Six Flags Plans 'World's Largest Theme Park'

Six Flags Great Adventure will merge its 160-acre theme park and 350-acre Wild Safari in 2013 to create the "world's largest theme park," according to a release.

In addition to the roller coasters, games, shopping and entertainment offered, the newly designed park also will include what is being called the "Safari Off Road Challenge."

The safari includes close to 1,200 animals, and the Safari Off Road Adventure will offer a new way to explore the area. Guests will ride in a "rugged, open-air Safari vehicle," to take a tour rather than driving through with their own cars. The new vehicles will take them through ponds, over bridges and across rugged terrain.

Park President John Fitzgerald said the changes should make for an exciting experience for visitors. "Never before have guests been able to journey so close to that of a true American safari here in the U.S.," he said. "By combining the world's most exotic animals with Six Flags' signature entertainment, the Safari Off Road Adventure will be the most incredible animal adventure anywhere."

Work on the new project will begin when the Wild Safari closes for the 2012 season. Admission to the new attraction will be included with general theme park and season ticket passes. Guests will still be able to enjoy the current attraction until Sept. 30.

The new attraction is set to open Memorial Day Weekend of 2013. 

There also is a plan to add a new feature to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor called the Big Wave Racer. The new slide feature will take adventurous riders up four stories before shooting down an 1,800-foot slide into "a splash of glory," the release said. 

Season passes for 2013 are on sale now and will allow purchasers unlimited access for the rest of the 2012 season including Fright Fest. Until Oct. 28, people who buy a four-pack of season passes will get a free upgrade to "premium status," which provides free access to Hurricane Harbor and other bonuses.