bert425

I care about the Cheese on a Stick ! (tho I have heard that over the past several years, Totem Treats wasn't always reliably open). as to those who were unimpressed with Cesari's ? All I can say is that you must have had the Deep Dish version. (and I have to give Credit to Robb. . who, when he saw that I was getting a slice of Deep Dish, told me that I really need to get a "regular" slice too. . . wow, what a difference. The deep dish is really very average, but the original/regular slice? really amazing pizza. . not just for a theme park, but in general). I hope the place that replaces Cesari's uses the same recipes. ..I mean, if they are retiring? might as well pass on the recipes to the new place!

Since Gerstlauer didn't do the adjustments to the seat, I'm guessing they will immediately be removed from the Suit by the courts. I'd also guess that Funtime Handels will be in a similar situation. . . . unless there's some info showing they were involved in the adjustments (ie: okayed them, or suggested them, or something). we'll all just have to wait and see how this shakes out, but I strongly suspect that Icon Park is gonna be the only defendant on the hook here.

today is my Birthday and it capped off 3 days of eating terrible, and not exercising. so NOT gonna weigh myself for a week and hope can get back on plan tomorrow!

honest answer? absolutely not. it's a hell of a drive filled with construction.. for a park that has been having major issues with ride reliability, and crappy hours. if you were going to be in Dallas/Ft. Worth for something else? then yeah.. maybe. but since you're going to be in San Antonio? Daytrip MUCH better spent doing the 45 minute drive to Seguin for ZDTs (and the amazing wooden switchback coaster), going to the Alamo, the San Antonio Zoo. . .or many other options in the area. You said you won't do SeaWorld, but SWSA does have 4 coasters, 2 water rides, and 3 flats - including the worlds tallest/fastest Screaming Swing. it's really good.

^ rumors I heard here in the Texas groups is that they blocked it off (along with that path that cut thru to Runaway Mountain, that makes Rodeo SBNO behind the fences) purely for staffing reasons. tho the pathway blockade, also results in funneling more folks thru the other way to Runaway Mountain that contains multiple restaurants. . so that one was likely more to drive sales at the food places. . and added bonus is they don't have to staff/operate Rodeo

^ um. . SFFT is a year round park. so yeah. .there isn't really a "season" to "take off" . . . SFFT goes daily ops in late May (and that's when Whitewater Bay waterpark section opens daily too). tho as I noted earlier, 4th of July week will be packed regardless.

Expect it to be hot, and crowded (holiday weekend, Summer in Texas). if you're asking if it's worth it for the "Summer Pass" at $69? well. .that's up to you, but I say *NO* because it doesn't include parking (which is ~$30 each time). Personally, I have the level of pass that's good at Multiple SF parks, as it tends to include parking as well . SFFT is one of the best parks in the SF chain. Since you're there over several days in SA tho? I'd absolutely just spend the $89 and get the Thrill Seeker Pass. it includes free parking, and would make your entrance ticket just $59 (since you're saving parking). . . it also include entry to Hurricane Harbor/Splashtown outside of Houston. .if you wanna daytrip for a waterpark (besides the free waterpark that's included as part of Fiesta Texas, which is pretty good anyways). or actually.. if you ARE interested in Hurricane Harbor? I'd go there FIRST, and get the pass for $25 cheaper (as that includes the free parking and unlimited access to Hurricane Harbor & SFFT): so I'd either go with one of the above? or perhaps a "GoCity" pass . . so you can do multiple attractions. . since San Antonio also has a pretty good SeaWorld, and lots of other attractions. but yeah.. you're gonna wanna go to SFFT multiple times during your visit. It's THAT great of a park.

the park's closed today for a private event. so unless someone at that event posts that it's running? We won't really know anything until 4/29 (Friday). . as that's when the park is back open to the public for a standard operating day.

trying not to get discouraged. . as the weight comes off SO much slower than it goes on. which is SO damn unfair. as of this morning, I came in at 196.4 so down in total ~18lbs. . . which is annoying because two weeks ago, I was 197.6. So really? only 1lb in two weeks. I know, I know. . it's still a loss, and it's NOT a gain, I should be happy. But c'mon. . ONE pound? sheesh.

^ It's not back open yet. hoping it's open for Coasterstock.

I just ignored it, John . . . since the poster clearly has not idea what they are talking about.

^ My hubby is an older gay man. . he has NO idea what a woman's orgasm looks like. which is why I (and all the folks I was with) found it so hysterical that he responded to my Text message of the pic with the response "the woman behind you looks like she's having an orgasm" and no, he didn't realize Paige is my friend and whom I was hanging out with. . . LOL

HAHAHA. . well.. you just have to read the SWSA trip report first

^ not MY face. . . that was Paige he thought was experiencing that

Great White at SWSA a week ago Sunday for it's 25th Birthday. (although. . .. I think I may have ridden Wave Breaker just after? so maybe Wave Breaker)?

Updated in their Respective Threads. . Trip reports from: Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Fiesta Fest - Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger train reveal and lots of pics of the complete coaster circuit: & SeaWorld San Antonio: The Great White's 25th Birthday Bash, and Seven Seas Food Festival:

Life gets in the way so took me over a week. .but here's my TR from Fiesta Fest at SFFT on 4/9/22 FiestaFest is an event put on by American Coaster Enthusiasts, but ACE also invited those in the Thrill Seekers United (Texas based group) to participate as well if they wanted to. SFFT goes all out for events like this, and I try to attend when I can- and it's great to see all my friends from TSU (and ACE as well). here are LOTS of pics: best thing about these events, is that the check in is usually well before the park opens. . so even tho there were other events going on today (a cheer competition, and a car show in the parking lot). . still ended up with really up close parking. right next to the Valet parking (which - shocking to me- some people later in the day DID use, at $70 a spot!). Guess that's why Six Flags is doing that now. Got checked in and met up with my friend Sean (a local Austinite whom I often drive up to San Antonio for TSU events with) once we were all checked in (think the total count was ~125 people if not mistaken), we were brought into the park, and past rope drop area where Jorge gave us a welcoming to Fiesta Fest, and explained the agenda for the day (and how our badges would act as Flash Pass - yay!! that was super unexpected, and super appreciated!). .and then they brought our group back to Wonder Woman where tho we didn't have ERT, we did have 1st rides of the day on it before the park officially opened. Here's Jeff (not Jeffrey Siebert, who'd we see later, but the other Jeff in Promotions), who also "managed' our group today, and was telling us about the up close tour we'd be getting of Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger Coaster in about an hour. . they had just finished putting in the last piece of track the day before and it was now a full circuit! skipping past Wondy rides, and the other assorted stuff to about an hour later, and here's Jorge leading us back into the construction area, and giving us the stats and directions about being careful where we step and where we could and could not go. the construction guys were working on the lift hill, and stopped to wave hello to us. yeah. .we were gonna get really close! see? either a paint test for the Patina. . . or Dr. Diabolical has already started her experiments on unsuspecting workers! the transfer bay to work on the coasters, and the work that had already started on the Station (all that wood, and foundation work on the right) this is truly looking impressive as hell in person! and it just LOOMS over the biggest outdoor stage at the park. the great lawn, where we'd be later to watch the 30th Fireworks/cliff show. YEAH!!!! since the Train is not operating right now during construction, we were able to walk along the track to get some unique views of the new coaster LOVE this rare picture. . and have to thank Chris from SFFT for taking this pic of me. really love it. but here's the main reason we went up the tracks. . to see the Golden Bolt - the last piece input to complete the circuit. This will be visible from the Queue line if you know where to look for it. . . really cool. Unique views from the train tracks: after the tour, we were free to enjoy the park until 5 pm, when it was time for a performance of Rockin at Rockville High - one of the classic shows the park has brought back for it's 30th Anniversary. even tho we had ERT on it after park close, we also had Flash Pass, so we headed right over to Iron Rattler. I really like how they have added Single Rider lines, in addition to Flash Pass lines to several of the Big coasters now. then we tempted fate and got in line for DareDevil Dive. I've actually only once before gotten in line ,and ridden it without having to wait out a shutdown and maintenance having to come reset. but the universe was on our side today, and we not only - using Flash Pass - got up to the station pretty quickly, but we actually got on it and got a ride with no breakdown! since we hadn't really eaten yet today (tho I think that there were perhaps cookies handed out in the morning. . can't recall. . LOL). . but it turned out that SFFT is doing a 30th Anniversary Food festival too, and added bonus to our event were some food/drink coupons to the special booths (most of the food is also avail as a "snack" on meal plan, so I recommend trying them out. Of course, I headed here - and ended up convincing everyone I was hanging with to try the Armadillo Egg. . OMG . .it was so good. nearby at the Pour Haus festival pop up, I got the 30th. . . wow, this thing is kinda scary, in that it tastes like a wonderful fruit punch. . .but man does it sneak up on you! Recommended and of course, we can't go into Sangerfest Halle without stopping to grab a pic with Sweet Connie. I love the renovations in here, and I'm not sure that Jeffrey Siebert really knows just how much I appreciate that they "saved" Sweet Connie when they re-did everything. Yes, I've told him multiple times how much I appreciate it, but not sure he "gets" how wonderful I think it is that she exists in this park. She's an ICON. .LOL me, Paige, Conne, Sean, and Juan (my "hang out crew" for most of the day) it had gotten hot, and the water rides were pulling huge lines . . so we took advantage of the Flash Pass to ride both Gully Washer (the waterfall was on, and we got soaked. . so no pics, because phone was put away), and also Bug's Whitewater Rapids. . . I did not feel guilty at ALL bypassing this massive hour + line. Sam and Dragon at the Flash Pass entrance! Sean didn't want to get wet, so he took this pic of us as we left the station: and yes, we got a bit wet - much of it from that darn spitting dragon, that TRACKS the log, and gets everyone soaked! around this time, I left the park for 30 minutes to run across the freeway and check into my hotel (had to do it in person to make sure everything went smoothly since i had a free night I was using to make up for a major S#!tshow the last time i stayed there). . worked out well, and had a nice stay this time. Soon enough was back in the park. . and stumbled across a Sylvester and Tweety photo op. Yes please! since all we'd eaten was that Armadillo Egg, and was feeling the 2nd drink.. we headed into the Sangerfest Halle to grab a light lunch as we knew we had dinner at 7. the area is looking so nice. . hard to believe it's a Six Flags, but SFFT really is a jewel in the chain. my "snack" - Brisket stuffed Baked Potato. Yum and the entertainment is back in the Halle too! German themed band. .but for the life of me, I dunno why they played "Sweet Caroline". . tho we all sang along to the "BA DUMP BUM BUM" parts. we can't be in Sangerfest and not ride the Carousel right next door tho. unfortunately, they were running it with no music, and when I queried why no music? I was told that it had broken (I responded "what? they just refurbed this within the past couple of years!". . . so we sang "Sweet Caroline" while riding and here's the infamous pic that my Spouse thought looked like an Orgasm . . . . LOL we headed to the Boardwalk next - letting the food settle - and took a spin on Pirates (where my glow in the dark boots really live up to the promise) I do not like Disk-O's. . so I rode "bench" while Sean, Juan, and Paige rode Hurricane Force 5 after it was time for our special seating at Rockville High. the show was great, and even tho they have made some changes to it? well worth seeing (and bonus: indoors/air conditioned, with cushioned benches!). the whole cast is great, and all the female leads have really strong and great voices. after the show, everyone there for Fiesta Fest got to go up on the stage, and they took a group picture of us. (pic from ACE) The show is not as long as it used to be, but it's still a good 30 minute show. . so after it was over, we made our way over to the Picnic Grove for dinner. oh, before the show, we had seen Park President Jeffrey Siebert and said hello to him. When he asked how my day had been, I mentioned my surprise that the Carousel music had broken already and wasn't working anymore. He made a confused face and got on his radio immediately, and made a call. And as we passed the Carousel on the way to the Picnic Grove? yeah, the Carousel music was playing loud and clear. That's why he's such a great Park President. this is me "not too hungry". .but I had a really decent Pulled Pork Sandwich, a spicy hot link (so good!), and potato salad. after some speeches and door prizes were handed out, we were interrupted by Dr. Diabolical's assistant who crashed our dinner, to announce that we didn't NEED the Doctor. She was able to create the anti-aging formula on her own, and if we followed her she'd perform the procedure on us. who could say no to that sweet face? she led us back to the lab, and as she was getting ready to bring us in? Uh oh. . .she looks pissed. but since we were at the lab already, and had shown her respect? why not? after this wonderful train reveal, we headed back into the park for another hour or so until it was time for the evening fireworks. this park looks so good at night, and in particular the new paint on Poltergeist looks so great at night. the skyline forever changed (from the Poltergeist porch) ooo.. we got reserved seating for the fireworks/cliff show. with chairs even! I've not ever actually seen the fireworks here, as they take place so late, and I always have to drive back to Austin. But since was staying across the street this time and was closing out the park? I was excited to see them. really impressive the projections, lasers, and animation they show on the cliffside wall - they turn off the waterfalls for this. dancing fountains and FIRE !!!! a great fireworks show. .with some gigantic fireworks.. some of the biggest I've seen. and so close to us. and then it was time for Iron Rattler ERT. (but on the way over, Jeff, Jorge, & Chris brought out a mobile Ice Cream cart and handed out frozen Snickers, Twix, and all kinds of ice cream treats for us to enjoy, while the park finished draining the general line (~20 minutes). most of the FiestaFest folks stayed for at least the 1st ride on Iron Rattler. . but even then, not too much of a wait: but by 20 minutes in, the ERT crowd dropped to only ~30 people.. so got multiple night rides on Iron Rattler. including the front row (which I rarely do, since this is a back row coaster, and front row always has longest line anyways). But too fun. soon enough tho..it was time to call it a night, as I was exhausted (having been up since 6am to leave Austin. . and it was closing in on 11). and I had to be at SeaWorld San Antonio at 9am the next morning for Great White's Birthday. so we slowly made our way towards the front gate - taking the opportunity to snap a pic with the 30th Anniversary statue in the front plaza (rare to get without so many people around). the back side of it: all in all, a fantastic day at a fantastic park. (and we rode a lot more that I didn't take pics of. . but we got a lot of riding in and enjoyed the event). hope you liked the pics shared.

in all seriousness, I've raised that point several times with President Siebert, and have been assured that these are the "newer, softer comfort collars". .and "will not impact airtime on that final airtime hill" I'll believe it when I experience it, but trying to keep an open mind. (the vest restraints on Batman are super snug, and truly *suck*. . but I dont' mind those, as you really do want to be locked in tightly on an S&S freespin).

you're missing the point that the 7 across was NOT an option. SFFT requested the 7 across seating to utilize the smaller track. so yes, that's the answer: Cost/Space Savings to use the smaller existing track, and bragging rights to have the 1st 7across train (with centerline seat - a first for a dive coaster), created for SFFT.

it was done because of two things: 1) Cost - with 7 across, they can utilize the existing "smaller" track. . they didn't need to go with the bigger/wider track to support 8 across, and didnt' have to pay for the bigger track which would result in a bigger footprint (that the park really doesn't have). & 2) bragging rights - it was realized they could keep the smaller track, but add an extra seat to not only help with capacity, but also to give a "centerline seat". . something never done before on a dive coaster. So a rider can be centered directly above the track while riding. Something that SFFT has already been using in promotion of the coaster. So it kept costs down, allowed it to be fit into existing space available, and it gives them bragging rights for a 1st of it's kind drop *and* train design for a dive coaster.

my favorite Cirque show . . . love this soundtrack. have fun, and happy Anniversary!

So this past Sunday, I made it back to SeaWorld San Antonio to help celebrate the 25th Birthday of the Great White roller coaster - and to try out the Seven Seas Food Festival booths I missed out on the last time. Ray Gonzales (who's a member right here on the TPR forums, in addition to being one of the Marketing Guys for SWSA), Chuck and all the SW folks did a *fantastic* job, turning this into an event by inviting anyone with ACE or Thrill Seekers United (a Texas based group on FB) to sign up for the "party" and it included early entry into the park with ERT on both Tidal Surge and Texas Stingray for an hour before heading up to Great White for the Birthday Party as well as some ERT for 30 minutes as the park opened to the General Public. here I am with some friends from TSU & ACE arriving at SeaWorld and sending a pic home to my Spouse to let him know I arrived. to explain the pic - the day before I had sent home a picture of myself on the Carousel at SFFT, and had caught my friend Paige on the horse next to me in the pic. my Spouse replied almost immediately, "LOL that woman next to you looks like she's having an orgasm" of course, I showed the text to Paige, and to several friends and we laughed hysterically at it. (hey, give him a break, he's an older gay man - he has no idea what a woman's orgasm looks like!). So when I sent home the below pic, of COURSE the text said: "Just here at SWSA having Orgasms" (ain't I a stinker ? :P) Soon enough we were in the gates, and being walked back to Tidal Surge & Texas Stingray for morning ERT. ooo. . Tidal Surge now has a *gorgeous* sign up out front. and it's running brilliantly. I highly recommend the seats facing outwards towards the lagoon for your 1st ride. after a couple of rides, I made my way over to Texas Stingray - stopping to admire the Turtles 1st. TSU members "the Quirky Coaster Couple" had made Birthday Hats fro Great White, and several of us wore them. here's Erica, Ray G. and Myself, in our party hats, after a ride on Texas Stingray. after ERT was done, we headed over to Great White as a group, and Ray gave a short speech about the Birthday. I did not know that Great White was the FIRST Rollercoaster ever built at a SeaWorld park! So not only was it 25 years old on Sunday, but it's the Granddaddy of all the SW coasters! Unlike a regular Birthday party, the attendees got gifts today! cookies, and a nice "Tidal Surge" shoulder bag! and they announced the 1/2 hour ERT on the coaster for those attending. . . so that was a lovely surprise! the front entrance of this coaster is so impressive. here's Ray G posing with some of the party attendees. once our morning Birthday Party was over, attendees all split up and headed into the park. We headed over to Wave Breaker to grab a walk on ride (before the crowds made it back to this side of the park), while Amy from TSU killed time waiting until the Seven Seas Food Festival started selling alcohol (since it's Texas on Sunday). here's Me, Erika, Juan, and Amy and then it hit the "magic" hour of 11:30 am, and the Seven Seas Food Booths started serving. . . and so with my 12 remaining punches, we started off to hit the booths I had missed the other week. 1st up? Japan: the Tuna Tataki not only looked very similar to the picture advertising it? but was really fantastic! Absolutely a must get, at the festival. the Gyoza were crisp, with a refreshingly tangy Ginger dipping sauce. either they were out of the slaw, or the just got made incorrectly, but everyone at our table who got the Gyoza got the little salad, instead of the advertised slaw. while they weren't the "best Gyoza I've ever had" (those would be in Japan), they were very good. these are the sticky ribs a friend got, and tho she said the meat was tender, they didn't have a whole lot of flavor. So not a bad choice at the Japan booth, but I think there are better options. the Green Tea Ice Cream, with Pocky sticks, was really good too. So another suggestion to try here. This time, we had timed it well and got to watch the Taiko Drummers. what a fun, and entertaining, performance. after finishing up at Japan, we headed towards Greece & Italy. . stopping along the way for a photo op I hadn't noticed the other day: hey, what can I say. . mentally, I've a 14 year old ! and can't pass up a chance to "pose with/ touch the balls" at Korea either! and then we were at Greece, and my tummy was screaming "feed me!!!" the Gyro (without the tomato at my request) - had a fantastic Tzatziki sauce, and some super tender and flavorful lamb and beef. . . with the only letdown being a very gummy and undercooked pita (which I left, but ate all the rest of it) the Lamb Slider is the home run at this booth! Incredibly flavorful with just the perfect amount of spice in the Feta spread. And a super soft roll. Amazing, and highly recommended. the Shawarma looked really good, but any part of it that didn't have that fantastic sauce on it ate very dry, unfortunately. It's good, but I'd suggest asking for more of the sauce, as that's what makes this eat much better. but pleasantly the Naan bread was fantastic on this, and I loved every bite of that. the Greek Yogurt Ice Cream is interesting. the flavor is a very pleasant Honey. . but the consistency is a little odd - it was kinda like eating taffy? But I liked it. Right next door to Greece is Italy. the Flatbreads here are very popular, and because they make them fresh? the line is very slow moving. Even a short line can take up to 25 minutes. .and the kids / teenagers all seemed to flock to this booth. Just a warning, this might have the longest line at the Festival. this is the Chicken Margherita flatbread with a Blood Peach Bellini on the left & and Frozen Espresso Martini on the right. was told the Flatbread was delicious, and between the two drinks? everyone preferred the Bellini, but said the Expresso was ok. this is the Chocolate Chip Cannoli. . . which had *just* the right amount of tartness, and exactly as much sweetness as I wanted. this one might be my favorite "desert" I tried. .or perhaps 2nd to the incredible Rum Raisin Ice Cream at Jamaica or the Black Sesame Ice Cream in Korea - tho folks also raved about the Apple Strudel in Germany & the Pina Colada Ice cream in Hawaii) ooo.. another photo op back here? with Tidal Surge in the background? yes please! We then headed over to Mexico so some of my friends could try out the Margarita there. . . and planned to loop back around to go see the Penguins (a must do!). but we passed Ray Gonzales walking around the park with some of the ACE group (that had helped organize the ERT earlier), and we thanked him/them for such a great day! they asked if we had ridden all the coasters (and we actually had, other than Steel Eel - which I was gonna pass on today, as my back was a bit sore from so much riding yesterday at SFFT, and I didn't want the airtime drops to mess it up). .and he was surprised that we hadn't ridden Grover's Soapbox coaster. now. . I don't do Kiddie coasters. Like ever - tho I did ride Wilderness Run one year at Coastermania, strictly because it's the 1st Intamin. But Ray insisted I should give it a ride, because SWSA is one of the few parks where they don't discourage adults from riding it (and to be fair, there are a few rides in Sesame Street Bay of Play that are perfectly suitable for adults too). So I agreed - at his perseverance - to at least give it a look. Once i saw this car was available tho? yeah..I gave in and credit whored for the kiddie coaster! LOL ^as to those restraints? OH MY !!! and I thought "the green meanie" over on Tidal Surge made it so one had to be really careful getting into the seats! we also rode the Carousel while over here - but after all that food? yeah, the seatbelt wouldn't click for me today! HA!. . so I stood up to ride the carousel today Juan & Erica wanted to ride this "spin and puke" ride. . I rode "bench" while they rode this - again, this is in the Sesame Street Area! but just look at that face on the young lady behind them! BWAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAAA (and the best part is how oblivious to her Juan & Erika are to her!) and because I like being proven correct? Juan got off this feeling a bit nauseous - but at least we got him on Tidal Surge once he'd had some liquid courage. He REALLY didnt' want to do it, and I thought he'd leave the line a couple of times while we waited for the prior cycle to finish. but he rode it and loved it! as we were headed to Brazil to finish off the day with 4 clicks - I had a tupperware in my bag, so I could take Empanadas home (!). . we saw that Big Bird and Tally Monster were out! you bet I got in line for that . . . tho Big Bird was acting very strange, doing an odd "stare" thing at me. . so yeah, a bit awkward in the pics, but makes me love them even more! and then it was just after 4pm, and it had been a very long weekend (and a great day at SWSA). . so I packed up my Empanadas, and hit the road. Seven Seas is a GREAT food festival, and well worth a visit to SWSA just for that. . . but so is Tidal Surge, Texas Stingray, Great White, and Penguins! more reasons to visit the park. And yes, the Empanadas were fantastic for lunch on Monday with an incredible chimichurri sauce!

^oh, I'm actually not doing RCR. it's a GREAT event (last years - the 1st - I heard was a blast). For sure a "destination" event for those who haven't been to the park often and want to exp;experience what they have to offer (including a version of FrightFest during RCR). but I'm local, and go to the park all the time. . . so I choose to avoid the multi-day weekend big event, as I'd rather do the smaller 1 day events.

Jeffrey announced that during Fiesta Fest on Sat. . . . I 100% do NOT believe him. they are trying not to get folks hopes up - just in case - but I just don't believe it. this thing will be testing by May . . .no way it wont. They are simply too far ahead on it already. - honestly, the only thing that might be preventing RCR opening, is if they can't get an inspection scheduled and passed by then. . . . but I have faith they are moving heaven and earth to try and make that happen. but yeah. . they are announcing this so folks won't be disappointed if they can't get that done. (as noted, I absolutely believe the ride will be "ready" by May, even if it can't open until inspection/approval happens)

That’s crazy! what are they doing??? asked here at sfft and they have no idea and say they have no plans to remove them here