Blogs

originally posted on 7/28/2025

Photo: David Lipnicky. View full-sized image.

The closing of an amusement park is always sad, and the rumblings for the past year prepared ACE members for what seemed an inevitable announcement. On July 14, ZDT’s Amusement Park (Seguin, Texas) announced that the park would be shutting its doors for good.

The park’s statement to enthusiasts read:

“Hello to all our coaster friends,

“We have been honored to provide smiles and thrills for 18+ years! Due to increasing operational challenges, we have made the difficult decision to close ZDT’s. Our last operating day will be August 17. We sincerely appreciate the coaster community for all of the support you have shown us over the last 10 years. Please come out for one last visit!”

ZDT’s opened in 2007 with an indoor arcade, followed by go karts.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

When ZDT’s opened in 2007, it was primarily an indoor arcade. Over time, it became more of a family entertainment center with its go karts and eventually a small amusement park with various rides and some waterslides. The name of the park derives from the initials of the children of owners Danny and Sarah Donhauser: Zac, Danielle and Tiffany.

The park was small, but it had many charms.

ZDT’s Switchback dominates the park, being its flagship attraction while stretching from one end of the midway to the other.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Photo: Dave Jackson. View full-sized image.

At the center of it all was Switchback, the world’s only wooden shuttle coaster. Designed by The Gravity Group, the roller coaster was a clever, little gem that had notable features. Its height was 64 feet with a dandy first drop. The eight-passenger Timberliner trains from GravityKraft are zippy, owing to their short length. As they sizzle through the layout, the trains maneuver through a 104-degree overbanked turn — going both directions. Midway through the ride, passengers head skyward. A vertical spike reverses the direction and sends riders back through the entire course, making it only partially up the first drop. A short brake run at the bottom of the first drop holds the train until a section of transfer track points the train back to the station.

Because of its unique nature, enthusiasts hope that someone can step forward to relocate the ride.

“The first year, Danny reached out to industry friends informing them Switchback was for sale,” Sarah told ACE News. “The following year, Danny gave The Gravity Group the go-ahead to include signage at their IAAPA Expo booth to let more of the industry know Switchback was for sale. Following our announcement to the public in July, The Gravity Group has received multiple inquiries. Though no parks have pulled the trigger yet, we remain hopeful that Switchback will be sold and moved. Several parks are currently considering it.”

Of prime concern is the future of the park’s unique and aptly named Switchback coaster.

For coaster fans, that’s a glimmer of good news, but relocations are quite involved, so enthusiasts remain hopeful with fingers crossed.

Thanks to engaged ownership, ZDT’s hosted ACE at its small but impressive facility.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Many ACE members have visited ZDT’s. When the park was a co-host of Coaster Con XL, one of the endearing aspects of the property was the amazing amusement industry murals within the main building. From the Loch Ness Monster to a Chance Turbo, the paintings are pure gold to park fans.

The main building features whimsical amusement industry murals.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

When asked if any of that can be saved, Sarah said, “We already have a renter lined up for the main building, and we are happy to say that she wants to keep the artwork for nostalgia!”

Regarding the coaster, several ACEers enjoyed food and beverages on the patio of the event space, Turning Point. Just beyond a clear window, guests could watch the coaster roar past them both forward and backward. Within Turning Point were some historic artifacts believed to be from the defunct Playland Park in San Antonio.

ZDT’s has always been a family-run business. Danny laboriously kept Switchback in fine condition, using ipe wood on track replacement.

So, what does the future look like for the Donhauser family?

“For the next year and a half, Danny and I will be getting the rest of our buildings and property ready to rent/sell,” Sarah said. “Yes, I will be doing manual labor acting as Danny's assistant, and I am looking forward to it! Once we complete these projects, we will relax and enjoy life as planned!”

ZDT’s Amusement Park is the vision of owners Danny and Sarah Donhauser.
Photo: courtesy ZDT’s Amusement Park. View full-sized image.

And the kids? Sarah gives the skinny on the Z, D and T:

“Zac is looking forward to the freedom to explore other opportunities, most likely in the tech world. Zac has a biomedical engineering degree, and for those who don't know, he built and maintains our website, party booking software, online sales, memberships and point of sale. He also does our bookkeeping, payroll, inventory and accounting. Though all three children grew up working at the park, Zac is the only one who stuck around full time. Though we used to wish to entice the girls to eventually return, honestly the revenue stream was not in favor of trying to bring them back. We used to envision Danielle likely becoming our public relations/marketing person and Tiffany bringing animals into the ZDT's realm. Danielle currently does our social media part time and on occasion works rides and kitchen while juggling other part-time jobs that enable her to travel as she wishes, including being the social media manager for her favorite podcaster, personal training and nutrition coaching and house-sitting. When ZDT's journey ends, I guess she will have more time for her travel and foodie blogging she enjoys. Tiffany rarely works at ZDT's these days, as she currently lives in Waco where her husband is attending Baylor Law. While in town she sometimes helps Danny with projects. Tiffany currently works as a veterinary technician at a nonprofit vet clinic while taking remaining prerequisites and applying to veterinary school.”

Anyone wanting to take one last ride or visit the park for the first time has until August 17.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News

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