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Six Flags Says Drive-Through Safari Will Give Way To World's Largest Theme Park In 2013

JACKSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Ten days after announcing the imminent shut down of Six Flags Drive-Through Wild Safari, the company has revealed what will succeed it.

The company says it will merge Great Adventure with Wild Safari "to become the world's largest theme park."

The "mega-park" will feature 13 roller coasters and two new major attractions: the Safari Off Road Adventure and the Big Wave Racer at Hurricane Harbor. The new off-road attraction "will take explorers on the most intense, up-close animal experience of their lives," the company said.

"Skilled, informed drivers will drive guests off-road and up close to the animals as they splash through ponds, climb hills, cross bridges and venture over rugged terrain," the company said.

After closing the drive-through safari in September, the park will be renovated to join the 160-acre Great Adventure and the 350-acre Wild Safari. The Wild Safari portion will be redesigned to improve the "various simulated natural habitats" of the animals and an area to pet or feed some of the animals. There will also be zip line available.

At Hurricane Harbor, the new Big Wave Racer will include an 1,800-foot course that descends four stories. Riders will sit in a water toboggan and "rocket down" head-first, the company said.

"Where else can you ride a wave, go on safari, and soar on world-record breaking coasters?" park president John Fitzgerald said.

2013 season passes are now on sale, the company said, and main gate ticket prices will not increase next spring.

For more information about the park, click here.

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