Six Flags Over Texas Then & Now

Series Five | August 2018

Then: Circa 1983

Now: 2018

Fletcher’s/Bubba’s

Fletcher's State Fair Corny Dogs once called Six Flags Over Texas home between 1983 and 1985. Fletcher's is considered the original corny dog of the State Fair of Texas and still serves the fair to this day. This part of the park has not changed much from then to now. The Johnson Creek train station still stands on the right-hand side of each photo. Though trees have matured, the main structure of the restaurant is mostly unchanged. One noticeable difference is that Fletcher's had an indoor serving counter and Bubba's is only a walk-up outdoor counter today. The same covered seating area and fire hydrant exist in their original locations, along with some of the original floor in front of the restaurant. Want a corn dog today? You'll have to go to Newman's Cafe in the Tower section to find one of those!

Then: 1969

Now: 2018

Mini Mine Train

Mini Mine Train was introduced in 1969 and still operates today. This attraction was a response to the Runaway Mine Train and intended for guests who didn't want such a high-thrill experience. Though the ride was re-profiled with the addition of Mr. Freeze in 1997, the station area is still remains the same. The current coaster trains also closely resemble those of the past. Notice that much of the foliage is now gone and a higher ride area fence is present. The line isn't quite as long but the ride is still a great thrill to those who are beginner roller coaster enthusiasts.

Then: 1963

Now: 2018

Amphitheater/Southern Palace

From 1961 to 1967, Six Flags Over Texas featured the Amphitheater, which was the park’s primary outdoor performance venue. Due to the popularity of live entertainment, Six Flags decided to remodel the Amphitheater into an indoor theatre to help combat brutal Texas summers. Southern Palace Theatre was born for the 1968 season. Six Flags would go on to revolutionize theme park entertainment as the first theme park to feature Broadway-style productions. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Southern Palace Theatre hosted thousands of guests during the summer months. Next time you visit Southern Palace Theatre, take a look at the steps and bench seating as they are original to the Amphitheater.

Then: Circa 1960s

Now: 2017

Texas

The park’s Texas section, an original area, is one of the more unchanged parts of Six Flags Over Texas. The “then” photo shows this park area under construction pre-1961. Today, the building structures still remain the same, along with the archways that were once entrances to both Casa Magnetica and the El Aserradero Log Flume ride.

Then: Circa 1960s

Now: 2018

Naler’s/JB’s Smokehouse

One of the most discussed former restaurants at Six Flags Over Texas is Naler’s Plantation House. This food location served up fresh fried chicken and was a hit among guests. Throughout the years, the Naler’s Plantation House structure has been a few different restaurants. Currently, the restaurant is JB's Smokehouse BBQ. The restaurant no longer serves fried chicken. Instead, guests can try one of the barbecue or hamburger options. Some changes have taken place to the building over time. The chimney stack is different and the front interior of the building was added onto at some point. JB's now also has a huge outdoor eating area to the left of the building as indoor seating is limited.