Mardi Gras Hangover
Six Flags Great America
AreaMardi Gras
Coordinates42°22′10″N 87°56′01″W / 42.3695°N 87.9335°W / 42.3695; -87.9335
StatusClosed
Opening dateMay 22, 2018 (2018-05-22)
Closing dateOctober 29, 2023 (2023-10-29)
ReplacedKing Chaos
Flash Pass available
Single rider line available
Ride statistics
Attraction typeFire Ball
ManufacturerLarson International
ModelSuper Loop
ThemeMardi Gras
Height100 ft (30 m)
Speed30 mph (48 km/h)
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)

Mardi Gras Hangover was a fire ball attraction located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, United States. Located in the Mardi Gras section, the attraction was themed on the Mardi Gras celebration. Manufactured by Larson International, the ride opened on May 22, 2018 as the tallest fire ball amusement ride in the world at a height of 100 feet (30 m) tall.

Billed by Six Flags Great America as a "loop roller coaster” and the park's sixteenth coaster, the name was called inaccurate by experts and critics as the ride lacked reliance on the force of gravity, relying more on motorized wheels. The ride reached speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) with its seating being described as "face-off."

History

Background

Six Flags Great America opened their Mardi Gras section in May 2004, replacing part of the Orleans Place themed section.[1] One of the first original attractions for the new themed section was King Chaos, which was manufactured by HUSS as a top spin attraction.[2][3] King Chaos sat on a plot of land formerly occupied by The Edge in the 1980s and Power Dive in 1990s. Thirteen years after the original opening of King Chaos, the park announced that the attraction would close on August 27, 2017. In a statement by the park, the ride was planned to be removed to "make room for new thrills."[4] The replacement for King Chaos planned for the 2018 season was teased to be announced on August 31, 2017, with the teasing phrase being "Chase The Storm."[5][6]

Announcement and opening

On August 31, 2017, Six Flags Great America officially announced an unnamed attraction. Billed as the world's largest "loop coaster," the ride would be 100 feet (30 m), and was called the sixteenth roller coaster by the park.[7][8] The attraction was rumored to be named "Hurricane Force", but due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey, this was speculated to been withheld.[6] Details for the unnamed attraction were revealed, which was described as having "face-off" seating, which riders were seated face-to-face with each other going around in a ring structure.[9] The name "loop coaster" would be called inaccurate and misleading by experts and critics, citing lack of reliance on the force of gravity to coast on ride track while also stating that the ride is also controlled by motorized wheels that drive trains back and forth.[10]

The official name for the attraction was announced on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2018, as Mardi Gras Hangover. Along with the ride, a Mardi Gras event called the "Mardi Gras Festival" was also announced to run during the summer.[11] When the park opened for the 2018 season, the attraction did not open immediately.[8] On Memorial Day weekend on May 22, 2018, the attraction officially opened to the public.[10][12][13]

The park abruptly announced the ride’s retirement on October 23, 2023, after five years of operation, citing that they will use the area for future development.[14]

Characteristics

Theme

Mardi Gras Hangover was themed to the Mardi Gras celebration.[11]

Ride experience

The train lifts up multiple times and goes down in one direction, before going in the other direction, with some moments of hangtime at the peak of the ride, at 100 feet (30 m).[13][15] The ride reaches speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Sykora, Angela D. (January 22, 2004). "New rides have Mardi Gras flavor". Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Six Flags Great America To Say Goodbye To King Chaos For New 2018 Addition". CBS News. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  3. ↑ Dickey, Alexander (September 8, 2017). "Six Flags 2018 Analysis". The Coaster Kings. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Moran: Demise of King Chaos sparks forecasts for Great America's next big thing". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Six Flags' 'King Chaos' ride closing on Sunday". ABC 7 Eyewitness News. August 22, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  6. 1 2 Stevenson, John (August 31, 2017). "Six Flags Great America 2018: "World's Largest Loop Coaster"". Coaster101. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  7. ↑ Kleiman, Joe (August 31, 2017). "Six Flags Announces 2018 Attractions". InPark Magazine (Press release). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  8. 1 2 Jones, Jonathan (January 12, 2018). "New Coaster Planned for Six Flags Great America in 2018". Visit Lake County - Blog. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  9. ↑ Long, Zach (August 31, 2017). "The world's largest loop coaster is coming to Six Flags Great America in 2018". Time Out Chicago. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  10. 1 2 3 Villano, Matt (May 25, 2018). "Six Flags debuts Mardi Gras Hangover ride". CNN. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  11. 1 2 "New Six Flags Loop Roller Coaster Now Has A Name, Festival". CBS News. February 14, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  12. ↑ Moran, Dan (May 22, 2018). "Moran: Great America's new Mardi Gras Hangover coaster 'a blood rush' for first-day riders". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  13. 1 2 Deffenbaugh, Carl (May 22, 2022). "'It's a rush:' Six Flags Great America's Mardi Gras Hangover is the largest loop coaster of its kind". FOX 6 Now Milwaukee. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Six Flags Great America closing two attractions, preparing for 'future expansion'". WGN-TV. October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  15. ↑ "THE FIRE BALL – Larson International". Retrieved November 5, 2022.
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