CoasterGallery.com -- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (formerly Six Flags Marine World)

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Vallejo, California

This park opened in 1968 as Marine World in Redwood City, California. Its name later became Marine World Africa USA. In 1986, the park relocated to its current location in Vallejo, California. In 1996, the park was purchased by Premier Parks, Incorporated. Two years later, the park received 14 new rides as it was transformed from simply a place to see animal exhibits and shows into a park complete with thrill rides. For most of 1998, the park was The New Marine World Theme Park, but it was branded with the Six Flags Marine World name in November 1998. Its name changed once again in 2007 when it was changed to its present name.

Since my last visit to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, two coasters have opened at this park:

V2: Vertical Velocity (2001) This Intamin "impulse coaster" appeared identical to two 185-foot tall coasters at other Six Flags parks, yet Marine World's press release said theirs measured only 150 feet. Why? Local zoning laws prohibited structures over 150 feet! Once word got out that Six Flags broke the law, they were forced to change the ride. The back spike got chopped off at the 150 foot level, and the front spike was changed to a 45 degree angle instead of going straight vertical. Both now stay under the mandatory 150 foot level.
Zonga (2003) Before being moved here, this four inversion Schwarzkopf ran as the Texas Tornado (1998-2000) at Six Flags AstroWorld. It ran for parts of the 2003 and 2004 season, but was removed from the park in 2006. It is unclear if it will operate elsewhere.

Cobra