Six Flags Over Texas Then & Now

Series Six | August 2019

Then: Circa 1960s

Now: 2019

Depot Cafe

This structure has been a staple of Six Flags Over Texas since the beginning. As seen in a previous Then & Now Series, Bubba’s Hot Dogs has had multiple usages throughout its history. In the 1960s, the side of the restaurant was used for quick drink service. Known as Depot Cafe, guests could walk up and purchase cold drinks and coffee. Today, the Depot Cafe window counter has been converted into an employee doorway and the awning has been fully removed. Other characteristics, such as the building’s siding and bathroom, still remain to their original state.

Then: Circa 1963

Now: 2019

Sky Hook/Boomtown

Boomtown, a new park area added in 1963, has seen significant changes over the years. When opened, Boomtown’s skyline was dominated by the Sky Hook. This attraction was a modified crane that sent guests into the air for a bird’s-eye view of the park and surrounding area. Sky Hook was removed in 1968 and its former location is now occupied by Mini Mine Train. Other noticeable differences include the removal of the “Mid-Continent Supply Co.” structure. In recent seasons, this building served as one of the park’s arcade locations. It was removed prior to the 2017 season. Though at a slightly different angle, the awning to Dusty Dan’s on the right-hand side of the picture can be seen in both images.

Then: Late 1962

Now: 2019

Casa Magnetica

Have you wondered what happened to Casa Magnetica? The attraction still exists inside the park! Opened in 1962, Casa Magnetica was an interactive “crooked house” attraction in which defied the laws of gravity. Casa Magnetica underwent one major change in 1979 as it was rethemed to the Lost Temple of the Chisos. The attraction’s theme, however, was quickly reverted back to its original Casa Magnetica concept for the 1980 season. Today, the entrance archway and queue line look nearly identical. Though it hasn’t been open to the public since 2011, the covered queue and attraction itself still sit in this wooded area.

Then: 1975

Now: 2019

Rotoriculous

Rotoriculous was an indoor Himalaya attraction introduced to Six Flags Over Texas in 1975. The ride was unique in the fact that it was completely indoor and featured specialized audio and lighting effects. “Created” by the park’s Cyrus Cosmo mascot, Rotoriculous called the Good Time Square section home. In 1979, Rotoriculous would be renamed Rotodisco. In 1988, the was removed to make way for the Flashback! roller coaster. Flashback! was eventually removed in 2013 and the space sat unoccupied until the addition of The Riddler Revenge in 2016. Today, guests riding The Riddler Revenge probably aren’t likely aware of the past attraction that once existed.

Then: Circa 1970s

Now: 2019

Prairie General Merchandise

The park’s Texas section features various storefronts that have changed throughout the years. While an exact date cannot be pinpointed on the “Then” photo, it is suspected to be from the 1970s based on directional signage and other architectural features. At one point, this corner store was known as Prairie General Merchandise. In the mid-2000s, the location was called Longhorn 3D Crystal. Guests could purchase picture-related merchandise and souvenirs. In recent past, the shop was known as Texas Sheek and featured jewelry and other gifts. Today, the corner store is an extension of the neighboring Silver Spur Sugar Shack. Today, much of the original building remains. The doorway and tree planters are mostly untouched, though the shop’s upper portion was transformed at some point in time. Instead of a water fountain and payphone, guests can find shade on a park bench.