American Coaster Enthusiasts

A Major New Attraction Begins to Rise at Six Flags Great Adventure
 
Significant Build Kicks Off with First Track Delivery
 
JACKSON, N.J. — February 18, 2026 — Six Flags Great Adventure has reached a major milestone in the development of a significant new attraction, as the first sections of track have officially arrived on site. This marks the beginning of visible construction on a new roller coaster planned to debut in 2027.

These newly delivered components signal the start of an exciting new build that will continue to progress in the coming months. While full details will be shared at a later date, the scale of the track now arriving highlights the importance of this addition to the park’s future lineup.

Additional updates on the attraction will be provided as development continues.

What’s Coming to Six Flags Great Adventure in 2026

The 2026 season is shaping up to be a milestone year for Six Flags Great Adventure, delivering new experiences and enhanced guest offerings across the park.

According to the park’s official update:

-Safari Off‑Road Adventure returns inside the theme park, allowing guests to board safari vehicles directly from a dedicated in‑park loading station near Runaway Mine Train and Medusa.

-Expanded live entertainment takes center stage with the debut of a new Main Street main stage, designed to host seasonal events, daily shows, and special performances.

-Dining upgrades will elevate the culinary experience, including the transformation of Best of the West into Best of the West: Smokehouse, featuring house‑smoked barbecue, and a refreshed Main Street Pub focused on faster service and classic pub fare.

-El Toro receives major track improvements, new track pieces installed to deliver a smoother, faster ride experience for the 2026 season.

These enhancements reflect the park’s ongoing commitment to delivering memorable and immersive experiences for guests each and every season.

Looking Ahead

Six Flags Great Adventure continues to invest in the future with new attractions, expanded entertainment offerings, and enhanced guest benefits. The arrival of track for the park’s upcoming major attraction marks just the beginning of an exciting multi‑year journey—one that will deliver significant new thrills and experiences to the region.

Additional updates, including full attraction details, will be announced at a later date.

Expanded Value for Guests: New 2026 Gold Pass Regional Access

Beginning in 2026, Six Flags Gold Passholders and Members will enjoy all‑new regional park access, unlocking entry to every Six Flags park within their designated region at no additional cost. This major enhancement gives guests the flexibility to explore a full lineup of destinations with one pass.

About Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Great Adventure boasts four world-class attractions with Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Wild Safari and Savanah Sunset Resort and Spa. Home to award-winning rides like Nitro, El Toro and Jersey Devil Coaster, the park offers two areas just for the littlest guests and great family rides for the whole family, plus entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of dining options. Its Wild Safari is one of the largest safaris outside of Africa and gets guests up-close to more than 1,200 animals from around the globe. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks with more than 25 refreshing attractions for the whole family. www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

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2 days ago | [YT] | 83

American Coaster Enthusiasts

SeaWorld San Antonio Announces March 7 Opening of New Family Thrill Ride, Barracuda Strike

Season Pass and Annual Pass Members can ride the new coaster before anyone else during an exclusive Pass Member preview on March 6. For a limited time, guests who purchase a Seaworld Pass will get Aquatica for free!

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (February 16, 2026) — SeaWorld San Antonio is making waves once again by announcing that Barracuda Strike, the park’s newest attraction, will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 7, 2026. As the tallest inverted family coaster in North America, Barracuda Strike, will deliver high-speed excitement designed for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Suspending riders beneath 1,800 feet of track, Barracuda Strike will offer a smooth, soaring experience that combines sharp turns, dramatic drops, and the exhilarating sensation of gliding above SeaWorld’s iconic water ski lake with nothing beneath their feet. The adventure begins with a dramatic 90-foot lift hill before launching guests into a dynamic layout of tight turns and swooping dives, reaching speeds of up to 44 miles per hour.

Inspired by the speed and agility of the barracuda, the coaster’s fluid motion and dynamic theming make it a standout addition to the park’s growing lineup of attractions. Designed as a true family thrill, Barracuda Strike features a minimum height requirement of just 42 inches, making it an ideal shared adventure and a gateway coaster for younger or less experienced riders ready to feel bold.

Pass Members Ride First and Enjoy Thrills All Year Long
Season Pass and Annual Pass Members will be the first to experience Barracuda Strike during exclusive ride time on Friday, March 6, one day before the attraction opens to the public. Guests looking to enjoy this special preview—and unlimited visits to SeaWorld San Antonio’s thrilling rides, incredible animals, and fan-favorite seasonal events throughout the year—are encouraged to purchase a Season Pass or Annual Pass, and when they do, for a limited time will get a season of Aquatica for free! Pass Members receive the best value with year-round access, exclusive benefits, and unforgettable experiences. For more information and to purchase passes, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.

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3 days ago | [YT] | 31

American Coaster Enthusiasts

BREAKING NEWS: After 33 years, Silver Dollar City To Retire Thunderation
Marvel Cave Mining Co. to resume operations

OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. (Feb. 16, 2026) — After 33 years of runaway thrills through the Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City’s Thunderation will be retired at the end of the 2026 season, marking the end-of-an-era for one of the longest-running and most celebrated mine train roller coasters in the United States. The final day of operation is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2027.

Opened in 1993, the runaway mine train-style coaster has entertained generations of families, becoming a rite of passage for thrill-seekers visiting the 1880s theme park. Among roller coaster enthusiasts, Thunderation is widely regarded as one of the best mine train coasters in the world. Since its debut, the Arrow Dynamics coaster has carried more than 27 million riders across more than 3,000 feet of track carved into the Ozarks terrain.

While park officials maintain the coaster has become a City treasure, the Marvel Cave Mining Company has declared it is time for “real” work back beneath the mountain. Officials hint that its return to activity signals significant developments ahead.

The Marvel Cave Mining Company is taking back this section of the park for geological surveys, ordering Thunderation to vacate the tracks to make way for resumed mining operations inside Silver Dollar City. The mining company, which initially ceased operations in 1889, insists it is time to return to “good, honest work underground” deep within Marvel Cave and that the rails currently occupied by the coaster must be cleared.

“Thunderation has had its run,” said Foreman Jedidiah Campbell. “But this mountain was never meant to be borrowed forever. There are still undiscovered sections of that mine, and I intend to see what it holds. The work underground matters more than any cheer from above.”

Rather than protest the decision, Silver Dollar City has declared the 2026 season a yearlong celebration of Thunderation, beginning with an opening-day ceremony on March 13 and culminating in a final sendoff on Jan. 2, 2027. Special ride moments, promotional offers, commemorative merchandise and limited-time offerings will be unveiled throughout the season.

"Thunderation's opening kickstarted exciting additions to Silver Dollar City,” says Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “Likewise, Thunderation's retirement at the end of 2026 will launch new and exciting chapters in Silver Dollar City's future. In this case, the end is really an exciting beginning.  Please stay tuned!"     
Guests can plan their final ride at silverdollarcity.com.

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4 days ago | [YT] | 41

American Coaster Enthusiasts

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American Coaster Enthusiasts

SPEEDWAY STUNT COASTER NOW OPEN AT SIX FLAGS MÉXICO

New Coaster is a Celebration of Adrenaline and Family Fun

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2026) — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, today announced the debut of Speedway Stunt Coaster at Six Flags México. The park recently celebrated the grand opening of its new family boomerang roller coaster with a major celebration where hundreds of guests were among the first to experience this exciting new attraction.

Speedway Stunt Coaster has quickly become one of the park’s standout attractions, offering guests of all ages the opportunity to enjoy adrenaline-fueled fun. Designed as a family-friendly roller coaster, it’s the perfect first step into the world of coasters for young adventurers, while allowing the entire family to share the excitement together.

Inspired by the world of racing and stunt action, Speedway Stunt Coaster immerses guests in a dynamic setting where they become the stars of an action-packed movie. With energetic twists, controlled speed and a unique themed environment, the attraction blends the signature thrills of Six Flags México with an experience designed for all ages.

Six Flags México continues to invest in experiences that strengthen family connections and create lasting memories. The grand opening was celebrated as a true festival, filled with energy, excitement, and smiles, as hundreds of guests joined the debut and became part of this new chapter in the history of Six Flags México.

Speedway Stunt Coaster is now open and included with daily park admission or Season Pass, joining the wide variety of attractions and entertainment that Six Flags México offers throughout the year.

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 33

American Coaster Enthusiasts

Six Flags Over Texas Completes World’s Tallest Vertical Coaster Loop for Tormenta Rampaging Run
 
San Antonio, Texas — Feb. 6, 2026 — Six Flags Over Texas announced the completion of the world’s tallest roller coaster vertical loop, an 18-story, 179-foot steel structure that now dominates the Dallas–Fort Worth skyline and marks a major construction milestone for the record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run set to open later this year. 
 
The park commemorated the achievement last night with a dramatic countdown led by Park Manager Mark Boyer. As the final seconds ticked down, the loop was illuminated in vivid red, creating a striking display visible for miles across Texas. The lighting moment marked both the completion of the loop and the continued rise of what will become the first and only giga dive coaster in the world. 
 
“Tonight, Texas raised the bar for thrill rides around the world,” Boyer said. “The completion of the world’s tallest vertical loop is a once-in-a-generation engineering achievement and a bold sign of what’s ahead when Tormenta Rampaging Run opens later this year.” 
 
Drone footage, ground level video and photography captured the moment the loop ignited the night sky, signaling that Tormenta Rampaging Run is now more than halfway through vertical construction. 
 
A Record-Breaking Coaster Charging Toward Opening Day 
Tormenta Rampaging Run is poised to debut as the defining thrill of 2026, breaking six world records:
 
• Tallest dive coaster: 309 ft. – nearly 31 stories 
• Highest 95degree beyond vertical drop: 285 ft. 
• Fastest dive coaster: 87 mph 
• Highest Immelmann inversion: 218 ft. 
• Tallest vertical coaster loop: 179 ft. 
• Longest dive coaster: 4,199 ft. 
 
Designed by Swiss coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), the attraction pushes the limits of modern coaster engineering, sending riders through a collection of elements that contribute to its six world records, including the tallest vertical loop and highest Immelmann inversion ever built. 
 
How Tormenta Stacks Up Against Icons Around the World 
Tormenta Rampaging Run features three towering world record elements — the tallest vertical coaster loop at 179-feet, the tallest dive coaster at 309-feet and the tallest Immelmann inversion at 218-feet — each rising to heights people can instantly picture.

179-foot vertical loop (Tallest vertical coaster loop in the world) 

• Taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which stands 161 ft. 
• Taller than Niagara Falls’ American Falls, which drop about 110 ft. 
• Nearly three Great Sphinxes of Giza, at 65 ft. each 
• Nearly four Hollywood Signs, with each letter standing 45 ft. 

309-foot lift hill (Tallest dive coaster in the world) 

• Taller than AT&T Stadium, whose roof arches reach about 300 ft. 
• Taller than the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch, which stands 305 ft. 

218-foot Immelmann inversion (Tallest Immelmann inversion in the world) 

• Taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which rises about 186 ft. 
 
The result: Tormenta Rampaging Run rises with a scale typically reserved for world monuments, instantly transforming the Texas skyline and establishing itself as one of the most visually commanding coaster structures ever built. 
 
“This milestone marks the moment Tormenta became a true skyline icon,” Boyer said. “We cannot wait for guests to experience the full power of this one-of-a-kind thrill machine.”

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 55

American Coaster Enthusiasts

Milestone Reached: Six Flags Over Texas Completes the World’s Tallest Immelmann Inversion as Construction Continues on Tormenta Rampaging Run, the World’s First Giga Dive Coaster 
 
ARLINGTON, Tex. — Jan. 21, 2026 – The Immelmann Inversion of Tormenta Rampaging Run, the world’s tallest, fastest, longest and first-ever giga (300+-foot-tall) dive coaster, was completed yesterday evening. Upon reaching the top of the already completed 309-foot lift hill, riders will be held atop just long enough to catch their breaths before diving over the edge and down the 285-feet beyond vertical drop, which immediately then will send riders through the 218-feet Immelmann inversion at 87 mph. This thrilling upside down element is one of Tormenta’s six record breakers – tallest roller coaster Immelmann inversion in the world.  

Before the Immelmann was used to thrill theme park guests, it was used by aerobatic combat pilots in World War I. The maneuver was created by German pilot Max Immelmann to escape enemy fire by performing an ascending half-loop followed by a half-roll at the top, ending the opposite direction of the enemy.
 
Once open, Tormenta Rampaging Run will take history by the horns as the record-breaking, adrenaline-pumping roller coaster that will redefine the thrill-seeker experience while changing the city’s skyline in 2026. The coaster is complete with exhilarating drops and sharp turns that will trample six monumental world records.   
 
World Record-Breaking Features of Tormenta Rampaging Run: 

-Tallest Dive Coaster: Soaring to an epic height of 309 feet, Tormenta Rampaging Run will give riders a heart-stopping view of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area before plunging them into a high-speed descent.

-Fastest Dive Coaster: Reaching a thrilling speed of 87 mph, Tormenta Rampaging Run will be the fastest dive coaster on the planet, ensuring an experience that delivers pure excitement from the first moment to the last.
 
-Longest Dive Coaster: Spanning 4,199 feet, this ride will offer an extended journey full of airtime (weightless) moments, sharp turns and exhilarating drops that will make riders feel like they are bull runners.
 
-Tallest Vertical Coaster Loop: At 179 feet, the loop on this coaster will be the highest of any coaster, of any type, in the world. 

-Highest Immelmann Inversion: Being upside down at 218 feet will become a must for thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world. 

-Highest 95-Degree Beyond Vertical Drop: Without warning, the train will release, dropping riders a record 285 feet down at a beyond-vertical 95 degrees. 
 
Six Flags Over Texas 65th Anniversary 

The 2026 opening of this multi-record-breaking roller coaster will be part of an important milestone for Six Flags Over Texas as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. When Six Flags Over Texas opened on Aug. 1, 1961, it marked a new era in family entertainment and set a precedent for future parks. The 65th commemoration will feature new entertainment and food and beverage, ride enhancements, park beautification initiatives and more, making it a historic celebration worthy of the first Six Flags’ original park that started it all. 
 
The park will reopen for the season Saturday, Feb. 28. For more information about season passes and upcoming events, visit sixflags.com/overtexas. 
 
About Six Flags Over Texas   
Six Flags Over Texas is home to more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including 14 world-class roller coasters like New Texas Giant and Titan. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, the largest water park in North Texas, features more than 40 rides and attractions like Typhoon Twister and Tsunami Surge. Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor are the premier destinations for thrilling family fun. 
 
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation 

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

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4 weeks ago | [YT] | 58

American Coaster Enthusiasts

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS ITS NEXT BLOCKBUSTER ATTRACTION - FAST & FURIOUS: HOLLYWOOD DRIFT – A HIGH-SPEED ROLLER COASTER COMING TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA IN 2027

Orlando, Fla. (January 20, 2026) – Universal Orlando Resort is revving up for its next big thrill with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift - a high-octane outdoor roller coaster that will join the Universal Studios Florida family in 2027.

Replacing the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver seat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before. Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will join an award-winning collection of coaster experiences at Universal Orlando Resort and is another exciting example of the incredible growth, momentum and world-class innovation of Universal Destinations & Experiences. Universal Studios Hollywood will also debut its own, one-of-a-kind Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift outdoor roller coaster later this year.

As Universal Studios Florida makes way for this exciting new experience, Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close in 2027.

More information about Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be shared in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort and to sign-up for email updates about the new high-speed coaster, guests can visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

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American Coaster Enthusiasts

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s First Destination Outside North America, is Now Officially Open

Highly anticipated park opening ushers in new world records for its collection of 28 rides and attractions including the world’s longest, fastest and tallest roller coaster

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - JAN. 1, 2026 – Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and globe. The debut marks Six Flags Entertainment’s first theme park designed and built outside North America. The trailblazing new park blends immersive entertainment with innovative technology across its six themed lands.

Qiddiya City is the world’s first global destination built entirely upon the “Power of Play.” Located at the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this vibrant city, once complete, will bring world-class entertainment, sports and cultural experiences together in a way never seen before.

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Qiddiya City’s inaugural entertainment development, brings next-level thrills and unforgettable experiences to families, friends and adventure-seekers from across the Kingdom and beyond. It features 28 rides and attractions including record-breaking experiences, such as:

Falcons Flight - the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster

Iron Rattler - the world’s tallest tilt coaster

Spitfire - the world’s tallest inverting coaster

"Six Flags is proud to announce the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, a landmark project that will redefine entertainment in the region. This world-class destination combines cutting-edge, record-breaking attractions, immersive experiences for all ages, and the signature thrills that have made Six Flags a global leader. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and beyond to experience the future of fun at Qiddiya City,” said John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

With 18 rides specially designed for families and younger entertainment-seekers, the park ensures entertainment for all generations. Guests can also look forward to a variety of international dining options, along with retail outlets offering exclusive Six Flags merchandise and souvenirs.

Adult ticket prices start from $85 USD, children’s ticket prices start from $70 USD, and kids under the age of 4 enjoy free admission. Pricing is inclusive of all rides, while guests can also enhance their visit with the Unlimited GoFast Pass offering priority access for select rides.

Full ticketing, directions and other theme park details can be found at www.SixFlagsQiddiyaCity.com. The theme park is designed to be accessible to all guests, including individuals with special needs and their companions, ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone. Discounted tickets for these guests are available for purchase exclusively at the park with prices starting from $20 USD.

About Six Flags Qiddiya City

The first Six Flags theme park (designed and built) outside North America promises an unforgettable blend of thrills, culture and sustainability in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia. With 28 exclusive rides and attractions across six immersive lands, anchored by the vibrant Citadel, visitors will embark on a dynamic journey through the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia in a sustainable setting.

About Qiddiya City

Qiddiya City is Qiddiya Investment Company’s inaugural giga-initiative – a new global destination built from scratch on the foundations of play. Located at the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the vibrant master-planned city brings entertainment, sports, and culture together in a way never seen before. With Qiddiya’s Power of Play philosophy at its heart, the city is designed to host some of the world's biggest sports competitions, festivals, concerts, and cultural events.
At scale, Qiddiya City will offer residents and visitors a high quality of life with hundreds of attractions and experiences, coupled with residential, retail, office, hospitality, healthcare and educational offerings set in a thoughtfully planned, smart and sustainable urban fabric.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property including Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

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American Coaster Enthusiasts

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