A review of the New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is celebrating their 50th anniversary in a big way. The park spent $10 million remodeling their massive wooden roller coaster Texas Giant. The twenty-one year old coaster had gotten rough over the years. So, Six Flags brought in Rocky Mountain Construction for a first-ever transformation that involved replacing the ride’s wooden track with steel track.

The new track not only allows for a smoother ride, but it also allowed the designers to incorporate some thrilling new elements. The New Texas Giant, boasts highly banked turns taken at more than 90 degrees and a taller and steeper first drop. I was lucky enough to make the trip to Texas for the ride’s opening day last week. Anticipation certainly ran high as the wait was reported to have reached 4 hours. Thankfully, the riders that I spoke to were thoroughly satisfied when they returned to the station as they claimed that the wait was well worth it.

The experience begins as you board one of the three trains that are themed to look like 1961 Cadillac DeVilles. In true Texas fashion, the hood of the front car is complete with a custom-made cattle horn. After the relatively quiet climb to the top of the 15-story tall lift hill, you are treated to a smooth and exhilarating ride that’s packed with numerous air time hills. Air time refers to moments when you are briefly lifted out of your seat. The lengthy ride finishes with the train racing through three tunnels that feature fog and special LED effects.

Guests were shocked at how smooth the Texas Giant had become and were excited that their rough ride was not only ride-able again, but actually the park’s main attraction. I gave the New Texas Giant a rare 10 out of 10 and I placed it at 6th in my top ten list. I highly recommend this roller coaster and I hope that this is only the beginning of such transformations.