COMING ATTRACTIONS

Beloved Seguin amusement park gets new life as new 'Xtreme' play zone

ZDT's legacy will live on through Jungle Jam Xtreme.

Longtime Seguin attraction ZDT’s Amusement Park has taken its last ride, but that doesn’t mean the fun is stopping in the San Antonio suburb. Misti and Ben Guenther, the owners of New Braunfels’ Jungle Jam Party and Play, have purchased the property to open an expanded version of their popular indoor playground, Jungle Jam Xtreme.

“BIG NEWS!” wrote Jungle Jam in the Facebook announcement. “Jungle Jam is EXPANDING into something EXTREME! That's right-- we're bringing the fun right to the heart of Seguin, TX! A few exciting remodels are coming soon, and we can't wait to share what's in store.”

In July, owners Sarah and Danny Donhauser announced they were closing ZDT’s after 18 summer seasons. The couple cited low attendance, rising costs, and a desire to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.

On August 17, the Donhausers posted one last video tour of the park, sharing their favorite memories from their decades in the entertainment business.

“This was the ride of a lifetime, and we thank you all so much for the support,” they wrote.

A day later, Jungle Jam revealed its upcoming plans. The Guenthers first opened their New Braunfels playground in early 2020 before pausing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since reopening, it has become a favorite of the area’s youth. Xtreme will expand the brand to older kids and families.

Among the attractions listed on the website are a jungle playground big enough to accommodate toddlers and adults, an updated arcade, a Mayan-themed climbing wall, and an inflatable obstacle course. A new area will be reserved for the park’s youngest guests, and more seating will be installed to ensure parents have a comfortable perch.

The Guenthers did not share the opening timeframe on social media, but spilled more details to local newspaper The Seguin Gazette. The Seguin natives are eyeing an October 1 debut and a relocation back to the town.

“We’ve been trying to bring Jungle Jam to Seguin for five years since we had one in New Braunfels,” Misti told the newspaper. “We couldn’t find the right location and, honestly, didn’t want to compete against ZDT’s. We get to continue their family legacy and bring our family back to Seguin.”

seguin new braunfels families play entertainment rides amusement parks openings

EVENT PLANNER

San Antonio’s sky gets spectacular makeover with musical drone show

Drone Art Shows/ Facebook

The Drone Art Shows combine classical music with spectacular visuals.

Fireworks won’t be the only thing lighting up San Antonio’s sky in the coming weeks. On January 30 and 31, Toyota Field at 5106 David Edwards Dr will host its inaugural Drone Art Shows, a spectacular display that blends synchronized aerial drones with live classical music.

The production merges state-of-the-art drone technology with live string musicians, illuminated by dozens of candles. The illuminated drones will fly high above the stadium, creating glittering shapes like owls, foxes, and moons that further the story of the compositions.

“This is another special and innovative event we’re excited to bring to Toyota Field and to the city of San Antonio,” said Jose Lizardo, senior director of Toyota Field and the Ricos STAR Soccer Complex, in a release “The DroneArt Show adds a truly distinctive element by combining music and aerial technology, and we look forward to presenting an experience we believe attendees of all ages will enjoy.”

Drone Art Shows is the latest event from New York City “experience discovery” company Fever, known for its immersive and Instagram-friendly events throughout the U.S. In San Antonio, it is best known for its series of Candlelight concerts paying tribute to pop icons like Taylor Swift and Drake and for virtual reality exhibits like Titanic: A Voyage Through Time.

The approximately 65-minute San Antonio performances begin at 7:30 pm each day, with doors opening two hours before time so locals can take advantage of the concessions. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Tickets are $43.90 to $94.90, which includes access to a VIP picnic area. Kids under three get in free. Organizers advise guests should plan to wear flat, comfortable shoes as heels and chairs are not permitted. Bring blankets — and perhaps a few hand warmers, too — to account for the chillier weather.

toyota field drones classical music events event planner entertainment