First Ever Texas 7/17-7/23/06

**Leo C** · #1 07-27-2006, 10:51 PM

When I was a kid I first heard of the Texas rollercoaster; the Texas GIANT. In 1998 when I worked @ CHILLER @ SFGADV, I was exposed to information about other Texas rollercoasters such as Batman: The Escape and CHILLER's counterpart, Mr. FREEZE. Being a young enthusiast I identified Texas along with Ohio and California as being the other huge coaster markets of the United States other than the Northeast. I just didn't know how and when in my life I'd get to them but one by one I got to the parks of Ohio, Florida, and then California. All that remained was Texas. For years I was set on getting my chance to ride Mr. Freeze. I didn't know when I'd ever get to Texas but luckily this became the year. Jimmy from this site came to my aid in helping me to plan my destinations and schedule. Before I left the huge heatwave came across New Jersey and the rest of the country. I was sure it would be a big introduction to what I'd find in Texas. Indeed it was.

Monday night I flew into San Antonio. I had a bad cold and my ears would not pop for the next day and a half. Not that great of a beginning of a trip. Tuesday morning I drove to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. I couldn't believe I made it finally to this unique park. The entry plaza was really nice. The characters were all out at opening. It was cool to see the Roadrunner character for the first time. The plaza in front of Boomerang is very scenic; a great picture opp. Immediatly I went to the Mexican show in the arena close by. After the show I eagerly made my way to Poltergeist. I wanted to get on it as quick as possible since I knew the other Premier's in the chain have been down for maintenance. Surprisingly it was the most quiet and smoothiest Premier I've ever been on. It was an immediate hop on. Next up was Scream. It was the most colorful S&S tower I ever saw. It was nice treat to have the combo shot and drop. Nice little pop of air as usual.

The Hustler was the coolest tea cup ride I've ever been on. Themed to billards balls was a nice touch. By then it was near noon and apparent how hot it was. Over 100. Walked right up to Der Twister next. The first half of the program is really cool; the rest really blows. Voodoo @ SFMW is the same way.

Der Rollshcuhcoaster was up next. The cool rollerskate themed coaster I've seen in SF phamplets before. A very simple layout and cool ride; I felt lucky to be allowed to ride. After this coaster I went to Sangerfest Halle to see the Motown tribute show. The mention of the Spassburg section and Schlitterbahn in the area of Central Texas was a big clue Germanic people migrated to Texas as well. I stayed for most of the show and left to reride Poltergeist and to discover Fiesta Bay Boardwalk.

Fiesta Bay Boardwalk is well themed and I like the assortment of attractions. I had to ride the Frisbee because it was some other coaster fan's favorite and I had to do Scooby Doo. I like the rumor that a spinning coaster could come to this section. In New Jersey there are plenty of Wild Mouse coasters at the boardwalks but I'd prefer and spinning coaster. As long as it has misters and canopies for the lines. Joker's Funhouse looked all lonely sitting there. I never liked the idea that it was a traditional coaster backwards. If Batman the ride was there then I would have wanted Joker to stay.

I did the two Rockville High shows - lots of fun. I then rode
Superman Krypton Coaster. I enjoyed the scenary walking through Rockville, passing the waterfalls of the quarry, and getting great shots of Superman doing his thing. I was surprised that Superman was not longer sitting on top of the loop. Did his statue make it to the gift shop? The twist off the top of the quarry was really cool as well as the helix. I just wish I didn't have to see Neiman Marcus on the other side of the park. The G-roll delivered as usual. The corkscrews had a long straightaway to their entrance. Overall the coaster was very quiet, graceful, used the terrain greatly, but was not too forceful. The NITRO style dip and hop into the final brake run was a nice touch.

Before I could reach my 200th coaster I had to do the Road Runner Express and Boomerang. The layout on Roadrunner was one of the best and modern for an Arrow Mine train. The first drop surprised me - it was actually GASM like. Great helixes - high marks. Boomerang was the smoothest Boomerang I've ever been on. The Texas heat must do a number to provide this.

Rattler was my 200th rollercoaster. I was concerned I was not going to get to ride this because it was closed in the morning. The way the track sways noticeably amazed me. I knew the first drop was shortened; it was just disappointing that it seemed so short after such a high incline up the lift. Trims here and there I could feel the scorching Texas heat through the tracks! The beginning of the helix was slow but really picked up the second pass around. The skirting turns were rough and somewhat a disappointment. I don't really like skirting turns I noticed. I really like the tunnel into the quarry though. I like that #200 was unique. Not the best but really a unique ride.

By then it was 8 and I thought I could go to Chipotle back in town and catch my tv show. Forgot about the time difference effects on tv. Ugh! I should have stayed for the Lone Star Spectacular. I bought a Giant souvenir map, a SFFT shirt, and an Astroworld shot glass @ SFFT.

Wednesday would bring be to Seaworld San Antonio. In the morning I went to the Alamo, the Three Missions Park as well. By 1pm I went to my first Sonic drive thru, drove through Lackland AFB to arrive @ Seaworld close to 2. I rushed over to first see Believe! - the Shamu show. This would make the 3rd Orca show I've seen this year. The stadium was shaped a lot different than the Orlando one. I thought the video screens would be much more outrageous. I always like the Shamu shows - great as usual. Next I made it out to Great White - a walk on all day! It just got new paint too so it looked like new and was very photogenic. This B:TR clone was one of the best I've ever been on.

Steel Eel has one of the best set of supports I've ever seen. The quick two hills looked really cool. I didn't like the transitions; it doesn't do them like a B&M. The airtime was great - floater like on NITRO. I felt the Texas heat diving low into the return helix. Depending on where I sat on the train I felt very strong positive G's on the bunny hills going back to the station. There are B&M hypers I enjoy riding more than this Morgan.

Shamu Express was easy to do. The Rapids ride disappointed me. The Texas Splashdown was one of the longest most elaborate flumes I've ever been on. I almost skipped it! I'm glad I did it. There was no need for me to use the 2nd day free part of my pass here.

Thursday was a tough day. I drove from San Antonio to Houston, taking Jimmy's suggestion to go see the Johnson Space Center. Since 1997 when the Houston Oilers left town and then the Enron ordeal a few years later, I've had a feeling of disappointment towards the town. Astroworld was just a part of that; being second rung, second seed in many ways. Please don't take too much offense. I have to admit admiration for the park for being one of the forefathers of the modern theme park. It just seemed this original got outdone. The blueprints for originals get improved upon. Being so small and receiving such a unique collection I admired the quirky park for hanging on. I really wanted to visit Astroworld while it still stood. Greezed Lightnin' was a classic. The park had those two old SFGADV rollercoasters so my desire to come to the park was there. Unfortunately my visit was a year too late. The least I could do was visit the site of what was. Pulling onto Kirby Dr off the 610 I didn't even see masked up highway signs covering reference to the former park. Standing on the island on the road behind the park I was amazed how all those amusements could fit on such a small space with the car dealership on the corner. How did a lagoon fit in the center?
I took pics of the empty grass field, the bridge that's now to nowhere, and finally the Reliant Stadium and Astrodome. I made it to Astroworld but it wasn't here for me. The smoke of all the good things SF did for my homepark and the other parks could not hide how they stole this park from us and Houston. I will give myself an honorary Astroworld visit credit. Too bad I was not there a year earlier.

The Space Center was cool. I was there on the 37th anniversary of the moonwalk. Unfortunately I got a ticket on the way back to San Antonio. Jersey driving apparently is not tolerated in Texas.

Friday I drove to the LBJ ranch and then to Austin TX. In the evening I drove to spend the night in Dallas. Saturday morning I went to Dealey Plaza before going to Six Flags Over Texas. I received the best customer service ever! It was a very busy Saturday. I received free parking! I was waiting in line to try Flashpass for the first time ever. When I was about to fill out the registration form the staff member suggested I take the park tour. For only $30 I got a park tour with free Exit entry and riding on all the park's rollercoasters for 3 hours. The guide was very knowledgeable and the shortcut really saved me time. I could not have done all the parks' attractions just waiting in the standard line. This is excellent for first time visitors, especially season pass holders from other parks. Great touch Six Flags! La Vibora was cool, El Sombrero. I miss our Sombrero @ SFGADV. The Texas Titan is way better than SFMM's Goliath. I can't believe that Goliath didn't have that first helix. It's such a defining moment for the coaster. Titan is hands down much better than Steel Eel. This took the cake for best hyper in Texas. The Texas Giant was really long and shaky for the front row.

**Leo C** · #2 07-28-2006, 12:59 AM

The layout was great. The MCBR did not really bother me. I bet the GIANT is still better than CP's Mean Streak.

The tour guide next took us to Runaway Mountain. I have SFGADV's Skull Mountain as a previous indoor dark coaster. Runaway Mountain blew Skull Mountain out of the water! It's much more intense and surprising. Walking behind Mountain we cut to the Rapids ride. It's just as old and boring as Congo Rapids @ SFGADV. Superman was a nice experience. It has a longer duration than Scream @ SFFT

Shockwave was a great Schwarzkopf treat! This classic has the best loops in the park and delivers nice negative G's on those short drops. Really enjoyable for a reride. Mine Train was the best themed and I learned the first steel tubular coaster. The op let us get two rides in a row. I will remember this mine train.

The tour next brought us past Mr. Freeze and Batman The Ride. Mr. Freeze was closed. I for years wanted to get on Mr. Freeze and I was being denied this one chance. I did understand how safety is important so I let missing Mr. Freeze go. I was just glad to take a gazillion pictures of the ride, to be able to see it in person, and to touch the station building. Batman the Ride was a fun as usual ride. Great White @ Seaworld was more comfortable to ride. I'm surprised the loop on this Batman sat so high off the ground.

The tour ended with Flashback, The Acme Rockin' Rocket, and the Acrobat show. Flashback was worth the shortcut of the tour because the capacity was terrible and I did not enjoy this ride. Boomerang @ SFFT was much more enjoyable. I would not re-ride this ride.

After the Acrobat Show, which was really good, the tour was over. I rode Judge Roy Scream and Mini Mine Train on my own. Judge Roy Scream is in much better shape than SFGADV's Rolling Thunder. There's actually grease on the tracks! Great ride. Mini Mine Train was just good enough for the credit. Interesting how it overshot the brakes during one run. The Oil Derrick provided a great view of the park for overhead pictures. So this is what I was missing with the closed Sky Tower @ SFMM in year's past. For the rest of the day I used exit passes given to me by the tour guide. I had the best experience I ever had @ a Six Flags. I would like to thank that park for great service to a first time season pass visitor from far away. I definitely bought a 45th anniversary shirt for that park because that's the one truly celebrating the anniversary. Too bad the GP in NJ probably doesn't know.

Texas besides getting the ticket was a great experience. I did alright to deal with the heat. By 3 to 4 each day it kind of wore me out. Thank God I didn't have any headaches by the end of the days. You have to be tough to live there - no wonder Texans are bold. SFOT was the best park with the best service. SFFT has a great atmosphere. Seaworld is just very expansive. I wish Houston was given a bone and got a new larger park. I did ride a few water rides but did not really care to go to water parks. I'd like to thank Jimmy for being outgoing and very hospitable in helping me to plan my Texas trip. Thanks to him I went to Houston, to SFOT on a Saturday. I don't know if I would have got the tour if I had not have gone on a Saturday. Thank you for your Texan hospitality Jimmy.

**Jimmy B** · #3 07-29-2006, 12:53 AM

Not a problem Chiller; you are more than welcome!

Glad to hear that you had a memorable experience here in our great state and that you really enjoyed the parks and rides/coasters here. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to join you at Fiesta Texas as we talked about it prior to your trip (although I did go there the day before your visit), but I'm really glad I was able to assist you in your travel planning. And that tour of SFOT they gave you really sounded sweet; I'm pleasantly surprised that they did this for you.

And really it's not just me....if you ask any of people around here for help, they will more than likely help you as much as they can....it's what a lot of visitors to Texas tell me they like most about and generally appreciate about us. We're always wanting to help because we really want visitors to Texas to have a great experience here and we appreciate tourists taking time to see and experience our state.

Anyway, I take it you are up for another trip here in the coming years? Perhaps you might like to come during December or January, where the temperatures are not usually quite as hot as our summer season --generally in the 65-80 degree range (although it can be, and we have seen 90+ degrees days during the winter, while some other days, it may get close to freezing). I'm really pleased to hear a number of TN members who made their first trip to Fiesta Texas this year really liked the park in general.

sfft_2108 · #4 07-29-2006, 12:59 AM

Yah, come back on 07. We will have Holiday in the Park, or what ever it will be called.

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

**Leo C** · #5 07-29-2006, 07:52 AM

I remember seeing a February forecast of 90 or 100 this past year - hehe. I know it'll more than likely be cooler generally in the winter. The flights are short and I bet I can get a decent airline deal in the future so I think I might be up for it in the future. I could sure use my FREEZE credit.

**Leo C** · #6 07-30-2006, 09:08 PM

When on the SFOT as we walked by the Gunslinger swing, the tour guide mentioned how the program was kind of sort. I decided to miss that because of that but when I returned home I looked up Astroworld and saw that it was once there. I should have rode that. I also was going to ride the Troika but it stalled as I waited in line. Skipped that. I did do Rodeo and noticed that if it indeed was SFGADV's old Rodeo Stampede it has different cows and different paint colors. I was glad to ride one of my favorite SFGADV rides.

Joseph · #7 07-30-2006, 09:32 PM

GREAT report! I agree with most of your assesment, SFFT is really nice, the mine train rocks, and Rattler is pretty weird.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHILLERLC1

Unfortunately I got a ticket on the way back to San Antonio. Jersey driving apparently is not tolerated in Texas.

Weird, Texas had some of the most open freeways I have ever been on. 90mph on I10 between San Antonio and H-Town seemed fairly common in my experience.

Quote:

Yah, come back on 07. We will have Holiday in the Park, or what ever it will be called.

Is this confirmed?

That would be a nice diversion for me

**Leo C** · #8 07-30-2006, 10:32 PM

That SFOT original mine train is what I'll measure all mine trains by from now on.

**James R** · #9 07-30-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph

Is this confirmed?

That would be a nice diversion for me

Yep. Fiesta Texas' season has been expanded into the winter season.

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story...9-097CA01DF471

It seems it might be Holiday In The Park, and if it is, it looks like I'll be visiting the park later this year!

**Michael C** · #10 08-02-2006, 11:24 AM

Thanks for the great Trip report. I'm glad to hear you also enjoy watching the shows at the parks. I talk to so many people that skip them every time. With SFFT being known for there shows, I'm glad you took them in.

I'm Farly sure that El Sombrero at SFOT is the Sombrero from SFGAdv. Personally i don't know why they took it out the ride was great and the theme fit the area they were creating.