Six Flags AstroWorld: A Cyclone of Thrills [PART 2]

AstroWorld's story continues in part two of Six Flags AstroWorld: A Cyclone of Thrills, Episode 3 of Amusement Anthology. After becoming firmly established as one of the greatest Six Flags parks, more coasters were added, and a shocking announcement was made that no one was expecting.
A project so huge it had to be split into two! In part two of AstroWorld's story, get brought up to speed with all the park's major additions after the year 1990, as well as the park's unexpected demise. Also find out what happened to all the coasters after AstroWorld was demolished. Featured rides in this video include Batman: The Escape, Texas Tornado, SWAT, Mayan Mindbender, and Serial Thriller.
Researched, written, narrated, and edited by Jonathan Baker.
[Chapters]
0:00 New Coasters and Thrills
4:50 The Final Additions
6:37 Closing Announcement
8:04 The Final Ride
10:13 Demolition
11:27 Ride Relocations
13:55 Outro/A Texas Memory
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#AstroWorld #AmusementAnthology #Documentary

[@AndreDudley]

This video kills me. I lived 10min away. I bought a season pass with the money I made from cutting lawns and washing cars. This was my place. When I turned 16 this was my first job. Astroworld has such a special place in my heart. It’s the reason for my love for theme parks and roller coasters. It’s also the reason for my dream of wanting to own my own theme park. Hell, I even went to school for a degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Tourism. This place was a true icon in the theme park industry. Regardless of how small it was. Yes, it didn’t have the major attractions Disney or Universal did, but it had a sparkle no one could replicate. I miss this place so much. Thank you for this documentary. After all these years, this helped with closure. Very well done!

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

My heart is breaking right along side yours Brother. I had a season pass EVERY year!! I was there so often alot of the workers knew me by name and knew what I wanted to eat often before I ordered it. So many happy Summers and Fall weekends spent from Open to Close...All gone now....for NOTHING!!! Glad that scumbag go fired...I'd have strung his ass from the bridge over the freeway if I had my way....

[@dozx4143]

I feel like it could've been way better the Disney land and universal i wish it never closed down wish it can be redone

[@MP3Night]

This was an amazing place for me as well, the season pass was my jam in 2012, great memories I'll never forget. The documentary did brings me some closure.

[@tonyploma2330]

Yep that's how me and my brother made money also. Cutting people's yards with an old push mover. We cut the front and back for 10$ haha but that was in 1983. Great story . It sucks it closed I loved that place too. We moved to Fla and for years I was telling my friends how much better Texas was loll

[@RampagingRex]

PsycloneSteve, who provided much of the footage used in this video, passed away on September 28, 2016. A valued member of the coaster community, he and AstroWorld shall never be forgotten.

[@LouieCartoony]

rest in peace

[@Pip-Pikacraft64]

RampagingRex Productions rip

[@Pip-Pikacraft64]

RampagingRex Productions What happened?

[@bradythomas234]

rest in peace :(

[@Jet1672]

RampagingRex Productions R.I.P psyclone steve :( сеян

[@detaildr]

I had no idea it was closed for nothing! That makes me even more mad about it!

[@RampagingRex]

It may have seemed like a lucrative deal for Six Flags at the time, but it all fell apart as soon as the land was sold.

[@detaildr]

+RampagingRex Productions what a shame. Thank you for such a wonderfully produced documentary on one of my most beloved parks.

[@wordforger]

I was furious.

[@Tornado1994]

As a fellow Houstonian having spent pretty much my entire Adult life in Houston(first came here in 1993 as a 10 year old), I know the FULL Story of Astroworld and why it abruptly closed down and got demolished in October 2005. Astroworld itself was NEVER actually in any real trouble. It made up at least 30% Revenue for The City of Houston and the County of Harris alone. What happened is that Premier themselves and Kieran Burke were absentminded and EXTREMELY Greedy Real Estate Brokers and Investors. When they brought Astroworld from Time Warner, they were planning on Outsourcing its Attractions and rides from the get go. Burke also had lobbyist Pork and Capital with local Crony Neo Con Republicans. Houston's Zoning and Real Estate has been entirely Republican run for over 35 years though our Mayor and City Legislation is Democrat, Burke's Cronies were the ones who pulled the plug on Astroworld. They stood to all personally profit $2 million a piece from destroying it and selling it off. The Plan to do so was already in the pipeline as Early as 1999. Originally, The Cronies wanted it closed in 2001, but Shareholders told Burke that there would be NO kickback on doing so and that he could face Real Estate Fraud Charges if he rushed it. All that happened in '01 is that Burke was able to bide time. I last went to AstroWorld in August 2004, It was still in decent shape and the Texas Cyclone itself still functioned, but obviously was getting old and needed some elbow grease. Attendance was still fairly solid and Morale was still very modest. I did get an uneasy feeling about Premier at the time, I could feel and tell something was amiss, because some of the attractions obviously had budget cuts(very asinine and pointless ones). Regarding Astroworld's Shutting down and Demolishing Post Katrina, The City was IRATE. People TURNED against Burke. In fact, he was RUN out of the City and DISGRACED. Astroworld closing down resulted in a $75 Million Operating Loss from Premier, with Houston suffering the brunt of a Revenue Collapse.

[@seanlewis1148]

Tornado1994 And YET, STILL to THIS DAY, SIX FLAGS IS THE ONE LEFT HOLDING THE BAG WITH ALL THE MESS THAT MR. BURKE AND THOSE PREMIER PARK PUNKS STARTED, WHICH CAUSED SIX FLAGS TO GO INTO BANKRUPTCY, WHICH EXPLAINS WHY MOST, IF NOT ALL OF THEIR PARKS CONTINUES TO RECIEVE CRAPPY AND LAME ATTRACTIONS YEAR AFTER YEAR!!!! IF ANYONE SHOULD SUFFER IT SHOULD BE PREMIER PARKS FOR DRAGGING SIX FLAGS DOWN INTO THE MUD; FORCE THEM FUCKERS INTO BANKRUPTCY, AND LIFT THE CURSE OFF OF SIX FLAGS!!!!

[@AndrewBenavideos]

There should be a memorial for Astroworld on that bridge.

[@seanlewis1148]

on the contrary, there needs to be a NEW Astroworld period!!!!

[@Veronica.John10-10]

If the bridge is still there and this stupid "pandemic" stops soon, would you like to help get some people together to have a memorial service there and perhaps erect something there?

[@eliasmertens9313]

Kieran Burke really did some damage. He closed off Six Flags Astroworld, Six Flags New Orleans, and sold off a handful of parks, including Six Flags Ohio to Cedar Fair, which was a fatal blow to the park.

[@Brainulator9]

At least the New Orleans site had hurricane damage as a factor to its closure.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Yeah one of the worst CEOs ever, while SF did need to sell some parks (they had way too many) closing Astroworld was a terrible decision as it was their eighth most profitable and only park in the rapidly expanding Houston area. Also he let quality of service slip quite alot and gave Six Flags it's awful reputation it has only just managed to get rid of.

[@Tornado1994]

Burke was a GREEDY Real Estate Broker. He had alot of Hard Right Republicans under his payroll. Burke and his Cronies actually planned on shutting down and demolishing Astroworld in 2001. But were warned that they wouldn't receive any kickbacks and that he could be arrested and charged with Real Estate fraud.

[@Shinyarc]

Elias Mertens New Orleans was NOT salvageable, and most likely never will be. I can understand the other two, but New Orleans would’ve been shut down under anyone.

[@parkerbagley5679]

Dusk Raccoon yeah Burke was the worst SF owner, if it weren’t from him, the parks(Orleans,Astro,WorldsAdventure) would be still here! They need to be brung back.

[@sonotdown998]

This is probably the saddest story in amusement park history.

[@seanlewis1148]

SoNotDown Try Geauga Lake

[@whiptech]

Growing up in Houston in the 1980's and attending Astroworld uncountable times, this video just makes me mad. I see the empty field whenever I drive by.

[@evep6209]

whiptech i know right it was so many fun memories there always !!:(:(

[@tonyploma2330]

Damn it's still empty? What a colossal bonehead idea it was to tear it down If it's costs 20 mil to tear something down that's a clue you should probably let it stay smmfh

[@whiptech]

@@tonyploma2330 Yep, even 5 years later. Just overflow parking.

[@dpeezygreasy]

if I ever have the funds I will rebuild astroworld brick by brick

[@MoeRon004]

I want to do the same and make a taller version of the Texas Cyclone with rmc topper track

[@seanlewis1148]

Where would you build it, NRG owns the old property now.

[@MoeRon004]

I can find land around Houston or make a deal with nrg.not all parks are big like Kentucky Kingdom or Californias Great America

[@spmx123]

Sean Lewis the astrodome is standing and not being used for anything or better yet build it over NRG lmaooo

[@seanlewis1148]

IKR.....LMAOOOOO!!!!

[@chaunceywilson-hall1763]

Nearly 14 years later and it’s still hurts

[@astenis1]

Seeing the Greased Lightning laying there in pieces for no reason makes me sick

[@tracimclaughlin6943]

Wow!!! This just makes me sick!!! I can not believe they closed Astroworld down for no reason!!! I grew up going to this park every single summer!!! Thank you for this video and information!!! Greatly appreciated!!! It was an awesome walk down memory lane!!!

[@chayang5757]

I'm a big fan of these kind of videos. The time and the research you have put into making these videos. Thank you so much!

[@RampagingRex]

These videos take a while to make, but responses like these make it all worth it! I really appreciate it!

[@SanduskianHistorian]

Do you do water park documentaries?

[@mrcarter367]

Thank you. My first visit to Astroworld was in the late '70s. I'm a lifelong Houstonian, so this film provides a wonderful history of which I'm quite fond. What a fantastic film project, thank you for sharing.

[@tdjorge4019]

I wished that the Texas Cyclone could have been moved to SFFT, or SFOT, to continue it's amazing legacy. But instead it was scrapped :(

[@RampagingRex]

Moving a wooden coaster is one of the most complicated and expensive procedures an amusement park can ever carry out. Honestly, I think saving the rides was the last thing on Six Flags' mind when they shut down AstroWorld.

[@tdjorge4019]

RampagingRex Productions Yeah that's true, it's very expensive. But at least they could have replicated the coaster in another Six Flags Park in Texas.

[@railroadskater2896]

I strongly agree. But one subtle sign it was starting to show its age is notice the frame shaking at 8:42. Unfortunately, 30 years on average for a wooden coaster under Six Flags standards is usually the max. Case in point, Rolling Thunder at Great Adventure. Though I'm surprised the wooden Great American Scream Machine (Georgia) is still operational.

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

Would be less expensive to build it from scratch....

[@johnulmer1622]

@@railroadskater2896 What was interesting, is that Cyclone was still a much smoother ride than the then Texas Giant. It aged remarkably well considering how violently it would hit the turn arounds. It would whip you around, but it wasn't rough.

[@TheCycloneHunter]

If literally any other man ran Six Flags, Astroworld might still be around today. The parking lot issue could be solved fairly easily

[@DerekBlock]

The thing I always hear about are the coasters. It had so much more than that. It had a fireworks show, an upside down house, a puppet comedy show (Bayou Buzzard), the Marvel McFey show, River Boat ride, dolphin shows, speed boats and skiing shows, the Astro Needle, Alpine Sleigh Ride, badass cotton candy, Alpine, Asian, Medieval themed zones, suspended gondolas and so much more. Once, before Six Flags ruined it, Astroworld was a sort of Disneyland in Texas.

[@muppetsretrofan8873]

Astroworld looked so awesome in the 70s and 80s, and I want to know more about Marvel Mcfey and his Enchanted Animals. I know Lester Lion was somewhat clumsy and forgetful, did that ever lead into trouble sometimes?

[@RampagingRex]

AstroWorld's story is now complete! Share your stories in the comments if you visited AstroWorld during the years covered in this video. Thanks for your patience as I worked on this! I hope it was worth the wait!

[@johnnyramon5602]

what park will u be doing next?

[@uncle_juan4373]

RampagingRex Productions love your vids make one for Kentucky kingdom

[@adamhelsel6469]

Coaster Panda I agree with you he should do a documentary on Kentucky Kingdom

[@MultiBlueblanket]

Also Cedar Point. It went through tough times in the 1920s. It took until the 60s for it to recover, and then started breaking records in 1977.

[@flarerik]

Song you used from 13:55-16:30? I _must_ know what it is.

[@Trekapedia]

So sad to hear this wonderful park shut down because someone saw money signs which evaporated and never became of it. Astroworld should still be around but sadly greed ended its reign.

[@Atrulyblessedguy]

Everytime I see these videos of Astroworld I get sad. Astroworld was so much fun and I'm glad it was around when I was a kid.I think closing this park was the WORST IDEAL EVER!! Astroworld gave kids and families somewhere to go during holidays,spring break and summers.Kept kids out of trouble.Then middle schools and high schools had physics day at Astroworld.Astroworld location was perfect and it gave our city a certain appeal,now we got a horrible eye sore and if we want to go to a theme park we have to go to Galveston for those sorry and minimal rides or we have to wait til the rodeo carnival or leave the city.I don't think that's fair at all.We need Astroworld back.

[@jessemask2562]

I believe in Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy but I am too old to believe in Grand Texas

[@trudykraft5110]

Thanks for posting. You did, but most people do not give credit to Judge Roy Hofheinz Had it not been his dream or vision, all of this may have not happened. So, thanks for that, he also named the Astro Turf, he needed indoor sort of kind of grass that was functional. I had the pleasure, my children had the wonderful experience and fun filled days and evenings at The Astrodome and Astroworld. We just had to stay for the fireworks, could be seen for miles. Thank you.

[@tad2666]

please keep doing documentaries!

[@RampagingRex]

I plan on it!

[@SanduskianHistorian]

Where is Idora Park's documentary?

[@melanielanphier]

Here we are 17 years later, and it still breaks my heart.

[@stephentuday651]

These documentaries are very professionally done - thanks for preparing them! I was fortunate to visit Astroworld a couple of times, in 2002 and 2003. There's a bit of irony in that the park's announced closing was only weeks after SF New Orleans was closed for good after Katrina. It was a very bad year for theme parks in the south!

[@seanlewis1148]

not necessarily.....you can also include geauga lake/six flags worlds of adventure in Ohio as well.

[@GalacticCoast]

Great job on this video! Brought back so many memories.

[@catherinewhite3257]

Thank you so much for making this! I grew up with Astroworld. This footage and narration brings back many memories and smiles.

[@Monorail-Beyond-the-Veil]

This is so sad. I used to go every summer (for a few years). I was a huge roller coaster fanatic back then, and Ultra Twister was a big disappointment - it seemed clunky and... boring. But that Cyclone was so beautiful from a distance, especially when it was all lit-up at night. Wow! I remember that loud scraping sound at the top of the first curve, before they fixed it. Thunder River was a favorite, too. But I really loved that bridge across the highway - seriously, I did. :-O

[@nathanpaul1580]

This is so sad... I want AstroWorld back and six flags NOLA

[@AllDimensionEclipses]

Serial thriller was relocated to my home park Six Flags La Ronde and it's called Endor now. It opened in 2010.

[@stevensherman4756]

Thank you so much for posting these great videos. You brightened my day by sharing such a big part of the life I built in Houston when I moved here in 1977. Although my first visit was in 1971, I spent countless days at Astroworld - a place that I miss so much. Unfortunately, Astroworld was a great employer of young people; those jobs are lost forever. And to think this was torn down FOR NOTHING! What a travesty!

[@l.s.2437]

I saw the empty lot the other day leaving NRG Stadium and got sad all over again. All my fondest childhood memories took place at this. It's been more than 10 years since AstroWorld closed and I'm still so damn upset. I'll never forget what it was like leaving the park for the last time. I had to be dragged out kicking and sobbing. AstroWorld was truly an amazing amusement park, with such a diverse collection of coasters, a colorful park and an amazing layout. The Disney influence was very strong. It was so unique compared to the other Six Flags parks I've been to (Over Texas, Fiesta, NOLA Jazztown...)

[@TheStikanator]

It's crazy to think six flags lost 2 parks in the same year

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

The Stikanator To be fair, one had a legit excuse for closing (ie being flooding with hurricane salt water)

[@chrismendez7582]

Although I went to astroworld 3 times it's really sad it was shut down for money. Even those 3 times I had a blast. I feel for people who went there allot

[@LikeAStone1016]

every year my mom would take us here, and I have such amazing memories of this place. This video makes me wish I was 6 again lol

[@dj197598]

I sure had fun coming to Astroworld as a kid and a teenager. I sure do miss it. Would still go to this day if it was still open. My kids would enjoy it.

[@emiljova4473]

Astroworld, my planet, my home.

[@FordFx4]

I want to thank you for doing this it brought back a TON of memories

[@chelkamino2486]

I remember as a teen when the Ultra Twister was at SF Great Adventure and it was always broke thru the few years that it was there. Never did get tot ride it, what a shame!

[@kaniahankston4310]

I only went to Astroworld once. But I will never forget it! It was my first cheer competition and it was my first time there! It was 2002 and I was six! I loved the Greased Lightening but I hated the Texas Cyclone! I hate that my hometown is so iconic and big yet we don’t have a theme park!! I really hope they bring it back! Plus I’m REALLY sad that I missed the Batman section!!

[@wizardkitty1]

Are you kidding me?! They closed down Astroworld for NOTHING??! That super pisses me off. All those great rides either scrapped or sitting there rusting. Such a shame.

[@RampagingRex]

It seemed like a profitable deal for Six Flags at the time, but it all fell apart once they sold the land. The fact that a majority of the coasters were never rebuilt just rubbed more salt in the wound.

[@wizardkitty1]

RampagingRex Productions I have a great memory from the last few days. There was a convention going on nearby and a group of friends and I decided to visit Astroworld for a bit. I was in cosplay and as soon as we entered the park and got through the gates a guy who was dressed up ran up to me. I thought he was acting and trying to scare me. He stopped and started jumping around me. It was so funny cause he was seriously breaking character. XD he complimented my costume saying I was dressed as one of his favorite characters. He walked away and got back into character. I have photos and video somewhere from astroworld. If I ever find them I will definitely share.

[@Veronica.John10-10]

Thank you for the very well done videos on Astroworld! I'm crying but happy to see it 🥰

[@jamesmorton731]

Thank you for this video. I have fond memories of this place as a kid. I always had a season pass. my best friend and I would go when it opened and stay till closing. I left Houston way before it closed. I sure reared up watching this

[@Joshua051]

Sad to see that strip of land still barren to this day.

[@seanlewis1148]

Joshua051 ikr

[@DrummingWriterTrekfan84]

One problem I remember Astroworld legitimately having by the 2000's was that it didn't have room to grow. It was surrounded by streets and a major freeway loop. The properties across those streets to the south, east and west were full of business and office buildings. They had no room to expand. The only way Astroworld could have added another new attraction was to tear down an old one. Now there was a new addition to WaterWorld in the 2000's. A giant play area towards the north end by the freeway loop featured the Largest wooden water dump bucket I've ever seen in any water park lol. And one other water ride.

[@Frncounscripted]

I know these rides are objects but they are more then that. Six flags astroworld provided happiness and a pretty damn fine entertainment experience. It truly hurts and breaks me that it closed for no reason. Even tho I wasn’t able to go to the park or even experience but just watching this documentary and the ending with the sad music really made me mad, hurt, and betrayed. Just shows that no matter how dominant, powerful, or how rich you are will always die or come to an end too. rip astoworld

[@eliotguerin192]

This channel definitely gives more perspective on some of the experiences i had as a kid. Grew up in louisiana and some of the first amusement parks i went to were six flags new orleans and astroworld in the early 2000s. I know keeping an amusement park open is incredibly difficult for the average business person but these two parks seem to have had the most tragic demises

[@porkins74]

Great little documentary here. I only visited Astroworld once back in the summer of 1994 but I remember how much fun I had. The Viper was a favorite and I still have my Ultra Twister plastic drinking cup I bought after riding it.

[@CrazyDiamnd76]

These park documentaries that you have done are fantastic! Thank you for your hard work

[@RampagingRex]

I'm glad you've enjoyed them. I have more that I would like to make and once I finish building a new editing PC I plan to continue this series.

[@troyswilley4584]

I was born in the late 80's but had a season pass nearly every year from the time I was about 6 (Mid 90's) until 2001 or 2002, we stopped going in 2003, only went back for a KSBJ concert in November right after the park closed. Great memories of walking through the entrance into the park....loved going through the ticketing area and walking out into the main street. Totally miss this park, wish it were still around so I could take my kids to it someday. Here's to hoping that the Grand gets built in New Caney and can at least bring memories close to what Astroworld did. Think I have better memories of Astroworld than I do of visiting Disney/Universal Studios.

[@TheUnfriendlyGhost1]

Fantastic video Rex, I've been loving these amusement park documentaries. The amount of work you put into them are phenomenal and the product is superb. Can't wait for the next one!

[@Trekapedia]

Ty for the videos man. You do a great job and I appreciate the effort you put into them.

[@thepatsfan2950]

5:34 it was transported to six flags New England in 2006 and only operated there for 6 years. This was after astroworld closure. Also diablo falls was recently retired,which was named splashwater falls at Sfne. It was at astroworld and was removed for the new ride named the joker

[@benjaminrei1319]

Six Flags New England better not pull this shit, man.

[@seanlewis1148]

The old CEO at the time Kieran Burke (the one responsible for AstroWorld's demise)aint in charge no mo, so you can breathe easily.

[@rikkisogazgf]

I 💖 that park. I even worked there summers of 1991/1992. I remembered their outdoor concert area where national bands played like Huey Lewis &The News, Eddie Money, Beach Boys. RIP AstroWorld!! Miss you!! 🎢😢

[@Zor101]

Thank you very much for the great video. I visited the park as early as I could remember (1970s) and held a season pass for most of the 1980s and worked in the park as a ride operator and attendant for the 1990 season - my primary area was kiddie-land/Enchanted Kingdom - actually a sometimes coveted ride-operator work area. One thing about the Alpine Sleigh Ride mountain - It wasn't completely un-used for 10 years. After the Alpine Sleigh Ride closed they turned part of the mountain and the surrounding area into "Enchanted Kingdom" meant for younger guests. There were about five mechanical rides and several attractions (ball pits, jump-zone-like structures and so on). The front of the mountain over the waterfall had a large climbing net with slides. The two mid-mountain caves were blocked off at the time. But the lower mountain was open an inside was a large flash-shadow room, a small maze with various climbing structures and rope bridges, a full-body thermograph (that eventually broke and was replaced with a simple kaleidoscope projector) and a cartoon theater that played several Looney Tunes cartoons in a loop. This was all replaced with the "Bat Cave" stuff. The barriers that blocked off the upper tunnels were passable by employees and you could see parts of the old Alpine Sleigh Ride track. There was also a storage room that contained some of the items you saw on the ride.

[@digitalknightproductions4847]

Thanks for putting this together. A large portion of my youth was spent at the park. My favorite rides were The Texas Cyclone, Ultra Twister, Greezed Lightnin, Sky Screamer, Viper and yes the Looping Starship! I attended a lot of concerts at the Southern Star Amphitheater, got dizzy laying on the ground cooling off watching stuff in Horizons Theatre. Don't forget the glow show! Bad lunch at the Shanghai Grill or the long lines at Shakeys Pizza. Funnel cakes, friends, arcade and a full day of fun. Admittedly I only went to Water world a few times. Every year we would save up for our season passes and bus passes, hit this all summer long!

[@ChristianHansard]

I never got to go to Astroworld, I grew up near Dallas so we went to Six Flags a lot and couldn't really afford to go to Houston. But I remember seeing the commercials for it on TV and wishing I could go. I made my first trip to Houston a few years back to help out a friend and he showed me where it used to be and it was pretty sad to see an empty plot where this cool theme park used to sit. Made even worse to learn it was all about parking and greed. I remember thinking, "How can Houston not have a theme park, it is one of the biggest cities in the country and how could one not be doing well there?"

[@l.s.2437]

When I was little, I loved roller coasters so much, and I used to get so frustrated that I was just an inch too short to ride the "big kid" coasters. I remember my dad taking me shopping for big tennis shoes and thick insoles to give me an extra half an inch or so before the 2002 season started. I was so nervous going up to the Texas Cyclone entrance. The attendant noticed and said, "Aww, is this your first time riding? Are you scared?" I shook my head fiercely, and my dad laughed. "She's scared you won't let her on!" And then there was the first time I rode Greased Lightning... that was my favorite. I loved the giddy anticipation waiting for it to excelerate, and it went SO FAST! At least it seemed to, back in the day. I would figure out what times of day Greased Lightning didn't have a line, because I knew the operator would let me ride twice, even three times in a row when there weren't people waiting. ( I replicated that experience with ShockWave, but it's not the same. )

[@Mattwav]

You make some great theme park documentaries love them keep up the good work!

[@allenhuffman]

I last visited in 1995, before moving away. It’s fun to hear what happened to the park after that point. Thanks for posting.

[@xixotlx2708]

I miss their Halloween event! 😢

[@seanlewis1148]

FRIGHT FEST!!!! YEAH MAAAAN!!!

[@noahhenson1669]

Having lived in Austin since the 90s, I was astonished when, driving east down 610 I saw a giant empty lot where my beloved park used to be! No one had any answers for me as to why Astroworld had closed or whether the rides would be relocated. Thank you for this video, it brought tears of nostalgia and sadness!

[@scottmclaren7293]

Great videos on Astroworld! Watching them brings back a lot of childhood memories of spending a lot of time at the park. I'm not sure if anyone has commented on this next thing, but I just wanted to say that the mountain that once housed the Alpine Sleigh Ride was actually used between the time the sleigh ride closed down and before Batman opened. The mountain was home to a children's play area. As a very young kid in the 80s I used to go inside the mountain a lot. There was a large rope mesh bridge that kids used to climb from the ground to an area high up the mountain. It was a pretty lengthy climb from what I remember. After the rope mesh bridge, kids entered inside the mountain (and into the air conditioning!). There was a maze inside the mountain for kids to explore and find their way out of, but unfortunately I don't remember what else was inside that mountain. I just remember having great fun climbing the rope bridge and finding my way out of the maze, over and over again. Astroworld was a great place to go as a young kid back then. Thanks for your hard work on making this video!

[@RampagingRex]

That sounds awesome! I had a feeling that the mountain may have been used for something between its time as the Sleigh Ride and the Batcave, but I couldn't find any information on it. Thanks for the accurate description!

[@marcmckenzie9769]

This is so sad! I grew up with season passes. It was a big part of my childhood. The looping starship is one ride that wasnt here. Good memories though! Thank you

[@VillagerMan2006]

Astroword suffered a really sad fate, declining attendance, corporate greed from Six Flags, parking issues caused by the Oilers leaving and Reliant Stadium, and a stupid decision to destroy the park.

[@chelseajordan5752]

Thank you so much for this! I lived in Houston when I was in eighth grade (2004), and during that year my family went to Astroworld a lot! I recently moved back, and went to the rodeo this year. As I was crossing the pedestrian bridge to get to NRG I stopped the conversation I was having with my friend, looked back and said, "did we just park on Astroworld?!" It was surreal. :( Thanks for explaining some of the mystery as to why it closed!

[@MaritzaElucky4]

Takes me back to summers hanging with my friends! Deciding what ride is next and what show to catch! The memories.....

[@angellincoln8763]

I remember watching them build new attractions between seasons. I couldn't wait to go see them. I lived at astroworld

[@AMagicProduction]

Wow I've just discovered your videos about these now closed six flags parks and there amazing. Great Job !!

[@ken444444]

Fantastic documentary! I will always have great memories of running around Astroworld with my middle school friends in the 1980's rain or shine. Great times. I have even less respect for the new stadium now.

[@lacey_plus2]

The worst decision that was ever made for Houston was taking away Astroworld!!!! Still can't believe they would go along with such a thing! SMH!

[@Ascaptia]

Thanks for the movie! I miss those rides!

[@chrisrussell2839]

Fondly I remember the good times and sadly I remember the closing. Yes it was all for not and I have not been to a Six Flags park since. Nor do I think I even will. This is a piece of Houston which is my home and those in it considered Astroworld a part of us. This documentary film is the best I've seen yet on this piece of Houston'a heart which was ripped out for the love of money. Just like the loss of the Oilers almost 20 years before. Good job my friend VERY good job.

[@Marchant2]

Wouldn't it have been easier and cheaper to take that 20 million to tear everything down and build a multi-story parking lot next to Reliant?

[@doriandominguez4810]

Are you talking about tearing down AstroWorld, or the Astrodome? Or both

[@keithkimmel6638]

There was plenty of land available for acquisition on the South side of the park, which would have only necessitated a new entrance, making the original one a secondary entrance accessible only from the stadium side! The spirit of what was once Astroworld will truly live on forever!

[@theatlantaenthusiast]

RIP SIX FLAGS ASTROWORLD YOU BE MISSED :(

[@pppfan103]

These documentaries are absolutely fantastic. Not only should you be getting subscribers, you should be getting awards for this fantastic work.

[@henrym6411]

Astroworld: You demolished me, FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT! That wasn’t very nice!

[@roseBlight13]

Just more proof that the 90's was the best decade for theme parks.

[@tidedetergent4382]

Why did I just cry

[@seanlewis1148]

Tide Detergent I just did too. I miss it!!

[@steezzyv2470]

Same , this is sad af!!!

[@jonathonedwardmiller]

@@seanlewis1148 could you imagine the rides that could've came here? This park literally could've been Cedar Point for Texas😭

[@seanlewis1148]

Jonathon Miller Yeah......since Cedar Fair has a market in the Houston area with the latest purchase of Schlitterban, I'd like to see them create a new humongous amusement park dedicated to Texas, called: Texas Adventure

[@MLHJ07]

I did too. I went there all the time for field trips and during the summer with the free ticket from the coke cans or for reading 100 books. I miss Astroworld so much!

[@SuperTomsee]

If you want a bit of Astroworld come to Thorpe Park in England where Diablo Falls moved with a new name and is now a constant headache for operations 😂

[@keithflynn9690]

Thanks for posting these videos, so many fond memories of Astroworld. I did hear from a local Houston resident who grew up there that security concerns also played a part in the closing. Not sure how true that is though.

[@seanlewis1148]

Keith Flynn It was in a way. There were gang incidents here and there, but the real reason Astroworld closed was greed.

[@raygreen4675]

There were some minor security problems, but once again it was 6 flags' fault for being so cheap on hiring proper security. It became a babysitter for kids that were dropped off for the day. Once they knew the park was gonna be history, they lowered their hiring standards. Just a sad/bad situation that would never be found today.

[@Cinkadeus]

Great video! New footnote: The Georgia Cyclone is now gone as well.

[@kisses4elvis]

This was really good! It actually made me sad at the end. I remember all of these rides! I can't believe Batman, XLR-8, Viper and Greezed Lightning were all torn down just to rust away. And Cyclone was demolished completely! It makes me sick to know that the park was closed down for no reason! I'm glad that awful CEO got fired because of it!

[@autumnsweets6793]

I worked here three times....Texas Cyclone.... Season Pass.... and Bamboo Shoot...they had the best funnel cakes and hot dogs... and oh yes Dippin' Dots. Good memories...

[@Dracozek]

Sydney lost it's theme park in 2004 so I know the pain Houston is feeling, this really cleared up for me on why Astroworld was shut down in 2005, I wish I could have visited this park before it's closure.

[@rob420]

i remembered astroworld as a child. i went numerous times. I'm 38 yrs old and have a couple of tears forming from watching this video.

[@seanlewis1148]

They should rebuild it, wouldn't you agree?

[@SeanOzz]

great video! i was just over at the site a couple days ago, flew my drone over it and it was so sad seeing it sit there empty. hope grand TX stays on track.

[@seanlewis1148]

Do you happen to have any updates on Grand Texas? I'm dying to know.😐

[@ldhproductions112]

Amazing research you deserve more subscribers

[@jacquettawhite1287]

I !!!LOVED!!! The Batman ride. Going through that tunnel with all the movie props was the best!! Besides, it was air conditioned.

[@MrInspirational43]

Vicente Arenas was a reporter at KII in Corpus Christi in the mid-80's. I remember him on the air, he was just a kid then.

[@ekark001]

I love these documentaries that you do. Ive seen the 3 you've done so far. Do you have any others planned?

[@jdozier3459]

Excellent!...and sad.

[@katiehorton3525]

I live in Oklahoma City where Frontier City is. It really makes me sad that we had a ride with history and we let it sit til it was beyond repair. BUT if you live in OKC or know about FC, you know they have a pretty low standard for rides. Just makes me realize that even more knowing this now.

[@hannahcochrane3459]

I had no idea that Astroworld had the first thunder rapids. I love that ride, but that’s a heartbreaking fact as an Australian

[@6FlagsAstroworld]

This is awesome! Can you do Hard Rock Park next?

[@x_x.proxy.x_x5817]

6FlagsAstroworld lmao hey astro! didn't know you watched this guy, isn't the story so sad?

[@6FlagsAstroworld]

IHazProxie yes it is. I didn't know you watched him too!

[@whyjordie]

Mayan Mind Bender was my favorite

[@bigmikesbeer]

nice video. Thanks

[@jeannieforbis1886]

you did a wonderful job with this documentary. ..but am I the only one who realized the Looping Starship ride was not mentioned?

[@RampagingRex]

I usually only focus on the largest rides at the park that had a significant impact of the park and the people who visited it, but since I made this video, I've realized how many people loved the Looping Starship. Sadly, it's no longer operating. The Starship is underwater at Mammoth Lake and was used as part of a diving experience.

[@thecheerio3630]

hey man good work i never knew this park existed i really whish i could have gone to it when it was still operating but i would have been way to small

[@kevinstanley9024]

They are bringing back astroworld hopefully in 2024