Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, May 2009 update

Roar’s Tenth!

It does not seem like ten years have passed since we welcomed Roar to the Northern California coaster lineup. But it’s true and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is celebrating the coaster’s birthday in a special way. Here’s the park’s press release:

SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM TO CELEBRATE ROAR’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Moms can ride 10 times in a row with their 10-year-olds on May 9

(Vallejo, CA) – May 1, 2009 – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its wooden roller coaster, Roar, on Saturday, May 9. The 95-foot tall coaster has delighted over 6.8 million riders and cycled approximately 283,333 times since its opening in May 1999.

“Roar is a throwback to some of the great wooden coasters of our time, but is modern in every sense,” said Eric Gilbert, park president. “It still ranks among the top roller coasters in Northern California due to the fact that riders experience the feeling of being airborne over and over during the course of its 12 breathtaking drops.”

Because the anniversary period falls in the same month as Mother’s Day, the park will mark both occasions by inviting moms and their 10-year-old kids to ride Roar 10 times in a row the day before Mother’s Day between 12 noon and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. Mothers and their kids that ride will receive a commemorative Mother’s Day photo of them on the ride and a sticker to wear that reads, “I rode Roar 10 times in a row!”

Manufactured by Great Coasters International, Inc., Roar which has a top speed of 50 mph, taking riders along a 3,467 spiraling track that features six reversals, 22 crossovers, 17 turns, 12 drops – all this with a G-force of 3.5.

In recognition of the milestone, Mayor Osby Davis and the Vallejo City Council are proclaiming May 9 as Roar’s 10th Anniversary Day, on behalf of the City of Vallejo.

Individuals interested in participating on behalf of Roar’s 10th Anniversary will be able to sign up to ride as they enter the park between the hours of 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. The exclusive ride time will take place on one of two Roar trains during the event hour.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is open Fridays and weekends through May 22, after which the park will open daily for the summer through August 23. Operating hours vary. Season Passes are still available for the value price of $49.99 plus city fee through May 25, 2009. Season Passes can be purchased in-park, online or through SaveMart/Lucky stores.

For additional information on operating hours, rides, shows, special events and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom .

— press release courtesy of Nancy Chan, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom; photo: Steven Wilson