which added into the uncertain future of Busch Gardens Tampa park. It was theorized the Busch Entertainment parks may form their own company, be sold off independently, or be bought together. Potential buying participants were speculated, to be the Blackstone Group, Cedar Fair, Parques Reunidos, and Six Flags, as all were operating parks domestically or globally. In early August, it was reported that the Blackstone Group, operating Merlin Entertainment, and Parques Reunidos, were emerging to bid for the Busch parks. Talks of the acquisition were ongoing in November, with industry officials signaling a deal might take place during summer in 2009. As part of its plan to sell off Busch parks, Anheuser-Busch InBev ceased free beer samples for guests at the beginning of 2009, having been in place since the parks opening. The park also deemphasize Anheuser-Busch products by reducing, removing, or replacing several offerings. For the park's 50th anniversary, park officials asked the public to bring in memorabilia to be displayed in a temporary historic museum. The building that housed the former Akbar's Adventure Tour simulator ride and U.S. Horseshow Jumping Hall of Fame was turned into a museum in March, with guest and corporate contributions displayed. In June 2009, it was anticipated the Busch Gardens Tampa park would replace its Land of the Dragons area with a Sesame Street area as its Williamsburg sister park had completed. Busch Gardens revealed its intentions in August to build the kids area, with the plans calling to enlarge the section, add a kids roller coaster, and retheme several attractions to fit the Sesame Street theme. Rumors of Busch Gardens' sale were reported in September, as the Blackstone Group was becoming more prominent to purchase the parks, with a deal close in October. Anheuser-Busch InBev announced it would sell Busch Entertainment to the Blackstone Group on October 7. The acquisition saw the Clydesdale horses removed, but allow the continuation of the Busch Gardens name, as well as previous programs, employees, and leadership from before its purchase. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay began to be operated by the renamed SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment division in December, with the last Anheuser-Busch symbols from the park taken out. 2010–present: New ownership and additions General manager Mills was replaced by Jim Dean in the role as park president in February 2010. The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco band ceased performances in 2010, and a new 4-D film based