Park Journey
Menu

Six Flags St Louis Trip Report and Tsunami Soaker information

6/18/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
I finally had some time to put together the last report from my cross country trip, my first visit to Six Flags St. Louis. 
I really enjoyed the park, but did find the layout to be rather confusing (could be because I had just driven from PA that day and was tired). 

We'll also share some press information, a video and press release for the all-new Tsunami Soaker. We've also included some great press pictures provided by the park. 

If you missed any of the previous reports from the parks I visited during my trip you can click on any of the following links: 
  • Adventuredome Las Vegas
  • Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  • Adventureland (Iowa)
  • Six Flags Great America

Out in front of the park you are greeted with the Six Flags bag checks, no surprise here. I felt the bag check went pretty well at the park and I didn't have any issues with the new biometric scanners. 
Picture
Picture
Upon entering the park the inside reminded me a little bit of Six Flags Over Georgia's entrance, but instead of a "main street" it was just a wall of shops. 
Picture
Picture
Like some other parks, Hurricane Harbor has an entrance directly from inside the park. I wish Magic Mtn. would reopen the entrance directly between the two parks. As somebody who likes to park-hop between the parks it'd be nice. 
Picture
A couple of Hurricane Harbor shots provided by the park. 
Picture
Picture
Heading into the park, I thought the front area with all of the shops was really well done. 
Picture
Where have I seen this before? =)
Picture
Picture
After checking out the shops I headed directly for the Flash Pass office. I'll admit, I couldn't find it at first and had to ask an employee where it was. 
But seriously, I LOVE the Flash Pass. if you only have a few hours to visit a park or it's going to be a long time between visits I couldn't recommend one more. I think the only Six Flags park I haven't used the Flash Pass at is SFMM (because it's my local park). 
I know there is a lot of controversy about these passes as "Cutting the line" devices but the way I look at it is that it gave me more time to enjoy the park and ride some things multiple times vs. waiting in line. 
Picture
Let's head into the park a bit and figure out how many times I got turned around and lost (a lot). 
Picture
Any park that has an awesome train is great in my book. 
Picture
Picture
Ferris Wheel ... I didn't get a chance to ride it on my visit, but I certainly took note to do so next time. Maybe I could have navigated the park a little better if I had. =)
Picture
I headed first to Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast. 
Picture
Picture
I had ridden the one in Texas about 10 years ago, but it was a very different experience backwards. Really packed a punch and just proves how good Premier Coasters are. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Thunder River looked like a great rapids ride, but I didn't get a chance to ride. Again, next time!! 
Picture
Picture
Sorry for the water spot, got a little bit of rain. 
Picture
I thought it was kind of odd that Batman: The Ride and Mr. Freeze are pretty much at opposite ends of the park, but they did put some Justice League stuff near Mr. Freeze so I guess that's ok. 
Picture
Although right next door is Scooby Doo, not sure if the Scooby gang is in the Justice League or not. =)
Picture
JB's BBQ is here too!! 
Picture
Pandemonium, a lot of fun, seemed to be a slightly different layout than the one that was at SFDK. I'm pretty sure it's a clone though. Probably just because it wasn't at the edge of the park. 
Picture
This was also when I first encountered the parks locker policy. Unlike other parks in the chain, the "Locker Policy" is STRICTLY enforced in St. Louis. I don't personally have a problem with the policy, but because I had a Flash Pass I didn't see many of the signs and missed the lockers on a few rides. 
Picture
Pandemonium in action. 
Picture
Picture
The Boss was a coaster I hadn't heard much about, but I absolutely LOVED it. Other than Mr. Freeze I think it was my favorite coaster in the park. I rode it in the Front, Back and Middle and it delivered a great ride each time. 
Picture
This was also the ride where I experienced the worst of the Locker Policy on. The queue/exit line is VERY long yet when I got to the station I was told that I had to put my camera bag in a locker, at the front. Being that the Fast Pass line is through the exit, I missed the locker sign. 
I've ridden with my camera bag on a LOT of coasters, LOTS. I was told that I had to tie the bag around my waist in order to ride, which seemed odd since that is where the restraint goes. 
I did end up purchasing the all-day locker pass for future rides, but I really wish the park would have more signs for the policy. More kiosks are also needed as many rides only had 1 and those ended up being the longest lines I waited in all day. 
Picture
Picture
Obligatory park Carousel shot. 
Picture
Walked through the parks Bugs Bunny World on my way to Screamin' Eagle and thought it was very well done. I didn't get too many pictures because I always feel weird taking pictures of kid's area's when I'm solo and don't have my kids. 
Picture
Screamin' Eagle was a lot of fun but was the only coaster I saw that didn't have Flash Pass (or I didn't see the entrance for it). Luckily the line wasn't too bad. Not sure why this one didn't have Flash pass. 
Picture
Picture
Boomerang ... luckily I had the credit from SFOT so I didn't need to ride. The paint job looks great and I remember not hating this one when I rode it in 2004. Lol
Picture
Picture
Picture
Aww, Moose Burger. =(
Picture
Heading over towards Batman, the Joker's ride is a dragon swing. 
Picture
I didn't notice until I rode Batman that it's a mirrored image of the one at SFMM. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Ninja was pretty much a credit ride, not terrible. 
Picture
Picture
I thought the theater facade looked really nice. Overall, I felt the themeing in the park and the parks cleanliness was good. 
Picture
American Thunder, kind of a miss, but you can see where it has potential. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Always a fan of Log Flume's, this one is quite unique in that it has two sides and four loading stations. The side I rode seemed like it was about 5 seconds long. LOL. 
Picture
Overall, I thought the park was fun, it has a great collection of coasters and flat rides and was themed well for an amusement park. Despite a confusing layout and the strict locker policy I had a really great time. 

Below is some information on the newest addition for 2014, the Tsunami Soaker. Below are some of our pictures and some from the park as well as the press release for the ride. 
Picture
Picture
The ride was a heck of a lot of fun, highly interactive without being annoying. I was actually surprised at how much the water rose and that the boats actually float. Very clever. Would LOVE to see this come to some other parks next year. 
Picture
Below are some pictures from the park as well as some B-Roll footage. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Some great B-Roll footage provided by the park. 

Six Flags St. Louis’ New Tsunami Soaker Delivers a Spinning, Spraying Water Adventure

EUREKA, MO — May 22, 2014 / PRNewswire / — The newest family thrill at Six Flags St. Louis, Tsunami Soaker, spun into action today. This spinning, spraying water adventure is the first of its kind in the park, bringing yet another unique experience to the Coaster Capital of Missouri. Guests aboard Tsunami Soaker will engage in a water battle of epic proportions while twisting and churning ‘round and ‘round.“Tsunami Soaker is the perfect complement to our lineup of thrills,” said Dave Roemer, Six Flags St. Louis park president. “Guests of all ages are going to have a blast on this ride spraying fellow riders and being sprayed. Adding to the fun, bystanders can arm themselves with water cannons from the sidelines and squirt riders as they go by. This really is an interactive experience for everyone!”

The floor of Tsunami Soaker spins in a clockwise direction, while nine boats individually rotate with a total of 54 riders equipped with giant water cannons launch streams of water at other boats and bystanders. The main floor of the ride disappears into the water once riders have been seated. As the floor descends, water fills and boats will actually float as they rotate.

On hand today for the preview of Tsunami Soaker was Olympic Swimmer David Tarwater. Tarwater grew up in Knoxville, TN and won a Gold Medal in the 2012 London Games for the 800m Free Relay and holds titles in many World Championship and U.S. National competitions.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 53 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SFStLouis
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sixflagsstlouis



2 Comments

Six Flags Great America remains one of the better parks in the Six Flags Chain

6/3/2014

5 Comments

 
Picture
When I was planning my cross-country trip I was hoping I was planning my trip around the opening of Goliath. Unfortunately it turns out I was a couple of weeks too early and the ride was still being constructed during my visit. 
If you missed our Goliath Construction update click the link, but it doesn't look like that anymore. 

Since we did a Goliath update, we are going to look at the rest of the park. 

If you missed our reports from Adventuredome, Las Vegas, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Adventureland click the respective links. 

Welcome to Six Flags

Picture
The parks entry. They are using the new finger scanners and they seemed to work better here than at the other parks I've visited. 
Picture
The "Great America" entrance. I love walking around this park and seeing the similarities with this park and it's former CA Companion Park that is new California's Great America. 
Picture
Picture
Coming soon!! When this was taken the ride was already supposed to be open by this point. We are still waiting for an opening date although testing has begun. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
I had visited the park in 2011 so there were a few new things for me, mainly X-Flight. 
Picture
Picture
Below are some X-Flight pictures from angles that you've never seen before ... ;)
Picture
Picture
Original Shots I tell you!!! =)
Picture
Picture
Picture
Nobody has ever taken a picture of the train going through the keyhole in the history of taking pictures. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
But seriously, I thought the ride was great. I know the wingriders have gotten crapped on but I rode in the front and back on both sides and enjoyed each ride. Very smooth, very re-rideable. Hoping one of these comes to the west coast soon. 

Test Seat! 
Picture
Takis have infiltrated this park too. 
Picture
I really liked this open seating area where non-riders can sit and enjoy the ride, have a snack, etc. 
Picture
Obligatory X Flight store. 
Picture
Moving beyond X-Flight, the only other "credits" I needed in the park was one side of The American Eagle (oddly enough I'd only ridden the backwards side in 2011) and Little Dipper since it didn't have FlashPass during my last visit. 
Picture
American Eagle has the longest queue line in history. History I say!! 
Picture
Little Dipper is a fun little ride. 
Picture
Picture
Even though it doesn't look like this anymore, I had to include a Goliath picture. 
Picture
The Mardi Gras area of the park seems a little bare now that Ragin' Cajun is gone. Hopefully something new will be in this area soon. 
Picture
Picture
I know these rides get a lot of crap, but for what they are I really enjoy them. 
Picture
Superman Ultimate Flight, still one of my favorites. 
Picture
Picture
Unfortunately Condor was closed the day we were there. :(
Picture
As much as I loved X-Flight I still think Whizzer is my favorite ride in the park. 
Picture
My favorite flat ride and I take any opportunity I can to ride one. 
Picture
Raging Bull!!! Fun ride, but probably my least favorite B&M Hyper. 
Picture
Picture
Full Throttle ... I mean JB's Barbeque (Barbecue?) and Sports Bar!! 
Picture
Another picture that nobody has ever taken in the history of picture taking. 
Picture
Lets take an aerial look of the park courtesy of the Sky Trek Tower
Picture
Picture
Viper and Hurricane Harbor. Next time I'm at the park I'm definitely going to set aside some time to visit the waterpark. 
Picture
Raging Bull!
Picture
A couple of Goliath shots
Picture
Picture
Whizzer ... drooooool
Picture
That's going to wrap it up for today. As soon as we get some word on Goliath opening we'll be passing it along. Look for a media day report whenever that is. 


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter. 

If you have any comments, please share them below. 
5 Comments

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor - Bonzai Pipelines and great off season improvements

6/2/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Today we are going to take a look at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Of course the big draw this summer is the new Bonzai Pipelines, and they are great. But as fans of this park, and considering we go almost weekly during the summer, just as great are all of the off-season enhancements that have been made. 
If you missed our Six Flags Magic Mountain update from yesterday click the link. 

As we entered the park, I was glad to see that the Gold Pass Early Entry was back for 2014. Truly a great benefit. Allows you to get in, get your spot by the wave pool and ride a few rides before the bulk of the crowd gets in. 
Picture
Entering the park, it was a perfect Southern California Day. 
Picture
Let's start off with a look at the new Bonzai Pipelines. If you missed our coverage of the rides opening you can find that here. 

Great new signs. Unfortunately the Black Snake Summit tube slides that share a tower with the Bonzai Pipelines aren't currently open due to some water pressure issues. It is being worked on and they should be open soon. 
Picture
A look at the two new slides. From this angle it almost looks like one big slide complex. 
Picture
I first did the blue slide, if you squint you can see me in the "capsule" getting ready to launch. This was the scariest part for me, the anticipation. 
There is also audio and they play a "heartbeat" and there is a 3, 2, 1 countdown. 
Picture
And here I am flying down the slide. Such a thrill. 
Picture
As you can see, by the time I went down the slide and was getting up, the person riding the yellow slide was just reaching the bottom. That's how fast the blue slide is. 
Picture
I did the yellow slide next and I honestly can't rank them as I enjoyed them both for very different reasons. Incredibly smooth and incredibly fun. I can't wait to ride them more this summer. 
Picture
Just like with the old Venom Drop, the best views of the new slides is from the tram road. 
Picture
Picture
The slides are truly great and you should go ride them. 

But the Bonzai Pipelines aren't the only changes this year at the park. Many of the parks splashdown pools, the lazy river and the wave pool have been completely redone. 

I can't remember the last time the lazy river looked this blue. 
Picture
I also have to warn you, I was using a waterproof camera so some of these pictures may have water on the lens. 
Picture
Picture
Underwater Selfie!! 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
The kids are also looks like it had some freshening up over the "winter". 
Picture
Picture
Lost Temple Rapids also had some off-season work done if you recall they were doing some work on it a few updates ago. All of the platforms on the stairway have been redone. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
The platform provides the best views in the park. 
Picture
Picture
As you can see, the splashdown pool has been completely redone. 
Picture
Tornado, always a favorite. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
The sign for Tornado was missing, I'm assuming it's getting some TLC as some of the parks signs were re-done this off-season, like this one for Tiki Falls. 

The restrooms near Tiki Falls and the wave pool have also been re-done this offseason. 
Picture
Picture
More redone signs and new paint jobs. Great to see the park getting some TLC. 
Picture
Even the directional signs got some love. 
Picture
Tube rentals are the same price as last summer. I REALLY wish they'd offer some kind of "Tube Pass" to add on to your Season Pass. We'd be all over that. 
Picture
The Paradise Pan Band is back this year and they sounded great. 
Picture
Picture
A look at the wave pool where they will be doing all of the Dive-In Movies this summer. 
Picture
Lastly, the Lockers are now the electronic lockers with the kiosks, so no more long lines to get your lockers in the morning. I can't recall if these were in use last year or not, but another great change. 
Picture
That's going to wrap it up for this update. We are really looking forward to spending our summer at the waterpark this year. Great improvements made during the offseason and the park is looking better than ever. 
The two new great slides are just the icing on the cake!! Hope to see you in the waves!! 


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter. 

If you have any comments, please share them below. 
0 Comments

Six Flags Magic Mountain update - Revolution and Speedy Gonzales 

6/1/2014

5 Comments

 
Picture
We headed up to Hurricane Harbor today to get our first rides on the new Bonzai Pipelines, and they do not disappoint. They also made some HUGE improvements at the waterpark during the offseason. 
But that update is tomorrow, today we'll start at Magic Mountain as construction on the parks newest coaster, Speedy Gonzales: Hot Rod Racers, has finally gone vertical. We'lll also take a look at the newly reopened Revolution. 

Before we get inside the gates, this picture was taken at about 10:15am, so it looks like they are once again doing some kind of "rope drop". Wondering if this has to do with the new finger scanners. Either way, we hope this continues!! 
Picture
Fast forward to a few hours later, it looks like they've installed some new shade for the employees at the front gates. 
Picture
Just a few pics from Magic Mountain today. As you'll see they are still working on Bugs Bunny World. Plants are starting to grow in but there is no new sign yet. 
Picture
Picture
"Vertical Construction" has started on the new coaster, it's not too often you see coaster track being installed by hand. 
Picture
Picture
You can also get an idea of the themeing for the new ride, it fits Speedy Gonzales. 
Picture
I'd anticipate construction being complete sometime this week. 
Picture
I know a lot of people have been critical of the park for not having this open already, but remember this isn't just 1 new ride, they are totally redoing the entire Bugs Bunny World area. 

Elsewhere, Pepe Le Pews is back open. 
Picture
Merrie Melodies Carousel still needs some work. 
Picture
Looks like the stage is finished and shows could start at any time. 
Picture
Moving beyond Bugs Bunny World, starting to wonder if the park has forgotten they have a ride called the Swashbuckler. No, these aren't pictures from January, February, March, April or May ... but June 1. 
Picture
Picture
Revolution is back open, and I have to be 100% honest ... EASILY the best ride I've had on this since the OTSR's were installed. I only found myself having to "brace for impact" once during the entire ride. While it's NOWHERE near where it was, it's obvious some work went into the trains during it's recent closure. 
Picture
As a point of reference, I did ride the train with the ad on it, not sure if you'll have the same ride I did on the other train. 
Picture
Picture
I encourage everybody to ride it to see for yourselves. It didn't feel like I just got "lucky" because of my seat or something, everybody on the train seemed to enjoy it. 
Maybe if ridership of this goes up the park will finally invest in new lap-bar-only trains one of these years. 
Picture
Not too much going on in the rest of the park. 

Walking Dead shirts now for sale at theme park prices!! 
Picture
Looks like they are replacing a sign ... at 1:00pm on a Sunday? 
Picture
The Full Throttle stage is back, showtimes are below. 
Picture
Picture
And lastly, we'll have a HUGE Hurricane Harbor update for you tomorrow including lots of pictures and my review of the new Bonzai Pipelines. But in the meantime, how about some different angle SFMM pictures taken from the waterpark? 
Picture
Picture
Picture


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter. 

If you have any comments, please share them below. 
5 Comments
Forward>>

    Categories

    All
    2014 Attractions
    2015 Attractions
    2016 Attractions
    2017 Attractions
    2018 Attractions
    2019 Attractions
    2020 Attractions
    2021 Attractions
    Apocalypse
    Batman The Ride
    Battle For Metropolis
    Bugs Bunny World
    Colossus
    CraZanity
    Drop Of Doom
    Festival Del Terror
    Fright Fest
    Goliath
    Great Escape
    Holiday In The Park
    July 4th Fest
    Justice League
    La Ronde
    Maxx Force
    Mountain Madness
    Revolution
    Samsung VR
    Six Flags
    Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
    Six Flags Fiesta Texas
    Six Flags Great Adventure
    Six Flags Great America
    Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
    Six Flags Magic Mountain
    Six Flags Mexico
    Six Flags New England
    Six Flags Over Georgia
    Six Flags Over Texas
    Six Flags St Louis
    Six Flags Whitewater
    The Joker
    The New Revolution
    Total Mayhem
    Twisted Colossus
    VR Coasters
    West Coast Racers

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Cedar Fair
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Park Journey Shop
  • Theme Park Art
  • Past Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Cedar Fair
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Park Journey Shop
  • Theme Park Art
  • Past Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us