Tour My Texas: May 2011

Summer is just around the corner and for my family that means visiting at least one theme park before school starts. If my kids had their way, we'd go see the giant mouse every year. But in those off years when we're not visiting the mouse's kingdom, we head to one of the two Six Flags theme parks in Texas -- the original Six Flags Over Texas located near Dallas-Fort Worth or Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.

What makes Fiesta Texas unique?

Most people are familiar with the Six Flags theme parks, but Fiesta Texas is unique in that it is essentially two parks in one. Did you know that Six Flags Fiesta Texas was originally an Opryland-owned "show park"? When it originally opened, the focus was on providing fabulous live entertainment with a few rides thrown in to occupy the younger crowds. Then Six Flags purchased Fiesta Texas, and they brought in all the thrill rides they're famous for while continuing to provide the award-winning shows that people had come to expect and enjoy at this particular park. So while you'll find many thrill seekers at Fiesta Texas who come to enjoy the eight rollercoasters, there are also those who come just to enjoy the live entertainment.

Award-Winning Shows

Fiesta Texas calls itself America's number one show park, and with good reason. For the past 10 years it has won the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Theme Park Shows in the Country". The Golden Ticket awards are the Oscars of the amusement industry.

In addition to the Golden Ticket Award, Fiesta Texas also employs several IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) hall of famers -- including Paul Carter who won last year's IAAPA "Male Performer of the Year".

Every January, you'll find a tall stack of resumes from performers around the country who want an audition with Fiesta Texas. And once they're hired, you'll find that many of them come back to perform year after year and even develop a loyal following of fans. As an aside, during the park's off-season several of these entertainers take working vacations performing on cruise ships.

So while the kids are waiting in line for the thrill rides, go enjoy some of the award-winning shows at Fiesta Texas.

The Rockville High Theater

This air-conditioned indoor venue showcases nostalgic Rock-n-Roll. Their classic "Rockin' at Rockville High" is a perennial favorite and will no doubt remind you of the movie "Grease". This particular show has repeatedly won "Best Show in the Country" and is entertaining for audiences of all ages. But be warned -- if you sit up front or in an aisle seat -- you may be pulled onstage and become part of the entertainment! The other show performed in this theater is one that features 70s rock and disco.

Students from Rockville High

Sundance Theater

On the opposite side of the park you'll find this covered outdoor pavilion featuring Country music. "Rockin' the Country" showcases the latest chart toppers as well as a few timeless favorites while "Straight Country" is the show to see if you want to hear Classic Country and Bluegrass.

Straight Country

Rockin' the Country

Sangerfest Halle

I like to time our meals around the various shows in Sangerfest Halle, a traditional German-style hall with wall to wall picnic tables and a stage at one end. It is centrally located and offers the best variety of menu choices. You'll find something to please everyone in Sangerfest -- burgers & pizza, as well as German & Mexican foods. As an added bonus, it's indoors which means air conditioning and a break from the heat. This is also the place to go if you want to meet your favorite Looney Tunes characters.

Teatro Fiesta

"Ritmos del Corazon" is an 'energetic Latin show' that draws in large crowds year after year to this outdoor theater.

Zaragoza Theater

This theater located near the park entrance has traditionally been home to large seasonal productions, like the annual Christmas pageant. But this year it will feature "Ovation", a Broadway-style musical that is sure to be another crowd pleaser.

Lone Star Nights

Be sure you stay until the very end so that you can enjoy this narrative that celebrates the history of Texas with a laser light show and ends with a fireworks spectacular.

Don't be shocked . . .

There's one last thing that I have to tell you about Six Flags -- be prepared to take out a second mortgage to feed your family! Everyone expects to pay through the nose for food at theme parks. But, in my opinion, Six Flags takes it to a whole new obscene level. It's unfortunate that they don't follow Disney's lead and allow guests to bring in their own food and drinks. But Six Flags' policy is "No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed to be brought into Six Flags Fiesta Texas". And they strictly enforce this rule. They made us empty water bottles and throw away a baggie of Goldfish Snacks that we brought for the kids. Ridiculous!

Just so you'll know how much of a loan you need before going to Six Flags, I'll leave you with some pictures of the "Deals" we found when we there in April 2011.