Last month, American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) hosted two events in Texas: The Chill Before The Thrill at Traders Village in Grand Prairie and Lone Star Coasterthon at Six Flags Over Texas. The annual events provide coaster enthusiasts with extended ride time (ERT), behind-the-scene tours, raffles and more.
Below is a recap of the 2023 events:
The Chill Before The Thrill
On Friday, April 21, The Chill Before The Thrill, also known as “SteveCon,” kicked off at the small Traders Village park in Grand Prairie.
After checking in, Steve Thomas, the amusement park director for Traders Village’s Prairie Playland gave a presentation and kicked off the raffle. Wins included ride signs, test seats, merch, and more. Afterward, guests were given food and parkwide ERT. You can read more about its newest coaster here. The park is also celebrating its 50th anniversary all year.
As a precursor to Lone Star Coasterthon, this event debuted in 2022. It was intended to provide enthusiasts with some peace and quiet before the two days of activity at Lone Star Coastherthon.
“It’s a time for all the people to get together, chat, and have a fun and chill time,” Steve Thomas, Prairie Playland’s park director said.
Lone Star Coasterthon
The annual 2-day Lone Star Coasterthon event was held on April 22-23. This year, the event grew to over 300 attendees. During this event, the park also celebrated two coasters’ birthdays. Shock Wave a double-looping Schwarzkopf coaster turned 45, and The New Texas Giant, the very first Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) coaster turned 12.
Originally started in 1991, this event was first named the ‘Texas Giant Celebration’, as a special thank you to ACE, for their support from the previous year during the Texas Giant’s debut.
Day 1 started with ERT for 8 different rides (Batman The Ride, The Riddler Revenge, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman’s Whip, Texas SkyScreamer, Mini Mine Train, Judge Roy Scream, and Aquaman). Following the group photo, guests were treated on a behind-the-scenes tour inside Mr. Freeze’s shared danger zone with Mini Mine Train and Batman The Ride – all while the three coasters were operating.
Next, guests then were allowed to explore Judge Roy Screams’ danger zone while it was operating as well.
Next, Casa Magnitcia, a classic crooked house walk-through attraction opened its doors for a behind-the-scenes tour as well. Then, guests were treated to a reception where they were allowed to ask the park president Richard Douaihy and the park’s director of operations, Chris Kearsing, questions on future projects. This event ended with an auction where guests were allowed to bid on special and historic park memorabilia with all proceeds going towards the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives.
The first day ended with session 2 ERT for 8 additional rides (New Texas Giant, Titan, El Diablo, El Aserradero (Flume 1), Shock Wave, Superman, La Vibora, and Sidewinder).
Day 2 started with an optional paid lift walk on Batman The Ride, a tour of its lock-out zone, and the chance to dispatch Mini Mine Train. Next, guests could take part in ERT session 3 for the final four coasters: Aquaman, Justice League, and Pandemonium as well as a special ride on Runaway Mountain, a Premier Rides dark ride with the lights on.
Around noon, the event wrapped up at the Southern Palace, where guests were treated to a Kahoot with prizes and a presentation from Errol Mckoy. Mckoy started in the industry as a ride operator for Six Flags Over Texas in 1961. He then went to Six Flags Over Georgia where he became the youngest general manager in history in the theme park industry at 26 years old. Before retiring in 2017, he served on the IAAPA Board of Directors, served as Six Flags Corp. E.V.P., became president of White Water parks, and was named president of the State Fair of Texas.
During the wrap-up, it was announced that $4,560 was donated to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives from the previous day’s raffle.
The final day ended with a dual tour of Titan and the park’s boneyard. In the boneyard, which is located under Titan guests could view things like old Arrow wheels, Astrosworld’s train cars, and mine train cars. Mr. Freeze’s transfer track, the park’s own Mine Train brake pads, old testing seats, flat ride parts, and more.
Did you attend The Chill Before The Thrill or Lone Star Coasterthon this year? Let us know what you thought of the events in the comments section below.
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