Six Flags over Texas will be getting a record-breaking dive coaster for 2026. This was just confirmed in a rather nonchalant chain-wide press release highlighting $1 billion of investments being put into the parks over the next 2 years.
As we recently reported, La Vibora and El Diablo have quietly began to be removed to make way for a new attraction.
Several months ago, Six Flags sent ride planning surveys to guests, with one of the concepts being a record-breaking dive coaster. That specifically mentioned a 300-foot dive coaster, but it’s still unclear what specific records the new dive coaster will break.
Dive coasters are a genre of steel roller coasters designed by the Swiss engineering firm Bolliger and Mabillard (B&M)—creators of Batman the Ride and widely regarded as one of the highest quality and most reliable coaster developers in the industry. Dive coasters feature vertical drops, inversions, and a psychologically-tormenting holding brake that stops the train just before the first drop. The rides also feature trains seating up to 10 across for unobstructed views. In 2022, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio introduced a 150 ft dive coaster—Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger.
Currently, the tallest and fastest dive coaster is Yukon Striker, standing at 223 ft (68 m) tall and reaching a top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h). So technically, for the new dive coaster to be a “record breaker,” it would only have to top some of those stats. If the giga dive coaster mentioned in the ride survey is indeed referring to SFoT’s new ride, it will surpass those stats by a wide margin.
Six Flags over Texas also released their own statement, mentioning the new ride and finally officially confirming the removal of La Vibora and El Diablo:
ARLINGTON, T.X. — November 14, 2024 — In a recent news release, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), the largest amusement park operator in North America, announced a more than $1 billion investment its theme parks over the next two years. Six Flags Over Texas will receive an array of theme park enhancements in 2025 and Hurricane Harbor Arlington will debut the largest investment in park history with the introduction of a massive interactive kids area, Splash Island. In a groundbreaking announcement, Six Flags also revealed that a record-breaking dive roller coaster will launch at the Arlington theme park in 2026.
“Six Flags is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and will be implementing a wide array of enhancements throughout the property. Our park’s multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments including cutting-edge thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining and expanded events,” said Richard Douaihy, the park’s president.
“In addition to all of the enhancements at Six Flags Over Texas in 2025, we’re thrilled to debut Splash Island at Hurricane Harbor, the largest investment in our 42-year history. And in 2026, we’ll unleash an all-new, record-breaking dive coaster sure to delight our ultimate thrill seekers,” Douaihy said.
To make way for this historic addition, the park has retired the La Vibora and El Diablo coasters, with construction beginning soon. This exciting new roller coaster underscores Six Flags’ commitment to continually elevating the park experience and making lasting memories for all.
Welcoming a New Generation of Coasters
La Vibora, a steel bobsled-style roller coaster, opened in 1986. El Diablo, known as a giga loop coaster, operated since 2019. The rides’ retirement enables the park to make way for a new generation of thrill machines in the Spain section of the park. To usher in this new beginning, a jaw-dropping, record-breaking dive coaster is set to debut in 2026.
“We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details this summer,” Douaihy added.
Other Enhancements Coming
Both press releases claim other additions and investments to enhance the guest experience will be included over the next 2 years, specifically mentioning family offerings, dining, and expanded events.
As always, we will report additional news as it becomes available.
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