Roller coaster junkies around Western New York collectively gasped last year when PARC 7F Operations Corporation announced its intention to sell some of its smaller Six Flags Inc. properties, including Darien Lake, near Buffalo. But on April 6, 2007, a multi-million-dollar deal secured the future of the theme park, and resulted in some bonuses for those who can't get enough of slippery slides and stomach butterflies.

CNL Income Properties Inc., based in Orlando, purchased Darien Lake and six other parks from PARC Operations and re-leased it to PARC Management, which will continue to operate it and six other parks with local management teams. The only property with a performing arts center and campgrounds, it is the largest park now operated by PARC Management.

Darien Lake, now called Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, was acquired by Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. in 1999, and millions of dollars were spent on Superman: Ride of Steel and other Looney Tunes and DC Comics-inspired attractions. The union between Warner Bros. and Six Flags had been in existence since 1984, but those ties have now been cut.

Guests to the newly operated park won't see many major additions due to the timing of the sale, but they will notice the absence of the once-ubiquitous cartoon characters and some name changes. The Superman coaster is now called simply Ride of Steel, and Adventure Isle is the renamed section for kids. Old stand-bys like the Viper and the Predator are still going strong, however.

The 2007 season will also unveil several new entertainment performances, for what the park's public relations manager Mary Sellan calls "a complete family experience." Le Grande Cirque, a Cirque du Soleil-type spectacle, will debut June 22 in the former Gotham City Theatre, now the Galaxy Theatre. It's billed as family-friendly entertainment, complete with acrobats choreographed with elaborate costumes, music, and lights.

Inside the Grande Theatre, Cliff Hopkins will perform a mix of magic and comedy that urges audience participation. "Keepin the Beat" will be held at the Midway Gazebo Stage, and will feature a song and dance routine that highlights rock-n-roll classics.

Blake Daring's Storybook Adventure is a theatrical performance for kids, and Laserblast, which features fireworks, pyrotechnics, lasers, and music, will be held nightly at the Lakeside Ampitheatre beginning June 22.

As part of its new focus on the region, the park will also participate with local vendors, most notably Labatt, Perry's Ice Cream, and Red Osier. Refreshment prices have also been reduced.

The summer season at Darien Lake runs June 22-September 3, with the park open daily 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Ticket prices haven't changed, but the park has introduced lower admission fees for seniors and for guests after 5 p.m. Tickets at the gate are $34.99 for adults ($29.99 online), $24.99 for children under 48", free for children under 2, $24.99 for seniors (over 55), and $19.99 for visitors after 5 p.m.

Get there by taking I-90 to Exit 48 (Batavia). Take Route 98 south to Route 20. Take Route 20 to Route 77. Go two miles north on Route 77. For more information visit www.godarienlake.com or call 585-599-4641.

SIDEBAR:

Ultimate Summer Theme Parks

If ridin' and slidin' is your idea of a good time, here are some other regional parks you might want to check out.

Seabreeze is Rochester's amusement park, with affordable prices, midway rides, and a water park. Newer thrills include the Whirlwind and the Screamin' Eagle, plus The Helix and the Banzai. Seabreeze is located at 4600 Culver Road. Check out www.seabreeze.com for details.

Marineland is famous for making killer whales seem cuddly, and its Friendship Cove is the largest whale habitat in the world. But it's also home to the Sky Screamer, the world's highest triple tower ride, exposing riders to a 450-foot view that includes Niagara Falls. The Dragon Mountain Roller Coaster also stretches out over 30 acres of land, making it the world's largest steel coaster. Marineland is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. For more information, visit www.marinelandcanada.com.

Martin's Fantasy Island dubs itself Western New York's most affordable theme park, with adult tickets going for $23.95, and $10.95 after 5 p.m. With more than 100 rides, including the Silver Comet Wood Coaster, the brand new Full Tilt, a water park, tons of kids' rides, and a new Wild West Shootout show, how can you go wrong? Martin's Fantasy Island is located 10 minutes from Niagara Falls, in Grand Island, New York. Visit www.martinsfantasyisland.com.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari is New York's largest water park, with more than 31 slippery rides, as well as a modest carnival ride selection. The Sawmill at the Adirondack Expedition is a three-story water playground designed especially with kids in mind, and the enclosed speed slides known as the Bombay Blasters and the 30 mph Killermanjaro are sure to get thrill seekers' hearts pounding. Enchanted Forest is located in Old Forge, New York. For complete information, go to www.watersafari.com.

Sylvan Beach Amusement Park is a smaller park, located on the shore of Oneida Lake in Sylvan Beach. It boasts free admission (rides take tickets), the Galaxi Coaster, and Laffland, an old-fashioned dark ride built in 1954 that winds riders past varying stunts to make it the "world's craziest ride," or so the park claims. The whole park is a nostalgic trip. Sylvan Beach is about two hours from Rochester, outside of Syracuse. Visit www.sylvanbeach.org or call 315-762-5212 for complete information.