It’s been called “the land of screams and dreams.” And its 2012 marketing campaign urges guests to “go big.”
A more appropriate tagline for Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell’s sprawling theme park, may be “middle age crazy.” This year the thrill-heavy tourist spot and local favorite turns a ripe 45. But you wouldn’t know it.
Don’t expect the amusement park equivalent of a proverbial comb over, a rounded paunch or the etching of wrinkles. Youth springs eternal at Six Flags with a whole new generation of smaller kids giggling at the Bugs Bunny World section of the park; tweens experiencing the white-knuckle excitement of their first roller coaster; teens stealing their first kiss on Monster Mansion; and adults unleashing their inner child.
WHAT’S NEW?
The park rings in its 45th birthday with a new show dubbed iLuminate. It’s basically a glow-in-the-dark magic show starring a series of illusions coupled with fancy footwork. The performers dance about the darkened stage wearing light-up costumes. Everything from the cast’s earrings to bow ties glow brightly as the soundtrack thumps away. iLuminate is running on a limited engagement schedule through August 12. Performances take place every day the park is open except Tuesdays.
45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 16 marks the park’s actual 45th anniversary. A commemorative ceremony kicks off at 1 p.m. with special guest, comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Foxworthy, a native Atlantan, will likely share his own Six Flags memories alongside that patented Blue Collar Comedy schtick. Jugglers, stilt walkers and live music will overtake the U.S.A. section of the park. Keep an eye out for free cupcakes as Six Flags promises to give out “hundreds” of these treats to guests. A special fireworks show caps off the evening by lighting up the sky above the park.
DON’T-MISS ATTRACTIONS
It’s nearly impossible to fit in all of Six Flags’ rides and attractions in one visit. The following is a short list of a few key staples.
The Great American Scream Machine -- This classic wooden coaster, which turns 39 this year, continues standing the test of time. It's survived technological advancements, changing trends and styles, and even a massive flood in '09 when a large portion of it was submerged. It's still a true classic and arguably the crown jewel of the park. Hang on as it rumbles along 3,800 feet of track over a man-made lake.
Goliath -- It's the big kahuna of Six Flags' coasters. It reaches 200 feet at its highest point. Looking for a zero-gravity sensation that feels as if your stomach is making a visit to your tonsils? This is the one. Fans of thrills should put it at the top of the list. Just make sure the list is tucked securely in your pocket as you reach speeds as fast as 70 mph.
Dahlonega Mine Train -- Step back in time and experience the park's very first coaster. In 1967 this was it. It's a great introduction for newbies and features a top speed of 29 mph. The concept finds guests on a runaway mine train straight out of Georgia's gold rush days, zipping and diving along a sleek steel track.
Monster Mansion - This dark ride is Six Flags' answer to the tunnel of love. Guests hop in a boat and travel through a flooded Antebellum abode where both silly and spooky animatronic monsters call home. Originally called Monster Plantation when it debuted in 1981, it received a new name and much-needed makeover in 2009.
The Riverview Carousel -- In a park teeming with thrill rides, summer heat and the threat of long lines, this serves as a beautiful retreat and a reminder of the amusement parks of yore. It came to Six Flags in 1972 when it was relocated from Riverview Park in Chicago. This carousel is 104 years old and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Skull Island -- On those scorching summer days, this remains a popular spot to cool down and recharge. It's a mini waterpark of sorts in the Cotton States section. The Six Flags staff encourages kids and adults to get wet and wild among the water slides, waterfalls and liquid cannons. Massive amounts of water dump onto guests periodically.
Call or check website for operating hours. $54.99; $39.99 children 47” in height and shorter; free ages 2 and younger. Ticket discounts available online. Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway S.W., Austell. 770-739-3400, www.sixflags.com.
SIX FLAGS TIMELINE
1967: Angus G. Wynne Jr., the Texas oil man behind the Six Flags theme park venture, opens Six Flags Over Georgia on June 16. The core rides and attractions include the Log Jamboree, Six Flags Railroad, the Krofft Puppet Theater, Dahlonega Mine Train and the Tales of the Okefenokee.
1968: The Sky Buckets connect the Confederate and Lickskillet sections of the park.
1973: The Cotton States Exposition area opens, which depicts a turn-of-the-century style amusement park. The Great American Scream Machine is its centerpiece.
1976: The Great Gasp parachute ride debuts.
1978: The Mind Bender, the park’s first looping roller coaster, arrives.
1982: Thunder River, a white-water rafting-style ride, takes over the space originally occupied by Jean Ribaut's Adventure, a ride that featured designs by kiddie TV producers Sid and Marty Krofft.
1983: The 10-story Freefall amps up the park’s thrills.
1990: The wooden Georgia Cyclone coaster arrives, tipping its hat to the original Cyclone at New York City’s Coney Island.
1997: Batman: The Ride becomes the main attraction in a re-themed portion of the park that’s now Gotham City.
2002: Superman: Ultimate Flight simulates the sensation of flying as riders hit a top speed of 60 mph.
2005: Skull Island opens.
2006: Goliath debuts.
2011: Dare Devil Dive, the park’s first Euro fighter coaster, features a 10-story vertical lift.
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