Six Flags Over Texas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You have new messages (last change).
This article is about the theme park. For the flags themselves, see Six flags over Texas.
Six Flags Over Texas
Location Arlington, Texas
Website www.sixflags.com
/parks/overtexas/
Owner Texas Flags, Ltd.

Operated by Six Flags, Inc.
Opened August 1, 1961
Operating season March through December
Area 212 acres (0.86 km²)
Rides 50 total
  • 12 roller coasters
  • 5 water rides

Six Flags Over Texas is a major amusement park located in Arlington, Texas (USA), east of Fort Worth and about 15 miles (24 km) west of Dallas. It was the oldest park of the Six Flags chain. The park opened on August 1, 1961 following just a year of construction and an initial investment of US$10 million by real estate developer and oil baron Angus G. Wynne, Jr.

Since its opening, Six Flags Over Texas has consistently performed well in terms of attendance and revenue, despite its history of ever-changing owners and expansions. The park currently has several amusement rides and attractions, bringing in thousands of visitors daily.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Initial planning and construction

Following a visit to the recently opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, wealthy oil tycoon and real estate developer Angus G. Wynne, Jr. decided that his home state of Texas should have a local park for entertainment. Planning for such a place began in 1959, under the leadership of Wynne and the Great Southwest Corporation, along with the backing of various New York investors. Construction on the park began in August, 1960.

The original logo for Six Flags over Texas.
The original logo for Six Flags over Texas.
The entrance of Six Flags over Texas welcomes visitors while the Oil Derrick observation tower looms in the background.
The entrance of Six Flags over Texas welcomes visitors while the Oil Derrick observation tower looms in the background.

[edit] Origin of the name

The park's name "Six Flags Over Texas" stands for the six different nations' flags which have governed Texas, including: France, Spain, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, The Confederate States of America, and the United States of America. The story goes that Wynne originally intended to name the park "Texas under Six Flags", until his wife objected stating that "Texas isn’t under anything." The original park was (and still is) split into separate regions, such as the Spain and Mexico section which featured Spanish-themed rides, attractions and buildings.

[edit] Grand opening

Six Flags Over Texas opened its gates to the public on Tuesday, August 1, 1961 as part of a "soft-test opening". The park held its grand opening ceremonies on Saturday, August 5, 1961. Park attendance reached 8,374. Admission was $2.75 for adults and $2.25 for children; parking was 50 cents; hamburgers were 35 cents, and soft drinks were 10 cents. On opening day, guests could visit the six original themed sections: Mexico, Spain, France, The Confederacy, Texas, and Modern. They could also enjoy over 20[citation needed] attractions ranging from classic rides, shows, and exhibits.

The park's first season was a success with over 500,000 visitors which ended on November 25, 1961.

[edit] The 1960s

The 1960s were a growing decade for Six Flags Over Texas. The park added numerous attractions including two new sections: Boomtown, named after the boomtowns that sprang up rather quickly during Texas' oil boom era, and the "Tower Section", named after the Oil Derrick observation tower built in 1969. The park also witnessed the birth of two classic theme park attractions: the log flume in 1963 and the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster in 1966. Attendance reached close to 2 million visitors a year by the end of the decade. In 1969, Six Flags Over Texas was sold by Angus Wynne for a limited partnership with Jack Knox.

[edit] The 1970s

The park saw continuing growth and expansion through the 1970s. The park underwent new management in 1971 with the Penn Central Railroad. The park added two new roller coasters, more rides, and a new section called "Goodtimes Square". The park also removed many of its less popular aging attractions in this decade as well. In 1975, a new mascot, Cyrus Cosmos - the inventor - was created and led many ad campaigns. By 1978, Six Flags Over Texas had had over 30 million visitors.

[edit] The 1980s

The 1980s were another period of change for Six Flags Over Texas. The park added three roller coasters as well as a children's section themed after Pac-Man in 1983 and later changed to Looney Tunes in 1985. Six Flags Over Texas also introduced three popular festivals in this decade. Spring Breakout, introduced in 1984, brought live bands and excitement to the park for students on Spring Break. Six Flags also introduced Fright Nights and Holiday in the Park to increase attendance and extend the season.

[edit] The 1990s

The 1990s was a rather rough decade in comparison from decades past. The decade started off with a bang when Six Flags Over Texas introduced the Texas Giant roller coaster. After a record year, Six Flags Over Texas went into a lull with management changes and name changes as the Looney Tunes characters began to take over. In the late 90s, the park experienced a period of growth by adding new coasters and ride. Six Flags Over Texas also introduced FastLane which was similar to FastPass at Disney theme parks. Unfortunatly, many of these new additions (including the new Gotham City section) were far from the original Six Flags Over Texas theme. By the end of the decade, Six Flags Over Texas was packed with ten thrilling roller coasters.

[edit] The 21st century

As the 21st Century rolled around, Six Flags Over Texas started it off with its addition of Titan and a redone Looney Tunes USA. In 2002, the park kicked off the Best of Texas Festival which brought Texas history back to the park. The park has also made steps toward bringing back the past when they reopened Casa Magnetica. In 2006, the park celebrated its 45th Anniversary by adding ten new attractions geared toward families. Since then, Six Flags Over Texas has placed more emphasis on families by offering Brunch with Bugs as well as introducing a Latino Festival.

[edit] Firsts, bests, and other records

[edit] Firsts and one of a kinds

*This is often disputed with Geauga Lake’s Double Loop[1] roller coaster, despite Six Flags claiming it publicly on their website[2].

[edit] Records

  • Tallest Roller Coaster in Texas - Titan (255 feet)
  • Fastest Roller Coaster in Texas - Titan (85 mph)
  • Tallest Freefall Combo Tower in North America - Superman: Tower of Power (325 feet)
  • Largest Land Based Oil Derrick - Oil Derrick (300 feet)

[edit] Awards

  • World's Best Wooden Roller Coaster of 1999 - Texas Giant

[edit] Accidents

Main article: Incidents at Six Flags parks
  • A 28-year-old Arkansas woman drowned on the Roaring Rapids water ride.
  • In March 2006, Texas Tornado malfunctioned and its operators brought it to an emergency stop, causing five swing chairs to collide at high speeds. Several riders suffered minor injuries.

[edit] Events

Six Flags Over Texas hosts several seasonal events throughout the year including:

The 'Best Time of the Year' is just one of the many holiday traditions that make up the park's annual Holiday in the Park celebration.
The 'Best Time of the Year' is just one of the many holiday traditions that make up the park's annual Holiday in the Park celebration.
  • Spring Break Out – Taking place in the month of March, the Spring Break Out event welcomes the warm Texas weather with plenty of outdoor attractions, events, games, and concert performances. The event usually takes place over a couple of weeks, allowing various local schools’ differing spring break holidays to coincide with one of the event's weeks. It has been a park tradition since 1984.
  • Festival Latino - In June, Hispanic and Latino heritage is celebrated throughout the park. The park alive with arts, crafts, performances by bands and dancers, as well as authentic cuisine including fajitas, sweet corn, churros, and tacos. This festival is a new tradition started in 2006.
  • Best of Texas Festival – Texas heritage is celebrated during this event in September. The park is decorated with pumpkins, hay bales, and scarecrows and filled with skilled artisans and Texas souvenirs such as woodcarvings, homemade soaps, and hand-crafted leather boots. Several authentic Texas foods are also popular at the event, including homemade breads, kettle corn, skillet potatoes, and fried green tomatoes. Originally called the Texas Heritage Festival, it was renamed the 'Best of Texas' festival for the 2006 season and the parks 45th anniversary.
  • Fright Fest – Originally only one night in October called 'Fright Night', Fright Fest is the annual Halloween festival at Six Flags Over Texas, Fright Fest, takes place throughout the month of October and features several specialized additions to the park. Haunted houses, decorated pathways, patrolling ghouls, and spooky music all contribute to the park’s transformation into a giant 'scream' park.
  • Holiday in the Park – A tradition started in 1985, Holiday in the Park is now one of the park’s most popular seasonal events as the park’s season winds down towards the end of November and throughout December. Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights are strung around the park buildings and rides, and an authentic snow hill is available for visitors to sled down (made possible in the usually mild Texas winter by a specialized refrigeration machine under the attraction). Festive holiday shows, arts & crafts, and delicious seasonal food also bring the holidays to Six Flags Over Texas.

[edit] Sections

Aerial view of "Gotham City"-themed section of the park. Highways SH 360 and I-30 intersect in the immediate background which show the proximity of the park to local roadways.
Aerial view of "Gotham City"-themed section of the park. Highways SH 360 and I-30 intersect in the immediate background which show the proximity of the park to local roadways.
  • Texas (1961)
  • Spain (1961)
  • Mexico (1961)
  • France (1961)
  • USA (1961 - originally known as the Modern section)
  • Old South (1961 - originally known as the Confederacy)
  • Tower (1969 - named after the Oil Derrick observation tower)
  • Boomtown (1963)
  • Gotham City (1999)
  • Star Mall (1961 - often not referred to as a section of the park but rather the Front Gate or part of the USA section)
  • Looney Tunes USA (1983 - originally known as Pac-Man Land & Looney Tunes Land)
  • Goodtimes Square (1973)

[edit] Rides and attractions

Batman the Ride at Six Flags Over Texas.
Batman the Ride at Six Flags Over Texas.
The Texas Giant.
The Texas Giant.
The Oil Derrick observation tower.
The Oil Derrick observation tower.

[edit] Roller coasters

Ride Year Opened Removed In Description
La Cucaracha 1961 1964 A Wild Mouse roller coaster, originally named Sidewinder and was located in the USA section in 1961.
Mine Train 1966 First Arrow Dynamics mine train roller coaster built.
Mini Mine Train 1969 Arrow Dynamics mini mine train roller coaster, located next to the bigger Mine Train.
Big Bend 1971 1978 Schwarzkopf Speed Racer/Jumbo Jet roller coaster. Ride was moved to Six Flags St. Louis, but was never re-assembled and was later scrapped.
Shock Wave 1978 Schwarzkopf roller coaster, with back-to-back vertical loops.
Judge Roy Scream 1980 A Don Rosser & Bill Cobb wooden roller coaster.
La Vibora 1987 Intamin bobsled roller coaster, ride was moved from Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Flashback! 1989 A Vekoma boomerang roller coaster.
Texas Giant 1990 A Dinn corporation built, Curtis D. Summers designed wooden roller coaster.
Runaway Mountain 1996 Premier Rides indoor roller coaster.
Mr. Freeze 1998 A Premier Rides LIM launched roller coaster. Originally intended to open for the 1997 season, but problems with the LIM Launch system forced a delayed opening.
Batman: The Ride 1999 A Bollinger & Mabillard Inverted roller coaster.
Titan 2001 A Giovanola hypercoaster.
Wile E. Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster 2001 Chance-Morgan junior roller coaster.

[edit] Current adult rides

  • Six Flags Railroad (train ride around the park) - opened in 1961; stations are the Texas Depot and Boomtown Depot
  • El Sombrero (Chance Rides trabant) - opened in 1965; located in Mexico section
  • Conquistador (Intamin Bounty/swinging ship) - opened in 1981; located in Spain section
  • El Asseradero (2 separate Arrow Dynamics log flume water rides) - 1 opened in 1963 and the other in 1968; located in Spain section
  • La Fiesta de Las Tazas (Zamperla teacups) - opened in 2006; located in Spain section
  • Casa Magnetica (tilt house) - opened in 1962, closed in 1997, reopend in 2004; located in Spain section
  • Yosemite Sam & The Gold River Adventure (a dark ride where guests float in boats past scenes of Yosemite Sam, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and friends) - opened in 1992; located in Texas section. Also see River Caves.
  • Chapparral Antique Cars (Arrow Dynamics antique cars) - opened in 1962; located in Texas section
  • Rodeo (Huss Rodeo/Breakdance ride) - opened in 2006; located in Texas section; moved from Six Flags Great Adventure
  • Sidewinder (Eli Bridge scrambler) - opened in 2006; located in Texas section; moved from Six Flags Astroworld
  • Boot Scootin' (Zamperla boot themed Turtle Parade) - opened in 2006; located in Texas section
  • Oil Derrick (Intamin observation tower) - opened in 1969; located in Tower section
  • Superman: Tower of Power (3 S & S Power Combo Towers) - opened in 2003; located in Tower section
  • Roaring Rapids (Intamin Rapids water ride) - opened in 1983; located in Tower section
  • Caddo Lake Barge (Zamperla Rockin' Tug) - opened in 2006; located in Tower section
  • Silver Star Carousel (Dentzel carousel) - opened in 1963; located in USA section
  • Aquaman's Splashdown (Intamin Shoot-the-Chutes water ride) - opened in 1987; located in USA section; was named Splash Water
  • Wildcatter (Intamin 1st-Generation Intamin Freefall) - originally called Texas Cliffhanger; opened in 1982; located in USA section
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: The Ride (motion simulator theater) - ride opened in 1995, movie began in 2004; located in USA section
  • ACME Rock-N-Rocket (Intamin Looping Starship) - opened in 2006; located in USA section; moved from Six Flags Over Georgia
  • Gunslinger (Chance Ride Yo-Yo) - opened in 1983; located in Boomtown section
  • Texas Chute-Out (Intamin parachute tower) - opened in 1976; located in Goodtimes Square section. (Also see Great Gasp)
  • Bumper Cars (Soli bumper cars) - opened in 1973; located in Goodtimes Square section
  • Crazy Legs (Huss troika) - opened in 2006; located in Goodtimes Square section; moved from Six Flags Astroworld
  • Cloud Bouncer (Zamperla Samba balloon tower) - opened in 2006; located in Goodtimes Square section
  • Batwing (Zamperla Telecombat) - opened in 2006; located in Gotham City section
  • Gotham City Spray Ground (Waterworks International interactive water playground) - opened in 2006; located in Gotham City section

[edit] Current kiddie rides

(located in Looney Tunes USA)

  • Bug's Bunny's Spirit of St. Louie (Zamperla mini airplane ride) - opened in ?
  • Elmur Fudd's 'America the Beautiful' Railway (Zamperla Rio Grande/kiddie train ride) - opened in ?
  • Route 66 Bumper Cars (SBF mini bumper cars) - opened in 2001
  • Sylvester & Tweety's State Fair-is Wheel (Zamperla mini ferris wheel) - opened in 2001
  • Daffy's Capitol Tours (SBF kiddie crazy bus ride) - opened in 2001
  • Michigan J. Frog's Tinsel Town Revue (Zamperla mini swinger ride) - opened in ?
  • Speedy's Truckin' Across America (kiddie convoy/truck ride) - opened in ?
  • Taz's New York Adventure (SBF kiddie drop ride) - opened in 2001
  • Yosemite Sam's Texas Tea Cups (SBF mini teacups) - opened in 2001

[edit] Upcharge attractions

  • Six Flags Speedway Go-Karts (J & J Amusements go karts) - opened in 1999; located in Tower section
  • Dive Bomber Alley (Skycoaster) - opened in 1996; located in Tower section

[edit] Theaters & stages

  • David Blackburn Southern Palace Theater - The largest indoor theater at Six Flags Over Texas. This venue houses all types of musical and dance shows.
  • Majestic Theater - Originally the Krofft Puppet Circus & Goodtimes Theater, this venue houses all types of musical, dance, and specialty shows.
  • Lone Star Theater- This venue usually house specialty shows.
  • Crazy Horse Saloon -The Crazy Horse Saloon has provided live entertainment for over 40 years, featuring cowboys and saloon girls. This is the oldest theater in the park.
  • AT&T Music Mill Ampitheater - The park's large outdoor ampitheater. This venue houses concerts and other live entertainment.
  • Back Porch Stage - This venue houses live bands during certain times of the year.
  • USA Stage - This venue house live bands, dance groups, and musical shows.
  • Texas Arena - This is the park's stunt show theater.

[edit] Shopping and dining

[edit] Shopping

  • Caricatures
  • Pedro's Painted Shirts
  • Caricatures
  • Casa De Six Flags
  • El Mercado De La Plaza
  • Ashley's Antique Photorium
  • Miss Abagail's Emporium
  • Les De Caricatures
  • Airbrush Artistry
  • The Ole' Woodcutter Shop
  • Texas Glass Blower
  • Texas Hats
  • Longhorn 3D Crystal
  • Big Tex's Tattoo Parlor
  • Indian Village Trading Post
  • Texas Gifts
  • Attitudes
  • Cartoon Candy Kitchen
  • Looney Tunes Mall
  • The Flash Pass Ride Reservation Center

[edit] Dining

  • Dry Hole Charlie's
  • Dusty Dan's Waterin' Hole
  • Specialty Hot Dawgs
  • Goodtimes Refreshments
  • Brunch With Bugs & Friends
  • Old Fashioned Soft Frozen Lemonade
  • Cactus Cantina
  • Flags Funnel Cakes
  • Old Fashioned Ice Cream Bars
  • Smoothies Sensacion Tropical
  • Gator McGee's Mountain Grill
  • Ben & Jerry's
  • Annabelle's Southern Treats
  • Aunt Addie's Shaved Ice
  • Papa John's Pizza
  • Uncle Bub's Smokehouse
  • Bubba's Texas Sized Hot Dogs
  • Newman's Corn Dog Cafe
  • E.G. Sugarwater's Old Time Parlour
  • Lone Star Twisters
  • Rose's Cantina
  • Salt Water Taffy
  • Red River Dogs & Fries
  • Newman's Cafe
  • American Sweets Fruit Freezes
  • USA Food Court
  • Granny's Funnel Cakes
  • Pink Things
  • Panda Express (formerly East Texas BBQ in 2006)
  • Cold Stone Creamery (formerly Chuckwagon Grill in 2006)
  • Johnny Rockets (formerly Chubbie's in 2006)

[edit] Past attractions

[edit] Future outlook/interesting Facts

Six Flags over Texas continues to add new attractions and additions on a competitive basis, in order to increase guest attendance and remain profitable. Some speculation has led to the belief that the park will have increasing difficulty with future projects due to the park's location where it is literally "boxed-in" by local roads and businesses surrounding the park, and lack of free land. Park management continues to deny this, claiming that space is available not only within the park (by removal of older rides or in various other free areas) but also in other locations, such as the park's large parking lot (which was expanded into to build the roller coaster Titan).

Park president Steve Calloway has repeatedly expressed his desire at various events to implement past favorites of the park to bring back some nostalgia. His goal was partially completed with the reopening of the long-defunct Casa Magnetica [3] funhouse in 2004.

In 2007, Six Flags over Texas will debut "Cirque Dreams Coobrila", a high energy cirque acrobatic type show housed in the Music Mill outdoor ampitheater. In the words from Six Flags: "This original production combines three key characters... the "COOler", the "BRIghter", and the "LAter." These three key elements help to describe what the summer nights at Six Flags Over Texas are all about. "Cooler" represents the cooler evenings, "Brighter" speaks to the amazing light treatments that illuminate the show and "Later" means later hours, more time for guests to enjoy all that Six Flags Over Texas has to offer."

Roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas

Batman: The Ride (SFOT) - Flashback! - Judge Roy Scream – La Vibora – Mine Train – Mini Mine Train - Mr. Freeze – Runaway Mountain - Shock Wave - Texas Giant – Titan – Wile E. Coyote’s Grand Canyon Blaster

[edit] References

[edit] See also

Portal:Texas
 Texas Portal

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../s/i/x/Six_Flags_Over_Texas_00ff.html"
In other languages