From Anthony Murphy on August 8, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Doesn't Sesameplace still exsist? I have no clue if its still around.

As to characters, speaking on Six Flags, its actually gotten a bit better by getting the DC Superheroes. People are buying those capes like never before. Its pretty good, I don''t mind too much!

From Jason Jackson on August 8, 2008 at 2:33 PM
BGW has needed more kids attractions to bring in the all important family groups and this has been rumored for a couple of years.

From Robert Niles on August 8, 2008 at 2:53 PM
The Sesame Place theme park is located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. It's too small for a complete TPI listing, though it's been mentioned in discussions from time to time.

From Greg Maxwell on August 8, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Busch Entertainment announced in 2006 that they were going to bring the Sesame Street Characters to the Sea World and Busch Gardens parks.

I believe it may have been mentiond on one of the BGW threads from that year.

From robert olson on August 8, 2008 at 9:46 PM
I hope they don't ruin England. I don't want to be faced with Big Bird as soon as I enter the park. I'd like to see England remain traditional-looking.

From Drew Petzold on August 10, 2008 at 5:41 AM
It could be near the entrance of the park. This area will include a junior roller coaster, along with other child related attractions. They said in the last press release that the Globe Theatre at the front of the park will also be taken over by Sesame Street, and they will also have a photo opportunity area. One interesting thing to see will be how now they are taking after Disney in the part of character dining. They said there will be a new character dining experience with the Sesame Street characters as well. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

From Missy Renee on August 10, 2008 at 7:43 PM
I have to say that I am surprised at this news, because I expected this project, and any other expansions, to be shelved after the InBev buyout. But overall I cannot be too unhappy about it, because my kids love Sesame Street, and the rides will be something new for them to do. My son is especially excited by the idea of having a coaster similar to Shamu Express (at Sea World) closer to home.

But I echo someone's earlier comment about the disappointment with England losing its atmosphere. Unfortunately, I think it is inevitable. I am sure there will be copious amounts of bright primary colors and costumed characters everywhere...

Lately I have noticed some non-Sesame Street related changes in England, too. The music loop that has played in England for years has occasionally been replaced with oldies music. I've noticed it mainly when leaving the park near closing time. The last time I walked through England, instead of Vivaldi or Mozart I was listening to "I'm Henry the Eighth, I am". I almost cried...

I guess next year it will be "Sing, sing a song"...

From Chris Wilkes on August 11, 2008 at 5:21 AM
I think you're mixing up parts of India and Egypt.

From Jason Jackson on August 11, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Actually the music in England at night is upbeat music all from English Bands. I think it is designed to lighten the exit and make it more festive. I love the atmosphere in England at night. The park added more lighting and it is very festive.

From Missy Renee on August 11, 2008 at 1:54 PM
That makes sense, Jason. I didn't think of the British band connection. At least I can get my arms around it if there seems to be a point to the change. I figured it had to be something like that...my initial thought was that it may be some kind of advertisement for Water Country, with the 1950-1960's theme. I had noticed the lighting as well, and agree that it makes a more cheerful atmosphere.

It does make sense to have the more upbeat music as people are trudging out of the park exhausted at the end of a long day. It gets the "herd" moving and out through those turnstiles just a bit faster! (Sorry for the livestock reference, but I always feel like cattle when moving simultaneously in one direction with a large group...LOL!) I have just always loved the classical music loop in England in particular. Call me really old fashioned...like by a few centuries, I guess! I've noticed Vivaldi is always back in the a.m....woohoo!