The Great Escape sets 2024 opening date: What’s new this year

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — Six Flags Great Escape is opening its doors for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 18. The theme park will be showcasing this year’s new improvements and additions.

“We are thrilled to highlight our 70th anniversary season with some of the most exciting investments we have experienced in over 20 years,” said Great Escape President Rebecca Wood. “We are so proud to bring our guests a brand-new ride in The Bobcat, New York’s first wooden coaster since 1999. Our community is also looking forward to the return of our Swan Boats, a beautiful and original park attraction. These projects perfectly represent our goal to both honor our park’s history and provide new guest experiences for decades to come.”

The theme park will be open on the weekends and a few dates until June 19 when daily operations are set to begin. Here’s what to expect at The Great Escape this year.

The Bobcat

As the Alpine Bobsled said farewell in September, The Great Escape is replacing the roller coaster with The Bobcat. The Bobcat is the first new wooden roller coaster to be built in New York since 1999 and the first new coaster at The Great Escape since 2003.

Adirondack Mercantile

Opening next to The Bobcat is Adirondack Mercantile, a new retail location offering Adirondack-themed souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.

Swan Boats

The original Swan Boats will be returning to the theme park after an extensive project that included ride refurbishment, dock installation, and preservation of the River Dee. The boast will be open Memorial Day weekend.

Bierhaus

The former Show Grill, which was renamed Bierhaus in 2023, will feature upgrades such as cocktails, more draft beer offerings, and an extended walk-up service counter.

Speedy parking

Guests can pre-purchase or use Pass Holder parking benefits to get into the park faster using automated Speedy Parking toll plazas.

Point of Sale

The Great Escape has revamped its Point of Sale system for improved efficiency. The theme park installed 118 new Point of Sale statins across the park properties.

Events

Events for the 2024 season include:

• 70th Anniversary Celebration: June 27 through July 7
• Oktoberfest: On select days in September, visitors can explore German-inspired food, brews, and desserts.
• Boo Fest: Select days in October, features family-friendly trick-or-treating, fall festivities, character photo opportunities, and treats.
• Fright Fest: Select days in October, guests will experience thrills by day and scary frights by night.

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park is getting a new dining option this summer. Hurricane Grill & Wings will serve jumbo wings with more than 35 sauces and rubs, fish tacos, fish and chips, burgers, and desserts with a full bar.

Six Flags Great Escape is currently hiring for a variety of positions. If interested, you can view the job postings on the Six Flags website . Season passes and tickets are also available on The Great Escape website .

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