Six Flags visitors gleefully take the plunge to normalcy

Vallejo theme park reopens its rides for the first time in a year

VALLEJO >> The mighty Medusa roared back to life here Thursday morning. So did Cobra, The Joker and several other colorfully dubbed roller coasters.

For Northern California thrill seekers who sadly had endured an extensive, COVID-19-induced lockdown, the sound of fun finally had returned to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

“This is so supercool. It has been way too long,” said Haley Givens while standing in line with her daughters Madeline, 8, and Rhedyn, 6, to ride Medusa, the beloved, landmark coaster that invites riders “to conquer the monster by facing your fear.”

Givens, a Grass Valley resident, has been a Discovery Kingdom season passholder for several years. But when the park suspended operations in March of last year to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, it meant an entire ride-deprived year for her and the girls.

“It was pretty sad,” admitted Madeline, who clearly was flashing a little mopey face under her mask.

Last July, Discovery Kingdom reopened with an animals-only Marine World Experience, but for a place that proudly claims to be the “Thrill Capital of Northern California,” it just wasn’t the same.

“We were able to provide some level of escapism and entertainment and education during the pandemic,” said Discovery Kingdom Marketing Director Kirk Smith. “But there’s nothing like the park when you can experience all of that, plus the rides.”

On Thursday, the park staged the

KARL MONDON — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Vallejo firefighters ride the Joker roller coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on Thursday, the first day rides were offered at the park since the pandemic closed them.