The Dark Knight Sees Light of Day at Six Flags
Friday July 18, 2008
Batman returns to the multiplex today, but he's been crusading nonstop at Six Flags for years. The comic book hero's presence varies from park to park and includes meeting and greeting guests, appearing in parades, fighting the forces of evil in his own stunt show, and serving as the inspiration for a number of coasters. The newest addition to the Batman thrill machines are the twin Dark Knight indoor coasters that recently opened at Six Flags Great America, near Chicago, and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Six Flags New England was supposed to host a third Dark Knight coaster, but the park scrapped the partially built attraction when it ran afoul of local building regulations. The rides, which are essentially traditional Wild Mouse coasters housed inside buildings, include some themeing to tie them in with the new Dark Knight movie. Other Batman coasters include the groundbreaking Batman: The Ride inverted coasters, found at nine Six Flags parks, the Batwing flying coaster at Maryland's Six Flags America, and the floorless Batman: The Ride coaster at Six Flags New England.
Photo: Batman's imprint is all over The Dark Knight coaster at Six Flags New England. ©Arthur Levine. Licensed to About.com.
Comments
I went to the Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ and went on the Dark Knight coaster. I was extremely disappointed, it was jerky, repeatative and boring. The one drop was slow and lacked the suprise you get from most indoor coasters. For a mild ride it would be okay, but if u want a real roller coaster, skip this ride and go for Nitro.
Thanks for writing Lindsey. You apparently have lots of company. Riders have generally not had great things to say about either of The Dark Knight rides. It’s a shame, because Six Flags had a compelling theme and a blockbuster film to showcase the attraction.
-Arthur