BeachKidBoy

I've never used priceline near SFMM (but have near Disneyland probably 50 times and near Knott's a few times). Whenever I'm trying to priceline a new area I check biddingfortravel.com ... but there really aren't a LOT of hotels near SFMM, and only a couple within walking distance. Good luck. I have used them and seem to always end up with the Best Western for about $55 - $60. My friend and travel partner has gotten the HGI and Hyatt before for about $65 or so.

Just like Robb said in his post, all the budget motels are about the same. I stayed at the Rodeway for Halloween Haunt and when you're worn out from the park all you really need/want is a bed to crash in. Plus, most all are within easy walking distance.

I think this comment you made speaks volumes into part of what we are talking about. If the park had a good selection of reasonably priced (for a park, at least) places to eat, people wouldn't have to leave the park to eat. The last time I was there, lunch cost me around $45 for me and my two sons, and that was just personal pizzas and sodas. Way too much! I'm not so opposed to the price of food as I am the selection, I expect amusement park pricing for food. I can't be at a park with a grease ball or dairy in my stomach and I don't find much at Six Flags that I like to eat, but I know that going in and plan accordingly, not a big deal to me really. This ... when you go to a theme park, or a ball game or a concert, paying a premium for food should be something you are prepared for, and it shouldn't surprise you. It's always been that way. The ONLY time I ever leave the park to eat is when there is nothing at the park that I want to eat, and this is why the only time I generally eat at SFMM is during WCB. Most other times I'm simply not at the park long enough to justify eating there. Simply put, SFMM has ZERO options for people wanting to watch what they eat, or who don't want a burger or pizza. I've heard the Sushi isn't bad, but I still can't bring myself to eat sushi at a theme park (except for EPCOT). WARNING: This is related to the above 'food' issue but involves SFGA and ACE. Yesterday on a Food Network Show "Dinner:Impossible" a chef had nine hours to prepare various food items for 250 coaster enthusiasts (an ACE event) by using only foods available in the park. He did a really good job although he cheated a bit. Maybe Robb could devise something like this for WCB? Go to Foodnetwork.com and click in 'Dinner Impossible' for Amusement Park Food to see the show.

Well Eric, and you know me, I meant it as a casual response. Like the next post, I almost always bring a cooler with Subway, etc... I just meant there are ways to bring some food with you, get a hand-stamp, and enjoy if you don't want the park food and prices.

Atleast you got the order right... 3 more coasters, then flat rides. Yes, I am driving a brutal 1.62 miles to a shopping center on The Old Road. While it isn't a far drive, it does take some time to leave the park, find the car, go to Subway or Panda Express, and come back and do it all over again, but it's worth it. That was one sentence? Anyways, you don't see the problem right there... I gladly eat at Universal Studios, Disneyland, and SeaWorld because they don't have that problem! They charge maybe a hint more, but at least the food retains some quality! P.S. I don't care what Knott's does to improve food, I will never eat there as long as Chili's, Portillo's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Claim Jumper, Outback Steakhouse, and even McDonald's and Carl's Jr. are so close! Just eat where you want! Here in SoCal whether you're at SFMM, KBF, Disney Parks, or USH; Eat in the park or there are a multitude of places outside where you can eat and simply re-enter. If you want to complain about in-house food and prices, simply eat-out. You get parking re-entry.

A Boy and His Dog themed rollercoaster anyone? Really funny, odd/crazy post-war world movie from the 60's with doc Johnson or don Johnson. Actually that film seems more of a better fit than what they did.

Its like when Tatsu was coming to the park. When word started circulating that the park was going to build the world's tallest and fastest flying coaster. I had literally had no idea where they were going to put it. There was a documentary a few years ago either on Discovery or History channel which chronicals the building and engineering of Tatsu.

In my original post I was referring to the old Swiss Twist, which I think they changed the name to Sierra Twist, before they removed it years ago, and that was the vacant spot I was referring to, not Sierra Falls.

And they still have the empty area where the Swiss Twist used to be. Perfect for a flat-ride. Circus Wheel anyone?, or Frisbee?

Especially when KBF with the no-readmittance policy for Haunt forces you into buying $10 beer. I got suckered into a $17 beer since I got the collectable cup with the lights.

Go to the park's or coke's website.

I attended this event Friday by myself and had a great time. Although the park was open to us during the GP times of 10:30 -6pm, and then our private party from 6-midnight I didn't get there till 2pm. I was most surprised at how empty the park was even with the GP here. I instantly went to X2 and it had maybe a 30 minute line, same with Tatsu so I bypassed them to check out everything else. Much to my surprise everything was basically a walk-on. Maybe a 5-10 minute wait if you wanted the front row. Every coaster I rode, even during the GP operating hours I never had to leave, sometimes switching to another row, but every ride I did at least twice in a row. After passing up X2 and Tatsu I went to Viper and did two rides, and worked my way around the park. On Scream I rode once, moved to another row to ride again, and then the ops just let us go again. After that I was supposed to meet someone at 4pm, he never showed, so I went to Terminator, again, and met a guy, got to talking with him and he was asking me about Tatsu and other rides, he had not been here for 15 or so years, just like me two years ago. I instantly said I have to take you on Tatsu. I explained the concept of the ride to him and he seemed excited. When we were in the queue and he saw the seats tip forward he was almost agahst (sp?) but he loved every minute of it. After that we went on Riddler & Batman and at that point he had enough of inversions and twisting coasters so I took him on Goliath. I told him it's a long lift but after you reach the top you can see the eventual destination, which looks like a pinhole, but you really cannot see the track you're going down; and if you blink your eye we'll already be through the tunnel, up the next hill, on the turn, and ready for the next drop. He was prepped but I told him the true thrill is the 'helix of death' near the end. He loved it. And yes we were in the front row! I said for a first-timer, you have to see it from the front row. After that we parted and went about our seperate ways. I was wearing my Club TPR shirt the entire time and the only reference I received was from a ride op on I believe Colossus. I had posted on the AAA Night thread for all of us TPR's to get together but no one seemed to respond. All in all it was a great day/night.

I second your opinion. Especially doing it on a weekday when school's are still in session. Brilliant.

No TPR group I'm aware of ever did. From this posting site there seemed to be al least 20 of us going and a bunch of people including myself wanted to get together but no one ever commited to a place, time, etc... I wore my Club TPR shirt but the sole comment I received was from a ride op who is also a member. Hello there, I think it was me who you met. Cool, were you on Colossus? or do I have the wrong ride?

No TPR group I'm aware of ever did. From this posting site there seemed to be al least 20 of us going and a bunch of people including myself wanted to get together but no one ever commited to a place, time, etc... I wore my Club TPR shirt but the sole comment I received was from a ride op who is also a member.

Thanks Elissa, it was an incredible day, maybe the stars alligned. I know what you mean by major attendance/think busy Saturday. I stayed at the Best Western, next to I5, and as I walked out to have a morning smoke and coffee I must have counted 25 busses in a ten minute span all heading to the, already packed with cars, MMPkwy.

To suave1226, How did you get free parking? I was charged the standard $15. Overall I agree with your post, along with mine of course. During the day with the GP there was no one there, and during the night AAA event, even less. I actually left early since I had ridden everything multiple times. Even on Scream we got re-rides without even asking. I also second your statement that Mr. Six's Dance Coaster still resembles a pile of dirt. I thought it was supposed top open in a week. Also a question for you, did the audio on Terminator work when you were on it? I rode it five times and never with audio. Also the fire on X2 seemed to be sporadic.

I got sprayed by them yesterday. It didn't smell bad at all but all of a sudden I smell like I just put on cologne at 4:30pm.

I have never seen the park as empty as it was yesterday. During the public hours most rides were a walk-on, except X2 and Tatsu. Some had no line at all. During the private event even X2 and Tatsu were walk-ons. You could ride anything you wanted, not just the coasters, with never getting off.

It seems like no one wanted to plan a time/place to meet up. I'll be at the Best Western Valencia Thursday afternoon on. Or maybe I'll see you at the park; I'll in jeans and a CLub TPR t-shirt.

Yeah as long as you have your ticket you are good to go. There will be wristbands you'll be issued in the morning as you enter. That is your 'pass' for the private party. Just like Chris also responded regarding the WCB.

I don't think a flash pass is needed. The park will be open to us from 10:30am and then exclusively from 6pm to midnight. I bought a buddy a ticket who also is not a AAA member. I was told by SFMM only the ticket buyer has to be a member but anyone with a ticket in their name can attend. If you're buying a ticket on-site you'll have to be with a 'card-carrying member' but in advance online you can get one.

I'm going to be there. Coming up Thursday afternoon and leaving Saturday morning. Staying at the Best Western. Wish all of us TPR's could hook-up for dinner or something.

Crazy4Coasters. StricklandCC, EBL, fatdaddy, scooterdoug, socalMan123, Sir Clinksalot, fpsphil, creditcrazy, Chrisrad, Reon, darklingscribe, Knottslover77, and any others: Let's get together either in the morning or later on for dinner or something and make this an unofficial TPR mini-WCB. Hopefully Robb and Elissa won't be offended. P.S.: EBL Eric, if you have time problems with transportation I will be staying right there in Valencia Thursday and Friday nights and you can crash with me if that helps.

I could maybe help you out but I'm going up Thursday afternoon and coming back Saturday morning. Plus I am in Long Beach.