The first Sesame Place theme park on the West Coast is set to open in spring 2021 and replace Aquatica, both of which are owned by SeaWorld — but the waterslides aren’t going anywhere.
Only one other Sesame Place amusement park currently exists in Philadelphia, Pa. SeaWorld San Diego Director of Communications David Koontz said SeaWorld Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, decided San Diego would be a good fit for the nation’s second Sesame Place amusement park because it’s a popular tourist destination with favorable year-round weather.
Sesame Place San Diego will have seven family rides, including a family-friendly rollercoaster, and 11 water attractions and slides, according the Koontz. The only Aquatica water slide that will not remain is the HooRoo Run, which will be replaced with an amphitheater where Sesame Street characters will perform.
Sesame Place was the first theme park in the world to be designated a Certified Autism Center, according to their website.
The San Diego location will also be certified, meaning staff members will undergo specialized training to ensure they can properly cater to children with autism.
A sensory guide will be added to SesamePlace.com/SanDiego before the park opens so parents can plan activities that are best suited to their child’s needs.
Construction on Sesame Place will begin this fall; however, Aquatica will still open Memorial Day weekend in 2020 for a final season.
