Six Flags' Original Dark Ride: Speelunker's Cave

Рет қаралды 11,330

Жыл бұрын

This is the strange story of Speelunker's Cave at Six Flags Over Texas.
Article Version: storybookamusement.com/histor...
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📚 VIDEOS USED
Six Flags Over Texas
• VINTAGE SIX FLAGS OVER... (TEXBOW OUTDOORS VIDEO JOURNAL)
Speelunker’s Cave
• Spee-Lunker's Cave at ... (FT Depot)
digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/... (WBAP-TV)
• 1987 Six Flags Over Te... (DarylDallas)
• Six Flags Over Texas t... (K. Huntington)
• 4K 60FPS!!! Pirates Of... (Coaster Outlaws)
Yosemite Sam's Gold River Adventure
• pov yosemite sam & the... (Menachem Piekarski)
• Yosemite Sam and the G... (JohnYChen)
• Are The Spee-Lunkers R... (JB Thrills)
📚 SOURCES
authorclint.weebly.com/upload...
www.newspapers.com/image/lega...
www.newspapers.com/image/lega...
web.archive.org/web/202106210...
www.dafe.org/articles/darkrid...
/ 12922986754
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#SixFlags #SixFlagsOverTexas #ThemePark

Пікірлер: 109

@jondstewart Жыл бұрын

The one thing I’ll always remember about this ride was the air-conditioned relief from the horrible 100 plus degree temperatures throughout the Dallas area. I don’t like the way they changed it into Yosemite Sam’s Gold Adventures and wish it had stayed like it was. And this was like 2000 when I saw this.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

These rides are always great for AC, no matter the theme 😅

@JP-mu3xl 7 күн бұрын

I loved it in 1962 and thru later yrs, wish they would bring it back... tons of memories.. & yes, the cold blast of icy Air I always looked forward to on a 95 degree or hotter day

@jondstewart 7 күн бұрын

@@JP-mu3xl I miss the old Six Flags and Arlington! First time I went there was 1977 and Arlington didn’t have much except Six Flags, Ranger’s stadium, a Denny’s, a few motels, and a shopping mall. I have an old picture my mom and dad had from the 1960’s with a super tall man on stilts.

@paulhansen7667 Жыл бұрын

The original Six Flags was fantastic and really stuck to the themes in each section of the park.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

I definitely wish they stayed more on theme. They seem to plop down random DC rides wherever they want now without thinking of the bigger theme. A lot of missed potential!

@keithwilson6060 5 күн бұрын

@@paulhansen7667 Themes aren’t allowed anymore. The original flags of Six Flags are deemed “racist.”

@ALifeintheParks Жыл бұрын

This story had a happy ending, not many old theme park attractions can say that. Dark rides, especially those that are well made are my favourite types of attractions. Thanks for sharing this great story.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

It was a nice surprise! Definitely a fun one. Thanks for watching!

@ALifeintheParks Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement My pleasure ☺️

@ParkTwister Жыл бұрын

This sounds like such a gem! Wish we could have more unique and classic dark rides like this.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Seriously! This was such a fun ride to dive into

@jondstewart Жыл бұрын

My favorite thing about the ride was it was nice and cool and a relief from the ridiculously hot Texas weather and that Santa Claus display in the end. I enjoyed this ride more than the Shock Wave and Mine Train rides in the late 1970’s as a fearless kid.

@josephmorris7447 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Fort Worth in the 80s, we went to six flags every year and the speelunker cave was such a creepy yet fun experience. I missed it when they replaced it with looney tunes. We're so lucky that they reimagined it in its current state. Six flags really did it justice.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

I'm glad they paid homage to the original! I'm sure you have a ton of great memories from there.

@AdventuresWithParker Жыл бұрын

I've heard of the original and was so happy when I heard that Six Flags were going to bring it back. But I'm surprised it hasn't gotten a lot of attention since opening, so THANK YOU for this! Man, I really hope more regional parks go in this direction and bring back classic dark rides. Oh, and awesome video as always!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching! I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't know about the new version until making this video. Kind of a nice plot twist for me while writing the script, but I'd love to see the ride get more recognition. Six Flags deserves a lot of credit for putting so much effort into a dark ride and fan-favorite characters!

@garlandcopeland3137 Жыл бұрын

This is the best video of The Cave. Finally one that shows the rotating cyliinder on the little lift hill. Great video of it's history!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@funkmeyer4614 Жыл бұрын

I loved the Spelunker Cave back in the day. I still remember the last turn, when you would feel the cart/boat/whatever speed up and seem to go downhill a little bit all the way out.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

I’m sure that was a trippy feeling!

@ttime7800 Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a neat part of history revamped in a nice way! Hope to get to visit some day!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Maybe some day! Thanks for watching!

@SergGirl 4 күн бұрын

I know KZfaq isn’t generous about using music, but I wish you could have included a snippet of the organ music that played in this ride. It’s iconic and once you hear it you never forget it!

@StorybookAmusement 3 күн бұрын

Music has a way of doing that!

@bobbywise2313 2 күн бұрын

I loved that spinning thing that made it look like you were going into a time tunnel or something. It was hypnotic.

@StorybookAmusement 2 күн бұрын

😵

@NickMatzkeMusic Жыл бұрын

Man this looks really cool! I had no idea about this. I went to that park in 2009 but didn’t go on the ride since we were probably more into the coasters at that time. The new version of the ride looks really cool and seems to be a nice tribute to the original. Man those original spinning boats must’ve been disorienting!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Six Flags is definitely all about the coasters! So I'd say you made the right call, but it's neat that a park like that has a hidden gem like this. Really appreciate you tuning in as always.

@NickMatzkeMusic Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement I’ll always watch the stuff you put out bro! Might take me a little time to get around to it like with this one but I always save them whenever they come out!

@KJchats 23 күн бұрын

I worked at six flags in the mid 70s, it was a great ride for cooling down in the summer heat! I have fond memories of walking by and the waterfall and wet wood smell of the ride!! Really awesome times!!😊 Thx for this video!!!

@StorybookAmusement 19 күн бұрын

Oh it must've been a wonderful time! Thanks for watching!

@brendonneely9456 Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately there was another major flood towards the end of last year and the ride was damaged again. It hasn't been operational since late last season, but I believe they're currently working to get it repaired.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

That's a bummer! Six Flags seems to be putting some elbow grease in these types of rides, so I hope they get it back up and running for the season.

@keithwilson6060 10 күн бұрын

Wonderful ride and a great respite from summer heat and humidity. I got to work for Six Flags in park safety in the mid-80’s and got to see the guts of this ride. Once, a swarm of honey bees made a hive in one of the walls.

@StorybookAmusement 9 күн бұрын

Some relief from the heat is never a bad thing 😅

@BobbyHealy Жыл бұрын

Considering I had no idea on this ride but this was such an emotional rollercoaster! I was so angry that they gutted them for looney tunes (even though it did look quite fun). I grew attached to the spelunkers 😂! Glad they’re back in some way now. Excellent video 👏

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! About a month ago, I thought they were hideous, but not I really want one for my home. 😆 They grow on ya in a weird way. Really appreciate you watching!

@garlandcopeland3137 Жыл бұрын

You should see it now! It's freaking awesome!

@PiTheThemeParkGuy Жыл бұрын

I adore the detail and care you put into every video! Especially with how weird of topics you find. I wanna ride this weird ride so bad

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

We’ll build a time machine that takes us to any point in history for 3 minutes and 14 seconds. Our first stop: Speelunker’s Cave. Thanks so much!

@PiTheThemeParkGuy Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement a perfect plan!

@mistersixx Жыл бұрын

This was a very well done video, thank you for sharing. I was fortunate to help bring back this ride and happy to see so many fans enjoy it. Thanks again!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Oh nice! Must be very gratifying. I hope it's up and running by the time I pay a visit! :)

@KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved Жыл бұрын

This is awesome! I love this! It’s great to see a dedicated history video to the Speelunker’s. Please let me know if you ever touch Knott’s Bear-y Tales. I got all the resources you need.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I was thinking about it when the new ride opened, but I’ve seen a few others cover it. I’ll probably hold off for now, but thank you so much! You’re definitely the first person I think of when I think of Bear-y.

@alexgeorge501 Жыл бұрын

Welcome Back Spee's!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Woo!

@user-ug2su9hf1e 9 күн бұрын

It was the best ride to get on when you needed to get out of the stifling north Texas summer heat.

@LaurensTravels Жыл бұрын

Those little cave aliens looked funny not going to lie haha. Hoping that dark rides will continue to be a thing going into the future of theme parks because they're honestly the best. Almost a little Haunted Mansion moment with the Speelunker playing the organ.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Ah, the ride would've been perfect with a Ghost Host. 😅 But definitely! Thank you so much for watching (and marathoning haha).

@LaurensTravels Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement part of the hurricane watch later party 😂

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

@@LaurensTravels hope it hasn’t affected you too badly!

@LaurensTravels Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement all clear!

@marlathe80sgirl96 Жыл бұрын

This ride is still a fond memory for me when I was little!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Aw that's awesome!

@kararagland Жыл бұрын

I have such fond memories of this ride, as I am one of the lucky ones who got to experience it in all its forms! Loved it as Spees and just as much as Yosemite Sam:) It sparked my love of animatronics!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Which version has been your favorite?

@ep4412 Ай бұрын

When I worked this ride there were three internal positions we would sit and observe riders. The band scene exit, the lift hill and the harp scene exit.

@StorybookAmusement Ай бұрын

Interesting!

@BearJwG 25 күн бұрын

I LOVED the Spelunker Cave, especially on 100° + days. The barrel and rise always made me confused as to how high you really were. Great work!

@StorybookAmusement 25 күн бұрын

Must've been a great time! I really want to try the new one out. And thanks!

@richardpetty9159 6 күн бұрын

::: AIR CONDITIONING ::: That is the number one thing that made Spelunkers Cave so great. When it was a broiling 135-degrees in mid-summer, you could take a quick ride, rest your feet while sitting, and cool off!

@StorybookAmusement 3 күн бұрын

The best part 😅

@angiehill5884 Жыл бұрын

I loved the old Speelunkers cave ride?! It was one of my favorite rides!!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Oh that’s awesome! I’m sure you have a ton of memories 😄

@joefritz5420 3 ай бұрын

We went several times each year but quit going after they removed the 5 other flags along with the loss of most of the things that made you feel like you were in a new section. I'm planning to go soon to see the Speelunkers back in The Cave.

@edwardhoyenski68 12 сағат бұрын

Always one of my favorites - SOOOOOO much cooler than the hot Texas summer!

@RabidHummingbird 3 ай бұрын

One of my first memories of childhood terror was this ride. I remember seeing the green faces and I just wasnt having it. This ride scared me so badly, and I had nightmares about it for years. Seeing this video is kind of embarrassing now, because it was really pretty tame. 😂

@StorybookAmusement 3 ай бұрын

I think we all have some sort of memories like that 😅 That's the fun of it!

@MsDisneylandlover Ай бұрын

You actually have a lovely speaking voice ❤

@kwahyttam 11 ай бұрын

I went for the first time to Six Flags over Texas in Aug 2023. I went on this ride and I was a little freaked out. The Speelunkers made me and my group feel like a horror ride. I was waiting for the 'lunkers to turn and attack us for being there. It was unsettling. Still glad I went on it, it was 109*F and we needed some cool.

@StorybookAmusement 11 ай бұрын

You can never fully trust those little Spees 😅

@brendarico715 Жыл бұрын

Love the one with the mad hatter Hat❤

@juliusseizure324 10 күн бұрын

My Late Uncle helped design the Spelunkers! ¡Salud, Tio!

@StorybookAmusement 9 күн бұрын

Oh wow! He sounds very creative.

@juliusseizure324 9 күн бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement He was an Original Chicano Rock ‘n Roller Artist from Ft. Worth, TX!

@WheezyLiam Жыл бұрын

There was a point in the Looney Tunes version where you'd pass through a small rock tunnel and hear sounds of wood creaking. I always assumed that was some hold over from the Spee days

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Oooh could’ve been! Was it later in the ride?

@WheezyLiam Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement Yeah, you can hear it on most of the videos here. It's just after the boulder scene with Yosemite Sam.

@RankingTheMouse Жыл бұрын

This is absolutely bonkers & sounds incredible, but DAMN those OG ride vehicles look awful 😂😂

@RankingTheMouse Жыл бұрын

Also, I LOVE happy endings for abandoned dark rides like this. So heartwarming & great

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

@@RankingTheMouse Thanks for watching! But yeah 😅 the bull boats were not the best idea for maaaany reasons. Couldn't imagine a new ride opening with those today!

@RankingTheMouse Жыл бұрын

@@StorybookAmusement hahaha absolutely 😂😂 so wild

@TTVtheslothKING 5 ай бұрын

i rode this ride for the first time today and it wasnt as magical as your video described it as, the audio was too loud so the story was impossible to follow and the spees made the entire thing uncomfortably awkward and left me and my family very uneasy. This ride is a fever dream and i personally dont see the excitement for it.

@StorybookAmusement 5 ай бұрын

Ah that's disappointing! I know the ride has had some on-and-off issues as of late. Hopefully it gets the tuneup it deserves.

@michelletilleman5805 6 күн бұрын

God why in the ever loving world would they change such a work of art. All changes have been a perpetual decline-

@StorybookAmusement 3 күн бұрын

It was so creative!

@_MellsBells_ 9 күн бұрын

Loved this ride as a kid it was creepy but not too creepy lol

@StorybookAmusement 9 күн бұрын

The Goldilocks of theme park rides. Creepy, but not too creepy. Juuuuust right!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

What’s the weirdest ride you’ve ever been on?

@PiTheThemeParkGuy Жыл бұрын

I don't know if it's actually the weirdest, but Mr Toad's felt like it considering the first time I rode it I had no idea how it ended!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

@@PiTheThemeParkGuy Disney was WILD for sending their guests to hell 😭

@politiekhistorie Жыл бұрын

I guess that would be the ALF-Gremlins darkride of Warner Bros. Moviepark Germany. It was an awesome darkride but the combination of ALF and the Gremlins was a bit odd. It had a great preshow in which a blooperreel would be followed by a behind the scenes of the filming of ALF, which was interrupted because of the gremlin invasion, after which a castmember shouted you needed to go to the emergency exit, where the actual ride would start. Then you would be trying to escape the Gremlins while going through the studio, watching how the Gremlins were spoofing several movies and wreaking havoc in all the different parts of the studio, while ALF helped you escape. I miss it a lot.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

@@politiekhistorie How have I never heard of this?! That sounds so strange yet so perfect. Thanks for sharing!

@paperclipxoxo Жыл бұрын

2023 goal is to ride this ride!!!!!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Hope it works out for you! And have fun. 😊

@MsDisneylandlover Ай бұрын

He did his homework lol #DisneyDiva ❤

@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog Жыл бұрын

Wow that's really cool and interesting vidz my friend. Keep it up and more vidz to come my friend. Stay safe and healthy always.

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

Thank you thank you

@soylentteal 7 ай бұрын

Perfect way to cool off.

@StorybookAmusement 7 ай бұрын

Absolutely!

@jondstewart Жыл бұрын

Don’t compare Six Flags to Disneyland, it’s not the same! Disneyland was designed to make kids happy with minor rides and in a mild climate. Six Flags was to make kids feel thrills in a horribly hot and cruel climate and spelunkers cave was a relief from the heat!

@StorybookAmusement Жыл бұрын

😅 Well the founder of Six Flags was inspired by Disneyland, wanting to create a similar but affordable alternative. That plus the Disneyland-esque ride are the reasons for the comparison. Six Flags has changed a lot since those days!

@cardinaloflannagancr8929 11 ай бұрын

Good video other than the big sigh to draw attention to the needless political comment.

@StorybookAmusement 11 ай бұрын

Thank you? I'm not exactly sure what political comment you may be referring to as this video is fairly neutral.

@raypierce5818 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for these wonderful memories! I remember riding it the first year it opened and it was definitely an original! I ended up working there in a show in ‘’73 and ‘74 then moved to Hollywood in ‘77 and now work as a creative consultant for the original worldwide leader in themed entertainment helping crete magic around the globe… but it all started with SFOT!

@StorybookAmusement 9 ай бұрын

@@raypierce5818 That's awesome to hear!