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Kids 5 and under are free at Busch Gardens

Posted Feb 25, 2010 by TBO.com

Updated Feb 25, 2010 at 03:14 PM

By Shannon Behnken of The Tampa Tribune

Nervous laughter filled the air as dozens of youngsters munched on pancakes and fruit.

They were really here for one reason: to see Elmo and all of his friends at Busch Gardens’ newest attraction, Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

We were there, among a group of media and their children, to preview the Dine with Sesame Street experience, which will be part of the attraction when it opens on March 27.

And what an experience it was. My little one celebrates her 4th birthday today, and this was a great extra present for her.

We settled in at a table with other moms and kids and waited for the characters to show up. The buffet-style breakfast had plenty of options: eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins and pancakes. There was orange juice and chocolate milk.

The staff was very attentive and offered to help carry our trays to our tables.

The characters bounced into the room to the Sesame Street Theme song. The children cheered.

The next part made the moms cheer.

Donnie Mills, Busch Gardens’ executive vice president and general manager, announced that kids 5 and under are eligible to receive a Preschool Pass that will entitle them to get in for free for the rest of the year. No blackout dates!

(To get the pass, you need to register on Busch Gardens’ website, www.SesameStreetSafariofFun.com and bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate to a ticket window at the front gate.)

The characters made their way around the room and the staff offered to take pictures of them with their favorites.

The Safari attraction isn’t finished yet, but we were able to watch the bulldozers hard at work and get a taste of what it will be like.

The attraction will be filled with kiddie rides, water fun, shows and adventures that celebrate the Africa. The Sesame Street characters will all be African-themed. One highlight is a new junior roller coaster, Air Grover, for parents and children. Kids will also be able to view Sesame Street Presents: Lights, Camera, Imagination!” in the park’s 4-D theater.

Previous blog entry: What you’ll find at Safari of Fun