Kevin Long
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Posts posted by Kevin Long
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Just visited SFFT this weekend, and thought I’d share my thoughts on two (possible, maybe?) future attractions that get discussed as potentials for SFSTL
Finally rode my first S & S 4D and LOVED it! Like a good Zipper ride, which is what I hoped it would be like. Just wish that it wasn’t so short, but yes please!
Also, Wonder Woman was really, really great. Again short ride, but WOW. I’m normally a back seat rider and this one didn’t disappoint. Two of the drops even made me see stars in the back. Just amazing.
So, if we were to ever get one of these two, I’d be quite happy.
Carry on...
we probably will get one of these at some point.... as soon as they become second hand and they can be shipped in. (Ala boomerang) just give it 6-7 years..
my two cents
Kevin
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^^^ that is awesome and at 50000 hours once installed they should last the life of the park nearly... only 7 watts too. here's hoping.....
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I've never had a problem with the lighting... but then again I've been going to this park my entire life and could probably get around blindfolded. They used to have a lot of Victorian lighting from back when they were experimenting with moving the theme of the park forward in time slightly. I think they are pretty conservative with lighting because they don't want to ruin the ambiance with harsh lighting or drown out the Christmas lights. I agree there's probably a better middle ground though.
I agree I would not like industrial lighting or anything that detracts, but there should be even a temp solution that would look good. maybe even kerosene type lamps retrofitted with LEDs - on the buildings.... it just a shame that you can't see the place in the dark when it is not christmas.
they need something
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I was at the park during moonlight madness and it is rather strange that there is very little theme lighting for the non christmas season in the park. I know this is due to the park closing most days and weeks before night actually falls, so a lot of lighting is not really needed. it is rather jarring though. It's like walking in a neighborhood at night where everyone has porch lights on. The buildings and signage are not really lit.
In comparison with other parks, it's virtually a near blackout situation. It's a shame because the park is so beautiful and would be even more so with lighting on more buildings and attractions and scenery. I am sure with a little trial and error SDC could come up with a period style of lighting that would look good yet not be too modern for the park.
my two cents
Kevin
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well other than being in St Louis for as long as it has, I am not sure what other draws they can push for the anniversary. Most local folks that want to go have season passes anyway (who could afford it otherwise). I think its middling level attendance is very stable and what would bring out new blood to the park? it would take a HUGE thing to bring folks from too far away that would not have come otherwise.
Kevin
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It's a small market park in a rust belt town. If you live in St. Louis and don't understand your city's status in this country, then the blame os squarely on you.
I completely agree. that's why all the yearly speculation of some new large-scale coaster being put in the park makes me smile.
kevin
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Anyone remember when Hersheypark was a similar park to SFSL? I had no idea they were up to 14 coasters already. And they get 15 in 2020
SFSL is the red-headed stepchild to the chain. ( no offense to red-heads or stepchildren)
SFSL is the last picked for the kickball game.
SFSL has been friend zoned by the chain.
probably all bad examples.....
but they do explain things a bit.
Kevin
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Does SDC do a pumpkin festival like DW as well?
not that I know of just the "cowboy and craft festival"
Kevin
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my feelings on alcohol in the park are mixed. I don't think there is a problem with a glass of beer with your BBQ or maybe some wine with your funnel cake. I feel it should be restricted to those two items (though in several varieties for you beer wine snobs). I think it should be in the restaurants only and not permitted free range. An amusement park is not a bar. If you really need to wander around with an alcoholic beverage to have a good time at the park; maybe the park sucks or you do.
wtf do I know I am just a crabby old bastard - my two cents..
Full disclosure
I am a former bartender and was a security/bouncer supervisor at a 24 hour nightclub for 5 years - I do not drink.
BP
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The bar looks great, but I'd be much happier if they spent the money on staffing the ones they've already got instead. What good are five bars if you only have one bartender working today?
I'm sort of confused as to why they didn't just convert one of the already existing bars, especially since the space this one is in won't be available next Fright Fest.
eh this is not a major build or reconstruct - a few tables, props, and portable bar - always better to fill an empty space even for an event than have a gaping hole with nothing. easier and cheaper than trying to remod an existing bar and then return it to normal use after the season. just pack it up and then put your new ride down.
easy peasy..
BP
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gotta be a better use of most everyone's time for $10.00 an hour. so look at the numbers.
ONE - 300 dollar prize
and even if everyone there completes this event the park is out absolutely only $300. and some prop coffins that in reality are virtually useless.
everything else is things that will cost the park nothing in reality.
a HELL of a lot of publicity for a measly 300 dollars. well played SF
now what it says about the state of the economy, that so many have time and desire to do this for virtually nothing, is a whole other discussion.
K
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Well, no show passes were for sale on the two most recent days I attended the park - Wed and Thurs this week. No reason was given; but I really did not search one out as the older couple trying to buy "Branson Belle" tickets took about 20 minutes to select their seats and buy their tickets, by that time I had lost my will to live.
It turns out the wait times for the shows were not too horrible. The weather was very warm, so no hot wassail for me. Got my cider from the apple butter shop as usual. One thing is for sure, it is definitely rider season at the park. I got down to Outlaw run about 10:45 am and the queue timer said 0 min wait I saw a train with 2 people on it and no one in line. I bet I saw no more than 150 people under the age of 45 all day long. Over 50 years old, I bet the ridership drops pretty quickly. The exception is the Train it was mostly full every trip I saw.
Good relaxing trip. Overall my 3 trips down to the park this year were very good. If you are going more than two days a year to the park the seasons pass is a true bargain. My six days at the park this year were only $17.72 per day. A pretty good deal.
Kevin
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Kev, I'm not trying to be argumentative, but every park I've been to has people carrying the same loads with no issues.
Are the entrance lines really that bad? I think people should maybe just try to get to SFSTL earlier. We waited about five minutes for a line that was about fifty people deep. There are also a lot more people quickly getting their passes processed this time of year.
oh, I am not either - its just a pet peeve of mine - if you want to throw your back out with a giant pack full of stuff be my guest. if you need to bring kids stuff to the park do so. I was just responding to a comment about security and standing in the heat and my suggestion for reducing those security-based wait times.
I breeze through security because I am unencumbered by a lot of things that need to be inspected. I put all my belongings( keys phone camera wallet) in a clear ziplock bag place it on the little plastic bin and glide right through: after the family of four with 2 strollers, a cooler, 2 backpacks and 2 fanny packs.
k
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or eliminate the ability to bring the literal dozens of pounds of crap I see people bringing into the park - backpacks full of stuff (wtf) if it doesn't fit in my pockets I don't need it. never understood that. I have seen strollers so jammed with junk, its like people are camping out.
K
I'm going to guess you've never had kids.
good guess but I can also tell there is a LOT of stuff that you 'MIght" need in a stroller. To me, they are just used as a wheeled vehicle to carry all your crap around.
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I have never understood the horrible waste of water that is the giant hose.
Still don't like the castrated Boss, but then I've never had an issue with roughness or pain; just have to battle some motion sickness. Batman is one of the worst rides in the park for me on that issue. (Other than spinny things like Fling or Excalibur, don't even try those anymore) Usually have to wear a patch to ride that one!
Based on my observations of entrance procedures at many other parks; I think it would be much more efficient if they had a bag checker assigned to each metal detector instead of the separate table and/or they just need more people at rush times.
or eliminate the ability to bring the literal dozens of pounds of crap I see people bringing into the park - backpacks full of stuff (wtf) if it doesn't fit in my pockets I don't need it. never understood that. I have seen strollers so jammed with junk, its like people are camping out.
K
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^Can someone explain why in the Hell the park has a giant spraying hose at the entrance? Is this really the best solution to cool off visitors? It creates about a 100 feet of no-man's land where you have to walk slow and be careful not to water log your shoes as you make your way to the make shift 'temporary' security checkpoint..
I agree with this statement - I guess if I was on fire or something a spray would be helpful and I realize the thought is the mist cools the air - but wouldn't a few large industrial fans do as good a job without making you uncomfortably wet - or here's an Idea. Redesign the "temporary" security area to make it faster and more efficient then you won't have 100's of people standing in the sun for a long time - same with the toll plaza - I could not believe how long it takes just to get into the park.
K
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Thanks ---- Can't seem to find the show passes online - I hope I can get them day of somewhere or maybe they will be online in a few days.
I didn't know they sold them online tbh. Just past the ticket booths, on your right across from the stroller rental is the Show Lover's Pass desk.
thanks, they usually have them as an add-on you can buy online - but it might be too early to set it up for the shows just yet. thanks for the tip I appreciate it.
K
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^ Trying to remember but I don't think they have cider at Christmas. I know there's hot chocolate and wassail.
^^ SDC is just the best in the Midwest at theming. I never realized how good they are until I started going to other parks and could see the difference. I hate to be "that guy" who thinks his local park is the best, but I think you could objectively make a case for it.
well, it is one of the few parks (SDC and DOLLYWOOD) around that is still themed in a consistent manner. by that I mean everything is themed for the entire park and genre of park. Most others that are non-Disney/universal have gone to IP theming per ride but nothing that is about the park itself.
SFSL used to be themed to the "6" flag theme and had areas representing the six flags the park was based on including appropriate music and foods based on the areas ... now it might as well be called DC comics Land.
I think there is a not so subtle line between "amusement park" and "Theme Park"
my two cents
K
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Ok, then I get it. They really go nuts on Christmas, so if that isn't your thing, you wouldn't enjoy it. Have some wassail while you're there. It's by the Lost River. Always one of the best things about the Christmas festival, so excited they're bringing it out early this year.
I do like some cider, especially there. in my youth they sold it at a stand like other soda's etc. Now you can only buy it by the bottle at the apple butter shack or in wine type bottles in the general store or gift shop on the way out...
K
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Yes, Show Lovers Pass is available.
I'm with you on avoiding Young Christians Weekend and Southern Gospel Picnic, but what do you have against Old Time Christmas? That's one of the best Christmas events anywhere.
Thanks ---- Can't seem to find the show passes online - I hope I can get them day of somewhere or maybe they will be online in a few days.
well on a personal note I despise christmas so there is that.
I have heard/read of numerous HORROR stories of traffic and crowds at christmas there so for me it's a hard pass.
this will be my last visit down there this year.
K
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I am going down to the park next week for a couple days and I can't wait. Best season pass investment I have ever made. I can squeeze in a trip every few months and depending on gas prices do an entire 2-3 day trip to the park for under $300.00 all in. I think fall is my favorite time of year there. I highly recommend any of the festivals, except the religious ones and christmas.
Are show passes available for this festival? does anyone know?
K
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^ I wouldn't link to Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits's videos on here if I were you.
His videos are awful anyway. Here is a much better one provided by the park.
I always thought they took out the better of the two sides on the mine train.
k
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SFStL needs to invest in landscaping, paint and fixing the rides they already have. Baby steps. Today the park looks like a Mall headed for foreclosure.
amen brother --
Six Flags St. Louis (SFStL) Discussion Thread
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Posted · Edited by Kevin Long
forgot quote
in regards to the TURKEY LEG INCIDENT -
I Worked in the park in the early 80's for 4 years - never once saw anything like this - And this is the reason I will not attend a park that is within 20 mi of my house. Too old and crotchety to put up with what amounts to a huge babysitting/child drop off center. SfSL is barely a "family" park anymore. Get a better experience finding a parking lot Fair and riding the "wacky worm"
Disregard me - I am falling out of this demographic - sorry.
BP