A gentler 'Giant' comes to Texas

ARLINGTON, TX - The Texas Giant came on the coaster scene at Six Flags Over Texas back in 1990. I remember it well. I was tasked with shooting forward and reverse POV footage for the park. I had to ride the coaster (then the tallest wooden roller coaster in the world) a whopping 26 times...in one day. I'm still recovering.

The original ride was a true monster. With unmatched thrills, the ride was quickly declared the #1 Wooden Roller Coaster in the World by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Over the years, the Texas Giant grew into a fairly rough-and-tumble experience, ridden by only the bravest souls that were willing to subject themselves to the shakes and rattles the ride would dish out.

But not anymore...
Move over Texas Giant and make way for the New Texas Giant. Completely rebuilt, the ride is now thought to be THE smoothest wooden roller coaster in the world. This 'new and improved' Giant now boasts a 79 degree drop and has banks that go beyond vertical, up to 95 degrees. Yikes.

I spent the afternoon today shooting the Giant from top to bottom for long-time client Six Flags Over Texas. If you live in Dallas-Fort Worth or the surrounding area, you need to make a plan to ride this ride. Park guests were 'all smiles' as they left the station house.

The New Texas Giant has a (gulp) 79 degree first drop.

95 degree (that's beyond vertical folks) bank