ANd people think Disney is expensive! The Six Flags and Cedar Fair parks are far more expensive for food and drinks. We are a Disneyland Magic Key holders and also have an annual pass to Knott’s (Cedar Fair owned) and except for the passes and tickets everything else cost a good deal more.
Adam, that log ride was the first ever. It was built by Arrow Manufacturing. It was first presented to Disneyland, but Walt wasn't interested. It was presented to Knotts, and they didn't want it. But Six Flags did. It opened in 1963. Knott's didn't get theirs until 1969. Last year, Six Flags joined the 2 existing log rides together making it the longest in the world. And the Runaway Mine Train coaster was the first mine train coaster, built in 1966.
3:24 those flag poles used to fly the 6 flags that have governed Texas (Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and US) but because one was the Confederate flag, someone got offended and they had to change it to all US flags. It was a good history lesson when you walked in the park but no more.
I grew up going to Six Flags, starting in 63 or 64, with my last visit summer of 79. The "alien" creatures in the new Speelunker's Cave is a call back to the original theming when it was called "The Speelunker's Cave." These were the creatures throughout the ride. It included a ship in a storm, a sequence where you went through a revolving tube so it felt like you were turning over, and the final room (added after the ride originally opened) was a frozen land with cold air blasting you. Made it very popular in the summer :) The Dinosaur car ride was one of the original rides in the park, as the Chaparell Cars. No dinosaur theming then. Same vehicles, except they had a roof canopy on the cars, and they ran in the opposite direction from how they show in your video. The closed que for the log ride you first saw is for the original log ride, the first in the world (they beat Disney). It was so popular they opened a second one later, which had a tunnel along the big drop. Years later they removed the covering of the drop, and I hear now they don't use the original ride, and have been letting it deteriorate.
I grew up in the Arlington area. I love watching these past 2 videos. I haven’t been to Six Flags Over Texas since the early 2000s. My mom worked at the old Rangers stadium, now the Chocktaw Stadium. I haven’t been back since 2003. Thanks for sharing Adam! Love the nostalgia.
Thanks for bringing back the memories. I had some good times with my daughter and her cousins at six flags. That wooden Rollercoaster was my last coaster ride. It shook my head too hard. Safe travels.
Was my home park growing up, such major core childhood memories there. Rode the Shockwave when it was brand new, rode the Schwartzkopft Big Bend coaster in 79”.. great memories, thanks for bringing all those memories back.
The little aliens in the cave ride are called Spees, from the word spelunker. That Easter Island bit, the heads look like a Spee....I call it Speester Island.
This was both nostalgic and sad to watch. I grew up in Arlington and, during the summer, used to spend at least one day a week at SFOT. Maybe my memory is biased but THIS park looks dirty and run down and absolutely dead. I know you were there on a Monday but it is still sad to see the park empty and so many attractions looking dingy. But, I hope you enjoyed your visit to Arlington!
I agree. Grew up here and always loved Six Flags from my first visit in 1969. Had a seasons pass every summer throughout the ‘80s. This is hard to watch.
I've visited this park since the early seventies. several rides you filmed have been significantly improved over just the past few years. The autos were always just a driving ride, the dinosaurs are recent. The Pirates of the Spelunkers Cave has recently been redesigned from a Bugs Bunny / Yosemite Sam theme, and the lift is small because it never existed before. This ride originated as The Spelunker's Cave and was extremely popular just because it was literally the only location in the whole park that had air conditioning - an extremely nice feature in the summertime. Many of the weird "Spelunker" props at the end of the ride appear to be scenery lifted from the Bugs Bunny days. That looks like a particularly nice upgrade. The welcome sign you saw as you entered was a collage of photos of the park and rides that existed through the sixties and seventies, but many of them are gone now. There used to be a huge metal slide on the side of the tower that got so hot in the summertime you had to use potato sacks to even touch it, let alone slide down it. There also used to be a live gunfight show in the Old West street, but I haven't seen that happen in years. Too bad you missed the mine train: there's an elevated old west saloon you ride past and a brief dive into a dark tunnel beneath the pond.
Going to Six Flags Over Texas was a great treat of my summers. I went with my parents in 68/69 when we lived in Ft. Worth. Then as a teen, it was a yearly youth group trip with my church. Last time i went my own daughter was a teen. She now has a teen. It has so many memories for me.
It's funny seeing Adam in my world. I worked at SFOT in my youth. The Spelunking ride just reopened last year. I'm glad you enjoyed the park. Please come back to our town again. Lots of great people here. State Fair of Texas is great in the fall!
You are always in your element at a theme park, Adam. We'll, anywhere you go, is well researched. I love six-flags, and I've been to a few that are the same but also different in their own special way. New Jersey is my top favorite so far w the animals (if that is still there). I live in FL from MA now and should try soon. You are the best, Adam, and I look forward to your new adventures where you decide to go. Stay alert so you don't get hurt!! Keep on rockin', Debra ♡
Growing up in Central Texas THIS was Disneyland to us. I remember going the first time and not being able to sleep as a kid because I was so excited. I’ve gone back twice as an adult and that will probably be it.
Welcome to my home park before I moved to LA! Yes, that log flume predated Knott’s. I actually worked there as a puppeteer at the Krofft Puppet Theater back in ‘74 and ‘75. So sad to have seen it close but it was always a top rated show in the park. Back then it was only open about 8 or 9 months out of the year and only 7 days a week during the summer and the rest of the time just Friday night, Saturday and Sunday as most of he work force were HS and college kids. The name “Six Flags” was originally Six Flags Over Texas and it was highly themed around the six actual flags that flew over the state of Texas at one time or another. Each land had specific food and costuming choices not unlike a theme park out here in Anaheim that opened about 6 years earlier. They copied many of the rides there including a river boat ride documenting LaSalle’s discoveries. They had an “autopia” and the Dino ride is a re-theming of the Horseless Carriges from years ago. The Cave was the OG dark ride there and was totally original to the park with those characters on their spelunking adventure. They always had the gunfight show by the courthouse and a great musical show at the Crazy Horse Saloon in that area. The Southern Palace was the “Big” show there and was always very well produced back in the day. Sadly so much entertainment was eliminated as well as 90% of the theming. I was back there last year and it’s so strange to see how it has devolved from how it all started. Since renaming all of the other parks the understanding of the Six Flags name has lost its meaning. In spite of it all it still brings back so many fond memories, thanks for that!
I haven't been to that Six Flags since I was a kid but that was back in the 90s. But that was the first every time I ever wrote a Rollercoaster. And also wet and wild I. Remember going there too? When I was a kid the memories I have of the DFW area my home area.
Yeah, I think now it is closed most of the time, but they open it for anniversaries or some other things! That is why it has not been completely removed.
My first job lol! ❤I worked there in games when I was 16 back in the 90s. I spent 3 summers at this park back to back before I worked there back when Wet n Wild had FunSphere. It has changed so much over the Years. Its most all of the same rides just new themes added to them. So many memories.❤
Great video Adam! That’s awful 😮🤑 about your coffee ☕️ and bottled water purchases😮 😢Thanks for the brief mentioning about the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign…reminds me of one of greatest musicians, Stevie Ray Vaughan 🎸❤ 🎤 🎶…he did the first televised ad.
Alot of my friends prefer the Six Flags in San Antonio, but this being the first one is interesting to me because of its historical significance. I have been meaning to visit, but haven't yet. Thanks for the video!!! Safe travels Adam.
The park was beautiful back in the 1960s, with sections designed by SId and Marty Krofft. I used to see them perform at their puppet theater in the park. LaSalle's River Boat Ride gave the Jungle River Cruise a run for its money. For you history buffs, Lee Harvey Oswald's family was moved to The Inn Of The Six Flags across the street following his murder.
That was a great theme park so glad you went there because I didn’t even know it existed and I actually had a lot of fun wondering through the park also I really like the rides you want on and the log ride kinda reminded me of the one at the OC Fair you rode on in 2019, so let me say Adam you made for one heck of a day peace ☮️ out ✌️
Adam can I say you have done so so well on the weight loss, I came across an old vlog of yours, and you do look different now, dare I say even younger, well done on the hard work it’s not easy losing weight 🥰
I'm glad you're giving 6 Flags some love Adam. It's too bad their management isn't that good. When I lived near STL MO, I loved going to the 6 flags there. They have some great rides.
I will soon be 67 years old and had a lot of happy memories visiting SFOT. When this park first opened it had a more historic educational theme with a fun flair. It was a beautiful park with lush landscaping and fountains along with the wonderful and fun rides, attractions, and shows. That seems to be missing in your video. My old friend is definitely showing its age. It needs a sprucing up for sure! There were always huge crowds this time of year, regardless of the weather. I'm not sure what happened, but corporate takeovers and mergers has to factor into the difference, my opinion of course.
Was weird seeing you here in my part of the world considering I watch you because I like seeing your part of the world. You missed our normal summer heat 😅
My family was there in 1963 when I was 7. I remember the mystery house and there was the skull slide where you go inside the skull and slide out through the eye. Another slide where you go down a circular slide inside a tall tree trunk. A canoe ride where everyone has an oar and canoes along a short river. The huge tower had parachutes that take you up high and you slowly parachute down. We didn't ride that. I don't remember the log ride. Thanks for the memories.❤
23:00 Not just one of the oldest log flues, in fact THE oldest log flume. It was the first log flume ever built. Supposedly the manufacturer tried to sell his log flume to Knott's Berry Farm, but they passed on the first go. Six Flags jumped on the chance, purchasing the log flume. When Knotts saw the ride at Six Flags, and how popular it was, they finally bought their own version. Additionally, the Mine Train coaster is the first Mine Train themed roller coaster ever built. Edit: The reason Six Flags was willing to spend money on replacing Yosemite Sam's Gold Mine Adventure with Speelunkers was because of a flood that happened in 2018 or 2019. Supposedly the flood waters destroyed all the animatronics in the ride.
I’ve been to this theme park numerous times (I live near it), I had no idea it’s as old as I am (63 yrs), nor did I know about it’s history. You should have come the day after you were there, it’s clear and 90 F, Thanks, Adam for the info!
23:00 Arrow Dynamics (who helped design Disneyland attractions including the infamous flying saucers) is the company that created the log flume, the very first being the one here at SFOT. It was such a hit that parks of all sizes including the big theme parks that would be built in the 60s and 70s had to have one, with most getting a more thrilling layout. Today most still operate including the beloved Timber Mountain flume/dark ride at Knott’s. Arrow is the company that had the largest attraction catalog at the time, pioneering everything from the mine train coaster to the first modern looping coasters, antique cars, dark rides, carousels etc. Huge list on wikipedia. And I love that the original Six Flags is still going strong.
Looks like you picked a good day. That tropical storm brought the temperature down to something livable. We don’t go to SFoT any more because it’s just too darn hot! Regarding the old Rangers Stadium: if you had an annual pass, you could park at SFoT for free, park all the way in the back, and walk to the stadium, while places farther charged $10. We tried that for a Billy Joel concert before COVID, but unfortunately, it was the same time as Fright Fest, so it took an hour just to get through the gate! Never went at night time! Place was packed! Not sure what’s so frightening about the park, when the parking was such a horror show! Heard one lady übered to the concert, but it was a $200 surcharge back!
Emailing and driving 🤣I can't believe a sign has to be put up for that. What a disappointing day. Rian and rides are down, but holy cow the price of water and coffee!
Glad to see you were not in the storms way . On news here we seen lots of destruction in TX . Had me worried 😅. Sending ❤ to those recovering .🙏🏻 Freaking awesome needs to be put on a Tshirt if you ever do merch again 😂
You picked a good day to explore Six Flags. Looked empty enough to ride most rides in one day. Always give such great information on the park as well. They're water and coffee are more expensive than Disney. I'll keep going to Disney. I always bring a back pack for water and snacks.
The Speelunker Cave ride has a weird cult following. My daughter and I rode that ride in February of 2024 for the first time and it was the weirdest damn dark ride we've ever gone on. The park was much more crowded, so was the line and there were people in line with Speelunker T-shirts. I think the ride is very old, one of the original rides, I think it opened in 1964.
Your video of the Rangers game popped up in my feed yesterday (I’m a lifelong Texan and a big Rangers fan), so I watched that video. Today this one popped up, so I felt that was a sign to give you a follow. :) Glad you enjoyed the Texas hospitality during your stay. I’m not sorry the Rangers won (lol) but I’m sorry Sox Flags wasn’t fully operational when you were there. Once upon a time, even on a weekday in the summer, it would be packed and all rides would be open. I haven’t been in serval years so times have changed. Hope you come back to Texas again- I recommend checking out Fort Worth and the Stockyards. Safe travels!
As others have pointed out the log ride is the original log ride. They originally put it together in the parking lot to test the layout before putting the ride in the park. They one shown in the video is the second track. The original ride was so popular they built a second one, even gave it a super fancy name, log flume 2. They occasionally still open the original track for special occations or on peak crowd days. The red and yellow ride is a bobsled ride that is one of just a handful still in operation. Behind the oil tower is shockwave a double loop steel coater that opened around 1978 and was the tallest coaster in the world for a few weeks. The loch ness monster opened a few weeks later and claimed the tallest coaster title.
Oh man! We went today instead of Monday because of the weather. We get season passes every year. That would've been awesome to meet you in person. It's shame you caught it during bad weather
What?! I’m pretty sure that pirates “speelunking” ride used to be a “sams Wild West” ride featuring all the looney tunes character which would explain that weird part with the singing spelunkers. Man I loved that ride. That used to be the “love tunnel” where’d you take your date and make out lmao
I rode this one ride at Six Flags Over Texas in 2004 at Fright Fest and I can't remember the name of it. The ride lifted you up like an elevator and pushed you forward and then dropped you straight down down and slide on your back but you was in a cage like thing.
Man I was just going to say yesterday when you were at the ballpark you should check out Six Flags while you’re here, and you did! I haven’t been in 20 years.
The log ride that was closed was the first ever log flume! The one you rode was built to help relieve the lines created from the first one that could end up being 3hr + long!
Aww.. SFOT used to be great. Now it’s rundown. Food is awful- totally believable about the bad coffee. Hate that you missed Casa Magnetica- classic crooked house. Theming for it is totally off but still fun. Our family had passes for years but recently let them go because the park just isn’t worth it. It used to be beautifully themed in the ‘60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Now it’s so commercialized it’s unrecognizable. I’ve been going since the ‘70’s. Whole different park now and not good.
Yes, Six Flags is more valuable for its historical value than anything. I have been there off and on since the 70's. It was really something in its day. Thank goodness you were there while it wasn't 120 degrees on that black pavement. 😰 I believe the Mine Train was a first coaster of its kind also, with the first metal tube track ever made. Like I said, tons of history. Thanks Adam!
The first tubular coaster achievement belongs to Disneyland and the Matterhorn, but, Runaway Mine Train at SFOT is the first MineTrain themed coaster using tubular steel track.
Fright fest is usually pretty decent, but this year is set to be the best ever because they just announced IP houses that will be a thing for the first time chain wide.
This is my park. You came at crazy good time, cloudy, cool, light crowds. Most of the time I hit the Aquaman regularly to stay soaked. I didn't know about the pirates ride. It was Looney Tunes themed forever, another good place to cool off.
Haven't been to six over texas in about 30 years but it still looks the same just with some new rides. Cool seeing them repurpose the old time cars into a dino ride.
Who knew Texas' biggest attraction was the chair? Everything really is bigger in Texas! Your enthusiasm for quirky dark rides is infectious! The Pirates of the Speelunker Cave was quite the unique experience!! It's awesome that you made the most of your visit despite the weather and closures. Did you get to try any of those 'best brisket tacos ever'? curious if they lived up to the hype!
I always thought Sixflags were a little grander. Thanks for sharing Adam the Woo! You should ask for a taste test next time before paying that much for bad coffee!!😊
Six Flags Over Texas used to be a wonderfully themed park. It is now a poorly maintained carnival. You can see how they've let some of the older rides deteriorate. Very sad.