The Speelunker's Cave, also known as The Cave, was a dark ride at Six Flags Over Texas from 1964 to 1991. Located in the Texas section of the park, the ride took guests through a Texan cave, where small creatures known as the Speelunkers resided. It was replaced by Yosemite Sam and the Gold River Adventure in 1992. The Speelunker creatures were designed by Gene Patrick, who also designed the characters from the first iteration of Tales of the Okefenokee.
Experience[]
The Cave (1960s - 1970s version)[]
We begin the ride by going into the cave. We then see the King Spee organizing his jewels, while being fanned by another Spee. We then see a Spee carving marks on a rock with a chisel and hammer. We then come to a classroom, where we see a teacher teaching other Spees. Across from the classroom is the organist, with his friend pumping the organ. Across from the organist is a Spee fishing. We then encounter a giant spider. Over our heads are 2 Spees swinging a rock to each other. We then see a Idol head with a bird beside it. We then see a dragon with a toothy monster beside it. We also see a Spee with a whip in one hand, and leashes on lobsters in the other. We then see a Spee facing an armadillo, while his friend is the riding the armadillo. We then see Spees doing "The Twist" to Yakety Sax. We then go up and down a lift. After this, we see a pirate Spee fighting a swordfish. Across from that is a peg leg Spee, over a chest of jewels. We then see a harp band. With the 4 harpist Spees sitting and the conductor Spee standing up. We then see a Spee resembling Benjamin Franklin flying a kite into the storm. We then go into a wrecked sailing ship. In the ship is a jail, with a Spee attempting jail break, while another Spee is playing "Sailor's Hornpipe." We then see a Spee playing cards with a human. We then go into a rotating barrel, as if we're turning upside down. We're then blasted with cold air as we enter the arctic part. After this, we're taken out of the cave and back to the park.
Changes to The Cave (1980s - 1991)[]
The Yakety Sax scene was replaced with a Country/Western band. With a Spee resembling Dolly Parton. The song that the Country/Western band plays is "Coal Miner's Daughter."
The arctic scene was replaced with the "International Scene," where we see Spees from 6 different countries. USA, Republic Of Texas, Confederate States Of America, Mexico, Spain, & France.
Soundtrack (1960s - 1970s)[]
Gigues, By Debussy
Hammer and Chisel sound
Organ Music
Tabu, By Terry Snyder
Yakety Sax
Harp Concerto, By Handel
Lightning noise
Sailor's Hornpipe
Blizzard Noise
Changes To The Soundtrack (1980s - 1991)
Coal Miner's Daughter, By Loretta Lynn
Patriotic Music
Yosemite Sam and the Gold River Adventure[]
After The Cave closed, it was re-themed to "Yosemite Sam's Gold River Adventure." A Looney Tunes styled ride. But in 2018, the ride would close. Due to flood damages. The ride is standing, but not operating.
Legacy[]
The Cave will be remembered by everyone who rode it. There are videos and pictures online. There are also petitions online to bring it back. May The Cave Rest In Peace.
See also[]
