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Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger

Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger is a steel roller coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas.[2] Located in the Crackaxle Canyon section, it was designed as a dive coaster model and was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. It opened on July 30, 2022, replacing the Sundance Theatre.[3] From its opening in 2022 to 2025, it held the record for having the steepest drop on any Dive Coaster model, before it was surpassed by Wrath of Rakshasa.

History

On June 12, 2021, Six Flags Fiesta Texas held the "Roller Coaster Rodeo." At the event, the park started teasing their new attraction. Additionally, the park also confirmed the removal of the Sundance Theatre for the upcoming attraction on June 14, 2021.[4] The Sundance Theatre was an original theatre venue that opened with the park in 1992.[5]

On July 28, 2021, Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger for the 30th anniversary of the park in 2022.[6][7][8] The ride was originally intended for Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, but was given to Six Flags Fiesta Texas instead built because Great America sought plans to build a larger Dive Coaster.[9]

In November 2021, the first concrete footers were poured.[10] On February 5, 2022, the ride's lift hill was officially topped off.[11] Soft opening for the roller coaster began on July 29, 2022 for season pass holders and the news media.[12][13] The roller coaster officially opened to the public on July 30, 2022 with a grand opening ceremony.[3][14][15] Its opening marked the first Six Flags park to receive a B&M since X-Flight at Six Flags Great America.[16] It opened as the steepest Dive Coaster at 95 degrees before it was surpassed by Wrath of Rakshasa at Six Flags Great America in 2025.[17][18]

Ride experience

Located in the park's Crackaxle Canyon themed area of the park, Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger is 150 ft in height, reaches a maximum speed of 60 mph, and a track length of 2501 ft. The roller coaster features a 95-degree (a beyond vertical drop), as well as a second 75 ft, near-vertical drop.[19][20]

Theme

As guests enter the queue line for the roller coaster, they will find themselves immersed in the story of Dr. Diabolical and her evil quest to create menacing creatures to frighten the world. To bring her creations to life, she has constructed a machine to capture the essence of human adrenaline and fear.[19]

External links

References

  1. Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger coaster announced for Six Flags Fiesta Texas Attractions Magazine, July 28, 2021^
  2. Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger Opens July 30 At Six Flags Fiesta Texas KXAN Austin, 2022-07-29, retrieved 2022-07-30^
  3. Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger Opens July 30 At Six Flags Fiesta Texas KXAN Austin, 2022-07-29, retrieved 2022-07-30^
  4. Andrew Stilwell. Six Flags Fiesta Texas Begins Teasing for 2022 Coaster101, 2021-06-12, retrieved 2022-09-25^
  5. Randy Diamond. 'Coaster is king': Six Flags unveils new San Antonio ride as it works to boost post-pandemic rebound San Antonio Express-News, July 28, 2021^
  6. Randy Diamond. Six Flags to announce new San Antonio attraction as it works to increase attendance after pandemic San Antonio Express-News, July 28, 2021^
  7. Six Flags Fiesta Texas unveils plans for world's steepest dive roller coaster KENS, July 28, 2021^
  8. W. Scott Bailey. SA theme park to add "Dr. Diabolical's" cliffhanger coaster San Antonio Business Journal, July 28, 2021^
  9. Wrath of Rakshasa Construction Tour at Six Flags Great America Park Journey, retrieved 2025-08-03^
  10. Dr. D's Cliffhanger (Update 2), Front Gate, New Paint & Restaurant Remodels^
  11. Behind The Thrills Behind The Thrills, retrieved 2022-09-25^
  12. Fiesta Texas Announces Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Exclusive Ride Times for Pass Holders — News & Updates SFFT Source, retrieved 2022-09-25^
  13. Riding Fiesta Texas' New Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Coaster SFFT Source, retrieved 2022-09-25^
  14. Thrill seekers flood Six Flags Fiesta Texas for opening of world’s steepest dive coaster^
  15. Ed Aguila. Hundreds of Guests Line Up For New Thrilling Coaster Despite High Temperatures Inside the Magic, 2022-07-30, retrieved 2022-09-25^
  16. Does Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Hint at Change in Six Flags's Future? www.themeparktourist.com, 2021-08-26, retrieved 2024-06-05^
  17. Six Flags Fiesta Texas to open world's steepest dive roller coaster kens5.com, 2022-07-08, retrieved 2025-08-03^
  18. Here's when you can ride the new 'Wrath of Rakshasa' at Six Flags Great America NBC Chicago, 2025-05-22, retrieved 2025-08-03^
  19. Mike Stunson. World’s steepest dive roller coaster is coming to Texas, Six Flags announces Miami Herald, July 29, 2021^
  20. Rebecca Salinas. ‘World’s Steepest Dive Coaster’ opening at Fiesta Texas in 2022 KSAT-TV, July 29, 2021^