Fans devastated as beloved California theme park announces it is closing for the rest of the year
Theme park lovers have been left devastated after a popular California attraction announced it is abruptly closing for the rest of the year.
The park is shutting its doors until 2026 and will operate on a ‘seasonal schedule’ going forwards.
The announcement left many ticket and season pass holders furious as they revealed they had already booked flights to visit.
But bosses at the San Diego attraction said the decision has been taken to improve visitor experience.
Sesame Park is set to close after September 21 and won’t reopen until next May.
‘In order to make every visit filled with more excitement, attractions, and activities to enjoy, Sesame Place will transition to a seasonal schedule,’ bosses said in a statement.
‘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.’
Sesame Place season passholders will be given unlimited admission to the amusement park’s sister resort SeaWorld. The ‘Fun Cards’ will replace their annual passes.
Sea World and Sesame Place are both owned by United Parks and transferred admission will also include access Sea World’s holiday events.
Sesame Place in San Diego will close it’s doors for the rest of the year after September 21
Sesame Place boasts 18 child-friendly rides across their 17 acres
Visitors who bought single day passes for the rest of the year are allowed to reschedule their visit to a 2026 date, switch to a SeaWorld one day pass, or receive a refund.
Despite the park’s attempts to make amends, many guests were left outraged by the sudden change.
One season pass holder branded the move ‘despicable.’
They wrote: ‘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.’
Another wrote: ‘Giving employees less than a week notice they will be out of a job is deplorable.’
A third complained: ‘Very short notice since we already bought the flights. Good lord.’
Even park employees under the post seemed to be shocked about the decision. One person wrote: ‘Could’ve warned us employees way before.’
Parkgoers who have already purchased one-day tickets have been offered a refund, an opportunity to reschedule to 2026, or admission to Sea World
At Sesame Place, fans can meet their favorite Sesame Street characters including Big Bird
Fans are especially upset that the park’s, Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas, were cancelled, with one person commenting:
‘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,’ one person fumed.
It does not seem that refunds are currently available for annual passholders.
According to the park’s website, season passes are currently listed for up to $375.
The San Diego park opened its doors in 2022, more than 20 years after its first iteration opened in Philadelphia.
The 17 acre theme park boasts 18 child-friendly rides, a water park, parades, and shows for the whole family to enjoy.
Families can meet their favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Grover – although now only in Spring and Summer.
Daily Mail reached out to Sesame Place for comment.
