About this time each year, my wife and I make a trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas to renew our season passes. I don't really know how many visits we'll make to our favorite San Antonio attraction through the summer months, but at around $50 each for the entire year, it's a bargain we can't pass up. Add to that, three grandkids who will also have season passes and will usually be with us on each visit, and it becomes a must expenditure.
It all started in 1992 when the former rock quarry became part of a master planned component of USAA's La Cantera project. With numerous rides, shows and water attractions, the park was a welcome addition to the San Antonio entertainment scene. One of the landmark rides, which has survived through the years is The Rattler, which at the time of its construction, was the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, reaching a height of 179 feet and a speed of 73 miles per hour. I'd had the opportunity to ride the famed Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island many years ago, so I had to try The Rattler. One time was enough. I could handle the monstrous drop and the speed, but the rapid twists, and what I considered to be a lack of restraints to keep my body from being unraveled, convinced me that I didn't need to do this again. I have since tried a few of the other roller coasters in the park; those that turn you upside down and tend to disorient your perception of direction. Other roller coasters have been added since the opening, and others have been dismantled and shipped to other locations. But, The Rattler, like The Cyclone at Coney Island, will more than likely be a permanent attraction to San Antonio's entertainment scene.
What attracts us to the park more than anything else are the variety shows, which over the years have regularly garnered awards as the top theme park shows in the country. One of the originals shows was a country-western extravaganza that took a trip down memory lane, bringing back popular hits from the 50s and 60s. Performed by a very talented group of at least 50 entertainers, the show was a must see on each of our visits. The show has since been replaced by shows with smaller casts that tend more toward contemporary country music. It's still a worthwhile performance, but not as memorable as the original feature.
The show we've always watch on our visit to the park in recent years is Rockin' at Rockville High, a highly acclaimed trip down memory lane by a cast of young singers who take us back to the 50s and 60s with a performance that was voted the top theme park show for four years. A 70s show has since been added to the Rockville High schedule and is also a highly rated performance that is worth taking the time to watch.
If you're looking to get cooled off (and wet) there is a huge variety of water rides at the park. We usually wait until late in the day before venturing into this area. At the top of the list of rides is The tornado, a seven story drop through a water funnel into 5,000 gallons of churning water. Eight other water attractions offer a level of excitement ensure that you will find the ride that meets your needs.
One thing that was lacking during the earlier years at Six Flags Fiesta Texas was the lack of quality restaurants. Not so today. Throughout the park you will find highly recognizable names such as: Ben & Jerry's, Papa John's, Johnny rocket, Cost Stone Creamery and a variety of other stops for culturally oriented restaurants.
Expect to do a lot of walking if you plan to make the park part of your visit to San Antonio. Carry a lot of water and be sure to get a map of the park at the entrance. It's a long winding trip through the various culturally-oriented sections of the park. Most important of all, come early if you expect to get the best bang for your buck. Like all theme parks, lines driving into the park, and through security at the park entrance can take up valuable time if you wait until opening time to leave for the park.
Go to: www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas for a full view of park location, features and prices.
Other articles by Ed Barrett about San Antonio, TX can be viewed at: www.EdBarrettHomefinder.com