Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Review, Six Flags Fiesta Texas B&M Dive | Gold Standard for Six Flags

Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger is the new-for-2022 dive coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This is the first Bolliger & Mabillard coaster to feature a beyond-vertical drop and it also features some fantastic theming. There is not one, but two pre-shows with special effects and animatronics! This is why I think this is the new gold standard for what Six Flags should do with their coasters.
Video Credits
Dr. Diabolical's POV (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)- • Official Dr. Diabolica...
Background Music
Cinematic Trailer Orchestra by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Glorious Hero- • Cinematic Trailer Orch...

[@Theme-Park-Kingdom]

Nice review! The park actually owns 4 trains for this ride - allowing them to run 3 trains during all peak crowd periods.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for the info!

[@petersoncooper7292]

No they own 2 red and one gold train.

[@jeffcunningham8807]

So this is my only dive coaster. And I gotta say I absolutely loved it. The themeing was so well done and I thought the ride was extremely fun. Hoping for more dive coasters

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vazatimo3000]

No it's not the only one @Jeff Cunningham see Oblivion At Alton Towers sir

[@aidsetab806]

@@vazatimo3000he said my, as it’s the only one he has ridden. There’s a bunch of other dive coasters.

[@shadownova7056]

Learn to read bro

[@tylerhoyler9766]

So I work cliffhanger and thank you for saying we are fast. It truly means a lot. We normally operate with 3 but tend to run two for low staffing or cold weather. With two we rarely stack the trains but with three the 2nd train tends to stack. What causes this is slow guest or having to recheck restraints.

[@ianchaille997]

I work front desk at a hotel and I'm a coaster enthusiast that frequently visits amusement parks. It's hard enough dealing with some of the more needy guests and trying to accommodate everybody within our inventory. I can't imagine the stress working as a ride op trying to hit those intervals while being safe and outside in the heat dealing with the things like what you mentioned. Massive props to ride ops for working a hard job keeping us safe so we can ride! :)

[@syedmurtaza713]

@@ianchaille997 Coming from another fiesta texas ride op this means a lot, especially when working major rides like Cliffhanger, iron rattler, or Superman, being constantly told we are not going fast enough despite hustling for hours around the station it's nice to see someone appreciating our effort, thank you :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Good to know about the operations and keep doing a good job!

[@JC-bh6gu]

really well produced video as usual. the way you edit the off ride/pov to perfectly match your narration is great. while watching it flows and feels effortless. but I can tell you put so much time and consideration into these reviews. thank you for doing what you do.

[@phantomphanatic3149]

I agree 100%, as a (newer) editor and vlogger I find the flow of the video is always the hardest. Canobie Coaster always has a smooth video as well as the presentation.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bobsonomatic]

I’m not typically a huge fan of coasters but this ride is super fun. Good thrill on the first drop, and the ride in general is extremely smooth and entertaining.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a good ride.

[@AirtimeProductions]

Wow, nice review! I think this displays the future for Six Flags and their ambition to focus more on story and theming which is awesome and I’m not complaining

[@CanobieCoaster]

The only flaw in that argument is that Fiesta has done this a few times already.

[@androclock]

always love to get out of school and see a canobie coaster review

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

It's my 2nd favorite B&M dive coaster to Yukon Striker. On my 2 ACE visits in December & February, they were running 3 trains. In February, they were having problems with one train just before ERT, so they removed that train. Even with 2 trains, there was never a line before the flash pass merge point. We even were getting to stay on the train for a 2nd ride, just moving from front to back. That was even more true during ERT, while we waited for Iron Rattler's line to clear. I've done a couple rides in the middle-middle seat, the only true heartline seat on any dive coaster. It was pretty cool, especially in the inversions.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Good to know they do run 3!

[@NISSANZ33]

Been waiting for this review!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hope you like it!

[@joeygassmann5595]

I was really surprised when the announcement came that fiesta Texas was adding this Dive Coaster. Unfortunately, I was only able to ride it once in the back right seat and it did have a little bit of a vibration just like Emperor did in the same seat. This is a much differently paced Coaster, than Emperor, but I do give it the edge for the impressive theming and the Superior first drop. I can’t really compare it to the larger, hyper sized models, as those have a much different feel to them, and overall, I prefer the larger models over this, but I applaud fiesta Texas for their efforts in adding a surprise, new coaster, and the first new B&M in the chain since X flight opened a decade earlier.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This ride's theming really is impressive for Six Flags.

[@michaelbianco32]

They were running 3 trains on my visit on a Saturday last November! Also loved that you commented on the shimmy in the zero-g roll, such a weird quirk for a B&M

[@CanobieCoaster]

Good to know!

[@robertsmith9080]

@@CanobieCoaster commented above why they were running only 2 during your visit. I'm sad we didnt' get to meet up!

[@psychichorse]

This is a super fun ride, and I think it is a wonderful fit for Fiesta Texas. I think Sheikra is my favorite dive in the US though! And I agree that the single rider line can be easily exploited - I visited with my father and although we planned to split up as intended when we used the single rider queue, since they sent us in together we just rode together. Karma bit us back later though, when Iron Rattler kept breaking down on us.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's such a weird way to set up single rider.

[@dakotaschilling8413]

When I went in September of last year there were so few people in line I was able to cycle this ride as many times as I wanted without getting off. It’s my favorite dive coaster that I’ve been on.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@Kite037]

I made several Cliffhanger only visits this season. It was reliably a walk every summer week day I popped in. I’d get there about 1 o’clock after the water park opened, and be home before 3 o’clock having gotten 2-5 laps in without baking in the 100 degree heat for long. The drop in the back row is one of the best in the industry. The shuffle in the turnaround is very noticeable but it does not cause me any trouble in my preferred rear wing seats. The only downside is that I am sick of the preshows. They feel like a half measure with the staff coldly operating a control panel in front of everyone without addressing you. Overall I think it’s my 4th favorite coaster at the park; being a comfy modern B&M with a great drop it has the 2nd most re-ride value to me, behind Rattler. (I’m also spoiled to have done over 3000 laps on Iron Rattler, Superman, and Wonder Woman combined so maybe Cliffhanger is just what’s fresh, but it was way better than Valravn.)

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was a nice addition. Glad you've been able to get a ton of laps on it!

[@zbfuller]

There's a big reason why Fiesta Texas is getting all this nice theming and the other parks aren't... Jeffrey Seibert.

[@CanobieCoaster]

He's doing an amazing job.

[@zbfuller]

@@CanobieCoaster Six Flags would be better off if all of truer parks had a Jeffrey.

[@Lucky_9705]

This is probably Six Flags’s biggest investment since Tatsu or Apocalypse. If I were to guess, the ride itself probably costed about $12-$13 million to construct, and the theming costed an additional $6-$7 million. In total, I think that this ride was about an $18-$20 million investment.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hard to say for sure. I bet West Coast Racers cost a bit too.

[@eeman0201]

No way the theming was that much. It looks pretty cheap and handmade compared to the Disney/universal parks.

[@Montu-pc5gp]

When i went they were operating 3 trains. and they were stacking heavily. 2 trains on the break run while one is sitting in the station. I found that to be a bit inefficent. One thing i was happy about was they were running 3 trains on a not so crowded day. Personally i feel like the edge seats on the back row are the best seats in my opinion. It seemed pretty smooth ride overall. The first drop on those seats is phenomenal. It really impressed me very much since it was also my first ride. I got on SUperman later and it was so rattley and it made me very dissappointed. But overall it impressed me a lot. I remember coming to the park when it was still being biult. It was nice seeing it finally being open.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I appreciate their dedication to multi train operations.

[@cmwaves]

Going to SFFT very soon so this was great timing!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Have fun!

[@Catalyst512]

I’ve ridden this one already probably 6 times, and it is a little underwhelming on the coaster sections but in the front is where the magic happens. That first drop is pretty scary

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like it more in back for the drops.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I really hope Six Flags adds more

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@maxhagenauer24]

If there is 1 word to describe this B&M Dive, it's flat out fun. I somehow actually got better airtime on this than SheiKra even though it has vests and SheiKra has OTSR. I can tell that 5 degree beond very drop, but the airtime was surprisingly strong, the second drop was also so good, the positive Gs hit in that last turn and that hill actually gave good airtime. Everything on this was better than I expected, and of course the absolutely mind blowing level of theming the que has for a six flags coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you loved it!

[@user-ec7rb9rm4y]

Did you ever come off something at Six Flags Fiesta Texas with a headache? For example, Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger, Poltergeist, Goliath, Iron Rattler, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, or Superman Krypton Coaster? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can ride those without issues.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Does look like a fun ride but Yukon Striker is my ride. Scary as it is. ❤

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Yukon too.

[@alantrotter2077]

It is my favorite Dive coaster. It is my #88/456 credit. I have this as my third favorite coaster at SFFT. The best seat is actually the best row, edge seat on the load side. The airtime is great even with the restraints! The theming is outstanding and the I've got ERT on this ride a few times and it is really great! I have to get on Yukon Striker, but this one tops Griffon and Sheikra as the Top US Dive coaster!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Did you find that seat shaky like me?

[@alantrotter2077]

@@CanobieCoaster It wasn't bad for me. I just found the further I sat toward the load side the better the airtime was.

[@RollerCoasterBug]

I live right next to this park. Magic Mountian used to be my home park but this park is definitely the better park. I typically go on Sundays and even during the off season there have been a few visits where they ran 3 trains even when the park was empty

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I think they give Fiesta the TLC because it's one of the newer parks. While it operates original Six Flags Over Texas, it does not own it, nor Georgia. They each independently have to still scoop from the SF pot of soup to get the best rides. I love the direction the park took with the details + theming. Fiesta did stand OUT from the other SF parks in story/theming. It was also a "show park" originally. NOT diving off the quarry wall likely saved a lot of $$$$. While limestone IS pretty, it's also very brittle. Notice the tops of the walls have chain link fence in the face to keep rocks from falling on guests. The tunnel was to be steeper on Rattler as well, but that's a lot of reinforcing. Great review of a park home to 3 wonderful B&Ms!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It also pulled a good crowd the past few years while some in the chain have not.

[@robertsmith9080]

it's 100% the Park President. Jeffrey Siebert fights for this park - and his efforts have paid off with continuous improvements, new rides almost every year, special deals that other parks don't get (ie: upgrade to Diamond special that no other park offered - they only got the upgrade Gold to Platinum), and with that comes increased attendance. it doesn't hurt that the two Texas parks are year round. . .but really, this park gets stuff because we have an excellent park president who fights for it.

[@southtexascoasters]

There actually 4 trains one train is always in maintenance. They run three trains in the summer. Good video.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for the info!

[@weerdo75]

Good bit bit memorable. A tunnel is a must for a dive-coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't mind the absense since it has all the theming instead.

[@robertsmith9080]

it's also the 1st B&M dive coaster that's 7 across. benefits: they could keep the smaller track = lower cost. & there is a center track seat!! the only Dive Coaster that lets you ride in that seat! is it the best in the park? no, but it's very good

[@robertsmith9080]

and the 2 trains during your visit was due to a maintenance issue. (I know this absolutely from chatting with Park President about why they were running 2 instead of 3 - which this coaster ALWAYS runs). they were having issues with a sensor, that kept getting tripped when they ran 3 trains, but was not causing e-stops with just 2 trains. they HAVE fixed this. . and the coaster is back to 3 trains. - and yes, back row is the best - airtime the entire ride. it's weird that I'd recommend back row for a dive coaster, but yeah. . Dr. D is a third row ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That is a nice perk being perfectly centered.

[@mateoalvira7826]

To ride again, Poltergeist, Iron Rattler, Boomerang, and Dr. Diabolical Cliffhanger, what would you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I skip Boomerang since it's a clone I have back home. Like the others.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Would be cool if the usual big ones add a beyond vertical drop

[@CanobieCoaster]

Maybe one day!

[@pixelythegamer3260]

Just thinking about that six flags has started to add stories to some of their newer attractions. I would love to see that if six flags St. Louis eventually converted boss into an rmc hybrid, what if they named it the final boss and themed it to an final level of a video game like in super Mario bros on nes

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be a very cool theme if they ever RMC it.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

@@CanobieCoaster besides after wildcats revenge, realistically what do you think what next wooden coaster to get the retrofit into steel next?

[@upsidedown_]

Looks like the best dive tbh

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a good one, but I prefer a few others.

[@Posirep]

Super fun ride. They do need to turn the audio down i kept hearing "YOUR FEAR GIVES ME LIFE" and 'THATS NOT ENOUGH! SCREAM FOR ME! LOUDER! SCREAM!".. .all the way over at Poltergeist. if there's a slow moving line for IRat youre really gonna hate this ride quickly. its up there with the pre-station room on Velocicoaster in sheer annoyance.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I do find it funny how far the audio bleeds over.

[@Usercantwelve]

Love Drops on coasters but hate heights..Love when vehicles Don't linger @ top! ;)

[@CanobieCoaster]

The holding brake is a cool feature.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Would you like to go again to Six Flags Fiesta Texas?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@jaredstivers]

I kinda wish they had a Zero-G roll instead of a Mid corse like emperor and it would be more Fearing(Thrilling)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the pacing would be better, but I like the 2nd big drop to start the 2nd half.

[@jaredstivers]

@Canobie Coaster but here the weird question on these mini dives: Do they really need a mid Corse break run, or would a Floater Air Time hill work better? Also, it's sad they maybe couldn't have added a second holding break and do an Oblivion Drop off the mid corse.

[@pancakerabber]

ah so both the regular track gauge 7 across dive coasters have some form of track deformity!

[@CanobieCoaster]

The one bumpy spot on this and Iron Menace?

[@pancakerabber]

yes!

[@awkwardturtle7973]

Fun Fact: They've kept the actor for Dr Diabolical on payroll. She even had her own show during fright fest when they let out the scare actors into the park

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's cool!

[@theheardtheorem]

I like DDC better in the front row than Sheikra’s front row, but I strongly prefer Sheikra’s back row to DDC’s.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Interesting

[@trevorjensen2706]

As much as I enjoy B&Ms, man, it seems EVERY dive coasters first element after the drop is an immelmann. I hope B&M can, in the future, vary the layout a bit more. Having said that, this dive coaster still looks very fun to ride.

[@Goliath146]

Not every we have Oblivion

[@me-myself-i787]

​@@Goliath146 B&M did wave turns before they were cool. That being said, it is a shame that the next element after the wave turn is a pop up into the break run.

[@JC-bh6gu]

@@me-myself-i787 true. its a shame they couldn't have added some extra elements into the ride. although somehow Oblivion's drop feels more intense than even some of the bigger dive coasters. I guess the fact that most of it is underground adds to that fear factor.

[@Goliath146]

@@JC-bh6gu it does especially since I live in the uk

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oblivion is the exception.

[@user-ec7rb9rm4y]

So what would you rate this ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

See the review.

[@mesetaplays]

As a package deal, this is the best dive coaster in North America imo

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Yukon overall.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

What would you rate this coaster?

[@CanobieCoaster]

See the review.

[@zacg_]

America's Baron 1898 (but with a better layout.)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd agree.

[@Paolo8772]

I think this comparison to other B&M dive coasters is perfect, but I think I'd prefer Superman the floorless coaster at this park better.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This and Superman are close for me.

[@Paolo8772]

@@CanobieCoaster I'm not usually a fan of short rides; the only dive coaster I've ridden I prefer over the floorless coasters I'ver ridden is Yukon Striker, so I find it hard to believe I could like it better than Superman. But it still looks fantastic, just not as good as Griffon or Yukon Striker (or Superman).

[@vazatimo3000]

Actually that is not the case see Oblivion at Alton Towers

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's the one exception.

[@WCfanboy]

#SiebertforCEO

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish.

[@kiranbhangu661]

Dude im 14 but im short and i rode it it might be scary but it fun

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's very fun.

[@kiranbhangu661]

Ima go on 5 times

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@kiranbhangu661]

I will

[@kiranbhangu661]

Also what your email or phone number

[@masterwatermelonthemeparks]

Six flags, mhm Theming, m- what? huh?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fiesta is a special case.

[@masterwatermelonthemeparks]

@@CanobieCoaster the rest are out here like “pretty please”

[@jtwoolley]

odd

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad it was added.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

How many other B&M dive coasters did you experience rattle or did you give a headache? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most dive coasters are smooth.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

How many other B&M dive coasters did you find cantilevered arm trains on? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most extend over the edge of the track.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster said: Most extend over the edge of the track. This one...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Has a smaller train.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

But I was asking you, of all B&M dive coasters, did you ever come off one or two with a headache?

[@CanobieCoaster]

This one can cause a minor headache on the edge seats in back.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Imagine saying "minor headache" and "major headache". What are the biggest differences between the two? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Major headache lingers.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

lingers, what does that mean?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lasts