Six Flags Great America opens Friday with new DC Universe area
Six Flags Great America is getting a superhero-themed makeover this year.
The roller coaster destination in Gurnee opens for the season Friday with a section of the park being re-imagined as DC Universe, said Caitlin Kepple, communications manager at Six Flags Great America.
“It’s formerly known as Yankee Harbor and it’s the largest and most exciting park enhancement in recent memory,” she said. “It will feature three re-imagined attractions.”
The attractions in that area that have received a DC Universe-makeover are The Flash: Vertical Velocity, Aquaman Splashdown and the DC Super-Villains Swing. They will join Batman: The Ride and The Joker free-fly coaster that are already in that section, she said.
These rides are previously known as Vertical Velocity, the Yankee Clipper and a park original ride, Whirligig.
The Aquaman Splashdown flume ride won’t open until later in the season when the temperatures climb and the threat of snow is (hopefully) gone.
Within the DC Universe section, four dining locations have been renovated and re-imagined, she said, with the biggest glow-up going to the location formerly known as Capone’s Kitchen.
“I think the biggest impact, particularly on the guest experience, will be Steelworks Pub,” she said. “Part of that re-imagination is a beer garden with a patio so it will be a really nice place to rest, relax and take a breather while you’re really immersing yourself in this DC comic book experience.”
The other three dining areas include Gotham City Snacks, Central City Snacks and Captain Cold Ice Cream. New treats this season include Dole Whip, Oreo Funnel Cake Sundaes and Buffalo Chicken Mac ’n Cheese, she said.
“We’re not only re-imagining the whole restaurant space but adding on a whole beer garden and patio,” she said. “It’s exciting to offer something different.”
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago water park will open May 28, once again as a separate-entry water park.
“It’s really great for guests, they can purchase a one-day ticket to the water park,” she said. “It was something that was really well-received by our guests.”
Hurricane Harbor is the home of the Tsunami Surge, the world’s tallest water coaster.
Six Flags Great America went cash-free in 2020. Guests can pay via the Six Flags app, Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit or debit cards. If you only brought cash, there will be kiosks that will allow you to transfer money to a prepaid Visa debit card.
There will be shows this summer; including new musical shows, street entertainment and roaming characters, Kepple said. In response to guest feedback, they will notice additional and refurbished seating and new benches within in the food court, she said.
“I think a huge focus for us this year is to enhance the guest experience and we’re doing that through park enhancements,” she said. “We pride ourselves
on being a wonderful place to have fun and make memories and our family is ready to welcome your family back to the park.
“We want to make it feel like home. Some of the ways we’re doing that is increasing the number of seating options throughout the park, starting with Carousel Plaza.”
Special events will return this summer, including Grad Nites in May, July 4th Fest July 2-4 and Kepple’s personal favorite, Fright Fest
this fall.
“It’s such a magical time of year,” she said. “I love when the park is decorated. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love the transition as it gets dark and 5 o’clock rolls around and it gets very spooky. The park takes on a whole new atmosphere and it’s a lot of fun.”
Hours vary, but the park will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 15, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 16 and 24, 12 to 6 p.m. April 17, and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 23 and 30.
Beginning May 24 the park will be open daily through Sept. 5; see the website for hours.
“Six Flags Great America is such a wonderful outdoor option for family fun,” she said. “Six Flags is a place where you will make memories. We are so excited to welcome our guests back. It’s about the fun you have with the people you love while you’re at Six Flags.”