COTALAND, the new 30 acre amusement park at Circuit of The Americas, is officially open to the public! The park features more than 30 rides and attractions including two record setting roller coasters, family rides and several premium racing experiences. We attended the media preview before opening day to find out what visitors should expect.
What Is COTALAND?
COTALAND sits between Turns 19 and 20 of the Circuit of The Americas racetrack just outside of Austin. The name comes directly from COTA, the home of Austin’s Formula One United States Grand Prix.
Plans for the park started years ago as part of a reported $105 million investment designed to turn the racetrack into a year round entertainment destination. Instead of building a traditional theme park and adding a few racing references, COTALAND makes the rides part of the only Formula 1 track in the country.
Racing details appear throughout the attractions and signs. Guests even have the option to book a Hot Lap around the same 20 turns used by Formula One drivers. This still feels unmistakably like a racetrack. It simply has roller coasters now.
Circuit Breaker Is The Ride You Will Immediately Want To Repeat
Let’s start with our favorite. Circuit Breaker is Texas’ only tilt coaster and only the second coaster of its kind in the United States. The train climbs to the top before stopping on what appears to be a disconnected piece of track. Then the entire section tilts forward and holds you over the drop.
That moment is wild.
Once the track locks into place, the coaster releases and sends you straight into the course. The anticipation feels more intimidating than the ride itself. Once it starts moving, it is fast, smooth and ridiculously fun.
We have ridden plenty of roller coasters and Circuit Breaker still felt different from anything we had experienced before. If you only have time for one major ride, make it this one. We got off and went straight back for another ride.
Palindrome Is Made For Serious Thrill Seekers
Palindrome is the first infinity shuttle coaster in the United States. It is also the only steel coaster in the country that travels over an active roadway.
The coaster launches riders through the course before sending them back through it in reverse. It feels fast from the beginning and does not give you much time to recover before you are moving backward.
We thought it was fantastic. It was also a little more intense than we personally needed.
For serious coaster fans, Palindrome will be one of the main reasons to visit COTALAND. The design feels unusual and the speed makes the entire ride feel relentless.
The Children’s Areas Do Not Feel Like An Afterthought
COTALAND is not only for people who enjoy hanging over the edge of a roller coaster.
The family and children’s sections are incredibly sweet and thoughtfully designed. The COTALAND Express takes younger visitors through a colorful garden filled with oversized flowers and playful characters. Lil’ Logger gives children their own smaller version of a log ride while Tree House Bounce adds a gentle lift and drop.
There are carousels, water attractions and several first coaster experiences for younger riders. Many attractions also allow smaller children to ride with a supervising adult.
The details make the entire area feel created for children instead of added later to give parents something to do between the larger rides.
The Food Is The Biggest Surprise
Theme park food usually comes with lowered expectations. COTALAND is the exception.
We took our responsibility at the media preview seriously and tried as much as possible. The gyros were fresh and flavorful. The pizza tasted like food we would order outside a theme park. We also tried the churros, regular fries and loaded fries. Everything was good.
The park has food locations spread throughout the property including The Pit-a Stop for gyros, Pizza Place, Spud’s Fries and several snack locations serving churros and other theme park favorites. T20 Restaurant and Terrace offers indoor seating plus views of Turn 20.
There are also full service bars, coffee, ice cream and several vegetarian options.
Come hungry. We did and it worked out beautifully.
How Much Are COTALAND Tickets?
A Choose Your Day Ticket currently starts at $65 when purchased online. An Any Day Ticket starts at $75 and offers more flexibility. Taxes and service fees cost extra while children ages two and younger enter free.
Standard admission includes the main theme park rides, shows and attractions. Several premium experiences require an additional ticket.
Current add on prices include:
- • General parking from $30
- Preferred parking from $45
- Valet parking from $75
- Podium Pass from $39
- Unlimited Podium Pass from $69
- Hot Lap from $175
- Speed City Karting from $36
- Unlimited mini golf from $14
- Soarin’ Eagle Zip Line from $12
The Podium Pass lets guests skip the regular line once per participating ride. The unlimited version offers repeated access for one day.
COTALAND Quick Info
Where: Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Boulevard, Austin, Texas
Hours: Operating hours change by date. Check the official calendar before visiting.
Tickets: Choose Your Day admission starts at $65. Any Day admission starts at $75. Available here.
Parking: General parking starts at $30 and is not included with standard admission.
Ages: Guests ages three and older need a ticket. Children ages two and younger enter free.
App: Download the COTALAND app for digital tickets, directions and live wait times.
The post COTALAND Is Open In Austin: Here’s What You Need To Know appeared first on Spill the ATX Gossip.