Preschoolers and their parents who cherish memories of “Sesame Street” can now immerse themselves in the iconic neighborhood at Sesame Street Land, a vibrant expansion at SeaWorld Orlando. This highly anticipated area, which opened on March 27th, meticulously recreates the familiar television set, offering guests an unprecedented opportunity to walk through Sesame Street in real life. The land features six engaging attractions, two interactive play zones, and a themed retail store, all celebrating the 50-year legacy of the beloved children’s television program.
During a behind-the-scenes tour of Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando, led by Amanda Trauger, Creative Manager for Theme Park Development at SeaWorld, the vision for this immersive world became clear. Even amidst the ongoing construction, with unpaved streets and freshly laid sidewalks, the essence of Sesame Street was palpable. Crews were diligently working on the water play area, and paint swatches adorned the facade of the iconic 123 Sesame Street building, hinting at the colorful world to come.
“We aimed to create something entirely new,” Trauger explained, emphasizing the unique guest experience. “We wanted to offer something our visitors haven’t experienced before. For the first time, they can actually step onto Sesame Street and explore its real-life architecture.” This groundbreaking addition to SeaWorld Orlando promises to be a nostalgic journey for adults and a magical adventure for children, bridging the gap between television fantasy and theme park reality.
Ongoing construction of Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando, showcasing the early stages of development for this immersive family theme park area.
Exploring the Wonders of Sesame Street Land
Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando is designed to be a faithful rendition of the New York City-based neighborhood from the long-running TV show. Visitors to this enchanting land can anticipate a range of delightful experiences, including:
- Shopping at Mr. Hooper’s Store: Step inside the iconic corner store and browse through a selection of Sesame Street-themed merchandise, reminiscent of the beloved neighborhood gathering spot.
- Wandering through Abby Cadabby’s Garden: Explore the whimsical garden of Abby Cadabby, filled with colorful blooms and enchanting surprises, offering a magical escape for young guests.
- Storytime with Big Bird at His Nest: Gather around Big Bird’s oversized nest and listen to engaging stories narrated by the gentle giant himself, creating memorable moments for families.
- Relaxing on the Stoop of 123 Sesame Street: Take a photo on the famous stoop of 123 Sesame Street, a recognizable landmark for generations of “Sesame Street” viewers, and feel truly immersed in the neighborhood.
Amanda Trauger, SeaWorld Creative Manager, stands in the oversized doorway of Big Bird's Nest at Sesame Street Land, highlighting the attention to detail in recreating the iconic set.
The new themed land boasts an impressive 22 building facades, each meticulously recreating locations from the cherished children’s program that first aired in 1969. Notably, one building features an extra-large door, perfectly sized for the towering 8-foot-2-inch Big Bird, showcasing the commitment to detail and character integration within Sesame Street Land.
Upon completion, Sesame Street Land truly embodies the spirit of the television neighborhood. Mr. Hooper’s store is adorned with classic black-and-gold striped awnings and a rooftop billboard, while vibrant floral planters enhance the windows of 123 Sesame Street, the land’s centerpiece. Rows of brownstone buildings, complete with wrought iron fire escapes, line the paved streets, complete with authentic curbs and crosswalks. Sidewalks are playfully decorated with hopscotch squares and chalk art, adding to the whimsical and child-friendly atmosphere. A subway station, newsstand, and theatre further enrich the urban landscape, creating a complete and believable Sesame Street environment.
Strategically located adjacent to Shamu Stadium, Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando occupies six acres previously known as Shamu’s Happy Harbor. The transformation includes re-theming the existing kiddie rides to align with the Sesame Street universe, ensuring a seamless integration of familiar attractions into the new land.
From Television Set to Theme Park Destination
Amanda Trauger, SeaWorld Creative Manager, captures a selfie in front of the vibrant facades of Sesame Street Land, emphasizing the photo-worthy immersive environment.
A significant portion of the new land is a precise replication of the current “Sesame Street” TV set, which has evolved through various redesigns over the years. SeaWorld’s creative team collaborated closely with Sesame Workshop to authentically bring this vision to life at the Orlando park. This partnership ensured that the transition from screen to theme park maintained the integrity and charm of the beloved show.
“The essence of what you see on the set is what we’ve recreated in the outdoor street,” Trauger noted, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail in the adaptation process. “We have more space than the set itself. Our street is actually larger. Therefore, we expanded upon the core concept of Sesame Street to create a more comprehensive and immersive experience.” This expansion allows for a richer, more explorable environment than the television set alone could offer.
Overcoming Creative Challenges
One of the primary design challenges was imagining and constructing a second story for the themed land. The television set traditionally only depicts the ground level, leaving the upper reaches of buildings to the imagination.
“We had to collaborate with the Workshop to envision the true height of 123 Sesame Street. In the show, it seemingly ends abruptly,” Trauger explained. “Similarly, Hooper’s store also appears to have a limited height. We had to determine these dimensions.” This required creative problem-solving to extend the familiar facades in a believable and aesthetically pleasing way.
A young visitor affectionately kisses Ernie on the nose at Sesame Street Land, showcasing the engaging character interactions within the park.
Visiting the actual “Sesame Street” television set proved invaluable for Trauger and the SeaWorld creative team, allowing them to translate the indoor studio environment into a dynamic theme park setting. This firsthand experience was crucial in understanding the nuances of the set design and atmosphere.
“The set possesses a distinct environment. It’s an indoor space with specialized lighting. Everything is meticulously controlled and always appears perfect,” Trauger observed. “In contrast, a theme park environment is exposed to daily guest traffic and outdoor elements. Managing this transition while maintaining the authentic feel of Sesame Street was a significant undertaking.”
Leveraging Digital Design Tools
Six children joyfully embrace Big Bird at Sesame Street Land, capturing the heartwarming character meet-and-greet experiences available.
During the design phase, SeaWorld’s team utilized a digital replica of the “Sesame Street” television set, enabling them to meticulously examine every architectural detail. Prior to physical construction, they created a virtual 3D model of Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando, allowing them to visualize the space from any perspective.
“The 3D model was an incredibly useful tool,” Trauger stated. “We could use 3D glasses to experience the land from a child’s height or an adult’s perspective. We could even virtually stand on top of buildings to assess lighting placement.” This digital approach allowed for precise planning and problem-solving before any physical construction began.
The SeaWorld team also consulted previous “Sesame Street” sets and Sesame Workshop illustrations to ensure the accuracy of architectural elements, such as decorative cornices. They even constructed a full-size mock-up of the 123 stoop facade to verify the forced perspective and dimensions were accurate. Trauger personally involved her 8-year-old son in the process to gauge the scale from a child’s viewpoint, ensuring the land would resonate with its target audience.
Reliving Childhood Memories
The overarching goal of the Sesame Street Land project was to create an experience that resonates with both contemporary “Sesame Street” viewers and their parents, who grew up with the show. This dual appeal was crucial in creating a nostalgic yet relevant family destination.
“The ‘Sesame Street’ of my childhood differs slightly from what my children experience,” Trauger, a mother of two, explained. “There are elements I remember that my kids may not have seen. We aimed to build a land that incorporates vintage, throwback moments for adults while remaining thoroughly enjoyable for the entire family.”
Cookie Monster warmly hugs a little girl at Sesame Street Land, emphasizing the park's focus on creating joyful and interactive moments for children.
Trauger hopes that Sesame Street Land evokes powerful memories and emotions for devoted fans of all ages. The land is designed to tap into the deep-seated nostalgia associated with the show.
“’Sesame Street’ has spanned 50 years, and we anticipate a shared reaction across generations. Whether you grew up with Cookie Monster or Big Bird, experiencing their world in a tangible way is incredibly exciting. Seeing Big Bird’s nest or walking past 123 Sesame Street makes these iconic elements feel real and immediate. That’s the truly captivating aspect of this project.”
Recreating the Iconic Streetscape
The construction of Sesame Street Land extended the footprint of the former children’s play area closer to Shamu Stadium, creating space for a wider Sesame Street and a new parade route. The main pedestrian path through SeaWorld Orlando now seamlessly integrates with Sesame Street, making it a central and unmissable part of the park experience.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpAH1U6wASM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpAH1U6wASM “Play video “Meet Abby Cadabby Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando””)
“It’s virtually impossible to miss Sesame Street when visiting SeaWorld,” Trauger pointed out, emphasizing its prominent location within the park.
The 123 stoop, a central gathering point on the TV show, serves as the heart of Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando. Big Bird’s enormous nest is situated right beside this iconic building.
Mr. Hooper’s store, a laundromat, newsstand, subway station, and bike shop extend to the left of 123, while a theatre, hair salon, and veterinary center are located to the right. Behind the 123 building, Abby Cadabby’s garden unfolds beneath a brick wall painted with a serene baby blue sky and fluffy white clouds, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Trauger confirmed that most locations are “direct lifts” from the television set, with the SeaWorld team collaborating with Sesame Workshop to conceptualize and expand upon the remaining areas, ensuring a cohesive and authentic environment. The cityscape facades conceal a large building housing a retail shop and character meet-and-greet area, seamlessly blending thematic immersion with practical park amenities.
Interactive Character Encounters
Concept art of Elmo's Window at Sesame Street Land, suggesting interactive character experiences integrated into the land's design.
The windows lining Sesame Street are designed to enhance the storytelling and character interactions within the land, providing glimpses into the lives of the residents.
“We’re incorporating surprises into some of the windows,” Trauger revealed. “We’ve developed a way to bring the characters to life in the windows for our guests.” These interactive window displays add an element of surprise and delight as guests explore the street.
Digital representations of Sesame Street characters appear in various windows throughout the land. Notably, visitors can hear, but not see, Oscar the Grouch residing in his trash can next to the 123 stoop, a playful nod to his reclusive nature.
Experiencing Life on Sesame Street
Each Sesame Street character has a designated home within the land, further enriching the immersive experience. Elmo resides on the ground floor of 123, while Bert and Ernie live in the basement apartment below.
“A significant benefit of collaborating with the Workshop is their deep understanding of the characters, including their residences, occupations, and even ages,” Trauger explained. This detailed character background informs every aspect of the land’s design and guest interactions.
Inside Mr. Hooper’s store, guests can browse Sesame Street-themed merchandise in a setting that evokes the store’s stockroom. The indoor meet-and-greet area, located within the theatre, takes visitors backstage to the characters’ dressing rooms, offering a unique peek behind the scenes. Photo opportunities with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster are available, with green screens enabling the park to easily change digital backdrops for seasonal events and special occasions.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8-8XDzNY-0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8-8XDzNY-0 “Play video “Meet Elmo Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando””)
Outside, near Abby’s garden, Big Bird hosts a daily storytime in his giant nest. A host reads aloud while Big Bird reacts to the story with pre-recorded audio, creating an engaging and interactive experience for children. Big Bird makes a grand entrance for storytime through a 9-foot-tall door in the side of the 123 building, adding a touch of theatrical flair.
“It’s a big door for a big bird,” Trauger quipped, emphasizing the playful attention to detail.
Re-Themed Family Rides
The six existing rides from Shamu’s Happy Harbor have been transformed with a Sesame Street character overlay and thematic enhancements. All rides remain in their original locations, minimizing disruption and maximizing familiar fun.
“The wonderful aspect of these rides is their family-friendly nature, allowing guests of all ages to enjoy them together,” Trauger highlighted.
A ride vehicle of Super Grover's Box Car Derby at Sesame Street Land, showcasing the Sesame Street character theming on a family-friendly coaster.
The re-themed Sesame Street Land rides include:
- Super Grover’s Box Car Derby: A family coaster by Zierer, featuring cars themed to Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch, and Bert and Ernie (formerly Shamu Express).
- Abby’s Flower Tower: A spinning tower ride by Zamperla, where riders sit in flower pots (formerly Jazzy Jellies).
- Slimey’s Slider: A rockin’ tug boat ride themed to Oscar’s worm friend Slimey (formerly Ocean Commotion).
- Cookie Drop: A junior drop tower that bounces riders to 20 feet (formerly Flying Fiddler).
- Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl: A classic teacup ride where guests spin in bird nests (formerly Swishy Fishies).
- Elmo’s Choo Choo Train: A kiddie train ride encouraging young riders to spot objects along the track (formerly Seven Seas Railroad).
SeaWorld Orlando’s First Ever Parade
Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando introduced the park’s first-ever parade, featuring costumed Sesame Street characters. The daily 30-minute Sesame Street Party Parade, taking place within the new land, has a lively dance party theme. Bert and Ernie appear on a float designed to resemble Mr. Hooper’s store, bringing the neighborhood charm to the parade route.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC9ujBPxYo8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC9ujBPxYo8 “Play video “Sesame Street Party Parade Comes to SeaWorld Orlando””)
The block party-style parade includes show stops along its path, with characters disembarking from the eight parade floats to dance and interact with the audience. This immersive parade experience is exclusive to Sesame Street Land.
“To see the parade, you have to be in Sesame Street,” Trauger emphasized, highlighting its central role within the new land.
Interactive Play Areas
Concept art of Rubber Ducky Water Works Wet Play Area at Sesame Street Land, illustrating the interactive water play zone for children.
Sesame Street Land also features engaging play areas, including the Rubber Ducky Water Works wet play area and a dry playland, Count Around Playground.
The Rubber Ducky Water Works features Ernie, in a hard hat, and his rubber ducky attempting to repair leaky pipes, creating a splash pad-style water play zone.
“There will be water everywhere,” Trauger playfully warned, indicating the interactive and refreshing nature of the water play area.
The Count Around Playground, an 18-foot-tall play structure, is themed around The Count, encouraging children to engage in counting-based play.
Adjacent to the play areas, SeaWorld-operated food trucks offer quick meal and snack options. Cookie Monster’s food truck, while not serving food, provides additional themed photo opportunities and interactive elements.
Concept art of Food Trucks area at Sesame Street Land, depicting the themed dining options and atmosphere within the land.
Joining the Trend of Franchise Theme Lands
Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando is part of a growing trend in the theme park industry: creating immersive, walk-through versions of beloved entertainment franchises. This approach aims to bring the universes of popular movies, TV shows, and video games to life for fans.
Parade Oscar waves to guests from inside his trash can at Sesame Street Land parade, showcasing the unique character interactions during the Sesame Street Party Parade.
Universal Studios’ success with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Disney’s expansions into lands themed to Cars, Avatar, Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, and Frozen exemplify this trend.
SeaWorld already incorporates Sesame Street themes in parks in San Diego, San Antonio, and Busch Gardens Tampa. However, these implementations place Sesame Street characters within safari or ocean settings, rather than a direct replica of the iconic neighborhood. Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando distinguishes itself by offering an authentic and recognizable recreation of the television environment.
Sesame Street Land represents one of the largest investments in SeaWorld Orlando’s history, reflecting the park’s strategic shift away from live animal attractions towards broader amusement park experiences. This expansion aligns with SeaWorld’s introduction of rides like Infinity Falls and Aquatica’s KareKare Curl, showcasing a commitment to diverse and engaging guest experiences.
Images courtesy of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Brady MacDonald.
