originally posted on 1/8/2024
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Warmer than average temperatures greeted 140 attendees from 20 states at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) on November 9. By nightfall, a cold front was expected to drop temperatures that would feel more appropriate for a Christmas event, but Feliz Fiesta delivered the holiday cheer in various ways.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Receiving event lanyards at check-in, attendees were escorted into the park early for first rides on Superman Krypton Coaster. Multiple trips on the Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) floorless coaster were possible before the public was admitted at noon and the park was opened.
Attendees started their day riding Superman Krypton Coaster.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
From there, a few hours of free time provided ACE members several options. Out-of-towners strived to get on all the coasters. If lines were ever an issue, the lanyard served as a Fast Lane pass. A fun holiday perk was access to the VIP lounge, where snacks and beverages awaited guests who had this privilege. Once shows began, several ACEers began enjoying the entertainment.
Access to the VIP lounge made for a great place to catch up and socialize.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Fiesta Texas offered numerous shows featuring live entertainment.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
By 5 p.m., the thermometer was feeling the chill. It was never cold, but it was enough of a change for people to don jackets and winter wear. Attendees gathered in a picnic pavilion for dinner, which happened to be a holiday meal with traditional fare including ham and turkey.
Park personnel Jorge Alverez, Jeff Filicko and Park President Jeffrey Siebert addressed the crowd, particularly on happenings at the park. ACE was the first to see renderings and logos for all the renames and rethemes of rides in the 2024 kids’ area makeover. The new DC Universe area will also be receiving three new rides from Zamperla.
Jorge Alvarez.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Jeff Filicko.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Jeffrey Siebert.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Six Flags revealed the rethemes, new names and logos for attractions in the new-for-2024 DC Universe.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Attendees were led through back areas as a shortcut to Rockville High, where ACEers were treated to premier seating at the park’s brand-new show, “A Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Spirited New Musical.” This new production was created in-house by the park, including all new music written specifically for the show.
“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Spirited New Musical” was an elaborate production for the park team.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.
Year after year, “The Majesty of Christmas” captivates crowds.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
From there, early entry into the Zaragoza Theater enabled ACEers to be front and center for the park’s legacy show, “The Majesty of Christmas.” It continues to dazzle year after year.
Attendees worked their way to the train station in Crackaxle Canyon. At closing time, an ACE-exclusive train ride took enthusiasts for a trip twice around the park, looking at the lights as the public continued to depart.
An ACE-exclusive train ride around the park was a fun way for attendees to occupy time while the park cleared out.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Soon, ACEers had another perk before them — a surprise hot chocolate bar! The warm refreshment made for a challenging choice between it and three coasters on offer for ERT: Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger (B&M dive coaster), Roadrunner Express (Arrow mine train) and the cliff-hopping Iron Rattler (Rocky Mountain Construction I-Box coaster). Owing to the joy of hot chocolate, ERT was extended to 10:30 p.m. for people to get in several rides.
Three rides were open for night ERT, including Iron Rattler.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The beauty of the park and the treats of the event helped to put everyone in a Christmas mood. If there was a humbug to be had, it was the disappointment of the new Kid Flash coaster not being operational. The trains had to be sent to Skyline Attractions for a new part, which attendees had been notified about prior to the event. So, for Kid Flash, it was a silent night.
Otherwise, the low-priced registration made for a day and night filled with fun extras and a bargain for attendees. ACE is thankful for the “angels” involved in preparing the event.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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