originally posted on 1/29/2024
Photo: Donnie Ratliff. View full-sized image.
The ACE South Central Region got into the holiday spirit a little early this year by hosting back-to-back events in November. First, on Saturday, November 18, nearly 70 ACE members and guests gathered at SeaWorld San Antonio (Texas) for the ACE South Central region's annual holiday event at the famous animal and thrill park. Picture perfect weather greeted attendees as SeaWorld provided ERT on Texas Stingray, Tidal Surge and other attractions in the area.
Some attendees spent time on Tidal Surge, the park’s Screaming Swing.
Photo: Krystal Knutson. View full-sized image.
Ray Gonzalez was a guest speaker at the first of two meals generously offered by the park.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Following morning ERT, guests were treated to the first of not one, but two different catered meals for the day. During lunch, Ray Gonzalez, leader marketing — loyalty and consumer activation, welcomed all attendees to the event and thanked everyone for participating. After lunch, ACEers were free to enjoy all the park's various rides, animal shows and special holiday entertainment.
In addition to rides and meals, attendees enjoyed SeaWorld San Antonio’s wealth of animal shows and exhibits.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.
As evening approached, attendees enjoyed the amazingly decorated park and were also treated to reserved seating to the return engagement of SeaWorld's Christmas show, "O Wondrous Night: The Greatest Story Never Told” — the story of the Nativity as seen through the eyes of the animals who experienced it.
ACEers enjoyed priority seating for “O Wondrous Night: The Greatest Story Never Told” and delighted in the park’s holiday decorations.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
After the performance, everyone gathered for the day's second catered meal. SeaWorld surprised attendees with a special door prize drawing for several lucky winners. Following dinner, everyone had ample time to enjoy the park’s holiday decorations, and after the park’s closing, attendees enjoyed ERT on Great White, Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster and Steel Eel to complete the full day of fun.
Night ERT included time on the park’s Steel Eel.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
The following day, ACEers met at ZDT’s Amusement Park.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Following the SeaWorld event, the ACE South Central region held a separate event on Sunday, November 19, at ZDT’s Amusement Park in Seguin, Texas. Nearly 50 ACE members and guests, including members who traveled all the way from Nevada, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Minnesota, gathered at the family-owned attraction. Attendees enjoyed a morning of complimentary classic arcade games along with ERT on the Switchback wood shuttle coaster and Thundervolt Speedway GoKarts.
Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed the park’s arcade and Thundervolt Speedway GoKarts.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Guests then enjoyed a lunch of the ever-popular grilled bun hot dogs and Sara Donhauser’s homemade cookies. Following lunch, Sara who seemingly has taken the crown of creative games mastermind from Tim Baldwin, concocted a special game that challenged everyone in attendance to name a specific coaster based on information given. Some coasters were easy to identify, but many had even seasoned ACE members stumped. Alex Rigsby was the last one standing and took home a special prize from ZDT’s.
As was to be expected, Switchback was a hit with attendees.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
ACE South Central extended its gratitude to everyone at SeaWorld San Antonio who made the event possible, including David Camarillo, marketing events coordinator; Gonzalez for his continued hospitality; and Danny and Sara Donhauser at ZDT’s Amusement Park for their work hosting the region every fall. ACE South Central is proud to continue to support ZDT’s with this annual event and encourages all members to support local family-owned parks so they can remain for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
— Jeff Braziel, ACE South Central Assistant Regional Representative
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