djwcaw

Took our 'last stand' yesterday Labor Day with front row (no/one ride wait times). We've enjoyed the coaster since it opened not great but some quick fun and has the best theming at SFA (kudos there Six Flags!) Not sure how they will incorporate any of it into Firebird and my guess is they will remove all the 'wasteland' artifacts/graffiti and just put up some new Firebird signage. Looks like they are also keeping the track colors using the orange/gray. I didn't get a picture but the crashed plane stuck into Skull Mountain has a huge red/blue/orange Firebird-like decal on top of the wings you can see as you ascend. Very cool!

Here's my quick review of Apocalypse... Was there yesterday for opening day on Apocalypse (yes we survived the Last Stand!) Big crowd at the entrance to the ride as everyone wanted to try it out but only the season pass holders were allowed admittance. Amazing how the site was transformed. The track, trains, queuing areas and station look really great. Apocalypse will clearly be a highlight draw for the park in years to come. Here's my quick grades... Thrill B- - was comparing it to Georgia Scorcher a much more recent B&M standup down in Six Flags Atlanta - Scorcher just has steeper drops, more speed, variation and thrill factor. Apocalypse is a fun coaster...but doesn't have a HUGE lasting ride impression. Front row is clearly best I think as time passes...Superman, Batwing and Jokers Jinx will still be the top ride coasters in the park. Theming A - for a Six Flags park...this is a home run. The 'Terminator' type post-war apocalyptic theme is done very well considering the size/layout of the site. Best part after speaking with a technician there was that quote 'there is alot more to come.' (with regards to theming and this could rise to an A+) Effects - Had some 'Terminator' type music blaring all around the ride. Fireball just a great effect with the bass audio. Nice audio, lighting (sirens/wail on police truck, rotating lights on entrance columns.) This is a ride that draws all passerbyers in and makes you pay attention (sight and sound.) Comfort B- better than expected...but still a stand up coaster. The barrel rolls are somewhat hard on shoulders. Overall B+ - For a 'hand me down' coaster....SFA has done an amazing job. It's a lot of fun and the presentation/theming of the ride make this a must attraction at SFA. See my pics at bottom of this thread page - http://www.sfafans.com/showthread.php/6587-Six-Flags-America-adds-Apocalypse-Coaster-for-2012/page35

Theming for Apocalypse 'revealed'... http://content.sixflags.com/news/america/les-hudson?ic=I0138781B&gc=G00002813543D68&utm_source=park-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SFA&utm_content=2012-04-25 "This year’s new coaster at Six Flags America, Apocalypse, reflects the magic touch of Les and his team. “The theme needed to be edgy to match the intensity of the ride experience,” he says. To reinforce this theme, “radioactive” paint and several crashed planes, including one colliding with the 70-foot rock-face backdrop, are essential elements. In addition, fire explosions and mist fog create an apocalyptic landscape." Very excited SFA seems to be stepping up with high quality theming/park design for Apocalypse! Though a rumor is swirling the opening will be delayed a few weeks.

Just got back from our first visit to SFOG over Spring Break. Overall we really had a great time and enjoyed the park thoroughly. We were there Wed/Thurs April 4 & 5. Crowds were pretty manageable with longest wait 60 mins for Superman Wed afternoon and 45 or so on Dare Devil Dive and Goliath (Thurs even better as threat of rain/few sprinkles I think kept big crowds away.) Was nice to get early entry to a few rides for Season Pass holders (930 am hour before opening time.) On Thurs was able to ride Flume, Scorcher, Dare Devil Dive and Goliath a few times before the crowd arrived at 1030. Park is landscaped very nicely with great tree coverage and pathways. Attendants for the most part very courteous. I believe all rides were up and running except some of the water ones (skull island and splash water falls.) Canyon Blaster coaster was down some on Wed and a bit on Thurs (we were stuck on it about 5-10 mins waiting but attendant kept us posted and asked if we had any questions to comfort the riders. Maintenance help arrived quickly.) Very nice kids coaster but only gave us one lap around the track. Best rides were Goliath, Batman, Mindbender, Superman and my favorite was Dare Devil Dive. Monster Mansion unique and fun kids really liked it. Thunder River good and ending will soak you. Gotham City could use a makeover/repaint. Spanish/Bugs Bunny needs some more greenery/shade. Shame train at Whistlestop Park is now closed as a kids ride is need over in that area of the park. As for Cyclone, the new topper track is great. Unfortunately the rest of the ride (80%) is just awful. WAY too rough and jerky to be enjoyable. Didn't help that the attendants on this ride that evening (Thurs) were slow and inattentive. Only downer to an otherwise great trip. Congrats to SFOG staff for a well run theme park!

Thanks for the info regarding ERT. We are REALLY excited about our first visit to SFOG Wed/Thurs of next week!!!

Can you tell me more about 'early entry' for Season Pass holders next week during Spring Break? Apparently some coasters will be available for Season Pass holders at 930AM? Does this apply to any Season Pass holder regardless of their home park? TIA.