Latest news with #TheFlash:VerticalVelocity
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Summer 2025: Cool amusement parks in Delaware, Maryland & New Jersey
This fast-moving year has brought its share of highs and lows. And you know what that means, right? Maybe it's a sign you're overdue for a roller coaster ride? If you think it's the latter, here's a look at seven can't-miss amusements parks in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey you and your kids might want to hit up this summer. These parks offer go-karting, crazy roller coasters and water slides, and so much more. Your pack can soak up the fun at Great Wolf Lodge's 126,000-square-feet indoor water park where the temperature stays a perfect 84 degrees all year long. Guests can enjoy slides like the monster Twister Slide, which stretches 275 feet and features 360 loops, plus families/groups can go rafting. Additionally, folks can kick back and float in the Lazy River. The "Otter Springs" offers a play pool for younger children that has several kid-friendly slides with tiny dips. Great Wolf Lodge has a lot of non-water attractions such as an arcade, mini golf, bowling and a mining-themed mirror maze where you must find the exit. There's an obstacle course that looks like something inspired by "America Ninja Warrior," but on a smaller scale, and other cool attractions. Bear in mind, each attraction listed above are paid add-ons. Amenities: There are several restaurants and food shops like Hungry As A Wolf, Dunkin', Campfire Kitchen (breakfast food like waffles), Wood's End Creamery, Barnwood and Timbers. Folks can buy grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks at the Freshwoods Market. The Pretzelmaker dishes up fresh pretzels. Adults will find alcoholic drinks at The Watering Hole. Hours: Times vary, but the water park is normally open daily during the summer. Admission/Tickets: The price for full-day and half-day passes vary throughout June to September (before Labor Day), ranging from around $48 to $100 per person. Half-day passes are cheaper and are typically available for weekdays, allowing guests to hang out from 4 p.m. to close. Kids aged 2 or younger get in free. Lodging: Folks who want to stay the night can do so in one of the lodge suites. When you lodge at Great Wolf Lodge, your water park passes are included for each registered guest, according to the website. The standard family suite includes two queen beds, full bath a TV and mini fridge. While the prices vary, the amount for a one-night stay for two adult guests and two kids (each over age 2) might start at around $369. There also are options for themed family suites that accommodate up to six to seven people, plus a premium option that accommodates up to 13 people. Address: Great Wolf Lodge (1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, Maryland). Visit or call (888) 983-9653. For decades, Six Flags has been a summer staple for adrenaline junkies; and the party hasn't stopped. The amusement park boasts dozens of rides, games and activities, including your favorite hero and villain rides like The Flash: Vertical Velocity, The Joker, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, The Dark Knight Coaster and Super Man: Ultimate Flight. Other notable experiences include the Wild Safari where guests cruise around in an open-air vehicle and discover epic animals, while learning about conservation efforts. Amenities: There's over a dozen restaurants, bars and food spots for patrons include the Ale House, Best of the West, Primo's Pizzeria on Main Street, Boardwalk Steak and Fries, Totally Kickin' Chicken Sports Bar, Sugar Shack and Rita's Italian Ice. Hours: The park is usually open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 1, though hours vary. Tickets: $39, one-day pass starts as low as that price. $75, season pass starts as low as that price. Address: Six Flags Great Adventures (Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, New Jersey). Visit or call (732) 928-2000. Hot Delaware festivals in summer 2025: Comic Con & much more This is an emotional year for some longtime Funland fans because owner Allen 'Al' Fasnacht passed away in March. Yet, his legacy lives on in every smile and fun memory at Funland. The iconic amusement park in Rehoboth Beach offers 20 rides and 11 games. Funland has entertained multiple generations of families since 1962. Amenities: Snack bar and gift shop. Hours: Open daily in the summer: From June 7 to Aug. 23: Games open at 10 a.m., and Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. Aug. 24 to 28: Games and rides open at 1p.m. Ticket booth Closes at 9:15 p.m. Aug. 29: Games and rides open at 1p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. Aug. 30 to 31: Games open at 10 a.m. Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. Sept. 1: Games open at 10 a.m. Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 8:15 p.m. Sept. 2 to 4: Park closed. Sept. 5: Games and rides open at 6 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 9:15 p.m. Sept. 6: Games and rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. Sept. 7, last day of 2025 season: Games and rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 8:15 p.m. Tickets: Single ticket is $0.75; 25 ticket book is $18.75; $50 ticket book is $33 and $100 ticket book is $55. The Unlimited Ride Wristband (1-4:30 p.m.) is $26.00. Unless you have the Unlimited Ride Wristband, the price of rides vary. Some are 1 ticket, others reach up to 6 tickets per ride. Address: Funland (6 Delaware Ave., Rehoboth Beach). Visit or call (302) 227-1921 Delaware's largest water park is where kids and parents will find a bunch of activities including giant water slides, a wave pool, kiddie pool, lazy river, activity pool, kid's spray ground, and more. But there's more than just water here. There's also a state-of-the-art batting cage system and two mini-golf courses with 18 holes each. Amenities: River Safari Café and gift shop Hours: Water park opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with twilight from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets: $50, all-day water park pass for people over 3½ feet; $35, all-day water park pass for people under 3½ feet; $250, water park season pass for people over 3½ feet; $175, water park season pass for people under 3½ feet. Address: Jungle Jim's (36944 Country Club Road, Rehoboth Beach) Visit or call (302) 227-8444. For decades, kids have loved getting their feet wet at Killens Pond Water Park, a place that offers fun for all ages. The park features two speed slides and two spiral slides, a tot lot for little ones, and more. Hours: The park is open through Labor Day, weekends only through mid-June, and weekends only mid-August through Labor Day. The park is open two sessions per day: 9 a.m. To 1:30 p.m., and 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets: $8, people under 4 feet; $10 for people 4 feet and over. Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and holiday rates are $10 for those under 4 feet tall; and $12 for people 4 feet or taller. Address: Killens Pond (5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton). Visit or call (302) 284-4526. Midway Speedway Park is a Rehoboth gem that offers four tracks across eight styles of go-kart racing. There's also the White Water Mountain Water Park and Fire Mountain miniature golf. Not to mention, cool attractions on tap include Zip Zone Bumper Boats, or you can go on the water and play Splashing Bumper Boat Action. Hours: Open daily, Go-karts and mini golf from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Water park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $59.99, includes one all-day water park and one round of mini golf, and four choice tickets to be used on any attraction; $200 for a water park season pass. A Single Ride ticket is $12. 1 game of mini golf is $15. For more prices, see website below. Address: Midway Speed Waterpark (8645 Coastal Highway. Rehoboth Beach). Visit or call (302) 644-2042. Celebrate Fourth of July 2025: Delaware & Maryland events with Uncle Sam energy Folks have to make the most of their time at Six Flags America in Bowie this year, since the park is set to close permanently in November. The park boasts dozens of rides and games. This year marks the return of SteamTown, the new steampunk-themed section of the park that launched in 2024, offering cool attractions like the QuantumCanyon Rapids, Professor Screamore's SkyWinder roller coaster, Fillament's SteamPub and more fun. There's also the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, which is an additional fee. Other notable rides and experiences include Harley Quinn Spinsanity roller coaster, the Halfpipe and Batwing Coaster. Amenities: Over two dozen amenities are on tap like the Gotham City Funnel Cakes, Macho Nacho, Hurricane Hotdog, Heritage House Food Court, Calypso's Bar and much more. Hours: Daily hours are usually 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary. Tickets: One-day ticket starts at $29. Silver Pass is $59; Gold Pass is $69. Address: Six Flags America (13710 Central Ave, Bowie, Maryland). Visit or call (301) 249-1500. If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@ Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Summer 2025: Hot amusement parks in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey
CBS News
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Six Flags' The Flash: Vertical Velocity roller coaster opens this weekend. Here's what it's like to ride.
Six Flags Great Adventure is days away from opening, and many thrill seekers will be headed for The Flash: Vertical Velocity coaster, the first "super boomerang" roller coaster in North America. The brand new roller coaster will be ready when the park opens for the season on Saturday, March 29. On Thursday, CBS News Philadelphia got a sneak peek — a chance to ride it multiple times. "Boomerang" coasters are so named because they take you through sections of the track forwards, and then go in reverse. So you'll get to experience the same loops, barrell rolls and vertical spikes forwards and backwards! A super boomerang coaster takes that same boomerang concept and uses a launch system instead of lifts, and has a longer layout, according to roller coaster designer Vekoma. Ryan Eldredge, regional manager of public relations for Six Flags, tells us the coaster reaches 172 feet (or 17 stories) high and has a top speed of 59 mph. Somehow, Ryan was able to get all those words out while riding the coaster — a true pro. "We're going to get a lot of air time," Eldredge said. "You nervous?" The coaster starts by taking riders out of the station forwards before launching them backwards. Then it's back through the start point, much faster this time, before going upside-down. From there, there's a camelback, a barrel roll and a sharp turn upward — before going backward through it all over again. Check out the video above for a look at the ride in daylight! The Flash is not the only new coaster coming to Great Adventure. After demolishing Kingda Ka and some other rides over the winter, Six Flags is working on a multi-world-record-breaking coaster that will occupy that space. That new coaster is set to open in 2026. There is one other "Super Boomerang" coaster in the world called Cloud Shuttle - it's at Fantawild Wonderland in Xuzhou, China .
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Six Flags Great Adventure opens Saturday, and more things to do at the Shore this weekend
You don't have much longer to wait for thrills. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson opens Saturday, which means you'll be able to ride the long-awaited coaster The Flash: Vertical Velocity. "This groundbreaking super boomerang coaster launches you forward and backward at 60 miles per hour, sending guests soaring 172 feet and twisting through a heart-pounding Zero-G roll," the park has said. The steel roller coaster is manufactured by Vekoma, and park officials say it will be the first of its kind to open in North America — and only the second in the world. It's themed after the famed DC Comics character The Flash, known as "the fastest man alive." Great Adventure is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Flash is located in the Movietown section of the park. Season pass holders can make reservations to ride the new coaster for the first two hours on Saturday, and then it opens to the public. That is also the case for Sunday, as well as April 5 and 6. Wild Safari animal park also opens Saturday. Hurricane Harbor water park opens Saturday, May 17. Go: Six Flags Great Adventure opening weekend, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, tickets are $39, passes range from $69 to $195; Here are more things to do this weekend, including Rosé All Day in Point Pleasant Beach and the Peking Acrobats in Red Bank. The Garden State Film Festival celebrates its 23rd anniversary Thursday to Sunday in Asbury Park and Cranford. In four days, you can enjoy 205 films and film-centered events from over 14 countries over four days in nine venues along with hosting parties, professional panels, celebrities, networking events, special honors and more,' said Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival's executive director. Attendees may choose from feature and short-length films, documentaries, comedies, children's, thrillers, pilots and student films. There are also "Home-Grown' films shot in the Garden State, including the documentary "Extra Innings: Grandpa Got Game" by Freehold resident Robert Mandelberg. The story follows a group of devoted seniors navigating the challenges of aging while debating safe-out calls in their beloved softball games. It screens at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Asbury Lanes. Other NJ highlights include: Mikey Smith of Howell, whose 'Shore Shack' screens at noon Saturday, March 29, at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. Entrepreneur Jenny Jing Zhu of Belmar, whose story is told in 'Dream Weaver,' showing at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Asbury Lanes. 'Dinner Talk,' by Deal's Louis Politan, will be served at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove. The short drama 'Muted,' from Bridgewater's Chris Zou, screens at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Berkeley. A documentary on the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Hope One Mobile Unit, which is supported by recovery specialists to tackle the opioid crisis, will be shown at 2:45 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Asbury Hall in The Asbury hotel. Also screening at this session is a new music video for "Always the Same Dream" by the Asbury Park band Backhouse. Red Bank photog Danny Sanchez, known for his stills, lets the camera roll for two works at the fest: the short 'Babyface,' at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Kingsley in the Berkeley, and 'This Train,' an excerpt from the musical storybook 'Sleeping Beauty Who Just Woke Up,' at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Berkeley. 'Here's Yianni!', starring Joe Cortese and Julia Ormond, was partly filmed in Asbury Park. It shows at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at Asbury Lanes. Asbury Park native Queen Stewart tells her compelling story in 'Sense of Urgency' at 2:30 p.m. Saturday inside the Kingsley room at the Berkeley. "Vienna: Suddenly an Angel,' a 20-minute documentary produced and directed by Matawan resident and longtime filmmaker Marko Albrecht, part of a Saturday session in Asbury Hall that begins at 11:45 a.m. The festival offers a variety of ticket packages, from single screenings to the comprehensive $105 Parkway Pass, which includes the Meet the Filmmakers event, gala reception and unlimited screenings of all films. More information, including a complete schedule, is at Go: Garden State Film Festival, Thursday to Sunday, various locations in Asbury Park and Cranford, $20 to $105; 877-908-7050, info@ For the last 32 years, The Peking Acrobats have helped to redefine audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs, and display their technical prowess at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling and gymnastics. See these displays of contortion, flexibility and control at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The acrobats are often accompanied by live musicians who play traditional Chinese instruments. Go: The Peking Acrobats, 4 p.m. Sunday, Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, $25 to $45; 732-842-9000, Want to spend a weekend afternoon sipping wine? Get your tickets to Rosé All Day, a wine-tasting event featuring styles from around the world, plus cheeses, meats and chocolates from Point Pleasant Beach-based Molly Boards. There will be live music, too. The event is presented by Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, which begins Friday, March 28, and runs through Sunday, April 6. Another, The Great Jersey Shore Burger Contest and Craft Beer Fest, takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como. Go: Rosé All Day, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, B2 Bistro, 709 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, $60, You only have a few more days to see "Red Rose Kay Photography & Multimedia: Landscapes and Nature" at the Barnegat branch of Ocean County Library. Photo artist Kaylee McGrath's Instagram following has grown exponentially since her 2016 graduation from Barnegat High School, and her 2018 graduation from Ocean County Vocational Technical School in Brick. In addition to participating in local arts and crafts events, and staging exhibits at numerous venues, McGrath teaches a mobile photography mini-course for young adults with special needs. The show can be seen through Monday, March 31. No registration is required. Go: 'Red Rose Kay Photography & Multimedia: Landscapes and Nature,' through March 31, Ocean County Library, Barnegat branch, 112 Burr St., free; 609-698-3331, Feeling like you need something to get you through the news cycle? All you need is love. At 3 p.m. Sunday, Beatles fans can experience the magic of the Fab Four with this tribute act at Drew University's Concert Hall. Re-Live The Beatles: The Tribute takes you on a journey through the career of the boys from Liverpool. Sunday's show features music, costume changes and an immersive backdrop, transporting patrons back to the 1960s. Relive the magic of the Beatles' appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show," the Shea Stadium concert, the psychedelic journey of "Sgt. Pepper" and the iconic crossing of Abbey Road. You'll hear lots of hits, from "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "A Hard Day's Night" to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,' "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Hey Jude." Tickets are $35 to $50. Go: Re-Live The Beatles: The Tribute, 3 p.m. Sunday, Concert Hall, Drew University, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, $35 to $50; Sarah Griesemer and Chris Jordan contributed to this story. Have an event coming up? Tell us about it. Email Bill Canacci at bcanacci@ This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ things to do include Six Flags Great Adventure opening
The Independent
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
World's tallest rollercoaster Kingda Ka destroyed in implosion
Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster, was demolished on Friday morning (28 February) at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Authorities warned residents about 'a series of rapid explosions' prior to the controlled implosion, advising them to keep pets indoors, while assuring that all necessary safety measures were in place for a controlled and secure demolition. The 456ft (139m) coaster, which opened in 2005, had stood for nearly two decades before being scrapped as part of the park's transformation plan. It is set to be replaced by a new attraction, The Flash: Vertical Velocity, scheduled to open in 2026.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kingda Ka roller coaster imploded at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey
Once the tallest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka was reduced to a pile of mangled steel during a controlled implosion set off at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. The 456-foot-tall amusement park attraction was intentionally toppled in Jackson on Friday, effectively ending its reign as king of the coasters mere months before its 20th anniversary. Video of the demolition shared online sees the massive tower of metal start to falter, before it crumbles and disappears into a cloud of smoke and dust. Kingda Ka was suddenly shuttered at the end of the 2024 season, with Six Flags confirming in November it was one of several attractions scheduled to be destroyed this year. The park's president, Brian Bacica, called the decision an 'important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences.' Bacica also teased a new 'multi-record-breaking launch coaster' set to open some time in 2026. He stopped short of providing further details, but said the new coaster would be 'a must-ride attraction sure to capture fans' imaginations.' Six Flags is also scheduled to debut its long-awaited The Flash: Vertical Velocity coaster later this year. It's been described as the first 'super boomerang coaster' in North America, and just the second in the world, propelling riders up to 60 miles per hour. 'Launching both forward and backward, you'll ascend a towering 172 feet before speeding off into micro gravity as you're turned upside down, nearly 100 feet off the ground,' Six Flags says on its website. Some of the other rides set for demolition this year include the Green Lantern roller coaster, The Twister, Parachutes and the Sky Way. Since its debut in 2005, Kingda Ka has carried millions of riders up its nearly 40 stories before sending them down a 418-foot drop through a 270-degree spiral. In its absence, the tallest roller coaster in the world is now Falcon Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia.
