Six Flags announces new rides, attractions for 2008

Six Flags has announced a large-scale capital expansion plan for the 2008 operating season, an investment that is one of the largest in the company's history. "In 2006 our capital efforts were focused on cleaning up the parks -- improving guest

service and restoring the image of the Six Flags brand," said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO. "Last season we made great strides in balancing the parks' rides and attractions by adding family offerings like Wiggles World and Thomas Town. In 2008, we round out the revitalization of the company with the unprecedented introduction of seven coasters and new thrill attractions that will equally appeal to teens and families." The expansion includes the construction of several new coasters and attractions, which are highlighted below.

The Dark Knight Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Great America and Six Flags New England — Based on the upcoming film The Dark Knight, this indoor dark coaster, rumored to be a standard Mack Wild Mouse, features DC Comics' characters Batman and The Joker.

"The Dark Knight Coaster will transform guests into citizens of Gotham City, where they find themselves caught in the middle of a city under siege and torn apart by The Joker. Venturing through demented hallways of twists, turns and hallucinatory images, riders speed through six 180-degree hairpin turns, climb unseen hills, plunge into pitch darkness and dip into unforeseen danger."

The Evel Knievel Wooden Roller Coaster at Six Flags St. Louis — This GCI wooden coaster features 2,700 ft. of track and an 80 ft. first drop, as well as a 55 ft. double down drop.

"The ultimate thrill seeker himself, Knievel said of the partnership: 'I've been thrilling people all my life with death defying stunts. What better way to create a new generation of Evel Knievel fans than by partnering with Six Flags for this exciting attraction.' In addition, the queue line will feature rare video footage of many of Knievel's record-setting moments and breath-taking crashes."

Tony Hawk's Big Spin at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom — A Gerstlauer spinning coaster, "this unique spinning coaster gives riders the opportunity to defy gravity just like the skateboarding legend himself. With random and unpredictable twists and spins at each dip and turn, this coaster offers a unique ride experience every time."

Goliath The Ultimate Inverted Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas — "Adding a powerful new dimension of thrill technology to an already impressive coaster line-up, Goliath will feature a unique radiating blue steel track and high-speed yellow, blue and orange trains that suspend riders from the coaster track. Once aboard the suspended 28-passenger trains, the bottom drops out from beneath the riders and they soar out of the station four abreast to experience spine-tingling gravitational forces and the sensation of racing at 50 mph with nothing beneath their feet but earth and sky."

The Wiggles World at Six Flags Great Escape — "A huge success in 2007, Wiggles World is designed to leverage The Wiggles' world-wide recognition and status among children ages 2-6, featuring rides, shows and attractions the entire family can enjoy. The new children's area will include specially- themed Wiggles rides, including The Big Red Car and The Big Red Plane rides, as well as a new retail location and a Yummy Yummy Cafe. In addition, The Wiggles are scheduled to appear at the park on a to-be-announced date in 2008. The Great Escape also will debut a thrilling new waterslide, Wild Wedgie, in its Splashwater Kingdom water park."

Thomas the Tank Engine at Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Magic Mountain — Another hit from 2007, this attraction entertains children of all ages, offering families a train ride through Thomas' mythical home on the Island of Sodor, Thomas-themed play areas, and appearances by Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway, who will pose for photos and greet visitors. A Thomas & Friends store located within the areas will feature an assortment of merchandise.

Glow in the Park Parade at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Mexico — "Six Flags is taking the parade concept to a new level as drummers, puppeteers, singers, dancers and kinetic stilt walkers bring the park streets to life with an unparalleled nighttime fantasyland of sound, light and motion. Glow in the Park features the latest parade technology, state-of-the-art floats and special effects with thousands of sparkling lights adorning every element of this uniquely themed parade."