originally posted on 12/23/2024
All Photos: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
On a bright and cheerful Sunday morning, 34 ACE members gathered in Seguin, Texas — a town famous for being home to the world’s largest pecan. Even more important, it is home to ZDT’s Amusement Park, which is home to the iconic Switchback, the world’s first and only wooden shuttle coaster.
With the vertical element that gives the coaster its name, Switchback was the first stop of the day so attendees could get a close look at its motor house.
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View full-sized image.
ZDT’s Amusement Park once again welcomed ACE with open arms and warm hospitality. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by park owners Sarah and Danny Donhauser. Sarah distributed all-day wristbands that granted unlimited access to rides, attractions and video games, while Danny treated the group to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Switchback’s motor house — a rare and exciting glimpse into the inner workings of this groundbreaking coaster.
Competitive juices flowed freely on the park’s ThunderVolt Speedway GoKarts as well as inside its arcade.
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View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
With the motor house tour complete, the fun ramped up with an hour of ERT on Switchback and the park’s thrilling ThunderVolt Speedway GoKarts. The electric go karts, featuring a turbo boost button for added acceleration, brought high-speed excitement to the morning.
The Midway Party Room came to life with a game of Jeopardy created by park co-owner Sarah Donhauser.
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View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
After ERT, ACE members gathered in the Midway Party Room, where a delicious spread of hot dogs, onion rings and fried Oreos awaited the hungry crowd. The day continued with a spirited round of ACE Jeopardy, expertly created by Sarah Donhauser. After fierce competition, “Who is Jeremy Simons, Michael Estrada and Steven Willet?” would be the correct answer for the question, “Which team won the trivia contest?”
Switchback is one of the reasons why ZDT’s is a unique amusement park.
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As a final token of appreciation, attendees received ZDT’s towels, a perfect keepsake to remember the day.
ACE South Central extends gratitude to the Donhauser family and the team at ZDT’s for its exceptional hospitality and for making ACE Day 2024 another unforgettable event. ACE can’t wait to return!
— Jeremy Simons
#ACENews