originally posted on 10/20/2025
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
The 2025 ACE Preservation Conference brought together 127 members for three incredible days celebrating classic coasters, historic rides and the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve amusement park history. From August 8 to 10, ACE visited three of California’s most iconic parks: Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego and Belmont Park. Each location offered a different perspective on preservation, from technological milestones to environmental awareness to a rare centennial celebration.
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Registration volunteers welcome attendees and distribute badges at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
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The event began Friday morning at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, where members checked in early and received prepurchased event T-shirts (designed by Jason Wright) before heading into the park. Throughout the day, ACE attendees experienced the thrills of world-famous coasters while also recognizing their historical importance.
Ninja.
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New Revolution.
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New Revolution’s ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque was dedicated in 2002, when the coaster’s name was still Revolution.
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From Viper, the last operating Arrow seven-looper, to Gold Rusher, the park’s first roller coaster dating back to 1971, Six Flags Magic Mountain offered a ride-through history lesson. Ninja, an Arrow suspended coaster that swoops through the terrain, and Revolution, an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark known as the world’s first modern vertical loop coaster, rounded out a lineup that perfectly reflects ACE’s dedication to preserving attractions of significance.
Events Director Dan Jones and Communications Director Derek Perry present a thank-you gift to Six Flags Magic Mountain.
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A group photo in Full Throttle Plaza brought everyone together in the early afternoon, followed by a buffet lunch in the shadows of Viper. Members were treated to a classic theme park spread of chicken tenders, hot dogs, mac and cheese, salad and ice cream novelties, along with a presentation of an ACE gift to the host park.
An up-close look at Twisted Colossus and Goliath.
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Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers was a popular family coaster.
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West Coast Racers.
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Later in the day, a behind-the-scenes tour of Twisted Colossus and Goliath gave attendees a rare look at the operations and design behind two of the park’s signature attractions, including the strong G-force finale of Goliath.
Twisted Colossus.
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Goliath.
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Scream!
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After the park closed to the public, ACE members had exclusive ride time on Twisted Colossus, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage and Goliath, wrapping up the day with coaster runs under the stars.
Jewels of the Sea.
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Saturday took attendees to SeaWorld San Diego, where the focus shifted to environmental preservation and the connection between education and amusement. Attendees had the chance to explore marine exhibits and thrill rides throughout the day, and at noon, lunch was served in Nautilus Pavilion, where members enjoyed pasta dishes with a variety of sauces, salads, garlic breadsticks and dessert while SeaWorld’s jellyfish made a special appearance. The lunch also included a Q&A with SeaWorld San Diego's Jim Potter and an opportunity to reflect on the unique role SeaWorld plays in conservation and education.
Dan Jones presents SeaWorld’s Jim Potter with a token of ACE’s appreciation for the hospitality.
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Emperor.
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The group gathered again in the afternoon for a photo near the waterfront by the Bayside Skyride, a scenic Von Roll skyride that glides over Mission Bay and stands as one of the last of its kind in operation. Another standout from SeaWorld’s historic lineup is the Skytower, a 320-foot observation tower that has been offering panoramic views of the San Diego coast since 1969. These attractions reflect a different kind of preservation, where thoughtful ride design complements the park’s environmental mission. The day ended with a splash of exclusive ride time, this time making it a "shore" thing that there would be multiple rides on Electric Eel and Emperor for everyone.
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A behind-the-scenes tour of Giant Dipper began the day at Belmont Park.
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Sunday’s visit to Belmont Park in San Diego offered something truly rare: the chance to celebrate a roller coaster’s 100th birthday. Giant Dipper, the park’s iconic wooden coaster, turned 100 this year, and ACE marked the milestone with a full morning and afternoon of festivities. Members arrived early to pick up their wristbands and enjoy coffee and breakfast in the Coaster Terrace lounge. A behind-the-scenes tour of Giant Dipper including the lift wheel and maintenance bay started the day, followed by exclusive ride time on Giant Dipper before the park opened to the public.
ACE officials present Belmont Park with the Centennial Coaster award along with a photo of Giant Dipper as a thanks for the hospitality.
Photo: Lauryn Heller. View full-sized image.
After ERT, ACE History and Preservation Director Josh Brown presented ACE's first-ever Centennial Coaster Plaque to Giant Dipper, a rare honor that recognizes a roller coaster built 100 years ago. The award ceremony was followed by a festive fiesta overlooking the park and Pacific Ocean featuring carnitas, adobo chicken, beans, rice and fresh tortillas with all the toppings. Members then gathered for a group photo and attended a special presentation by ACE honorary member Tim Cole, who played a key role in the 1980s Save the Coaster campaign. His work, in partnership with the Save the Coaster Committee and with support from ACE, helped save Giant Dipper from demolition and ensured that future generations could continue to experience this classic wooden coaster.
ACE honorary member Tim Cole recounted the work of the Save the Coaster Committee.
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Throughout the weekend, ACE members had opportunities to connect in smaller peer group meetups through the Connected by Coasters program. Whether riding with other teens and young adults, solo travelers, LGBTQ+ riders or fellow preservationists, these casual gatherings offered ways for members to build community and share rides with others who share their passion and perspective.
A meetup of Women Love Coasters gathered for a ride on Emperor at SeaWorld San Diego.
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ACE partnered with Women Love Coasters for a special ride on Emperor, and participants agreed that meetups like these are a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts since everyone is welcome to attend any meetup ACE offers.
This year’s conference organized by ACE Events Director Dan Jones and his team was a powerful reminder of why ACE continues its mission to preserve the legacy of roller coasters and the parks that operate them. From the engineering achievements honored at Six Flags Magic Mountain to SeaWorld San Diego’s commitment to combining entertainment with environmental awareness and finally to the 100-year celebration of Giant Dipper at Belmont Park, each stop on the conference schedule highlighted a different kind of preservation story. These parks, and the rides within them, continue to inspire not only because of the thrills they deliver, but because of the histories they carry and the futures ACE is helping to protect.
— Derek Perry, ACE Communications Director
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