Six Flags 2007 Ride Guide

Two years ago, Six Flags earned bragging rights when it debuted Kingda Ka, the worldÍs tallest (456 feet) and fastest (128 mph) roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. The new management team that took over the chain in late 2005 determined, however, that the companyÍs reliance on teen-targeted coasters such as Kingda Ka was one of the primary reasons it had amassed over $2 billion in debt. To attract a larger and more diverse audience, particularly well-heeled moms and dads with young kids in tow, the chain's new mantra is "family friendly." For the first time in many years, there are no new, major roller coasters debuting at any Six Flags parks for the 2007 season. But, there are plenty of new attractions, rides, and shows (and a couple of smaller coasters) that are sure to please families. To help alleviate its debt, Six Flags sold seven of its theme and water parks, including Darien Lake, near Buffalo, New York, and Elitch Gardens in Colorado.

In addition to the new attractions at specific parks (which you can explore in the Six Flags Ride Guide below), expect to see the following general changes this season:

• While Six Flags hiked its admission prices and parking fees for the 2006 season, in some cases dramatically higher, the chain is holding the line on prices this year.
• All Six Flags parks offer the Flash Pass program to help eliminate or reduce wait times in lines, but this season, they are offering the ultimate upgrade with a deluxe VIP program. Some of the amenities include a personal tour guide, immediate access to rides, all meals, reserved seating at shows, and a private audience with one of the walk-around characters. The premium service comes with a premium price, however: Depending on the park, the cost is either $249 or $199 per person, which includes park admission and preferred parking. Whoa! A family of four would drop a cool grand to get Six Flags' VIP treatment.
• To help improve the guest experience, Six Flags introduced a code of guest conduct late last season. Among other regulations, the new rules ban line cutting and require that shirts be worn in the parks.
• Expect to see more national brands and fast-food partnerships at the food stands, including Johnny Rocket's, Ball Park Franks, and Cold Stone Creamery.

THE SIX FLAGS 2007 RIDE GUIDE

This page includes Six Flags parks in states from California to Louisiana. The next page has 2007 info about Six Flags parks in states from Maryland to Texas, plus Montreal.

The Six Flags Ride Guide is arranged alphabetically by U.S. state. Montreal's La Ronde follows at the end of the list.

CALIFORNIA

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Valencia (near Los Angeles), CA
Psyclone and Flashback
I doubt any ride fans will be particularly upset or surprised to learn that Six Flags Magic Mountain is giving the heave-ho to its Psyclone and Flashback coasters. The problem-prone rides will be removed this season.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Vallejo (near San Francisco), CA
Thomas and Friends
With the park's name change from Six Flags Marine World to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, it is reorganizing its themed areas into "Land" (exotic land animals), "Sea" (marine life exhibits), and "Sky" (roller coasters and thrill rides). New attractions include the Thomas & Friends area with characters and rides based on the popular show, along with new animal interaction areas, and new killer whale and dolphin shows.

COLORADO

Elitch Gardens
Denver, CO
To help relieve its debt, Six Flags sold the park. It will be open for the 2007 season (and beyond), but it will no longer bear the Six Flags name.

GEORGIA

Six Flags Over Georgia
Austell (near Atlanta), GA
40th Anniversary
From April 5 through June 17, the park is celebrating 40 Days and 40 Nights of Thrills with special events to commemorate the park's 40th anniversary. The park will also have an exhibit showcasing its history and a new Hall of Justice where guests can meet and greet the DC Comics superheroes.

ILLINOIS

Six Flags Great America
Gurnee (near Chicago and Milwaukee)
Operation: SpyGirl and Wiggle's World
The action-packed original stunt show, "Operation SpyGirl," comes to Six Flags Great America from the creator of the popular TV show, "24." And a new Wiggle's World area will have (very) young children wiggling along to rides and shows based on the popular TV program.
See Wiggle's World photos.

KENTUCKY

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
Louisville
Expanded water park and new water coaster
The water park gets a new name, Splashwater Kingdom, and a new water coaster, Deluge, that will use hyrdo-magnetic power to blast rafts uphill. It will also add Crocodisle Isle, an interactive water play area for younger kids.
See Deluge photos.

LOUISIANA

Six Flags New Orleans
New Orleans
The future of the Katrina-damaged park remains unclear, but it will not open this season.

The next page has 2007 info about Six Flags parks in states from Maryland to Texas, plus Montreal.