Blogs

originally posted on 11/4/2024

Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) is always willing to host ACE events, so the traditional three a year are welcome to both locals and those who fly in from out of state. Whether it is to enjoy a specific festival or a cooler climate, attendees enjoy a well-organized event.

Fright Bash takes place each fall during the park’s Fright Fest. It is unquestionably one of the busiest times of the year, which makes it sound like a horrible time to visit. But … oh, no. It was great.

Fright Bash can be a long day, owing to the full hours of the park and activities on both ends. The park was open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A record 181 attendees made the 2024 edition of Fright Bash the largest ever.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Check-in started during the morning, and 181 registered attendees made it the largest Fright Bash to date. This allowed ACEers and their guests to beat the traffic in, as well as letting the parking lot clear out at night.

For many, it was the first opportunity to experience the new trains on Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster.

Attendees enjoyed a first ride of the day on Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster. This was the first opportunity for most enthusiasts to experience the new second-generation trains on the original Rocky Mountain Construction single-rail coaster. The restraints had a little more give, making it easier on the shoulders, but make no mistake, she’s still powerfully fierce!

There was a little bit of free time to grab lunch wherever one wanted in the park or hop on rides while lines were still manageable.

Attendees were given lights-on tours of two new haunted houses created specifically for this year’s Fright Fest.
Photo: Matthew Conner-Aquilera. View full-sized image.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

The next thing on the schedule occurred at 1 p.m., when ACEers were treated to a lights-on tour of two new haunted houses. They were based on popular television and movie series, “Stranger Things” and “The Conjuring Universe.” Between the two tours was a Q&A with park staff inside Rockville High. This allowed attendees to ask about how the haunts are set up and learn what was created in-house.

Attendees participated in a Q&A session with park personnel to find out more about the new haunts.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

The park was busy. Very! But fear not, the event credential was a treasure trove. The lanyard allowed attendees into the VIP lounge to cool off and grab a drink, it served as a Flash Pass and later on, it was an Express Pass into all the haunts. If one were to add up the value of just those perks, it was an amazing deal, particularly considering the low registration cost. A bargain!!

“Haunted Hollywood” was the first of Fiesta Texas’ many great Halloween shows.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Following the show, the performers interacted with attendees for photos.
Photo: Bert Smith. View full-sized image.

Reserved seating took place at four of the park’s shows, the first being “Haunted Hollywood” in the Zaragoza Theater. A great cast, great concept and a solid performance complemented the air-conditioning. (It was unusually warm for October.) Following the show, attendees went up on stage for a group photo and then got to interact with and meet the performers.

Dinner in the Picnic Grove was served before the sun set and the park took on a more sinister demeanor.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

At 5 p.m., everyone gathered in the Picnic Grove for a fantastic dinner. It had a slight Oktoberfest flair and was plentiful.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas has long been known for its entertainment, and reserved seating for attendees ensured it did not disappoint.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

The evening, while busy, let people use Flash Pass to jump on a few more rides or walk through a haunt or two. But reserved seating at “Rock Apocalypse: Anthems,” “Monster Mash Bash” and “Frightful Finale” was a welcome perk. All three shows were excellent.

Photos: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

View full-sized image.

Following “Frightful Finale,” the park naturally began to empty, even though the park was still open a little longer. ACEers hopped on one last ride or journeyed through a haunt before ERT started.

Dr. Diabolical was being diabolical during ERT.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

The ride session was to include Iron Rattler, Road Runner Express and Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger. Prior to the event, attendees were notified that the mine train was going to be down because of a lift issue. However, the evil doctor was throwing a snit of sorts and had some problems operationally. Hopeful attendees waited it out until the situation was rectified, but most ACEers were perfectly content to ride Iron Rattler to their heart’s content. The RMC I-Box coaster is delightful at night. Eventually, those who were waiting (including a handful of people with the general public!) got to ride the diabolical doctor’s contraption after midnight.

Appreciation went to Jorge Alvarez and Jeff Filicko.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

As midnight (or later) rolled around, the parking lot had become manageable, and the long day had come to an end. The event was tremendous fun. The entire park team was involved in making it great, but Marketing Director Jeff Filicko and Marketing Supervisor Jorge Alverez were the leaders in making sure ACE had a great time, along with Marketing Coordinator Michael Bacica who helped set up the event, and appreciation was shown to them for a job well done.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News

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