Poltergeist is one of the standout attractions at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, located in San Antonio, Texas. Known for its intense speed, exhilarating turns, and unique launch system, the ride is a favorite among thrill-seekers. Opened in 1999, Poltergeist has been entertaining park-goers for over two decades. Its theme, inspired by the mysterious and supernatural, enhances the excitement and makes it a must-ride for visitors to the park.
The Theme and Design
As the name suggests, Poltergeist embraces an eerie, supernatural theme. The ride queue and surrounding area are designed to evoke the chilling atmosphere of a haunted manor, featuring spooky decorations, haunting sound effects, and dramatic lighting. Once riders are strapped in, they are metaphorically “summoned” by the spectral forces, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement even before the coaster takes off.
Ride Specifications and Layout
Poltergeist is a launched steel coaster manufactured by Premier Rides, utilizing their signature LIM (Linear Induction Motor) technology for its intense initial launch. The coaster’s layout is classified as a Spaghetti Bowl, a term used to describe its tangled, interwoven track design, filled with a series of inversions and rapid turns. Here are some key specifications of the ride:
- Type: Steel, launched coaster
- Track Length: 2,705 feet
- Top Speed: 60 mph
- Height: 78 feet
- Inversions: 4 (including corkscrews, a cobra roll, and zero-G rolls)
- Duration: Approximately 1 minute and 15 seconds
The Ride Experience
The ride experience begins with an electrifying launch, which accelerates the train from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. This rapid acceleration is achieved using the LIM launch system, which propels riders out of the station and directly into a twisted mass of steel track.
Riders experience multiple inversions, banked turns, and unexpected transitions that give the sensation of weightlessness at various points during the ride. The lack of a traditional lift hill means there is no gradual buildup of tension — it’s all action from the start. The sensation of speeding through a compact tangle of track adds to the thrill, making riders feel as though they are darting through a supernatural maze.
Unique Features
One of the unique features of Poltergeist is its spaghetti bowl layout, which is compact yet densely packed with maneuvers. The ride’s design makes the most out of its relatively small footprint, giving riders an intense experience without taking up too much space in the park. Another distinct characteristic is the complete lack of mid-ride brakes, allowing for a continuous, high-speed ride with no pauses or slowdowns until the train reaches the final brake run.
Queue and Accessibility
The queue for Poltergeist is an attraction in itself, winding through a spooky, haunted house-like facade that sets the mood. The anticipation builds as riders approach the boarding platform, and the eerie music and sounds add to the sense of suspense. Once on the platform, the boarding process is quick, and the ride is equipped with over-the-shoulder harnesses that keep riders secure through all the inversions and rapid transitions.
Poltergeist is accessible to guests meeting the height requirement of 54 inches. It’s also worth noting that due to the intensity of the ride, guests with certain medical conditions are advised to avoid riding.
Recent Updates
Poltergeist received a refurbishment in 2021, giving the ride a fresh coat of paint and updating its queue area to enhance the haunted theme even further. This update has made the ride look brand new and has improved the overall guest experience, ensuring it remains a fan favorite for years to come.
Poltergeist at Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a thrilling experience that combines speed, inversions, and a supernatural theme to create one of the most unique rides in the park. Whether you're a coaster enthusiast or just someone looking for a heart-pounding adventure, Poltergeist is sure to deliver. With its impressive launch system and fast-paced ride experience, it’s no wonder that this attraction continues to captivate visitors and stands as one of the top attractions in the park.
Next time you're at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, don’t miss the chance to challenge this spectral coaster — if you dare!