Six Flags' Original Dark Ride: Speelunker's Cave

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  • Опубликовано: 23 сен 2022
  • 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

Комментарии • 100

  • @paulhansen7667
    @paulhansen7667 Год назад +9

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +2

      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!

  • @jondstewart
    @jondstewart 11 месяцев назад +7

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  11 месяцев назад

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

    • @JP-mu3xl
      @JP-mu3xl День назад +1

      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
      @jondstewart День назад

      @@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.

  • @ALifeintheParks
    @ALifeintheParks Год назад +9

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

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

    • @ALifeintheParks
      @ALifeintheParks Год назад +1

      @@StorybookAmusement My pleasure ☺️

  • @josephmorris7447
    @josephmorris7447 Год назад +4

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

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

  • @ParkTwister
    @ParkTwister Год назад +13

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +4

      Seriously! This was such a fun ride to dive into

    • @jondstewart
      @jondstewart 11 месяцев назад

      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.

  • @AdventuresWithParker
    @AdventuresWithParker Год назад +8

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +7

      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
    @garlandcopeland3137 Год назад +3

    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!

  • @funkmeyer4614
    @funkmeyer4614 11 месяцев назад +3

    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.

  • @alexgeorge501
    @alexgeorge501 Год назад +3

    Welcome Back Spee's!

  • @keithwilson6060
    @keithwilson6060 3 дня назад +1

    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.

  • @ttime7800
    @ttime7800 Год назад +3

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

  • @brendonneely9456
    @brendonneely9456 Год назад +3

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +3

      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.

  • @marlathe80sgirl96
    @marlathe80sgirl96 Год назад +2

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

  • @KJchats
    @KJchats 17 дней назад +1

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  13 дней назад

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

  • @NickMatzkeMusic
    @NickMatzkeMusic Год назад +3

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

      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
      @NickMatzkeMusic Год назад +1

      @@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!

  • @BobbyHealy
    @BobbyHealy Год назад +5

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

      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
      @garlandcopeland3137 Год назад

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

  • @KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved
    @KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved Год назад +3

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

      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.

  • @kararagland
    @kararagland Год назад +2

    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!

  • @PiTheThemeParkGuy
    @PiTheThemeParkGuy Год назад +4

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

      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
      @PiTheThemeParkGuy Год назад +1

      @@StorybookAmusement a perfect plan!

  • @LaurensTravels
    @LaurensTravels Год назад +3

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

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

    • @LaurensTravels
      @LaurensTravels Год назад +1

      @@StorybookAmusement part of the hurricane watch later party 😂

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

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

    • @LaurensTravels
      @LaurensTravels Год назад +1

      @@StorybookAmusement all clear!

  • @mistersixx
    @mistersixx Год назад +2

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

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

  • @angiehill5884
    @angiehill5884 Год назад +2

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

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

  • @ep4412
    @ep4412 26 дней назад +1

    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.

  • @BearJwG
    @BearJwG 19 дней назад

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  18 дней назад +1

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

  • @user-ug2su9hf1e
    @user-ug2su9hf1e 2 дня назад

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

  • @RabidHummingbird
    @RabidHummingbird 3 месяца назад +1

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  2 месяца назад

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

  • @joefritz5420
    @joefritz5420 3 месяца назад

    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.

  • @juliusseizure324
    @juliusseizure324 3 дня назад +1

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  2 дня назад +1

      Oh wow! He sounds very creative.

    • @juliusseizure324
      @juliusseizure324 2 дня назад +1

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

  • @brendarico715
    @brendarico715 Год назад +1

    Love the one with the mad hatter Hat❤

  • @_MellsBells_
    @_MellsBells_ 3 дня назад +1

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  2 дня назад +1

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

  • @RankingTheMouse
    @RankingTheMouse Год назад +2

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

    • @RankingTheMouse
      @RankingTheMouse Год назад +1

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

      @@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
      @RankingTheMouse Год назад +1

      @@StorybookAmusement hahaha absolutely 😂😂 so wild

  • @MsDisneylandlover
    @MsDisneylandlover 24 дня назад +1

    You actually have a lovely speaking voice ❤

  • @michelletilleman5805
    @michelletilleman5805 Час назад

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

  • @paperclipxoxo
    @paperclipxoxo Год назад +2

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

  • @soylentteal
    @soylentteal 7 месяцев назад +1

    Perfect way to cool off.

  • @MsDisneylandlover
    @MsDisneylandlover 24 дня назад +1

    He did his homework lol
    #DisneyDiva ❤

  • @kwahyttam
    @kwahyttam 11 месяцев назад +2

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  11 месяцев назад +1

      You can never fully trust those little Spees 😅

  • @WheezyLiam
    @WheezyLiam Год назад +2

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

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

    • @WheezyLiam
      @WheezyLiam Год назад +1

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

  • @TTVtheslothKING
    @TTVtheslothKING 4 месяца назад +1

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  4 месяца назад

      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.

  • @RodKrisBisdakMotovlog
    @RodKrisBisdakMotovlog Год назад +1

    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
    @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +4

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

    • @PiTheThemeParkGuy
      @PiTheThemeParkGuy Год назад +1

      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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад

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

    • @politiekhistorie
      @politiekhistorie Год назад +1

      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
      @StorybookAmusement  Год назад +1

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

  • @jondstewart
    @jondstewart 11 месяцев назад +1

    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
      @StorybookAmusement  11 месяцев назад +1

      😅 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
    @cardinaloflannagancr8929 11 месяцев назад +2

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

    • @StorybookAmusement
      @StorybookAmusement  11 месяцев назад +2

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

    • @raypierce5818
      @raypierce5818 9 месяцев назад +1

      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
      @StorybookAmusement  9 месяцев назад

      @@raypierce5818 That's awesome to hear!