News, Reviews & Series
The latest theme park news, trip reports and event reviews from Texas and beyond.
60th Anniversary Museum, Tower History Display, New Pink Things & More! | Six Flags Over Texas
The 60th birthday of Six Flags Over Texas is soon upon us! Join us for a look at the 60th Anniversary Museum now open in the Crazy Horse Saloon. Operating through August 8, the museum takes guests back in time with a large display of several historical artifacts. The park has also installed a new historical display in the Tower section AND there's a new version of the Pink Thing now available for purchase! We also enjoy a private event hosted by the park and TSU, which includes behind-the-scenes tours of the railroad roundhouse, exclusive ride time and more.
Coasting for Kids 2021 Fundraiser, Plus Fright Fest Haunted House Tour! | Six Flags Over Texas
Join us as we participate in the Coasting for Kids 2021 fundraiser at Six Flags Over Texas. This year we were able to raise over $20,000 for the Give Kids the World Village! They are a nonprofit resort that provides cost-free vacations for critically ill children and their families. Give Kids The World gives these children and their families time away from hospitals, doctors and treatments. For one magical week, the 84-acre, storybook Village becomes a home-away-from-home for wish children visiting Orlando’s world-famous attractions. Our Coasting for Kids event included exclusive ride time, multiple meals, midway games and more. We'd like to thank our Patrons, those who purchased merchandise and everyone who donated directly to our fundraiser. We also had the privilege of taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Piggy's Blood Shed haunted house, which will make its return for this year's Fright Fest event.
An Interesting Experience at the All American Food Festival | Six Flags Fiesta Texas
We head out to Six Flags Fiesta Texas to review their All American Food Festival, which operates through Sunday, August 1. The festival features several food and drink booths throughout the park's Crackaxle Canyon section. Items include bacon-wrapped bacon, fruit desserts, over 100 brews and more.
Poltergeist Update, New for 2022 Clues, Fireworks & Summer Shows | Six Flags Fiesta Texas
We visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas over the summer to check out the great progress taking place on the retheme and repainting of the park's Poltergeist roller coaster. We also explore Crackaxle Canyon looking at clues for the park's new 2022 attraction. Join us for a more in-depth look at the park's summer entertainment offerings, along with the Rock the Night fireworks grand finale.
New Runaway Mountain Sign & Working Waterfall, Speelunkers Tease & More | Six Flags Over Texas
We visit Six Flags Over Texas to find a number of great park updates, including a new sign and working waterfall at Runaway Mountain and other building maintenance. We also find a Speelunkers/Gold River Adventure tease near the attraction's entrance, try another Best of Texas Festival specialty food item and enjoy the park's new summer entertainment offerings.
Riding the Top-Rated Wooden Coaster in the World at Knoebels - Phoenix, Coaster Con 43 Ends
Day seven, the final day of Coaster Con 43, concludes on our second day at Knoebels Amusement Resort. The park is home to the world's top-rated wooden roller coaster, the Phoenix, according to Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. Phoenix originally opened as The Rocket at Playland Park in San Antonio in 1947. In 1984, Knoebels purchased the ride and relocated it to their park to open in 1985. Phoenix was considered to be the first major relocated wooden coaster. Day two at the park also includes more great food and a look at other classic attractions, including the bumper cars, Whipper and more.
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.
THREE Parks in One Day! Jersey Devil at Great Adventure, Oscar's Wacky Taxi at Sesame Place & More
Day five of Coaster Con 43 sees us spending the first half of the day at Dorney Park where we enjoy two catered meals, more exclusive ride time on roller coasters, rides on both of their in-park trains and more. Afterwards, we head to both Sesame Place and Six Flags Great Adventure to pick up a few more coaster credits.
The Historical Dorney Park, Thunderhawk Dedication, Philadelphia Toboggan Company HQ Tour!
Day four of Coaster Con 43 takes us to the historical Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Originally opened in 1884, Dorney Park is now home to over 45 attractions, including 7 high-thrill roller coasters, and a large water park known as Wildwater Kingdom. We also take part in the roller coaster landmark plaque ceremony for the park's Thunderhawk wooden roller coaster. Also, join us as we head to the Philadelphia Toboggan Company headquarters for an exclusive self-guided tour. Also known as PTCI, the company was formed in 1904 by Henry Auchey in Hatfield, PA. As of 2019, PTCI has built 127 roller coasters around the world and still supplies high-quality trains and parts to several parks and attractions.
Hersheypark Maintenance Shop Tour, In-Depth Look at Park's Roller Coasters & Zoo!
Day three of Coaster Con 43 also marks our third and final day exploring Hersheypark. Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the park's on-site maintenance shop. We also take an in-depth look at some of the park's iconic coasters, including Skyrush, Storm Runner, Comet, Great Bear, Sooperdooperlooper and more. Originally opened in 1906, the legendary Hersheypark features over 75 rides and attractions. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the park sits on 121 acres and also features a water park.
Dutch Wonderland - The Best Family Park in America? Ending the Night at Hersheypark
Day two of Coaster Con 43 takes us to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. Originally opened in 1963, Dutch Wonderland features over thirty rides and attractions, including three roller coasters and small water park. On top of this, two of the park's coasters hold historical significance. Merlin's Mayhem, which opened in 2018, is the only inverted coaster constructed by S&S Worldwide. Kingdom Coaster, which dates its opening back to 1992, was the first coaster ever built by the defunct Custom Coasters International. Also join us as we head back to Hersheypark to end the evening.
Exploring Hersheypark's Chocolatetown & Chocolatier, Reese's Cupfusion Ride POV, Candymonium Coaster
We head to Hersheypark for day one of ACE's Coaster Con 43! Join us for a look at the park's all-new Chocolatetown entrance, along with the Chocolatier restaurant and the exciting Candymonium roller coaster. We also check out the recently-updated Reese's Cupfusion dark ride and give you a full POV look at the dark ride attraction.
Enjoying a Day of Great Operations at Six Flags America
Located in Bowie, Maryland, Six Flags America originally opened in 1973. The park was first a wildlife center and eventually joined the Premier Parks family in 1992 as Adventure World. In 1999, the park would become Six Flags America. Today, the park features 9 roller coasters and dozens of other rides and attractions. Join us as we make our first visit to Six Flags America since 2017 and finally ride the rest of their roller coaster line-up.
Best of Texas Review, New Dining Location & Even More Theming Enhancements | Six Flags Over Texas
We head to Six Flags Over Texas to check out the return of the Best of Texas Festival, taking place now through August 8. The event features the Best of Texas Beer Festival, decor, specialty food items, new live entertainment and more. We also check out the all-new Cheetos Popcorn Mix food stand, show off more theming enhancements around the park, and discuss a change in the park's security protocols.
Log Flume Reopens, Mask Mandate Lifted, Best of Texas Festival Returning | Six Flags Over Texas
This jam-packed visit to Six Flags Over Texas features a look at both the reopening of Log Flume One and the inside of Casa Magnetica. We also check out progress on other areas in the park, including Aquaman: Power Wave construction and new activity happening near the entrance of Runaway Mountain. We also find some new, exciting merchandise for the park's 60th anniversary and learn about the upcoming return of the Best of Texas Festival this summer.
¡Viva La Fiesta! Begins at Six Flags Over Texas & Casa Magnetica Reopens
¡Viva La Fiesta!, Six Flags Over Texas' newest event, takes place through May 16. Continuing their 60th anniversary celebration, the event features bright decor, Latin-themed entertainment and unique food offerings. Casa Magnetica, which originally opened in 1962, has also reopened to guests after a decade of closure. Though we wanted to bring you along, the park aggressively confronted us regarding camera use in, and around, the attraction. Join us as we show you all of the other new updates around the park.
Ride Spotlight - Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines, a Zamperla Super Air Race, officially opened at Six Flags Fiesta Texas on March 6, 2021. Riders board six plane units and reach heights of 48 feet. Spinning at 6.5 RPM, each ride unit features a different, unique cycle. The attraction also features extensive steampunk theming, a custom soundtrack and several lighting and fire effects.
Pirates of the Deep Sea Lights-On Tour | Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Join us for a behind-the-scenes, lights-on tour of Fiesta Texas' Pirates of the Deep Sea dark ride. Originally built by Sally Corporation, the attraction opened in 2002 as Scooby-Doo Ghostblasters. However, in 2019, the attraction was transformed into its current Pirates of the Deep Sea theme.
Reviewing the Amazing Seven Seas Food Festival, Plus New Ride Construction | SeaWorld San Antonio
Join us for a trip around the food world as we try one food item from each of SeaWorld San Antonio's Seven Seas Food Festival booths. Highlighted are offerings from the Gulf of Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Greece, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, France and Jamaica. We also check out the construction taking place for a new attraction coming soon to the park.
Huge Fiesta Texas Spring Update - Riding Dare Devil Dive, New Shows, New Food Offerings & More
We visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas for the first time in 2021 to check out the all-new Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines. Other updates have taken place around the park, including theming enhancements, fresh paint and several new food offerings. Also, join us for an in-depth look at the park's great new entertainment offerings, including Neon and Country Traxx.