Six Flags America announced today that Skull Mountain, a unique hybrid roller coaster and flume ride will be retired on Sunday, July 10th, in order to make way for a new attraction coming in 2012. Skull Mountain opened at the park in 1997.
When the ride opened in ’97, it was known as the Typhoon Sea Coaster. In 2007, it under went a name change and has since been known as Skull Mountain. Since it’s debut nearly 14 years ago, it has undergone many changes to the track, which in turn has created an entirely different experience. When the attraction originally opened it was the first of it’s kind. It featured a seven story descent and was the world’s tallest water-powered coaster.
“For more than a decade, guests at Six Flags America have been thrilled and inspired by Skull Mountain, giving them the feeling of joining a one-of-a-kind pirates’ voyage in Maryland’s favorite theme park,” said John Winkler, Six Flags America park president. “It’s a piece of history for Six Flags America and we feel it’s fitting to give it one last stand.”
Skull Mountain will close permanently on July 10th, but the park has a lot of fun plans before the ride will “walk the plank”.
A “Bon Voyage” countdown will begin next week and will offer a unique photo opportunity for guests. Also, during it’s final weekend of operation, on July 9 and 10, Six Flags America will hold a pirate festival that will feature pirate make overs for guests and special entertainment from The Blundering Buccaneers stunt show.
Six Flag America will also be conducting an auction for seats on the ride’s final ride. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to National Roller Coaster Museum and Archive. The park will also be donating one of the ride’s boats to the National Roller Coaster Museum after it’s final voyage on July 10th.
