Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger is a steel roller coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas.[2] Located in the Crackaxle Canyon section, it was designed as a dive coaster model and was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. It is the only B&M dive coaster at a Six Flags park until Wrath of Rakshasa opens. It opened on July 30, 2022, replacing the Sundance Theatre.[3] At a maximum vertical angle of 95°, the roller coaster is the world's steepest dive coaster, tied with Iron Menace at Dorney Park.[4]
| Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger | |
|---|---|
 | |
.png) Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger's lift hill and drop | |
| Six Flags Fiesta Texas | |
| Location | Six Flags Fiesta Texas |
| Park section | Crackaxle Canyon |
| Coordinates | 29°35′53″N 98°36′42″W / 29.5981°N 98.6117°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Soft opening date | July 29, 2022 |
| Opening date | July 30, 2022 |
| Replaced | Sundance Theatre |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Dive |
| Manufacturer | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Model | Dive Coaster |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Drop | 142 ft (43 m) |
| Length | 2,501 ft (762 m) |
| Speed | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Max vertical angle | 95° |
| Height restriction | 48–78[1] in (122–198 cm) |
| Trains | 3 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 7 across in a single row for a total of 21 riders per train. |
 Flash Pass available | |
| Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger at RCDB | |
History
editOn June 12, 2021, Six Flags Fiesta Texas held the American Coaster Enthusiasts "Roller Coaster Rodeo." At the event, the park started teasing their new attraction. Additionally, the park also confirmed the removal of the Sundance Theatre for the upcoming attraction on June 14, 2021.[5] The Sundance Theatre was an original theatre venue that opened with the park in 1992.[6]
On July 28, 2021, Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger for the 30th anniversary of the park in 2022.[4][7][8] In November 2021, the first concrete footers were poured.[9] On February 5, 2022, the ride's lift hill was officially topped off.[10] Soft opening for the roller coaster began on July 29, 2022 for season pass holders and the news media.[11][12] The roller coaster officially opened to the public on July 30, 2022 with a grand opening ceremony.[3][13][14] Its opening marked the first Six Flags park to receive a B&M since X-Flight at Six Flags Great America.[15]
Ride experience
editLocated in the park's Crackaxle Canyon themed area of the park, Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger is 150 feet (46 m) in height, reaches a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h), and a track length of 2,501 feet (762 m). The roller coaster features the steepest dive coaster drop at a 95-degree (a beyond vertical drop), as well as a second 75-foot (23 m), near-vertical drop.[16][17]
Theme
editAs guests enter the queue line for the roller coaster, they will find themselves immersed in the story of Dr. Diabolical and her evil quest to create menacing creatures to frighten the world. To bring her creations to life, she has constructed a machine to capture the essence of human adrenaline and fear.[16]
References
edit- ^ "Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger coaster announced for Six Flags Fiesta Texas". Attractions Magazine. July 28, 2021.
- ^ "Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Opens July 30 At Six Flags Fiesta Texas". KXAN Austin. 2022-07-29. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
- ^ a b "Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Opens July 30 At Six Flags Fiesta Texas". KXAN Austin. 2022-07-29. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
- ^ a b Randy Diamond (July 28, 2021). "Six Flags to announce new San Antonio attraction as it works to increase attendance after pandemic". San Antonio Express-News.
- ^ Stilwell, Andrew (2021-06-12). "Six Flags Fiesta Texas Begins Teasing for 2022". Coaster101. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
- ^ Randy Diamond (July 28, 2021). "'Coaster is king': Six Flags unveils new San Antonio ride as it works to boost post-pandemic rebound". San Antonio Express-News.
- ^ "Six Flags Fiesta Texas unveils plans for world's steepest dive roller coaster". KENS. July 28, 2021.
- ^ W. Scott Bailey (July 28, 2021). "SA theme park to add "Dr. Diabolical's" cliffhanger coaster". San Antonio Business Journal.
- ^ "Dr. D's Cliffhanger (Update 2), Front Gate, New Paint & Restaurant Remodels".
- ^ "Behind The Thrills | Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Tops Off at Six Flags Fiesta Texas Behind The Thrills". Behind The Thrills. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
- ^ "Fiesta Texas Announces Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Exclusive Ride Times for Pass Holders — News & Updates | Six Flags Fiesta Texas". SFFT Source. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
- ^ "Riding Fiesta Texas' New Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Coaster | POV Footage & First Impression — News & Updates | Six Flags Fiesta Texas". SFFT Source. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
- ^ "Thrill seekers flood Six Flags Fiesta Texas for opening of world's steepest dive coaster".
- ^ Aguila, Ed (2022-07-30). "Hundreds of Guests Line Up For New Thrilling Coaster Despite High Temperatures". Inside the Magic. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
- ^ "Does Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Hint at Change in Six Flags's Future?". www.themeparktourist.com. 2021-08-26. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
- ^ a b Mike Stunson (July 29, 2021). "World's steepest dive roller coaster is coming to Texas, Six Flags announces". Miami Herald.
- ^ Rebecca Salinas (July 29, 2021). "'World's Steepest Dive Coaster' opening at Fiesta Texas in 2022". KSAT-TV.