SLY

Just realized that Sunday, April 12th (Easter) is open for Season Passholders only. I assume this is good if you have any SF 2009 pass. Has anyone ever been to one of those? Can't be too crowded.

I considered Spring Break. Lots of schools here in PA already had it though. How crowded is the park generally on Fridays in April? I was looking at perhaps the 10th. Would I need to get there at rope drop, or could I get there in the afternoon? I've had rather good luck (knock on wood) with SF parks early in the Season in the past. I got through SFDK this year on opening day and rode all 8 coasters in 1 hour 5 minutes.

Does anyone know why SFGAd is open during the week of April 13th-17th? Their event calendar doesn't show anything, and then they go back to weekends only for the four weeks following. I was thinking of going over for a weekday trip to avoid the crowds early in the Season, but don't want to walk into some school group events.

Perfect example, Robb. Already planning that one for their second opening weekend this year.

Then just stay off Mind Eraser

Never been, but it wouldn't be one of those I would have been terribly concerned with, considering their ongoing expansion. Plan to. Really curious if Cliff Hanger will be one of those I "just missed" or not. Thanks. These are the types of gems I would miss. I think that the small, local family park is such a special place. I plan to visit the Northwest, although in November. Don't think I'll be doing much riding. Maybe I can find a weekend to get there though. That's my plan with this thread. Just curious if anyone out there might know something that would influence my travel plans.

I'm sure everyone has been through this many times...you miss that "one park" you always wanted to visit. Every year, in addition to attending several group outings and such, I usually plan a weeklong + roadtrip to hit several parks. I especially enjoy the small family parks, classic wooden coasters, and anywhere the crowds are small! It never fails that I pick the wrong trip each year, and somehow the following season something I wanted to see doesn't reopen. None of us are probably any better than others at predicting a park's demise, but we do have some knowledge. Between industry insiders, ride ops, and frequent park visitors, what parks do you think are in trouble for 2009? I started thinking last week of parks I should try to visit this Season just in case there isn't another. If Hard Rock opens, I'll do my best to get there, and probably take in Ghost Town before it's too late as well. Here's to hoping Conneaut gets up and running full steam and Blue Streak rides again. I saw that the Fun Spot won't be up for 09, which is another sad loss (and miss!). I seem to always miss rides by just one Season (Bell's Zingo, Williams Grove Cyclone!) For obvious reasons, I always fear I'll miss Cannonball Run at Gulf Shores and am thankful Kemah survived so I have another try! What parks do you consider in danger, and what would you make a high priority in our economically challenged 2009? (I already have 22 new credits so far in 2009, but I'm greedy!!! )

Kong is better than Mind Eraser at SFA (I agree their Mind Eraser is the worst SLC I've ridden), but wasn't something I have alot of interest to reride. You need to be excited about riding Roar.

Charles and all; Just wanted to follow up. Had a great morning at SCBB and then drove up to SFDK (by way of the Oakland Zoo and Pixieland). As I was getting to DK around 3:30, I was worried how much actual ride time I would get. I was so impressed with the park! Every ride operating on opening day, and multiple trains running!!! There was NO ONE there. I was able to get on all 8 coasters in 1 hour and 5 minutes. This included time to get all the way around to the Boomerang and steal a kid for the Express. Went back for rerides (walkons) on V2, Medusa, and Roar. Thanks for all the advice and your help here. It made for an awesome day. I love walkons!!!

Noob, Thanks for such a warm welcome I hope the weather will be the same! I didn't even realize it will be opening day. I wasn't paying much attention to the calendar. I was just at SFMM last weekend and just assumed you were open as well. With it being opening day, what would you suggest I do to avoid as many lines as possible? Thanks!

I have been to San Francisco several years ago and done several touristy things. I have not, however, done any NorCal coasters. Hoping to get some credits on this trip. I appreciate the replies. I'm hoping to work out the Saturday Santa Cruz --> DK trip and get everything done in one day. Any others I need to hit? I will be driving to Lake Tahoe the next day.

Thanks for your reply! I have to stay up near Sacramento that evening and will be starting near San Jose. I had hoped to do several parks but just the timing of my trip at this time of year won't allow. (Gilroy is closed, Great America is closed, and I just missed Nut Tree!) If I start at 11AM at San Jose and get done before 12, drive up to SFDK and am riding before 2, I just want to be sure I can get everything in before 7PM closing. I assume this is the best way for me to accomplish both parks. Is there anything else I should try to hit up in Northern California? Never been before.

I did a search here but couldn't find a dedicated SFDK thread. Could someone give me some idea on how the crowds will be at SFDK in late February? I am planning a trip to Northern California at the end of February and beginning of March and want to get to Santa Cruz and Six Flags for sure. It appears that the only day to do both is February 28th because SF is closed March 1st for a private function. With this being the only operating day that week, would lines be affected? I guess I will have to start my day early at Santa Cruz and drive to DK for the afternoon in order to get it all done. Will this be possible? Is there anything else I shouldn't miss? I planned on Vacaville but I guess that's out now. Thanks!