Six Flags Darien Lake: Theme Park Fun in Western New York

Located in Western New York, Darien Lake has always been a popular amusement park for family vacations, day visits, or school field trips. A few years back the famous theme park chain, Six Flags acquired Darien Lake. Darien Lake is still the same fun and exciting park it used to be; however, new characters will now greet you and more thrill seeking rides have been added. Six Flags Darien Lake offers plenty of activities for everyone of all ages.

Six Flags Darien Lake is often referred to as New York State's Roller Coaster Capital Theme Park. Five of Darien's Lake most well known roller coasters are the Superman, Mind Eraser, Boomerang, Predator, and the Viper. The Superman Ride of Steel is one of the tallest roller coasters in the Northeast and travels at a speed of 70 miles per hour. The Mind Eraser reaches speeds in excess of over 60 miles per hour, while you are suspended from a steel track in a harness with your legs and feet dangling. The Boomerang is just like its name, you will be sent forward and then blast backwards while looping through curves and spirals. The Viper is a steel roller coaster that will turn riders upside five times and reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hour. The Predator is the tallest wooden roller coaster in New York State. The Predator does not have any loops; however, there are frightening drops at speeds over 50 miles per hour. Most of the roller coasters at Six Flags have a height restriction of 48" or taller; however, some coaster rides may have different requirements.

If you are traveling with young children then the Looney Tunes Seaport should be your first stop. This area is meant especially for kids. When you first enter the Looney Tunes Seaport you will be greeted by Bugs Bunny and all of his friends. There is also a miniature Ferris wheel, monster trucks, and other rides developed especially for little ones. Throughout the rest of the theme park, there are other rides that your children may accompany you on. All rides will have age, height, or medical requirements posted at the entrance gate. For instance, the Bear Valley Bumper Buggies needs to have a driver at least 48" tall; however, anyone else can ride with that person. The Tin Lizzys is also a great family ride. They are old gas powered antique cars that stay on a track and offer great views of the park. To ride these cars, you must be at least 48" tall or be accompanied by an adult.

Darien Lake also has a ton of water rides. One of the newest attractions build for the 2005 season is the Tornado. The Tornado is being coined as the "ultimate storm." It has riders take off on a clover shaped raft and then navigates them through a huge funnel, splashing water back and forth while swirling around. At the end of the tornado, riders will end up in a water pool below. Crocodile Isle is a wave pool great for the whole family and there is a makeshift beach too. Hook's Lagoon is a pirate type set up with a lot of fun water activities. There are net ladders, water cannons, and a huge 1,000 gallon bucket that will tip over every couple of minutes. Barracuda Bay is a water slide section with over five slides. You can slide down winding tunnels into different sections of water, each a different water level.

If you are interested in staying at Darien Lake there are two great options to choose from. The Six Flags Hotel- Lodge is located on the lake with over 160 family sized rooms. Six Flags also has an onsite campgrounds. There are over 1,200 open or wooded campsites. Visitors can bring their own tents or RVs or rent one from Darien Lake. Some of the faculties at the campgrounds include a swimming pool, wading pool, fishing, gift shop, game room, and a general store.

Admission for Six Flags Darien Lake is $39.99 for an adult, $19.99 for children under 48", and children two and under are free. Many of the rides and attractions at Darien Lake are free, because their price is included in the admission price; however, a few rides may require additional fees. For more information on visiting Six Flags Darien Lake, please contact the staff at (585) 599-4641 or by visiting their website at http://www.sixflags.com/parks/darienlake/index.asp.