As with the roller coasters we mentioned in Rest in Pieces: 4 Roller Coasters That Shut Down Permanently in 2021, we are bidding several non-coaster attractions farewell in 2021.
First, we head to Six Flags St. Louis where they have decided to close two memorable attractions this year. Superman Tower of Power originally opened at Six Flags AstroWorld as Dungeon Drop. Following AstroWorld’s closure and demolition, the Dungeon Drop ride was moved to Six Flags St. Louis and renamed Superman Tower of Power. It reopened in 2006. It is a drop tower ride, standing 23 stories. There are 2 other iterations of this ride still open at other Six Flags parks. One of the original iterations was called then Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom home. However, it closed following an incident in which a teenage girl had her feet severed by a cable. Superman Tower of Power was removed from Six Flags St. Louis’ website in March of 2021 and was demolished in September. The ride was destroyed to make way for Catwoman Whip, a double-ended rotating catapult style ride.
The Moon Antique Cars at Six Flags St. Louis are also being retired. This historic antique car attraction originally opened in 1971 and delighted guests for 49 years. There has been no mention of what will be taking the classic ride’s place. Antique car rides tend to be popular at many theme parks. Many people still enjoy car rides like Tomorrowland Speedway, even when others call for their closure. Sadly, this was not enough to save the Moon Antique Cars.
Over at Six Flags Over Georgia, they are also saying goodbye to two non-coaster rides. First up is Bugs Bunny High Seas Adventure. Bugs Bunny High Seas Adventure originally opened as the Santa Maria in 1994. It ran for 21 years before being rethemed into Bugs Bunny High Seas Adventure. This swinging ride lifted riders in pirate ship-shaped swings that would drift apart as the ride spun in a circle. It was a fun-themed twist on the traditional wave swinger ride. In addition to Bug Bunny High Seas Adventure, Six Flags Over Georgia has also decided to permanently close the Skybuckets. This cable car ride originally opened in 1968. The ride would transport guests from one part of the park to another. It closed in 2020 due to concerns regarding the pandemic and was confirmed to be closing permanently this year.
In New York at Six Flags Darien Lake, two rides have closed this year. The Giant Wheel Ferris wheel was announced as a permanent closure this year. While no formal announcement was originally made, a sign sat outside the attraction noting its retirement earlier this year. It was originally built for the 1982 World’s Fair and stood 15 stories tall. The second attraction to close at Six Flags Darien Lake is Grizzly Run. Grizzly Run was a river rapids ride that originally opened in 1989. After spending the 2020 season closed, Grizzly Run started the 2021 season boarded up and fenced off. It wasn’t confirmed until May that the ride would not be reopening.
Last, we make a stop at Adventureland in Iowa to say goodbye to three attractions. Falling Star, a pendulum-style ride in which riders would swing side to side originally opened in 1989. Lighthouse was a spinning carnival-style ride that opened for the first time in 1974. Finally, Lady Luck, a roulette-themed spinning ride that opened in 1974 also closed this year.
Will you miss any of these classic rides?
