Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 43°21′04″N 73°41′24″W / 43.350991°N 73.690112°W / 43.350991; -73.690112
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{{Short description|Amusement and water park}}
{{Short description|Amusement and water park}}
{{About|the theme park and outdoor water park|the adjacent indoor water park and resort hotel|Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Overly detailed|date=January 2022}}
{{Primary sources|date=January 2022}}
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=August 2022}}

}}
{{Infobox amusement park
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
| name = Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
| logo = The Great Escape Theme Park logo.png
| logo = The Great Escape Theme Park logo.png
| location = 89 Six Flags Dr, [[Queensbury, New York]], U.S.
| location = 89 Six Flags Drive<br/>[[Queensbury, New York|Queensbury]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
| coordinates = {{coord|43.350991|-73.690112|region:US_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| coordinates = {{coord|43.350991|-73.690112|region:US_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| homepage = [https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape Great Escape]
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape}}
| owner = [[Six Flags]]
| owner = [[Six Flags]]
| opening_date = 1954
| opening_date = 1954
| previous_names = ''Storytown USA'' (1954–1982)<br />''The Great Escape Fun Park'' (1983–1994)<br />''The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom'' (1995-2022)
| previous_names = ''Storytown USA'' (1954–1982), ''The Great Escape Fun Park'' (1983–1994), ''The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom'' (1995–2022)
| season = May through October
| season = May through October
| area = {{convert|351|acre}}
| area = {{convert|351|acre}}
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* 45 (including water park)
* 45 (including water park)
* 3 (upcharge)}}
* 3 (upcharge)}}
| coasters = 6
| coasters = 5
| water_rides = 10
| water_rides = 10
| Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor =
| slogan = New York’s Most Thrilling Theme Park
| slogan = New York’s Most Thrilling Theme Park
}}
}}
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For publicity, the park placed bumper stickers on every car in the parking lot. This practice stopped a few years later due to complaints and employees switched to attaching cardboard versions with wire. This was when a car bumper was separate from the body and one could get all the way around it with wire. In 1983, the park officially changed its name from Storytown USA to The Great Escape.
For publicity, the park placed bumper stickers on every car in the parking lot. This practice stopped a few years later due to complaints and employees switched to attaching cardboard versions with wire. This was when a car bumper was separate from the body and one could get all the way around it with wire. In 1983, the park officially changed its name from Storytown USA to The Great Escape.


In 1984, The Great Escape opened the [[Steamin' Demon]], the first of its eventual seven [[roller coasters]]. The showpiece attraction at The Great Escape is the [[Comet (Great Escape)|Comet]]. Re-opened at The Great Escape in 1994, this roller coaster already had a 41-year history as The Comet at [[Crystal Beach Park|Crystal Beach]] (an amusement park near [[Fort Erie, Ontario|Niagara Falls, Ontario]]). It was saved shortly after the park closed down forever after the 1988 season. Charley Wood, the owner of Great Escape Fun Park and [[Fantasy Island (US amusement park)|Fantasy Island]] in [[Grand Island, New York]] successfully bid for The Comet and it sat in storage for a few years in Fantasy Island before making its way to the park in Queensbury, NY and reopening in 1994. Roller coaster enthusiasts recognize it as one of the best wooden roller coasters in North America.
In 1984, The Great Escape opened the [[Steamin' Demon]], the first of its eventual seven [[roller coasters]]. The showpiece attraction at The Great Escape is the [[Comet (Great Escape)|Comet]]. Re-opened at The Great Escape in 1994, this roller coaster already had a 41-year history as The Comet at [[Crystal Beach Park|Crystal Beach]] (an amusement park near [[Fort Erie, Ontario|Niagara Falls, Ontario]]). It was saved shortly after the park closed down forever after the 1988 season. Charley Wood, the owner of Great Escape Fun Park and [[Fantasy Island (US amusement park)|Fantasy Island]] in [[Grand Island, New York]], successfully bid for The Comet and it sat in storage for a few years in Fantasy Island before making its way to the park in Queensbury, NY and reopening in 1994. Roller coaster enthusiasts recognize it as one of the best wooden roller coasters in North America.


In 1996, Charles Wood sold the park to Premier Parks who would later go on to purchase the Six Flags company. Unlike many parks during that time, Great Escape was not rebranded or flagged as a Six Flags park.
In 1996, Charles Wood sold the park to Premier Parks who would later go on to purchase the Six Flags company. Unlike many parks during that time, Great Escape was not rebranded or flagged as a Six Flags park.
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In addition to typical amusement park rides, the Great Escape offered a variety of unique shows, most notable of which was a high dive show featuring a team of divers scaling an {{convert|80|ft|m|}} tower and plunging into a {{convert|10|ft|m|}} deep pool. This also featured a fire diver.
In addition to typical amusement park rides, the Great Escape offered a variety of unique shows, most notable of which was a high dive show featuring a team of divers scaling an {{convert|80|ft|m|}} tower and plunging into a {{convert|10|ft|m|}} deep pool. This also featured a fire diver.
[[File:StorytownUSA.png|thumb|250x250px|Storytown, USA (circa 1968-1974)]]

[[Image:Alice Sign.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Entrance sign to the Alice in Wonderland walkthrough]]
[[Image:Alice Sign.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Entrance sign to the Alice in Wonderland walkthrough]]


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*'''1957''' — Ghost Town section of the park is opened.<ref name=hirsch/>{{Rp|61}}
*'''1957''' — Ghost Town section of the park is opened.<ref name=hirsch/>{{Rp|61}}
*'''1960''' — Jungleland section of the park is opened.<ref name=hirsch/>{{Rp|69}}
*'''1960''' — Jungleland section of the park is opened.<ref name=hirsch/>{{Rp|69}}
*'''1967''' — [[Alice in Wonderland]] walk through adventure is opened.<ref name=hirsch/>{{Rp|72}}
*'''1971''' — First roller coaster introduced, The Italian Coaster
*'''1971''' — First roller coaster introduced, The Italian Coaster
*'''1972''' — Tilt-a-Whirl, Tip-Top. New restaurant, Johnnie Appleseed, by main entrance. The Kula Hut, restaurant near Jungle Land, added.
*'''1973''' — Dolphin show (returned in 1974, 1975)
*'''1975''' — "Cowboy School House" where a cowboy teaches tricks of the trade. Arcade in Ghost Town with arcade games and $100,000 shooting gallery.
*'''1982''' — Addition of about eight adult spinning rides.
*'''1983''' — Name change from Storytown USA to Great Escape Fun Park along with the addition of a few other adult rides.
*'''1984''' — Addition of [[Steamin' Demon]], an [[Arrow Development]] 3-inversion roller coaster, which was previously installed at [[Pontchartrain Beach]] as Ragin' Cajun.
*'''1986''' — Opening of Raging River, an [[Intamin]] [[river rafting ride]].
*'''1994''' — A used wooden track and steel frame roller coaster called the [[Comet (Great Escape)|Comet]] was brought from [[Crystal Beach Park]] and reassembled at Great Escape and opened, giving the park three roller coasters.
*'''1995''' — Great Escape opens its water park, Splashwater Kingdom.
*'''1995''' — Great Escape opens its water park, Splashwater Kingdom.
*'''1996''' — Acquisition by [[Six Flags#History of Premier Parks|Premier Parks]], which later bought and changed its name to [[Six Flags]].
*'''1996''' — Acquisition by [[Six Flags#History of Premier Parks|Premier Parks]], which later bought and changed its name to [[Six Flags]].
*'''1997''' — Addition of [[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang: Coast to Coaster]], a [[Vekoma]] Boomerang. Was and currently is still the tallest roller coaster at the park.
*'''1998''' — Addition of [[Alpine Bobsled]], an Intamin alpine-themed [[bobsled roller coaster]] (Previously located at [[Six Flags Great America]] from 1990 to 1995 as Rolling Thunder and [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] as Sarajevo Bobsleds from 1984 to 1988).
*'''1999''' — Addition of [[Nightmare at Crack Axle Canyon]], an indoor [[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] Jet Star featuring four-person cars, but only operated with two people. The building is still standing. The coaster was previously located at [[Beech Bend park|Beech Bend Park]], [[Kentucky Kingdom]] and [[Darien Lake]], respectively as Starchaser, Starchaser and Nightmare at Phantom cave.
*'''2003''' — Addition of [[Canyon Blaster (Great Escape)|Canyon Blaster]], a [[Mine Train roller coaster]] built by [[Arrow Development]] and transported from defunct [[Opryland USA]]. This replaces the Ghost Town Train and Tornado Dark Ride.
*'''2004''' — The Great Escape's 50th Anniversary.
*'''2005''' — Debut of Looney Tunes National Park: a [[Looney Tunes]] themed children's area which included eight new children's rides, including [[Frankie’s Mine Train|Road Runner Express]], the park's seventh roller coaster and a re-themed restaurant as well as a cartoon walk-through. Replaces the old Jungleland area. Accompanying Looney Tunes National Park are the Looney Tunes characters. The Flash Pass system is introduced.
*'''2005''' — Debut of Looney Tunes National Park: a [[Looney Tunes]] themed children's area which included eight new children's rides, including [[Frankie’s Mine Train|Road Runner Express]], the park's seventh roller coaster and a re-themed restaurant as well as a cartoon walk-through. Replaces the old Jungleland area. Accompanying Looney Tunes National Park are the Looney Tunes characters. The Flash Pass system is introduced.
*'''2008''' — Wiggles World Children's Theme Area is introduced.
*'''2007''' — The [[Proslide#Current products|Tornado]] opens in Splashwater Kingdom.
*'''2009''' — The park hosted the first ''[[Holiday in the Park]]'' (Christmas event) during the weekends in November and December.
*'''2008''' — Wiggles World Children's Theme Area and The Mega Wedgie, a Proslide Bowl. At the Great Escape Lodge, The Trapper's restaurant is converted to a [[Johnny Rockets]], serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*'''2009''' — Addition of [[Sasquatch (ride)|Sasquatch]], an [[S&S Power]] Combo Tower. Relocated from [[Six Flags New Orleans]]. This ride is located at the previous site of the Rainbow. Martha's Dandee Creme sold back to its original owners. The park hosted the first ''[[Holiday in the Park]]'' (Christmas event) during the weekends in November and December.
[[File:Alpine-freefalls-great-escape-2012.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Alpine Freefalls]]
[[File:Alpine-freefalls-great-escape-2012.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Alpine Freefalls]]
*'''2010''' — Old theme elements from the park's Storytown USA era, including PoPo the Purple Cow and a rebuilt Cinderella's castle, were restored and placed back into the park.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://poststar.com/business/local/article_2daeb89e-47db-11df-876b-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story | title= Great Escape to debut new Storytown features | last= Jones | first= Blake | publisher= Post Star | access-date= August 10, 2010 }}</ref> The ''Holiday In The Park'' (Christmas event) was cancelled for the 2010 season.<ref name="Donnelly">{{cite web | url= http://poststar.com/news/local/article_4796d862-8062-11df-b6c5-001cc4c03286.html | title= Great Escape cancels Holiday in the Park 2010 | last= Donnelly | first= Scott | publisher= Post Star | access-date= August 10, 2010 }}</ref> In late 2010, Six Flags began the process of removing licensed theming from attractions. The Great Escape would terminate their license with [[The Wiggles]], with Wiggles' World being rethemed to ''[[KIDZOPOLIS]]'' starting in the 2011 season. The Great Escape also terminated their licenses with both [[Looney Tunes]] and [[DC Comics]] despite Six Flags having the rights to use the characters in their parks. Looney Tunes National Park was rethemed to ''Timbertown'' and the Flash Pass system was renamed to ''Go Fast Pass'', all in time for the 2011 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-six-flags-retheme-20101122,0,3267615.story|access-date=27 November 2010|newspaper=LA Times|date=25 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/KidsRides.aspx|title=Kids Rides|work=The Great Escape}}</ref><ref name="sixflags.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/AllRides.aspx|title=All Attractions|work=The Great Escape}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/tickets/GoFastPass.aspx|title=Great Escape}}</ref>
*'''2010''' — Old theme elements from the park's Storytown USA era, including PoPo the Purple Cow and a rebuilt Cinderella's castle, were restored and placed back into the park.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://poststar.com/business/local/article_2daeb89e-47db-11df-876b-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story | title= Great Escape to debut new Storytown features | last= Jones | first= Blake | publisher= Post Star | access-date= August 10, 2010 }}</ref> In late 2010, Six Flags began the process of removing licensed theming from attractions. The Great Escape would terminate their license with [[The Wiggles]], with Wiggles' World being rethemed to ''[[KIDZOPOLIS]]'' starting in the 2011 season. The Great Escape also terminated their licenses with both [[Looney Tunes]] and [[DC Comics]] despite Six Flags having the rights to use the characters in their parks. Looney Tunes National Park was rethemed to ''Timbertown'' and the Flash Pass system was renamed to ''Go Fast Pass'', all in time for the 2011 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-six-flags-retheme-20101122,0,3267615.story|access-date=27 November 2010|newspaper=LA Times|date=25 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/KidsRides.aspx|title=Kids Rides|work=The Great Escape}}</ref><ref name="sixflags.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/AllRides.aspx|title=All Attractions|work=The Great Escape}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/tickets/GoFastPass.aspx|title=Great Escape}}</ref>
*'''2016''' — Greezed Lightnin' opens across from Thunder Alley & Flashback. The area gets renamed Hot Rod USA.
*'''2012''' — [[Alpine Freefalls]] opened in Splashwater Kingdom. It features ''Twisted Racer'' (a [[ProSlide]] [[Multi-lane racer water slide|KrakenRacer]]) and ''Cliffhanger'' (a trapdoor released ProSlide [[speed slide]]).<ref name="Alpine Freefalls (Alpha web)">{{cite web|title=Alpine Freefalls|url=http://alpha.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/alpinefreefalls.aspx|publisher=Six Flags|access-date=August 31, 2011|author=The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom|archive-url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Gw-2GvV1LDMJ:alpha.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/alpinefreefalls.aspx+site:sixflags.com+inurl:rides+2012+-%222012+season+passes%22&hl=en&client=firefox-a&gl=au&strip=1|archive-date=August 25, 2011}}</ref> Name change from The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom to its former name, Great Escape.
*'''2013''' — Addition of Screamin' Eagles, a new [[Flying Scooters]] family ride, located in Fest Area next to Alice in Wonderland attraction.<ref name="Eagles">{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/info/news_screamineagles2013.aspx|title=Screamin' Eagles Have Landed at The Great Escape|publisher=Great Escape |date= May 30, 2013 |access-date=July 2, 2013}}</ref> It Replaces the former Cinema 180/Arcade attraction<ref name="Screamin' Eagles">{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/info/news_ScreaminEaglesAnnouncement.aspx|title=Screamin' Eagles Soar into The Great Escape in 2013|work=SixFlags.com|access-date=August 30, 2013}}</ref> The Bumper Cars are relocated to Ghost Town. 'Blizzard' is relocated into the old dome to once again become an indoor scrambler ride. In July 2013, The Pink Whale (removed in 2005) returns with a new location, only to take photos in. The Canyon Blaster's train is turned around in July, forcing riders to face the back of the ride. Animals from a shelter come and perform a show called Pet's Overboard for June 22 to July 7.
*'''2014''' — Addition of Extreme Supernova<ref>{{cite web|title=New for 2014 |url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/ |date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/ |archive-date=September 1, 2013 }}</ref> Six Flags buys full ownership of the lodge. New suites introduced.
*'''2015''' — Addition of Buccaneer Beach, a children's pirate-themed water area.
*'''2016''' — Greezed Lightnin' opens across from Thunder Alley & Flashback. The area gets renamed Hot Rod USA. Boomerang gets renamed to Flashback.
*'''2017''' — Addition of Bonzai Pipelines to the existing Alpine Freefalls complex in Splashwater Kingdom.
*'''2018''' — Addition of Pandemonium, a Chance Rides Freestyle.
*'''2019''' — Splashwater Kingdom is transformed and renamed Hurricane Harbor debuting two new attractions: Bucket Blasters and Shipwreck Cove.
*'''2020''' — On September 11, 2020, the park announced on its social media channels that it would remain closed for the 2020 season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. All season passes and tickets were carried over to the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.poststar.com/news/local/great-escape-not-opening-in-2020/article_855cde63-63af-5b03-a26a-860c408fa096.amp.html|title=Great Escape not opening in 2020|date=September 12, 2020|author=Kathleen Moore|location=Queensbury|work=[[The Post-Star]]}}</ref>
*'''2020''' — On September 11, 2020, the park announced on its social media channels that it would remain closed for the 2020 season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. All season passes and tickets were carried over to the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.poststar.com/news/local/great-escape-not-opening-in-2020/article_855cde63-63af-5b03-a26a-860c408fa096.amp.html|title=Great Escape not opening in 2020|date=September 12, 2020|author=Kathleen Moore|location=Queensbury|work=[[The Post-Star]]}}</ref>
*'''2024''' - The park announced the addition of Bobcat for the 2024 season, a [[The Gravity Group|Gravity Group]] family wooden roller coaster.<ref name="bobcat-post-star">{{cite news|title=Bobcat wooden coaster coming to Great Escape|author=<!--not stated-->|work=The Post Star|date=August 30, 2023|access-date=August 30, 2023|url=https://poststar.com/news/local/bobcat-wooden-coaster-coming-to-great-escape/article_9fe9b7bc-4757-11ee-ba39-2bdb9ef7a00a.html}}</ref>
*'''2021''' — Addition of Adirondack Outlaw, a {{convert|165|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Funtime (manufacturer)|Funtime]] Volmatron ride, originally scheduled to debut for the 2020 season. The entrance for the Steamin' Demon is redesigned and the decision is made to retire the Giant Wheel.
*'''2022''' — Front entrance to be renovated and redesigned.<ref>https://laserfiche.queensbury.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=639208&dbid=0&repo=TownOfQueensbury</ref>


==Rides and attractions==
==Rides and attractions==


===Themed areas===
===Themed areas===
* '''Fest Area''' – [[Bavaria]]n themed.
{| class=wikitable
* '''Ghost Town''' – [[Old West]] themed.
* '''Storytown''' – Storybook themed.
* '''Hot Rod USA''' – [[Auto racing|Race car]] themed. Opened in 2016 with Greezed Lightnin'.
* '''Timbertown''' – A children's area, previously themed as Jungleland prior to 2005, and as [[Looney Tunes]] National Park from 2005 to 2010. As Jungleland, the area featured an animal show and a walking tour of jungle-like conditions adorned with animatronic animals along with a wood and rope bridge. In 2016, some elements of Jungleland were returned to the area.
* '''Hurricane Harbor''' – Formerly called Splashwater Kingdom, a water park section located at the back of the park. There is no additional charge to visit Hurricane Harbor.

===Roller coasters===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Name
!Park Section
! Area
!Notes
! class= | Picture
! Manufacturer
! class="unsortable" | Type
! Year opened
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
|[[Bobcat (Roller coaster)|Bobcat]]
|align=center|'''Fest Area'''
|Fest Area
|Bavarian themed.
|
|[[The Gravity Group]]
|Family [[Wooden roller coaster|wooden coaster]]
|2024
|The Bobcat will replace the [[Alpine Bobsled]].<ref name="bobcat-post-star" />
|-
|-
|[[Canyon Blaster (Great Escape)|Canyon Blaster]]
|align=center|'''Ghost Town'''
|Ghost Town
|An Old Western village-themed area.
|[[File:Canyon Blaster 1.JPG|100px]]
|[[Arrow Development]]
|[[Mine train roller coaster|Mine train]]
|2003
|Previously located at [[Opryland USA]] from 1972 until the park's closure in 1997.
|-
|-
|[[The Comet (Great Escape)|The Comet]]
|align=center|'''International Village and Storytown'''
|Fest Area
|Retains decorative elements from the old Storytown USA era.
|[[File:Comet w blue train.JPG|100px]]
|[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|[[Out and back roller coaster|Double-out and back]] [[Wooden roller coaster|wooden coaster]]
|1994
|Previously located at [[Crystal Beach Park]] from 1948 until the park's closure in 1989.
|-
|-
|Flashback
|align=center|'''Timbertown'''
|Hot Rod USA
|In 2005 this area replaced the former Jungleland that featured an animal show and a walking tour of jungle-like conditions adorned with animatronic animals along with a wood and rope bridge. This section was known as ''[[Looney Tunes]] National Park'' from 2005 to 2010 and rethemed in 2011. This section features 10 rides. In 2016 some elements of Jungleland were brought back into this attraction.
|[[File:Boomerang-coast-to-coaster-Great-Escape.jpg|100px]]
|[[Vekoma]]
|[[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]]
|1997
|The first Boomerang to be installed at a Six Flags park. Formerly called Boomerang: Coast to Coaster.
|-
|-
|[[Frankie's Mine Train]]
|align=center|'''North Woods Picnic Grove'''
|Timbertown
|An area for organized, large group picnics. Converted in the fall into a haunted house.
|[[File:Road-runner-express-great-escape.jpg|100px]]
|-
|[[Zamperla]]
|align=center|'''Six Flags Hurricane Harbor'''
|Family Gravity Coaster
|Formerly called Splashwater Kingdom, a water park section located at the back of the park. There is no additional charge to visit Hurricane Harbor.
|2005
|-
|Known as Road Runner Express from 2005 to 2010.
|align=center|'''Hot Rod USA'''
|Located within the Storytown area of the park. Opened in 2016 with Greezed Lightnin'.
|-
|-
|[[Steamin' Demon]]
|Ghost Town
|[[File:Steamin' Demon - The Great Escape.jpg|100px]]
|[[Arrow Development]]
|[[List of roller coaster elements#Corkscrew|Corkscrew]] coaster
|1984
|Previously located at [[Pontchartrain Beach]] under the name Ragin' Cajun. A [[virtual reality]] experience was offered on the ride in 2017.
|}
|}



===Fest Area===
===Family rides===
This area typically features a German theme. German-style music can be heard playing throughout this area along with other 'German' food stands such as funnel cake.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
!Name
! Name
! Area
! class="unsortable" | Picture
!Manufacturer
! Manufacturer
! Model
!Type
!Year Opened
! Year opened
!Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|'''[[Alpine Bobsled]]'''
|{{N/A|}}[[File:The Alpine Bobsled roller coaster.jpg|100px]]
|[[Intamin]]
|[[Bobsled roller coaster]]
|align=center|1998
|Introduced in 1998 in honor of the Winter Olympics, each bobsled car is decorated with the flag of a different country that participated in the games.
|-
|-
|Alice in Wonderland
|'''Blizzard'''
|Fest Area
|
|
|Walk-through attraction
|Eli Bridge
|1967
|Indoor Scrambler Ride.
|align=center|1971
|This ride opened in 1971 and was originally Chipper's Magical Mystery Tour indoor scrambler, but was moved outside in 2005. In 2013, the ride was relocated back inside the dome to become Blizzard Indoors with lighting, sound effects and air conditioning.
|-
|'''Convoy'''
|
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|Convoy
|1987
|Miniature trucks where kids can control the truck around a guided path.
|-
|-
|Balloon Race
|'''[[The Comet (Great Escape)|The Comet]]'''
|Fest Area
| {{N/A|}}[[File:Comet w blue train.JPG|100px]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Herbert Paul Schmeck]] and [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|[[Balloon Race (ride)|Balloon Race]]
|Wooden Coaster
|1989
|align=center|1994
|Located in Storytown prior to 2013.
|Previously the [[Crystal Beach Cyclone]] and the [[Crystal Beach Park|Crystal Beach]] Comet, the Comet was re-opened by the Great Escape in 1994. Often rated one of the top roller coasters in the world, it features a 2-minute ride with large drops.
|-
|-
|Blizzard
|'''Raging River'''
|Fest Area
|
|Eli Bridge
|[[Intamin]]
|Indoor [[Scrambler (ride)|Scrambler]]
|White Water Rapids
|1971
|align=center|1986
|Originally called Chipper's Magical Mystery Tour. Operated outdoors from 2005 to 2013.
|A water ride in a round boat holding six passengers simulating riding through white water rapids.
|-
|-
|'''Cannonball Express'''
|Cannonball Express
|Fest Area
|
|[[Mack Rides]]
|[[Mack Rides]]
|[[Musik Express]]
|[[Music Express]]
|align=center|1985
|1985
|A spinning ride that moves fast around a track in a forward direction featuring music.
|-
|'''Screamin' Eagles'''
|
|
|Larson International
|[[Flying Scooters]]
|align=center|2013
|The ride is a new model built by Larson in 2013. The ride is located where the former 180 Dome once stood.
|-
|-
|Desperado Plunge
|'''Pandemonium'''
|Ghost Town
|
|[[Chance Rides]]
|[[Arrow Development]]
|[[Log flume (ride)|Log flume]]
|Freestyle
|1979
|align=center|2018
|Relocated from [[Busch Gardens#Van Nuys (1966-1979)|Busch Gardens Los Angeles]] after it closed in 1979.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Futrell |first=Jim |title=Amusement Parks of New York |publisher=[[Stackpole Books]] |year=2006 |isbn=0811732622}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=7 October 2009 |title=Sabrina's Brochure Spotlight: The Great Escape 1984 |url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/sabrinas-brochure-spotlight-great.html |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref>
|This ride is located where the former Trabant ride stood.
|-
|Grand Carousel
|Storytown
|[[Chance Rides#Chance Wheels|Chance]]
|[[Carousel]]
|1989
|Features both horses and fantastic creatures.
|-
|-
|Marshal's Stampede
|'''Balloon Race'''
|Ghost Town
|Mac Duce
|[[Bumper cars]]
|1985
|Located in Fest Area prior to 2013.
|-
|Raging River
|Fest Area
|[[Intamin]]
|[[River rapids ride|River rapids]]
|1986
|
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|Balloon Race
|align=center|1989
|Relocated from Storytown for 2013. Where Blizzard once stood.
|-
|-
|Screamin' Eagles
|'''Extreme Supernova'''
|Fest Area
|[[Larson International]]
|[[Flying Scooters]]
|2013
|
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|Midi Discovery
|align=center|2014
|Opened 2014. Located next to The Comet.
|-
|-
|'''Sky Ride'''
|Sky Ride
|Fest Area
|
|Universal Design Ltd.
|Universal Design Ltd.
|[[Chairlift]]
|[[Chairlift]]
|{{center|1960s}}
|1960s
|
|A chairlift ride that is located within the Fest Area of the park.
|-
|}

===Ghost Town===
[[Image:Marshal 2.JPG|thumb|right|Marshal McKay before his daily show.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!Name
! class="unsortable" | Picture
!Manufacturer
!Type
!Year Opened
!Notes
|-
|'''[[Adirondack Outlaw (Great Escape)|Adirondack Outlaw]]'''
| {{N/A|}}
|[[Funtime (manufacturer)|Funtime]]
|High speed, multi-rotational - singular beam
|align=center|2021
| High speed, multi-rotational ride, 164&nbsp;ft & 50&nbsp;mph.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/attractions/adirondack-outlaw|title=Adirondack Outlaw|newspaper=Six Flags}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Storytown Train
|-
|Storytown/Timbertown
|'''[[Canyon Blaster (Great Escape)|Canyon Blaster]]'''
|[[Chance Rides#Chance Wheels|Chance]]
| {{N/A|}}[[File:Canyon Blaster 1.JPG|100px]]
|C.P. Huntington
|[[Arrow Development]]
|1956
|[[Mine Train roller coaster]]
|align=center|2003
|The coaster was relocated from the defunct [[Opryland USA]].
|-
|'''[[Condor (ride)|The Condor]] '''
|
|
|[[HUSS Maschinenfabrik|Huss]]
|Condor
|align=center|1990
|High speed, rotating aerial ride reaching heights of 100 feet.
|-
|-
|Swan Boats
|'''Desperado Plunge'''
|Storytown
|
|Adventureglass
|[[Arrow Development]]
|Swan Paddleboats
|Water flume ride
|1950s
|align=center|1979
|Closed for refurbishment in 2023.
|Water flume ride where passengers ride in boats modeled on logs. Relocated from [[Busch Gardens|Busch Gardens Los Angeles]] after it closed in 1979.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Futrell |first=Jim |title=Amusement Parks of New York |publisher=[[Stackpole Books]] |year=2006 |isbn=0811732622}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=7 October 2009 |title=Sabrina's Brochure Spotlight: The Great Escape 1984 |url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/sabrinas-brochure-spotlight-great.html |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Thunder Alley
|'''[[Steamin' Demon]]'''
|Storytown
| {{N/A|}}[[File:Steamin' Demon - The Great Escape.jpg|100px]]
|[[Arrow Development]]
|[[Arrow Development]]
|Turnpike cars
|Corkscrew coaster
|1970s
| align="center" |1984
|The longest-tenured roller coaster at the park. The ride was relocated from Pontchartrain Beach where it opened in 1983 as Ragin' Cajun. VR Opened on this ride during the 2017 Season
|-
|'''Marshal's Stampede'''
|
|
|Mac Duce
|Bumper Car ride
|align=center|1985
|Relocated to Ghost Town in 2013 from Fest Area. Located where Ghost Town arcade once stood. The ride features lights and music.
|}
|}


=== Thrill rides ===
===International Village and Storytown / Hot Rod USA===
{| class="wikitable sortable"

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
|-
|-
!Name
! Name
! Area
! class="unsortable" | Picture
!Manufacturer
! Manufacturer
! Model
!Type
! Year opened
!Year Opened
!Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
|Adirondack Outlaw
|'''Cinderella Coach'''
|Ghost Town
|[[Image:Cindy 2.jpg|150px]]
|[[Funtime (manufacturer)|Funtime]]
|Vomatron
|2021
|
|
|-
|Condor
|Ghost Town
|[[HUSS Maschinenfabrik|Huss]]
|[[Condor (ride)|Condor]]
|1990
|
|
|align=center|1954
|Horse-drawn carriage rides were discontinued in 2011, however, the pumpkin coach is available for pictures with Cinderella.
|-
|-
|Dare Devil Dive
|'''[[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Flashback]]'''
|Fest Area
| {{N/A|}}[[File:Boomerang Coast to Coaster (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom).jpg|100px]]
|[[Vekoma]]
|[[Skycoaster, Inc.]]
|[[Skycoaster]]
|Boomerang
|2001
|align=center|1997
|Upcharge attraction. Formerly called Skycoaster.
|A steel roller coaster with various spikes, loops and a cobra roll, before repeating the sequence backward. First Boomerang at a Six Flags Park. Formerly known as Boomerang: Coast to Coaster
|-
|-
|Extreme Supernova
|'''Grand Carousel'''
|Fest Area
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Frisbee (ride)|Discovery]]
|2014
|
|
|[[Chance Rides#Chance Wheels|Chance]]
|[[Carousel]]
|align=center|1989
|Classic merry-go-round ride with both horses and fantastic creatures.
|-
|-
|[[Go-kart|Go-Carts]]
|'''Greezed Lightnin''''
|Fest Area
|
|
|Larson International
|22m Giant Loop
|2016
|A larger, park version of a Larson Ring of Fire, measuring 22 meters (72&nbsp;ft) in diameter.
|-
|'''Storytown Train'''
|
|
|[[Chance Rides#Chance Wheels|Chance]] C.P. Huntington
|
|
|Upcharge attraction.
|align=center|1956
|Scenic train ride through Storytown and Timbertown on a Chance C.P. Huntington.
|-
|-
|Pandemonium
|'''Swan Boats'''
|Fest Area
|[[Chance Rides]]
|[[Wipeout (ride)|Freestyle]]
|2018
|
|
|
|
|align=center|1954–1956
|Motorized, swan-themed boats take passengers on a water-borne tour of Storytown.
|-
|-
|Greezed Lightnin'
|'''Thunder Alley'''
|Hot Rod USA
|
|[[Arrow Development]]
|[[Larson International]]
|[[Fire Ball|22m Giant Loop]]
|2016
|
|
|align=center|1970s
|Guests drive 1950s-styled electric cars.
|-
|-
|'''[[Sasquatch (ride)|Sasquatch]]'''
|[[Sasquatch (ride)|Sasquatch]]
|Hot Rod USA
|
|[[S&S Power]]
|[[S&S Power]]
|Combo [[Turbo Drop]] [[Tower]]
|[[Turbo Drop]] / [[Space Shot (ride)|Space Shot]]
|align=center|2009
|2009
|Added in 2009. Includes a drop tower and a launch tower. Each tower has its own queue line. The ride was previously named Bayou Blaster and Sonic Slam when the ride was located at [[Six Flags New Orleans]], which closed due to [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005. In 2017, Drop of Doom VR was temporarily added to the attraction.
|Includes a drop tower and a launch tower; each has its own queue. The ride was previously named Bayou Blaster and Sonic Slam when the ride was located at [[Six Flags New Orleans]], which closed due to [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005. In 2017, Drop of Doom VR was temporarily added to the attraction.
|}
|}


===Timbertown===
=== Children's rides ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
This section opened in 2005 as ''Looney Tunes National Park''.<ref name="sixflags.com"/>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
|-
|-
!Name
! Name
! Area
! class="unsortable" | Picture
!Manufacturer
! Manufacturer
! class="unsortable" | Type
!Type
!Year Opened
! Year opened
!Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
|Convoy
|'''[[Frankie's Mine Train]]'''
|Fest Area
| [[File:Road-runner-express-great-escape.jpg|100px]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Convoy
|Steel Kiddie Coaster
|1987
|align=center|2005
|Miniature trucks driven on a guided path.
|Known as ''Road Runner Express'' from 2005 to 2010, rethemed in 2011.
|-
|-
|'''Oakley's Honey Swings'''
|Oakley's Honey Swings
|Timbertown
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Flying swings
|
|2005
|2005
|Flying swings type ride. It was known as ''[[Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)|Taz]] Twister'' from 2005 to 2010.
|Known as Taz Twister from 2005 to 2010.
|-
|-
|'''Hootie's Treehouse'''
|Hootie's Treehouse
|Timbertown
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Miniature drop tower
|
|2005
|2005
|Drop tower type ride. It was known as ''[[Tweety]] Treehouse'' from 2005 to 2010.
|Known as Tweety Treehouse from 2005 to 2010.
|-
|-
|'''Ranger Randy's Railway'''
|Ranger Randy's Railway
|Timbertown
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Miniature train
|
|2005
|2005
|Small train-type ride. Must be over {{convert|36|in|cm}} and be accompanied by a guest under {{convert|54|in|cm}} if over {{convert|54|in|cm}}. It was known as ''[[Elmer Fudd]] Scenic Railway'' from 2005 to 2010.
|Known as Elmer Fudd Scenic Railway from 2005 to 2010.
|-
|-
|'''Rocky's Ranger Planes'''
|Rocky's Ranger Planes
|Timbertown
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Revolving planes
|
|2005
|2005
|Revolving Planes for Guests under 54". It was known as ''[[Bugs Bunny]] Ranger Pilots'' from 2005 to 2010. Relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure.
|Known as Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots from 2005 to 2010. Relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure.
|-
|-
|'''Sheldon's Speedway'''
|Sheldon's Speedway
|Timbertown
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Race car loop
|
|2005
|2005
|Horizontally-revolving car-type ride. It was known as ''[[Speedy Gonzales]] Camptown Racers'' from 2005 to 2010. Relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure.
|Known as Speedy Gonzales Camptown Racers from 2005 to 2010. Relocated from [[Six Flags Great Adventure]].
|-
|-
|'''Spruce's Wilderness Bus Tours'''
|Spruce's Wilderness Bus Tours
|Timbertown
|
|[[Zamperla]]
|[[Zamperla]]
|Pendulum
|
|2005
|2005
|Vertically-revolving bus for guests under {{convert|54|in|cm}}, or accompanied by a Guest under {{convert|54|in|cm}}. It was known as ''[[Daffy Duck]] Wilderness Bus Tour'' from 2005 to 2010.
|Known as Daffy Duck Wilderness Bus Tour from 2005 to 2010.
|}
|}


===Six Flags Hurricane Harbor===
===Hurricane Harbor===
[[File:Great Escape Splashwater Kingdom Wave Pool.JPG|thumb|right|Lumberjack Splash wave pool in use.]]
[[File:Great Escape Splashwater Kingdom Wave Pool.JPG|thumb|right|Lumberjack Splash wave pool in use.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
|-
|-
!Name
!Name
!Opened
!Opened
!Description
!Notes
|-
|-
|'''Typhoon Twister'''
|Typhoon Twister
|1995
|1995
|A pair of enclosed water slides that guests ride in small inflatable boats. Previously Called Black Cobra
|A pair of enclosed water slides that guests ride in small inflatable boats. Previously called Black Cobra.
|-
|-
|'''Adventure River'''
|Adventure River
|1995
|1995–1997
|{{convert|1,050|ft|m|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|28|in|m|abbr=on}} deep river. Riders may travel in tubes or swim freely. Features waterfalls, geysers, strong current and continuous waves. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Formerly Capt'n Hook's Adventure River from 1995 to 2018
|{{convert|1,050|ft|m|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|28|in|m|abbr=on}} deep river. Riders may travel in tubes or swim freely. Features waterfalls, geysers, strong current and continuous waves. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Capt'n Hook's Adventure River from 1995 to 2018.
|-
|-
|'''Splashwater Island'''
|Splashwater Island
|1997
|1997
|A treehouse featuring spraying water, 5 body slides, and a {{convert|500|usgal|L|abbr=on}} water bucket that drenches the area every 8 minutes. Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously Paul Bunyan's Bucket Brigade from 1997 to 2018.
|A treehouse featuring spraying water, 5 body slides, and a {{convert|500|usgal|L|abbr=on}} water bucket that drenches the area every 8 minutes. Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Paul Bunyan's Bucket Brigade from 1997 to 2018.
|-
|-
|'''Hurricane Bay'''
|Hurricane Bay
|1997
|1997
|{{convert|500000|usgal|kL|abbr=on}}, {{convert|25000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} [[wave pool]] with six wave patterns. Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Lumberjack Splash.
|{{convert|500000|usgal|kL|abbr=on}}, {{convert|25000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} [[wave pool]] with six wave patterns. Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Lumberjack Splash.
|-
|-
|'''Buccaneer Beach'''
|Buccaneer Beach
|2015
|2015
|New for 2015, pirate-themed water fountains, pools and body slides for children. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Formerly known as "Noah's Sprayground".
|Pirate-themed water fountains, pools and body slides for children. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Noah's Sprayground.
|-
|-
|'''Bamboo Shoots'''
|Bamboo Shoots
|1995
|1995
|Three thrilling water slides including (Twister Falls, Banshee Plunge & Blue Typhoon). Previously called Kingdom Cascades
|Three thrilling water slides including (Twister Falls, Banshee Plunge & Blue Typhoon). Previously called Kingdom Cascades
|-
|-
|Tornado
|'''[[Tornado (ProSlide ride)|Tornado]]'''
|2007
|2007
|A [[ProSlide|ProSlide Tornado]] that takes riders through a short section of an enclosed slide before coming out at the top of a giant funnel where riders slide back and forth before gently landing in a splash pool. Installed in 2007. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom.
|A [[ProSlide]] [[Tornado (ProSlide ride)|Tornado]] that takes riders through a short section of an enclosed slide before coming out at the top of a giant funnel where riders slide back and forth before gently landing in a splash pool. Installed in 2007. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom.
|-
|-
|'''Big Kahuna'''
|Big Kahuna
|2008
|2008
|A specially designed tube bowl made by [[ProSlide]]. Similar to the standard [http://www.proslide.com/sub.php?mainRideID=2&rideID=6 CannonBOWL] but a slightly smaller size. Installed in 2008. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Mega Wedgie.
|A specially designed tube bowl made by ProSlide. Similar to the standard [http://www.proslide.com/sub.php?mainRideID=2&rideID=6 CannonBOWL] but a slightly smaller size. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Mega Wedgie.
|-
|-
|'''Island Air Adventures'''
|Island Air Adventures
|2008
|2008
| A rotating plane ride, formerly known as Big Red Planes (2008 to 2010) and ZoomJets (2011 to 2018) in the former Wiggles World and [[Kidzopolis]] respectively. The ride operates with the water park operations.
|A rotating plane ride, formerly known as Big Red Planes (2008 to 2010) and ZoomJets (2011 to 2018) in the former Wiggles World and [[Kidzopolis]] respectively. The ride operates with the water park operations.
|-
|-
|'''[[Alpine Freefalls]]'''
|[[Alpine Freefalls]]
|2012
|2012
|This slide complex features a ''Wahoo Racer'' (a [[ProSlide]] [[Multi-lane racer water slide|KrakenRacer]]) and a ''Paradise Plunge'' (a trapdoor released ProSlide [[speed slide]]). It opened in 2012.<ref name="Alpine Freefalls (Alpha web)"/> Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Alpine Freefalls, Twisted Racer, and Cliffhanger.
|This slide complex features a Wahoo Racer (a ProSlide [[Multi-lane racer water slide|KrakenRacer]]) and a Paradise Plunge (a trapdoor released ProSlide [[speed slide]]). Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Twisted Racer and Cliffhanger.
|-
|-
|'''Bonzai Pipelines'''
|Bonzai Pipelines
|2017
|2017
|Thrilling body slide complex.
|Thrilling body slide complex.
|-
|-
|'''Bucket Blasters'''
|Bucket Blasters
|2019
|2019
|[[Zamperla]] Watermania - Spinning flat ride where riders are equipped with water blasters.
|[[Zamperla]] Watermania - Spinning flat ride where riders are equipped with water blasters.
|-
|-
|'''Shipwreck Cove'''
|Shipwreck Cove
|2019
|2019
|A fun activity pool with interactive water sprays, geysers, and fountains.
|Activity pool with interactive water sprays, geysers, and fountains.
|}
|}

===Upcharge attractions===
''These rides are not included in the admission price. Cost varies from ride to ride.''

{| class=wikitable
|-
!Name
!Location
!Notes
|-
|align=center|'''Go-Carts'''
|align=center|Fest Area
|align=center|Gas powered race cars with high speed turns. $8 (Drivers) and $4 (Passengers). Riders must be {{convert|58|in|m}} to drive alone. Riders also must be 18 to have a passenger.
|-
|align=center|'''Dare Devil Dive'''
|align=center|Fest Area
|align=center|An intense sky-diving-like attraction that pulls the riders {{convert|175|ft|m}} up in the air then swings them down toward the ground at speeds reaching {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. 1 Person - $40, 2 Person - $25 each, 3 Person - $20 each. Formerly known as "Skycoaster."

|}

===Other attractions===
*Alice in Wonderland - A walk-through attraction based on the [[Lewis Carroll]] classic of the same name, located in Fest Area, which opened in 1967.


==Special events==
==Special events==
Line 485: Line 427:
Fright Fest has the entire park decorated for [[Halloween]], while many of the usual shows are changed over to Halloween events as well including trick or treating among the miniature houses in Ghost-town and 4 elaborate haunted houses, which are located near the North-woods Picnic Grove and in the Ghost Town.
Fright Fest has the entire park decorated for [[Halloween]], while many of the usual shows are changed over to Halloween events as well including trick or treating among the miniature houses in Ghost-town and 4 elaborate haunted houses, which are located near the North-woods Picnic Grove and in the Ghost Town.


In 2009, The Great Escape experimented with a late-season festival named "[[Holiday in the Park]]". It included live entertainment and holiday-themed shows, lights adorning the park and a sledding hill making it the winter equivalent of the Fright Fest autumn event. Though Six Flags called the 2009 event successful, it also claimed a "business decision" was the reason behind the cancellation of the "Holiday in the Park" for the 2010 season.<ref name="Donnelly"/>
In 2009, The Great Escape experimented with a late-season festival named "[[Holiday in the Park]]". It included live entertainment and holiday-themed shows, lights adorning the park and a sledding hill making it the winter equivalent of the Fright Fest autumn event. Though Six Flags called the 2009 event successful, it also claimed a "business decision" was the reason behind the cancellation of the "Holiday in the Park" for the 2010 season.<ref name="Donnelly">{{cite web | url= http://poststar.com/news/local/article_4796d862-8062-11df-b6c5-001cc4c03286.html | title= Great Escape cancels Holiday in the Park 2010 | last= Donnelly | first= Scott | publisher= Post Star | access-date= August 10, 2010 }}</ref>


==Defunct rides and attractions==
==Defunct rides and attractions==
[[File:Rainbow-Great-Escape-Defunct-Pieces.jpg|thumb|Defunct Rainbow's pieces stored]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
Line 494: Line 435:
!Year opened
!Year opened
!Year closed
!Year closed
!Picture
!Description
!Description
|-
|-
|99 Trains
|Ghost Town Railroad
|
|1957
|2006
|2002
|
|Arrow Development train. Removed in 2002 for the addition of Canyon Blaster
|Children's train ride
|-
|-
|[[Alpine Bobsled]]
|Tornado
|1998
|1967
|2023
|2002
|[[File:The Alpine Bobsled roller coaster.jpg|100px]]
|Dark ride that brought riders through the eye of a tornado in the west. Originally created for Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx. Removed after the 1962 season and sent to Kennywood Park before it settled at Storytown. Removed at the end of the 2002 season for Canyon Blaster. (Flipper Version)
|Intamin [[bobsled roller coaster|bobsled]] roller coaster. Removed in 2023 for the addition of Bobcat.
|-
|-
|{{Anchor|AstroWheel}}AstroWheel
|Skylab
|1969
|1986
|1992
|2000
|
|Huss Skylab
|Chance AstroWheel. Replaced by Flying Trapeze
|-
|-
|Balloon Ferris Wheel
|Danny the Dragon
|1980s
|1965
|2014
|1996
|
|Motorized scenic ride with cars shaped as a dragon's body. Built by Arrow Development and purchased from Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx when the park closed after the 1964 season. Replaced by Flashback
|-
|Bucky's Shore Patrol
|2005
|2014
|
|Horizontally-revolving boat ride. It was known as ''[[Yosemite Sam]] Shore Patrol'' from 2005 to 2010
|-
|-
|Carousel
|Carousel
|1965
|1965
|1989
|1989
|
|Classic Carousel that was originally at Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx and purchased by Storytown when Freedomland closed
|Classic Carousel that was originally at Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx and purchased by Storytown when Freedomland closed.
|-
|-
|Cinderella Coach
|Screamer (Ranger)
|1954
|1982
|
|1986
|
|Huss Ranger. Rethemed and modified into Rainbow ride
|While the coach is no longer pulled by live horses, it is still available for stationary pictures with Cinderella
|-
|-
|Cinema 180
|Pirate Ship
|Unknown
|1995
|late 1990s
|2013
|
|Huss Pirate Ship
|Theatre later converted to an arcade then used as storage. Removed for the addition of Screamin' Eagles
|-
|-
|Danny the Dragon
|[[Rainbow (ride)|Rainbow]]
|1965
|1987
|1996
|2007
|
|Huss Rainbow- dismantled in 2007
|Motorized scenic ride with cars shaped as a dragon's body. Built by Arrow Development and purchased from Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx when the park closed after the 1964 season. Replaced by Flashback
|-
|-
|Dragon Ride
|99 Trains
|Unknown
|2009
|
|
|Kiddie Dragon ride
|2006
|Children's train ride
|-
|-
|Flying Bobs
|Flying Bobs
|1993
|1993
|1998
|1998
|
|Matterhorn style ride. Replaced by Boomerang
|Matterhorn style ride. Replaced by Boomerang
|-
|-
|Flying Trapeze
|{{Anchor|AstroWheel}}AstroWheel
|1993
|1969
|2022
|1992
|
|Chance AstroWheel. Replaced by Flying Trapeze
|A Yo-Yo [[wave swinger]] ride by [[Chance Rides]]. In a reply to a comment on a Facebook post, the park announced that the ride had been retired before the 2023 season.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.facebook.com/sixflagsgreatescape/photos/10159132767711806
| title = Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
| date = 2023-05-16
| website = Facebook
| publisher = Six Flags
| access-date = 2023-06-04
| quote = After a very long run, [...] Flying Trapeze has been retired. We greatly value the history and tradition of this original ride, but it had reached the end of its cherished and useful lifecycle.
}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Ghost Town Railroad
|Sea Dragon
|1957
|1980
|2002
|1994
|
|Pirate Ship style ride. Replaced by Boomerang
|Arrow Development train. Removed in 2002 for the addition of Canyon Blaster
|-
|-
|Giant Wheel
|Storytown Railroad
|1989
|1956
|2019
|Unknown
|
|The original engine is defunct. However, the station is used for the current train.
|A [[Chance Rides#Chance Wheels|Chance Rides]] {{convert|90|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Ferris wheel]]. It was retired as part of the Six Flag's 15 rides removal cost-cutting initiative.
|-
|-
|Jungle Land USA
|Jungle Land USA
|1965
|1965
|2004
|2004
|
| African-themed land. With animatronics animals Re-themed to Looney Tunes National Park in 2005 and later to Timbertown in 2011
| African-themed land. With animatronics animals Re-themed to Looney Tunes National Park in 2005 and later to Timbertown in 2011
|-
|-
|[[Kidzopolis]]
|Dragon Ride
|2008
|Unknown
|2018
|2009
|
|Kiddie Dragon ride
|Originally themed as Wiggles World from 2008 to 2010. Rebranded to Kidzopolis in 2011. It closed in October 2018 to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|-
|-
|Krazy Kars
|Noah's Ark
|2008
|Unknown
|2018
|2009
|
|Kiddie Pirate Ship
|Car ride. Was originally named Big Red Cars from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|-
|Krazy Kups
|2008
|2018
|
|[[Teacups]] ride. Was originally named Dorothy's Rosy Red Tea Cups from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|-
|-
|Motorcycles
|Motorcycles
|Unknown
|Unknown
|2009
|2009
|
|Kiddie motorcycle ride
|Kiddie motorcycle ride
|-
|Rotor
|1983
|2001
|Rotor ride
|-
|Tip Top
|Unknown
|Unknown
|
|-
|Starship Kaleidoscope (Tea Cups)
|Unknown
|Unknown
|
|-
|Tumble Weed
|1979
|1988
|[[Skydiver (ride)|Chance Sky Diver]], Replaced by Condor
|-
|-
|Nightmare
|Nightmare
|1999
|1999
|2006
|2006
|
|Indoor roller coaster located in Ghost Town. The building still stands and is used as a haunted house during Fright Fest
|Indoor roller coaster located in Ghost Town. The building still stands and is used as a haunted house during Fright Fest
|-
|-
|Noah's Ark
|Cinema 180
|Unknown
|Unknown
|2009
|late 1990s
|
|Theatre later converted to an arcade then used as storage. Removed for the addition of Screamin' Eagles
|Kiddie Pirate Ship
|-
|-
|Octopus
|Octopus
|Unknown
|Unknown
|early 90s
|early 90s
|
|Classic Octopus ride
|Classic Octopus ride
|-
|Trabant
|1969
|2010
|Chance Trabant
|-
|-
|Petting Zoo
|Petting Zoo
|1954
|1954
|2010
|2010
|
|Classic petting zoo
|Classic petting zoo
|-
|-
|Pirate Ship
|Cinderella Coach
|1995
|1954
|2013
|
|
|Huss Pirate Ship
|While the coach is no longer pulled by live horses, it is still available for stationary pictures with Cinderella
|-
|-
|[[Rainbow (ride)|Rainbow]]
|Bucky's Shore Patrol
|1987
|2005
|2007
|2014
|[[File:Rainbow-Great-Escape-Defunct-Pieces.jpg|100px]]
|Horizontally-revolving boat ride. It was known as ''[[Yosemite Sam]] Shore Patrol'' from 2005 to 2010
|Huss Rainbow- dismantled in 2007
|-
|-
|Rotor
|Balloon Ferris Wheel
|1983
|1980s
|2001
|2014
|
|
|Rotor ride
|-
|-
|Screamer (Ranger)
|[[Kidzopolis]]
|1982
|2008
|1986
|2018
|
|Originally themed as Wiggles World from 2008 to 2010. Rebranded to Kidzopolis in 2011. It closed in October 2018 to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|Huss Ranger. Rethemed and modified into Rainbow ride
|-
|-
|Sea Dragon
|Krazy Kars
|1980
|2008
|1994
|2018
|
|Car ride. Was originally named Big Red Cars from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|Pirate Ship style ride. Replaced by Boomerang
|-
|-
|Skylab
|Krazy Kups
|1986
|2008
|2000
|2018
|
|[[Teacups]] ride. Was originally named Dorothy's Rosy Red Tea Cups from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|Huss Skylab
|-
|-
|Splish Splash Zone
|Splish Splash Zone
|2008
|2008
|2018
|2018
|
|A water play area. Was originally named S.S. Feathersword's Playship from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|A water play area. Was originally named S.S. Feathersword's Playship from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
|-
|-
|Starship Kaleidoscope (Tea Cups)
|Giant Wheel
|Unknown
|1989
|Unknown
|2019
|
|A [[Chance Rides#Chance Wheels|Chance Rides]] {{convert|90|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Ferris wheel]]. It was retired as part of the Six Flag's 15 rides removal cost-cutting initiative.
|
|-
|Storytown Railroad
|1956
|Unknown
|
|The original engine is defunct. However, the station is used for the current train.
|-
|Tip Top
|Unknown
|Unknown
|
|
|-
|Tornado
|1967
|2002
|
|Dark ride that brought riders through the eye of a tornado in the west. Originally created for Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx. Removed after the 1962 season and sent to Kennywood Park before it settled at Storytown. Removed at the end of the 2002 season for Canyon Blaster. (Flipper Version)
|-
|Trabant
|1969
|2010
|
|Chance Trabant
|-
|Tumble Weed
|1979
|1988
|
|[[Skydiver (ride)|Chance Sky Diver]], Replaced by Condor
|-
|-
|Flying Trapeze
|1993
|2022
|A Yo-Yo [[wave swinger]] ride by [[Chance Rides]]. In a reply to a comment on a Facebook post, the park announced that the ride had been retired before the 2023 season.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.facebook.com/sixflagsgreatescape/photos/10159132767711806
| title = Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
| date = 2023-05-16
| website = Facebook
| publisher = Six Flags
| access-date = 2023-06-04
| quote = After a very long run, [...] Flying Trapeze has been retired. We greatly value the history and tradition of this original ride, but it had reached the end of its cherished and useful lifecycle.
}}</ref>
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 05:48, 26 March 2024

This article is about the theme park and outdoor water park. For the adjacent indoor water park and resort hotel, see Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark.
Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
Previously known as Storytown USA (1954–1982), The Great Escape Fun Park (1983–1994), The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom (1995–2022)
Location89 Six Flags Drive
Queensbury, New York
Coordinates43°21′04″N 73°41′24″W / 43.350991°N 73.690112°W / 43.350991; -73.690112
Opened1954
OwnerSix Flags
SloganNew York’s Most Thrilling Theme Park
Operating seasonMay through October
Area351 acres (142 ha)
Attractions
Total
  • 35 (excluding water park)
  • 45 (including water park)
  • 3 (upcharge)
Roller coasters5
Water rides10
Websitewww.sixflags.com/greatescape

Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor is an amusement and water park owned and operated by Six Flags. It is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of Albany, in Queensbury, New York.[1] It was one of three Six Flags parks not to be officially branded with the "Six Flags" name until 2022, with La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and Frontier City in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, being the last two without the Six Flags branding.

History[edit]

Great Escape logo used up until 2012

The Great Escape was opened in 1954 as Storytown USA, a Mother Goose themed amusement park by businessman Charles Wood who bought the land with his wife for $75,000.[2]: 47  In 1957, realizing that the park was geared only toward small children, the park opened its Ghost Town area, the first of many themed areas opened in the park's history.

For publicity, the park placed bumper stickers on every car in the parking lot. This practice stopped a few years later due to complaints and employees switched to attaching cardboard versions with wire. This was when a car bumper was separate from the body and one could get all the way around it with wire. In 1983, the park officially changed its name from Storytown USA to The Great Escape.

In 1984, The Great Escape opened the Steamin' Demon, the first of its eventual seven roller coasters. The showpiece attraction at The Great Escape is the Comet. Re-opened at The Great Escape in 1994, this roller coaster already had a 41-year history as The Comet at Crystal Beach (an amusement park near Niagara Falls, Ontario). It was saved shortly after the park closed down forever after the 1988 season. Charley Wood, the owner of Great Escape Fun Park and Fantasy Island in Grand Island, New York, successfully bid for The Comet and it sat in storage for a few years in Fantasy Island before making its way to the park in Queensbury, NY and reopening in 1994. Roller coaster enthusiasts recognize it as one of the best wooden roller coasters in North America.

In 1996, Charles Wood sold the park to Premier Parks who would later go on to purchase the Six Flags company. Unlike many parks during that time, Great Escape was not rebranded or flagged as a Six Flags park.

In February 2006, The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark opened up with positive reviews and sold-out weekends throughout the first month. This major addition includes a 38,000 square feet (3,500 m2) waterpark exclusively for lodge guests. This is New York State's first indoor waterpark.

The park debuted several new features for the 2006 season. These included character greetings from the likes of the whole Justice League.

For the 2007 season, The Great Escape re-themed their dive show to a pirate-themed show, branded their pizza restaurant a Papa John's, and brought back the Superstars and Legends: Elvis! Show (which featured throughout the summer not only Elvis, but also Buddy Holly, and Billy Joel) to JollyTree Theatre.

In addition to typical amusement park rides, the Great Escape offered a variety of unique shows, most notable of which was a high dive show featuring a team of divers scaling an 80 feet (24 m) tower and plunging into a 10 feet (3.0 m) deep pool. This also featured a fire diver.

Storytown, USA (circa 1968-1974)
Entrance sign to the Alice in Wonderland walkthrough

Other milestones include:

  • 1954 — Charles Wood opens Storytown USA.
  • 1957 — Ghost Town section of the park is opened.[2]: 61 
  • 1960 — Jungleland section of the park is opened.[2]: 69 
  • 1971 — First roller coaster introduced, The Italian Coaster
  • 1995 — Great Escape opens its water park, Splashwater Kingdom.
  • 1996 — Acquisition by Premier Parks, which later bought and changed its name to Six Flags.
  • 2005 — Debut of Looney Tunes National Park: a Looney Tunes themed children's area which included eight new children's rides, including Road Runner Express, the park's seventh roller coaster and a re-themed restaurant as well as a cartoon walk-through. Replaces the old Jungleland area. Accompanying Looney Tunes National Park are the Looney Tunes characters. The Flash Pass system is introduced.
  • 2008 — Wiggles World Children's Theme Area is introduced.
  • 2009 — The park hosted the first Holiday in the Park (Christmas event) during the weekends in November and December.
Alpine Freefalls
  • 2010 — Old theme elements from the park's Storytown USA era, including PoPo the Purple Cow and a rebuilt Cinderella's castle, were restored and placed back into the park.[3] In late 2010, Six Flags began the process of removing licensed theming from attractions. The Great Escape would terminate their license with The Wiggles, with Wiggles' World being rethemed to KIDZOPOLIS starting in the 2011 season. The Great Escape also terminated their licenses with both Looney Tunes and DC Comics despite Six Flags having the rights to use the characters in their parks. Looney Tunes National Park was rethemed to Timbertown and the Flash Pass system was renamed to Go Fast Pass, all in time for the 2011 season.[4][5][6][7]
  • 2016 — Greezed Lightnin' opens across from Thunder Alley & Flashback. The area gets renamed Hot Rod USA.
  • 2020 — On September 11, 2020, the park announced on its social media channels that it would remain closed for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All season passes and tickets were carried over to the 2021 season.[8]
  • 2024 - The park announced the addition of Bobcat for the 2024 season, a Gravity Group family wooden roller coaster.[9]

Rides and attractions[edit]

Themed areas[edit]

  • Fest Area – Bavarian themed.
  • Ghost Town – Old West themed.
  • Storytown – Storybook themed.
  • Hot Rod USA – Race car themed. Opened in 2016 with Greezed Lightnin'.
  • Timbertown – A children's area, previously themed as Jungleland prior to 2005, and as Looney Tunes National Park from 2005 to 2010. As Jungleland, the area featured an animal show and a walking tour of jungle-like conditions adorned with animatronic animals along with a wood and rope bridge. In 2016, some elements of Jungleland were returned to the area.
  • Hurricane Harbor – Formerly called Splashwater Kingdom, a water park section located at the back of the park. There is no additional charge to visit Hurricane Harbor.

Roller coasters[edit]

Name Area Picture Manufacturer Type Year opened Notes
Bobcat Fest Area The Gravity Group Family wooden coaster 2024 The Bobcat will replace the Alpine Bobsled.[9]
Canyon Blaster Ghost Town Arrow Development Mine train 2003 Previously located at Opryland USA from 1972 until the park's closure in 1997.
The Comet Fest Area Philadelphia Toboggan Company Double-out and back wooden coaster 1994 Previously located at Crystal Beach Park from 1948 until the park's closure in 1989.
Flashback Hot Rod USA Vekoma Boomerang 1997 The first Boomerang to be installed at a Six Flags park. Formerly called Boomerang: Coast to Coaster.
Frankie's Mine Train Timbertown Zamperla Family Gravity Coaster 2005 Known as Road Runner Express from 2005 to 2010.
Steamin' Demon Ghost Town Arrow Development Corkscrew coaster 1984 Previously located at Pontchartrain Beach under the name Ragin' Cajun. A virtual reality experience was offered on the ride in 2017.


Family rides[edit]

Name Area Manufacturer Model Year opened Notes
Alice in Wonderland Fest Area Walk-through attraction 1967
Balloon Race Fest Area Zamperla Balloon Race 1989 Located in Storytown prior to 2013.
Blizzard Fest Area Eli Bridge Indoor Scrambler 1971 Originally called Chipper's Magical Mystery Tour. Operated outdoors from 2005 to 2013.
Cannonball Express Fest Area Mack Rides Music Express 1985
Desperado Plunge Ghost Town Arrow Development Log flume 1979 Relocated from Busch Gardens Los Angeles after it closed in 1979.[10][11]
Grand Carousel Storytown Chance Carousel 1989 Features both horses and fantastic creatures.
Marshal's Stampede Ghost Town Mac Duce Bumper cars 1985 Located in Fest Area prior to 2013.
Raging River Fest Area Intamin River rapids 1986
Screamin' Eagles Fest Area Larson International Flying Scooters 2013
Sky Ride Fest Area Universal Design Ltd. Chairlift 1960s
Storytown Train Storytown/Timbertown Chance C.P. Huntington 1956
Swan Boats Storytown Adventureglass Swan Paddleboats 1950s Closed for refurbishment in 2023.
Thunder Alley Storytown Arrow Development Turnpike cars 1970s

Thrill rides[edit]

Name Area Manufacturer Model Year opened Notes
Adirondack Outlaw Ghost Town Funtime Vomatron 2021
Condor Ghost Town Huss Condor 1990
Dare Devil Dive Fest Area Skycoaster, Inc. Skycoaster 2001 Upcharge attraction. Formerly called Skycoaster.
Extreme Supernova Fest Area Zamperla Discovery 2014
Go-Carts Fest Area Upcharge attraction.
Pandemonium Fest Area Chance Rides Freestyle 2018
Greezed Lightnin' Hot Rod USA Larson International 22m Giant Loop 2016
Sasquatch Hot Rod USA S&S Power Turbo Drop / Space Shot 2009 Includes a drop tower and a launch tower; each has its own queue. The ride was previously named Bayou Blaster and Sonic Slam when the ride was located at Six Flags New Orleans, which closed due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In 2017, Drop of Doom VR was temporarily added to the attraction.

Children's rides[edit]

Name Area Manufacturer Type Year opened Notes
Convoy Fest Area Zamperla Convoy 1987 Miniature trucks driven on a guided path.
Oakley's Honey Swings Timbertown Zamperla Flying swings 2005 Known as Taz Twister from 2005 to 2010.
Hootie's Treehouse Timbertown Zamperla Miniature drop tower 2005 Known as Tweety Treehouse from 2005 to 2010.
Ranger Randy's Railway Timbertown Zamperla Miniature train 2005 Known as Elmer Fudd Scenic Railway from 2005 to 2010.
Rocky's Ranger Planes Timbertown Zamperla Revolving planes 2005 Known as Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots from 2005 to 2010. Relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure.
Sheldon's Speedway Timbertown Zamperla Race car loop 2005 Known as Speedy Gonzales Camptown Racers from 2005 to 2010. Relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure.
Spruce's Wilderness Bus Tours Timbertown Zamperla Pendulum 2005 Known as Daffy Duck Wilderness Bus Tour from 2005 to 2010.

Hurricane Harbor[edit]

Lumberjack Splash wave pool in use.
Name Opened Description
Typhoon Twister 1995 A pair of enclosed water slides that guests ride in small inflatable boats. Previously called Black Cobra.
Adventure River 1995 1,050 ft (320 m) long, 28 in (0.71 m) deep river. Riders may travel in tubes or swim freely. Features waterfalls, geysers, strong current and continuous waves. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Capt'n Hook's Adventure River from 1995 to 2018.
Splashwater Island 1997 A treehouse featuring spraying water, 5 body slides, and a 500 US gal (1,900 L) water bucket that drenches the area every 8 minutes. Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Paul Bunyan's Bucket Brigade from 1997 to 2018.
Hurricane Bay 1997 500,000 US gal (1,900 kL), 25,000-square-foot (2,300 m2) wave pool with six wave patterns. Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Lumberjack Splash.
Buccaneer Beach 2015 Pirate-themed water fountains, pools and body slides for children. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Noah's Sprayground.
Bamboo Shoots 1995 Three thrilling water slides including (Twister Falls, Banshee Plunge & Blue Typhoon). Previously called Kingdom Cascades
Tornado 2007 A ProSlide Tornado that takes riders through a short section of an enclosed slide before coming out at the top of a giant funnel where riders slide back and forth before gently landing in a splash pool. Installed in 2007. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom.
Big Kahuna 2008 A specially designed tube bowl made by ProSlide. Similar to the standard CannonBOWL but a slightly smaller size. Located in Upper Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Mega Wedgie.
Island Air Adventures 2008 A rotating plane ride, formerly known as Big Red Planes (2008 to 2010) and ZoomJets (2011 to 2018) in the former Wiggles World and Kidzopolis respectively. The ride operates with the water park operations.
Alpine Freefalls 2012 This slide complex features a Wahoo Racer (a ProSlide KrakenRacer) and a Paradise Plunge (a trapdoor released ProSlide speed slide). Located in Lower Splashwater Kingdom. Previously called Twisted Racer and Cliffhanger.
Bonzai Pipelines 2017 Thrilling body slide complex.
Bucket Blasters 2019 Zamperla Watermania - Spinning flat ride where riders are equipped with water blasters.
Shipwreck Cove 2019 Activity pool with interactive water sprays, geysers, and fountains.

Special events[edit]

After Labor Day Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor has two special events, Oktoberfest and Fright Fest, before closing for the winter. Oktoberfest is held during the weekends in September, while Fright Fest is held Fridays thru Sundays in October.

Oktoberfest is marginally a celebration of German heritage but is expanded to include ethnic foods, various beer games, ethnic music and dancing and other activities. (In the past, vendors were included, but none since 2006).

Fright Fest has the entire park decorated for Halloween, while many of the usual shows are changed over to Halloween events as well including trick or treating among the miniature houses in Ghost-town and 4 elaborate haunted houses, which are located near the North-woods Picnic Grove and in the Ghost Town.

In 2009, The Great Escape experimented with a late-season festival named "Holiday in the Park". It included live entertainment and holiday-themed shows, lights adorning the park and a sledding hill making it the winter equivalent of the Fright Fest autumn event. Though Six Flags called the 2009 event successful, it also claimed a "business decision" was the reason behind the cancellation of the "Holiday in the Park" for the 2010 season.[12]

Defunct rides and attractions[edit]

Ride Year opened Year closed Picture Description
99 Trains 2006 Children's train ride
Alpine Bobsled 1998 2023 Intamin bobsled roller coaster. Removed in 2023 for the addition of Bobcat.
AstroWheel 1969 1992 Chance AstroWheel. Replaced by Flying Trapeze
Balloon Ferris Wheel 1980s 2014
Bucky's Shore Patrol 2005 2014 Horizontally-revolving boat ride. It was known as Yosemite Sam Shore Patrol from 2005 to 2010
Carousel 1965 1989 Classic Carousel that was originally at Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx and purchased by Storytown when Freedomland closed.
Cinderella Coach 1954 While the coach is no longer pulled by live horses, it is still available for stationary pictures with Cinderella
Cinema 180 Unknown late 1990s Theatre later converted to an arcade then used as storage. Removed for the addition of Screamin' Eagles
Danny the Dragon 1965 1996 Motorized scenic ride with cars shaped as a dragon's body. Built by Arrow Development and purchased from Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx when the park closed after the 1964 season. Replaced by Flashback
Dragon Ride Unknown 2009 Kiddie Dragon ride
Flying Bobs 1993 1998 Matterhorn style ride. Replaced by Boomerang
Flying Trapeze 1993 2022 A Yo-Yo wave swinger ride by Chance Rides. In a reply to a comment on a Facebook post, the park announced that the ride had been retired before the 2023 season.[13]
Ghost Town Railroad 1957 2002 Arrow Development train. Removed in 2002 for the addition of Canyon Blaster
Giant Wheel 1989 2019 A Chance Rides 90-foot (27 m) tall Ferris wheel. It was retired as part of the Six Flag's 15 rides removal cost-cutting initiative.
Jungle Land USA 1965 2004 African-themed land. With animatronics animals Re-themed to Looney Tunes National Park in 2005 and later to Timbertown in 2011
Kidzopolis 2008 2018 Originally themed as Wiggles World from 2008 to 2010. Rebranded to Kidzopolis in 2011. It closed in October 2018 to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
Krazy Kars 2008 2018 Car ride. Was originally named Big Red Cars from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
Krazy Kups 2008 2018 Teacups ride. Was originally named Dorothy's Rosy Red Tea Cups from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
Motorcycles Unknown 2009 Kiddie motorcycle ride
Nightmare 1999 2006 Indoor roller coaster located in Ghost Town. The building still stands and is used as a haunted house during Fright Fest
Noah's Ark Unknown 2009 Kiddie Pirate Ship
Octopus Unknown early 90s Classic Octopus ride
Petting Zoo 1954 2010 Classic petting zoo
Pirate Ship 1995 2013 Huss Pirate Ship
Rainbow 1987 2007 Huss Rainbow- dismantled in 2007
Rotor 1983 2001 Rotor ride
Screamer (Ranger) 1982 1986 Huss Ranger. Rethemed and modified into Rainbow ride
Sea Dragon 1980 1994 Pirate Ship style ride. Replaced by Boomerang
Skylab 1986 2000 Huss Skylab
Splish Splash Zone 2008 2018 A water play area. Was originally named S.S. Feathersword's Playship from 2008 to 2010. Renamed in 2011. It closed in October 2018 with the rest of Kidzopolis to make way for the Hurricane Harbor water park expansion.
Starship Kaleidoscope (Tea Cups) Unknown Unknown
Storytown Railroad 1956 Unknown The original engine is defunct. However, the station is used for the current train.
Tip Top Unknown Unknown
Tornado 1967 2002 Dark ride that brought riders through the eye of a tornado in the west. Originally created for Freedomland U.S.A. in The Bronx. Removed after the 1962 season and sent to Kennywood Park before it settled at Storytown. Removed at the end of the 2002 season for Canyon Blaster. (Flipper Version)
Trabant 1969 2010 Chance Trabant
Tumble Weed 1979 1988 Chance Sky Diver, Replaced by Condor

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Recreational Opportunities (Map)" (PDF). Department of Community Development, town of Queensbury. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-11-28. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
  2. ^ a b c Hirsch, Rose Ann (2006). Kiddie Parks of the Adirondacks. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-4470-1.
  3. ^ Jones, Blake. "Great Escape to debut new Storytown features". Post Star. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  4. ^ MacDonald, Brady (25 November 2010). "Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers". LA Times. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  5. ^ "Kids Rides". The Great Escape.
  6. ^ "All Attractions". The Great Escape.
  7. ^ "Great Escape".
  8. ^ Kathleen Moore (September 12, 2020). "Great Escape not opening in 2020". The Post-Star. Queensbury.
  9. ^ a b "Bobcat wooden coaster coming to Great Escape". The Post Star. August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  10. ^ Futrell, Jim (2006). Amusement Parks of New York. Stackpole Books. ISBN 0811732622.
  11. ^ "Sabrina's Brochure Spotlight: The Great Escape 1984". NewsPlusNotes. 7 October 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  12. ^ Donnelly, Scott. "Great Escape cancels Holiday in the Park 2010". Post Star. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  13. ^ "Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor". Facebook. Six Flags. 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-04. After a very long run, [...] Flying Trapeze has been retired. We greatly value the history and tradition of this original ride, but it had reached the end of its cherished and useful lifecycle.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Great Escape (amusement park).
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