SEGUIN, Texas — A family-owned FEC in south central Texas has opened a first-of-its-kind roller coaster in the entire world and the only wooden coaster to open in the U.S. in 2015. Working with The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, the ZDT’s owners have installed Switchback — the world’s first wooden shuttle roller coaster.

The signature touches to Switchback make it immediately distinctive. On first look, the spike jutting skyward in the center of the ride gives a first-impression appearance that the ride is yet to be completed. This, of course, is the ride’s reverse point. Seated in four rows, eight riders are dispatched with a snappy curve onto the 64-foot lift. The Gravity Group’s Timberliner trains negotiate a tight high curve and take the ride’s initial plunge. The compact nature of the available space inspires an action packed layout. Darting directional changes, a 104-degree banked turn, speed bumps and a course that zips through building structures deliver non-stop excitement. The “moment,” of course, is the climb up the spike where the track just ends. Front seat riders get the full impact of this illusory thrill. At that point, the train travels backward all the way back to the base of the first drop and then aligns itself onto the transfer track to slide into the station.

When Danny and Sarah Donhauser opened ZDT’s in 2007, it began principally as an indoor arcade fun center. Soon, the property began to develop along the lines of a standard FEC with some rides, go-karts and interactive offerings. Eventually, water park attractions were installed with waterslides and a relocated Master Blaster. At that time, a small amusement park was underway. Always hopeful from the beginning, owner Danny Donhauser knew a coaster would be added one day. Most facilities at this point would have considered a portable fairground style coaster. The Donhauser family took a different approach.

“At first we considered an indoor coaster for our first coaster and we decided it wasn’t the right thing. We needed something that was visual that people could see,” said Sarah Donhauser.

The lift hill height is 64 feet tall, while the height of the spike is one foot taller than the first drop. The length of the track is 1,196 feet, but Gravity Group estimates the actual ride length is 2,125 feet with the shuttle aspect letting the riders travel the majority of the course in both directions. Maximum speed is 41 mph. The ride time is approximately two minutes. Gravity Kraft — a division of The Gravity Group supplied two Timberliner trains of four cars each, holding eight passengers.

ZDT’s is open all year long, operating a weekend-only schedule until the summer. The park will be open daily when school is closed during the Christmas Holiday and Spring Break.

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