Every year, thrill seekers flock to Six Flags Over Georgia to take on rides and indulge in all of the park's snacks and goodies — it's no suprise that the theme park is an Atlanta favorite.
While dedicated park goers may already know all the twist and turns of every roller coaster, some of these facts about Six Flags may surprise you.
1. Acrophobia is the only drop tower of its kind in the United States
The floorless ride, which means the “extreme or irrational fear of heights,” positions riders in a near-standing position face down and tilts them outward and the top of the 200-foot-tower. The combination of the tilt, riding position and rotating views makes for a unique experience.
2. Charities and military bases receive thousands of donated tickets
Every year in January, as part of the Six Flags Ticket Donation program, both Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water provide tickets to local charities and military bases. Both parks provide tickets and raise funds for a given program. In the past, the park has raised funds for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, MUST Ministries, American Red Cross and more.
3. Six Flags Over Georgia’s property was originally a dairy farm
Before the park's opening day on June 16, 1967, the property was a large family-owned dairy field. In 2017, the park will celebrate its 50th birthday and "will back on its storied history and also celebrate the future through innovation," according to a statement from the park.
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4. Six Flags holds a world record for the most couples smooching underneath mistletoe
Yes, that's right. The theme park owns the Guinness World Records title for the most couples kissing under the mistletoe at once. The record was set in 2015 by 201 couples who kissed under sprigs of live mistletoe for ten seconds in the Mistletoe Mansion section of the park.
5. Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water introduced a number of the “World’s First”
At the time when The Great American Scream Machine debuted in 1973, it was the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster. The Minder Bender, which debuted in 1978, was the world's first triple looping coaster. The 2016 DC SUPER Friends family-themed area was the first of its kind in the world. The first virtual reality coaster, the New Revolution, was also North America's first. Lastly, White Water's Wahoo Racer, which opened this year, is the tallest slide of its kind in the world.
6. Some of the rides from opening day are still operating
If you walk into the park today, there are several rides currently running that were introduced back in 1967, including the Hanson Cars and the Dahlonega Mine Train.
7. The Riverview Carousel is over 100 years old
The carousel – originally build in 1908 for Chicago's Riverview Amusement Park – is filled with 70 hand-carved horses and four chariots. Once the Chicago park closed, the carousel moved over to Six Flags Over Georgia and is listed on the National Registry of Historic places. During the wintertime, the attraction is decked out with more than 100, 000 lights and candles for the holidays.
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