Whizzer (roller coaster)

Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America's Whizzer was nearly closed on August 11, 2002, fueled by increasing maintenance costs, to make way for Superman: Ultimate Flight.^[6][7] However, due to public backlash and outcry, the park reversed their decision at the last minute and instead demolished the highly unpopular Shockwave, putting Superman: Ultimate Flight on its plot of land in Orleans Place.^[8]

In 2026, 14 pieces of Whizzer's track were replaced over the offseason.^[9] It reopened during the park's 50th anniversary event in June 2026.^[1]

California's Great America

After Marriott sold California's Great America to the city of Santa Clara under management of the Kings Entertainment Company, the Whizzer continued to operate until it was subsequently demolished in 1988. A few cement footers still remain where the Whizzer once stood.^[10]

Queue and station

The ride's queue is made up of several switchbacks beneath the station, then a staircase up to the loading area. Riders are seated two per seat, with the taller person sitting in the rear and the shorter person sitting in front.^[11]

Layout

After loading, riders turn left out of the station and into an electric spiral lift hill,^[11] where an electric contact rail powers a motor which moves the train up the lift hill.^[12] At the top of the 70-foot (21 m) spiral, the train slowly picks up speed as it travels down the first drop at a shallow angle.^[11] At the bottom of the first drop, the track banks sharply to the right and turns around approximately 200°. Next, the train ascends a hill and completes a large left turn where a brake run is located. Riders then drop into a 270° helix to the right which closely hugs the terrain and has strong banking.^[11] Afterwards, the train climbs another hill into the midcourse brake run. Riders then turn about 200° to the right, directly around (and within a few feet of) the spiral lift hill. Directly after this, the track banks left and dips down over a small pond, then rises once more, turning to the left to cross over the initial drop, then turning to the right to cross a pedestrian path below. The ride ends with a large 560° helix, then the final brake run into the station.^[11]