Sesame Place Neighborhood

Ride Accessibility & Services

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.

We encourage guests to review our Accessibility Guide for a complete guide of services and facilities available for guests with special needs who are visiting Sesame Place Philadelphia.

Download Accessibility Guide

Utilizing the Ride Accessibility Program

Valid IBCCES Accessibility Card is required.
Guests with physical disabilities, mobility impairments and/or cognitive disorders who would like to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program must present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park. Guests can register for an IBCCES Accessibility card at www.accessibilitycard.org.

Ride Accessibility Program Overview

Once a guest is enrolled in the Ride Accessibility Program, a personalized list of rides and attractions will be provided on a Ride Accessibility Sheet. If applicable, guests who are unable to stand in line because of their physical impairments and/or cognitive disorders will be given a Special Access Pass.

Special Access Pass
The Special Access Pass is an accommodation designed for guests with physical impairments and/or cognitive disorders to provide equal access to our rides and attractions. Our Special Access Pass gives priority boarding on select rides and attractions to guests who are unable to stand in line because of their physical impairments and/or cognitive disorders.

IBCCES Accessibility Card Registration

To register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card, guests must visit www.accessibilitycard.org and upload the required information into a secure, online portal. Once a guest has filled out the online application and uploaded necessary documentation, they will be able to access their digital IBCCES Accessibility Card. All guests must show their valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program.

PLEASE NOTE: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card and NOT Sesame Place. IBCCES will conduct audits to confirm the efficacy of provided information for the IBCCES Accessibility Card application. Individuals found to be fraudulently requesting or using the Ride Accessibility Program will be in violation of our Guest Code of Conduct and may be subject to civil penalties. Violators will also be asked to leave the park without any refund.

Ride Accessibility Program FAQs

What is the 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.

How do I participate in the Ride Accessibility Program?

To enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program, all guests must present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park.

Guests who do not present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card will not be eligible to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program.

What is the IBCCES Accessibility Card?

The IBCCES Accessibility Card is designed to help individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments identify and receive helpful accommodations at certified attractions worldwide. The IBCCES created the digital Accessibility Card as a free resource for individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments who need special accommodations or services at certified attractions. The IBCCES Accessibility Card helps you identify the accommodations needed and communicate those needs to destinations you would like to visit. PLEASE NOTE: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card, not Sesame Place. The IBCCES Accessibility Card does NOT guarantee entry to Sesame Place and any special accommodations or benefits provided are at the sole discretion of Sesame Place.

What is the IBCCES?

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

How do I register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card?

To register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card, guests must visit www.accessibilitycard.org and upload the required information into a secure, online portal. Once a guest has filled out the online application and uploaded necessary documentation, they will be able to access their digital IBCCES Accessibility Card. Guests must show their valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program.

What information is required to register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card?

The following information will be required to register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card at www.accessibilitycard.org

Individuals requesting the IBCCES Accessibility Card for themselves or others must be 18 years or older.

Contact Information: Name, email, address and phone/cell number

Cardholder Information:

  • Recent photo of the cardholder for identification purposes
  • Birth date*
  • Name of the disability/disorder (optional)
  • Helpful accommodations needed
  • Name of the attraction you are visiting

Healthcare Information: Statement from a healthcare provider or Individualized Education Plan (IEP or equivalent) including the following:
  • Full name of the healthcare professional or education professional
  • NPI number (Provider ID) **
  • Their title
  • Their phone number
  • Their email address
  • Statement indicating the guest has a disability or other qualifying impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or applicable state law that prevents the guest from waiting in a standard queue. Please note that the nature of the disability does not have to be provided in the statement. If the disability is of a temporary nature, the doctor’s note should state the time period of the temporary disability.

* Individuals requesting the IAC must be 18 years or older
** Not required if uploading an Individualized Education Plan

During the application process for my IBCCES Accessibility Card, I selected certain disabilities/disorders as well as certain helpful accommodations. Does that mean Sesame Place Philadelphia will be aware of my disabilities/disorders and provide the helpful accommodations I selected?

Due to privacy concerns the nature of your disability/disorder is not shared with Sesame place. All requests for special accommodations must be made at the park when enrolling in the Ride Accessibility Program and our team will be able to make recommendations based on what's available. Accommodations are not guaranteed and there may be an addition charge for services such as a wheelchair rental.

During the application process for my IBCCES Accessibility Card, I indicated that I have special dietary needs and/or allergies. Does that mean Sesame Place Philadelphia will be aware of my special dietary needs and/or allergies?

If you or any members for your party have a food allergy, please contact [email protected] at least three to five business days before your visit. A culinary ambassador will work with you to provide meal options consistent with your diet, ingredient labels, information on cross contamination management at our facilities, and answer any additional allergen related questions you may have.

What if I don’t have a doctor’s note required to register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card?

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience, however an increasing number of guests are misusing the Special Access Pass and we want to ensure that we meet the needs of guests with disabilities and special needs who cannot wait in lines. A valid IBCCES Accessibility Card is required for participation in the Ride Accessibility Program.

Why is the IBCCES Accessibility Card required now? Why were the programs changed?

The updated enrollment requirement of the IBCCES Accessibility Card is part of our continuing effort to ensure that guests with special needs have the best possible experience while visiting our park.

If I enrolled in the Ride Accessibility Program in the past, do I still need to register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card?

Yes, everyone who wishes to utilize the Ride Accessibility Program must register for and present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center in the park.

If I have a visible, physical disability or impairment such as a cast, a brace or a wheelchair, do I need to present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card to enroll in the Rides Accessibility Program?

Yes. To ensure fairness, the new policy applies equally to all guests who wish to enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program. The intent is to reduce the misuse of either program and is necessary because our ambassadors do not have the expertise to evaluate whether a disability, impairment or special need of any nature causes functional limitations.

Is your new policy HIPAA and ADA compliant?

Our new policy requiring a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program is in full compliance with both HIPPA and the ADA. We will not require you to share the nature of your disability or special needs.

Do I need to bring any documentation such as a doctor’s note to the Welcome Center?

No. You should not bring any type of medical information or doctor’s notes to the park. You must bring your valid IBCCES Accessibility card but no other documentation should be brought to the park.

If I have a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card, do I still need to visit the Welcome Center at the park?

Yes, to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program, you must visit the Welcome Center at the park on each visit. You will be required to present your IBCCES Accessibility Card on each visit.

How long is the IBCCES Accessibility Card Valid?

The card lasts for one year and can be used worldwide at any attraction or property that partners with the IBCCES. You must apply on an annual basis for a new card.

What is required to be able to ride the attractions at Sesame Place Philadelphia?

In order to ride the attractions, guests must be able to:

  • Maintain the proper riding position throughout the ride (e.g. brace themselves upright in their seat, keeping their head upright and their back against the seatback, maintain postural control while seated in a tube or raft)
  • Use the restraint device properly
  • Be able to hold on tight
  • Keep their hands, arms, legs, and feet down and inside the attraction at all times
  • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to comply with verbal and written rider requirements

The rider requirements and health restrictions are listed at the entrance of each ride as well as in our Accessibility Guide.

Accessibility Guide (PDF)

Are oxygen tanks permitted on rides?

Due to the dynamics and certain characteristics of the rides, oxygen tanks are only permitted on the bench seats of the Sunny Day Carousel and no other rides or attractions. Oxygen tanks are permitted in theaters, restaurants, gift shops, and other enclosed facilities.

Are guests with casts, braces, and walking boots eligible to ride?

  • Guests with a full arm cast, certain types of forearm casts, full leg cast, braced arm cast, or braces between the legs may be restricted from riding certain rides.
  • Guests with walking boots and knee braces will be able to ride as long as the boot or brace fits comfortably into the ride unit.
  • Guests should refer to the Ride Information section of the Ride Accessibility Guide or The Welcome Center to determine their specific ability to ride any ride.

Are guests with prosthetic devices and amputations eligible to ride?

Guests with any type of prosthesis should ensure it is properly secured before riding any ride. Guests should refer to the Ride Information section of the Ride Accessibility Guide or The Welcome Center to determine their specific ability to ride any ride.

Are expectant mothers eligible to ride?

Expectant mothers are permitted to enjoy the following attractions: The Sunny Day Carousel, Mini-Monster Clubhouse, Elmo's Surf 'n' Slide, The Count's Splash Castle, Big Bird's Rambling River, and Bert & Ernie's Splashy Shores. Expectant mothers may also enjoy all of our daily shows and our Sesame Street Party Parade

Special Access Program FAQs

What is the Special Access Pass?

The Special Access Pass is an accommodation designed for guests with physical impairments and/or cognitive disorders to provide equal access to our rides and attractions. Our Special Access Pass gives priority boarding on select rides and attractions to guests who are unable to stand in line because of their physical impairments and/or cognitive disorders.

How does the Special Access Pass work?

Guests who qualify will be issued a wristband and a Special Access Pass to be used for priority boarding on up to 6 dry rides and up to 3 water attractions.

Where can the Special Access Pass be used?

The Special Access Pass can only be used on dry rides and water rides; it is not valid for character meet and greets, photos at Photos with Elmo and Friends, character shows, the parade, merchandise lines, culinary lines, and any other in-park attractions.

How do I use the Special Access Pass at an attraction?

Guests using the Special Access Pass should proceed to the Abby’s Magic Queue entrance of the respective attraction and inform the ride operator they wish to ride. Guests will need to show their wristband and present their Special Access Pass to the ride operator. Please note that ride operators may not be able to speak with guests until the ride has come to a complete stop. Guests may be asked to wait 1-2 ride cycles prior to boarding.

Please note: Guests using a wheelchair who are able to safely enjoy Super Grover’s Vapor Trail or Oscar’s Wacky Taxi (based on their Ride Accessibility Sheet) should proceed to the coaster exit to enter these attractions.

To use the Special Access Pass on water rides, guests should proceed to the Abby’s Magic Queue entrance of the respective attraction and inform the ride operator that they wish to ride. Guests will need to show the ride operator their wristband.

Please note: To use the Special Access Pass on Big Bird’s Rambling River, guests should proceed to the attraction exit. 

How many dry rides can I go on with the Special Access Pass?

The Special Access Pass provides guests with priority boarding up to six times on any of the dry rides at Sesame Place Philadelphia. Guests may choose if they want to utilize the Special Access Pass to ride six different rides or if they would prefer to ride the same ride multiple times for a total of six rides. Guests can ride the same ride a maximum of two times in a row. For additional rides, guests must exit and reenter the ride queue.

How many water rides can I go on with the Special Access Pass?

Special Access provides guests with priority boarding to water attractions up to three times. Guests may choose if they want to utilize the Special Access to ride three different rides or if they would prefer to ride the same ride multiple times for a total of three rides. Water attractions include:  Elmo's Surf 'n' Slide, Rosita's Seaside Slides, and Big Bird's Rambling River.

What is the maximum party size for using the Special Access Pass?

The maximum party size is four: the guest with disabilities or special needs and up to (3) riding companions will be allowed to access attractions using the Special Access Pass. Additional party members over (4) total guests must use the standard ride entrance. The guest issued the Special Access Pass must ride in order for their riding companions to access the attraction through the Special Access entrance.

General Services

Guest Relations

Guest Relations is located to the left of Sesame Place Philadelphia front gate entrance by the ticket kiosks. Guests should visit Guest Relations for assistance with Season Passes and ticket upgrades.

Welcome Center

For general park information and guest services, please visit The Welcome Center, located just inside of the front gate on the left-hand side. Guest services at The Welcome Center include:

  • Enrollment in our Ride Accessibility Program
  • Assistance with Season Passes
  • Lost and Found inquiries

First Aid

Sesame Place Philadelphia First Aid station is located in the center of the park, and its entrance is located next to Oscar's Garage. This office is staffed by Registered Nurses and Emergency Medical Technicians. Ambassadors throughout the park are able to call for assistance upon request. 

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Sesame Place Philadelphia. Service animals are limited to dogs and miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform task for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times, unless such leash or harness interferes with the service the animal is providing, or the handler is unable to use a leash or harness due to his/her special need.


Service animals are the responsibility of the owner and cannot be left unattended. Guests are responsible for the clean-up and for controlling their assistance animal’s behavior. If, at any time, your service animal’s behavior becomes a threat to the safety and well-being of other park guests, you will be asked to leave the premises. All service animals must be housebroken. For additional information on service animals, please reference our Accessibility Guide. 


Accessibility Guide (PDF)

Family Services

Family Care Center

The Family Care Center is located in the center of our park next to The Sunny Day Carousel. The Family Care Center has four private nursing areas, bottle warmers, and changing stations.

The Family Care Center is also home to Lost Parents. Children who are separated from their families during their visit will be able to wait in a supervised, indoor area until a parent or supervising adult is able to meet them. Lost child announcements are made in the park when a child is brought to The Family Care Center. Identification wristbands for children are available at The Family Care Center. 

Baby Changing Stations

Baby changing stations are located in each restroom facility.

Adult Changing Stations

Adult changing tables are located in the restrooms across from Big Bird's Burger & Bites.

Bottle Warming

Bottle warmers are available at The Family Care Center.

Child Swap

Sesame Place Philadelphia offers a Child Swap program on select Dry Attractions. This program is helpful when one adult wants to ride with more than one child, but the ride does not allow the entire party to ride at the same time. Once at the front of the line, the adult can ride with one child while the other waits with a non-rider. Once the ride is complete, the children switch spots and the adult can ride with the other child without having to wait in line again. Please note that Sesame Place Philadelphia Ambassadors may not supervise children or ride with a child as part of the child swap program. A child swap must be done by a member of the party to allow the children to ride. Child Swap is not avaialble on our Water Attractions.

Stroller Rental

Large double stroller with seat belts and canopy that hold two children are available for rent. 

Rent a Stroller

Accessible Parking

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces are available in our Preferred Parking Lot starting at $30. Spaces are limited and often sell out, so we recommend you arrive early. Vehicles should display an accessible parking permit to the tollbooth employee. A wheelchair or an electric wheelchair can be arranged to be brought to your vehicle based upon availability by notifying a parking attendant upon your arrival.

Mobility Assistance

Wheelchair & Electric Wheelchair Rentals

Reserve a wheelchair or electric wheelchair online or in the park at Photos & Rentals. Wheelchair rentals are starting at $30.00 per day and electric wheelchair rentals are starting at $85.00 per day. All Sesame Place Philadelphia employees are trained to provide assistance to all our guests, which include helping a guest transferring to or from a wheelchair. However, they are not trained, nor permitted, to lift guests in and out of wheelchairs.

Segways

Sesame Place Philadelphia does not permit the use of two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles, including Segways.

Park Accessibility

Accessible Parade Viewing Area

There is special seating for guests in wheelchairs to view the parade. The area is located adjacent to the Men’s Restroom by Big Bird's Rambling River. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Restrooms

All restrooms are accessible to guests using wheelchairs.

Restaurants

All restaurants are wheelchair accessible and offer accessible seating options. 

  • Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen is a fast, casual indoor restaurant. Guests order at the register and then pick their food up to take to their table. Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen has two floors of seating available. The second floor may be accessed by stairway or elevator. Strollers are not permitted, however the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

  • Big Bird’s Burger & Bites is a fast, casual indoor restaurant. Guests order at the register and then pick their food up to take to their table. Seating is only available upstairs and the second floor may be accessed by stairway or elevator. Stollers are not permitted, however the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

  • Rosita’s Cocina features cafeteria-style dining with an outdoor seating area. Rosita’s Cocina is wheelchair accessible.

  • Abby’s Backyard BBQ is an outdoor table style restaurant. Guests will be able to order food through a QR code at their table and the food will be delivered to them. Abby’s Backyard BBQ is wheelchair accessible.

Learn More

Gift Shops

All gift shops are wheelchair accessible. Please ask any ambassador for assistance. 'Package Pick-up', available at all gift shops, provides guests the opportunity to shop throughout Sesame Place and have their purchases sent to Package Pickup, located at Sesame Souvenirs, for pick-up later in the day.

Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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.

Ride Accessibility Guide
Our Ride Accessibility Guide provides an overview of services and facilities available for guests with special needs who are visiting Sesame Place Philadelphia. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment to all guests.

Accessibility Guide (PDF)



Utilizing the Ride Accessibility Program 
A valid IBCCES Accessibility Card is required
Guests with physical disabilities, mobility impairments and/or cognitive disorders who would like to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program must present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park. Guests can register for an IBCCES Accessibility card at www.accessibilitycard.org.

See More on Ride Accessibility Program

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 comfortable seating area for guests to take a break. The quite 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.

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 as well as the area under Elmo's Surf 'n' Slide, near Little Bird's Bay. While these locations are not designated quiet areas, they are often less populated areas of the park.

Low Sensory Parade Viewing

Guests who want to enjoy the parade without direct character interaction such as "hugs" or "high fives" 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.

Hearing & Visual Impairments

Sign Language Interpretation

American Sign Language interpretation can be provided at live shows with a minimum of two week's notice. Please contact [email protected] to make reservations.

Show Scripts

Show scripts are available for our daily character shows and can be obtained at the Welcome Center, located inside the front gate on the left-hand side.

Visual Impairments

Visually Impaired Guests must have someone (a companion or park ambassador) read the ride restrictions to them prior to boarding.