Thursday, March 28, 2024

Six Flags 2019 lineup includes launch coasters and new dizzying heights

 

Today, Six Flags Entertainment Company announced a collection of world record-breaking roller coasters and family attractions, along with massive park upgrades and rebrands for the 2019 season. Additionally, Six Flags Season Pass Holders and Members can look forward to even more guest benefits and incredible new rewards next year.

“Year after year, Six Flags raises the bar to deliver unparalleled, world-class thrills for guests of all ages. Our 2019 lineup is by far the most comprehensive package of innovative rides, record-breaking attractions, and superior guest benefits in the industry,” said Six Flags Chairman, President and CEO Jim Reid-Anderson. “The addition of five new parks greatly extends the company’s national footprint and gives our ever-growing Season Pass and Membership base more opportunities to visit our parks to experience the world’s biggest and most thrilling rides.”

The Company is launching a comprehensive list of new offerings for the 2019 season.

WEST COAST RACERS, SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN

West Coast Racers, North America’s first racing launch coaster — slated to open in 2019 at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Unlike traditional coasters, this one-of-a-kind racing coaster will feature two side-by-side tracks with four individual high-speed launches. The race covers two complete laps, multiple airtime hills, extreme high-banked turns and exhilarating over/under near misses. A highlight of the ride is an immersive real time “pit stop” designed and produced by world famous West Coast Customs that will provide riders with a racing experience unlike any other.

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“Six Flags leads the industry in thrill ride innovation; it is part of our DNA, and we are taking thrills to the next level with the new West Coast Racers,” said Park President, Neal Thurman. “Six Flags Magic Mountain is the undisputed ‘Thrill Capital of the World’ and with this newest coaster, strengthens our position as the ‘Coaster Capital of the World’ with a total of 20 roller coasters — more than any other theme park on the planet.”

To begin their three-minute journey on the unique terrain-hugging track, riders sitting two abreast are loaded onto sleek West Coast Customs-designed coaster cars. Launching around the first lap, riders will experience head-to-head racing with the other cars on the twin track. The first of its kind “pit stop” experience, narrated by West Coast Customs Founder and CEO, Ryan Friedlinghaus, occurs between the two laps and provides riders an exclusive inside look into the West Coast Customs shop.

“We are thrilled to partner with Six Flags Magic Mountain to create this unprecedented new ride,” said Ryan Friedlinghaus, founder and CEO West Coast Customs. “Throughout my career, I have always thought outside of the box and I love being challenged to build things others can’t. Talk about the ultimate outside of the box challenge — a West Coast Customs-style roller coaster!”

Ride features include:

A record-breaking four magnetic launches, including a side-by-side first and second race launch;

Four total inversions, including three zero G rolls and a zero G stall;

14 track crossovers and a high-five (where riders can almost high-five guests riding the opposing train), for a total of 30 train interactions (15 per lap);

Side-by-side airtime hills and overbanked turns; and

Speeds up to 55 miles-per-hour as riders cross the finish line.

West Coast Racers will be located in a new LA centric urban-themed area where guests will enjoy a high-energy street vibe. Currently located in this area is the popular wooden coaster, Apocalypse, and the Cyclone 500 Go Karts, which will undergo re-theming. New dining, games and retail locations will be added to complete the extensive area renovation.

WONDER WOMAN LASSO OF TRUTH, SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE

Six Flags Great Adventure will premiere the world’s tallest pendulum ride, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, in 2019. Towering at 17 stories tall, this spinning disk will reach speeds up to 75 miles per hour as it spins and swings to breathtaking heights.

“Innovation is part of the Six Flags DNA and we deliver new, groundbreaking attractions every season,” said Park President John Winkler. “Wonder Woman is one of the world’s most iconic DC Super Heroes, and we are thrilled to add this action-packed ride bearing her name to our Metropolis themed area.”

Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth is an oversized pendulum-shaped ride that will send guests on a dizzying journey to extreme heights. Highlights include:

Massive, 17-story pendulum that swings back and forth;

40 riders propelled in counterclockwise circles;

Speeds of nearly 75 miles per hour;

Riders experience a feeling of weightlessness at 172 feet in the air; and

Floorless seats that leave riders’ feet dangling as they whirl through the air.

Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth is expected to debut in the late spring of 2019. It will be located near the extremely popular, DC-branded attractions like Batman: The Ride, Cyborg Cyber Spin, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis and The Dark Knight Coaster.

MAXX FORCE, SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA

Six Flags Great America, the Thrill Capital of the Midwest, today announced a revolutionary, triple-record breaking, new roller coaster coming to the park in 2019. Maxx Force will be the fastest launch coaster in North America, and feature the fastest inversion and highest double inversion of any roller coaster in the world.

“Six Flags reigns supreme for record-breaking, one-of-a-kind rides and world-class thrills,” said Six Flags Great America Park President Hank Salemi. “The new Maxx Force coaster is in a class all by itself, launching riders from 0 to 78 miles per hour in under two seconds. No other coaster in the country accelerates at that blistering speed.”

Maxx Force highlights include:

A unique air-powered launching system propelling guests forward at record speeds;

The world’s highest double inversion at 175 feet above the ground;

The fastest inversion on any roller coaster in the world with a 60 miles-per-hour zero-G roll;

Five high-speed inversions; and

One-of-a-kind custom coaster trains modeled after Formula One racing cars

Maxx Force will be the park’s 17th roller coaster and is scheduled to debut in summer 2019 in the Carousel Plaza area of the park.

BATMAN THE RIDE, SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the Thrill Capital of Northern California, and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, announces the opening in Spring 2019 of the park’s most innovative new coasters to date — Batman: The Ride  themed after one of the world’s most iconic DC Super Heroes. Riders on this 4D wing coaster will experience a sensory overload as they flip head-over-heels at least six times along a weightless, tumbling journey with unexpected drops and vertical free-falls.

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“As the world leader in thrills, Six Flags continues to raise the bar to deliver the most unique and innovative experiences in the industry,” said Park President Don McCoy. “On Batman: The Ride, riders are suspended outward on either side of the track as the cars flip continuously throughout the course of the ride. This coaster is a game-changer and the perfect complement to our already impressive DC Super Hero and Super-Villain lineup which includes Superman Ultimate Flight, The Joker and Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster.”

After being lifted straight up a 12-story, 90-degree hill, thrill-seekers will experience exhilarating leaps and dives along a horizontal plane, with unexpected drops as they tumble from one level to the next. The pandemonium and chaos ramps up since there is no track above or below — just the sky, ground, and plenty of sinister thrills.

The unique design of Batman: The Ride features:

A massive, imposing, floating and twisting I-box track frame in a unique two-tone design;

One-of-a-kind onboard magnetic technology featuring smooth head-over-heels free-fly flips, giving guests the feeling of weightlessness as they soar outside the confines of a traditional track;

4D wing vehicles that seat up to eight per vehicle with a total of five vehicles;

Face-off seats that allow riders to face each other as they tumble head-over-heels;

A 120-foot-tall, 90-degree hill that is ascended by an elevator-style, chain link lift; and

Two beyond 90-degree “raven” drops giving the sensation of free-falling.

SIX FLAGS SKYSCREAMER, DARIEN LAKE

Darien Lake, a Six Flags Theme Park, will debut the tallest attraction in the entire state — the all-new Six Flags SkyScreamer — for the 2019 season. This 242-foot tall swing ride will reign as the region’s new, iconic symbol, beckoning guests from near and far. The park will also be rebranded Six Flags Darien Lake when it opens next spring.

“We are thrilled to introduce the kind of innovative, world-class attraction that Six Flags is known for,” said Darien Lake Park President Chris Thorpe. “This high-flying tower ride will offer guests a chance to soar through the clouds with majestic views of the park and surrounding countryside far below. Six Flags SkyScreamer is an exciting, new addition befitting the name Six Flags Darien Lake.”

Once the 32 thrill-seekers board the ride, it quickly rises, taking guests 24 stories into the air while spinning round and round at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. By night, Six Flags SkyScreamer’s bold, synchronized light package will light up the skies.

Six Flags SkyScreamer Facts:

A soaring 24-stories tall;

32 riders, sitting two across in open-air swings; and

Spinning round and round a 98-foot circle at 35 miles per hour.

SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR, PEONIX AND HOUSTON

Wet n’ Wild Splashtown, the largest waterpark in Houston, and Wet ‘n Wild Phoenix, the largest waterpark in Arizona, will each be rebranded Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for the 2019 season. Both of these lush properties offer thrilling, high-speed waterslides and massive pools, along with playful kid-sized attractions for families and young children.

FIREBIRD, SIX FLAGS AMERICA

Six Flags America has announced FIREBIRD, the only floorless roller coaster in Maryland, will open in spring 2019. This all-new coaster experience will take thrill-seekers through  twists, drops and inversions, all while seated in state-of-the-art floorless trains.

“Six Flags is always taking thrilling innovation to the next level,” said Park President Rick Howarth. “FIREBIRD is a game-changer, offering guests an unparalleled, new riding experience. The floorless trains will give riders the sensation of being airborne as they soar along a half-mile of track with nothing beneath their feet but the wind.”

FIREBIRD’s flight path takes off with a heart pumping, nine-story drop, and features two thrilling inversions and a smoother, faster riding experience.

FIREBIRD highlights:

Two state-of-the-art sit-down floorless trains, precision designed and built by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard;

Multiple high-banked curves with high-speed carousel and corkscrew rolls; and

A twisted airtime hill plus an adrenaline pumping figure-eight finale.

THE JOKER WILD CARD, SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment, unveiled plans for The Joker Wild Card, one of the world’s tallest pendulum rides, to debut in early summer 2019. Standing at record-breaking 17-stories in the air, this impressive giant disk will reach speeds up to 75 miles per hour, as it whips back and forth — higher and higher to give riders a staggering view of the world below them.

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“Six Flags is recognized throughout the world for bringing new innovations and one-of-a-kind thrills to every park, every year and The Joker Wild Card adds another world-record attraction for Six Flags Fiesta Texas,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “The Joker Wild Card will be the fastest ride in park history and is the perfect villainous twist to our already spectacular ride lineup in the newly themed DC Universe area.”

The DC Universe area will include:

The Joker Wild Card – where 40 riders will experience speeds up to 75 miles per hour as they reach a world-record 17 stories high;

The pendulum swings back and forth while rotating counterclockwise;

As guests swing higher and higher, they will experience a feeling of weightlessness at 172 feet in the air; and,

Enhanced attractions, dining, games, and shopping.

The park also announced a year-round operation, adding weekends and holidays to its regular operating season for January and February. “With all the innovative thrills we’ve added over the last several years, this is a perfect time for us to transition to a year-round operating schedule,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “This is a transformative decision and should also position us to take advantage of new shoulder season business growth.

DC SUPER FRIENDS AND BUGS BUNNY BOOMTOWN, SIX FLAGS MEXICO

Six Flags Mexico is announcing fun for the entire family with the arrival of DC SUPER FRIENDS and Bugs Bunny Boomtown. These colorful, imaginative new sections will feature 14 rides and attractions, including six brand-new themed attractions. These kid-friendly zones are destined to become the region’s most popular family destination spot and the perfect launching pad for thrill-seekers-in-training.

SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR OAXTEPEC

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec will introduce a visually stunning and intense racing slide, King Cobra. The slide’s unique configuration enables two tubes to race through a circular path with dynamic twists, turns and surprises, snaking through both enclosed and open sections of the slide. Riders will race until the heart-pounding finish, when they appear to disappear inside the massive mouth of the cobra.

LONE STAR REVOLUTION, SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS

Six Flags Over Texas, the Thrill Capital of Texas, today announced the opening of the world’s largest loop coaster — Lone Star Revolution. This exhilarating new coaster takes riders forward and backward on a gigantic loop before suspending them upside down for plenty of adrenaline-pumping hang-time. Lone Star Revolution will make its debut in late spring 2019.

“The Six Flags brand is synonymous with innovation at the highest level and we are excited to welcome another record-breaking attraction to an already stellar thrill ride arsenal,” said Park President Steve Martindale. “This Texas-sized loop coaster offers an intense, heart-pounding experience unlike any other ride in the park.”

Towering 100 feet tall, Lone Star Revolution sends riders back and forth propelling them head over heels through a series of 360° revolutions. The coaster changes direction halfway through the ride cycle; leaving riders suspended upside down at the top of the loop for even more intense thrills.

Lone Star Revolution highlights include:

World’s largest coaster of its kind;

32 seats in unique “face-off” design, with guests seated face-to-face;

A pendulum style takeoff with multiple 360° degree revolutions around the 10-story loop; and

The park’s 14th coaster.

CYBORG, SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND

Six Flags New England, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment announces that the hi-tech Cyborg attraction, inspired by the DC Super Hero, will premiere in 2019.

“Innovation is part of the Six Flags DNA and Cyborg is a groundbreaking, new attraction that delivers an immersive dark ride experience with incredible special effects,” said Park President Pete Carmichael. “Our DC-branded attractions are extremely popular with our guests and we are excited to add this action-packed ride bearing Cyborg’s name to an already epic lineup of DC Super Hero and Super-Villain attractions in our DC Super Hero Adventures area.”

The CYBORG attraction is an extreme new dark ride experience. Cyborg invites guests to S.T.A.R. Labs to witness a new technological device when the sentient cybernetic system called THE GRID hacks into the mainframe and takes control of the entire lab. Riders find themselves caught up in the battle, spinning and whirling mercilessly through the air, while Cyborg wrestles to regain control of the enormous machine. This thrilling, new attraction offers 360 degrees of pure, heart-pounding adrenaline.

Ride highlights include:

24 riders sitting in an outward facing position;

Quick acceleration reaching maximum speeds while guests whirl through countless rotations of spinning insanity;

A DC Super Hero story line featuring Cyborg’s battle with an evil DC Super-Villain; and

State-of-the-art lighting and sound effects.

BUCKET BLASTERS AND SHIPWRECK COVER, SIX FLAGS GREAT ESCAPE RESORT

Six Flags Great Escape Resort announced that its outdoor waterpark will be rebranded Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for the 2019 season, offering guests a bigger, better and wetter experience. The park will undergo a major expansion with more to see and do than ever before including two brand-new attractions; bright, tropical theming throughout; and a new dining location.

Hurricane Harbor Family

“Six Flags is a world-renowned leader in thrills and innovation, and we are excited that our outdoor waterpark is getting fresh, new updates to become Hurricane Harbor,” said Six Flags Great Escape Resort President Eric Gilbert. “Hurricane Harbor will offer exciting, new attractions with Bucket Blasters and Shipwreck Cove, plus a completely new look featuring imaginative, tropical theming and a myriad of park enhancements to delight guests of all ages.”

With non-stop, soaking wet thrills for the entire family, the all-new Hurricane Harbor will be the perfect summertime escape for guests of all ages.

Hurricane Harbor highlights:

A 14,000 square foot water play area expansion;

Two new water attractions with fun for the whole family, Bucket Blasters and Shipwreck Cove; and

Expanded seating areas, featuring shaded zones and a new food location.

On Bucket Blasters, riders will spin around in water barrels equipped with water guns perfect for a splashing battle with friends, family and bystanders.

Shipwreck Cove will feature a fun activity pool with interactive water sprays, geysers, and fountains for hours of water play entertainment. The area will also include expansive, shaded seating and tasty, new dining options.

TIMBER TOWN, FRONTIER CITY

Frontier City will introduce an exciting, interactive new kids’ area that will be home to adorable new characters.

The all-new Timber Town will feature four new, innovative attractions designed especially for the young thrill-seekers, plus enchanting new theming and fresh, re-imagined updates of the original children’s rides. Lovable characters like Bucky the Beaver, Hootie the Owl and Bubba the Bear will be on hand for lots of pictures with young guests.

PANDEMONIUM, SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA

Six Flags Over Georgia announced that the tallest swinging pendulum ride in the Southeast, Pandemonium, will debut in 2019. Towering  15-stories tall, this impressive giant disk will reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour as it whips back and forth — higher and higher — giving riders an exhilarating riding experience as they soar high above the Atlanta city skyline.

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“Six Flags is recognized throughout the world for delivering the industry’s most thrilling and innovative rides year after year,” said Park President Dale Kaetzel. “Pandemonium is the perfect mix of mayhem and adrenaline and the latest addition to Six Flags Over Georgia’s continued investment in new attractions like Twisted Cyclone and JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis.”

Pandemonium is an oversized pendulum ride that will send riders on a dizzying journey to extreme heights; delivering epic, high-flying thrills for guests of all ages.

Pandemonium highlights include:

40 riders soaring across the sky at a mind-blowing 70 miles per hour;

A giant pendulum swinging back and forth while rotating counterclockwise; and

A feeling of weightlessness while flying an exhilarating 147 feet in the air.

Pandemonium will be the centerpiece of the park’s new ScreamPunk-themed area, featuring revamped food locations and shopping experiences in 2019. ScreamPunk is a Six Flags twist on the popular Steampunk subgenre, combining science fantasy with 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery. The ScreamPunk section opens in March. Pandemonium will debut in late spring, 2019.

CHAOS, LA RONDE

La Ronde will introduce Chaos, a new giant loop roller coaster.

Chaos offers a pure adrenaline rush as riders go forward, backward and upside down for unprecedented hang-time. This exhilarating, seven-story loop sends riders through a series of multiple, adrenaline-charged revolutions, higher and higher before changing directions for even more chaotic thrills.

SUPERGIRL, SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS

Six Flags St. Louis announced a new thrill coming in 2019. Guests will take an adrenaline-charged flight on the new SUPERGIRL attraction as they soar nearly 7-stories through the sky in open-air vehicles. Drawing on DC Super Hero Supergirl’s powers of stamina and strength, thrill seekers spin and tilt while suspended from the massive whirling wheel. The ride is raised into the air by a giant arm as riders are launched into a high-speed spin, feet dangling…round and round…higher and higher.

“Six Flags consistently delivers innovative, new experiences for our guests each year,” said Park President Phil Liggett. “SUPERGIRL puts a unique, state-of-the-art spin on a classic ride experience and will be a heroic addition to the park’s outstanding lineup of thrilling rides and attractions.”

SUPERGIRL heroic highlights:

Guests fly in open air seats with feet dangling;

Super-sized wheel begins to spin horizontally, then a giant arm lifts and tilts the wheel to a vertical position as the high-speed rotations continue throughout; and

24 riders will repeatedly reach maximum spinning height of 67-feet in the air.

FRIGHT FEST

This fall, Six Flags delivers one of the biggest Halloween events on the planet — Fright Fest®Prepare for Thrills by Day, Fright by Night with more ghouls, more haunted mazes and more terrifying scares than ever before. Taking the fear factor to a new level, this year Six Flags and CBS Films are launching custom-built haunted attractions based on the new horror movie release, Hell Fest, coming to theaters on Friday, September 28, 2018. The company’s industry leading entertainment teams at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, and Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL, will transform haunted mazes into real life replicas of the movie’s most unnerving, goriest and shockingly epic scenes.

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

Just in time for the holiday season, Six Flags Great America and Frontier City will join eleven other Six Flags properties ringing in the holidays with Holiday in the Park®This popular, time-honored Six Flags tradition offers a winter wonderland of all the beloved sights and sounds of the season. Holiday in the Park features festive holiday-themed shows and delicious seasonal treats, along with select rides and attractions, set against the backdrop of millions of twinkling lights.

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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