Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Darien Lake) Explained

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Location:Darien
Location2:New York
Location3:United States
Opening Date:May 1990
Previous Names:Barracuda Bay (1990–2009)
Splashtown (2010-2021)
Season:May through September
Owner:EPR Properties
General Manager:Chris Thorpe
Homepage:Official website
Status:Operating
Park:Six Flags Darien Lake

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (also known as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Darien Lake) is a water park located at Six Flags Darien Lake in Darien, New York. Opened in 1990 as Barracuda Bay, the water park is included with the price of admission to the amusement park, and both are operated by Six Flags. The park was known as Splashtown at Darien Lake from 2010 through the 2021 season.

History

When the water park first opened as Barracuda Bay, it encompassed areas formerly included in the main park. In 2010, Darien Lake rebranded the water park to Splashtown at Darien Lake, it included a separate admission along with a new slide complex and lazy river. Splashtown reverted their separate admission price to include the water park with the theme park's admission.

On August 29, 2019, Six Flags Darien Lake announced that Splashtown will be rebranded as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for the 2020 season, along with an expansion with the water park.[1] [2] Due to the growing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags announced a suspension of operations across the company on March 13, 2020.[3]

Current attractions

width=150 NameTypeOpenedDescriptionRef(s)
Brain DrainProSlide SkyBoxalign=center 201570-foot-high waterslide that sends riders on a 38-foot-per-second free fallalign=center [4]
Crocodile IsleWave Poolalign=center 1997A large family wave pool located past Hook's Lagoon where Adventure Land for Kids used to be.align=center
Flotation StationLazy Riveralign=center 2010Basic Lazy River south of the Swirl City complex.align=center
Hook's LagoonWater Playgroundalign=center 1996Five story tall water playground with slides, and a dump bucket. This stands roughly where the Tadpole Island kiddie pool in Adventure Land for Kids was.align=center
RipCurl RacerProslide Kracken Raceralign=center 2016A racing water slide with braided covered tunnels at the beginning. Replacing the former Splashtown gate entrance.align=center [5] [6]
ProSlidealign=center 2010Consists of Cannon Ball Run (CannonBowl), Mister Twister (TopsyTurvy) and Turbo Twins (PIPEline)align=center
TornadoProSlide Tornadoalign=center 2005Sends riders on tubes through a giant funnel. This is located next to Crocodile Isle.align=center
Wahoo WaveProslide Tornadowavealign=center 202230 foot wave wallalign=center

Former attractions

width=150 NameTypeOpenedwidth=80 ClosedDescription
Cascade CanyonMat Water Slidesalign=center 19822002A set of four mat slides, located on the east side of Barracuda Bay. This was located where Shipwreck Falls now stands.
'Cuda FallsSlide Complexalign=center 19942014Four inner tube water slides (two enclosed, two open). This replaced the Rainbow Mountain slide complex on the north side of Barracuda Bay. For many years, the end slides were black and the middle slides were white. In 2010, the slides were repainted to blue, green, yellow, and teal. The area also took on the popular use of the Barracuda Bay name since most of the original complex was removed.
Floodgate FallsWater Slidealign=center 19812008Cascading lazy river on the west side of the former Barracuda Bay. This slide was never removed upon closure or the removal of the 'Cuda Falls slide complex and has deteriorated over time. It can be seen from the Giant Wheel.
Hydro ForceMat Water Slidesalign=center 19771989The original water slides and the first slides at Darien Lake. Once located over the main lake.
Mat Water Slidesalign=center 19901998This replaced Hydro Force and operated through the 1998 season.
Lazy Days LagoonMini Wave Poolalign=center 2010UnknownA small wave pool connected to Flotation Station. Over time the concept of the wave pool was scratched as people were only in that area while entering and departing the lazy river.
Pipeline PlungeWater Slidealign=center 1990UnknownA yellow enclosed water slide located in Barracuda Bay with a rainbow colored inside.
Rainbow MountainMat Water Slidesalign=center 19811994A set of four mat slides on the north side of the hill which was incorporated into Barracuda Bay in 1990. Replaced by 'Cuda Falls in 1994.
Riptide RunWater Slidealign=center 1990UnknownA raft water slide located that was located in Barracuda Bay with a "wavy" look.
Tadpole IslandWading poolalign=center 19911996Small kids playground pool that was located in Adventure Land for Kids. Replaced by Hook's Lagoon in 1996.

External links

42.9285°N -78.3849°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: "Tallest Waterslide Around" to Soon Call Western New York Home. September 4, 2019. July 24, 2020.
  2. Web site: Darien Lake adding "Wahoo Wave" in 2020. August 29, 2019. July 24, 2020.
  3. Web site: Six Flags Darien Lake delays opening due to COVID-19 pandemic. May 5, 2020. July 24, 2020.
  4. News: Christmann. Samantha. February 12, 2015. Darien Lake doubling down on thrills. The Buffalo News. February 17, 2015.
  5. News: Darien Lake to add new ride to water park. WIVB-TV. Anstey. Evan. February 11, 2016. February 11, 2016.
  6. News: New waterslide coming to Darien Lake. Heer. Jim. Radford. Keith. WKBW-TV. February 11, 2016. February 11, 2016.