SeaWorld Orlando originally announced plans to build a water park on July 15, 2005.

The announcement called it, "a whimsical waterpark with up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and relaxing, sandy beaches".

In early November 2011 the new water slides arrived in pieces at Sea World San Antonio's parking lot, waiting to get assembled.

The park was rethemed and transformed into Sesame Place San Diego during Fall and Winter 2021.

The park opened on March 1, 2008, and is themed to the southern Pacific, and features Australian and New Zealand based mascots including Roa (a kiwi), Kata (a kookaburra), Wai (a Commerson's dolphin), Ihu (a gecko), Papa (a royal spoonbill), Wae Wae (a takahe), and Motu (a turtle).

The park features a wide array of attractions for all ages and swimming abilities, some of which pass by or through animal habitats.

The park has two wave pools which share an extensive, 80,000-square-foot (7,400 m2) man made white-sand beach area equipped with deck chairs, sun beds and umbrellas.

It features a wide array of attractions for all ages and swimming abilities, one of which of passes under an animal habitat.

The Sesame Street-themed park features tame roller coasters, carousels and other family-friendly rides, the street made famous on TV, a parade, live shows and character interactions, among other things.