Six Flags Astroworld 10-15-05 very long

Sir Willow · #1 10-17-2005, 08:54 PM

TR- Six Flags Astroworld October 15, 2005

The people: Me, Joey & George from the FLCC, Tim and Sarah from URC
The weather: clear, warm, and pleasant.
The crowds: heavy!

Knowing that SFAW was getting ready to close, I managed to get permission from the wife to throw together a last minute trip to the park. Flying into the airport Saturday morning, I’d have enough time to spend a full day at the park and fly out early the next morning. My flight on Southwest even arrived 30 minutes early, allowing me plenty of time to pick up the rental car, enjoy a great meal at Jack in the Box (oh, how I miss them in Florida), and drive around the park.

I arrived at Reliant Field/ Astroworld around 10:30-11ish, and after taking a look at the park from the outside, I headed over to the parking lot- only to find a huge line waiting to get into the locked gates. Cars were backed up down the street, around the corner, and at least a half mile down the frontage road, if not much longer. This wasn’t looking good for a park that has supposedly suffered from low crowds. Sitting at a side entrance to the lot, by myself, I was looking around and realized that there were cars driving in the lot. Looking around a bit, I realized that there was another gate not even a ¼ mile up the road that was open. So I headed there, pulled up, paid, and drove right up to the walkway bridge leading into the park- while all those other cars were still waiting to get into the “official” Six Flags gate. So if you’re going in the next couple of weeks, skip the parking lot line and drive up to the next gate!

This worked out well, as it put me right up to the front of the gates to get in. Even though I had to wait a while, it at least put me ahead of the mass of people behind me. They did a little two-step welcome to Six Flags deal at the gate, had the inflatable dancing Mr. Six, and tried to rev up the crowd a bit. Totally cheesy, but it was nice that they were trying to do something to get people ready to visit. After that, they opened the gates, where some costumed employees were handing out maps, taking pictures, and greeting people. We quickly bypassed them, turned to the right, and headed over to the Texas Cyclone to begin our day.

We entered through their great, traditional entry to the queue, and past a couple of maintenance guys repairing a hand rail (we wondered a bit why bother with only a couple of weeks left, but it was a nice touch) and entered the station. After waiting a couple of minutes, George and I boarded the first train while Joey waited for a front seat ride on the second. The poor op that was supposed to work the forward dispatch had a hard time with a few wasps flying around the mini-panel. She was doing a dance while swinging a broom at them, and finally got them clear enough to make a dive to the button and getting us out on a jerky start to the ride.

It was clear that the Cyclone had seen better days, with much of the wood looking very old and weathered. For a first ride of the day it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t rough, but it wasn’t real smooth either. A couple of nice drops, and some spots that certainly seemed like they would give some airtime after it warmed up. But with so many people coming behind us, we didn’t want to wait for rerides and lose the opportunity for other rides later. It was good, but I honestly couldn’t say if it would be very good, or tend towards bad later on. But I did enjoy our one ride. If I had to grade it, it would be a 7 out of 10, with potential to go either way on the scale. Unfortunately though, I don’t see this coaster moving anywhere when the park closes.

From there we continued up the path to UltraTwister, the only pipeline coaster in the US. Built by Togo, I was expecting a rough ride. It looked great though, with a good looking recent paint job. The seats weren’t uncomfortable, though the restraint did drop rather suddenly. Ride wise, this was a lot of fun. It wasn’t rough by any means, at least not in the front seat. A great first drop, a nice pop of air at the end of the forward run, and a neat little twisting finale. I really enjoyed this coaster, and would love to see it get moved somewhere else, but with it’s age and lower capacity, I don’t know that will happen. 8 out of 10

We continued our loop around the park, passing Batman which was closed, though we hoped it would open later. Next in line was Greezed Lightnin, which was also closed, but that was due to their having a little celebration for it’s one millionth ride. We tried to get in and crash the party, but that didn’t quite work out- though they were offering to mail us tickets to get into the park again in a couple of weeks. Declining the offer, we continued on again and headed towards XLR-8, where we encountered another one of our “ride op stories”

I should make clear that I had low expectations from the park workers based on reports I’ve heard in the past about the park as well as a lot of disincentive with the park closing (Firing them wouldn’t mean much at this point, would it) While we saw some of that, we also some some great work by some of the ops. Here, however, we were left dumbfounded. In the station, sitting on the side of the platform, on the ground at the edge right where the train dispatches, and with nothing protecting her from the train, an op sat looking at some CD’s, and essentially oblivious to what was going on around her. It looked like an accident waiting to happen. Thankfully it didn’t happen, but when we were seated in the front row waiting to go, she suddenly decided that she had to hand the cd’s back to the op on the panel on the other side of the train from us. Nice guy that he is, Joey passed the cd’s over for her while both of us, as rideops, were essentially dumbfounded. It wouldn’t be the first time today.

In any case, due to the lines that were rapidly starting to grow in the park, we only did this forwards instead of taking a second trip backwards in the back of the train. It provided a nice, fun ride. There was one bump that we encountered, which came as a surprise, but most of it provided some good swinging and coasting. I would have liked to have had more time for rerides on this, but alas it wasn’t to be. It still scores a nice 7 out of 10. Better than Iron Dragon, about the same as Top Gun at PKI, and below Ninja and Big Bad Wolf.

Lines were growing at this point. We had waited about 10 minutes or so for XLR-8- partially because they were only loading one of two trains. But when we got off, it’s line had more than doubled. So we moved on. We passed SWAT, which was closed for the day (major bummer, but it’ll end up somewhere else, I’m sure) We turned instead towards Mayan Mindbender- an enclosed family coaster. Looking at it, we thought it was a Premier, but according to RCDB it’s a Vekoma. As we were queueing up outside in the very nicely landscaped and themed queue, we passed their “gum target”, then noticed a large number of people leaving the line. “It’s broken.” We decided to go in and see what’s happening, and after some prodding of the ops, we figure out that they have to do a reset (they were good about not saying it, but letting us figure it out) So we decided to wait it out. Probably 15 minutes later, we’re loading up in the odd seats on the train (see my Smugmug pictures and you’ll see what I mean). Essentially, it’s a very poor man’s Space Mountain- it’s all right turns inside, with one left and one little tiny bunny hill. Umm, yeah, ok, that was nice. Let’s move on. 5 out of 10, got the credit, but I don’t see this one moving on anywhere.

Sir Willow · #2 10-17-2005, 08:55 PM

part 2

Finishing the loop somewhat, we looked at Serial Thriller- which had a full and overflowing queue. Oh my…. At least 90 minute wait for it. For an SLC. Don’t think so. Back to the back of the park we go. Batman was still closed, and George and Joey were hungry, so we stopped at the Western Smokehouse where they ate and I glanced in a couple of shops since I wasn’t hungry. It was around this time that Tim called since he had just arrived at the park. We met with them at the entrance to Greezed Lighnin, which was now open, and waited in the 30-40 minute or so line that was rapidly growing. The ops were doing a good job of kicking the trains out quickly and efficiently. It was also here that we had another “ride op moment.”

A family was in line next to us with 2 kids around 10 and 12 years old, and a little girl they had brought through the line in a stroller. None of the kids wanted to ride, and they didn’t have any clue what they were doing with the kid in the stroller. Mom and Dad, in fact were oblivious, pushed her through the gate, then were going to leave her there on the wrong side of the gate next to the train. They got in and pretty much forgot everything else, with the 12 year old was crying, the 10 year old was stunned, and the op was trying to figure out what the heck they were doing. She finally gets fed up with the stupidity, tells them to get up, and picks up the stroller- kid still in it, and walks it over and through the train to the other side. Then tells the other 2 kids to go with the stroller and down the ramp. When the mom started to say something, she told her sorry, they’re not riding that way, now get in (not that bluntly though). After some more shuffling, she finally gets them in and we can go. It’s the way that I would have loved to handle something like, and Joey and I both gave her praise for it, but we agreed that if tried that at Busch or Sea World, our jobs would likely be done.

The ride itself was fantastic. This may be the best shuttle loop I’ve been on, with a great launch, g’s and hangtime in the loop, and huge air on the back spike. More than I ever experienced on Tidal Wave or Montezooma’s. Joey, who had been on Monty the week before was in complete agreement. This is an awesome ride, that I really hope can be preserved somehow, but I’m not real optimistic on it. At least a 9 out of 10.

It was now around 3pm, and we were trying to fill in what we’d missed, and maybe catch a couple of other rides. We walked towards Viper and ended up missing it’s entrance. However, since we ended up at the Bamboo Chute, er, Ozark Splash, we took a round on it- again after a 30 minute line that moved sporadically. I’m glad we did for one reason- waiting in line we were able to spot Serpent, the Arrow mini-mine train, that we would have totally missed otherwise.

The flume was fun, and we then got in the only other short line we’d see all day. 15 minutes to get on the coaster. Joey and I crammed into one seat, George had his own, and Tim and Sarah took a round after us. It’s essentially a long figure eight, and with the bumps is obviously an Arrow. They give you two rounds before bringing you to a stop on the computer controlled skid brakes. The lap bars are released by a foot pedal within easy reach of the front row of the car, and we saw a lot of people taking advantage of that. A fun kiddie coaster, but with the brakes and safety deal, I don’t see it going anywhere. 5-6 out of 10.

We found our way through the crowd with Tim and Sarah’s help and got in line for Viper, which was out of the queue house. Still, the wait wasn’t to bad, and they did decent for one train operations. Not that there was any choice since I didn’t see a second train anywhere. It was also as we were about to get on that we witnessed another ride op moment.

Coming into the final brake run, the brakes stopped the train short of reaching the drive tires, leaving it stuck without any way to move forward. And we watched, dumbfounded again, as a couple of the ops promptly jumped off the loading platform and, without locking out, headed right out into the ride area and walked over to the train. Locking out, if you’re not familiar with it, is a basic safety procedure to make sure that the ride doesn’t operate when you’re out where you can get hit by the train and injured or killed. Guess that doesn’t matter much here. What was really shocking was when maintenance arrived. They released the brakes, also walked out, and then an op and one of the maintenance workers climbed on the track and began to push the train until it reached the tires!! Then they all walked back to the station, sent the train on one test run, and started boarding. Effective, but we were shocked at the apparent lack of concern for what seemed to me to be basic safety procedures. If the train had rolled the wrong way or anything unexpected had happened, we could have been looking at a serious injury or worse.

In any case, the ride itself was fantastic. We took the back of the train, and this may have been the best ride of the day. This is one awesome coaster in every way, and I really, really hope that they find a way to save this coaster. 10 out of 10.

We walked around some more, looking at flat rides, admiring the nice theming that was left in the park (it obviously used to be a very pretty, well themed park. Much was intact, though certainly neglected in recent years), and enjoying what we could of the park with the crowds. Most of the flats had lines spilling out of their queues, and people were everywhere. It certainly seems that word that the park is closing is out and everyone is trying to get in their last visits before it’s gone. But it makes it difficult to get on many rides, and with no Fastlane or other options, it means long waits for anything. Those visiting soon, be prepared for lots of people.

By this time, Batman had reopened. This was one of the first stand up coasters, and it certainly looks like B&M had a part in it. While it used to sit at SFMM, I can’t remember if I rode it back then or not, so I was happy to finally get a chance to ride it. After dealing with a large number of line jumpers, including some jr rotc kids that are going to get a shock when their drill sergeant receives my emailed pictures of them (ain’t I a stinker? Hehe), we finally made it up to the station, and into line for the back of the train. The restraints have one “arm loop” fixed while the otsr comes down and provides the other one, so you kind of slip in and out sideways when the otsr is up. They have a very strict policy of no earings. If you wear them, you can’t ride. You have to take them off. Joey was going to argue, but figured it wasn’t worth it, and ended up being grateful once he learned why.

To say that Batman is rough would be kind. Many know my feelings about Mantis, but this makes Mantis look great. Rough isn’t a strong enough word. I had head shots- side and back of the head, as well as several shots to the sides from the hard restraints. And that was with riding defensively putting my head out as far as it goes. I got my credit, now scrap it. At best it would get a 1. Sadly, that was the last ride of the day.

We made our way to the gift shops before we left. Everything is marked down, with most of it at least 50% off, and some of it more. There weren’t any magnets left, but there was a good amount of park specific merchandise available, which was a nice change from some of the Six Flags parks. I had to pick up one shirt though that had me laughing, between the “Wish you were here” slogan on it for a closing park, to the pictures on it- which were all coasters at SFMM, not Astroworld. But it was fun shopping.

Overall, I really liked the park, and find it a shame that it’s going to be closing. The employees had some great work shirts (e.g. If you can’t handle the heat, get out of Ops) and most looked like they enjoyed their jobs and were sad to see them go. It was a pretty park, though Six Flags had done their normal, “Theming? What’s that?” over the last few years. I’m happy that I was able to sneak in a visit before it’s gone.

Thanks also to Joey and George for making the trip out with me from Florida. Tim and Sarah, it was great to meet up with you for the first time, and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other again. And Pat (Lonestar on URC) it was great to meet you, even if it was only over dinner. If I ever need a genuine Texan for a picture, I’ll be sure to call you.

Pictures are available on sirwillow.smugmug.com in the travel/ amusement parks category.

Thanks for sticking with me for the looonnnngggg read.

**James R** · #3 10-17-2005, 09:22 PM

I'm glad you were able to make it out to the park one last time. It sure is a joy (for the most part.

), isnt it? Were you able to check out any of the Halloween shows?

Regarding your comment on the rail maintenance: AstroWorld's maintenance department has made it clear that they are going to bring the park to it's best until the very end. And I'm glad you noticed that. I'm sorry that you didn't find a couple of the rides all that enjoyable. I will agree with you that BTE is quite rough. It's not too pleasant. But it also depends on where you ride. The ride is quite smoother if you ride towards the front. The ride kind of has the signature B&M dip doesnt it? But it's before the chain lift.

What did you think about the 'theming' of the queue? I believe they have the effects in the queue house back up and working again. How was the scenery for FrightFest? I havent made it out ot the park during FF just yet. Serial Thriller is actually quite smooth also. If you ride the front of the train you get a smooth enjoyable ride.

Also, regarding the parking situation, due to the 'developments' with AstroWorld and the HSPCA the situation worsened and parking grew difficult and sometimes confusing for several guests. I'm glad you were able to find your way into the lot with ease.

I'm not surprised about your comments on the staff. AstroWorld usually has very good ride ops, but there are always those that stick out like sore thumbs. I've experienced a couple during my visits.

Again, I'm glad you were able to visit the park before it's last Six Flags days are over. Sorry you were restricted in your re-rides due to the lines!

**Leo C** · #4 10-17-2005, 10:42 PM

I'm disappointed that Batman was so rough but it's been a life goal to get on the Shockwave that once graced SFGADV. I look for it's move to another park - I will get on it! Otherwise, I'm off to ride Cobra @ La Ronde.

I'm glad that you got to Astroworld this one final time. I and several others will never have the chance to attend, ride, and admire it.

screaminkid2005 · #5 10-18-2005, 01:24 AM

^ same here i have always wanted to go there but i guess that it wil never happen. :'(

ltngrcr9051 · #6 11-02-2005, 03:51 PM

I was reading your review, and I was there on the same day... Although I did get to ride B:TE at about 12:15ish, so she must have closed down shortly after that... A great park. I'm glad I visited before it was gone.

DemonHunter4337 · #7 11-06-2005, 10:48 AM

Nice TR sirwillow it is sad to hear that Astroworld closed I never had a chance to make it down there.