NEWS RELEASE

May 20, 2004

GRAND OPENING OF NEW MARDI GRAS SECTION
SETS THE TONE FOR FAMILY FUN AT
SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA

FIVE new rides NOW OPEN for a season-long celebration

Gurnee, IL - This summer Six Flags Great America will thrill guests of all ages "Big
Easy-style." With the grand opening of the newly themed Mardi Gras section, the tone
has been set for a season of exciting rides, dazzling entertainment, fun-filled festivals
and of course, beads, beads, beads.

The opening of Mardi Gras, the park's third themed-area expansion in less than ten
years, fuses the party atmosphere of the famous New Orleans celebration with the
quality family entertainment that the park is recognized for. The newly themed Mardi
Gras section hosts four of the park's five new rides, including Six Flags Great America's
13th coaster, Ragin' Cajun, live entertainment and themed restaurants.

Mardi Gras at Six Flags means fun for all ages, and the new Ragin' Cajun is this party's
signature attraction. A fast track roller coaster unlike any other at the park, Ragin' Cajun
is the only coaster of its type in the Midwest. With quick twists, tight curves, breathtaking
drops and uniquely designed cars that spin independently, no two ride experiences on
this family coaster are ever the same.

"Ragin' Cajun adds a whole new coaster experience to our park," said Tim Black, Six
Flags Great America's vice president and general manager. "This wild, spinning
adventure provides an extremely exciting ride experience that even veteran coaster
enthusiasts will appreciate."

New coaster thrills are just the beginning of what is in store for park guests this season.
Fearless thrill seekers can enjoy the addition of King Chaos. This ride's signature rolling 
rotations high above the Mardi Gras midway have everyone screaming for more.

While experiencing Mardi Gras, families can enjoy the addition of two rides designed
especially with them in mind. Located at the heart of Mardi Gras, guests travel up, up
and away on the new Big Easy Balloons, a colorfully designed ride that provides a
beautiful, whiny view of the festivities below. The area's fourth attraction, the Jester's
Wild Ride, provides everyone with a unique trip on a Mardi Gras parade float that rocks
forward and backward on a specially designed U-shaped track. Then, just when guests
think they have it all figured out, this innovative family adventure's signature spin kicks in.

The new Mardi Gras section is the focal point for the new entertainment that can be
found throughout the park, and in addition to its four new rides, the area is home to
exciting new dining and shows! The grand opening of the Bayou Grill provides an
entertaining sit-down dining option for park guests, serving traditional Cajun cuisine. In
addition, the new Mardi Gras stage will host live music every day.

The fun atmosphere and spirit of the Mardi Gras party will be carried throughout the
entire park. The addition of Six Flags' fifth new attraction, Revolution, is a star-spangled
addition that is sure to be a favorite. Located in the park's County Fair section, the
Revolution is a brightly colored pendulum that swings and spins its passengers round
and round more than 65 feet into the air.

With Mardi Gras as its theme for the 2004 season, Six Flags Great America is
welcoming an exciting new entertainment line-up that offers something for everyone.
New shows include the debut of the World of Magic, an amazing illusion and magic
spectacle; and Top Speed, an amazing IMAX experience. Back by popular demand, the
world-renowned Espana family is unveiling a brand-new show, Defying Limits, with aerial
artistry that will take everyone's breath away.

Six Flags Great America provides entertainment that will delight, thrill and amaze. In
celebration of the new area, May is Mardi Gras! Six Flags' most popular festival takes
place every weekend in May, and culminates in the Mardi Gras parade at the end of
each day's festivities. From world-class entertainment and tasty treats to awesome new
attractions, Six Flags Great America's Mardi Gras party can not be replicated anywhere
else in the Midwest - and is one that no one will want to miss.