strz

Get a flash pass. With the amazing weather expected for tomorrow plus fright fest I wouldn't be surprised if lines are over 2 hours. Agreed....huge crowds/big lines- busiest part of the year!

It looks good/you would think it would be good.....however, personally- it gives me a headache- thus I avoid at all cost (unless my son insists to go on it)

Instead they're going to clear more land and build a brand new path that's probably going to require electrical work, plumbing work, land clearing, materials and labor and it's completely stupid because they already have 2 paths they could use that are both probably better themed than this one will be and all they need to do is open a gate. That's it. Too funny!

SFGA- Nitro (El Toro is "better", however- Nitro is more my style!)

I've talked with management and the story is there will be a path from Ka to Toro next year but the park wants to build a new path for some reason instead of using the old one. I'm not sure why they aren't using the old path but hey, at least there will be some sort of path. Not that it matters now, however- I recall how good that area of the park looked when it opened, saying to myself....if SFGA can keep theming this way, plus maintain (the park in this manner) long-term....then this will really be a tremendous park in so many new ways!

Riding of the Bull: http://calendar.theadvocate.com/jackson_nj/events/show/371275688-riding-of-the-bull-2014

This seems like an accurate speculation to me via Screamscape: 2015 - New Attraction(s) - Rumor - (8/23/14) The various image hints coming from Six Flags Great Adventure have got me thinking about a few things that may be coming to the park in 2015. Forget the rumors about a new coaster, because that isn’t happening… but instead I think we may see 2 or 3 things come for next season. 1) There isn’t a ton of evidence for this one, but I believe that there is a good chance we will see a new slide and water attraction go into Hurricane Harbor. This is mostly a hunch on my part, but the park can always use some added capacity to help things along, and there was one image in the hints showing off a spinning water wheel. 2) Batman Backwards – One of the image hints did have the year 1993 written backwards, and 1993 was the year that Batman: The Ride came to the park. Six Flags has a traveling train they have been using for this purpose to hit a couple of parks a season for the last two years, and it has yet to make it to SFGAdv, so it is obviously time. Already this year we have seen it spend the spring at Six Flags Magic Mountain and it is currently at Six Flags over Texas. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it continue East from there and hit up both Six Flags over Georgia and Great Adventure over the 2015 season. 3) Finally I’ve come to a realization as to what the park’s new permanent ride may be… and the one clue spells it out perfectly. SUPER… LOOP. To be honest, I’m surprised by this, especially after the downtime issues Elitch Gardens in Colorado has had with their new 7-story Super Loop (Brain Drain) this summer, but there are a ton of image hints showing off images of giant rings or the word “loop”. But the one hint of Domo in a Superman costume next to the word “Loop” just really drove it home for me. Just something to think about, and I’m thinking this wont be the only version of this ride being added to a Six Flags park in 2015.

So decided for a quick stop at the park tonight: - arrived at 7pm.....and saw (what I thought) a packed parking lot (that IMO when I see rows of cars next to the Kingda Ka parking lot, turns out, the parking lot wasn't full - first stop, Ka (Zum wasn't open).....10 minute wait/2 cars running (the 3rd was on the left-hand side of the track) - El Toro, walk on - Log Flume, walk on (figured why not jump on it?) - Skyride.....skipped it (looked like a 15-20 minute wait) - Skull Mountain, walk on (half the cars were empty, they were running 2 tonight) - Batman, 10 minute wait (only one car was running) - Nitro, walk on (car B, smooth, and always great at night!) - Skyride to....Bizarro, walk on (2 cars running, thankfully not 3!) - back to El Toro, walk on - Superman, 5 minute wait for the front seat Great weather, and loved the fact that I basically had a Flash Pass, less the Flash Pass tonight!

- well Batman the Ride opened in 1993.....one picture had a Batman stuffed animal with its' back turned; now "1993" is backwards in the latest clue, so we got that one nailed down

They didn't re-develop it. They laid some grass down. It was probably lumped into the cost of Zumanjaro and was negligible compared to the cost of the rest of the ride. And as far as re-developing that "small" area, never underestimate what a park has room for. Go to Blackpool, you'll see they've built some insanely HUGE rides in a fraction of the space. And that area isn't as small as you think... Agreed- I remember all the banter that there wasn't enough room for a 400+ roller coaster on that side of then park....hmmmmm! Same for one of the world's steepest, fastest wooden roller coasters- that one fit in kinda' nice! My gut tells me that something will sit where Rolling Thunder once stood, along with the opening of Old Country once again.

Hope you made it to the park today.....my son was there tonight- just came home, and told me it was dead! The (11) rides he had on Zumajaro kinda' sums up how the crowd was tonight.....

SFGAdv has plenty of areas already existing within the park (Old Country, for example) that need to be rehabbed before they even think about expanding any further. Besides, the park is already so expensive as it is. I think that any rumors about future part expansion like this evolve strictly out of wishful thinking. Agreed.....space/land is not an issue- it boils down to added expense and operating cost vs. projected income

I find accuweather.com to be a good source....and it is showing Wednesday as "passing showers"....Tuesday (tomorrow) looks like a complete wash out

I tried "timing" the line last Friday (based on how many were ahead of me/# of cars on the track)- but couldn't take into consideration the folks that used "Fast Past"

So good to know that I'm not the only one with that observation (about not have some sort of specific area/lane for season pass holders to enter the park 15 minutes before general admission.......and as you pointed out, others think you are an "ash soul" for cutting them!) From the best of my knowledge, Zumanjaro opened 12pm or so....I was on Bizarro at the time, and saw it being tested....headed over, approx. 30-40 minute wait....line was growing big time when I got off the ride.

So here is what a Friday in August was like today: - arrived/parked at 9:40am (to account for security line) - made it into the park around 10:15am - headed to the left of the fountain/left of the crowd (for early season pass entry)....asking, "why don't they rope off a section/line for season pass holders vs. everyone pushing?" Also- it is rude for the non-season pass holders who don't know/understand why guys like me are pushing them out of the way....to get through! - assuming you are like me (and hate the head-banging from Green Lantern, find no interest in Superman).....then there is no doubt that that 1st stop has to be Kinda Ka (thanks to the state of NJ who has cut back on the capacity per hour) - Zumajaro was going to be my next stop, but shocker- wasn't running in the am! - headed over to El Toro....no wait (1st seat then last seat) - Bizarro (can someone please go on this ride, so we don't have to be stacked, watching the staff click open/click close all the seat belts????) - Mine Train? sure....hope I don't get stuck on it, when it breaks down! - that took me to lunch around 12:30pm (more than 2 people ringing up the food at Best of the West would be great, thank you for the major delay) - Houdini? ok - Nitro? at that point.....I reached my limit (flew through the rides mentioned with no lines, and knew that come 3pm.....it was time to head out)....so- "ride was temporarily down"- shocker!....."let's go to Batman"- stupid idea, 90 minute wait....oh look- Nitro is testing! so back that direction, 60 minute wait.....and of course, only 2 trains running, B and C....calculate my row to avoid C- then......fast pass killed that planning......then a major delay, time to roll out train A....fast pass in my row, fast pass in my row, fast pass in my row.......90 minutes later- my turn! At that point- I lost all interest...... Bottom line- fun morning, and should have left at lunch....regarding Nitro: - it frustrates me to no end that there is no single rider lane (each train left with a minimum of 5 open seats, including the front....which based on 36 seats, is a major drain on capacity) - I totally respect fast pass, and those who spend the $$$$ deserve to get ahead of any/all lines.....however- the way that they SFGA handles this on Nitro is a cluster-f Lastly- I will be passing around a hat, so that we can all donate for some $$$ for some gallons of "weed b gon" to be used around their queue areas........

When it first open- I figured the same (licensed the name/run by another company).....and nope, it is a Six Flags property. I was there once (about a year after it opened, maybe 5-6 years ago? I can't recall) with my kids....had low expectations, and the property exceeded them. Looking back, it was great for my kids at the time (both under 10 years old); I'd classify the water park as "medium-sized", compared to a Great Wolf Lodge (which I consider "large-sized). Lastly- I'd like the idea of the lodge being right across the street from the amusement park. Not sure if SF has been able to maintain the property......

The "ehhhhh" rides would be a notch better, if theming, landscaping, etc.....were maintained (like a Busch Gardens let's say). I don't think locals want to pay prices comparable to Busch admission prices that allow for such theming and upkeep. Is it that locals won't pay the prices or that they've been conditioned not to over the years? Not that I have a money tree in my backyard, however- cost isn't a concern of mine relative to my going/not going to SFGA (I love parks, and have two kids who enjoy going)....that said, I hear ya! For the park to charge more, have no "new rides" to show for it/advertise...."just" to clean up the joint- it is why the condition of the park is as it is.....I've made a career in retail, so understand what the management team faces.....it is not an issue of me seeing it/they don't- it comes down to budget/managing their expense plan. That aside- as it relates to Busch Gardens, etc....different business model- part of the attraction to the park is the cleanliness, perceived higher quality food than most local parks, etc.....I know, b/c we make the trip down there every so often from NJ (as many do in this part of the country)

I think you nailed it....I grew up approx. 15 minutes from the park, and as an adult, now live no more than 20 minutes away. That said- El Toro and Nitro are the standouts; Kingda Ka would be next (for launch purposes), then Bizarro....Batman is much better than people think it is/would be....past that, ehhhhhh- nothing outstanding, nothing horrible either. I agree with Zuma (great view, but that is where the intensity ends). Regarding the park "quality", and us locals being too tough on it.....we will agree to disagree on this one. The "ehhhhh" rides would be a notch better, if theming, landscaping, etc.....were maintained (like a Busch Gardens let's say). Thanks for posting!

I've been on it dozens of times- and the wait right to a full launch is intense.....it's all good for me, but I have never forced anyone to ride it, if they aren't up for it.....your call on this one my friend!

Agreed....

Again- I'm hoping not to scare you away of what to expect....instead, setting realistic expectations of what an amusement park in the NY Metro area looks like in the heart of the summer.....have a plan, and enjoy what you can get out of the park. If I'm wrong and the park is empty- consider that a major bonus! Bottom line- have fun, and share your thoughts on this forum please......BTW- if you are pressed for time, don't get caught up with the hype for Zum.....it is cool being that high in the sky, but if you are a coaster fan, then invest your wait time on El Toro, Nitro and Ka instead (IMO)

Not sure what the rates look like, but my suggestion is to stay in East Windsor, NJ.....Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn (I believe one/both have some sort of "Special Rates" that include park tickets).....you are looking at a 20- 25 minute drive. If you want better quality hotels, then further west (along Route 1 in Princeton/West Windsor) are better places, however- you are looking at a 35- 40 minute drive to the park. Safari? Personally- I wouldn't make that my first stop. Even if the crowds are "light," the majority of the crowd will be teenagers from local camps, thus expect all the major thrill rides to have lines. Here is what I would suggest: 1) Get to the park at 9:30am, so that should there be a backup at security, you will be good to go (they'll let guests into the park at 10am, however- rope up the front area until their 10:30am opening) 2) Head directly to Superman, then Green Lantern (I'm not a fan of either coaster, however- if you want to get on them....get on them immediately in the am, otherwise you are looking at a potential 1+ hour wait later in the day) 3) Next (if they are running first thing in the am), hit Kingda Ka, then single-rider lane on Zumajaro 4) Assuming all is going well- hit El Toro (you can probably get a couple rides in back to back) 5) Bizarro is a line eater, and there won't be many people on that side of the park in the am.....then the Mine Train That should knock out half the major rides.....so next: 6) Skyride to the other side of the park 7) Skull Mountain (it is right at the exit of the sky ride, and shouldn't have much of a wait) 8) Batman and Nitro From there (my opinion), whatever is left, is left- you hit the major rides.....go enjoy the rest of the park, food, games, etc. at whatever pace is best for you. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Great comments, and yes, some of what was going on Ka was the particular operator -- early in the day they routinely got two trains out for every Zum cycle, but that later crew was really not hitting that with any regularity -- the operator in the afternoon was also allowing people to loiter in the exit and on the exit platform, and I'm sorry, even if they have a medical band and just got off, they can't stand there while the ride is loading and dispatching, especially when they are kids that have no parent and seem physically fine i.e. they walked up the exit and down the stairs. One kid was on his cell phone and when the op with the mic asked people to leave the exit, he walked further down the platform, to the closed area, and turned his back to her, so he could hear his phone better! There were two adults on the exit stairs with babies... seriously, I can't make this stuff up. No effort at all by the ops to encourage the platinum band guys to leave after a few rides... it was really bad in the afternoon. I'm not a huge drop tower guy. I love coasters but am afraid of heights. I'm fine if I keep moving though. Worst coaster experience of my life was being stuck at the top of the lift hill on Magnum XL 200 for about a half hour... lightly swaying in a moderate wind... I am absolutely well aware of the tendency of coasters in summer to run incredibly well as the day cools off... I would love to experience El Toro in those conditions or after a light rain... or even better, both... For a while my home park was Riverside (now SFNE) and I had a LOT of rides on the Cyclone there, which when well maintained and THE coaster in the park was a hell of a ride... and I had the opportunity to ride it many times after 95 degree days, and also after short afternoon thunderstorms, and it was a mind blowing ride in those conditions, the turn after the first drop was just crazy. (If not familiar, rather than a banked turn, it ran uphill, then took a *hard* right turn, and arc down i.e. there's a spot on that turn where the whole train jumps sideways and then launches back down. Unique.) Yeah, I'll be back. It'll have to be on a less crowded day. One time in 1992, I think it was, the crowds were so light on a weekday that I rode Great American Scream Machine forty times in a few hours. I'd love to do that with El Toro. Anyhow, Ryan, thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my comments. It's super cool and you do it well. I am sincerely impressed with SFGAdv and was expecting it to stack up poorly vs SFMM but your two signature rides, Kingda Ka and El Toro, match up very well with Tatsu and X2, and given the rest of the lineup, primarily on the strength of the maintenance, honestly, SFGAdv has to get the crown... I know, I know, I don't want to start a religious war in this SFGAdv thread about SFMM LOL but I was frankly not expecting that I'd feel this way. Too bad I live in Seattle now and not Boston! Haven't been to SFMM- however, I assumed SFGA didn't stack up as well against it as you have mentioned.....