Menu
Home Explore People Places Arts History Plants & Animals Science Life & Culture Technology
On this page
SkyScreamer
Series of rides at Six Flags parks

SkyScreamer is an amusement ride located at several Six Flags theme parks in North America. Designed by Funtime, an Austrian ride manufacturer, the attraction is one of their "Star Flyer" models.

Riders aboard SkyScreamer are carried aloft in two-person swing-like chairs attached to a rotating gondola mounted on a central tower. When the gondola reaches the top of the tower, riders are swung in a wide circle at speeds approaching 43 miles per hour (69 km/h), with a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. The ride is marketed to both thrill-ride enthusiasts and patrons seeking a more family-friendly experience.

Related Image Collections Add Image
We don't have any YouTube videos related to SkyScreamer yet.
We don't have any PDF documents related to SkyScreamer yet.
We don't have any Books related to SkyScreamer yet.

History

The first two SkyScreamers were announced in late 2010 for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Six Flags St. Louis for the 2011 season.12 On May 14, 2011, SkyScreamer officially opened at Six Flags St. Louis,3 where it replaced the Riverview Racer.4 On May 27, 2011, SkyScreamer made its debut at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, adjacent to the Medusa roller coaster.5

In September 2011, Six Flags announced the addition of SkyScreamer to two more parks, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Six Flags Great Adventure.67 On January 19, 2012, Six Flags announced that La Ronde would also receive a Star Flyer tower.8 On May 19, 2012, La Ronde opened their attraction, using the name Vol Ultime (French for "Ultimate Flight") instead of SkyScreamer.9 On May 23, 2012, Six Flags Great Adventure opened SkyScreamer as part of their new Adventure Alley section, which was based around the idea of retro-style amusement rides.10 On May 27, 2012, Six Flags Fiesta Texas opened their SkyScreamer in the Spassburg section of the park; season passholders were allowed to experience the ride one day earlier.11

In July 2012, Six Flags New England submitted plans to the city of Agawam, Massachusetts requesting special approval to construct a 385-foot-tall (117 m) Star Flyer ride, as the proposed height exceeded the city's height limit.12 The approval was granted a week later, with an additional conditional approval to build as tall as 410 feet (125 m), in case a competing park built a taller model first.13 The planning documents revealed that the ride would replace the park's Skycoaster, "Taz's Dare Devil Dive" as well as the former spot of "Catapult".14

However, when Six Flags announced its 2013 capital investments in August 2012, the Six Flags New England Star Flyer was not included.15 Instead, two other parks, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia, were set to receive SkyScreamer attractions.1617 Six Flags Over Georgia's 242-foot (74 m) version replaced the Wheelie and officially debuted on May 24, 2013, after two weekends of passholder previews.1819 Six Flags Over Texas' model, dubbed the Texas SkyScreamer, was awarded the title of the "world's tallest swing carousel ride" by Guinness World Records.20 Although reports suggested it took this record from the 117-metre-tall (384 ft) Prater Turm in Vienna, Austria,21 Eclipse at Gröna Lund actually held the record for a period of a month standing at 120 metres (390 ft), 3 metres (9.8 ft) shorter than the Texas SkyScreamer.22

On August 29, 2013, Six Flags announced that they would be adding the New England SkyScreamer to Six Flags New England in 2014.23 The over 400-foot-tall ride debuted officially on May 23, 2014, in the park's North End section.24 At the time of its debut, New England SkyScreamer held the title for the tallest swing ride.

As part of its 2015 attractions presentation on August 28, 2014, Six Flags announced that Six Flags Mexico will be the next park to receive a SkyScreamer, a 242-foot (74 m) model and the only attraction of its kind in Latin America.25

Two years later after the announcement of Six Flags Mexico addition, Six Flags announced that they would be adding yet another Funtime Star Flyer for the 2017 season after a hiatus of building the swing ride back to back. Six Flags America announced on September 1, 2016, that for the following season they would be constructing the tallest ride in the park, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth a 242-foot (74 m) SkyScreamer.26 The ride would become one of the first SkyScreamers to be themed to a DC Comics character. Six Flags Mexico rethemed their SkyScreamer to Supergirl in 2018 to be a part of the new theme area the tower was already located in. Also in 2018, Six Flags added a SkyScreamer installation to Six Flags Darien Lake for the 2019 season. The 242-foot-tall ride was labeled the tallest ride in the state of New York.

From 2019 to 2023, there had been no other news with the SkyScreamer attractions at the Six Flags parks. Six Flags announced for the 2024 season, Six Flags Fiesta Texas' SkyScreamer would be rethemed to Supergirl, as the park expands their new DC Universe themed land in parts of Spassburg.27

Ride experience

While the heights of the various SkyScreamer installations vary from park to park, the basic operation of the ride is consistent. Riders sit in one of 16 two-seat chairs connected to a gondola mounted on a central tower, which brings the gondola up and down.28 A seat belt is placed over the rider's waist to keep them firmly in their seat, and a lap bar is fastened into place.29 When the ride cycle begins, the gondola rises to the top of the tower, beginning to spin slowly around the central tower and picking up speed as it ascends further.30 By the time it reaches the top, it rotates around the tower at its full speed of approximately 43 miles per hour (69 km/h), with riders rotating around the tower in a circle 98 feet (30 m) in diameter.31 The gondola remains at the top of the tower for a period of time, then it descends and slows down slightly before returning to the top.32 At the end of the cycle, the gondola lowers to the ground and slows its rotation such that, by the time it reaches the bottom of the tower, all rotation ceases and the riders are able to depart. Optionally, SkyScreamer can be set to rotate in the opposite direction during its cycle, such that riders are traveling backwards. Thus far, the installations at St. Louis, Discovery Kingdom, Fiesta Texas, New England and La Ronde have operated in this manner, with each running them in this mode during special events or as a limited-time promotion.333435

The New England SkyScreamer and Texas SkyScreamer differ from the standard models, although the actual ride experience is intended to be the same. The gondola of the two rides hold 12 two-seat chairs instead of 16.36 When the gondola reaches full height, the chairs rotate in a larger circle—124 feet (38 m)—but at a slower speed—35 miles per hour (56 km/h).3738

Installations

All rides were installed by Ride Entertainment Group, who handle all of Funtime's operations in North America.3940

NameParkAreaHeightOpening dateRefs
SkyScreamerSix Flags St. LouisIllinois72 metres or 236 feetMay 14, 20114142
SkyScreamerSix Flags Discovery KingdomSky46 metres or 151 feetMay 27, 201143
Vol UltimeLa Ronde45 metres or 148 feetMay 19, 201244
SkyScreamerSix Flags Great AdventureAdventure Alley74 metres or 243 feetMay 22, 201245
Supergirl Sky FlightSix Flags Fiesta TexasDC Universe61 metres or 200 feetMay 27, 201246
SkyScreamerSix Flags Over GeorgiaLickskillet74 metres or 243 feetMay 24, 201347
Texas SkyScreamerSix Flags Over TexasUSA122 metres or 400 feetMay 25, 2013
New England SkyScreamerSix Flags New EnglandNorth End122 metres or 400 feetMay 23, 201448
Supergirl Sky FlightSix Flags MexicoHollywood74 metres or 243 feetMarch 7, 201549
North StarValleyfair70 metres or 230 feetMay 2, 2017
Wonder Woman Lasso of TruthSix Flags AmericaGotham City74 metres or 243 feetJune 13, 2017
SkyScreamerSix Flags Darien Lake74 metres or 243 feetMay 18, 2019

Reception

SkyScreamer has been described as being a "classic" and "retro" ride by the press.5051 It is marketed as a compromise between riders who prefer roller coasters and similar thrills and those who prefer more family-friendly rides.5253 Roller coaster enthusiasts, who are often sought out to sample new thrill rides, have been generally positive about the attractions. Frankie Gobel, a roller coaster fan whose father, Charlie Gobel, wrote a book about their experiences entitled Flying With Frankie: Three Hundred Days in Amusement Parks Riding Roller Coasters With My Son, described the ride as not being "your typical swing set" commenting that "It’s not too intense for Mom or too dull for a teenager. It’s the perfect family ride - assuming your family has a strong stomach."54

Gary Slade, the publisher of Amusement Today magazine, said that while SkyScreamer doesn't have the same drawing power as a new roller coaster, it still was the type of ride parks needed to install to keep guests returning.55 Slade said, in regards to the attraction at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, "I think it's really going to be a huge hit for them."56

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Funtime StarFlyers.

References

  1. Brady MacDonald (October 7, 2010). "Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to add tower swing ride for 2011". latimes.com. Tribune Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-oct-07-la-trb-skyscreamer-six-flags-20111007-story.html

  2. Evan S. Benn (September 16, 2010). "More rides, more fun: Six Flags to add SkyScreamer". stltoday.com. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/house-o-fun/more-rides-more-fun-six-flags-to-add-skyscreamer/article_feb324e2-c1b2-11df-8461-0017a4a78c22.html

  3. Huy Mach (May 16, 2011). "Video: Take a peek at Six Flags' new SkyScreamer ride". stltoday.com. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/video-take-a-peek-at-six-flags-new-skyscreamer-ride/vmix_9bdafd30-7d8d-11e0-8fd7-0019bb30f31a.html

  4. Six Flags St. Louis (September 16, 2010). "where is the ride..." Facebook. Retrieved February 10, 2013. https://www.facebook.com/sixflagsstlouis/posts/141849725857594?comment_id=1203839&offset=0&total_comments=62

  5. Amy Maginnis-Honey (May 25, 2011). "Six Flags launches new ride with support from Travis AFB". dailyrepublic.com. Fairfield-Suisun Daily Republic. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.dailyrepublic.com/featured-stories/six-flags-launches-new-ride-with-support-from-travis-afb/

  6. Guillermo X. Garcia (September 2, 2011). "SkyScreamer ride to be built". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/SkyScreamer-ride-to-be-built-2153407.php

  7. "Great Adventure, Dorney Park announce new rides for 2012". NJ.com. New Jersey On-Line LLC. September 1, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/great_adventure_dorney_park_an.html

  8. La Ronde (January 19, 2012). "La Ronde will set the limit in 2012 with its upcoming new extreme tower ride" (PDF). Press Release. Six Flags. Retrieved January 19, 2012. http://www.laronde.com/global/Releases/com_vol_ultime_en.pdf

  9. "La Ronde ouvre ses portes et nous entraîne dans son Vol Ultime!". quebec.huffingtonpost.ca (in French). Huffington Post. May 19, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/05/17/la-ronde-vol-ultime_n_1525339.html

  10. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  11. William Pack (May 23, 2012). "New ride screams onto park scene". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/New-ride-screams-onto-park-scene-3578044.php

  12. Constantine, Sandra (July 23, 2012). "Six Flags New England seeks to build world's tallest swing set ride in Agawam". News Article. MassLive.com. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/six_flags_new_england_wants_to.html

  13. Constantine, Sandra (July 30, 2012). "Six Flags New England gets Agawam OK to build highest swing set ride in world". News Article. MassLive.com. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/six_flags_new_england_gets_agawam_ok_highest_swing_set_ride.html

  14. Constantine, Sandra (July 30, 2012). "Six Flags New England gets Agawam OK to build highest swing set ride in world". News Article. MassLive.com. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/six_flags_new_england_gets_agawam_ok_highest_swing_set_ride.html

  15. "Six Flags New for 2013". SixFlags.com. Retrieved August 30, 2012. http://content.sixflags.com/newfor2013

  16. Karen Robinson-Jacobs (August 30, 2012). "Six Flags plans to launch world's tallest swing ride next spring". dallasnews.com. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/six-flags-plans-to-launch-worlds-tallest-swing-ride-next-spring.html/

  17. Beth Sawicki (August 30, 2012). "Six Flags, White Water unveil new rides". 11alive.com. Pacific and Southern Company. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.11alive.com/news/article/254416/40/Six-Flags-White-Water-unveil-new-rides

  18. Beth Sawicki (August 30, 2012). "Six Flags, White Water unveil new rides". 11alive.com. Pacific and Southern Company. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.11alive.com/news/article/254416/40/Six-Flags-White-Water-unveil-new-rides

  19. Tom Kelley (May 10, 2013). "Six Flags' SkyScreamer gets you in the swing of things at 24 stories". myajc.com. Cox Newspapers, Inc. Retrieved May 11, 2013. http://www.myajc.com/news/entertainment/six-flags-skyscreamer-gets-you-in-the-swing-of-thi/nXnP9/?icmp=ajc_internallink_textlink_apr2013_ajcstubtomyajc_launch

  20. "Guinness World Records certifies Six Flags' Texas SkyScreamer as 'world's tallest swing ride'". The Dallas Morning News. July 9, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2013. http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/07/texas-skyscreamer-tagged-worlds-tallest-swing-ride-by-guinness-world-records.html/

  21. "Guinness World Records certifies Six Flags' Texas SkyScreamer as 'world's tallest swing ride'". The Dallas Morning News. July 9, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2013. http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/07/texas-skyscreamer-tagged-worlds-tallest-swing-ride-by-guinness-world-records.html/

  22. "Officially the world's tallest Star Flyer!". Park World Magazine. Datateam Business Media Limited. June 13, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2013. http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2484/Officially_the_world_s_tallest_Star_Flyer!.html

  23. "New for 2014". August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/

  24. Kristi Palma (June 4, 2014). "New SkyScreamer Ride at Six Flags New England Inspires Photos, Videos, Tears". boston.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved July 28, 2014. http://www.boston.com/travel/new-england/2014/06/04/new-skyscreamer-ride-six-flags-new-england-inspires-photos-videos-tears/isS9wUFyVaF6vu30ub93oO/story.html

  25. "Six Flags México anuncia emociones de altura con el nuevo SkyScreamer". sixflags.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved August 28, 2014. http://www.sixflags.com.mx/noticias/nota.asp?TablaID=1&ID=407

  26. "Six Flags America Announces New WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth to Open in 2017". Six Flags. Retrieved September 1, 2016. https://www.sixflags.com/america/newsroom/six-flags-america-announces-new-wonder-woman-lasso-truth-open-2017

  27. King, Cody (August 27, 2023). "Three new attractions coming to Six Flags Fiesta Texas next summer". KSAT-TV (in Spanish). Retrieved August 30, 2023. https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/08/27/three-new-attractions-coming-to-six-flags-fiesta-texas/

  28. Amy Maginnis-Honey (May 25, 2011). "Six Flags launches new ride with support from Travis AFB". dailyrepublic.com. Fairfield-Suisun Daily Republic. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.dailyrepublic.com/featured-stories/six-flags-launches-new-ride-with-support-from-travis-afb/

  29. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  30. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  31. Amy Maginnis-Honey (May 25, 2011). "Six Flags launches new ride with support from Travis AFB". dailyrepublic.com. Fairfield-Suisun Daily Republic. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.dailyrepublic.com/featured-stories/six-flags-launches-new-ride-with-support-from-travis-afb/

  32. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  33. "Six Flags St. Louis Presents Expanded Fright Fest with Extra Days, New Haunted Attractions and More Scare Zones". The Wall Street Journal. September 23, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2014. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/six-flags-st-louis-presents-expanded-fright-fest-with-extra-days-new-haunted-attractions-and-more-scare-zones-2013-09-23

  34. "Experience Surprising Twirling Thrills On Skyscreamer Backwards". Six Flags. March 19, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014. https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/newsroom/SkyScreamer-Backwards

  35. "Vol Ultime". sixflags.com. Six Flags. Retrieved June 6, 2014. http://www.laronde.com/larondeen/vol_ultime.asp

  36. Karen Robinson-Jacobs (August 30, 2012). "Six Flags plans to launch world's tallest swing ride next spring". dallasnews.com. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/six-flags-plans-to-launch-worlds-tallest-swing-ride-next-spring.html/

  37. Karen Robinson-Jacobs (August 30, 2012). "Six Flags plans to launch world's tallest swing ride next spring". dallasnews.com. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/six-flags-plans-to-launch-worlds-tallest-swing-ride-next-spring.html/

  38. "New for 2014". August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/

  39. "Star Flyer opens in Vancouver". Park World Magazine. August 5, 2011. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011457/http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2044/Star_Flyer_opens_in_Vancouver.html

  40. "Projects". Ride Entertainment Group. Retrieved November 22, 2013. http://www.rideentertainment.com/projects

  41. Evan S. Benn (September 16, 2010). "More rides, more fun: Six Flags to add SkyScreamer". stltoday.com. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/house-o-fun/more-rides-more-fun-six-flags-to-add-skyscreamer/article_feb324e2-c1b2-11df-8461-0017a4a78c22.html

  42. Huy Mach (May 16, 2011). "Video: Take a peek at Six Flags' new SkyScreamer ride". stltoday.com. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/video-take-a-peek-at-six-flags-new-skyscreamer-ride/vmix_9bdafd30-7d8d-11e0-8fd7-0019bb30f31a.html

  43. Amy Maginnis-Honey (May 25, 2011). "Six Flags launches new ride with support from Travis AFB". dailyrepublic.com. Fairfield-Suisun Daily Republic. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.dailyrepublic.com/featured-stories/six-flags-launches-new-ride-with-support-from-travis-afb/

  44. "La Ronde ouvre ses portes et nous entraîne dans son Vol Ultime!". quebec.huffingtonpost.ca (in French). Huffington Post. May 19, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/05/17/la-ronde-vol-ultime_n_1525339.html

  45. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  46. William Pack (May 23, 2012). "New ride screams onto park scene". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/New-ride-screams-onto-park-scene-3578044.php

  47. Beth Sawicki (August 30, 2012). "Six Flags, White Water unveil new rides". 11alive.com. Pacific and Southern Company. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.11alive.com/news/article/254416/40/Six-Flags-White-Water-unveil-new-rides

  48. Kristi Palma (June 4, 2014). "New SkyScreamer Ride at Six Flags New England Inspires Photos, Videos, Tears". boston.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved July 28, 2014. http://www.boston.com/travel/new-england/2014/06/04/new-skyscreamer-ride-six-flags-new-england-inspires-photos-videos-tears/isS9wUFyVaF6vu30ub93oO/story.html

  49. "Six Flags México anuncia emociones de altura con el nuevo SkyScreamer". sixflags.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved August 28, 2014. http://www.sixflags.com.mx/noticias/nota.asp?TablaID=1&ID=407

  50. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  51. William Pack (May 23, 2012). "New ride screams onto park scene". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/New-ride-screams-onto-park-scene-3578044.php

  52. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  53. William Pack (May 23, 2012). "New ride screams onto park scene". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/New-ride-screams-onto-park-scene-3578044.php

  54. Jacob E. Osterhout (May 24, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure debuts new SkyScreamer ride". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/flags-great-adventure-debuts-skyscreamer-thrill-ride-article-1.1083263?localLinksEnabled=false

  55. William Pack (May 23, 2012). "New ride screams onto park scene". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/New-ride-screams-onto-park-scene-3578044.php

  56. William Pack (May 23, 2012). "New ride screams onto park scene". mysanantonio.com. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved February 10, 2013. http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/New-ride-screams-onto-park-scene-3578044.php