News, Reviews & Series
The latest theme park news, trip reports and event reviews from Texas and beyond.
First-Ever Visit to Busch Gardens Tampa, Riding New Iron Gwazi & Other Record-Breaking Coasters!
Join along as we take our fist-ever visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Originally opened in 1959, Busch Gardens is home to thousands of animals, along with ten iconic roller coasters. This adventure has us riding several of the park's high-thrill attractions, including the all-new Iron Gwazi, SheiKra and more.
Scorpion POV - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Classic Schwarzkopf Silver Arrow Coaster
Opened on May 16, 1980, Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features a height of just over 60 feet tall and top speeds of 41 miles per hour. Featuring one vertical loop, this classic Schwarzkopf coaster has a total of 1,817 feet of track.
Kumba POV - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | World's First Coaster With Interlocking Corkscrews
Kumba first opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on April 20, 1993. This steel B&M coaster features a height of 143 feet and top speeds of 60 miles per hour. Along with being the first coaster to feature interlocking corkscrews, Kumba sends riders through a total of 7 inversions. Kumba also featured the tallest vertical loop when it opened, which has the rare attribute of wrapping itself around the ride's lift hill.
In-Depth Review of Seven Seas Food Festival 2022 at SeaWorld San Antonio, First Tidal Surge Ride!
Join us for an in-depth review of Seven Seas Food Festival 2022 at SeaWorld San Antonio. We tour each festival booth and try over 15 food offerings, inspired by countries such as Germany, Japan, Jamaica and more. Plus, we take our first ride on Tidal Surge, the tallest and fastest S&S Screamin' Swing attraction in the world.
Tidal Surge POV - SeaWorld San Antonio | World's Tallest & Fastest S&S Screamin' Swing!
Join us for a ride on Tidal Surge, SeaWorld San Antonio's newest high-thrill attraction. This S&S Screamin' Swing sends riders to heights of 135 feet at a top speed of 68 miles per hour. Lasting 1 minute, 20 seconds, Tidal Surge holds 40 riders and features 230 degrees of rotation per boom arm. When it opened, Tidal Surge was the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in the world.
In-Depth Review of Fiesta Texas' 30th Anniversary Festival | Live Shows, Food Festival & More!
The 30th Anniversary Festival, which celebrates Six Flags Fiesta Texas' 30th birthday, takes place now through May 30. On top of then and now displays and mini museums, the event also features the 30th Anniversary Food Festival and the return of historical shows. Join us as we try out the festival's food offerings and experience the return of Rockin' at Rockville High.
Dr. D's Cliffhanger Updates, Several Park Projects, 30th Easter Eggs & More | Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Since our last visit to the park, Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger has seen completion of its track and support install! Crews now work on fine details, such as the indoor queue and rust effects on support columns. Plus, work continues on Sangerfest Halle and a new, upgraded drink refill station opens in Crackaxle Canyon. Join us as we go on a hunt for fun 30th anniversary Easter eggs located throughout Fiesta Texas.
Single Rider Lines Gone, Aquaman Construction, Updated Ride Closures | Six Flags Over Texas
A visit to Six Flags Over Texas unveils the removal of all single rider lines at various attractions, along with a big update on current ride closures. We also follow up on the major dining and restaurant changes taking place, along with great construction updates for both Aquaman: Power Wave and Pirates of Speelunker Cave.
The Two Coasters That Never Happened | Fiesta Texas Flashback Series
After being acquired by Six Flags, Inc. in the 90s, Fiesta Texas underwent several yearly expansions to provide a well-rounded theme park experience. These included the addition of four marquee roller coasters from 1997 to 2000, several children's and flat rides, new waterpark attractions and more. Join us as we navigate the 2000 season and look at the two coasters that never happened.
New Ride Construction Continues, Food Fails & Several Park Changes | Six Flags Over Texas
After a hiatus, we head to Six Flags Over Texas and encounter a number of new in-park changes. Fresh paint continues to hit several buildings around the park. We also point out multiple new dining locations coming soon, issues with new offerings at other restaurants, the shuffling of some in-park services and the addition of single rider lines. Finally, Pirates of Speelunker Cave looks to be opening soon as crews continue working hard on Aquaman: Power Wave.
Dr. D's Cliffhanger Lift Hill Complete, First Drop Being Installed & More | Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Construction of Fiesta Texas' newest roller coaster, Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger, is moving at electric pace as the lift hill install is complete and crews have begun working on the first drop. We also check out other park updates, including the continued refresh of Primo's Pizzeria and several new Then & Now 30th anniversary features.
New Ride Construction Updates, Big Looney Tunes Mall & Front Gate Changes | Six Flags Over Texas
Construction on new 2022 attractions continues as the entrance to Pirates of Speelunker Cave takes shape and the pad for Aquaman: Power Wave's turntable emerges. We also take a look at several other park improvements, including more building and infrastructure upgrades, enhancements to the Silver Star Carousel building, a look at the quick progress made on the new Looney Tunes Mall facade and more.
Six Flags Over Texas Decade in Review | 1970 - 1979
Our next episode in the Six Flags Over Texas Decade in Review Series takes a look at 1970 through 1979. Several transformations happened around the park, including a change in the skyline with the addition of Texas Chute Out and the debut of Good Time Square. Other prime attractions included the Big Bend and Shock Wave roller coasters, along with marquee flat rides like Spinnaker. Entertainment was also a big focus in the 1970s with the construction of Music Mill Amphitheater and People Mover Theatre and several Broadway-style productions in Southern Palace Theatre.
Reviewing the 2022 Taste of Mardi Gras Food Festival at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The Taste of Mardi Gras Food Festival returns to Six Flags Fiesta Texas on select dates between January 15 and February 27. Running in conjunction with the park's Mardi Gras Festival, the event features six food booths and four adult beverage booths. Offerings include savory items, such as crawfish etouffee and crab mac and cheese, along with beignets and other sweet items. Join us for a full tour of festival booths and reviews of several food offerings.
Mardi Gras Festival 2022 at Fiesta Texas | The Parade Returns, New Live Entertainment & More
Mardi Gras Festival 2022 takes place on select dates from January 15 to February 27. Join us for an in-depth review of this year's event, which features the return of the Mardi Gras Parade, several live entertainment offerings, specialty decor and more. Stay tuned for an in-depth review of our experience with the Taste of Mardi Gras food festival, which coincides with the Mardi Gras Festival event.
Dr. D's Cliffhanger Track Install Begins, New Park-Wide History Displays | Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Construction continues on the upcoming Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger roller coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Crews have begun installing track pieces, along with the ride's transfer shed. We also explore a number of other park improvements, including the ongoing refresh of Crackaxle Canyon, the Sangerfest Halle remodel and more. 2022 marks the park’s 30th anniversary. Fiesta Texas has begun their celebration by unveiling a number of miniature museums, along with great Then & Now photo features spread throughout the park.
Six Flags Debuts Yet Another New Season Pass Tier Offering, Eliminates New Membership Purchases
Today, both Six Flags Over Texas and Fiesta Texas introduced a new three-tier season pass offering. While not every Six Flags park has adopted this concept, we should expect to see these offerings go chain-wide before spring. Join us for an in-depth look at these three new tiers, their pricing (as of January 18, 2022), benefits, the new structure of dining plan offerings and more. Now that memberships are no longer for purchase, we explain what current members can expect and how they can learn more about the new Legacy Member program.
Your Guide to Mardi Gras Festival 2022 at Fiesta Texas
Mardi Gras Festival returns to Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 2022 on select dates from January 15 to February 27. This year's event features the return of the Mardi Gras Parade, along with several other live entertainment offerings. Also featured is the Taste of Mardi Gras food festival, which includes several Cajun-inspired dishes, adult beverages and more. Join us for a virtual, in-depth guide to this year's Mardi Gras Festival event.
First Event of 2022 Canceled, Park President Fired, Other Six Flags Over Texas Updates
Six Flags and their new CEO, Selim Bassoul, are undergoing several corporate changes and attempts at restructuring. This has affected Six Flags Over Texas as the Fire & Ice Winter Festival has been canceled and the park's president, Ron McKenzie, was relieved of his position. Join us as we talk through these changes and also feature updates on construction and enhancement projects around the park.
Front Gate & Texas Arena Demolition, Speelunker Cave, Aquaman Updates | Six Flags Over Texas
Tons of work continues through Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas. Join us in touring the new, opened up area at the park's front gate after some extensive building removal. We also head over to Texas Arena where crews are actively working on demolishing structures within. Other updates include a look at progress on Pirates of Speelunker Cave, Aquaman: Power Wave, Mr. Freeze's new paint job and more.