'It's a rush:' Six Flags Great America's Mardi Gras Hangover is the largest loop coaster of its kind
GURNEE, Ill. -- The newest attraction at Six Flags Great America will flip your world upside down.
“100 feet in the air -- it was exhilarating. I loved it," said Shay Davis after her first ride.
Mardi Gras Hangover is a record-setting ride. At 100 feet tall, it’s the largest loop coaster of its kind.
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Mardi Gras Hangover
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Mardi Gras Hangover
“It’s exciting and you’re a little nervous, and you’re like, ‘oh I really hope we’re not stuck here forever,' but then they get you spinning again and it’s super exhilarating. Just a rush," said Peyton Ebel.
“At one point, you actually, on purpose, stop upside down and hang there with a great view of our great park here at Great America," said Dameon Nelson, the director of park operations.
Nelson knows a thing or two about the views at Great America.
“Started here when I was 15 years old actually," said Nelson.
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Dameon Nelson
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Mardi Gras Hangover
The Milwaukee-product has held just about every job at the park -- working his way up from sweeping the streets to director of operations.
“My 26-year stint here at Six Flags Great America comes to an end -- as I’m embarking on a new journey," said Nelson.
One that will take him to the other side of the globe -- Nelson is moving to Beijing to help oversee the creation of China’s very first Six Flags park.
“Being as adventurous as I am, I want to learn new cultures, meet new people, see new things and understand different ways of living, and I’m very, very excited to be able to do that," said Nelson.
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Mardi Gras Hangover
When he started back in 1992, Batman was the shiny new ride. As Mardi Gras Hangover parades into his park, Nelson said he's ready for a new thrill of his own -- though he made it clear, he’s still coming back to Milwaukee for Summerfest each year.
In connection with the new ride, Six Flags will host a 16-day Mardi Gras Festival starting July 28, with fireworks, shows and more each and every day.