Credit: ZDT's Amusement ParkTexas-based ZDT’s Amusement Park has reportedly listed its wooden roller coaster, Switchback, for sale. The family theme park’s iconic attraction is the first and only wooden coaster of its kind in the world, leading many thrill enthusiasts to wonder about its future.
Located in Seguin, Texas, ZDT’s Amusement Park opened in 2007. What initially began as Seguin’s only indoor Family Entertainment Center rapidly expanded into a family-friendly theme park still owned and operated by the Donhauser family. The name “ZDT” is a tribute to the owners’ three children: Zac, Danielle, and Tiffany.
The theme park is home to outdoor attractions like the Mad Raft Water Coaster, GoKarts, Parachute Drop, and Dizzy Toucan. It still operates the indoor Family Entertainment Center, with offerings like the Rock Wall and Video Game Arcade.
Unfortunately for some roller coaster fans, ZDT’s Amusement Park is gearing up to remove perhaps its most iconic outdoor ride: Switchback. The one-of-a-kind attraction opened in 2015, its name a tribute to an 1884 ride widely regarded as America’s first roller coaster, the Switchback Railway.
The Texas amusement park describes Switchback as the “world’s first and only modern wooden shuttle coaster,” allowing it to go both forward and backward. It was ranked #33 among the top wooden roller coasters worldwide.
At IAAPA Expo 2024, roller coaster fans spotted an advertisement for the sale of Switchback. Attendee @Midwaymahem shared this photo on Instagram:
@zdtamusement switchback is listed for sale here at @thegravitygroupllc booth!
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Another Instagram user, @pcw.news, provided more details about the closure, writing:
“ZDT’s Amusement Park, a compact family park spanning 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) and located in Seguin, Texas, has announced the sale of its iconic roller coaster, Switchback, as its owner, Danny Donhauser, prepares for retirement.
Built in 2015 by The Gravity Group, Switchback is the world’s first roller coaster to feature a “shuttle” design, offering a unique out-and-back ride experience. This innovative design has made it the park’s flagship attraction.
The roller coaster is listed for sale at $3.6 million…a price that includes its potential relocation. The Gravity Group has offered its expertise to assist with dismantling, transportation, and reconstruction, making the transition to a new park seamless.
This sale presents a rare opportunity for parks to acquire a proven and innovative attraction. As ZDT’s Amusement Park enters a new chapter, Switchback could soon thrill visitors in a new location.”
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Many commenters mourned the loss of the attraction at ZDT’s Amusement Park.
“Switchback is a really outstanding, if not a little rough, wooden powerhouse,” @evan.hempstead wrote. “Super unique ride with backwards airtime. It was one of my favorite coasters in the whole San Antonio area. Hoping it has lots of years left in a new location, but it is really tucked into a small and unique plot of land. It’ll look a lot different in a new location.”
“Very upsetting!” said @exot1centhusiast. “Switchback was an awesome coaster and it’s compact layout made it even better! They never got major business so it doesn’t surprise me honestly, but it’s still so sad.”
On Reddit, roller coaster fans discussed possible new homes for Switchback.
“Castles N’ Coasters should buy it,” u/Fun-River-3521 wrote. “They need a new ride and it could fit there.”
“Realistically, only a handful of woodies have been saved,” u/tideblue replied. “Unless Knoebels steps up here, I don’t know how likely it is.”
No announcements have been made about potential buyers for Switchback. It’s unclear when the attraction will close permanently at ZDT’s Amusement Park.
Are you a wooden roller coaster enthusiast? Share your favorite attractions with Inside the Mgaic in the comments.