ZDT's Amusement Park permanently closes August 17th

This is sad given the struggle many “mom-n-pop” parks face. It would be cool for enthusiasts to form some kind of foundation that could help small facilities in a time of need, both financially and by offering business expertise to help them thrive.

You mean the enthusiasts that sleep in their cars and never buy anything in the parks? 🤣

I've been to ZDT's once... (once...)

While driving between San Antonio and Galveston/Houston on a Texas triangle coaster trip.

We bought tickets for 3 rides each, front, middle, back, on the super unique, one of a kind "credit" and then left. Not exactly the kind of return on investment they were hoping for I'm sure.

Ditto Dania Beach Hurricane, Desperado, (All Vegas coasters really) and probably Arie Force One. (Haven't ridden yet, but plan to on an Atlanta overnight some day.) All this to say that multi-million dollar investments at roadside attractions rarely seem to pay off. It's unfortunate, but that's just how it seems to be. I'd love to see another park pick this coaster up and keep it alive. Maybe COTAland can move it down the road and have it ready by 2039?

ZDT's is doubly hamstrung because it really isn't a roadside attraction. It's a good 30 miles outside of the San Antonio tourism bubble and a mile off of the interstate in the middle of an industrial area in a town with around 30k people. They are likely dependent on locals to stay in business and that can only go so far.

Yea exactly. It’s also in Seguin TX which isn’t exactly known for tourism and locals with money.

It’s not a bad little park though. Just in a bad location. It would have had a better shot if it was in New Braunfels or San Antonio. But it did last 20 years and Switchback gave them a short term boost I’m sure.

I went there once too. I enjoyed it – I made the most of a wristband – but wasn't likely to ever go back.

Bummer news.

Very glad I was able to get out there a few years ago and catch Switchback. It's a really fun little ride.

My wife thought it would be cool if Indiana Beach/Gene Stapleton buys Switchback and relocates it.... (hint, hint, Gene!) :)

Later,
EV

I dunno. I think Indiana Beach has enough rescued equipment languishing in storage.

I dunno. I think Indiana Beach has languished long enough.

FIFY