Six Flags Over Texas has permanently closed one of its long-standing attractions, The Conquistador. The swinging pirate ship ride, which operated for 43 years, has been retired to make way for a major redevelopment of the park's Spain-themed section, which will include a new record-breaking roller coaster.
Key Takeaways
- The Conquistador, a swinging ship ride at Six Flags Over Texas, has been permanently retired after operating since 1981.
- The closure is part of a significant renovation of the park's Spain area.
- A new, record-breaking dive coaster is scheduled to open in the redesigned section in 2026.
- This follows the recent retirement of the La Vibora and El Diablo coasters to clear space for the new attraction.
A Classic Attraction Sails Its Last Voyage
Six Flags Over Texas announced the retirement of The Conquistador, a pendulum-style ride designed to look like a Spanish galleon. The attraction first opened to the public in 1981 and became a staple for visitors to the Arlington theme park for over four decades.
The ride offered a moderate thrill level, making it accessible to a wide range of guests. It featured a to-and-fro swinging motion that gradually increased, lifting riders to a maximum height of 66 feet. Due to its design, there was no minimum height requirement for children accompanied by a supervising companion, making it a popular family attraction.
A Park Tradition
Over its 43-year history, The Conquistador developed its own traditions. Six Flags noted that a popular guest activity involved riders on opposite ends of the ship engaging in a friendly screaming contest as the galleon reached its peak height on each side.
In an official statement released on social media, the park confirmed the closure. "After exploring multiple options, we have decided that the Conquistador has officially sailed its last voyage," the post stated. "Thank you to all our guests and team members who have shared countless memories aboard this iconic ride."
Fan Response and Future Park Plans
The announcement prompted a significant response from park enthusiasts and long-time visitors. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with comments describing the decision as "heartbreaking" and a "mistake."
"Don't tear it down please this ride is my whole childhood," one commenter wrote, reflecting a common sentiment among those with nostalgic ties to the attraction.
Despite the nostalgia, Six Flags framed the closure as a necessary step toward future innovation. The park's statement added, "While it's always hard to say goodbye, we're excited about the epic opportunities ahead."
Redeveloping the Spain Section
The retirement of The Conquistador is a key part of a larger project to completely reimagine the Spain section of the park. This multi-year plan includes the introduction of a record-breaking dive coaster, which is slated for a 2026 debut.
To prepare for this major new attraction, Six Flags has already removed two other rides from the area. In 2023, the park retired the La Vibora and El Diablo roller coasters, clearing significant space for the upcoming coaster's construction.
Fact Sheet: The Conquistador
- Opening Year: 1981
- Operating Years: 43
- Ride Type: Swinging Ship / Pendulum Ride
- Maximum Height: 66 feet
- Theme: Spanish Galleon
Company-Wide Strategy and Financial Outlook
The investments at Six Flags Over Texas are part of a broader corporate strategy focused on enhancing the guest experience through new attractions and park upgrades. This approach is also visible at the company's nearby water park, Hurricane Harbor in Arlington.
In July, Hurricane Harbor opened "Splash Island," a new 58,000-square-foot water playground. The expansion features a 50-foot-tall multi-level play structure, 17 water slides, and a massive tipping bucket that releases 1,000 gallons of water.
Contrasting Regional Investments
While the company is investing heavily in its Texas properties, its strategy differs in other markets. For example, Six Flags has announced plans to close its Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor parks in Maryland after the 2025 season, a move that follows reports of slowing attendance in some regions.
Despite mixed results, Six Flags leadership remains optimistic. The company reported a 3 percent increase in attendance in August compared to the same month in the previous year. However, total revenues for the nine-week period ending August 31 were approximately $1.1 billion, a 2 percent decrease from the same period a year prior.
In a news release, CEO Richard Zimmerman commented on the recent performance. "We are encouraged by a strong rebound in attendance," he said. Zimmerman attributed the positive trend to strategic priorities, including "targeted investments in thrilling new rides and attractions, upgrades to food and beverage offerings, and sharpened execution around the guest experience."
