-friendly favorites such as Laurie Berkner and Imagination Movers, to musical playdates with Caillou and Max & Ruby, the park’s event schedule is its most robust ever.

 Park guests will also notice quite a few changes in the culinary department for 2013.  The park continues to enhance its menu of allergen-friendly foods and healthy-eating options for the comfort and satisfaction of park guests.  Starting this season, Sesame Place will offer box lunches which must be purchased online, in advance, and picked up at Elmo’s Lunch Box Stop.  The new Lunch Box program will give families more time to enjoy the attractions and shows in the park.  In May, Sesame Place is also adding a food truck to its street, giving guests an even greater variety of quick-dining choices.  

 In-park diners are also in for a special treat with the park’s expanded roster of character dining experiences including Cookie’s Country Breakfast and Rosita’s Cinco de Mayo party. The park’s popular character dining celebrations give kids the chance to spend up-close time with their favorite characters in a fun-filled party environment.  The ever-popular character breakfasts also give visitors an additional one-half hour of time in the park to enjoy select attractions before the gates open.  Enhancements to the character celebrations for 2013 include new entertainment and lighting effects.

 New shopping experiences in the park’s five gift shops include the largest selection of Sesame Street plush characters, popular with little ones, featured alongside adult favorites such as vintage-logo tote bags that bring back happy and nostalgic memories for parents who visited the park when they were kids.

 Other changes for 2013 include the park’s popular Fireworks shows, which will be enhanced by a newly-choreographed pyrotechnics display.  Fireworks are scheduled for 5/26, 7/4 and 9/1 and 12/31.

 “At Sesame Place, we are all about celebrating, and we’re doing a lot of things in 2013 to celebrate our guests,” says Susan Godfrey, Communications Manager at Sesame Place.  Visitors can be spotted wearing their new “Today I’m Celebrating…” stickers all throughout the park.  “Some people are here for their birthday, while others may be celebrating their first roller coaster ride, visit to the park, last night’s Phillies’ win, or even just a sunny day,” continues Godfrey.  “Every moment of celebration — it’s all important to us here at Sesame Place,” she adds. 

 The opening day festivities will start at 10 AM with an official ribbon cutting ceremony led by America’s favorite furry friends and one of the park’s VIP families of the day, who will be selected via a Facebook contest.  Contest winners will also be chosen to serve as parade grand marshals accompanying Cookie Monster down the parade route.  (Details can be found at facebook.com/sesameplace.)   

 There is still time to purchase a 2013 Season Pass.  Sesame Place season passes start at under $100, making the park one of the area’s best entertainment values.  Guest can take advantage of Sesame Place’s new six-month EZ pay plan for 2013 and enjoy unlimited fun all season along with in-park discounts for as low as $16.17 per month.  Explore all the park’s ticket options by visiting www.sesameplace.com.