Six Flags Shares Colossal Update After Theme Park Ceases Operations Permanently

Six Flags is gearing up to launch its newest, and one of its most ambitious theme parks to date, located in Saudi Arabia.

Six Flags Qiddiya is poised to redefine the very notion of family entertainment, crafting a tapestry of experiences that will leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. This pioneering theme park boasts a remarkable collection of attractions, from heart-stopping roller coasters that shatter world records to meticulously crafted themed lands that transport guests to fantastical realms.

A Sprawling Canvas of Entertainment

Encompassing over 320,000 square meters, Six Flags Qiddiya offers a diverse selection of 28 rides and attractions. Ten exhilarating coasters cater to the adrenaline junkie in all of us, while 18 experiences are meticulously designed to delight families and young children. The park is meticulously divided into six distinct themed lands, each meticulously crafted to provide an unparalleled level of immersion and cater to a wide range of interests.

Unveiling the Themed Lands: A Journey Through Worlds

Let’s take a look at the variety of worlds that Six Flags is creating at Six Flags Qiddiya.

Steam Town: Prepare to be whisked away to a fantastical world of gears and gadgets in Steam Town, a whimsical realm masterminded by the renowned inventor Dr. Screemore.

The crown jewel of this steampunk wonderland is the Iron Rattler, a coaster featuring a hydraulic launch that propels riders into a heart-stopping freefall. Other highlights include Saw Mill Falls, a hybrid coaster-water ride that blends the thrill of a coaster with the refreshing splash of a rapid river adventure.

The Sprockenator, a multi-directional tower ride, offers breathtaking views and exhilarating dips, while the Steel Stampede, a dizzying spinning coaster, will test your sense of equilibrium. For budding explorers, Adventure Junction provides a dynamic interactive play zone filled with exciting challenges and discoveries.

Twilight Gardens: This enchanting realm undergoes a magical transformation throughout the day. By day, it resembles a hidden secret garden, a tranquil haven teeming with lush greenery and captivating flora. As the sun begins to set, Twilight Gardens transforms into a mesmerizing illuminated forest, where twinkling lights and captivating soundscapes create an ethereal atmosphere. Attractions in this captivating zone cater to a wide range of ages.

The Twilight Express, a child-friendly coaster, offers a gentle introduction to the thrills of coasters, while Amirat Al Buhayra, a playful water ride, provides a refreshing escape on a hot day. The Enchanted Greenhouse invites guests on an interactive dark ride experience, while the Kaleidoscope allows visitors to take to the skies in a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.

Discovery Springs: Embark on a thrilling aquatic adventure in this ancient oasis. Discovery Springs is home to the Sea Stallion, the world’s tallest and fastest rider-controlled coaster. This groundbreaking attraction allows riders to control their own speed and experience the exhilaration of a high-speed aquatic adventure. For those seeking a more traditional aquatic adventure, the Zoomaflooma log flume offers a thrilling whitewater rapids experience.

Additional attractions include the Big Splash, a classic splash zone perfect for beating the heat, the Water Wheel, a towering structure offering a unique perspective of the park, and Aquatopia, an interactive water playground designed for little explorers to cool down and have endless fun. Discovery Springs also houses Into The Deep, a next-generation interactive dark ride spanning over 2,400 square meters.

Guests embark on an exciting underwater journey in four-player carts with rapid rotation and acceleration, undertaking a thrilling mission to restore the beauty and wonder of life below the surface.

City of Thrills: This vibrant and dynamic cityscape pulsates with an electrifying energy. Here, you’ll encounter the record-breaking Sirocco Tower drop ride, an adrenaline-pumping experience that plunges riders from a staggering height. The high-speed Adrena-Line suspended coaster offers exhilarating twists and inversions, while the exhilarating Windrider glider allows guests to experience the sensation of soaring through the air.

But the undisputed champion of City of Thrills is the awe-inspiring Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. This record-breaking behemoth promises an unforgettable experience, guaranteed to leave you breathless.

Grand Exposition: Relive the grandeur of historic World’s Fairs with captivating exhibits and dazzling performances in the Grand Exposition. This area boasts the Colossus coaster, a gravity-propelled wooden-steel hybrid coaster that offers a unique blend of classic thrills and modern innovation.

The Gyrospin, a towering swinging ride, propels riders high into the sky, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the park. For a touch of nostalgia, the Grand Exposition features the Arabian Carousel, a beautifully crafted carousel reminiscent of those found in classic amusement parks. Roundabout bumper cars provide a lighthearted competition for families, while the Expo Flyer swing ride offers a whimsical experience for younger guests.

Valley of Fortune: Join intrepid explorers on Indiana Jones-style adventures in this captivating zone. The centerpiece of this area is the Spitfire, a triple-launch coaster that propels riders into the sky with incredible force. Additional attractions include a hydraulic ride offering breathtaking panoramas, a plane-themed adventure designed for young guests, and a thrilling jeep treasure hunt.

Now, we have word from theme park fan Wallin Ballin that “Six Flags Qiddiya has reached 75% project completion, and the plan is to soft open in summer 2025.”

Qiddiya Update: Six Flags Qiddiya has reached 75% project completion, and the plan is to soft open in summer 2025. pic.twitter.com/A4chLgCGwO

— Wallin Ballin (@wallin_ballin) June 11, 2024

This is great news, especially considering the fact that we recently heard news of another Six Flags theme park, Six Flags New Orleans, which has been abandoned for years, is being developed by a competing company.

The developer Bayou Phoenix is reviving plans for a long-dormant entertainment destination in New Orleans. The site, formerly known as Six Flags New Orleans, has stood abandoned since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.

While not a new theme park itself, the project aims to recapture the spirit of family fun that Six Flags offered. Originally Jazzland amusement park which opened in 2000, it was acquired by Six Flags in 2003.

Unfortunately, the devastating hurricane forced the park’s closure five years later. Today, the site remains a shadow of its former self, with a dilapidated landscape and a haunting “closed for storm” sign greeting visitors at the intersection of I-10 and I-510.

Bayou Phoenix envisions a $1 billion transformation for the over 200-acre property. Their ambitious plans include a sports complex, hotels, restaurants, water parks, an entertainment center, and even a pristine “clearwater beach.” Having secured the lease in 2023, the developer remains committed to bringing this vision to life.

While Six Flags may have lost that property, it is exciting to hear of these upcoming developments with Qiddiya, especially after the Cedar Fair merger.

What do you think of Six Flags Qiddiya?