Poltergeist (roller coaster) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Poltergeist |
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A view of the compact "Spaghetti Bowl" coaster.
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| Six Flags Fiesta Texas | |
| Location | Six Flags Fiesta Texas |
| Park section | Rockville |
| Coordinates | 29°35′49″N 98°36′30″W / 29.59694°N 98.60833°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 28, 1999 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Launched |
| Manufacturer | Premier Rides |
| Designer | Werner Stengel |
| Model | LIM Coaster |
| Lift/launch system | LIM Launch |
| Height | 78.8 ft (24.0 m) |
| Length | 2,705 ft (824 m) |
| Speed | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| Inversions | 4 |
| Duration | 1:15 |
| Max vertical angle | 60° |
| Acceleration | 0 – 60 in 3.5 seconds |
| G-force | 4.5 |
| Height restriction | 54 in (137 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train. |
 Flash Pass Available |
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| Poltergeist at RCDB | |
Poltergeist is an exciting steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas. It first opened its doors to thrill-seekers on May 28, 1999. In 2009, the ride got a cool new paint job, making it look fresh and ready for more adventures.
This awesome coaster was built by Premier Rides. It's known for its fast launch and many twists and turns.
Contents
Ride Experience
Poltergeist is found in the Rockville area of the park. When you get on, you're launched super fast through a narrow tunnel. This isn't like a normal roller coaster that goes up a big hill first!
After the launch, you zoom into a tangled section of track. This part is often called a "spaghetti bowl" because it looks like a bunch of noodles twisted together! Here, you'll go through a cobra roll, a sidewinder, and lots of quick turns.
Unlike some other coasters, Poltergeist doesn't have a brake section in the middle. You keep going at high speed! After the "spaghetti bowl," you spiral downwards and to the left. Then, after more twists, you go through a corkscrew before reaching the final brakes. The whole ride lasts about 1 minute and 15 seconds.
How it Works
Poltergeist uses a special system called a LIM launch. Instead of a traditional lift hill that pulls you up, LIMs use powerful magnets to push the train forward very quickly. This system can get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds!
When Poltergeist first opened, it had restraints that went over your shoulders. But in 2002, these were changed to lap bars. These new lap bars are more comfortable for riders.
Cool Ride Elements
- Cobra Roll: This element looks like a cobra's head and involves two inversions (going upside down).
- Sidewinder: A type of inversion that twists you around.
- Corkscrew: This element spins you upside down in a spiral shape.
Similar Coasters
Poltergeist is one of several similar roller coasters built by Premier Rides. These coasters all use the same LIM launch system and have a very similar track design.
Other coasters like Poltergeist include Joker's Jinx at Six Flags America, which also opened in 1999. The very first coasters with this LIM launch system were the Flight of Fear rides at Kings Island and Kings Dominion, which opened in 1996.
In the Spotlight
Poltergeist has even been featured in a book! It's mentioned in Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines by Barnes & Noble.
Images for kids
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The original entrance archway.
