Six Flags Great Adventure announced it will merge its theme park with the safari attraction in 2013, making it the largest amusement park on the planet. 

The safari, where guests next year will no longer be able to drive their cars through the trails, will be included in general theme park and season passes, according to a company release. 

The 160 acre theme park and the 350 acre Wild Safari will be merged into one site to become the world's largest theme park. In addition to the roller coasters, games, shopping and entertainment the newly designed park will also include what is being called the "Safari Off Road Challenge."

The safari includes close to 1200 animals and the Safari Off Road Adventure will have a new way to explore the area. Following a fictional family guests will ride in a "rugged, open-air Safari vehicle," to take a tour rather than their own cars. The new vehicles will take them through ponds, over bridges and crossing 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.

Safari Director and Chief Veterinarian said guests will have a whole new experience when the park opens next year. "For nearly 40 years, people have dreamed of more up-close animal experiences with fewer boundaries, and now we can truly deliver a VIP experience to each and every one of our guests- and it's included in their theme park admission."

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

There is also 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 1800 foot slide into "a splash of glory," the release said. Opening in the summer of 2013 it will be the eighth slide complex at the park bringing the total number of rides to 25. The park also includes a million-gallon wave pool, a half mile lazy river and a children's water playground.

Season Passes for 2013 are also 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.