A BELOVED California theme park is shutting its gates for the rest of 2025, leaving families furious and season pass holders demanding answers.
Sesame Place San Diego will close after September 21 and won’t reopen until next May as it shifts to a new “seasonal schedule,” the park announced on September 15.
Sesame Place San Diego will close until May next year for a seasonal shift[/caption]
Sesame Street characters perform Welcome to Our Street[/caption]
Season pass holders are offered SeaWorld admission, but refunds are not available[/caption]
Bosses said in a statement: “In order to make every visit filled with more excitement, attractions, and activities to enjoy, Sesame Place will transition to a seasonal schedule.
“By focusing on our most popular times of year, we can deliver the best possible experience from the moment guests arrive until the moment they leave.”
The abrupt move triggered an outcry from loyal guests who had mapped out fall and winter trips around the park’s signature events.
For many families, Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas were the main draw — both now axed.
One season pass holder branded the move “despicable.”
Another fumed: “Some of us bought season passes FOR Halloween and Christmas.
“I’ve been watching Sesame Street Halloween episodes with my toddler TO take her for Halloween. So disappointing.”
A third complained: “Very short notice since we already bought the flights. Good lord.”
Staff also said they were caught off guard.
“Giving employees less than a week notice they will be out of a job is deplorable,” one person wrote.
Another added: “Could’ve warned us employees way before.”
Fans are especially upset that marquee events — Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas — are scrapped.
One person wrote: “You guys literally just talked me into the season pass last week by telling me about the Halloween and Christmas events. I’d like a refund.”
Sesame Place said current season passholders will get unlimited admission to sister resort SeaWorld under “Fun Cards,” with transferred admission also including SeaWorld’s holiday events.
Single-day ticket holders for the remainder of this year can reschedule to a 2026 date, switch to a SeaWorld one-day pass, or request a refund.
It does not seem that refunds are currently available for annual passholders.
According to the park’s website, season passes are listed for up to $375.
Owned by United Parks, Sesame Place San Diego opened in 2022, more than two decades after the original Sesame Place debuted in Philadelphia.
The 17-acre children’s park features 18 kid-friendly rides, a water park, parades, and shows — plus meet-and-greets with Elmo, Big Bird, and Grover.
The abrupt closure has angered families and season pass holders[/caption]
Sesame Place San Diego opened in 2022[/caption]
