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SkyScreamer
SkyScreamer at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Ride statistics
Attraction typeTower Swinger
ManufacturerFuntime
ModelStar Flyer
Speed43 mph (69 km/h)
Vehicles16
Riders per vehicle2
Height restriction44–48 in (112–122 cm)
Fast Lane available

SkyScreamer is an amusement ride located at several Six Flags theme parks in North America. Designed by Funtime, an Austrian ride manufacturer, the attraction is one of their "Star Flyer" models.

Riders aboard SkyScreamer are carried aloft in two-person swing-like chairs attached to a rotating gondola mounted on a central tower. When the gondola reaches the top of the tower, riders are swung in a wide circle at speeds approaching 43 miles per hour (69 km/h), with a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. The ride is marketed to both thrill-ride enthusiasts and patrons seeking a more family-friendly experience.

History

[edit]

The first two SkyScreamers were announced in late 2010 for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Six Flags St. Louis for the 2011 season.[1][2] On May 14, 2011, SkyScreamer officially opened at Six Flags St. Louis,[3] where it replaced the Riverview Racer.[4] On May 27, 2011, SkyScreamer made its debut at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, adjacent to the Medusa roller coaster.[5]

In September 2011, Six Flags announced the addition of SkyScreamer to two more parks, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Six Flags Great Adventure.[6][7] On January 19, 2012, Six Flags announced that La Ronde would also receive a Star Flyer tower.[8] On May 19, 2012, La Ronde opened their attraction, using the name Vol Ultime (French for "Ultimate Flight") instead of SkyScreamer.[9] On May 23, 2012, Six Flags Great Adventure opened SkyScreamer as part of their new Adventure Alley section, which was based around the idea of retro-style amusement rides.[10] On May 27, 2012, Six Flags Fiesta Texas opened their SkyScreamer in the Spassburg section of the park; season passholders were allowed to experience the ride one day earlier.[11]

In July 2012, Six Flags New England submitted plans to the city of Agawam, Massachusetts requesting special approval to construct a 385-foot-tall (117 m) Star Flyer ride, as the proposed height exceeded the city's height limit.[12] The approval was granted a week later, with an additional conditional approval to build as tall as 410 feet (125 m), in case a competing park built a taller model first.[13] The planning documents revealed that the ride would replace the park's Skycoaster, "Taz's Dare Devil Dive" as well as the former spot of "Catapult".[13]

However, when Six Flags announced its 2013 capital investments in August 2012, the Six Flags New England Star Flyer was not included.[14] Instead, two other parks, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia, were set to receive SkyScreamer attractions.[15][16] Six Flags Over Georgia's 242-foot (74 m) version replaced the Wheelie and officially debuted on May 24, 2013, after two weekends of passholder previews.[16][17] Six Flags Over Texas' model, dubbed the Texas SkyScreamer, was awarded the title of the "world's tallest swing carousel ride" by Guinness World Records.[18] Although reports suggested it took this record from the 117-metre-tall (384 ft) Prater Turm in Vienna, Austria,[18] Eclipse at Gröna Lund actually held the record for a period of a month standing at 120 metres (390 ft), 3 metres (9.8 ft) shorter than the Texas SkyScreamer.[19]

On August 29, 2013, Six Flags announced that they would be adding the New England SkyScreamer to Six Flags New England in 2014.[20] The over 400-foot-tall ride debuted officially on May 23, 2014, in the park's North End section.[21] At the time of its debut, New England SkyScreamer held the title for the tallest swing ride.

As part of its 2015 attractions presentation on August 28, 2014, Six Flags announced that Six Flags Mexico will be the next park to receive a SkyScreamer, a 242-foot (74 m) model and the only attraction of its kind in Latin America.[22]

Two years later after the announcement of Six Flags Mexico addition, Six Flags announced that they would be adding yet another Funtime Star Flyer for the 2017 season after a hiatus of building the swing ride back to back. Six Flags America announced on September 1, 2016, that for the following season they would be constructing the tallest ride in the park, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth a 242-foot (74 m) SkyScreamer.[23] The ride would become one of the first SkyScreamers to be themed to a DC Comics character. Six Flags Mexico rethemed their SkyScreamer to Supergirl in 2018 to be a part of the new theme area the tower was already located in. Also in 2018, Six Flags added a SkyScreamer installation to Six Flags Darien Lake for the 2019 season. The 242-foot-tall ride was labeled the tallest ride in the state of New York.[citation needed]

From 2019 to 2023, there had been no other news with the SkyScreamer attractions at the Six Flags parks. Six Flags announced for the 2024 season, Six Flags Fiesta Texas' SkyScreamer would be rethemed to Supergirl, as the park expands their new DC Universe themed land in parts of Spassburg.[24]

On May 1, 2025, Six Flags announced that the Six Flags America park will close at the end of the 2025 season on November 2, 2025.[25] The status on the future of the Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth attraction was not given at the time of the announcement.[26]

Ride experience

[edit]
New England SkyScreamer with sign used before RMC conversion of Cyclone into Wicked Cyclone

While the heights of the various SkyScreamer installations vary from park to park, the basic operation of the ride is consistent. Riders sit in one of 16 two-seat chairs connected to a gondola mounted on a central tower, which brings the gondola up and down.[5] A seat belt is placed over the rider's waist to keep them firmly in their seat, and a lap bar is fastened into place.[10] When the ride cycle begins, the gondola rises to the top of the tower, beginning to spin slowly around the central tower and picking up speed as it ascends further.[10] By the time it reaches the top, it rotates around the tower at its full speed of approximately 43 miles per hour (69 km/h), with riders rotating around the tower in a circle 98 feet (30 m) in diameter.[5] The gondola remains at the top of the tower for a period of time, then it descends and slows down slightly before returning to the top.[10] At the end of the cycle, the gondola lowers to the ground and slows its rotation such that, by the time it reaches the bottom of the tower, all rotation ceases and the riders are able to depart. Optionally, SkyScreamer can be set to rotate in the opposite direction during its cycle, such that riders are traveling backwards. Thus far, the installations at St. Louis, Discovery Kingdom, Fiesta Texas, New England and La Ronde have operated in this manner, with each running them in this mode during special events or as a limited-time promotion.[27][28][29]

The New England SkyScreamer and Texas SkyScreamer differ from the standard models, although the actual ride experience is intended to be the same. The gondola of the two rides hold 12 two-seat chairs instead of 16.[15] When the gondola reaches full height, the chairs rotate in a larger circle—124 feet (38 m)—but at a slower speed—35 miles per hour (56 km/h).[15][20]

Installations

[edit]

All rides were installed by Ride Entertainment Group, who handle all of Funtime's operations in North America.[30][31]

Name Park Area Height Opening date Closing Date Refs
SkyScreamer Six Flags St. Louis Illinois 72 metres or 236 feet May 14, 2011 [2][3]
SkyScreamer Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Sky 46 metres or 151 feet May 27, 2011 [5]
Vol Ultime La Ronde 45 metres or 148 feet May 19, 2012 [9]
SkyScreamer Six Flags Great Adventure Adventure Alley 74 metres or 243 feet May 22, 2012 [10]
Supergirl Sky Flight Six Flags Fiesta Texas DC Universe 61 metres or 200 feet May 27, 2012 [11]
SkyScreamer Six Flags Over Georgia Lickskillet 74 metres or 243 feet May 24, 2013 [16]
Texas SkyScreamer Six Flags Over Texas USA 122 metres or 400 feet May 25, 2013 [citation needed]
New England SkyScreamer Six Flags New England North End 122 metres or 400 feet May 23, 2014 [21]
Supergirl Sky Flight Six Flags Mexico Hollywood 74 metres or 243 feet March 7, 2015 [22]
North Star Valleyfair 70 metres or 230 feet May 12, 2017 [32]
Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth Six Flags America Gotham City 74 metres or 243 feet June 13, 2017 November 2, 2025
SkyScreamer Six Flags Darien Lake 74 metres or 243 feet May 18, 2019

Reception

[edit]

SkyScreamer has been described as being a "classic" and "retro" ride by the press.[10][11] It is marketed as a compromise between riders who prefer roller coasters and similar thrills and those who prefer more family-friendly rides.[10][11] Roller coaster enthusiasts, who are often sought out to sample new thrill rides, have been generally positive about the attractions. Frankie Gobel, a roller coaster fan whose father, Charlie Gobel, wrote a book about their experiences entitled Flying With Frankie: Three Hundred Days in Amusement Parks Riding Roller Coasters With My Son, described the ride as not being "your typical swing set" commenting that "It’s not too intense for Mom or too dull for a teenager. It’s the perfect family ride - assuming your family has a strong stomach."[10]

Gary Slade, the publisher of Amusement Today magazine, said that while SkyScreamer doesn't have the same drawing power as a new roller coaster, it still was the type of ride parks needed to install to keep guests returning.[11] Slade said, in regards to the attraction at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, "I think it's really going to be a huge hit for them."[11]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
SkyScreamer is a series of thrill rides manufactured by the Austrian company Funtime and installed at multiple amusement parks throughout . These pendulum-style swing rides consist of a tall central tower supporting a rotating of outward-facing seats that swings in a , reaching heights of 151 to 400 feet and speeds up to 43 mph while offering panoramic views and intense airtime sensations. The rides, which debuted starting in 2011, vary in scale across installations but share a common design emphasizing height and rotation for exhilaration. Notable examples include the 242-foot versions at parks like and , where riders experience swings at approximately 40 mph, and taller models such as the 400-foot New England SkyScreamer at , which held the title of the world's tallest upon its 2014 opening. Similarly, the Texas SkyScreamer at reaches about 400 feet, providing views over the Arlington skyline at speeds around 35 mph. These attractions typically accommodate 24 to 32 riders per cycle, with height requirements starting at 48 inches, and are positioned in high-traffic areas to serve as visual landmarks within the parks.

Design and manufacture

Overview

The SkyScreamer is a tower swinger ride manufactured by Funtime, an Austrian company based in Dölsach that specializes in thrill rides. In this ride, passengers are seated in pairs on open swing chairs attached to arms extending from a rotating central tower; as the structure spins, the arms swing outward and upward, propelling riders to heights of up to 409 feet (125 meters) at speeds reaching 43 mph (69 km/h). The experience combines rotational motion with vertical ascent and descent, providing panoramic views and sensations of . Classified as a thrill ride, the SkyScreamer accommodates riders who are at least 48 inches tall and features a standard capacity of 32 passengers per cycle across 16 two-person gondolas. Installations vary in from 151 to 409 feet and often include thematic elements, such as superhero motifs like the Supergirl Sky Flight retheme at select parks.

Technical specifications

The SkyScreamer features a central tower structure that elevates a rotating fitted with suspended passenger swings, designed for high-wind operation up to 74 km/h (force 8 on the ). Common park models have tower heights of 236 to 243 feet (72 to 74 meters), with variants ranging from 151 feet to taller configurations that reach up to 409 feet (125 meters), as seen in the SkyScreamer installation. The ride's swing diameter extends up to 124 feet (38 meters) at full height, supporting 16 two-seat fiberglass gondolas on standard models for a total capacity of 32 passengers, or 12 gondolas on taller configurations for 24 passengers. Each gondola includes double seatbelts and a leg harness to secure riders during rotation and ascent. Electric motors, rated at 130 to 150 kW, drive the gondola's , which can proceed either or counterclockwise, achieving a maximum speed of 43 mph (70 km/h) with a vertical ascent rate of 2.2 m/s (7.2 ft/s). Cycles typically last 3 to 5 minutes, yielding a throughput of 400 to 600 riders per hour based on model size and operational efficiency.

History

Development

Funtime, an Austrian amusement ride manufacturer founded in 1998, developed the in the early 2000s as a pioneering tower-based that combines rotation with vertical movement to deliver enhanced thrills. The prototype debuted in May 2004 at in , , marking the first installation of this innovative design that elevated traditional s to new heights. SkyScreamer represents a customized variant of the , tailored for the North American market with branding elements specific to parks, including a signature globe topper featuring the chain's logo. In September and October 2010, announced a with Funtime to install two SkyScreamer units, aiming to bolster its portfolio of extreme attractions amid growing demand for high-altitude thrills. This collaboration built on an earlier securities purchase agreement between the companies and focused on introducing 236-foot-tall versions to compete with escalating international standards in ride intensity and scale. The development phase emphasized rigorous for structural integrity, particularly wind resistance through aerodynamic tower and reinforced cabling systems capable of withstanding gusts up to specified operational limits. Initial testing involved on-site simulations and load assessments to ensure compliance with international safety standards, including ASTM F2291 for U.S. amusement rides and devices and EN 13814 for European ride and manufacture, prioritizing passenger restraints and emergency protocols. Following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2010, allocated $80–$90 million in capital expenditures for expansions, strategically selecting the dual SkyScreamer debuts to revitalize park attendance and signaling a post-restructuring emphasis on innovative attractions. This decision aligned with the company's refreshed financial position, reduced debt from $2.7 billion to under $1 billion, and a focus on high-impact investments to drive revenue growth.

Rollout and expansions

The rollout of SkyScreamer began in 2011 with its debut installations at two parks, marking the start of a strategic expansion of Funtime's model across the chain. On May 14, 2011, the ride opened at , standing at 236 feet (72 meters) tall and becoming the park's signature thrill attraction. Just two weeks later, on May 27, 2011, a shorter 151-foot (46-meter) version debuted at , tailored to the park's coastal layout through Funtime's customization options. A surge in installations followed in 2012 and 2013, as aggressively added the ride to enhance thrill offerings amid growing demand for high-altitude experiences. On May 23, 2012, a 243-foot (74-meter) SkyScreamer opened at , followed shortly by the 200-foot (61-meter) version at on May 27, 2012. The momentum continued into 2013 with openings at on May 24 (243 feet or 74 meters) and on May 25, where the 400-foot (122-meter) Texas SkyScreamer set a as the tallest of its type at the time. Subsequent years saw further expansions to solidify SkyScreamer's presence in the portfolio. In 2014, introduced a 400-foot (122-meter) model on May 23, matching the installation's height and reinforcing the ride's status as a marquee addition. The following year, on March 7, 2015, unveiled its 243-foot (74-meter) version, the chain's first international SkyScreamer. Later additions included Valleyfair's North Star, a 230-foot (70-meter) variant that opened on May 12, 2017, as the park's tallest ride; America's Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, a 243-foot (74-meter) DC Comics-themed installation debuting on June 13, 2017; and Darien Lake's 243-foot (74-meter) SkyScreamer on May 18, 2019, which claimed the title of New York State's tallest thrill ride. Beyond properties, the ride type expanded to with Vol Ultime, a 148-foot (45-meter) installation that opened on May 19, 2012, as the park's centerpiece for its 45th anniversary celebrations. In recent years, thematic updates have refreshed existing SkyScreamers, including a retheming in 2018 at parks like Six Flags Mexico and to align with expansions. However, challenges emerged with the closure of on November 2, 2025, following the announcement on May 1, 2025, ending operations for its amid broader park shutdowns.

Ride experience

Operation

Riders board the SkyScreamer at ground level into typically 12 to 16 two-seat chairs attached to the rotating , accommodating 24 to 32 passengers depending on the installation. Once seated, passengers are secured using over-the-shoulder harnesses and seatbelts to ensure safety during the ascent and rotation; loose items are strictly prohibited and must be stored in designated areas prior to boarding. The ride cycle begins with the central arms lifting the where rotation commences slowly and gradually builds to full speed as the structure ascends to its maximum height. The chairs swing outward in a wide arc for the thrilling portion of the ride. The ride cycle lasts approximately 2 minutes. Upon returning to ground level, the comes to a complete stop, and ride staff assist passengers with exiting the restraints and disembarking safely. The full operational cycle, including loading and unloading, enables a throughput of approximately 500 riders per hour, depending on operational efficiency and weather conditions, with the ride certified to operate in winds up to 45 mph (74 km/h).

Passenger sensations and restrictions

Riders on the SkyScreamer experience an initial ascent that builds anticipation as the star-shaped is lifted to heights of up to 400 feet depending on the installation, providing expansive views of and surrounding . Once at the peak, the gondola rotates and swings in a wide arc, delivering a thrilling rush of wind against the face at speeds reaching up to 43 , evoking the sensation of a massive swing amplified to extreme proportions without any inversions. The motion creates moments of airtime and mild forces, emphasizing freedom and exhilaration over intense disorientation. The experience varies by installation, with shorter models reaching about 40 mph and taller ones up to 43 mph. The full ride cycle lasts approximately 2 minutes, featuring continuous swinging and rotation that maintains a steady intensity throughout, allowing passengers to savor the panoramic vistas while feeling the dynamic pull of the swings. Eligibility for the SkyScreamer includes a minimum height of 48 inches to ride unaccompanied, or 44 inches when accompanied by a supervising companion. Health restrictions prohibit pregnant individuals, those with heart conditions, neck or back issues, recent surgeries, or any condition that could be aggravated by motion or forces from riding. For , users and those with mobility aids must transfer to the ride vehicle with assistance from companions or staff, as the chair design requires riders to maintain an upright seated position with independent upper body control; no specific limitations on prosthetics are noted beyond general requirements for functioning limbs to secure restraints.

Installations

Operating installations

As of November 2025, eleven SkyScreamer installations remain operational across , following an expansion rollout by and affiliated s from 2011 to 2019. These rides, manufactured by Funtime, vary in height and theming to integrate with their respective park environments, offering panoramic views and typical peak-season wait times of 10-30 minutes. Six Flags St. Louis (SkyScreamer): Located in , this 236 ft (72 m) tall ride opened on May 14, 2011, featuring standard SkyScreamer theming with a focus on exhilarating swings over the park's midway. It provides guests with sweeping views of the surrounding woodlands and is fully operational, accommodating up to 24 riders per cycle. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (SkyScreamer): Situated in , this shorter 151 ft (46 m) version debuted on May 27, 2011, and integrates coastal views of the into the ride experience, enhancing the thrill with ocean breezes. The ride remains active, positioned near the park's roller coasters for optimal sightlines. La Ronde (Vol Ultime): In , , , this 148 ft (45 m) installation opened on May 19, 2012, and operates with French-language announcements and signage to align with the park's bilingual environment. It offers vistas of the River and is currently running, emphasizing family-friendly thrills. Six Flags Great Adventure (SkyScreamer): Found in Jackson, , this 243 ft (74 m) ride launched on May 22, 2012, in a central park location that maximizes views of the adjacent safari and thrill rides. It is operational, drawing crowds for its height and integration into the park's core pathway. Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Supergirl Sky Flight): At the , park, this 200 ft (61 m) attraction opened as SkyScreamer on May 27, 2012, and received DC Comics theming as Sky Flight in 2018, tying into the park's superhero zone. The ride is active, providing overlooks of the quarry-themed landscape. Six Flags Over Georgia (SkyScreamer): In , the 243 ft (74 m) ride began operations on May 24, 2013, offering elevated perspectives of the park's lakes and coasters. It continues to operate smoothly as a key thrill element. Six Flags Over Texas (Texas SkyScreamer): Located in , this 400 ft (122 m) tower opened on May 25, 2013, and held the world record for tallest upon debut, with views encompassing the and skyline. The ride remains in service, celebrated for its record-breaking scale. Six Flags New England (New England SkyScreamer): In , this 400 ft (122 m) installation, which also set a record at opening, commenced on May 23, 2014, and provides aerial sights of the Valley. It is fully operational and a highlight. Six Flags Mexico (Supergirl Sky Flight): The park's 243 ft (74 m) ride, opened on March 7, 2015, features bilingual operations in Spanish and English, with DC Comics branding added later. It offers urban skyline views and is currently running. Valleyfair (North Star): Under (now ) ownership in , this 230 ft (70 m) ride opened on May 12, 2017, and integrates with the park's northern-themed area for views of the . The attraction is active and unique as the only such ride in the . Six Flags Darien Lake (Sky Screamer): In Corfu, New York, the 243 ft (74 m) version debuted on May 18, 2019, positioned to overlook the park's lake and campground areas. It remains operational, enhancing the park's thrill lineup.

Closed installations

The Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, a 242-foot (74 m) tall SkyScreamer installation at Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, opened on June 13, 2017. The ride, themed to the DC Comics character, ceased operations on November 2, 2025, coinciding with the permanent closure of Six Flags America amid the company's restructuring efforts to address underperforming assets and prioritize divestitures. The ride is currently standing but not operating, and its future is uncertain. No other SkyScreamer closures have been announced as of November 2025. The decommissioning of such tower rides typically involves sequential disassembly of the central mast and arm components using heavy-lift cranes to lower sections safely to the ground. No relocations of intact SkyScreamer units have been recorded in recent years. This closure marks the reduction of operating SkyScreamer rides to 11 units within the portfolio.

Reception

Critical reviews

The SkyScreamer has been lauded by amusement ride enthusiasts as a "gateway thrill," combining the nostalgic appeal of traditional swings with the adrenaline of elevated heights up to 400 feet. Its placement in family-oriented park sections, such as Adventure Alley at , contributes to this perception by evoking a atmosphere suitable for a broad audience, including those new to intense rides. Professional reviews emphasize the ride's smooth operation and engineering quality from manufacturer Funtime, which minimizes discomfort and nausea through stable chain-suspended seats and controlled rotation. A CoasterCritic of the installation described it as delivering "substantial g-forces" in a "non-dizzying" manner, praising its thrilling ascent and descent without overwhelming vertigo. Similarly, a guest review of the version highlighted "fantastic thrills and sights" from the 242-foot tower, recommending it as an accessible upgrade for park thrill lineups. Industry commentary on Funtime's technology, the basis for SkyScreamer, underscores its reliability, with long-term installations demonstrating consistent performance and low maintenance needs. The ride's design supports high throughput, enabling up to 960 riders per hour in comparable models, which facilitates repeat ridership and sustains popularity during peak park hours. Themed variants, like the Sky Flyer at , further enhance user engagement by incorporating DC Comics elements, allowing riders to "join this high-flying heroine for amazing aerial spins" while overlooking the superheroes area. As a visual landmark, the towering structure provides panoramic park views, often cited as a highlight that draws families back for multiple experiences. Compared to drop towers, the SkyScreamer distinguishes itself with continuous swinging motion and extended airtime at speeds up to 43 mph, appealing to non-roller coaster fans who seek sustained excitement over abrupt freefalls. This ongoing dynamic, rather than a single plunge, positions it as a versatile addition to ride culture, blending accessibility with visual spectacle.

Incidents and safety record

The SkyScreamer ride has experienced a few minor incidents since its debut, primarily related to weather and mechanical issues, but none have resulted in serious injuries. On August 18, 2024, at Six Flags Mexico, riders were stranded approximately 242 feet in the air during a severe storm, where heavy rain and winds pelted the , leading to a temporary stall; park staff safely evacuated all passengers without any reported injuries, and the ride resumed operations shortly after. In September 2025, at , the ride stopped mid-cycle, leaving riders suspended for about 15 minutes before it restarted; no injuries occurred. Another notable event involved a non-Six Flags installation at Scandia Family Fun Center in , where on April 8, 2018, a malfunction stranded two riders at around 160 feet for about 45 minutes; firefighters and park mechanics assisted in lowering the ride safely, with no injuries reported, and the incident was attributed to an electrical failure unrelated to the ride's mechanical systems. Occasional closures due to high winds have been reported across various parks. SkyScreamer installations maintain a strong record, with no fatalities documented. The ride is subject to industry standards and practices, including pre-operational inspections.

References

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