Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, FlickrOn Monday, Universal Studios announced the permanent closure of a family-friendly theme park location, effective May 10, 2026. The resort plans to hold a farewell event for the next two months with limited-time offerings for fans who wish to say goodbye to the retiring land.
Universal Studios Japan Announces Closure
On March 9, Universal Studios Japan announced the permanent closure of Sesame Street Fun World, part of the Universal Wonderland theme park area. The land, which originally opened on March 16, 2012, will shut down on May 10, 2026.
Sesame Street characters will continue to appear throughout other areas of Universal Studios Japan after the event ends, in offerings such as the “NO LIMIT! Parade – Discover U!!! Version” and “The Ultimate Blues Bash – Colors of Music,” as well as scheduled meet-and-greets. Universal Studios Japan also offers a show called “Sesame Street 4‑D Movie Magic,” but it is currently suspended. The Universal park will also continue to offer merchandise inspired by the series and its characters.
Sesame Street Fun World Farewell Event
Universal Studios Japan will honor Sesame Street Fun World with the limited-time “Forever Friends – Always Together” event. It will run from March 20 through May 10, 2026.
As part of the event, guests can collect a partially transparent “Memory Snapshot Card” featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and other Sesame Street characters alongside the Universal Studios Japan logo. The card allows guests to take photos of various park landmarks with the Sesame Street border. The card design will change throughout the event, with the first distribution round from March 20 to April 14 and the second from April 15 to May 10.
Universal Studios Japan is also installing two “Treasure Boards,” where guests can share their memories of Sesame Street Fun World. From April 11 to May 10, they will be located in front of Elmo’s Imagination Playland and Sesame’s Big Drive.
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