Mr. Freeze (roller coaster)

Last updated

Mr. Freeze
Previously known as Mr. Freeze (1998–2012)
Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast (2012–2023)
Mr Freeze Reverse Blast logo.png
Mr. Freeze (Six Flags St. Louis) 1.jpg
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags Over Texas
Park section Gotham City
Coordinates 32°45′28″N97°04′03″W / 32.75778°N 97.06750°W / 32.75778; -97.06750
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateMarch 24, 1998 (March 24, 1998) [1]
Opening dateMarch 28, 1998 (March 28, 1998) [2]
Six Flags St. Louis
Park section DC Comics Plaza
Coordinates 38°30′53″N90°40′39″W / 38.51472°N 90.67750°W / 38.51472; -90.67750
StatusOperating
Opening dateApril 10, 1998 (April 10, 1998) [3]
Cost$10 million
General statistics
Type Steel  – Launched  – Shuttle
Manufacturer Premier Rides
Designer Werner Stengel
ModelLIM Shuttle Loop Coaster
Lift/launch systemLinear induction motors
Height218 ft (66 m)
Drop194 ft (59 m)
Length1,300 ft (400 m)
Speed70 mph (110 km/h)
Inversions 1 (traversed twice)
Max vertical angle90°
Acceleration0 to 70 mph (0 to 113 km/h) in 3.8 seconds
G-force 4
Height restriction54 in (137 cm)
Trains2 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.
Fastpass availability icon.svg Flash Pass Available
Mr. Freeze at RCDB

Mr. Freeze is a launched shuttle roller coaster located at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas, with another installation known as Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri. The steel coasters feature a linear induction motor (LIM) launch system that accelerate riders from 0–70 mph (0–113 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. [4] [5] The two installations are mirror images of one another and are themed to the famous Batman villain Mr. Freeze. Originally, they were themed after the 1997 film Batman & Robin prior to a conversion in 2012 to operate backward. The Over Texas version returned to forward operation in 2022, but in July 2023, it started operating with one train launching backward and one train launching forward to offer different experiences. [6]

Contents

History

Mr. Freeze (1998–2011; 2022-present)

On December 18, 1996, Six Flags Over Texas announced that Mr. Freeze would be added to the park. [7] Premier Rides was hired to build a new shuttle coaster that would powered by a linear induction motor (LIM). [4] It was billed as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Texas. In addition, Mr. Freeze would be the second highest attraction at Six Flags Over Texas, with the tallest being the park's Oil Derrick observation tower. [7] Just a month later in January 1997, it was confirmed that Six Flags St. Louis would be receiving a mirror clone of the ride. The coaster would be placed in the center of the park. This would cause the park's Spain section to be renamed DC Comics Plaza. [8]

Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags Over Texas Mr. Freeze (Six Flags Over Texas) 2.jpg
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags Over Texas

Mr. Freeze was planned to open in May 1997 to coincide with the release of Batman & Robin . [9] Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Clooney were scheduled to appear at the opening of Gotham City at Six Flags Over Texas and be the first to ride it, but problems with the launch system delayed its opening to 1998. [10] During testing, the LIM motors had issues with overheating and Six Flags officials could not provide the full thrust necessary to operate the ride consistently at high speeds. [11] Park management wasn't concerned, as Flight of Fear at Kings Island and Kings Dominion also had issues with the launch system. [12] One of Mr. Freeze's trains suffered damage when the launch system closed onto the fins. The train was removed for adjustments and was later put back in place. [13]

The Over Texas location was originally located in the Goodtimes Square section of the park. When Batman: The Ride debuted in 1999, the surrounding area was renamed Gotham City. [14] On October 3, 2000, the ride closed due to an issue with one of the trains. [15]

When it first opened, Mr. Freeze used over-the-shoulder restraints (commonly called OTSRs), which were replaced with individual ratcheting lap bars in 2002 at both locations. [4] [5]

In June 2006, all Premier Rides' LIM roller coasters were closed as they underwent emergency inspection after an accident on the now-defunct Batman & Robin: The Chiller where a wheel fell off on the lowest part of the track. This problem apparently existed on all of Premier Rides' coasters with booster LIMs. New wheels and bearings were ordered and replaced.[ citation needed ]

Both roller coasters were originally painted in light blue. The Texas Mr. Freeze received a new paint job that was completed in 2007. The track was repainted red and the supports were repainted blue. [16] In 2021, the ride was once again repainted, this time being light blue. [17] For 2009, the St. Louis Mr. Freeze was repainted with dark blue track and supports.

Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast (2012–2022)

On March 22, 2012, Six Flags announced that both versions of Mr. Freeze roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis would feature backwards facing trains and be renamed Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast. [18] The St. Louis version reopened on May 5, 2012, [19] with the help of David Freese (then a St. Louis Cardinals baseball player). [20] The attraction reopened at Six Flags Over Texas on May 12, 2012. Vanilla Ice performed a concert at the opening. [21] [22]

On August 29, 2022, Six Flags Over Texas had announced a closing date for Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast, slated for September 11, 2022 in an internal event. [23] Despite this date announcement, the park clarified that the ride would be staying, but teased that the ride would be refurbished. [24] On September 23, 2022, Six Flags Over Texas announced that the original version of Mr. Freeze would return, with trains moving forward again. [6]

Characteristics

Unlike most other shuttle roller coasters, Mr. Freeze is able to simultaneously operate two five-car (20 passengers total) trains because of an innovative sliding platform in the station. One train loads and unloads on either the right or left side of the station while the other train is launched out onto the main track. When this train returns to the station, it slides to the unused side of the room and unloads as the other train slides to the middle and launches. These trains are launched by 116 linear induction motors that help them achieve a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. The main launch requires 2.4 megawatts (5,000 amps x 480 volts) of electric power for three seconds to propel a single train. [13]

Ride experience

The station of Mr. Freeze at Six Flags Over Texas SFOT-Mr Freeze (Station).jpg
The station of Mr. Freeze at Six Flags Over Texas

Based on the 1997 film Batman & Robin , riders enter an old, abandoned ice cream factory that has now become the hideout of Mr. Freeze.

Queue

Six Flags Over Texas

At Six Flags Over Texas, guests walk into Snowy's Cones by passing under the mouth. Inside the factory, guests make a left turn and start on the lower level, where they approach some paths. In the center, there is a mixer and four flavor containers. These containers are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and orange. Guests turn right and pass through a hallway with spray paint walls. An outdoor section of the queue can be found in this hallway. This area features switchbacks that run next to the Six Flags & Texas Railroad train tracks. Guests go up some ramps and navigate through the upper level. Along the way, there is a sign that says Home Of The Big Freeze. Now on the upper level, guests can get views of the lower level, the mixer and the flavor containers. Guests then head into the station, where they board the ride.

Six Flags St. Louis

The St. Louis location features a different queue line which takes place outside. Guests pass underneath the mouth to Snowy's Ice Cream Factory Tours, where they make a right-handed curve followed by a left-handed curve. These curves lead to a straight path and some small ramps. After making a left turn, guests walk down a long pathway where they can get views of the ride. Guests turn right and cross a bridge over the Thunder River rapids ride. Following the bridge, guests go down a curved ramp. Then, guests enter an area with switchbacks and a few passages. Several curved paths lead to a straight section of the pathway followed by a left turn. As guests get closer to the factory, there is a board with news and advertisements. After a right turn, guests enter the factory where they navigate through a hallway. Guests then climb the staircase and enter the loading station Where they are greeted by Mr. Freeze. (Look toward the top of the exit)

Layout

The ride begins when the train slides onto the main launch. Soon afterwards, an alarm is sounded and riders are boosted through a 190-foot (58 m) tunnel and up into a 150-foot (46 m)-tall inside top hat that flips riders completely upside-down. This element is followed by a 113-foot (34 m) overbanked turn that banks riders at a 140-degree angle and a vertical spike. As the train climbs this spike and slows, it is gently pushed up almost all the way to the top by another set of LIMs. The train then freefalls down the tower back through the course. [4] [5]

Records

When Mr. Freeze opened in 1998, it was the fourth tallest, longest and second fastest shuttle coaster. In 2000, the records were taken by Speed – The Ride at the NASCAR Café at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. [25] After the casino closed in 2011, Mr. Freeze continued to hold the records as the longest shuttle coaster until 2019. Mr. Freeze also opened as the third tallest launched coaster with a top height of 218 feet (66 m), as well as the second fastest launched coaster with a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h). Its speed was matched by Volcano: The Blast Coaster at Kings Dominion that same year, Speed – The Ride and Superman: Ultimate Escape at Geauga Lake in 2000. [26] [27] In March 2001, Hypersonic XLC took the record as the second fastest launched coaster. [28]

The St. Louis location holds the record for the tallest coaster in Missouri, but the record for being the state's fastest coaster was taken by Mamba at Worlds of Fun shortly after opening. [29] As for the Over Texas location, it held the record for the tallest and fastest coaster in Texas for three years, before it was taken by Titan. [30] Mr. Freeze is currently the state's second tallest and second fastest coaster, with its speed matched by Superman: Krypton Coaster and Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which both reach 70 mph. [31] [32]

Incidents

On April 10, 2022, about 15 minutes before the park's closure for the night, an electrical motor in the launch track had malfunctioned and caught fire on the Texas version of the ride. Seven people (Including one Six Flags employee) were hospitalized with caution of smoke inhalation as the building was quickly filled with smoke. About 4 weeks after the fire the ride reopened operating one train. [33]

Rankings

Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year199820022003
Ranking23 (tie) [34] 41 [35] 30 [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wooden roller coaster</span> Type of roller coaster

A wooden roller coaster is a type of roller coaster classified by its wooden track, which consists of running rails made of flat steel strips mounted on laminated wood. The support structure is also typically made of wood, but may also be made of steel lattice or truss, which has no bearing on a wooden coaster's classification. The type of wood often selected in the construction of wooden coasters worldwide is southern yellow pine, which grows abundantly in the southern United States, due to its density and adherence to different forms of pressure treatment.

A steel roller coaster is a type of roller coaster classified by its steel track, which consists of long steel tubes that are run in pairs, supported by larger steel columns or beams. Trains running along the track typically rely on wheels made of polyurethane or nylon to keep each train car anchored to the track. The introduction of tubular steel drastically changed roller coaster innovation, allowing for greater speeds, higher drops, and more intense elements such as inversions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S&S – Sansei Technologies</span> American themed entertainment company

S&S – Sansei Technologies is an American company known for its pneumatically powered amusement rides and roller coaster designing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman: The Ride</span> Roller coasters at seven Six Flags parks

Batman: The Ride is an inverted roller coaster based on the DC Comics character Batman and found at seven Six Flags theme parks in the United States and at least one outside the US. Built by consulting engineers Bolliger & Mabillard, it rises to a height of between 100 and 105 feet and reaches top speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h). The original roller coaster at Six Flags Great America was partially devised by the park's general manager Jim Wintrode. Batman: The Ride was the world's first inverted roller coaster when it opened in 1992, and has since been awarded Coaster Landmark status by the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Clones of the ride exist at amusement parks around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypercoaster</span> Height class for roller coasters

A hypercoaster is a roller coaster with a height or drop measuring at least 200 feet (61 m). The term was first coined by Arrow Dynamics and Cedar Point in 1989 with the opening of the world's first hypercoaster, Magnum XL-200, which features a height of 205 feet. The next hypercoaster, Pepsi Max Big One, opened five years later at Blackpool Pleasure Beach featuring a height of 213 feet (65 m).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superman: Escape from Krypton</span> Shuttle roller coaster at Magic Mountain

Superman: Escape from Krypton, originally known as Superman: The Escape, is a steel shuttle roller coaster located at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. When it opened in 1997, it was the tallest roller coaster in the world, and its maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) was tied for the fastest with Tower of Terror II, a similar roller coaster which opened two months earlier at Dreamworld in Australia. Both were the first to utilize Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) launch technology to propel vehicles, although the intended opening date in 1996 at Magic Mountain was postponed due to issues with the launch system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green Lantern (Six Flags Great Adventure)</span> Steel roller coaster

Green Lantern, formerly known as Chang, is a stand-up roller coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Green Lantern stands 155 feet (47 m) tall and features a top speed of 63 miles per hour (101 km/h). The 4,155-foot-long (1,266 m) ride features five inversions and a duration of approximately 21⁄2 minutes. This steel coaster was designed and built by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Riddler's Revenge</span> Roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain

The Riddler's Revenge is a steel stand-up roller coaster located at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, the ride opened as the park's eleventh roller coaster on April 4, 1998, setting multiple world records among stand-up coasters. Originally located in the Movie District section of the park, which later became Metropolis in 2017, The Riddler's Revenge was also the park's single biggest investment at a cost of $14 million. It features a height of 156 feet (48 m), a maximum speed of 65 mph (105 km/h), six inversions, and a track length of 4,370 feet (1,330 m).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boomerang (roller coaster)</span> Steel roller coaster

Boomerang is a model of roller coaster manufactured and designed by Vekoma, a Dutch manufacturer. The roller coaster model name is from the hunting implement based on the traditions of the Indigenous Australians. As of January 2023 there are 55 Boomerangs operating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman & Robin: The Chiller</span> Defunct roller coaster

Batman & Robin: The Chiller was a dual-tracked, launched roller coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Designed by Premier Rides, the ride was themed to the 1997 film Batman & Robin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fourth-dimension roller coaster</span> Type of steel roller coaster

A fourth-dimension roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster where riders are rotated independently of the track's orientation, generally about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the track. The cars do not need to be fixed to an angle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volcano: The Blast Coaster</span> Defunct roller coaster at Kings Dominion

Volcano: The Blast Coaster, or simply Volcano, was an inverted launched roller coaster located at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, United States. Designed by Werner Stengel, it was the first launched roller coaster manufactured by Intamin and the first of its kind in the world to be inverted. Its launch mechanism utilized linear induction motor (LIM) technology. After a series of delays, Volcano opened to the public on August 3, 1998. A portion of the ride was enclosed inside an artificial mountain, constructed in 1979, which previously housed other attractions. Following nearly two decades of operation, Volcano abruptly closed a few weeks into the 2018 season, and the closure became permanent during the following offseason. In 2024, Rapterra, a launched wing coaster, was announced to replace Volcano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Joker's Jinx</span> Roller coaster at Six Flags America

The Joker's Jinx is a steel roller coaster at Six Flags America in Prince George's County, Maryland. The ride utilizes linear induction motor technology to launch the train from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just over three seconds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Flash: Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America)</span> Inverted steel roller coaster

The Flash: Vertical Velocity is an inverted steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. The roller coaster is themed to the DC Comics character, The Flash. Originally named Vertical Velocity, the ride received a re-theme in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Premier Rides</span> American amusement ride manufacturer

Premier Rides is an amusement ride manufacturer based in the United States. The company was the first to use Linear Induction Motors (LIMs) on their roller coasters. Jim Seay has been the sole owner and company president since 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goliath (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)</span> Steel inverted roller coaster

Goliath is an inverted roller coaster located at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas, United States. Designed by Werner Stengel and Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, Goliath initially opened in 1995 at an amusement park in Japan, it then operated at Six Flags New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina caused the parks abandonment in 2005 and removal of Goliath to Six Flags Fiesta Texas where it has operated since 2008. It stands at a height of 105 feet (32 m), reaches a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h), and features multiple inversions.

Amusement rides and stunt shows themed to the Batman franchise its derivative elements are commonly found at Warner Bros. and Six Flags amusement parks across the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Impulse roller coaster</span> Form of roller coaster manufactured by Intamin

An Impulse roller coaster is a form of a launched inverted roller coaster manufactured by Intamin. The first Impulse roller coaster appeared in Japan, and the ride type has since evolved to include four specific layouts, three of these varieties being built in the United States. It uses LIMs to launch a train out of the station and up a vertical spiral. The train then falls backward, is powered again through the station, and heads up a back tower. The train then falls forward, and continues in this fashion for a total of 2½ cycles per ride. On the final forward launch, with a slightly reduced speed, the train is sent up the front tower, and brakes then deploy on the launch track. The train then slows down and heads back into the station.

This is a list of events and openings related to amusement parks that have occurred in 2012. These various lists are not exhaustive.

References

  1. ↑ "Six Flags hit by 'Freeze' yesterday". Dallas Business Journal. American Business Journals. March 25, 1998. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  2. ↑ Strope, Leigh (March 19, 1998). "Six Flags to thaw out Mr. Freeze". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star-Telegram Staff Writer. Retrieved May 24, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ Bob, Reddy (April 12, 1998). "Many find Mr. Freeze worth the wait". Off the Post-Dispatch. Off the Post-Dispatch. Retrieved May 24, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Marden, Duane. "Mr. Freeze  (Six Flags Over Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 Marden, Duane. "Mr. Freeze  (Six Flags St. Louis)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  6. 1 2 Dammann, Luke (September 25, 2022). "Massive Coaster Reopens With "New" Twist After Unexpected Closure". Inside the Magic. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  7. 1 2 Strope, Leigh (December 18, 1996). "Sky high and really cool". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star-Telegram Staff Writer. Retrieved October 6, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ "The Coolest Coaster on the Planet". Daily Republican-Register. January 31, 1997. Retrieved November 3, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ "Mr. Freeze in final phase of testing". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 22, 1997. Retrieved December 9, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast Six Flags Over Texas - SFOT Source".
  11. ↑ Bunuel, Diego (August 1, 1997). "On Ice: Mr. Freeze Won't Be Opening This Summer". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Post-Dispatch Staff. Retrieved October 6, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ "Square D solves a Roller Coaster's Voltage Sag Problem". Schnieder Electric. Archived from the original on September 23, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  13. 1 2 "Coaster: Still out in the cold". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. June 29, 1997. Retrieved October 5, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ "Milestones at Six Flags Over Texas". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. November 5, 1998. Retrieved September 8, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ Wood, Sean (October 4, 2000). "Mr. Freeze ride shut down". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star-Telegram Staff Writer. Retrieved October 6, 2020– via Newspapers.com.
  16. ↑ "New Mr. Freeze Paint Job".
  17. ↑ "Pirates of Speelunker Cave (Update 1), Aquaman: Power Wave (Update 11), Mr. Freeze Paint Job".
  18. ↑ "Chill Out Backwards at 70 mph as Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis launch new ride experience". Market Watch. The Wall Street Journal. March 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  19. ↑ Patton, Julie Brown (April 9, 2012). "Six Flags St. Louis Opens". Eureka Wildwood Patch. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  20. ↑ Patton, Julie Brown (March 22, 2012). "Ultimate Head Freeze Heads to Six Flags". Eureka Wildwood Patch. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  21. ↑ Janda, Greg (March 22, 2012). "Six Flags to Reverse Mr. Freeze". NBC Dallas Fort Worth. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  22. ↑ Six Flags Over Texas (April 3, 2012). "The ride opening date..." Facebook. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  23. ↑ Dammann, Luke (August 29, 2022). "Six Flags Permanently Closing Popular Roller Coaster". Inside the Magic. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  24. ↑ "What Is Going On With MR. FREEZE: Reverse Blast At Six Flags Over Texas?". Theme Park Tourist. August 30, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  25. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Speed - The Ride  (Nascar Café)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  26. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Volcano, The Blast Coaster  (Kings Dominion)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  27. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Possessed  (Geauga Lake)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  28. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Hypersonic XLC  (Kings Dominion)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  29. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Mamba  (Worlds of Fun)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  30. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Titan  (Six Flags Over Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  31. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Superman Krypton Coaster  (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  32. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Iron Rattler  (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase . Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  33. ↑ Keomoungkhoun, Nataly (April 11, 2022). "7 taken to hospital after electrical malfunction on Mr. Freeze ride at Six Flags in Arlington". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  34. ↑ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today : 7B. August 1998. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today : 7B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today : 14–15B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.