Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to Silence Roar For Good

© Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

The end of the road for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Roar has come, the theme park has announced.  The wooden roller coaster, which originally opened in 1999, will be open to park visitors for the last time on August 16th.

"We are a dynamic and evolving entertainment venue,” said Don McCoy, park president. "Although Roar continues to be a guest favorite, sometimes hard choices must be made to allow for future expansion.”

Roar was designed by Great Coasters International and features millennium flyer trains.  The 3,291 foot long ride features a 95 foot tall lift hill and a 85 foot first drop, sending trains along the course at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.  According to the park, the ride features "six reversals, 22 crossovers, 17 turns and 12 breathtaking drops" and was named "for the thunderous roar of a California sea lion."  Since opening nearly 11 million guests have taken a spin on Roar.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will give a special fond farewell to Roar which will include a series of events for guests and Season Pass holders, the highlight of which will be a special last rider event coinciding with National Roller Coaster Day on August 16.

No word yet on what will replace the ride, though we have seen several Six Flags parks close wooden coasters mid-season in order to transform them into steel rides.  Stay tuned!