Our parks embrace a diverse group of people. We aim to reflect this through our Ambassadors, the beloved characters our park is built around, and a breadth of enriching, joyful and educational experiences. Every guest at our park should feel welcome and safe when they visit us and to be able to see and feel aspects of themselves in the experiences we create. We’re proud of the role we play in creating lasting memories – especially for our youngest guests – and we’re committed to using our parks to help build a more inclusive experience for our guests.
Our Commitment
We conduct ongoing training and education with all new and existing Ambassadors to foster a safe and inclusive environment in our park. Trainings focus on promoting inclusion; preventing harassment, and discrimination, and favoritism; and supporting an inclusive environment for all. Our newest training program on unconscious bias was designed by Perception Institute, a research consortium that uniquely leverages insights from the social sciences to create effective interventions for inclusion and belonging.
We take pride in the diversity of our team at Sesame Place Philadelphia. 49%* of Ambassadors are Black, Latinx, Asian, or American Indian and Alaskan Natives, compared to the amusement park industry average of 33%**. And women represent 57%* of our team as compared to the national average of 38%**.
(*As of 7/26/22 **Zippia Amusement Park-Worker Demographics and Statistics in the US)
We have a Diversity Committee that helps promote equitable and inclusive practices inside our organization and support diversity of thought and perspective across our park. The group is comprised of Ambassadors who advise leadership on diversity and inclusion programming, initiatives, and community engagement.
Sesame Place® has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to become the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). It is our goal to provide every family with an enjoyable and memorable visit to Sesame Place, and we are proud to offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.
Certified Staff
Sesame Place Philadelphia Ambassadors receive specialized training to ensure they have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children, including those with special needs.
Training focuses include: sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, program development, social skills, communication, environment, and emotional awareness.
IBCCES Sensory Guide™
The IBCCES Sensory Guide provides insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for rides and attractions at Sesame Place Philadelphia.
Ride Accessibility Program
Our Ride Accessibility Program matches the individual abilities of our guests to the requirements of each ride. The Ride Accessibility Program is designed to allow guests to fully participate in the enjoyment of our park while keeping in mind the safety requirements of our rides and attractions. The program was developed based on the requirements of the ride manufacturer and by evaluating the physical and mental attributes required to safely ride each ride. It is our policy to allow anyone to ride our rides and enjoy our attractions as long as they meet all these requirements and such that it does not present a potential hazard to the guest or to others.
Learn More Ride Accessibility Guide for Guests
Our Ride Accessibility Guide provides an overview of services and facilities available for guests with cognitive disabilities and other special needs that are visiting Sesame Place Philadelphia theme park. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment to all guests.
Download Guide Quiet Room
Guests in need of some quiet time and relief from sensory stimulation can utilize our Quiet Room near Big Bird's Rambling River. This room has adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break. The Quiet Room is locked to ensure privacy for our guests. Guests who would like to use the Quiet Room can visit the Welcome Center to receive the code needed to enter.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sesame Place Philadelphia is proud to offer noise-cancelling headphones provided by KidCo. Guests with hearing sensitivity may pick up noise-cancelling headphones at The Family Care Center or The Welcome Center. Noise- cancelling headphones are available on a first come, first served basis.
Please return at the end of your visit.
Please return at the end of your visit.
Low Sensory Areas
Guests in need of a more quiet location in the park are encouraged to visit the area behind the Sesame Street Neighborhood. While this location is not a designated quiet area, it is often a less populated area of the park.
Low Sensory Parade Viewing
Guests who want to enjoy the parade with a reduced volume level are encouraged to sit closest to where our parade begins and/or several rows back from the parade viewing line.
Dining Options
Guests looking for a quieter dining environment are encouraged to visit meal facilities during non-peak hours or ahead of meal time. For additional assistance or questions about visiting a restaurant during your visit, please contact [email protected].
For guests who want to book a character dine but would prefer to have limited character interaction or seating furthest away from character performances, please contact [email protected].
Food Policy
No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into Sesame Place Philadelphia, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula. Guest should contact [email protected] 3 days prior to their visit to make accommodations. Guest must adhere to the 12x12 cooler size, larger coolers will not be permitted.
Meet Julia
Julia is a sweet and curious 4-year-old with autism. Guests can say "hello" to Julia and take photos at Photos with Elmo & friends (times and location subject to change).
Resources for Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Travel
Autism Travel is a resource provided by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to help parents understand their options for travel. Autism Travel provides parents with a community to share ideas, plan trips with other families, and explore travel options at some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Learn More Sesame Street® and Autism: See Amazing in All Children
Sesame Workshop created Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism, See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to manage common challenges, to simplify everyday activities, and to grow connections and support from family, friends, and community.
Learn More