Fun Spot America Atlanta will shut its gates for good on 2 August, ending almost four decades of amusement park history in Fayetteville, but the future of its record-breaking ArieForce One coaster remains unclear as the company considers whether to relocate the ride rather than scrap it.
Fun Spot America Atlanta, the Fayetteville amusement park home to ArieForce One, the largest zero-G stall roller coaster in the United States, will close permanently on 2 August. The park has confirmed it is exploring options for the ride’s future, with industry observers suggesting it could potentially be relocated elsewhere given its relative newness and popularity, rather than being demolished. Enthusiasts now have just weeks to make the trip to Georgia before the site shuts for good, ending a run that began under a different name in 1990.
A Coaster With a Cult Following
ArieForce One has developed an enthusiastic following since opening in 2023, built by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), a manufacturer known among enthusiasts for its innovative, airtime-focused layouts. The ride sends passengers down a 146-foot first drop at an 83-degree angle, reaches speeds of 64mph and generates forces of up to 3.75Gs across a 100-second journey filled with inversions and airtime hills. It has consistently ranked highly in international steel roller coaster polls, helping cement its reputation as one of the world’s best new thrill rides, and has drawn dedicated visitors from across the United States and overseas specifically to ride it. Guests can experience the coaster with general admission or pay $12 for an individual ride.
From Dixieland to Fun Spot
The Fayetteville site first opened as Dixieland Fun Park in 1990, before Fun Spot America acquired it in 2017. The park currently features 14 rides in total, including three roller coasters, go-kart tracks, family attractions and Georgia’s only legal bungee jumping tower. It will remain open daily from 10am to 10pm until its final day on 2 August, with existing season passes and gift cards honoured until closure. Fun Spot America’s Florida parks in Orlando and Kissimmee will be unaffected, continuing normal operations and honouring their own season passes and gift cards as part of the company’s long-term plans.
A Difficult Decision
Announcing the closure, Fun Spot America CEO John Arie Jr told Amusement Today the decision had not been taken lightly. “This was an extremely difficult decision,” he said. “Our Atlanta team has poured their hearts into serving our guests and creating a place where families could have fun together. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and for the support we have received from the Fayetteville community.” The company has confirmed it is working with staff on transition plans and will offer support to employees as operations wind down, though it has not disclosed the reasons behind the closure. No plans have been announced for what will happen to the site itself, and it remains unclear whether the land will be sold or redeveloped.
Fans Rush to Say Goodbye
News of the closure has prompted a wave of nostalgia online, with many long-time visitors recalling the park’s earlier years as Dixieland Fun Park. One Reddit user wrote: “It will always be Dixieland to me. Lazer tag and go carts.” Another echoed the park’s own farewell message on Instagram, writing: “Come see us, make one more memory, and take one last ride.” Others expressed surprise that such a highly regarded coaster had been tucked away at a relatively small regional park, with one Reddit user writing: “Apparently it’s an incredible rollercoaster. I’ve never even heard of this place,” while another described ArieForce One as “one of the best roller coasters in America.” Roller coaster enthusiasts have already begun organising farewell trips, with attendance expected to rise significantly in the park’s final weeks as visitors try to ride ArieForce One one last time.
Part of a Wider Trend
Fun Spot America Atlanta’s closure comes amid broader struggles for independently operated theme parks, even as major operators such as Disney and Universal continue to invest billions in expansion. Other recent casualties include Washington state’s Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, now in its final operating season, and Brean Theme Park in Somerset, England, which entered liquidation earlier this year. For coaster enthusiasts, though, the biggest concern remains the fate of ArieForce One itself — a ride many consider among the finest in the world, now facing an uncertain future once the Fayetteville gates close on 2 August.
