Judge Roy Scream

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First drop on the Judge Roy Scream

The Judge Roy Scream is a family-friendly wooden roller coaster at Six Flags over Texas. Located along the park’s scenic entry lake, guests must access the isolated ride via an underground tunnel in the USA section of the park. The tunnel, which can be a challenge for park newcomers to find, is located next to the Texas Skyscreamer.

Sign above the tunnel leading to the coaster

A relatively mild ride, the Judge Roy Scream is a great beginner coaster and provides a good transition between “kiddie” coasters and the larger thrill rides. Its classic out-and-back layout is simplistic in nature, with low-hanging supports providing a “head chopper” effect just before the final brake run.

The name “Judge Roy Scream” is a nod to the eccentric Texas Justice of the Peace, Judge Roy Bean. In keeping with the legal puns, the last thing riders see before plummeting down the first drop is a sign stating “Appeal Denied.”

Ride History

Six Flags over Texas was actually seeking a bobsled-style ride for its 1980 season, but due to technical challenges, the manufacturer failed to provide such an attraction. That’s when the park contacted Dallas resident and coaster designer William “Bill” Cobb to design the Judge Roy Scream, and its classic, out-and-back layout. The park would eventually get a bobsled ride 6 years later as a transfer from Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Unexpectedly frigid temperatures made the ride’s opening unpleasant, especially so for costumed dance teams from local high schools.

In 1993 the park turned the Judge’s trains backwards for a spring promotion that ended up lasting all year due to its popularity.