News, Reviews & Series

The latest theme park news, trip reports and event reviews from Texas and beyond.

Great Escape Theme Park 2026 | Storybook-Themed Park Recently Sold by Six Flags
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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.

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Lake Compounce & Quassy Amusement Park 2026 | Classic Americana and Amazing Wooden Coaster Gems
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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.

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Schwarzkopf's Big Bend Roller Coaster | History of Six Flags Series
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Schwarzkopf's Big Bend Roller Coaster | History of Six Flags Series

Big Bend, a Schwarzkopf Speed Racer roller coaster, called Six Flags Over Texas home from 1971 to 1979. When it opened, it was the park's tallest and fastest roller coaster. Big Bend reached a top speed of 52 miles per hour, climbed up to 81 feet tall and featured 2,876 feet of track. The attraction also included cutting-edge technology with multiple electric spiraling lift hills. Join us for a look at back the iconic Big Bend roller coaster.

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Knoebels Amusement Resort Celebrates Its 95th Anniversary, History Museum Tour with Knoebels Family
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Knoebels Amusement Resort Celebrates Its 95th Anniversary, History Museum Tour with Knoebels Family

Knoebels Amusement Resort, located in Elysburg, PA, is a family-owned park that first opened its doors in 1926. Today's park boasts over sixty rides and attractions, including six roller coasters. Knoebels is also home to the top-ranked Phoenix wooden roller coaster, along with the best-ranked carousel in the world. The park's unique charm continues to live on in its free admission, ride ticket booklets, and old-fashioned attractions. Also, join us for a history museum tour with the Knoebels family.

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