Six Flags Darien Lake (also known as Six Flags Darien Lake Resort and formerly known as Darien Lake Fun Country, Darien Lake, and Darien Lake Theme Park Resort) is a 1,200-acre (4.86 km2) amusement park and resort located in Darien, New York, off of Interstate 90 between Buffalo and Rochester. Six Flags Darien Lake features a theme park, water park, campground and lodging. It is owned by EPR Properties and operated by Six Flags.
| Previously known as Darien Lake Fun Country (1981–1982)[1] Darien Lake (1982-1999) Darien Lake Theme Park Resort (2007-2018) | |
 | |
| Location | Darien, New York, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°55′43″N 78°23′06″W / 42.92851°N 78.38488°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | May 1981 |
| Owner | EPR Properties |
| Operated by | Six Flags |
| General manager | Chris Thorpe |
| Slogan | Thrill Capital of New York State |
| Operating season | May through October |
| Attendance | 1.5 million |
| Area | 1,200 acres (485.6 hectares) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 45 |
| Roller coasters | 8 |
| Water rides | 10 |
| Website | Six Flags Darien Lake |
History
editDarien Lake Fun Country
editIn 1954, Darien Lake was excavated and filled. The lake was a popular swimming destination for many years.[2] In 1964, investor Paul Snyder acquired a 164-acre (66.37 ha) parcel of land bordering the lake and opened a small 23-site campground and picnic area. Snyder continued acquiring more land eventually increasing his holdings to almost 1,000 acres (4.05 km2) of land which included seven lakes, the largest of which was Darien Lake. He stocked one of the smaller lakes, Trout Pond, with fish, increased the number of campsites and added activities for resort guests such as a small petting zoo, horseback and pony rides, paddleboats, skateboarding, tennis courts and miniature golf.[3] From the late 70s and into the early 80s, Snyder added more attractions, including a set of water slides on a hill near the park's entrance called Rainbow Mountain, creating an amusement park he named Darien Lake Fun Country. Snyder made a deal with HUSS Park Attractions, turning Darien Lake into the North American showcase for the German manufacturer's new rides. Through this deal, the park acquired rides such as the Pirate, Ranger, Thrillbilly and the Corn Popper, for use in the park and to give HUSS a location to display them to potential US and Canadian buyers. In 1982, the newly merged Arrow Huss built and opened the park's first major roller coaster, Viper.[4]
Funtime Parks
editIn 1983, Snyder sold a 50% stake in the park to Funtime Inc., which also owned Geauga Lake and Wyandot Lake Park.[5] The Fun Country was dropped from the name, and Funtime brought in some major improvements. Funtime's first purchase was the Vekoma-built Giant Wheel Ferris wheel, the showcase of the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the largest in the United States at the time, which was permanently installed in the park's center.[6] At one point the largest in the country, the Giant Wheel was in operation until its closing during the 2021 season. Entertainment was also added to the park, with the construction of the Tops Jubilee Theater (now the Grande Theatre), the Lakeside Amphitheater, a large-scale concert stage on the south side of the main lake, presenting big-name acts including The Who, Alice Cooper, and Black Sabbath and Cinema 2000, a wide-angle movie theatre in the back of the park. In the mid-to late 1980s, there was Splashmania, a water skiing show located on Fun Lake. The improvements continued throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with the addition of a themed kids area, Adventure Land for Kids in 1988 and in 1989 Grizzly Run replaced a kids ride area that was located where a skatepark was. In 1990, six new slides were added to the back of the water slide complex and the area became known as Barracuda Bay and an extra charge was added to the waterpark as well a new locker area, food complex, shopping area and changing rooms.[7] Following the success of a new wooden rollercoaster at Geauga Lake in 1988, Funtime contracted Dinn & Summers to build a new wooden coaster for Darien. The Predator roller coaster opened in May 1990. Around this time, Paul Snyder, sold his remaining share of the park to Funtime, turning over all control to them.[5] In 1992, a new style of entertainment debuted on the midway between Barracuda Bay and the Giant Wheel, a laser light show called Laser Light Fantasy (now called Ignite the Night), which included laser graphics and fireworks.[8] The show was permanently installed in the Lakeside Amphitheater the following year, while concert events were moved to the new Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, which could hold nearly four times as many guests. In 1994, the old Rainbow Mountain waterslides were replaced with a new set called 'Cuda Falls and waterpark became included with park admission.[citation needed]
Premier Parks/Six Flags
editIn 1995, growing regional park chain Premier Parks bought Funtime, Inc. and its three parks.[9] Premier dove right into changes and additions. In 1995, Skycoaster opened located over Fun Lake. In 1996, Adventure Land was replaced by Popeye's Seaport with all new kiddie rides like a Ferris wheel made to look like barrels, a hand-cranked train ride, a submarine ride, a ship themed play place (removed in 2004), children's shows Popeye's Magic Show and Olive Oyl's Circus that featured audience volunteers, and a food stand and restrooms in the then new kiddie area in an area that was occupied by miniature golf course. A new miniature golf course opened behind the then-new kiddie area near Viper which replaced the old golf course. Also a waterpark expansion with new attractions took place in 1996 and 1997 with Hook's Lagoon (opened in 1996) the Crocodile Isle wave pool (opened in 1997) took over Adventure Land's old location by Elk Lake with new changing rooms and a food stand were built, and a bridge was built to connect the Barracuda Bay slides with the then new water park area and a boat tag game was added to the midway. Three of the old Adventure Land rides were moved to another part of the park as the Tiny Trio in 1997. From 1996-1999, Premier would also install a new roller coaster each year, Nightmare at Phantom Cave in 1996, Mind Eraser in 1997, Boomerang: Coast to Coaster in 1998 and Superman Ride of Steel in 1999.[10][11] Nightmare was removed in 1998 and relocated to sister park The Great Escape. In 1998, Premier purchased Six Flags Theme Parks and began to rebrand its own parks as Six Flags. In May 1999, Six Flags Darien Lake opened under its new name, with a few major changes. Premier brought Six Flags' own character base, Looney Tunes and DC Comics, into the parks, renaming Popeye's Seaport to Looney Tunes Seaport, added a show in the vacant former Nightmare at Phantom Cave building called the Batman Thrill Spectacular and Hydro Force, Pipeline Plunge, Riptide Run and Torpedo Rapids were removed from Barracuda Bay and Scrambler replaced Cinema 2000. The midway stage was added to replace the boat tag game and The Emporium gift shop opened in Lasso's old location, Crazy Quilt was removed and replaced with Lasso. Premier Parks formed in 2000, assuming the name "Six Flags Inc." and adding new attractions. The next major attractions installed the Twister in 2000 and Shipwreck Falls in 2002, replacing the old Cascade Canyon water slides on the east side of Barracuda Bay as well as Slingshot behind the 'Cuda Falls water slides; and the Tornado in 2005.
Troubled times
edit2006 was a year of turmoil for Six Flags and its parks. For the 2006 season, Six Flags moved the Big Kahuna, a family-sized waterslide, from Six Flags AstroWorld to Darien Lake and also moved the Batman The Escape roller coaster from Astroworld into storage at Darien Lake, with possible plans to build it. They also added an opportunity to meet with the entire Justice League at the park. Only a month into the season, however, Six Flags began pulling back the Justice League from Darien Lake and announced Darien Lake, along with eight other parks, was being considered for sale. Many parks throughout the chain, not just those for sale, also experienced numerous changes and cutbacks throughout the summer. In October 2006, after shortened operating hours and seasons, Six Flags officially announced the parks were being offered for sale as a package. Paul Snyder stated in a radio interview he would have considered purchasing Darien Lake from Six Flags if they allowed the parks to be sold individually. In January 2007, Six Flags announced a potential sale of seven of the parks to a new company, PARC 7F (officially called PARC Management).[12] Six Flags chose to retain two parks it had originally considered for sale.[13]
PARC Management/CNL Lifestyle (2007-2010)
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In April 2007, Six Flags completed the sale of Darien Lake and six other parks to PARC Management. Upon completion of the sale, PARC entered into a fifty-year contract with CNL Income Properties, under which CNL purchased the properties from and lease them back to PARC for operation.[14] Because of the timing of the final sale with respect to the park's opening, PARC was unable to make any major changes for the 2007 season. The biggest changes for the season were the addition of an all-new show, Le Grande Cirque, which replaced the Batman Thrill Spectacular, and the removal of all Six Flags-, Looney Tunes- and DC Comics-themed signage and references. In 2008, the park debuted the Orange County Choppers MotoCoaster, its first launched rollercoaster. A Zamperla Motocoaster coaster, it was the prototype that had been running outside Zamperla's factory in Italy. PARC pledged to lower admission prices that had risen under Six Flags ownership. Floodgate Falls was closed.[15] In March 2010, Darien Lake expanded its current waterpark to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Darien Lake) (featuring several new attractions and a repaint of the 'Cuda Falls waterslide complex in Barracuda Bay), a new 16-foot-wide (4.9 m) lazy river called Flotation Station, Swirl City slide complex (with four new slides) and a kiddie wave pool called Lazy Days Lagoon.[14]: 127 2010 also brought about some minor park changes such as Viper being repainted with a black track, The Predator getting new trains and the addition of the Critter Chase in Adventure Isle replacing Raft Adventure.[16] CNL subsequently announced that it had reached an agreement to terminate PARC's lease of Darien Lake and up to 17 other locations.[17] The move was made after, according to their 2010 SEC filings, PARC defaulted on their lease obligations.[18]
Herschend Family Entertainment/CNL Lifestyle (2011-2014)
editIn 2011, Herschend Family Entertainment assumed day-to-day operation and management of Darien Lake and Elitch Gardens.[19] Rowdy's Ridge opened in 2012 with several family rides.[20] For the 2013 season, Blast Off was placed in the newly rethemed Waterfront Boardwalk area, which included major renovations to rides like the Grand Carousel and the Giant Wheel, along with some new dining options. Laserblast received new improvements and was rebranded Ignite the Night.[21] UFO and the 'Cuda Falls waterslides were closed and removed. The Scrambler ride returned after two years in storage.
Premier Parks, LLC (2014-2018)
editHerschend Family Entertainment's lease ended after the 2014 season and was taken over by Premier Parks, LLC. New rides installed during this period include Rolling Thunder, a 72-foot Larson 22M Giant Loop; Brain Drain, a set of two body slides that drops riders through a trapdoor at high speeds; and Ripcurl Racer, a six-lane Proslide Kracken Racer.[22][23] Following the 2016 season, CNL Lifestyle sold Darien Lake and 14 other amusement parks to EPR Properties. The park continued to be leased and operated by Premier Parks, with no immediate change in operations or staffing. Tantrum, a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter coaster, opened for the 2018 season.[24]
Six Flags/EPR Properties (2018-present)
editIn May 2018, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation acquired lease rights to operate the park, with the park remaining under the ownership of EPR Properties.[25] Six Flags SkyScreamer, a Funtime Star Flyer, opened for the 2019 season. During this season, the park reverted to the Six Flags Darien Lake branding.[26] For the 2020 season, it was announced that Wahoo Wave, a ProSlide waterslide, would be added to the newly re-named and re-themed Hurricane Harbor WaterPark.[27]
However, the park was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic (except for the campgrounds and Darien Square), with no timeframe from the state of New York on when theme parks can open.[28] Despite this, the park announced on September 11, 2020, the park would remain closed and all season passes and tickets would be carried over to the 2021 season.[29]
Current rides and attractions
editRoller coasters
edit| Ride | Opened | Manufacturer | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Boomerang: Coast to Coaster _from_above.JPG) |
1998 | Vekoma | A Boomerang Shuttle roller coaster. This ride is located on the edge of Fun Lake in the Darien Square section of the park. The coaster features a 120-foot (37 m) tall backwards lift hill, a cobra roll and a loop. The train passes both forwards and backwards through both inversion elements. |
Mind Eraser  |
1997 | Vekoma | A steel Suspended Looping Coaster, which is considered to be New York's only Suspended Looping Coaster. This ride is approximately 120 feet (37 m) with 5 inversions including a heart-loop (half loop followed by twist followed by another half loop). |
Motocoaster  |
2008 | Zamperla | A Motorbike roller coaster which was the first of its kind in the United States. The Orange County Choppers branding was removed in 2010.[30] The coaster launches riders from 0 to 40 miles per hour (0 to 64 km/h) in several seconds up to the top, followed by dips and turns on the way down before reaching the brakes. |
Predator  |
1990 | Dinn Corporation | A wooden roller coaster. The Predator currently holds the title of New York's largest wooden roller coaster. In 2010, used trains from The Voyage were added to the ride. |
Ride of Steel  |
1999 | Intamin | A steel Mega Coaster, formerly known as Superman – Ride of Steel. With a top height of 208 feet (63 m), and a maximum speed of 73 miles per hour (117 km/h), the coaster is the tallest in New York State and one of Darien Lake's largest attractions. |
Tantrum .jpg) |
2018 | Gerstlauer | A Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter. Tantrum features a 98-foot vertical lift hill with a 97-degree drop, a pretzel inversion, a bunny hop, an Immelman turn and a tilted loop. It reaches a top speed of 52 miles per hour (84 km/h). |
The Viper  |
1982 | Arrow Huss | A steel looping roller coaster. The Viper was the first coaster in the world with 5 inversions. Originally painted all black, the track was painted green when Six Flags took over and painted black in 2010. |
Hoot N Holler  |
1981 | Zierer | A steel kiddie roller coaster. Formerly called Ladybug and Nessie the Dreamy Dragon while it was part of Adventure Land for Kids. The ride was also part of the Tiny Trio and used to be called Brain Teaser. In 2012, the train was remodeled to look like an owl and the ride was given the name Hoot N Holler so that it would fit in with the new Rowdy's Ridge theme. |
Thrill rides
editMany of the rides manufactured by Huss Park Attractions were installed as part of a deal with Huss to use Darien Lake as a North American showcase for Huss's new rides in the early 1980s.
| Ride | Opened | Manufacturer | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blast Off | 2013 | S&S Power | Space Shot | This attraction uses compressed air to rapidly propel riders up a 185-foot tall tower then gently lower them with a series of air-cushioned bounces back to the loading platform. Relocated from Alabama Adventure, which closed in 2011. Stands on the former spot of the Raging Seas. |
| Rolling Thunder | 2015 | Larson International | 22M Giant Loop | The ride's train is rocked back and forth at a generous rate as it elevates on every pass through the station until it has gained enough momentum to make it completely around the loop, thus riders experiencing hangtime. Located on the former site of a UFO ride. |
| Skycoaster | 1995 | Sky Fun 1 | Skycoaster | A ride that hoists riders to 180 feet (55 m) and releases them in a swinging motion. This attraction was originally named Red Hawk(2013-2022). Not included in the admission price. |
| Skyscreamer | 2019 | Funtime | Starflyer | A tower swings riders 242 feet (73.8 m) high in the air at 35 mph (56 km/h). |
| Slingshot | 2002 | US Thrill Rides | Slingshot | A reverse bungee model that is located at the front of the park. It's the tallest attraction at Darien Lake at 300 feet (91 m). Not included in the admission price. |
Family rides
edit| Ride | Opened | Manufacturer | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Valley Bumper Buggies | 1981 | DUCE Ride Manufacturers | Bumper Cars | Riders steer their cars in any direction across the metal rectangular floor bumping other cars out of their way. Guests drive around in one direction. |
| Boat Docks - Midway Marina | Guests can rent a paddle boat and paddle across Fun Lake. Not included in the admission price. | |||
| Corn Popper | 1982 | HUSS | Swing Around | The ride rotates in a circle, and the arms swing out, and then come in. They keep on doing this during the ride, in bigger and bigger increments until the very end, where they all swing out, using pneumatic pressure. Part of the Huss showcase. This ride was called Rodeo Round Up when the park was owned by Six Flags. The name was changed back to Corn Popper in 2010. |
| Grand Carousel | 1981 | International Amusement Devices | Carousel | A traditional carousel. It received a large refurbishment before the start of the 2013 season. |
| Grand Prix Speedway | 1987 | A go-kart track. Not included in the admission price. | ||
| Haymaker | 1981 | Heinz Fähtz | Paratrooper | A Paratrooper-style ride, the only one of its kind. Features ten umbrella-covered cars that rotate counter-clockwise on a long arm. During the ride, the hydraulic-powered arm the cars are mounted to raises to a 45-degree angle. [31] |
| Hornet's Nest | 2012 | Larson Rides | Flying Scooters | A consisting of a center post with ride vehicles suspended from arms attached to the center post, when in operation, a motor causes the arms to spin, with centrifugal forces causing the ride vehicles to fly outwards. |
| Lasso | 1981 | Zierer | Wave Swinger | A swing ride that lifts and undulates. Lasso was previously located where the Emporium currently stands. It is now located where Crazy Quilt once stood. |
| Moose on the Loose | 2012 | Metallbau | Pony Trek | Riders ride a runaway moose through multiple scenes. |
| Pirate | 1981 | HUSS | Pirate Boat | A large pirate-themed boat suspended from a giant "A" frame structure. The boat swings back and forth until it achieves a height of 60 feet (18 m) and is at a 75-degree angle with its initial resting position, giving riders the sensation of weightlessness. Located at the edge of Fun Lake. It was installed as part of the HUSS showcase. |
| Scrambler | 1999 | Eli Bridge | Scrambler | Riders are seated in small carriages clustered together and connected by beams at the top to a central point. The clustered vehicles are spun in one direction, while the ride as a whole spins in the opposite direction. It was removed before the 2012 season to make way for the Rowdy's Ridge family area. The ride remained in storage until the middle of the 2014 season, when it returned in a new location next to The Predator. |
| Shipwreck Falls | 2002 | Intamin | Shoot the Chutes | Consists of a flat-bottomed boat that slides down a ramp into a massive lagoon. |
| Silver Bullet | 1981 | Heinz Fähtz | Enterprise | Features 20 swinging gondolas, which travel in a circular clockwise motion on a large wheel. Once it achieves a fast enough speed, the wheel raises riders to a 90-degree angle and spins the riders upside down. This is the only Enterprise manufactured by Heinz Fähtz in operation.[32] |
| Sleighride | 1981 | Mack Rides | Matterhorn | Consists of a number of cars attached to axles that swing in and out. The hill and valley shape of the ride causes a pronounced swinging motion. The faster the ride goes, the more dramatic the swinging motion. |
| Tin Lizzy's | 1981 | Arrow Dynamics | Track cars | An antique car ride. |
Kids rides
editAdventure Land for Kids contained all kiddie rides from 1988 through 1996 when it was replaced by Beaver Brothers Bay (previously called Popeye's Seaport, Looney Tunes Seaport and Adventure Isle) with all new rides, exclusively from Zamperla. The Tiny Trio was a set of older kiddie rides from Adventure Land located near Mind Eraser. In 2012, the trio was expanded into Rowdy's Ridge. The Bay is located on an island surrounded by the midway originally formed by Treasure Island Mini-Golf.
| Name | Opened | Manufacturer | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Dam Explorer | 1996 | Zamperla | Crazy Bus | Themed as a Submarine. Formerly called "S.S. Popeye (1996–1998), "Daffy's Diver" (1999–2006) and "Dipsy Diver" (2007–2011). |
| Bucky's Barrels | 1996 | Zamperla | Sun & Moon | Barrel themed Mini Ferris wheel, formerly called "Olive's Barrels of Fun" (1996–1998), Michigan J Frog's "Ferris Wheel" (1999–2006) and "Barrels of Fun" (2007–2011). |
| Chucky's Mud Buckets | 1996 | Zamperla | Mini Tea Cup | Teacups style ride themed as open aluminum spinach cans. Formerly called "Spinach Spinnaker" (1996–1998), "Bugs' Carrot Cans" (1999–2006) and "Twisty Tubs" (2007–2011). |
| Critter Chase | 2010 | Zamperla | Mini Jet | An animal themed ride where the rider makes the animal go up down manually. It originally operated from 1988 until 1997. The ride returned in 2010 to Beaver Brothers Bay. |
| Raccoon Rally | 1981 | Kiddie Bumper Cars | Has been relocated several times. Formerly known as Dodgems. | |
| Tree Stump Turnpike | 1996 | Zamperla | Convoy | Formerly called Foghorn's Coastal Delivery, Monster Trucks and Brutus' Monster Trucks. |
| Wally's Weather Balloons | 1996 | Zamperla | Samba Balloon | A Samba Balloon ride. Formerly called Seaport Weather Balloons, Weather Balloons and Up Up and Ahoy. |
| Woody's Whirlers | 1996 | Zamperla | Mini Swings | A mini swing ride for small children that was formerly named Taz Twister, Whirlwind and Swee' Pea's Swings. |
Water park rides
editEntertainment
editAll show venues listed here are included with price of admission.
| Name | Recent Shows | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Theatre | Nik Wallenda: Beyond the Falls (2014), Sea Lion Splash (2010–2011), Survivor Live! (2009), Cirque Nouveau (2008), Le Grande Cirque (2007), Batman Thrill Spectacular (1999–2006) | Building originally housed Nightmare at Phantom Cave, an indoor roller coaster. Was called the Gotham City Theatre while holding the Batman Thrill Spectacular show during the Six Flags era. This venue was closed for the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the exception of the building being temporarily used in 2013 during Kingdom Bound and for a haunted attraction during Fright Fest. |
| Beaver Brothers Bay Showplace | Backstage Variety Show (2018), The Wizard's Apprentice (2016–2017), Character Tales (2015), Multiple shows in 2013, Beaver Mania & Beaver Fever Dance Party (2012), Thomas & Friends Full Steam Ahead Live! (2011), Bob the Builder Let's Recycle (2010), Bob the Builder Live (2009), An Alarming Adventure (2008), Blake Daring's Storybook Adventure (2007), Bugs Bunny Goes Hollywood (2002, 2004–2006) | Features shows for families and children. Located in Beaver Brothers Bay. |
| Grande Theatre | Aaron Radatz Illusion Show (2018–19), American Pop (2017), American Rock (2016), World of Magic (2015), Multiple shows in 2012 and 2013 including Street Beat (2013) and the Aaron Radatz Illusion Show (2013), Legends of Rock (2011), RockNation! Don't Stop Believin (2010), RockNation! (2009), Rhythmnicity (2008), The Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly (2007), Totally Pop (2006), America: State of Rhythm (2005), American Pop (2004), Radioactive (2003), Broadway Rhythm (2002) | Opened as the Tops Jubilee Theatre in 1980, has also been named Tops Palace Theatre. |
| The Lakeside Amphitheatre | Ignite the Night: COLORBLAST (2016-2019), Ignite the Night (2013–2015), LaserBlast! (1998–2012), LaserLight Reality (1995–1997), LaserLight Fantasy (1992–1994) | The Lakeside Amphitheatre used to be the home of major concerts and other events until the 90s when the Performing Arts Center opened. It also held several concerts that were free to Darien Lake guests. It was also the place for the nightly Laser Show and had taken place at the park from 1992-2019. |
| The Gazebo Stage | Hypnotist Tammy Barton (2018–19), Multiple shows in 2012 and 2013 such as Hypnotist Tammy Barton (2012–2013), Jump, Jive and Swing (2011), Midway Dance Party Blow Out (2007–2008, 2011), The Heart Of Country (2010), Country Unleashed (2009), And The Answer Is! (2008), Keepin' the Beat (2007), Rockin' Country (2003–2006), Bahama Boys/Street Pop (2002) | Outdoor stage in the midway. Sometimes holds special events such as karaoke. |
Fright Fest
editThe original Six Flags Fright Fest was an annual event held at the end of the operating season (Weekends in October, typically) from 1998 to 2006, which celebrated Halloween. Fright Fest added new areas to the park (Bloodstone Hollow, a free haunted graveyard and town; and Brutal Planet, an upcharge haunted house) and different shows than the regular season (Dead Man's Party in The Grande Theater and Laser Spooktacular at the Lakeside Amphitheatre.) When the park was sold to PARC Management in 2007, the event was rebranded as "Fall Family Fun Fest," adding family oriented areas such as hay mazes and pumpkin painting in addition to the haunted house. During this event, admission to the park was free, with individual charges for each ride and attraction. A re-branded FrightFest[33] returned in 2008 with similar elements to the former Six Flags Fright Fest and additional new elements such as the Fright Night Field Trip, a bus ride through the haunted campgrounds. (However, the event's name had a lack of space between the words "Fright" and "Fest" in order to steer clear of any legal conflict with Six Flags.) The Haunted House and the Trick or Treat Trail also returned from previous years. Fright Fest was removed from Darien Lake in 2015 and replaced by Harvest Fest.[34][33] The Halloween-themed event returned to Darien Lake in 2018 under the Six Flags branding.[35]
Magic of Lights
editIn August 2021, the park unveiled a new Christmas lights display that would be taking place at the park during the upcoming 2021 holiday season. It ran from November 19, 2021, through January 2, 2022. It is a 1.25-mile drive-thru holiday light display extravaganza running through the park. This event was free to all current Season Pass Holders and Members. It did not return in 2022 based on the website.
Harvest Fest
editIn 2015, Darien Lake replaced their fall events with a more family-friendly event named Harvest Fest. Although this idea was attempted before with Fall Family Fun Fest, here rides were included with admission and less focus was put on scary attractions. Instead of upcharge haunts, hay rides and crafts for children were included with admission. Food trucks, craft beers and other vendors were made available to offset lower staffing during the offseason. Also, the schedule of the season was shortened to end in September, rather than the end of October. In 2018 and 2019 the season was extended through October, this event took place on weekends in September until Fright Fest started. This event didn’t take place during the 2021 or 2022 seasons.
Former attractions
edit| Ride | Opened | Closed | Manufacturer | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMX Motocross | 1980s | 2011 | Hampton Rides | A circular kiddie ride featuring BMX style motorbikes that jumped over humps as they were moving. It was originally located near the Giant Wheel. The ride moved to Adventure Land in 1988 and to the Tiny Trio in 1997 before it was relocated to Elitch Gardens in 2012 as Tike Bikes. |
| Boat Tag | 1996 | 1999 | A boat ride that was located where the Midway Gazebo Stage now stands. | |
| Boats | 1980s | 1990s | A small boat ride. It was located near the Giant Wheel. | |
| Crazy Quilt | 1981 | 1998 | Mack Rides | A Calypso ride. It was located where Lasso currently stands. |
| Earth Orbiter | 1980s | 1996 | Zierer | A small kiddie ferris wheel that was part of Adventure Land. |
| Funtime Junction | 1980s | 1997 | Chance Rides | A miniature railway located around Elk Lake in Adventure Land. |
| Giant Wheel | 1983 | 2021 | Vekoma | A 165 feet (50 m) tall ferris wheel. It was originally part of the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee and was the tallest in the United States when constructed.[36] The ride was SBNO during the 2021 season and removed prior to the 2022 season. |
| Grizzly Run | 1989 | 2019 | Intamin | A river rapids ride. Removed as part of corporate's 15 rides removal initiative in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Monty's Moon Walk | 1980s | 1996 | A ball pit in Adventure Land. | |
| Mountain View Golf | 1996 | 2012 | A miniature golf course located underneath the Viper. It replaced Treasure Island Golf. | |
| Nightmare at Phantom Cave | 1996 | 1998 | Schwarzkopf | This coaster was Relocated to Darien Lake from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in 1996 and housed in the building next to the Viper. It was relocated to Great Escape in 1999 as Nightmare at Crack Axle Canyon. |
| Raft Adventure | 1996 | 2010 | Zamperla | A mini jet ride made to look like wooden rafts. The ride was replaced by Critter Chase. |
| Raging Seas | 1981 | 2012 | Mack Rides | A Seesturmbahn ride that featured small hills and was themed with boats. The boats would spin as they went up and down the hills. This ride was called Sea Storm until 1999. It was removed towards the end of the 2012 operating season and was replaced by Blast Off. |
| Ranger | 1982 | 2015 | HUSS | An original Huss Ranger, the first of its kind in North America. It was the only Huss Ranger ride still operating in North America. It was installed as part of the HUSS showcase. This ride was removed due to high maintenance costs and a lack of parts, as well as the addition of Rolling Thunder. |
| Red Baron | 1980s | Unknown | A kiddie airplane ride that was located near the Giant Wheel. | |
| Rowdy's Heave Ho | 2012 | 2022 | HEEGE | Lift Tower, Guests pull themselves up a tower and then drop down. |
| Runaway Railway | 1996 | Zamperla | A miniature train ride. Formerly called Elmer Fudd's Tiny Tooter Railroad and Muscle Junction. | |
| SS Looney Tunes | 1996 | 2004 | A play structure themed as a ship. It was formerly called SS Olive. | |
| Thrillbilly | 1981 | 1983 | HUSS | A Troika ride located where the Predator now stands. The ride was installed as part of the HUSS showcase. |
| Treasure Island Golf | 1981 | 1996 | Located where Beaver Brothers Bay now stands. It was replaced by Mountain View Golf. | |
| Turbobungy | 2002 | 2007 | An upcharge trampoline. Riders were attached to bungy cords while jumping. This attraction was located in the vicinity of the Mind Eraser bridge. | |
| UFO | 1981 | 2012 | HUSS | An original HUSS UFO ride that was installed as part of the HUSS showcase. It was removed prior to the 2013 season due to unreliability with maintenance. |
| Thunder Rapids | 1981 | 2017 | Arrow Dynamics | A Log Flume which stood where Tantrum now stands for the 2018 season. Removed at the end of the 2017 season due to high maintenance costs, as well to make room for Tantrum. |
| Twister | 2000 | 2018 | HUSS | A Top Spin ride. It was themed to look like it was made out of wood. Removed at the end of the 2018 season and replaced by Six Flags SkyScreamer. |
Past entertainment
editFormer entertainment venues within the park.
| Name | Closed | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Top Circus | 1996 | Circus show | Located in Adventure Land. |
| Cinema 2000 | 1999 | 3D cinema | Located where Rowdy's Ridge currently stands. |
| 50's Bandstand | Music show | Located where the queue line for Predator is now. | |
| Splashmania | Water ski show | A water ski show on Fun Lake. The pole that was used by the divers is still in the lake. |
Other on-site entities
editLodge on the Lake Hotel
editIn 1998, Premier Parks made a major investment to the property with the park's first on-site hotel, designed with a North Woods theme. The $12 million Lodge on the Lake Hotel opened with 161 hotel rooms, two suites and an outdoor heated pool. A few months later, the similarly themed Beaver Brothers Cafe opened as a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.[37]
Campgrounds
editThe campground and picnic area offers campsites, approximately half of which are equipped with park-owned RVs and cabins.
Darien Square
editLocated within the campgrounds which includes; a General Store, 2 restaurants, a gift shop, arcade and lounge, laundry and the campground Office.
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
editThe Darien Lake Performing Arts Center is an outdoor music venue on the park grounds.
Ignite the Night COLORBLAST
editConcerts were formerly held at the Laser Stage, also known as the Lakeside Amphitheater. A pool was added in front of the stage as part of the Ignite the Night laser show.
Incidents
edit- On July 26, 1987, lightning killed three campers sleeping in tents on the campground.[38]
- On May 16, 1999, a 365 lb (165 kg) guest who had been unable to properly secure his lap bar was ejected from Superman – Ride of Steel as the car went over a camel-hump hill. He fell approximately 9 feet (2.7 m), sustaining serious injuries. He was awarded US$3.95 million in damages.[39] Seatbelts and an extra brake segment before the final hill were added to the coaster after the incident.
- On September 6, 2009, the body of William Sutherland, a Pennsylvania resident who had been reported missing the day before, was found in a park lake.[40]
- On July 8, 2011, James Hackemer, an Iraq War veteran who had lost both legs in a 2008 roadside bomb attack, fell to his death from the Ride of Steel. The accident was attributed to operator error.[41]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Albright, John Brannon (May 31, 1981). "Notes; FOR THEME-PARK VISITORS, NEW LOCATIONS AND NEW RIDES". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
- ^ New York NYC Travel Guide and Maps for Tourists. hikersbay. 17 February 2015. ISBN 9788365151018.
- ^ Futtrell, Jim (2006). Amusement Parks of New York. Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Stackpole Books. pp. 188–189. ISBN 978-0-8117-3262-8.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Viper (Darien Lake)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ a b "Funtime Inc. co-founder Gasper Lococo has died". Amusement Today. October 7, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ Rawls Jr., Wendell (April 25, 1982). "Knoxville Unveils Its World Fair". New York Times. New York, N.Y. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ "Darien Lake – 1990". Themeparkbrochures.net. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
- ^ Hirsch, Rose Ann (2011). Images of America Series: Western New York Amusement Parks. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. p. 117. ISBN 9780738574561.
- ^ "Nation's Oldest Fun Park To Get a Brand New Look". New York Times. New York, N.Y. July 22, 1995. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
- ^ Raeke, Carolyn (February 24, 1996). "DARIEN LAKE WILL BE 'NIGHTMARE' NEW INDOOR ROLLER COASTER FEATURES EIGHT-STORY PLUNGE IN TOTAL DARKNESS". buffalonews.com. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Boomerang Coast to Coaster - Six Flags Darien Lake". rcdb.com. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Six Flags sells seven parks". Park World Online. 2007-02-06. Archived from the original on 2007-12-13. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
- ^ "Randy Drew". Park World Online. 2007-05-23. Archived from the original on 2008-01-30. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
- ^ a b Hirsch, Mary Ann (April 25, 2011). Western New York Amusement Parks. New York: Arcadia Publishing. p. 125. ISBN 9780738574561.
- ^ "Darien Lake to debut MotoCoaster". Park World Online. 2008-01-12. Archived from the original on 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
- ^ Ben Beagle (May 8, 2010). "Coasters get new look, upgrades at Darien Lake". The Daily News. Retrieved Dec 29, 2011.
- ^ "CNL completes ouster of PARC Management from Darien Lake". The Daily News. 2010-11-24. Archived from the original on 2011-02-03. Retrieved 2011-01-20.
- ^ "CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc. October 2010 Form 10-Q". 2010-09-30. Retrieved 2011-01-20.
- ^ "Herschend Family Entertainment To Manage DARIEN LAKE THEME PARK RESORT and ELITCH GARDENS" (PDF) (Press release). 25 January 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2015.
CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., owners of Darien Lake Theme Park Resort and Elitch Gardens, and Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the nation's largest family-owned theme park corporation, jointly announced today that HFE would assume the day-to-day management of both properties starting January 25, 2011.
- ^ Owens, Howard (May 12, 2012). "Darien Lake unvails upgrades and changes for 2012 season, opens today". thebatavian.com. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Darien Lake to 'Blast Off' in 2013". 2012-09-21. Archived from the original on 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
- ^ Anstey, Evan (Feb 11, 2016). "Darien Lake to add new ride to water park". WIVB-TV. Retrieved Feb 11, 2016.
- ^ Heer, Jim; Radford, Keith (Feb 11, 2016). "New waterslide coming to Darien Lake". WKBW-TV. Retrieved Feb 11, 2016.
- ^ Christmann, Samantha (November 3, 2016). "Darien Lake has new owner, who isn't talking about theme park's future". The Buffalo News. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
- ^ "Six Flags Adds Five More Parks to US Portfolio" (Press release). Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Business Wire. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ McShea, Keith (August 30, 2018). "Tallest ride in state – 24 stories high – coming to 'Six Flags Darien Lake'". The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
- ^ Anstey, Evan (August 29, 2019). "Darien Lake adding "Wahoo Wave" in 2020". WIVB News. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ Pettinella, Mike (2020-09-01). "No news is sad news for Six Flags Darien Lake patrons, seasonal part-time workers". The Batavian.
- ^ Unknown, Unknown (2020-09-11). "Six Flags Darien Lake Not Reopening for 2020 Season". Spectrum News.
- ^ "Prototype MotoCoaster To Open at Darien Lake". Ultimate Rollercoaster.com. January 12, 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2008.
- ^ "Heinz Fähtz Twister". Flatrides.com. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
- ^ "Heinz Fähtz Enterprise". Flatrides.com. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
- ^ a b "FrightFest at Darien Lake: Weekends Sept 21 – Oct 14". kidsoutandabout.com. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ "Darien Lake Harvest Festival". www.darienlake.com. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ "Fright Fest Returns to Darien Lake". Darien Lake. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
- ^ Usiak, Richard (June 5, 1983). "Giant ferris(sic) wheel gets a new home". United Press International, Inc. Darien Center, N.Y. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ^ Hirsch, pg. 121.
- ^ "86 Deaths by Lightning in '87, Highest Toll of This Decade". The New York Times. 1988-06-14. Retrieved 2013-08-15.
- ^ "Theme-park patron ejected from roller coaster". 2004-03-12. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
- ^ "Missing man's body pulled from water at Darien Lake". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on September 8, 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
- ^ "Deadly Accident on Ride of Steel Coaster at Darien Lake". WGRZ-TV. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
External links
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