The 117-year-old theme park is still families' best bet for an affordable, no-frills good time.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced it will invest more than $1 billion over the next two years on enhancements and additions at its 42 parks.

"I restored the engines from junk. They were amusement park engines. I built all the rolling stock and put up the buildings." It's too hot now to ride his trains, but he is working on another book.