COASTER CONTROVERSY
Six Flags Fiesta Texas cracks down on solo teen visits
Six Flags Fiesta Texas says its new policy ensures a safe park.
San Antonio’s Six Flags Fiesta Texas is risking teen angst with a new policy it says is designed to assure park safety. Starting March 28, guests under 18 will have to be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
The theme park announced the move in a March 28 Facebook statement. The move builds on last year’s rule change, which barred teens under 16 from entering the park unaccompanied.
“The safety of our guests and associates remains a top priority at Six Flags Fiesta Texas,” the park wrote. “As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, family-friendly environment, we are enforcing an enhanced Chaperone Policy this weekend…Guests who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to removal from the park and any applicable actions permitted under the law.”
Wheeeeee!
On its website, Fiesta elaborated on the reasoning behind the switch, saying there have been “increasing incidents of disruptive behavior across the industry and at other entertainment venues.”
The policy requires chaperones, aged 21 or over, to present a government-issued ID at entry. Every five underage guests must have a tagalong adult in the crew for their entire visit or face eviction from the park.
Although some Fiesta Texas fans welcomed the news with various versions of “kids today just don’t know how to act,” many others were less than thrilled. Several commenters cited that the age limit for working at the park does not align with the new policy.
“I get wanting more control over unruly teenagers and can see 15 and under,” wrote one Facebook user. “But seniors in high school shouldn’t need a chaperone. Will not be renewing our passes if I have to accompany my soon-to-be high school senior every time she goes to Six Flags when she’s old enough to work there and operate the rides?!”
Grumbling or not, the rule doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. The policy has been initiated at several Six Flags Parks, including Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington.
