The sudden move to a "seasonal schedule" has angered some season pass holders, many of whom say they bought memberships specifically for the park’s fall and winter events. To soften the blow, Sesame Place is offering current pass holders a complimentary SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card valid through the end of 2025, giving them access to that park’s Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Celebration.
But the fallout hasn’t been limited to disappointed guests. Several employees allege they learned they were out of a job from the same social media post that blindsided customers. Some have speculated that the park may not reopen at all, though for now, those fears remain speculation.
The decision marks another twist in the short, turbulent history of the San Diego park. Sesame Place opened in March 2022, repurposing the former Aquatica San Diego water park into a 17-acre Sesame Street–themed attraction. It was the second Sesame Place in the United States after the original in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, which has operated since 1980. When the San Diego location was first announced in 2019, SeaWorld officials billed it as part of a broader strategy to pivot away from live animal shows and toward family-friendly, character-driven experiences.
Now, just three years later, the future feels less certain. Whether the closure is truly temporary or signals deeper struggles behind the scenes remains to be seen. For families and employees alike, the abrupt shutdown has left more questions than answers.
Sesame Place San Diego is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista. For more information, visit sesameplace.com/san-diego.
Originally published on September 16, 2025.
