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in spring 2010, Tampa, Florida - This spring, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes families to an all-new, Sesame Street-themed, sunny, funny playland featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends. Sesame Street Safari of Fun will be filled with rides, shows and adventures that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Sesame Street and Busch Gardens unite to create a signature attraction found nowhere else.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun will include a new junior roller coaster designed for parents and children to ride together. "Air Grover" is full of mini-dives and twisty turns as families soar through the Sahara. Other kid-sized rides include "Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile," a splashy flume ride through the famed river; "Rosita's Djembe Fly-Away," a swing ride that sends kids whirling above the African canopy; "Elmo's Safari Go-Round," a tribal-inspired carousel with Elmo and his friends; and more. "Oscar's Swamp Stomp" provides cool water fun, and "Bert & Ernie's Water Hole" is a wet adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more.

A photography studio gives kids the chance to share a hug and a smile with Sesame Street friends, and musical performances bring tales of adventure to life.

The new destination for family-friendly adventure will be created where Land of the Dragons now exists, and will double the area's current size.

"Sesame Street Safari of Fun will be a fantastic addition to Busch Gardens," says Donnie Mills, Busch Gardens' executive vice president and general manager. "With Sesame Street Safari of Fun, Busch Gardens truly has something for all ages, and this new destination in the park is certain to be a hit among families and kids."

In addition to the rides and play areas, families also will be able to watch their favorite characters on the big screen. "Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!" will run in the park's 4-D theater, located in Timbuktu. And families can share breakfast and lunch with Elmo and the rest of the characters on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun expands upon the variety of unique experiences Busch Gardens offers. With thrilling rides, award-winning shows and exotic up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.

For more information on Sesame Street Safari of Fun, visit BuschGardens.com