txmikey

HI all. I'll be at the park on Sunday for a few hours. First visit since 2010 and so of course I got questions. Are Sundays usually super busy right from opening or does it not get too bad until afternoon? Can gold pass holders enter the park 15 minutes early? I remember that used to be one of the pass perks. Also, how many coasters have single rider lines? Thanks to anyone who can help.

Thanks a bunch, gforce! I had wondered about Backdraft actually and whether it was worth the time (I do like fire!). Turns out my plans have changed and I will likely be at USH the early part of the day (skipping Knotts since I've been there previously and no Xcel), so I should be able to make it around to everything. Thanks again for all the pointers, they'll definitely come in handy.

Thanks, that's very helpful information! I assume the tram tour departs fairly often and you board it on the upper level?

Thanks very much for the suggestions, guys! Not having been to USH before, I was mainly concerned with how they operate the place, i.e., do they have show times and run rides right up until 6 p.m. closing or do they start tapering things off earlier. Doesn't help that they don't list any show times on their site. Sounds like 4 hours will be tight and I'll definitely need to prioritize.

Flashback was fun, but you definitely had to ride defensively to keep your head from getting knocked. Those curves and dives were wickedly awesome. The restraints came up too high and were the whole problem. With something that rested on your shoulders but stayed mostly below your neck, the ride would've been a hundred times more enjoyable. I feel the same way about B&M restraints on their stand-ups. Those monstrosities surrounding your head make otherwise great coasters like Mantis unpleasant to ride.

Hi guys! I'll be at SFMM on Saturday for WCB. On Friday though, I was thinking of trying to do both Knott's and USH in the same day and wondering if it was feasible (I've been to Knott's before, but not USH). My plan was to hit Knott's at opening, ride 5 of the coasters and Supreme Scream and exit by noon. Then HOPEFULLY arrive at USH by 2:00, and (with the "front of the line" pass) ride the studio tram tour, Simpsons, Mummy and Jurassic Park, as well as see Terminator 3-D, Backdraft and maybe the Waterworld show. The park closes at 6:00, hence why I think I'd need the FOTL ticket to do all that. I know it's rushed, but does that sound doable? Is 2 hours enough time to get from Knott's to USH on Friday mid-day? Does anyone know how often and late into the day the studio tram tour runs? I'd prefer to save one of these parks for Sunday, but I don't think my girlfriend (a non-experienced park hopper) will be able to handle another theme park after the LONG SFMM day. Thanks, Mike

I'm with you. I hate the thought of losing another woodie here in Texas when we have so few darn few as it is. I never found TG unbearable to ride although it certainly went downhill in recent years. I wonder how many people who only rode once chose a wheel seat. It's true on all wooden coasters, but on TG especially, sitting over a wheel was just asking for it. I always enjoyed the night ERTs on it at Lone Star Coasterthons, but admit it could be rather lackluster during the daytime. Honestly, I wish they'd just rebuild the original layout with Intamin pre-fab track. The ride in its prime was a masterpiece with one of the most wicked finales ever on a wooden coaster. I'm a little surprised they are trying out this track type for the first time on such a BIG coaster. I'm sure they've done their homework, but it's a bit of a risk and huge investment to attempt such a large prototype.

RCDB has changed their classification of TG from WOOD to STEEL. Also, ACE's web site has a brief front page article now declaring it a steel coaster and mentioning the shocked and disappointed reaction of the woodie fans in the enthusiast community. I'm looking forward to following the construction process and riding the new ride. But as a longtime Giant rider and fan (my unquestionable #1 for several years before it began wearing down from many dry and blistering Texas summers), I'm also a bit bummed that the park will be down to one true woodie. I'd have much rather they just leveled the ride, called Intamin and built the El Toro of the south than what they're doing. But like I said, I'm sure I'll still enjoy the new ride for what it is...if it's as spectacular (and smooth) as the hype. It'll be interesting to watch if SF sticks to their guns about the steepest WOODIE claim in the face of it so obviously losing that distinction. Mike

I can't wait to ride this later this year. From the video, that first big bunny hill looks like it'll give some of the best airtime on Earth.

If I could have one realistic wish for SFMM granted, it would be for them to transform Revolution back into a fun and comfortable ride. Lose the godawful and unnecessary OTSRs and let up on the brakes. Revolution still has the potential to be one of the best rides in the park and best terrain coasters around with just a minimal (and IMO, sensible) amount of tweaking. Mike

First time poster, but long time lurker. I'm interested in attending both days/events from Texas and haven't seen these questions asked yet. 1. If the Knotts event packet can be picked up Saturday at SFMM, is it still REQUIRED to arrive Sunday prior to 8 AM or can we be late arrivals for Knotts ERT? 2. How limited will this event be and how soon might it sell out? Thanks, Mike