Sesame Place San Diego has announced a significant change to its operating schedule, transitioning to a seasonal model. The theme park will close after the upcoming Sunday and remain shut during the fall and winter months. This decision means the park will focus its operations on what it identifies as its "most popular times of the year," a shift that has impacted both visitors and employees.
Starting in 2026, Sesame Place San Diego plans to operate annually from May through September. The announcement was made through a social media post, catching many unaware. This change affects annual pass holders and park staff, leading to questions about future access and employment during the off-season.
Key Takeaways
- Sesame Place San Diego will operate seasonally, closing for fall and winter.
- The park will run from May to September starting in 2026.
- Visitors and employees learned of the change via social media.
- 2025 pass holders will receive SeaWorld Fun Cards.
- Platinum Pass holders have specific accommodations planned.
- Employees will be reassigned to SeaWorld during the off-season.
Impact on Park Visitors and Pass Holders
The news of the seasonal shift created immediate reactions among park visitors. Many pass holders expressed disappointment, particularly regarding the loss of access during popular holiday periods like Halloween and Christmas.
Adrianna Brewster, an annual pass holder, shared her initial reaction.
"My first reaction was like, oh, that's like, that's really upsetting because Halloween and Christmas time is by far one of the funnest times there. Sesame Place is great," she said.Brewster noted her disappointment about missing these seasonal celebrations, which were highlights for her family.
Fact: Operating Schedule
Sesame Place San Diego will close after the upcoming Sunday, marking the beginning of its new seasonal schedule. Full seasonal operations, from May to September, are set to begin in 2026.
Addressing 2025 Season Pass Holders
Sesame Place has outlined plans for guests holding 2025 season passes. According to park officials, these pass holders will receive a complimentary SeaWorld Fun Card. This card provides unlimited access to SeaWorld San Diego for the remainder of the year.
The SeaWorld Fun Card includes access to SeaWorld's Halloween and Christmas events. This aims to provide an alternative for guests who will no longer be able to visit Sesame Place during these times.
Background: United Parks & Resorts
Sesame Place San Diego operates under the umbrella of United Parks & Resorts. This company also owns and operates SeaWorld parks. This affiliation plays a role in the reassignment of employees and the provision of SeaWorld access to Sesame Place pass holders.
Platinum Pass Holder Accommodations
For platinum pass holders, who already have access to both Sesame Place and SeaWorld, the situation is more complex. Adrianna Brewster, a platinum pass holder, stated that she contacted the park and was informed that a specific plan for these pass holders is still under development.
"For us to be patient because they still have a plan in store to like, have us taken care of as well, it's just up in the air," Brewster explained.
Sesame Place clarified that Platinum Members already enjoy extensive benefits at SeaWorld San Diego. These benefits include food and beverage discounts, merchandise discounts, complimentary guest tickets, unlimited visits, and free parking. Any existing or future guest tickets for Sesame Place will now be valid for SeaWorld San Diego.
A follow-up email from Sesame Place indicated that tailored accommodations would be provided to Platinum Pass Members. These accommodations will be based on each member's original sign-up date, ensuring they receive valuable enhancements and special considerations at both parks.
Employee Reactions and Reassignments
The announcement also surprised park employees. Many learned about the operational change through the same social media post that informed the public. This lack of direct communication caused frustration among staff members.
Daniella, who works in food and beverage at Sesame Place, described her initial reaction.
"As soon as I saw it, I, everyone, everyone just thought it was a joke, like, oh, no way," she said.Daniella expressed concern about her employment status and questioned why employees were not notified directly before the public announcement.
"Wondering why they did it, why wouldn't they just at least tell the employees at least, but they didn't tell anybody, not even a single co-worker of mine. Everyone found out just about that post," Daniella added.
Employee Transition Plan
Sesame Place has confirmed that employees will be reassigned. During the off-season for Sesame Place, staff members will transition to roles at SeaWorld. This plan aims to ensure continued employment for affected staff.
Stat: Employee Notification
Many employees reported learning about the park's seasonal shift through a social media announcement, not through direct communication from park management.
Refund Options for 2026 Pass Holders
For guests who purchased 2026 Sesame Place San Diego passes and do not intend to use them under the new seasonal schedule, refund options are available. Guests can contact Guest Services for more information.
- Phone: 619-943-3566 (ELMO)
- Email: [email protected]
This allows those who purchased passes with expectations of year-round operation to explore alternatives if the seasonal model does not align with their plans.
Looking Ahead: The Seasonal Model
The transition to a seasonal operating schedule represents a strategic shift for Sesame Place San Diego. By focusing on the peak visitation months of May through September, the park aims to optimize its operations during its most popular periods. This change aligns with similar seasonal models seen in other theme parks, particularly those in regions with distinct tourist seasons.
The park's website confirms the May-to-September operating window will be in effect starting in 2026. This long-term plan indicates a permanent adjustment to its business model. The goal is to maximize attendance and revenue during the warmer months when family visits are typically higher.
Communication and Future Plans
The initial communication of this change through social media caused some friction. However, park management has since provided more details regarding pass holder benefits and employee reassignments. The park continues to work on specific accommodations for platinum pass holders, demonstrating an ongoing effort to address concerns.
The move highlights the dynamic nature of the theme park industry. Parks often adjust their schedules and offerings based on visitor trends, operational efficiency, and market conditions. This seasonal model is a direct response to these factors, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of Sesame Place San Diego.
