originally posted on 1/14/2022
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Sandwiched between two sunny, warm days, a surprising blustery and cold day descended on San Antonio. Regardless of the approaching winter making itself known, the annual Feliz Fiesta event at Six Flags Fiesta Texas still offered a day full of activities and rides. Registrations came from eight states. Not everyone’s travels panned out, but 149 people were able to set a record for the event on December 11.
Once inside, the attendees assembled for a group photo in front of the park’s massive Christmas tree in Rockville. From there, it was first rides of the day on Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster before the public was admitted.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Fiesta Texas’ Jeff Filicko and Jorge Alvarez informed attendees of the schedule.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
With hardly any time to grab lunch, special perks started happening fast. First was a tour of the construction area of Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger. The green rooms and backstage areas of the former Sundance Theater were retained to be part of the queue line experience (details of which are being kept under wraps until the ride’s debut). Soon, attendees gathered for a “hidden secrets” tour. Once everyone assembled in the back areas of the park, a guest appearance (performance?) from Dr. Diabolical herself greeted ACEers. She welcomed followers to examine her machine planned to debut in the summer of 2022. In other words, enthusiasts got to see track pieces and ride parts. Such opportunities always make for great photos. The duplicitous doctor even posed with several soon-to-be victims.
Dr. Diabolical posed with ACE attendees.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Park President Jeffrey Siebert.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Who doesn’t like fresh, new coaster parts?
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Once indoors in the park’s La Terraza private dining area, attendees were seated for a presentation by Park President Jeffrey Siebert. He explained all the background that went into the design of the Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster, the specific elements, the placement of the coaster and even the name choice that scored the worst in surveys. (FYI, it was “Hell Horse.”)
Following the presentation, it was back into the chill to enjoy the park however one wanted. Some explored the holiday menu items; others used the event lanyard to gain Flash Pass access to shorter wait times for rides.
Reserved seating was given for two shows; “My Christmas Card to You” prior to dinner and “Majesty of Christmas” following dinner. Both were excellent.
“The Majesty of Christmas” never fails to wow audiences.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Dinner was holiday fare (ham, turkey and traditional sides) back inside La Terraza once again. If pecan pie didn’t satisfy one’s sweet tooth, a second character interaction took place. Dread, one of Dr. Diabolical’s assistants, gave attendees the very first batch of Dr. Diabolical’s Youth Elixir. It was sweet, tangy and yummy. The bottle made for yet another collectible for the day, adding to the event button, pin and coaster layout card.
The park’s Chris Ozimek and Jorge Alvarez welcome attendees to dinner.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
The first batch of Dr. Diabolical’s Youth Elixir was rolled out to ACE members.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
One of the evening activities scheduled was an ACE-exclusive train ride; however, the train had other plans and that unfortunately didn’t pan out. Once closing hour arrived, attendees gathered in front of Superman Krypton Coaster for night ERT, coupled with hot chocolate and a toppings bar. Hot drinks! That was the ticket to pair with chilly rides. A members event was going on elsewhere in the park that ACEers were welcome to join, but most everyone stayed with the camaraderie of the Feliz Fiesta event.
A hot chocolate bar helped ward off the chill.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
A cold ERT on Superman Krypton Coaster closed out the night.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Despite the unexpected December cold, those in attendance were appreciative of the various courtesies and fun perks included in the day. All the efforts by park staff, including Siebert, Jeff Filicko, Chris Ozimek, Jorge Alvarez and Neil Kendall — and, of course, Dread and Dr. Diabolical — were taken to heart, and the support of ACE by Fiesta Texas is never taken for granted.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
#ACENews