impala101

I'm wondering about the queue as well. Iron Wolf was already gone by the time I returned to the park in 2012; my last visit before that was 1999. I really don't even remember what the IW queue was like then. I recall the bigger (square) house, but that's it. But looking at Google Earth from 2010 there's this: That is extra queue isn't it? It seems that space is still there from the pics I've seen, with the rails having been removed. Were those fixed rails, or were they temporary chain-type dividers like in the Z-Force days? In any case, it'll be interesting to see what they do with the limited space. That one queue house isn't going to cut it LOL. There's also the single rider line and flash pass entrance/path to accommodate too.

Yes, I believe Cajun Cliffhanger was where Jester's Wild Ride is currently. This is the best pic I could find of Ragin' Cajun's spot - from 1977...The waterway currently stops on the west side of the covered bridge between Mardi Gras and Yankee Harbor. As you can see, that waterway (currently starts by Batman) continued under the bridge and dead ended near what is now Roaring Rapids. There was a suspension bridge walkway over it as well, right by Buzzy Bee at the time. Pic credit to GreatAmericaParks.com

Man, I had a long detailed account of my first trip back to SFGAm in 13 years, and my laptop crapped just as I was wrapping it up. But, it's after 1am, and I'm going back tomorrow and Tuesday...So here's a brief rundown: Got to the park a little before 4pm, very crowded. I was parked in the back 1/4 of the back lot. Weather was mild and overcast, with a few sprinkles here and there. List of rides in order ridden: Logger's Run - 1 (35 minute wait) Fiddler's Fling - 1 (waited 4 cycles) American Eagle (Red) - 1 (Front seat, waited about 40 minutes) Triple Play - 1 (waited 2 cycles) Orbit - 1 (waited 2 cycles) Demon - 1 (35 minute wait) Viper - 1 (30 minute wait) V2 - 1 (40 minute wait) Batman - 1 (30 minute wait) Whizzer - 1 (basically a walk-on @ 9:30pm) Superman -1 (20 minute wait) I got on Superman at 10:01pm. I think they ran 2 more trains after mine. Felt like I got a good 6 hours in. Perhaps I'll have some thoughts tomorrow night. Right now, it's time for bed

Hmmm...I think I'll be taking a few packs of earplugs from work before I leave Yeah, my memories are of the sounds of rides, screams, and carnival-type music myself. The unique sound of the Whizzer, the motors of Sky Whirl, the clank-clank-clank sound of Eagle's lift hill...And of course, the announcements as you go through the queues. It's great to hear that the Demon music is playing, I don't recall it being played the last few times I was there. I remember as a kid thinking how cheesy it was; now I can appreciate it as nostalgia. Maybe it's both???? I'm hoping they have both flumes going. It's been over 25 years since I have ridden Yankee Clipper! I think I am actually going to leave to drive down earlier on Sunday. Check in to the hotel around 3 or 3:30 then hit the park. Hell, I got the pass, I may as well use it! The park is still open until 10pm that day, so I could get an extra 6 hours in. Plus, I could check out some rides after dark - something I don't think I've ever had the chance to do

Yeah, I suppose there will always be inconsistency in that regard. The rules will be followed....I'm not one to seek out trouble LOL. Ah yes, something else I forgot about...All those recorded announcements to hear over and over all day. Cool, definitely looks worth checking out. It's nice that they have that option. Another thing I forgot about...The Flash Pass. Ugh. I suppose I see where people would want to use it. To me, I say everyone should just wait their turn the same as everyone else. I realize it's also the financial aspect from the Park's point of view, an extra revenue stream for them. I couldn't justify the cost. I'll wait my turn. I remember when I was young (yet tall enough for the coasters) throwing a fit because we had to leave early. I was always ready to keep on going. Ah well, it won't be a problem this time

^Pretty sweet for just a couple hours! I wish I lived near where I could just go for a couple hours here and there. Funny about the re-ride deal - I guess just make sure to ask first, eh? I would anyway. Oh yeah, I forgot about those coasters...So, does the solo line move better on Ragin Cajun then, or is it still sluggish regardless? The Little Dipper didn't really stick out to me, but if it's convenient I'll give it a ride. I was also going to check out King Chaos, even though I've seen mixed reviews on it. Looks like fun to me! In general, I don't mind having to wait for rides, I expect to. However, if it's over an hour I'll probably find something else and come back to it. This is another reason for the 2-day stay. It'll be nice being solo, as I've never been there til park close, ever. Whether it was with the family or with friends, they always pooped out by 5pm

^^^Wow! Thanks for the detailed and informative response! I kinda figured it would be busy, and it's probably a good thing I decided to go 2 days instead of just 1. Next year I think I'll go in May or early June, when, from my understanding would be prime time for smaller crowds. This will be the first time going there solo, which I'm rather looking forward to. I'll probably get some sort of info when I receive the pass in the mail. I would think they'd have some directions with it. If not, email it is! I've never ridden in the front seat on Eagle, though I have ridden it many times back in the day (our family used to go almost every year). I'll definitely try to check that out. I've always liked the Whizzer, and will definitely take your suggestion about a night ride. I'm not sure how dark it'll be, since the park closes at 8pm those days. But perhaps I'll see if it feels faster than I remember. I was a little disappointed to see the Lobster - er, East River Crawler not operating this year, as that was another flat I always enjoyed. It's good to see them doing the maintenance to keep it there though, as opposed to scrapping it. I haven't ridden Yankee Clipper much, maybe only once I can remember back in the mid-80's. As a kid with the family, my parents always preferred Logger's Run, as it was a wetter splash. There's just something about the look of those old flume ride tracks when you're walking through the park, definitely a nostalgia factor for me. Since I haven't been there in so long, I have never ridden Superman, V2, or Dark Knight. The Dark Night doesn't really interest me, but I would like to ride the other 2. From what I read, Superman is a coaster most pass on, but I guess I would like to ride once, just for the different experience. X-Flight is definitely curious, and I'll take your tip and probably catch that one later in the day. Looking forward to hitting Raging Bull, Viper, Batman and Demon as well. I'll have to check out the front/rear seats and see the difference! I probably won't do much outside of the park, but good to know there's a DQ nearby! I love me some DQ I have an IHOP, Outback, and Cracker Barrel right outside the hotel, which is nice. There's a Joe's Crab Shack too, but as I'm allergic to shellfish, I can't say I'll head there LOL. I know how ridiculous the food and pricing thereof is in the park, and I'm sure it's even worse now The empty seat re-ride thing is something I've never even thought of doing. Perhaps I'll get lucky there. After reading this, I did some checking and you might be right. The info was from 2002, but it was called MVP (Multiple Visit Pass). It was $10 for the next day. Whether or not this is still around, who knows. I couldn't find anything current about it.

Hi all! New to the forum here. It's been fun (and informative) reading this thread; I stumbled upon here while doing a little research for a trip down there next month I haven't been to Great America since 1999, when Raging Bull was the new attraction. It's crazy to think about how much has changed in that time. It will be great to see the sights, old and new, and to have all those thrills once again! So, I will be going there August 13 and 14 (Monday and Tuesday). It's about a 2.5 or 3 hour drive from where I live, so I'm going to head down Sunday night. I'm staying at the La Quinta Inn and Suites right near the parking lot, so I can walk to the park, saving $40 in parking those 2 days! I got the Summer Thrill Pass or whatever it's called, since park admission is all I was really looking for. I know Twickets are long gone, so this was the next best thing. My printer is out of ink, so i just opted for them to mail it. Anyway, I'm counting the days already! I'll make sure to give a report when it's all said and done. A couple questions: 1) Any thoughts on what the crowds might be like these days? (I realize weather is a huge factor) 2) Do I have to get the thrill pass processed or anything at the park, like a regular season pass? 3) Any opinions on a plan of action? Really, I'm all about the big coasters. I could ride them all day. But, I'll do some flats like Fiddler's Fling, Triple Play, and Orbit. For nostalgia's sake, Logger's Run is on my list as well Any thoughts would be appreciated!