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 Team Members 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. Download the Sesame Place Sensory Guide here to get more details that will help you plan your clients’ activities at the park.
Ride Accessibility Program
Our Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) matches the individual abilities of our guests to the requirements of each ride. RAP 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.
To enroll in the RAP program, we recommend filling out the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire before your arrival. No additional documentation is required to enroll in the RAP program. Bring the completed questionnaire to The Welcome Center (located just inside the front gate on the left-hand side). Once the form is validated, a personalized list of rides and attractions will be provided to you.
Guests enrolled in RAP may be eligible for our Special Access Program, which allows guests to enjoy priority boarding on attractions.
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. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment to all guests.
Quiet Rooms
Guests in need of some quiet time and relief from sensory stimulation can utilize one of our two new quiet rooms near Big Bird's Rambling River. These rooms have adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sesame Place is proud to offer noise-cancelling headphones, WhispEars™, provided by KidCo. Guests with hearing sensitivity may pick up WhispEars™ at The Family Care Center or The Welcome Center. WhispEars™ are available on a first come, first served basis and must be returned to The Family Care Center or The Welcome Center before the end of the day.
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 by the Twiddle Bug Tracks next to Ernie's Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave. 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. For additional assistance or questions about visiting a restaurant during your visit, please contact AccessibleDiningSPL@sesameplace.com.
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 AccessibleDiningSPL@sesameplace.com.
Food Policy
Picnic lunches are not permitted in the park. Exceptions to our outside food/beverage policy can be made for guests with special dietary needs. Please notify a Security Team Member performing the security bag check at the front gate that you or a member of your party has a food allergy/intolerance. Items may be stored in coolers 10”X10”X12” or smaller. Glass containers are not allowed. If you have questions about special dietary needs prior to your Sesame Place visit, please contact us at AllergenfriendlySPL@sesameplace.com.
Meet Julia
Julia is a sweet and curious 4-year-old with autism. Say "hello" to Julia and take photos at 123 Smile With Me!
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