From the safety of solid ground, 14-year-old Sarah Digilormo watched her family enter the Texas Giant, a roller coaster famous for its stomach-churning 79-degree drop.

"I'm happy right here,' said Digilormo, who lives in Kilgore. "Roller coasters aren't my thing.'

Few shared Digilormo's sentiment Saturday at the season opening of Six Flags Over Texas. Thousands flocked to the park, took spins on their favorite roller coasters and rides, and celebrated Texas Independence Day with a special tribute.

Thrill-seekers enjoyed the relatively short lines, brisk temperatures and festive opening day atmosphere.

After lurching, spinning and flipping upside down on the Texas Giant, Sheri Harris, Digilormo's grandmother, said she hadn't visited Six Flags in years.

"I just love the thrill of the rides,' Harris said. "There's nothing like it.'

This will be a big year for Six Flags.

The world record-breaking Texas SkyScreamer will debut in the summer. The open-air swing ride which towers 400 feet above the ground, will take guests in a 124-foot circle at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.

"This ride experience will be unlike any other tower swing ride ever built. If you want to go big, then ride the Texas SkyScreamer,' said Steve Martindale, Six Flags Over Texas park president. "This innovative attraction, along with the rest of our Texas-sized collection of thrilling rides and entertainment, are sure to make 2013 a remarkable season.'

Also opening are three new entertainment shows: a concert-styled country performance, an interactive cabaret and a children's show featuring Bugs Bunny and his pals.

On Saturday, Jasmine and Randy Martinez of Killeen brought their 2-year-old daughter, Amaya, to the amusement park for the first time.

"There's something here for everybody,' Jasmine Martinez said. "Children. Parents. It's just a good day.'

With a big smile on her face, 6-year-old Chloe Brown posed for photos with Tweety Bird and other famous characters. Her mother, Rhonda Brown, of Justin, said Six Flags provides great entertainment to her daughter, who has disabilities.

"We're season pass holders,' Brown said. "We'll definitely be back.'