This spring, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will welcome families to an all-new, Sesame Street-themed play land. Sesame Street Safari of Fun will be filled with kid-size rides, water fun, shows and adventures that celebrate the spirit of Africa.

“This new attraction is going to be unlike anything families have encountered before, with unique African-inspired costumes for Elmo, Big Bird and their friends, and exciting adventures for families to share,” said Donnie Mills, Busch Gardens’ executive vice president and general manager. “With the addition of 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.”

One highlight of the area is 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. “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. “Big Bird’s 123-Smile with Me” photography studio gives kids the chance to share a hug and a smile with Sesame Street friends, and musical performances bring safari tales to life.

The new destination for family-friendly adventure is being created where Land of the Dragons exists, and will double the area’s current size to 2.5 acres.

In addition to the rides and play areas, families will also 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. The fun-filled, 4-D movie brings Sesame Street Muppets’ adventures to life with zany 3-D gags and special effects like wind, water and jump-out-of-your-seat surprises.

Families will be able to share breakfast and lunch with Elmo and his friends on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

Rides and Play Areas



Air Grover: A junior coaster full of turns, mini-dives for parents and kids to ride together.

The Count’s Zambezi Rally: A kid-size car ride that takes you on a jaunt through desert and tribal trails.

Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile: A splashy flume ride through the famed river.

Snuffy’s Elephant Romp: Fly around and around and up and down on Snuffy’s fun friends.

Elmo’s Safari Go-Round: A tribal-inspired carousel with Elmo and his friends.

Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away: A swing ride through the jungle that sends kids whirling above the African canopy.

Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie: It’s funny side up on Big Bird’s delightfully playful Ferris wheel ride.

Telly’s Jungle Jam: Explore sounds, shapes and shadows in this naturally engaging play area for kids of all abilities.

Elmo’s Treehouse Trek: A three-story hideaway to play hide-n-seek and get a bird’s eye view of the entire play land.

Cookie Monster’s Canopy Crawl: Climb, crawl and explore this three-story net climb.

Slimey’s Sahara Sand: A fun-filled, sand-filled beachy oasis where kids can frolic in the coolest desert around.

Oscar’s Swamp Stomp: Stomp, splash and play in Oscar’s delightfully cool water play area.

Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole: A water adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more.

Sunny Day Theater: Musical performances bring tales of adventure to life.

Sesame Street presents “Lights, Camera, Imagination!”: A 4-D movie that brings the Sesame Street Muppets’ adventures to life with zany 3-D gags and special effects like wind, water and jump-out-of-your-seat surprises. Plays in 4-D theater in Timbuktu area of the park.

Dining

Dine with Elmo and Friends: Share breakfast or lunch with Elmo and his friends on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

Snack-n-Getti Tribal Treats: Tasty treats to keep your energy up.

Shopping

Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Hut: A bazaar of unique items, including tons of safari treasures and Sesame Street gifts you can’t find any place else.

Cookie Monster’s Trading Post: Looks like Cookie Monster’s cravings have gone beyond sweets. Check out his trading post full of safari-inspired fun gifts.

Photo Ops

Air Grover Ride Photos

Big Bird’s 123-Smile with Me: Meet and greet the Sesame Street characters.

Vice President of Design & Engineering Mark Rose chats with Bif, the construction-worker Muppet, sharing details of the construction of Busch Gardens’ new Sesame Street Safari of Fun area during a media hard-hat tour on Thursday. After the presentation, Rose led the media on a tour of the construction site (top photo).