Xcalibur premiered in 1992 at the Munich Oktoberfest as Evolution. It toured the fair circuit in Europe, until finally being purchased by Six Flags in 1998. It didn’t travel to its current home of St. Louis. Six Flags Great Adventure was lucky to premiere Xcalibur in the United States. Here it receives its new name of Xcalibur. It had a short ride at Great Adventure, only operating for three years from 1999 to 2002. Finally being brought to its current home at Six Flags St. Louis for the 2013 season where it has been thrilling, and turning stomachs ever since.
Xcalibur at Six Flags: Overview and Analysis
Xcalibur has sixteen gondolas that can hold four riders each. An over-the-shoulder restraint keeps you safe. All sixteen gondolas are attached to a spike. The ride starts as it rotates around in a circle. Eventually, the spike will turn 360° upward, eventually ending up back in the same position. The g-forces felt when this first begins to spin are intense. With each degree of movement the rider experience changes.
When spinning on the ground you are pushed back into your seat. When it’s a quarter of the way rotated, you are being flipped upside down. Halfway your gondola is spinning in the air, while you are looking straight down at the ground below. Eventually, the ride will complete one complete revolution. Your vision will probably be spinning by that point. I know it certainly is when I ride it.
Xcalibur is intense. Too intense?
I love Xcalibur. It is a great addition to Six Flags St. Louis. The g-forces blow me away. My favorite part of the ride is the halfway point. When I am looking down at the ground, which is 119 feet below and seeing it spin! Of any Flat Ride I have ever been on, it is one of the most visceral and awesome experiences you can have. Yet for all the excitement I end up paying a price for it.
As much as I love Xcalibur this is just not a ride that I hit every time I go to Six Flags, St. Louis. The problem being it is so intense for me. Though I should mention that my tolerance for spinning is low. While I love Xcalibur I cannot say that it loves me back. This is one of those that I can only do every once in a while. Usually with a group of people that I don’t normally go with to the park.
Final Verdict
Everyone’s tolerance for this kind of thing will be different. I have talked with people who don’t think that Xcalibur is super intense. I highly encourage you to get to Six Flags St. Louis and form your own opinion on it. On a scale of one to ten, I give the Xcalibur a nine.
Pros: intense ride with incredible visual benefits, very unique
Cons: so intense that can be unpleasant
If you liked this post or found it helpful then please consider sharing with your friends, family, or fellow theme park enthusiast. Please post your questions, or thoughts on this ride in the comments. Read our review of another signature attraction at Six Flags, St. Louis. The intense roller Coaster Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast. For more information on this ride check out its official page.