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Life gets in the way so took me over a week. .but here's my TR from Fiesta Fest at SFFT on 4/9/22 FiestaFest is an event put on by American Coaster Enthusiasts, but ACE also invited those in the Thrill Seekers United (Texas based group) to participate as well if they wanted to. SFFT goes all out for events like this, and I try to attend when I can- and it's great to see all my friends from TSU (and ACE as well). here are LOTS of pics: best thing about these events, is that the check in is usually well before the park opens. . so even tho there were other events going on today (a cheer competition, and a car show in the parking lot). . still ended up with really up close parking. right next to the Valet parking (which - shocking to me- some people later in the day DID use, at $70 a spot!). Guess that's why Six Flags is doing that now. Got checked in and met up with my friend Sean (a local Austinite whom I often drive up to San Antonio for TSU events with) once we were all checked in (think the total count was ~125 people if not mistaken), we were brought into the park, and past rope drop area where Jorge gave us a welcoming to Fiesta Fest, and explained the agenda for the day (and how our badges would act as Flash Pass - yay!! that was super unexpected, and super appreciated!). .and then they brought our group back to Wonder Woman where tho we didn't have ERT, we did have 1st rides of the day on it before the park officially opened. Here's Jeff (not Jeffrey Siebert, who'd we see later, but the other Jeff in Promotions), who also "managed' our group today, and was telling us about the up close tour we'd be getting of Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Coaster in about an hour. . they had just finished putting in the last piece of track the day before and it was now a full circuit! skipping past Wondy rides, and the other assorted stuff to about an hour later, and here's Jorge leading us back into the construction area, and giving us the stats and directions about being careful where we step and where we could and could not go. the construction guys were working on the lift hill, and stopped to wave hello to us. yeah. .we were gonna get really close! see? either a paint test for the Patina. . . or Dr. Diabolical has already started her experiments on unsuspecting workers! the transfer bay to work on the coasters, and the work that had already started on the Station (all that wood, and foundation work on the right) this is truly looking impressive as hell in person! and it just LOOMS over the biggest outdoor stage at the park. the great lawn, where we'd be later to watch the 30th Fireworks/cliff show. YEAH!!!! since the Train is not operating right now during construction, we were able to walk along the track to get some unique views of the new coaster LOVE this rare picture. . and have to thank Chris from SFFT for taking this pic of me. really love it. but here's the main reason we went up the tracks. . to see the Golden Bolt - the last piece input to complete the circuit. This will be visible from the Queue line if you know where to look for it. . . really cool. Unique views from the train tracks: after the tour, we were free to enjoy the park until 5 pm, when it was time for a performance of Rockin at Rockville High - one of the classic shows the park has brought back for it's 30th Anniversary. even tho we had ERT on it after park close, we also had Flash Pass, so we headed right over to Iron Rattler. I really like how they have added Single Rider lines, in addition to Flash Pass lines to several of the Big coasters now. then we tempted fate and got in line for DareDevil Dive. I've actually only once before gotten in line ,and ridden it without having to wait out a shutdown and maintenance having to come reset. but the universe was on our side today, and we not only - using Flash Pass - got up to the station pretty quickly, but we actually got on it and got a ride with no breakdown! since we hadn't really eaten yet today (tho I think that there were perhaps cookies handed out in the morning. . can't recall. . LOL). . but it turned out that SFFT is doing a 30th Anniversary Food festival too, and added bonus to our event were some food/drink coupons to the special booths (most of the food is also avail as a "snack" on meal plan, so I recommend trying them out. Of course, I headed here - and ended up convincing everyone I was hanging with to try the Armadillo Egg. . OMG . .it was so good. nearby at the Pour Haus festival pop up, I got the 30th. . . wow, this thing is kinda scary, in that it tastes like a wonderful fruit punch. . .but man does it sneak up on you! Recommended and of course, we can't go into Sangerfest Halle without stopping to grab a pic with Sweet Connie. I love the renovations in here, and I'm not sure that Jeffrey Siebert really knows just how much I appreciate that they "saved" Sweet Connie when they re-did everything. Yes, I've told him multiple times how much I appreciate it, but not sure he "gets" how wonderful I think it is that she exists in this park. She's an ICON. .LOL me, Paige, Conne, Sean, and Juan (my "hang out crew" for most of the day) it had gotten hot, and the water rides were pulling huge lines . . so we took advantage of the Flash Pass to ride both Gully Washer (the waterfall was on, and we got soaked. . so no pics, because phone was put away), and also Bug's Whitewater Rapids. . . I did not feel guilty at ALL bypassing this massive hour + line. Sam and Dragon at the Flash Pass entrance! Sean didn't want to get wet, so he took this pic of us as we left the station: and yes, we got a bit wet - much of it from that darn spitting dragon, that TRACKS the log, and gets everyone soaked! around this time, I left the park for 30 minutes to run across the freeway and check into my hotel (had to do it in person to make sure everything went smoothly since i had a free night I was using to make up for a major S#!tshow the last time i stayed there). . worked out well, and had a nice stay this time. Soon enough was back in the park. . and stumbled across a Sylvester and Tweety photo op. Yes please! since all we'd eaten was that Armadillo Egg, and was feeling the 2nd drink.. we headed into the Sangerfest Halle to grab a light lunch as we knew we had dinner at 7. the area is looking so nice. . hard to believe it's a Six Flags, but SFFT really is a jewel in the chain. my "snack" - Brisket stuffed Baked Potato. Yum and the entertainment is back in the Halle too! German themed band. .but for the life of me, I dunno why they played "Sweet Caroline". . tho we all sang along to the "BA DUMP BUM BUM" parts. we can't be in Sangerfest and not ride the Carousel right next door tho. unfortunately, they were running it with no music, and when I queried why no music? I was told that it had broken (I responded "what? they just refurbed this within the past couple of years!". . . so we sang "Sweet Caroline" while riding and here's the infamous pic that my Spouse thought looked like an Orgasm . . . . LOL we headed to the Boardwalk next - letting the food settle - and took a spin on Pirates (where my glow in the dark boots really live up to the promise) I do not like Disk-O's. . so I rode "bench" while Sean, Juan, and Paige rode Hurricane Force 5 after it was time for our special seating at Rockville High. the show was great, and even tho they have made some changes to it? well worth seeing (and bonus: indoors/air conditioned, with cushioned benches!). the whole cast is great, and all the female leads have really strong and great voices. after the show, everyone there for Fiesta Fest got to go up on the stage, and they took a group picture of us. (pic from ACE) The show is not as long as it used to be, but it's still a good 30 minute show. . so after it was over, we made our way over to the Picnic Grove for dinner. oh, before the show, we had seen Park President Jeffrey Siebert and said hello to him. When he asked how my day had been, I mentioned my surprise that the Carousel music had broken already and wasn't working anymore. He made a confused face and got on his radio immediately, and made a call. And as we passed the Carousel on the way to the Picnic Grove? yeah, the Carousel music was playing loud and clear. That's why he's such a great Park President. this is me "not too hungry". .but I had a really decent Pulled Pork Sandwich, a spicy hot link (so good!), and potato salad. after some speeches and door prizes were handed out, we were interrupted by Dr. Diabolical's assistant who crashed our dinner, to announce that we didn't NEED the Doctor. She was able to create the anti-aging formula on her own, and if we followed her she'd perform the procedure on us. who could say no to that sweet face? she led us back to the lab, and as she was getting ready to bring us in? Uh oh. . .she looks pissed. but since we were at the lab already, and had shown her respect? why not? after this wonderful train reveal, we headed back into the park for another hour or so until it was time for the evening fireworks. this park looks so good at night, and in particular the new paint on Poltergeist looks so great at night. the skyline forever changed (from the Poltergeist porch) ooo.. we got reserved seating for the fireworks/cliff show. with chairs even! I've not ever actually seen the fireworks here, as they take place so late, and I always have to drive back to Austin. But since was staying across the street this time and was closing out the park? I was excited to see them. really impressive the projections, lasers, and animation they show on the cliffside wall - they turn off the waterfalls for this. dancing fountains and FIRE !!!! a great fireworks show. .with some gigantic fireworks.. some of the biggest I've seen. and so close to us. and then it was time for Iron Rattler ERT. (but on the way over, Jeff, Jorge, & Chris brought out a mobile Ice Cream cart and handed out frozen Snickers, Twix, and all kinds of ice cream treats for us to enjoy, while the park finished draining the general line (~20 minutes). most of the FiestaFest folks stayed for at least the 1st ride on Iron Rattler. . but even then, not too much of a wait: but by 20 minutes in, the ERT crowd dropped to only ~30 people.. so got multiple night rides on Iron Rattler. including the front row (which I rarely do, since this is a back row coaster, and front row always has longest line anyways). But too fun. soon enough tho..it was time to call it a night, as I was exhausted (having been up since 6am to leave Austin. . and it was closing in on 11). and I had to be at SeaWorld San Antonio at 9am the next morning for Great White's Birthday. so we slowly made our way towards the front gate - taking the opportunity to snap a pic with the 30th Anniversary statue in the front plaza (rare to get without so many people around). the back side of it: all in all, a fantastic day at a fantastic park. (and we rode a lot more that I didn't take pics of. . but we got a lot of riding in and enjoyed the event). hope you liked the pics shared.

No. No, not really. No, not really at all. No. Nah. No sir. The ride operator isn't responsible for understanding how the ride functions. The safety authority trained that as long as the green light was on, it's gud-tah-go. The green light was on. The harness was down to an extent. The ride also said "gud-tah-go." Hit the flashing green button, as trained. Keep those fingers a' point'n, though. As long as it makes you feel better. "SoMe One NeEdZ 2 gO 2 JaLe" Because that will fix everything. Hell, lock em' away right now am i rite?

Considering how strong this park's top 2 is, a coaster like Dr. D or basically any launch coaster would fit in perfectly.

It's surprising to me that anyone could have the ability to adjust the restraint sensor system, other than the manufacturer. I wonder if the manufacturer signed off on that. I hope not, but I still have no clue how that could happen. Could have been some physical tampering? Modifying safety systems like this doesn't sound legit. I guess we'll see when more info comes out. Hopefully those responsible will be held accountable.

Ohhhh. I see. You might want to clarify that next time, lol. I mean you DO look happy in the picture.......!

I can't either. The guys running the ride cycle to cycle wouldn't have the tools, time, and I doubt knowledge. This would have been maintenance personnel. Was it an oversight or a directed change? If not on purpose was there some sort of testing to verify the adjustment following maintenance on the sensor? If not, why not? I'd expect the manual from the manufacturer to include such tests/adjustment procedures. But do owners write their own versions like they do with operations manuals? If so was this left out or changed?

Bert glad you had such an awesome day! But showing us your orgasm face may be too much information................!!! We may have to make it back down next year to do the event again, especially since Dr. D's will be open. Totally jealous of all your 30th anniversary stuff, we didn't get near that much for our 50th, although to be fair it was much earlier in the Pandemic.

Too bad they went with yellow as a primary color on WW, with RR sporting the yellow supports right next door. Doesn't stand out as much as it could.

Also, not everyone can afford to travel the country to ride specific kinds of roller coasters.

^ Awesome trip report, Bert! I giggled at the term "Austinite". We're "Vancouverites" here in BC. And I looooove Austin BBQ! What I remember from a trip back in ..... the Fall of 1992?

Updated in their Respective Threads. . Trip reports from: Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Fiesta Fest - Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger train reveal and lots of pics of the complete coaster circuit: & SeaWorld San Antonio: The Great White's 25th Birthday Bash, and Seven Seas Food Festival:

Source

^I guess I just wonder why parks keep building these when they don’t even attract guests when they’re brand new. It sounds to me like you would have found yourself at the park this year regardless of Tumbili. Not every ride is going to be a huge magnet ride, I get that, but in my opinion the free-spin fad needs to die as soon as possible. For those that like them, there’s plenty already built!

I predict Xcalibur will open June 28th. and Freeze on November 13th. These guesses are just as valid as any other guesses you'll hear, because the park has announced nothing.

Man, I knew something was weird when the ride ops were claiming the safe lights were on after seeing the height of that restraint, but this is just criminal and mindblowingly dumb. Anything to make a buck.

^ If the park had any balls they'd make the entire building frigid and have fake blizzard conditions throughout the layout.

Sooooo. . . anther Manta???

I hit 100,000 miles on my car tonight. Pulled over, put the car in park with hazard lights on to take the picture.

There is still a big giant gap that he obviously slipped through. The operator has some responsibility to know that it was unsafe whether his company trained him/her correctly or not. It sounds like the design, training and operator were all deficient. This is coming a 25 year claims adjuster.

THIS JUST IN! http://www.pne.ca

Argument? I see a panel of experts conducting a serious investigation.

I love seeing the exact same arguments back and forth for three pages.

I picked up an out of service "DEAD END" road sign for $40. I've done some work at a Halloween attraction called The Dead End Hayride.