March 8, 2011

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Kicks Off 2011 Season Opening Celebrating Its 25th Year in Vallejo

 2011 year marks the 25th anniversary of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif., and opens a new season of family fun, thrills and adventure at America’s only combined marine life, wildlife and wild theme rides park.

It was in 1986 that the former Marine World Africa USA moved from its original Redwood City site to its current location situated between San Francisco and Sacramento.  Over the years, changes, expansion and new directions have converged to become Northern California’s best family entertainment experience and at its heart, the best place to experience exotic animals up-close. To celebrate this milestone occasion, guests to Opening Day on Saturday, March 19 can pay just $25 for admission when tickets are purchased online with a promo code. The day will feature an array of festivities that hearken back to the original opening day in 1986 when a marching band welcomed guests. A kick-off ceremony will commemorate the occasion and guests will have an opportunity to view a photographic history exhibition in the Explorer Outpost building.

Some of the highlights and offerings this season include: br>
  SkyScreamer – this breathtaking new tower ride takes the concept of spinning round and round to a new level of thrills. At 150’ in height, SkyScreamer will be equivalent to the park’s tallest roller coaster, Medusa and give passengers a bird’s eye view of the entire park. With a capacity of 32 guests sitting two across in open air swings, the “star points” upon which the swings are attached, will climb to the top of the tower, spinning as it ascends while riders orbit around. At full swing, guests revolve in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 43 mph for 2½ minutes. Once the sun sets, SkyScreamer will be lit from top to bottom, creating a stunning focal point. The new attraction is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend. 

 Seaside Junction – A whimsical train depot and kid-friendly rides highlight this area with an underwater/marine life theme that complements its location between the Walrus Experience and Shark Experience animal attractions.  The area features Seaside Railway, a two passenger car train with engine that seats up to 30 passengers; Merlin’s Seaside Tours, a 28-seat bus that rotates clockwise and counter clockwise at various speeds and Air Penguin, a helicopter ride that takes kids up and down via helicopter-style cars.

 Extreme Wilderness Show – A variety of mammal species take center stage to educate guests on how to survive in the wild. Since animals know how to find food, protect and defend themselves, get water and create shelter in the most resourceful of ways, humans can learn from them and use these skills when they are out of their element.

 Celebrate Shouka Show – Shouka, the killer whale, is the star of this celebration of her grace and beauty and in honor of the park’s 25th anniversary, each show will be preceded by a retrospective video celebrating the park’s colorful history.

 Spring Break Presented by Stride® Gum – the park is open daily for this annual homage to time off from school.  Guests that bring a pack of Stride Gum are eligible for a four-pack of tickets for just $99 during Spring Break. Each day of Spring Break will be highlighted by Stride-A-Thon, exclusive ridiculously long lasting ride time on Medusa from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Season Pass holders.  April 15 through May 1. New Food Areas

 Macho Nachos Burritos – this new fresh Mexican cafeteria-style grill located in the Lakeside Pavilion food area will surely please the palate with a variety of delicious options.

 Primo’s Pizzeria – all new pizza kitchen serving the freshest of pizza favorites; located in the Lakeside Pavilion.

 Primo’s Italy – while pizza is still the standard, find Italian wraps, fried mozzarella and more at Lakeside Pavilion.

 JB’s Smokehouse BBQ – authentic smoked barbeque fare can be found with comfort food that includes turkey legs, pulled pork, tri-tips and smoked chicken quarters; located at the Lakeside Pavilion.

 Icee Mix-It-Up – guests can create their own icee flavors in their cup; an ideal way to cool off during the summer heat.  This kiosk can be found adjacent to the Looney Tunes Seaport. >br>
 Catering Kitchen – The addition last year of a new catering kitchen added a palate-pleasing taste dimension to group outings and will enjoy its second year of operation. Here, groups from 15 people to 5,000 can receive world class service, new and expanded menu options, plus secluded lakeside picnic groves that offer a private paradise for families, friends and co-workers.

“Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has always been a premiere destination for affordable, close to home family fun,” said Dale Kaetzel, Park President. “As we look back on our 25 years here in Vallejo, and really, our 43 years as a Northern California institution, we are proud to have provided our guests with an ever evolving family entertainment experience.”

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is home to eight thrilling roller coasters, three children’s themed areas and meet and greets with Six Flags’ world-famous cast of characters, including Bugs Bunny and his friends.  Shows and attractions include the Merlin’s Island Party dolphin show presented by Hawaiian Airlines, Pinnipeds of the Caribbean sea lion show, and Odin’s Temple of the Tiger, Birds of the World and Elephant Encounter educational demonstration shows.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom also offers unique animal interaction programs designed to educate, captivate and thrill guests of all ages. The park’s popular Dolphin Discovery is the only program in Northern California to experience swimming with a dolphin; guests can sign up to participate in the Trainer for a Day series, where they can actually shadow marine mammal trainers in this day-long program.  During the overnight Sharks in the Dark program, guests can sleep among the sharks.  With a Backstage Safari, guests can sign up to take a mini behind-the-scenes tour in three animal areas. 

All season long, the park will host themed events that range from the explosive Fourth of July fireworks, cultural weekends to educational days such as Ocean Discovery Day and holiday extravaganzas like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.  Scheduled events include:

March 19 – Opening Day, 25th anniversary
April 15 – May 1 - Spring Break Presented by Stride® Gum
May 6 – Math, Science & Physics Day
May 13 – Ocean Discovery Day
May 20 – Health & Safety/Career & Leadership Day
May 21 – Epilepsy Freedom Walk
May 28 – Safari Discovery Day
June 25 – A Walk in the Park fundraiser
July 3 & 4 – Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Sept. 3-4 - Festival Latino
Sept. 17 – Filipino Fest
Oct. 1-30 – Fright Fest
Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, 2012 – Holiday in the Park
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located at 1001 Fairground Drive in Vallejo, just 30 miles east of San Francisco and 60 miles west of Sacramento.  Daily general admission is $49.99; children 48” and under - $35.99 and children two and under are free.  Guests purchasing their tickets online for opening day weekend – March 19 & 20 -- can take advantage of a 25th anniversary special of $25 individual admission ticket by using the promo code VALLEJO.  2011 Season Passes are just $49.99 (when four or more are purchased) and a 2011 Season Pass parking pass is included if purchased by April 3, 2011.  Season Passes offer unlimited visits to any Six Flags theme park in the United States, free tickets for friends (on select dates only) and more than $300 in savings on in-park food and fun.

More information about Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s purchasing Season Passes or tickets online, shows, rides, attractions and events can be found by visiting the park's web site and the park Facebook page.