Visiting the Fiesta Texas Theme Park

By Erin De Santiago

The Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park in San Antonio offers exciting rides, stellar entertainment, and a great water park for guests to enjoy. Theme Park Review describes Six Flags Fiesta Texas as "the most picturesque park in the Six Flags chain." Google Reviews indicate that it is one of the safest theme parks around and has an abundance of thrill rides for coaster enthusiasts.

Rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

There is an integrated review and comment system for each ride's page on the park's website, so you can easily find out what other visitors have said about specific rides. It's a really cool way to check out targeted reviews for particular rides you're interested in. Users can even comment from Facebook directly. Another great site to check out reviews on individual coasters in Theme Park Insider. They rate each of the park's roller coasters on a ten-point scale. Many are rated at a ten, but it might surprise you to learn that some favorites like Goliath and Poltergeist didn't make the grade.

Fiesta Roller Coasters

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is well-known for its roller coasters, including:

BATMAN: The Ride: The newest coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, BATMAN: The Ride, will debut in 2015. This is a 4D Free Fly Coaster that utilizes magnetic fins which cause you to flip as you fly over the top of a 12-story hill and vertical drops.
Boomerang: This classic shuttle coaster first opened in 1999 and continues to thrill riders as it propels them through a vertical loop and a cobra roll inversion, only to reverse course and challenge the same track backwards.

Poltergeist: Since 1999 this twisted coaster has been astonishing riders. Though it is less than 80 feet tall, the LIM launch and amazingly intricate track - the most convoluted in the park - reaches 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds and whisks riders through four crazy inversions and countless dips, curves, and turns. Visitors love the unexpected and rather fast take off on Poltergeist so be prepared.
Goliath: This coaster is not for the faint of heart - it reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hour (mph) after a ten story lift and an 80 foot curving plunge into a full 360 degree loop. And, that is just the beginning of the ride! Yelp users consistently rate this as one of the best thrill rides and attractions at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This coaster was moved to the park from the former Six Flags New Orleans, where it was called Batman: The Ride.

Superman Krypton Coaster: Ever since it opened in 2000, this 170 foot tall coaster has been one of the park's most popular attractions. Its floorless design creates a very unrestricted ride experience, and along the more than 4,000 feet of track riders will brave six inversions at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour - all in just three minutes and twenty seconds. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to save this ride - and Goliath - for the end of your visit.
Iron Rattler: One of the park's oldest roller coasters and the only wooden coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Rattler has rattled riders since 1992. From a maximum height of 180 feet, the coaster reaches 65 miles per hour and hugs the rugged terrain - including a tunnel through a limestone cliff - to deliver outrageous excitement with a rustic, western feel.

Road Runner Express: This crazy coaster opened in 1997 and includes a dual lift system to prolong the ride while the coaster is being chased by Wile E. Coyote. For two and a half minutes the Road Runner is in the lead, but the crazy antics make the fun last far longer.
Der Pilger Bahnhof: Take a tour of Six Flags Fiesta Texas on a classic locomotive. The authentic Austrian chalet provides VIP views of the surrounding coasters.

Other Thrill Rides

The park offers rides for non-coaster lovers as well. Rides include:

Scream: This freefall tower soars more than 160 feet above the park and not only shoots riders upwards at amazing speeds, but also speeds them downwards with an extra boost of power.
Power Surge: This thrilling water rapids ride takes you down a 50 foot drop at up to 36 mph only to meet a 20-foot-tall wave of water!
Go-Karts: If you're looking to dry off after the Power Surge, head over to the Go-Kart track and zoom to the finish line. (Additional fee)

Additional Rides

In addition to these and other major thrill rides, the park also has a range of classic amusement rides, including bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and a wide range of spinning rides. Younger visitors will delight in the many rides for children, including small scale tea cups, a free fall drop ride, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, wave swinger, water ride, airplanes, and even a junior roller coaster.

Entertainment

Guests will be delighted by the numerous musical shows featuring talented singers and dancers performing country tunes, one-hit-wonders, and favorites from the 50s and 60s. The park also features a parade with guests' favorite Looney Tunes and Justice League characters, as well as a fireworks and a laser extravaganza on selected nights. Other shows include multicultural performances and even extreme sports stunts.

Special events are also held throughout the year, including regular concerts and the annual Fright Fest events each fall.

Food at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Guests to Six Flags Fiesta Texas can work up quite an appetite, and Texas hospitality is in full swing with many delicious treats available for hungry visitors.

Food selection: Classic amusement park fare including burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, pizza, barbeque, and chicken tenders are frequent favorites. The park also hosts popular restaurants with familiar menus, including Johnny Rockets, Panda Express, and Cold Stone Creamery.
Season dining pass: If you plan to visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas regularly and have a season pass or Thrill Pass, you might want to consider the new Season Dining Pass, which costs about $115. This allows season pass holders to eat lunch and dinner at the park on each visit. Six Flags estimates that if you utilize your season pass at least four times, the Dining Pass becomes a tremendous value. Numerous on-site restaurants are included on the Season Dining Pass.
Best deal for beverages: Foursquare users recommend purchasing the refillable mugs in the park, as this can save you money throughout your visit.

A user on Fodor'sTravel points out that coolers are not allowed in the park so don't bother wasting the energy hauling it all the way up.

White Water Bay

Guests may want to wait an hour after eating before enjoying one of the park's most popular attractions, the White Water Bay water park that is included with park admission prices. With its convenient location and numerous rides and attractions, this water park is well-worth a wet-and-wild visit. The signature wave pool is shaped like Texas and uses more than one million gallons of water for tidal fun. Other attractions include a range of water slides, an interactive wet tree house for all ages, family raft slides, and a unique water funnel slide.

Tips for Visiting Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Weekdays during the summer and any day during April, May, September, and October tend to be the lightest when it comes to attendance.
To beat the long lines, visit the most popular attractions as soon as the park opens or after 5pm, or splurge for a pass that allows you to skip the lines.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Tips and Tricks community on Facebook suggests visiting the park on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the shortest lines.
USA Today recommends staying for the end of the night fireworks show and checking out some of the annual events and holiday attractions.
Like other Six Flags properties, the dress code is strictly enforced. No offensive or vulgar shirts are allowed.
Some rides don't allow purses, so carry change for ride lockers.
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent, but they are first come, first serve, so arrive early if you know you need to rent one.
If you plan to visit the water park, get your locker in the morning as they can fill up after lunch.

Hotels Near Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Travelers wanting to spend more than a day at the theme park can book a hotel nearby. There are suggestions, rates, and links to book properties on the official Six Flags website. Options include Omni San Antonio Hotel at The Colonnade (from $101 a night), Drury Inn & Suites near La Cantera Parkway ($99 a night average), and Staybridge Suites NW ($89 a night). Many of these recommended hotels offer special Six Flags packages that include park admission for up to four people, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and more.

Tickets

There are several ticket options. General parking costs $15 per vehicle, though oversized vehicles and preferred parking spaces are more expensive. Pricing quoted here is current as of February 2015. Visit the park's website for up-to-date rates.

General Admission

General admission tickets are $67.99 for adults and $51.99 for children under 48". Children two and under are free. Online purchase discounts are sometimes available in-season.

Season Passes

Season passes are an even better deal and include a coupon book for additional savings and benefits.

Special offer season passes are $79.99 each, with a parking pass included if you buy four or more season sasses. The beauty of the Six Flags Season Pass is the ability to get unlimited admission to more than Six Flags Fiesta Texas. You'll also get unlimited admission to all other Six Flags locations.
Another option is the Gold Pass for $106.99, which gives you parking, bring-a-friend free ticket on select days, parking at other Six Flags properties, and VIP early entry to White Water Bay.

Special Access Passes

For special access and shorter lines, guests may opt to buy THE FLASH Pass that provides five passes for shorter lines on the park's most popular rides. Prices depend on the level of service and number of riders. Up to five extra riders can be added to one THE FLASH Pass. Prices start at $40 US for the first person. Higher level passes include Gold ($70 US and up) and Platinum ($110 US and up). These passes can be purchased inside the park or online starting in spring.

Discount Tickets

AAA members will receive $5 off general admission when they present their card at any ticket booth, along with a ten percent discount on merchandise purchases of $15 or more.
Military members can receive a discount, but tickets must be purchased in advance as park ticket booths do not apply the discount.
Visit San Antonio sometimes offers discount coupons for the theme park. Options may include adults at the kids' price, family of four discounts, and $15 or $20 off. Coupons must be printed, so be sure to print before you leave home.

Seasonal Schedule

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is open seasonally, with a period of closure usually a month or longer in the winter. Hours vary based on days and weather so it's important to check the park calendar before you go. The water park is only open during late spring and summer.

Factors to Consider

While the online reviews are typically positive, including being rated as the 37th best attraction (out of 145) in San Antonio on TripAdvisor, there are some negative comments. Complaints typically include comments related to pricing being high - both entrance and food - along with grumbling about rides being down for maintenance during some visits.

Make sure you plan ahead on money, especially if you're coming with a large family. It might be worth looking into the season pass if you live in the area. Regarding ride maintenance, check the Six Flags website to see that the rides you're most interested in are open the day you plan to visit so you aren't disappointed upon arrival.

With proper planning, this destination can provide a great theme park getaway with something for everyone in your group.