Imagineer22

Visited the park for the first time in over a year today. Weather was perfect. My wife and I took our daughter who is finally 36" tall. She rode her first two roller coasters and loved them! Hands up all the way! I didn't even have to tell her to do it. Although she may be a log ride enthusiast because we had to ride that one multiple times. She giggled the whole ride every time, and again hands up the whole ride. She always had people laughing in line when she had her hands up as we went under the bridge at the beggining. I didn't ride any big rides since the day was more about my daughter riding stuff but the que lines looked pretty full for most of the major rides. New Texas Giant looked like an hour wait most of the day with two trains running. My wife did get to ride skyscreamer and loved it. With a full 'normal' que (no overflow) she waited about 45min. When we arrived around 11:45 we went through a temporary entrance set up under La Vibora. How long has that been around? We just walked right on in, no wait, which set the tone for the day. Previous visits it could take up to 30min to get through the main gates which just frusterated you from the beginning. I was very pleased to see how much Six Flags has seemed to invest in Fright Fest this year. Previous years Fright Fest always felt like a cheesy backyard haunt with next to no budget. This year the event just had a more 'legit' feel to it than in past years. We didn't do any of the houses since my daughter was with us, but all of the houses 'looked' good from the outside and had full ques. I was also glad to see scare zones come back to the park. We left before dark so didn't get to see them in action but again its just nice to know SFOT is investing in Fright Fest. Makeup on the various employees was pretty good looking compared to previous years. The park was busy and the houses had good lines from the time they opened. Previous years the houses were walk ons the entire day even with a full park. Hopefully this is just the beginning to a better haunt at the park! Even though operations could be better the visit was nicer than recent visits. It felt like the park was really trying to set up an overall better environment for the customers. Employees appeared to be enjoying themeselves a little more than previous visits, still no energetic loading speeds but at least they seem to have a happy/positive sound in their voices. Then again, it was in the 60's most of the day so that MIGHT have had somethign to do with it . I think the park is moving in the right direction, especially after the accident, but still has a ways to go on operations to minimize lines.

Going to the park this weekend with the family now that the weather has finally cooled down. My daughter is finally 36" tall so hoping to get her on her first roller coaster. Which kiddie coaster is a better 'first' coaster? I'm thinking mini mine train since I grew up with that one and it is more of a classic. She rode her first log ride at the fair this past weekend and loved it. Is the log ride still open for fright fest? I know Roaring Rapids is closed due to the haunt but are there any other rides closed? Thanks! Hoping the concert this weekend doesn't affect crowd levels too much...

When standing in line for The New Texas Giant a couple of kids had the great debate of what the coaster is classified as. One kid was adamit it was Wood, because he pointed to the structure and said something like "Look! Wood!". The other kid with the straightest face and most dead serious voice "NO! It is obviously electric!" The discussion then went on to something along the lines of it having to be electric because of all the wires that make it run. When we get to the station the kid points to the track and says "See, electric!" The debate is over guys, NTAG is electric. I saw it with my own eyes. Guess we can't count it as a credit anymore.

I say just Flashback to a time when the ride was run forward. Time travel is much easier and less expensive than photoshop! I wonder what else we can Flashback to at SFOT??? Maybe SFOT is at the center of the universe causing time to converge into one singular spot!? I must contact Sheldon immediately!

^I was shocked by the policy and didn't see anything on the signs (not suprised). I wondered if the employee just didn't know what to do. It wasn't like I would not make it through the course or slow the line down. In fact I think we stalled the line longer by them figuring out what to do with me instead of just letting me ride alone.

x2isawesome, I just visted the park Monday by myself. Check out my trip report. The only two rides I saw with a single riders line were Superman and La Vibora. The signage is poor so you have to look hard. Find the flashpass entrance and you should see single rider signage as well. Pandemonium might have a single rider line. They didn't have staffing for the loading/grouping position when I went so no one could have monitored the line if it was there. On a side note the log flume (El Asceadora sp?) does not allow single riders. I was grouped with some annoyed teenagers. The crowds should be lite to moderate. Expect a lot of school groups. I typically waited 15min for every ride but a few had 30+min waits. Mine Trains, Judge Roy Scream, Shockwave and most flats were walk ons. Most rides had 1 or 2 train operations making for slightly longer lines. The slowest moving lines and longest waits were for Runaway Mountain, Pandemonium, Mr. Freeze, Batman and New Texas Giant. Titans line can look long but usually moves quickly. New Texas Giant's line moves quick too but still gets long lines, I saw a near full que early afternoon Monday.

This is my day at Six Flags Over Texas, Flashback edition because 1: It has been over 3 years since I have been to a theme park, 2: Six Flags has put a lot of photos of their own heritage in the park and 3: there are a lot of photos of Flashback (you have been warned!). With the loss of my job in 2009 and the birth of my first daughter 2010 I went from being the crazy theme park travel guy to just crazy watch youtube videos of coaster guy. Money for food somehow became more important than coasters?? Who knew? Anyways, I was selected to participate in the commercial shoot for Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast a few weeks ago and got a free ticket to the park for participating. With beautiful weather, local kids still in school and a five day weekend I decided to take the opportunity and make a solo trip to my home park of 20+ years. I haven't been to the park in over 5 years so this was a little bit of a home coming for me with a lot of Flashbacks to visits past, present and future. A short review of the park: The park was in really good condition. Nice landscaping and clean paths. Lots of school groups with well behaved kids, no line jumping! NTG is as crazy and insane as everyone says it is! I rode 4 times and each ride just got better and more insane. The mist was on full blast in the tunnels causing the train to come back wet. The little hill before the mid-course breaks is the best thing ever created! It felt like I was going to fly out of the train no matter where I sat. The only down side to NTG was at the end of the day. I got off the 3rd to last train of the day. There were only a hand full of riders left in the que so the next train would be the last one of the day. There was not a full trains worth of riders so naturally people asked to ride again. We were greeted with a stern "No, we are closed. You must exit." So instead of letting their 'guests' leave happy and feel appreciated for literally no money they force people off the ride and run a near empty train. Not a HUGE deal but it did leave a sour taste in my mouth. Operations were overall pretty decent given the crowds. Mostly 2 or 1 train operations which is expected for a weekday before school gets out. Titan had a countdown clock that the crew tried to beat, and usually did. Why doesn't every ride have this? Runaway Mountain was an exception though. They had 3 operators doing a 4 person job. They ran three trains when they should have been running only 2 given their staff. They would let two trains worth of people into the station. Run two trains. And repeat the process. This caused for the third train of riders to sit on the break run for 5min at a time. Also it caused the line to move in stages making it very frustrating and difficult to judge waiting time. My biggest complaint is with food service though. I paid $17+ for a Johnny Rockets hamburger, fries/onion rings and large soda. I asked for no onion rings, 'we can't do that'. I asked for a large water, 'you must pay soda price'. I asked for 4 small free waters, 'only one per person'. It is like they were going out of their way to not accommodate simple requests. If I am paying outrageous prices the least they could do is give good service! Six Flags apparently would rather I throw food away than take 10 seconds and scoop some fries into the basket. Now I know they must charge something for the soda cups to be used for water but full price is a bit steep. Rant over. On the plus side the place was packed with a full que out the door but I only waited about 15min to get my food and I got an inside table. Aside from those minor things the day was great. I have just come to realize I am not a 'guest' at Six Flags, I am a customer. I wish Six Flags would stop using the word 'guest' because if they truly treat their guests in their home the same way I wouldn't want to visit any one of the employees homes. I know it isn't the individuals fault, they are just following policy and they don't have the power to take care of their customers. Such a shame because this park in particular is on the verge of being a great must visit destination. A small change in policy of taking care of their guests would go a long way! Since this was a solo trip I only brought my point and shoot camera. The quality isn't the best but hopefully I will return with my wife and daughter in the fall and bring my Digital SLR. On to the photos! First we must Flashback to 10am Monday This is a good sign the crowds should be light! I see you evil yellow busses... Small Town USA ISD called, they want their busses back. First ride of the day was my most anticipated ride at the park. Its the 'Hollymolly cowabunga yee'haw launch your butt right out of the seat' first drop. Most anticipated element for me turned out to be the 'boring' part of the ride. I don't know what is worse, the empty front row or the youngest riders are the only ones with their hands up. These signs are everywhere. But for this ride I totally agree with it. This thing will launch you so hard it will make your thighs hurt. How long before seat belts will be added? Back seat was good, front seat was great, mid train was insane (15 moments of air, 8 of which were crazy ejector air). Something is missing here. See the que extending out into the walkway in the sun? OMG SHADED THEMED QUE! Oh wait, we can't wait in that....don't want to get it 'dirty' with foot traffic. Superman photo fail. It was a quick last minute photo for a last minute ride. Last minute because I almost missed this magical gem of a sign! 30+min wait turned into a 5min wait! More water than usual on the sign. We now pause this coaster trip report in progress for some rapids love! I am a closet rapids ride fan and feel there are too few pics of rapids ride on the internet. I am doing my part by filling that void. This is why I love rapids rides but rarely ride them. Roaring Rapids does a great job in the 'natural' landscape department. The 'big' final splash Low crowds means I could walk the que to get unique photo ops. The somewhat unique dual loading station ramps Loading station and a quick splash right off the bat! Is the water coming from a fire hose, sewer runoff or employee drinking fountain? Answer now to win big! Fancy photo op #1 ruined by stupid smog, or maybe just a bad lens Flashback to when the tower was operating Wouldn't it be cool if they had a giant slide that came off the tower? That would be like totally awesome! Oh wait... I was going to copyright this image cause it is so unique but then I decided give back to my community and will allow anyone to save this image and use as your own. You are welcome! I miss the white paint and chaser lights. Hey SFMM how is it going? Wanna trade for X2? What do you mean no takeybackskis? There is something really cool about being eye to eye with super man. What is the coolest thing in the pic? Two trains one shot, Cowboys UFO stadium, Empty Parking Lot or Rangers Ball Park which will host its 3rd straight World Series? Hey Hurricane Harbor, remember that bomb bay ride at Wet N Wild that injured that guy in the 90's? Didn't think so.... Oldie but a 'Goldie'! See what I did there? Everyone purchase ACME stock ASAP! Those earthquake pills will be a hot seller on Dec 20th 2012! Its Mine Train time! Err Runaway Mine Train I mean Six Flags Mine Train. Oh crap, lets just call it 'that ride over there in the trees'. See, its got twisty bits in the trees. Mini Mine Train getting some love from not so mini people. I am proud to admit that I did ride and unashamed to admit it packs quite a punch, for a kiddie coaster. Time for a ride on the train and get great views such as this. Camera fail! Camera win! Freeze was down for a while during the day. Best flat ride in the park! Could have marathoned if I wanted but I had other things to do. This was open, jealous? **insert take the tunnel joke here** Judge may be old but it is still picturesque, probably more picturesque if it had a train running though. a Six Flags that actually flies its Six Flags! Pandemonium was down most of the day but started testing so I got in line and was on within 10min. Perfect timing cause the line quickly grew to 30+min the moment the ride opened. Something isn't quite right here... Marketing fail! Introducing Mr Freeze reverse reverse blast! Even though I had the credit from the commercial shoot, lets see if I can get lucky twice in one day. Looking good so far! Turn the corner and I was met by this! -face palm- So with freeze a no go you know what this means! Its time for Symbol the Ride!!!!! We jumped from sector 2 to sector 5. That is fine with me cause sector 3 and 4 had horrible sirens that killed your ear drums so they were converted to parade float storage. Oh crap I am in the wrong line! I apparently got into Batman Symbol The Ride line by mistake. I got the holy grail of SFOT photo ops! Mr Freeze and Batman dualing! Too bad I was in the wrong spot. Thats ok because I got this rare photo that no one has ever taken instead. Way to go Six Flags for three train operations on Flashback! The third train was in the station... This report is 'Flashback edition' so I will take one for the team and ride... I must Flashback to a time before I rode so I can get rid of this headache! Now if I can only Flashback to when this ride was Red/Black with chaser lights. You know, back when it was the 'big' ride in the park with the most inversions. Back when it had its original train. Back when the line was non existent and you could ride over and over and over and over again with no wait! Back when...oh who am I kidding its still everything but the paint scheme.... Did you know in order to ride the log flume you must have a riding buddy? AND a cowboy hat that you wave in the air while screaming YEEE HAAWWW! Flume 1, Check! or is it 2? I don't know... Flume 2, Check! or is it 1? I really don't know... Six Flags did the ultimate tease, water running on the hill but did not open flume 2, or was it 1? Seriously this sign said flume 2 but the line sign said flume 1 was closed? Sorry no pic to confirm. Avalanche Bobsled, I mean La Vibora also had a single riders line but I opted not to get beat to a bloody pulp by the block brakes. Even the GP was talking about those brakes... After a quick ride on Titan I had time for one last ride... Well with a line like this I will make it two last rides! The final flash back, Solar Eclipse Six Flags style! Hope you enjoyed the report and have a Six Flags Day! What ever that means...

I noticed the park just started daily operation this week. Schools are still in session until June around DFW. Im thinking of going on Monday or Tuesday but I am worried there will be a LOT of school groups. I just can't imagine six flags operating the park daily with schools in session unless there are a lot of field trips booked. The park has to be making money some how right? Anyone have any insight into crowds during the week right now and think it is worth going now or waiting till Fall? (No way I am going in the summer heat!) Thanks!

Had a good time at the shoot today, even though there was WAY too many people there. What was with all the teenage girls??? Was at the shoot from 2:30 to 6:30 and only got 4 rides in. 2 back to back rides about 2hrs apart. Got my first two rides in right before the sensors went crazy from the smoke effects. It was great meeting a few TPR people (Chad and Josh), helped pass the long time between rides. Chad, thanks for helping kill the long down time as they changed the camera mount, I don't think I would have lasted the wait with all those teenagers alone. The general discussion about this change has been, is it necessary? Having ridden all three renditions of Freeze (OTSR, Lap Bar Forward, Reverse Blast), Reverse Blast is definately the best and definately an improvement to an already awesome ride. The launch is nice and smooth, not uncomfertable like I feared it could have been. There are still plenty of forces going through the course backwards (couldn't keep my hands up). However when you hit the spike the ride goes from crazy to insane. Just when you think the climb up the spike is over the LIMS kick in and throw you forward just enough as you climb even higher. Lap Bar Only restraints give you incredible freedom, just throw your arms up and enjoy the verticle dive. You experience the same great forces going forward as you rocket through the course again. The only down side (if there are any) is the brake run. Not only is the ride over but entering the station forward you know exactly how far you have to stop safely. In the original setup I always felt a bit of anxiety entering the brake run backwards at some 40+mph in the dark and having no idea if the train would stop in time. I think Six Flags has a winner with this one and will be a huge hit with the general public. The overall reaction sounded very positive from everyone I spoke with and conversations I over heard. However, I did find it interesting the team member over the mike kept saying the ride goes 60mph. When Freeze originaly opened it was marketed at 70+mph. Can anyone cofirm Reverse Blast is slower or is this classic

Just got confirmation that I was selected for the Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast commercial shoot May 2nd. Anyone else selected? I am in session one. Has anyone been to a commercial shoot at SFOT before? How many rides should I expect to get in? Excited for the semi ERT but don't know how many back to back to back rides on Freeze I can take....

I will miss Jaws, it was a staple attraction. Just like Kongfrontation it was a unique ride that had a great classic feel. As cheesy as it could be, depending on your skipper, the ride had great suprises and fun special effects. Although I must wonder if the ride would be closing if they used the musical version of the ride: Ballad of the Boatskipper. Check it out on youtube.

Thanks jjune4991. The first image I already had but the second image is the one I was looking for. For some reason on my PC the image always came up 'page not found' when I clicked the link from google search. However on my MAC it came up just fine, should have known to just stick with apple! Anyone know where to find Revenge of the Mummy layout? I have the Hollywood version but not Orlando. Thanks again, this community is great!

Long time reader, few time poster here but I need some help. I have been trying to collect different layouts/diagrams of ride layouts but have not been able to find a good layout for Spiderman. I came across an image at one time but didn't save it (hating that decision now). It was color coded with each scene labeled. Does anyone have a good copy of a layout giving an idea of what the ride scene and screen locations are? I have a single line diagram of the track path but there is no description of the scenes or interior walls. I would love to know how the screens are laid out on the path. Also, does anyone have ANY ride floor plans/sketches of the space they consume, especially Universal dark rides. I have a good idea of Disney attractions after a lot of research on the web and in books but can't find any drawings of Universal rides. I am trying to get a good feel for how to layout dark rides and haunted attractions. I am learning what space is needed between scenes and ride path layout so you can't see from scene to scene. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter was the ultimate dark 'ride' experience. Fist time I rode it I was terrified going into the attraction because I didn't know what to expect but I was never actually scared in the chamber. The anticipation got me everytime (especially the preshow with S.I.R and Skippy!). It was always a great experience that unfortanately went over a lot of peoples heads as a form of entertainment, especially parents who don't pay attention to the numerous warnings and announcements. Everything really came together with that attraction from clever script writting (gotta love XS Tech!) and incredible special effects that culminated in a sensory experience unlike anything else. It was a real shame that Disney replaced it with Stitch. I love Stitch as a character but the attraction really doesn't work anymore, the chili dog is just plain nasty and the effects (aside from the animatronic) are just boring. Alien Encounter was intense using louder/thoughtful audio and really made you believe a man eating creature was all over that room, even after many rides. Stitch seams very contrived and you never really get the sense that he is in the room with you and the story is just boring and uneventful. Alien Encounter had mini experiences that built the story from the first preshow to the chamber that climaxed in a spetactular fashion. The sequence of the alien 'breathing' and 'touching' you was always fun as everyone around you is screaming from the suprise of the alien tounge. You know its not real but the tension of when it will happen to you was fantastic. I especially loved the ending with the bass rumbling the theater and the chairs thumping as the teleporter is overloading with 'XS' power until the alien exploded with a blast of air and water a split second before the lights came on to the teleporter closing. That sequence made me clinch the arm rest everytime, not becuase it was 'scary' but your senses told you something big is about to happen. I hope Disney reimagines this technology into ride vehicles somehow and makes a true ride out of it. I can imagine an incredible storm ride experience with enhanced sensory ride vehicles that have motion like Spiderman's vehicles to simulate hurricanes and tornados using audio and video effects....

Yes I know this is very early but I am looking for some info regarding the expo in Orlando every November. I am not a member of IAAPA but really want to start a career in the theme park industry. I had a great interview with Merlin Entertainment once but something fell through last minute. Ready for round two of operation making dreams a reality! Would it be benificial to go to the expo to network/get advice? I know the booths are set up for parks and vendors to do business so would they even speak to someone looking for information to get into the business? I wouldn't go as a 'fan' but as a professional seeking advice. I have a masters degree in architecture with an emphasis on design and a lot of management experience so I am looking to be in creative or park management. Basically I am trying to get with any entertainment group and work my way through the system and just get experience. I wouldn't expect interviews or job offers by any means, just trying to get my name out there and hopefully get some good contacts/mentors. Is the expo a good place for a relatively young professional to make a splash? What should I expect from the Expo as a nonmember of IAAPA?

I am curious why people think this is not the next generation thrill/dark ride. There truly isn't anything original or new in our world these days, just reworked ideas utilizing new ways of getting the same basic result. In this case the same basic result is an immersive dark ride. The new technology being utilized are the ride vehicles that have full range of motion never before seen on a track. Yes there are large screens similar to simulators but these screens are a few feet from the vehicle and rotate on carousels to keep the ride moving while allowing multiple ride vehicles to view the 'same' scene at slightly different times to keep the experience intimate to the individual ride vehicle. I do wonder if 3D would have helped make the film more convincing (it can be difficult to tell where the film starts and scenery ends in spiderman to the average park goer). I have not ridden the ride but I do think it is the next gen theme park experience and could be an amazing experience. I also think Universal could have possibly missed some opportunities with the technology but I will save that response for after I have ridden the ride. I love Indiana Jones at DL more than Spiderman because it is all 'real' and no movies. But with flying scenes a domed imax screen a few feet from your ride vehicle is probably very convincing to be the real thing, especially since the ride vehicle is 'floating' (think Sorin 1st row experience versus Sorin 3rd row experience). It should be interesting to see what happens when this technology is used by other theme parks that increase the vehicles movement (ie upside down motions). I truly belive this is only the beginning of this technology. By the way. I am not a huge Harry Potter fan but I do understand its appeal and believe it will be popular for years to come. And yes, Universal seems to have missed an opportunity to 'teach' the wizarding world to those who have no idea what Harry Potter is all about. Either way, Forbidden Journey will be popular because it is so detailed and an over the top experience. What does everyone think a true 'game changer' ride would be if it is not Forbidden Journey?

hi everyone