1969
The Bamboo Shoot, a 15001 log flume ride featuring a 30foot waterfall,
is introduced at the same time, The Serpent, makes its debut. This
mini-steel roller coaster, shaped like an oriental dragon, twists and
turns for 722 feet. Both are still in operation today.
1970
Fun Island themed area opened. Attractions included a Wacky Shack and a
Swamp Buggy Ride.
1971
The Mod Shop opened in Modville. Orbitor ride is enclosed in domed
structure and the Seal Pond is added to Children's World.
1972
Excitement ran high when Country Fair opened. This seven-acre area,
costing approximately $1.5 million, recalled a turn-of-the-century
country fair. The Dexter Frebish Electric Roller Ride, a mine train with
a single, 80-foot lift hill and a 60-foot drop, was the center
attraction. It is now known as Excalibur in Nottingham Village. A
mirrored Carousel, originally used at a 1907 Pennsylvania county fair,
was refurbished for the new area. The Nickelodeon and Horseless Carriage
Pavilion, which was Hofheinzl antique museum, featured antique music
boxes and mechanical instruments. Marvel McFay, AstroWorld's official
mascot, makes his debut.
1974
The year for entertainment. The Marvel McFay Theatre opened and featured
Marvel McFay and other costumed characters. "Dancing Waters"
and "Fantasy on Fire" shows were added to the Lagoon Theatre
and a concert stage was constructed at the base of the AstroNeedle.
1975
The park takes on a new look as Six Flags Corporation assumes ownership
in May.
1976
AstroWorld now has 11 themes as Coney Island, a 7-acre addition, debuts.
This area featured a 1200-seat, air structured theatre, which later
became the Showcase Theatre, and one of the world's top-rated roller
coasters, the Texas Cyclone.
1977
The emphasis was once again on entertainment as Aquarena Theatre
replaced the Maypole ride, and featured the "Dolphin Revue." A
total of 9 live shows were available compared to one in 1975. The
mirrored carousel is removed and the Modville area is renamed
International Plaza.
1978
Greezed Lightnin', a ride which combined instant acceleration with
backward motion, debuted to delight thrill seekers.
1979
The lagoon Grandstand, an outdoor theatre debuted with a Water Ski Show
that featured exciting stunt skiers. Today, the U.S. High Diving Team
performs olympic-style diving. AstroWheel is removed from International
Plaza.
1980
The Big Red Barn, a unique picnic facility, debuted behind Greezed
Lightnin'. Thunder River, the world's first man-made river rapids ride
was carved into the land. The ten-acre creation offers whitewater
"Texas style" with free-floating boats along a wildland
setting.
1981
Country Fair is remodeled into Nottingham Village, a fantasy world with
a touch of olde England. A castle facade is built at the entrance to
Dexter Frebish roller coaster and renamed Excalibur. Warp 10 added to
International Plaza. The air-structured theatre became a permanent
structure and is today's Showcase Theatre.
1982
Crystal Palace introduced the "The Great Texas Longhorn
Revue." Showcase Theatre debuted with "Here's Hollywood,"
a "Vegas-style" musical extravaganza.
1983
SkyScreamer, a ten-story free fall ride was added in Plaza de Fiesta.
Another major expansion occurred in 1983 with the debut of WaterWorld, a
separately ticketed park. Located adjacent AstroWorld, this 15-acre
water park features water slides, swings, and aquatic activities for all
ages.
1984
XLR-8, a unique suspended roller coaster opened. Enchanted Kingdom, a
2-acre recreational activity center opened for kids and their parents.
1985
Lost World Adventure remodeled to The Wetlands, Videocity and games
building added. Southern Star Amphitheater opened and Bugs Bunny and
Friends made their home in Enchanted Kingdom. The Shanghai Chinese
Acrobatic Troupe made their first United States appearance in the
Showcase Theatre.
1986
Looping Starship, a unique ship that carries guests through several
360-degree looping orbits, replaced Warp 10. The Chonqing Chinese
Acrobats made their first United States visit. "Fright
Nights," Houston's largest Halloween party, is created for families
and teens. The "Bugs Bunny Wonder Circus," a special
participatory show just for kids,, debuted in Enchanted Kingdom.
1987
U.S. High Diving Team replaced the Ski show, Laser/Fireworks Show added,
Warp 10 is brought back as Warp 2000, Showcase Theatre debuted "A
Midsummer Night's Scream," a haunting 30-minute illusion show and
the world's largest hanging basket debuted next to the Looping Starship.
The Texas Cyclone celebrated its 10th anniversary with new
state-of-the-art trains.
1988
Tidal Wave, the wettest water ride in the Southwest, replaces the
Wetlands. For the first time in its 20 year history, AstroWorld will be
open during November and December for its new, Holiday In The Park.
ASTROWORLD CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF FAMILY FUN!
1989
After a challenging construction feat, the Viper, a venomous steel loop
coaster, was added to the Oriental section of the park. For the first
time ever an American audience was entertained by the famous Pyatnitsky
Folk Art Ensemble Soviet Georgian Drummers and Georgian Sabre Dancers as
part of the show "Stars of the U.S.S.R."
1990
The revolutionary roller coaster Ultra Twister highlighted Alpine Valley
with its high-tech design. The only ride of its kind in America, Ultra
Twister gives a new twist to the word exhilarating! That Wascal Wabbit
Bugs Bunny turned 50 with a summer long birthday bash.
1991
For one year only, the Condor nestled in Coney Island sends guests
112-feet in the air, seated in a bird-shaped car, and sent on a spinning
adventure. The world famous Sid and Marty Krofft present Blast! the most
elaborate puppet show in America.
1992
One of the world's tallest water raft rides, Adventure Rivers of Texas,
splashes onto the scene at AstroWorld. Fast-moving enclosed water
chutes, each of which bears the name of a different Texas river, offers
the exhilaration of river rafting. The Caped Crusader lights up the sky
with a fireworks and special effects extravaganza, Batman Nights
Fireworks Spectacular. Sid and Marty Krofft's Blast! returns for another
explosive year.