News, Reviews & Series
The latest theme park news, trip reports and event reviews from Texas and beyond.
Six Flags Great Adventure Unveils BAKUNAWA, the World’s Tallest and Fastest Spinning Launch Coaster
Six Flags Great Adventure today unveiled BAKUNAWA, the world's tallest and fastest spinning launch coaster. Debuting in 2027, it will serve as the signature attraction of the park's transformed Boardwalk area. Inspired by the lore of Bakunawa, the legendary sea serpent of Philippine mythology, BAKUNAWA blends cutting-edge engineering with immersive thematic design to deliver an experience unlike anything else in the world. Standing 382 feet tall, BAKUNAWA joins an elite class of giga coasters, ranking among the five tallest roller coasters in the world while reaching speeds of 100 mph.
It Stirs; Six Flags Great Adventure Releases Second Project Purple Teaser, Official Announcement Coming July 28
The mystery surrounding Project Purple continues. Today, Six Flags Great Adventure released the second official teaser in the park's campaign leading up to the highly anticipated July 28 announcement of its next major attraction. Building on last week's debut, the newest video reveals that whatever arrived on The Boardwalk is no longer staying contained. The teaser follows the mysterious shipping container first seen washing ashore as activity intensifies around the site.
Ride Spotlight: Record-Breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run Dive Coaster at Six Flags Over Texas
Tormenta Rampaging Run shatters several world records, especially in the dive coaster category. At 309 feet tall with a 285-foot first drop, the new coaster becomes the tallest of its kind (and the tallest coaster in Texas). Tormenta Rampaging Run is also be the fastest dive coaster in the world, reaching top speeds of 87 miles per hour. Two of the coaster’s inversions, its Immelmann and vertical loop, are the tallest in their respective categories. Tormenta Rampaging Run’s 4,199 feet of track also makes it the longest dive coaster in the world.
It’s Here: Six Flags Great Adventure Releases First Project Purple Teaser; Full Announcement Coming Later This Month
Six Flags Great Adventure today released the first official teaser tied to its highly anticipated Project Purple announcement, which is scheduled for later this month. The short video, now available across the park's official social media channels, features an ominous scene along a moonlit shoreline where a mysterious shipping container has washed ashore. As the video unfolds, viewers hear a radio transmission from Ship B-7-2-8, with the crew expressing concern over the lost container before ending with a chilling warning: "Do not open it."
Tormenta Rampaging Run On-Ride Reaction, POV & Spain Tour | Six Flags Over Texas' New Major Icon
Tormenta Rampaging Run, Six Flags Over Texas' new record-breaking dive coaster, is finally here! Standing 309 feet tall, Tormenta Rampaging Run is the tallest coaster in Texas and the world's tallest dive coaster. Come along for a unique on-ride reaction of our first spin on this new park icon, plus enjoy a tour of the newly renovated Spain area that showcases enhanced theming, Tormenta's queue layout and new food offerings.
Great Escape Theme Park 2026 | Storybook-Themed Park Recently Sold by Six Flags
Our final stop on the 2026 Roller Coaster Road Trip is Great Escape Theme Park in Queensbury, NY. First opened by Charles Wood in 1954, the park was originally named Storybook USA. Storybook USA would expand and adapt over the years, shifting to the Great Escape name in the 1980s. Today, Great Escape is home to six roller coasters, including Steamin' Demon, Flashback, Comet and Bobcat. Also included is the Hurricane Harbor water park and several other family-friendly rides and attractions. In March 2026, Six Flags sold the park to Enchanted Parks, another American-based theme park operator.
Lake Compounce & Quassy Amusement Park 2026 | Classic Americana and Amazing Wooden Coaster Gems
Our next Roller Coaster Road Trip stop features two parks in one day: Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT and Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT. Lake Compounce first opened in 1846, making it the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the US. Today, Lake Compounce is home to 5 roller coasters, including Boulder Dash and Wildcat, and several other attractions. The park was recently purchased by Herschend in March of 2025. Quassy Amusement Park has been around since 1908 and is one of only eleven trolley parks still operating in America. Situated on Lake Quassapaug, the park features the exciting Wooden Warrior roller coaster and an accompanying water park.
Six Flags New England 2026 | Quantum Accelerator Debuts, Superman is a Top Coaster in America
Kicking off our 2026 Roller Coaster Road Trip is a first-ever visit to Six Flags New England. Originally opened in 1870 as Gallup's Grove, the park has undergone several changes throughout America's history. Today, Six Flags New England is home to twelve roller coasters, including Superman The Ride and the all-new Quantum Accelerator, over sixty other attractions and a Hurricane Harbor water park.
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Project Purple Reaches Major Milestone; Final Track Section Installed
Less than 24 hours after officially opening Shoreline Pier, Six Flags Great Adventure is celebrating another major milestone as crews installed the final section of track on Project Purple, completing the attraction's towering track structure and marking the beginning of its next phase of construction. The milestone continues an exciting period of investment at the resort, which this week welcomed guests to Shoreline Pier, a reimagined family destination at The Boardwalk featuring five new attractions, refreshed dining experiences and new entertainment.
Six Flags Great Adventure Officially Opens Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk
Six Flags Great Adventure officially celebrated the grand opening of Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk today with a ceremonial bottle breaking featuring New Jersey Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, local officials, community leaders and park representatives. Inspired by the longstanding maritime tradition of christening a new vessel before its maiden voyage, park leaders and dignitaries shattered a commemorative bottle to officially welcome guests into the resort's newest themed destination.
Six Flags Great Adventure Continues Restoration of Historic Runaway Train
Six Flags Great Adventure is continuing the restoration of one of the park's most cherished attractions, bringing Runaway Train back to its roots. As part of the ongoing restoration, the historic coaster has been repainted in one of its classic color schemes, honoring the attraction that has created lasting memories for generations of guests since the park opened in 1974. Originally debuting during Six Flags Great Adventure's inaugural season, Runaway Train quickly became one of the park's defining attractions.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Debuts La Cocina de Cobre, Blending Bold Flavor, Storytelling and Innovation
Six Flags Fiesta Texas continues its culinary transformation with the opening of La Cocina de Cobre on Saturday, June 20. The new restaurant replaces Bubba’s Burgers and represents one of the most significant food and beverage investments in the park’s history. The addition builds on the park’s expanded culinary vision following the introduction of an executive chef last year, as well as the multimillion-dollar transformation of Sangerfest Halle, the largest dining investment in park history.
Six Flags Great Adventure Launches Boardwalk Nights at Shoreline Pier
Six Flags Great Adventure is turning up the energy as the sun sets with the debut of Boardwalk Nights, a brand-new summer entertainment event taking place select nights from June 19 through August 2 at Shoreline Pier on The Boardwalk. When the sun goes down, The Boardwalk transforms into a vibrant nighttime destination filled with live entertainment, high-energy performances and immersive experiences designed to keep the excitement going well into the evening.
¡Viva la Fiesta! Ignites Summer Nights at Dorney Park
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom will bring vibrant music, dance and flavor to summer evenings with the return of Viva La Fiesta, a lively celebration of Caribbean and Latin American culture on select weekends from June 20 through July 26. The event takes place Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 5 p.m. through park close, offering guests a high-energy experience filled with live entertainment, festive décor and family-friendly fun throughout the park.
UPDATED: Six Flags Over Texas Announces Opening Date for Tormenta Rampaging Run Roller Coaster
Six Flags Over Texas has announced Thursday, July 9 as the grand opening for Tormenta Rampaging Run, the park’s newest roller coaster. Tormenta Rampaging Run shatters several world records, especially in the dive coaster category. At 309 feet tall with a 285-foot first drop, the new coaster becomes the tallest of its kind (and the tallest coaster in Texas). Tormenta Rampaging Run is also be the fastest dive coaster in the world, reaching top speeds of 87 miles per hour.
Tormenta Testing Continues, Theming Comes to Life, Other Ride Updates | Six Flags Over Texas
Tormenta Rampaging Run, Six Flags Over Texas' new record-breaking dive coaster, continues to march forward. Two trains are now test cycling on the coaster, while its entrance portal comes to life with new theming and signage. We also venture through the park for 65th anniversary updates, changes with food menus at various dining locations, the status of operations, ride limitations, closures and other Six Flags Over Texas summer happenings.
Hurricane Harbor San Antonio Water Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas | 2026 Full Tour
Hurricane Harbor San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas' water park, opened in 1992 and boasts more than 15 water slides and attractions. Take a spin on the world's first-of-its-kind Thunder Rapids Water Coaster or enjoy downtime in the iconic Texas-shaped wave pool. Hurricane Harbor also recently opened Coral Cove, a new children's area with water slides, loungers and upgraded cabanas. Join us for a tour of the water park, including a look at all rides and attractions, dining and shopping locations and premium upgrade options.
Six Flags Great Adventure Announces New Parade, Summer Events & Experiences
From the debut of Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk and a new twice-daily parade to seasonal festivals, wildlife encounters and major construction milestones, Six Flags Great Adventure is introducing even more experiences for guests to enjoy throughout Summer 2026. Additional enhancements throughout the property include refreshed landscaping featuring thousands of flowers, improvements at Hurricane Harbor New Jersey and the return of beloved guest favorites, including the iconic Sawmill Log Flume.
Tormenta Begins Testing at Six Flags Over Texas, Wide Array of Summer Entertainment is Back
Six Flags Over Texas' newest roller coaster, Tormenta Rampaging Run, has begun its test cycles. The record-breaking ride is set to open this season and its debut shouldn't be far away. Spain also continues to come together as its entry arch is being rebuilt, along with Tormenta's entrance portal. Summer has brought along a wide array of new entertainment for the first time in several seasons. This includes Celebrate! in Southern Palace Theatre and a new marionette show, Western Daze, in the park's Texas section.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Unveils Multi-Launch Coaster for 2027 at FT92, Plus Summer Updates
Daily summer operations are here at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This includes a wide array of live entertainment offerings and your favorite rides. The park continues several refurbishment projects, including Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines and DC Super-Villains Swing. Plus, the FT92 Fan Event takes place, unveiling Werewolf Gorge, a multi-launch roller coaster coming in 2027, more details about the new Crackaxle Canyon Tex-Mex restaurant and plenty of Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park teasers.