Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast is a thrilling roller coaster located at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Inspired by one of Batman’s most iconic villains, the ride offers an exhilarating experience that draws thousands of visitors each year. With its unique reverse-launch design and high-speed elements, Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast stands out as a favorite among roller coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
History and Theme
Originally debuting as "Mr. Freeze" in 1998 at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis, the coaster was rebranded as Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast in 2012. The ride’s theme pays homage to the Batman villain Mr. Freeze, a tragic character obsessed with cryogenics and vengeance. The coaster’s setting and design reflect the icy lair of Mr. Freeze, with sharp, cold-blue aesthetics and industrial elements that perfectly capture the chilling atmosphere of the character’s world.
Design and Features
- Type: Steel, Launched Shuttle Coaster
- Manufacturer: Premier Rides
- Height: 218 feet
- Speed: 70 mph
- Inversions: 1 (Top Hat Inversion)
- Length: 1,300 feet
- Launch Type: Linear Induction Motor (LIM)
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast is notable for its reverse-launch mechanism, which propels riders backward at 70 mph through a long, dimly lit tunnel before sending them into a vertical top hat inversion. From there, the train races up a 218-foot vertical spike, where riders experience a moment of weightlessness before the entire experience is repeated in reverse. This shuttle-style coaster utilizes a LIM launch system, ensuring a smooth and powerful acceleration.
The coaster trains are uniquely designed to accommodate 20 riders per cycle, arranged in 5 cars of 4 seats each. The reversed seating and intense speed make the ride feel disorienting yet electrifying, adding to its unique appeal.
The Ride Experience
From the moment riders board the sleek, ice-blue train, they are immersed in the world of Mr. Freeze. The ride begins with a rapid acceleration, launching the train backward through a tight tunnel lined with ice-themed decor and pulsing lights, creating a sensation of being pulled into a frigid vortex. The first element riders encounter is the top hat inversion, which flips the train in a giant vertical loop, creating a disorienting blend of forward and upside-down movement.
After the inversion, the train ascends the towering vertical spike, providing a brief moment to take in the view of the park from nearly 200 feet up. Then, gravity takes over, and the train plummets back down, hurtling riders through the same elements in the opposite direction. The forward launch sends riders speeding through the loop and tunnel once more before slowing down at the loading platform.
Why It Stands Out
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast is unique for several reasons. Its reverse launch is a rare feature among roller coasters, delivering an experience that few others can replicate. The combination of intense G-forces, inversions, and weightless airtime moments make it a must-ride for thrill-seekers. Its dramatic theming and the immersive queue line, which winds through Mr. Freeze’s ice-covered laboratory, further enhance the ride experience.
Additionally, the coaster's shuttle design, where it travels both forward and backward, adds a dynamic element that distinguishes it from traditional out-and-back roller coasters. This design choice allows riders to experience each element of the ride in a different way depending on which direction they’re facing, making repeat rides even more enjoyable.
Accessibility and Safety Information
Riders must meet a height requirement of 54 inches to ride Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast. The ride includes a secure over-the-shoulder restraint system, and additional safety measures are in place to ensure all riders are seated properly before launch. The loading platform is equipped with safety gates, and ride operators are stationed throughout the boarding process to assist guests.
Conclusion
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a top-tier coaster that delivers thrills, chills, and an adrenaline rush that is hard to match. With its unique reverse-launch, exciting elements, and thematic design, it remains one of the most memorable attractions in the park. Whether you’re a hardcore coaster fan or a casual visitor looking for a high-speed adventure, Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast is a ride that should not be missed.
Fun Facts:
- The original "Mr. Freeze" coaster was inspired by the character’s appearance in the 1997 movie Batman & Robin.
- The ride originally launched forward until its reverse transformation in 2012.
- The top speed of 70 mph is achieved in just under 4 seconds thanks to the LIM launch system.
- Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast is mirrored at Six Flags St. Louis, with both parks offering an almost identical experience.
Enjoy your icy adventure at Six Flags Fiesta Texas!