New Ride Opens With A Splash At Six Flags Darien Lake

Darien Center, NY -- Six Flags Darien Lake created a tidal-wave splash today (Friday) at the official opening of its newest ride, Shipwreck Falls, the only waterfall ride of its kind in New York state.

Those on board for the morning maiden voyage of Shipwreck Falls – "Ride The Tide" to its fans - were greeted by island-themed fanfare such as Caribbean music and food, roving pirates and pirate hats. Of course, the big hit of the day was riding Shipwreck Falls with its spectacular splashes.

"It's a real fun, refreshing ride," said Colleen Murtha of West Seneca. "It's soooo cool!"

Shipwreck Falls passengers board a 20-person boat, climb up a steep hill, cruise around a sharp curve and plunge down a 50-foot waterfall, creating a huge, tidal-wave splash in the lagoon. A look-out bridge spanning the lagoon gives guests a bird's eye view of the ride - and a good soaking from the wave.

Guests at Six Flags Darien Lake will find the all-new Shipwreck Falls decked out with a large shark dangling over the queue line entrance, two real boats shipwrecked in the middle of the island, lobster traps, tropical grasses, nautical flags and buoys.

"We are pleased to offer new rides such as Shipwreck Falls that will continue to attract visitors from all over New York, Canada, Pennsylvania and Ohio to this destination that is Six Flags Darien Lake," said Bradley Paul, vice president and general manager.

Located just behind Shipwreck Falls is the all-new Slingshot, the ultimate thrill ride. The open-air steel cage launches riders 300 feet high in the air, lighting up the landscape. Not too far down the midway from Shipwreck Falls is another new attraction, Turbobungy. This four-pad trampoline allows guests to perform crazy acrobatics with the aid of a bungee harness system.

"Shipwreck Falls is a wet and wild addition to our collection of wonderful attractions," said Jill Storms, public relations manager. "With Shipwreck Falls and two additional new attractions, Slingshot and Turbobungy, there are three new reasons to come to Six Flags Darien Lake this year."

On June 8th and 9th theme park guests can celebrate the new waterfall ride with pirates, games and prizes at "Shipwrecked," an event designed to welcome Six Flags Darien Lake's wettest thriller. The park also launches its "Name The Boat" contest that weekend when guests can submit names for the Shipwreck Falls shipwrecked boat. The winner will receive a season pass and attend a special boat-naming party where the winning entry will be unveiled. Guests can enter June 8th and 9th at Shipwreck Falls or online beginning June 1.

Shipwreck Falls is located along the front midway next to Barracuda Bay and across from Looney Tunes Seaport. Excavation for the attraction began in November with construction of the ride commencing in March. The new water ride is included in theme park admission and is limited to guests 42 inches and taller.

This weekend, Six Flags Darien Lake is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Memorial Day. A special Memorial Day Mardi Gras Party will include live blues, zydeco and jazz music plus Cajun and Creole cuisine. Strolling mimes, bead-and mask-making round out the fun. The park is open weekends in June and select other days. Call 585-599-4641 or check sixflags.com/darienlake for specific times. The full season runs June 28 through September 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort is in its 38th year of operation. Situated on 1,500 picturesque acres in northern Genesee County, New York, the park offers an on-site hotel with swimming pool, expansive campground with RVs, a waterpark, kiddie park, five world-class roller-coasters, live shows, and a Performing Arts Center featuring today's hottest entertainers! The park is located less than one hour from Niagara Falls, just six miles off the New York State Thruway between Buffalo and Rochester.

For more information visit sixflags.com/darienlake.