“Six Flags Over Texas” Theme Park Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Ever notice that when you take a day off that you really do not have the day off? There is always something to do. In this case my day off-not off took place this past weekend on Saturday. By that I mean, as fun and relaxing as it was, this was my mothers birthday weekend (age withheld to protect the offspring) and the goal of this day was to make sure that this birthday outing was the best she could have had and at the same time I was thinking how I could turn the venture into a review for class. Nothing short of having a great time, the weather was almost perfect, lines were short, people were friendly, and the goals were accomplished.

Allow me to preface that it has been several years since I have actually been back to Six Flags and although a lot has changed over many years, there are a lot of memories and it is much the same as well. This season at Six Flags Over Texas marks the 49th Anniversary of its’ opening since 1960. Apparently, as we discovered, there was a section of the park that was made last year that marked the 48th Anniversary with images of a time passed. It was amazing and memorable to see all those images and the old map of what Six Flags use to be like. Even for myself, I remembered a lot of the rides and events that use to be there from when my mother took me as a kid. For my mother it was a real blast to the past. Ironically not long before we found this section, located near the entrance, going toward the “France” area, we had just finished riding The Runaway Mine Train – a ride that my mother reminisced about having rode on the day of its opening when she was six years old. If nothing else, this outing was a history lesson. In addition, the staff of Six Flags itself were a delight as well. We had the pleasure of conversing with a few while waiting in lines or just general lounging about.

As for the park today? Bigger and better than ever. As stated before, this weekend was the perfect time to have visited. There were hardly any lines at all. I believe our top waiting time was somewhere between 15-30 minutes and I would bank on going with the lowest. The weather having cooled down and a slight breeze in the air made it even more bearable when having to stand in line for rides. On top of all that, people everywhere were very friendly. Patrons were courteous by holding doors, some allowed us to move forward in the line (the “birthday girl” sticker might have had something to do with it), and many were conversational. One particular instance I was very pleased with, while waiting in line for the Superman: Tower of Power, was having a conversation with a few of the younger generation that were about 13-14 years old. Very polite, inquisitive, and full of energy, they reminded me of  myself as a kid visiting Six Flags.

With the exception of a few things that were closed – either undergoing renovations or preparing rides and attractions for the next Six Flags holiday event “Fright Fest” – Six Flags lived up to what a good theme park should be made of – FUN! If it is ever a very busy day when you decide to visit Six Flags Over Texas, I would recommend paying extra to obtain the Flash Pass which allows you to pretty much move straight to the front of the line or receive a return time (depends on the crowds) at which you will be granted immediate access to the ride. Also, do make sure that you secure everything on your person. The park has cracked down on making sure articles that you carry are all secured when riding a lot of the rides. If you have lot of stuff with you, I would recommend renting a locker. It is easier. Oh, and if you are like me and are in constant need of something to drink, invest in the roughly 13 dollars for the Souvenir cup as it allows you to receive free refills on all beverages. Great for constant need of water. Also, should you ever return to the park as well as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor park, and purchase the 99 cent wrist band, you can use the cup again just like the day you purchased it. A good investment for sure.

I do hope that you have an opportunity to visit Six Flags Over Texas before the 2009 Season is over. As for the 2010 year, we were privy to some inside information that there are a lot of special plans for the 50th Anniversary of Six Flags opening. One is that the Texas Giant a massive wooden roller coaster will be shut-down for the entire season to undergo a 10 million dollar renovation. Though, as that could be a disappointment for some, there apparently are a lot more things that will be going on that will make up for its absence.  What are you waiting for? Go have meet the fun that awaits you with thrills and speed that the rides provide as well as good family fun with events and games all around.