Six Flags Over Texas' Storytelling Wins 2021's Renaissance Award
Golden Ticket Awards, Amusement Today | September 9, 2021
Amusement Today - Volume 25, Issue 6.2
A 60th anniversary is certainly reason to celebrate. Six Flags Over Texas, like the rest of the industry, was reacting to a pandemic as it forged its way ahead. New festivals and décor helped set the stage for a celebratory year, but the park went beyond that. There is new life at the park that guests have noticed.
Diving into Six Flags’ rich history, several details began re-emerging. A clock tower once again chimed, water features returned offering aesthetic touches, new ride signage freshened attractions and an acknowledgment of treasured pieces of nostalgia found their places throughout the park. Even more impressive was the refurbishment of two 1960s attractions. The world’s first Arrow log flume, El Asseradero, had remained silent for the past years. The park invested and brought it back to operational status. Once new Park President Ron McKenzie was informed that Casa Magnetica, a tilted house built in 1962, was still standing dormant behind closed walls, plans were made to bring in Magic In The Sky to do a complete reimagining of the attraction. It reopened to popular acclaim from longtime guests.
Storytelling found its role again in the park. But Six Flags Over Texas isn’t slowing down. Plans are for more improvements and immersive elements to continue finding their home at Six Flags. The recent announcement of a reimagined version of the beloved Speelunkers Cave, a dark ride from 1964, is bringing a new storyline to a beloved attraction.
“It will have some really cool elements related to the history of the park, including a Skull Island scene and execution that pays homage to that original attraction,” said McKenzie. “There will be some things that are unique and exclusive to Six Flags Over Texas. There’s no shooting or targeting; it truly is a storytelling experience.”
Construction and enhancements are ongoing and scheduled through the remainder of the year. Amusement Today realizes it takes passion and desire to bring a park to its full potential. McKenzie and his team have been noted for their enthusiasm for the park and the value of its historic roots in the regional theme park field. As attention to detail and the embracement of the park’s history have brought new energy to the park, Amusement Today is pleased to honor that drive bestowing Six Flags Over Texas with the Publisher’s Pick Renaissance Award.