Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey has announced “the largest array of improvements in the parks’ nearly 50-year history, featuring robust enhancements to the guest experience including new dining, rides, events and animal experiences.”
Among these announcements, coaster enthusiasts will likely be the most excited for the return of the original theme of the Medusa floorless coaster located in the park’s Frontier Adventures area.
The ride opened in 1999 as the world’s first floorless coaster, and sported the Medusa theme until 2009, until it was replaced with the DC supervillain Bizarro. In 2022, the ride will reopen with a new green and copper color palette reminiscent of its original look, as well as a new logo and backstory more fitting with the Frontier theme.
The new description, from the Six Flags Great Adventure Website, is as follows: “Journey back in time to the Great Frontier and experience the rise and fall of Exile Canyon. Life in this unforgiving, Gold Rush-era outpost was so grueling, and the conditions so insurmountable, it earned the nickname “Medusa.” Flipping you seven times across 3,985 feet of track, you’ll brave scorching fire, chilling mist and speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour as you attempt to escape the wrath of the mythical Gorgon, Medusa!”
Something notable in that description is that the fire and mist effects will remain on the ride, which is sure to be exciting for coaster enthusiasts and Great Adventure devotees.
Medusa is not the only addition coming to Great Adventure this season, in fact, it’s just the start. These improvements will also include beautification and modernization efforts throughout both the theme park and Wild Safari experience.
Another notable coaster update is coming to the park’s inverted coaster, Batman: The Ride. Just in time for its 30th anniversary, the coaster will receive a “bold, shiny coat of paint.”
Single rider lines are being added to four coasters in the park including the newly-themed Medusa, El Toro, Jersey Devil Coaster and Nitro. This is part of the park’s effort to streamline operations, and will likely excite coaster enthusiasts and solo park visitors.
After a two-year renovation, the Safari Kids area will debut as the new Jr. Thrillseekers section, encompassing kids rides like the Lil’ Devil coaster and the Barnstormer, returning for 2022. The section will also feature shopping, dining, and new, shaded seating.
As part of the park’s promise of more “Wow moments” in the coming season, the park will debut a new entrance sign on Route 537. This colorful marquee will draw the attention of passersby and prominently feature a more modern Six Flags logo, with 5 foot tall lettering and the full sign reaching 30 feet tall.
Other cosmetic additions include Volta electric vehicle charging stations, compatible with all electric vehicles. Units will be available in the theme park, water park and safari parking lots. More park additions include two new family restrooms coming to the Adventure Alley area.
There are many new additions in the dining experience that will be debuting at Great Adventure this year as well. The popular hamburger chain Fatburger will be coming to the Adventure Alley area of the park, serving juicy burgers, creamy milkshakes, and crispy onion rings.
The park’s existing restaurants are getting a makeover as well, with two of the park’s largest indoor restaurants, Yum Yum Café and Granny’s, reopening with an entirely new interior look including new floors, décor, menu boards, and traffic flow. Freshly roasted rotisserie chicken will also be coming to Granny’s, as well as freshly-brewed coffee creations from Starbucks debuting at Sweet Treats. The Johnny Rockets outdoor patio is also receiving a brand new wooden pavilion with shade coverings, and a similar pavilion will be added to the front entrance security area.
The Six Flags mobile app is getting some updates, allowing guests to link their Google Pay and Apple Wallet payment features, expediting the speed at the park entrance and payment areas. The Flash Pass will also be going mobile, moving from the Q-Bot system to the QSMART app, allowing guests to always have their Flash Pass available in their pocket.
A new festival will be taking over the park from July 16th to August 14th, when the Summer Vibes Festival arrives. Mouth-watering treats, beat-the-heat beverages, bold, eye-popping spectacles, live entertainment, and colorful curiosities will immerse guests in the reverie of summer.
The Safari is getting some new additions as well, including three new giraffe calves, a new male rhinoceros, and an array of spring babies. The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will feature an entirely new audio tour guests can stream from any mobile device and an expanded, three-lane roadway with five newly paved miles.
Great Adventure will also launch a new safari VIP experience, the Giraffe Encounter Tour. This off-road adventure on military-style, open-air trucks will feature an informative and engaging tour guide through seven sections of the Wild Safari and the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes at Wild Safari’s Camp Aventura. Tour guests can also meet small exotic animals up-close. Tour tickets may be purchased in advance or at the park.
Which new-for-2022 addition at Six Flags Great Adventure has you the most excited? Let us know in the comments below!
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