During last year’s summer, Six Flags over Texas (Arlington, TX – United States) unveiled a new dark ride for the 2022 season. The park has now announced the opening date on Twitter: Saturday 14 May. A preview for Pass Holders and Legacy Members is held the day before, on Friday 13 May. Along with the announcement, a video was posted showing off some details of the ride’s extensive theming.
According to a press-release by Six Flags over Texas, Pirates of Speelunker Cave will be a “state-of-the-art attraction that will place guests squarely in the middle of a pirate treasure hunt thwarted by resident Speelunkers (mystical creatures).” The 26 six-passenger boats will take guests past 17 scenes that combine cinematic projections with physical sets and animatronics.
Six Flags over Texas celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Elementary school students can enter a contest to write a short story based on the premise of the ride. Prizes include free admission to the park. The park is also looking for talent to star in the commercial for the ride, to be filmed on Wednesday 11 May.
Pirates of Speelunker Cave replaces the Looney Tunes-themed Yosemite Sam & The Gold River that operated from 1992 to 2018, designed by Sally Dark Rides. The origin of the dark ride however dates back to 1964 when it opened as Speelunker’s Cave, from which the original transport system is still in use. The new ride references this first incarnation in name as well as some of its theming.
