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I agree that the park looks terrific during this time period!

Ok, good- it is not just me! When we were on it last night (Friday), it was so sloooooow, especially heading towards the helix! For a moment- I didn't think we'd get over one of the hills! Regardless- I still enjoyed my coasters in December! Enjoy it too!

Soooooooo......... The Friday add-in didn't seem like a payoff for SFGA tonight. Personally: - I LOVED the no wait/front row walk on for each and every rollercoaster! - I'm not a show person, however- I/we enjoyed the Jack Frost show! - the lights look terrific, especially the trees wrapped in blue I got there at 4pm today, and had a good time with the family. Curious to hear reports for this Saturday and Sunday. If you haven't gone- I would recommend checking out this event!

Nor did I! Hence "proof read" next time!

I LOVE IT! And better start proofing my posts! Thanks for the mid-afternoon laugh my friend!

1st time out of the gate, big thumbs up that this event appears to be working.....Freight Fest started out the same way, and look what that has turned into.

The 2016 predictions seem to be pretty good ones!

Batman and Robin: The Chiller, SFGA I loved the concept, look and launch.....but doomed from the start! I give them credit to make numerous changes to make it right, but can't blame them for tearing it down.

Clearly a SF Season Pass holder.....and my guess is a shareholder too!

- Runaway Mine Train built in 1974 at SFGA (still running!)....I probably rode it for the 1st time around 1978 That said- the biggest "WOW" factor I had on an Arrow was Lightin' Loops at SFGA (built in 1978).....I can't believe one of the "loops" is still running at Frontier City! It would bring back great memories of my childhood, running up the steps again and again to get on that thing! (of course on the higher of the two loops- that would be the red side I believe) I can still remember a couple things about that coaster: - first coaster to feature interlocking loops - (what I call) the "windup" with that "dolly" pushing the train down the straightaway (vvvvvvvuuuuuuupppppmmmmp!) - the little bit of "give" on the restraints, that would cause you to slam back down in your seat - the shaking of the staircase after the launch! And how many people would bail from the line because they got scared! Here's a link to the article that explained how the death on Lightin' Loops occurred, along with a Wikipedia summary below: http://articles.philly.com/1987-06-19/news/26184858_1_safety-bar-amusement-park-operators From Wikipedia: "On Wednesday, June 17, 1987, 19-year-old Karen Brown of Chester, PA fell 75 feet (23 m) to her death. She wasn't properly secured, and the ride took off. Karen was pronounced dead at Freehold Hospital with Basilar skull fracture from the fall. An investigation by the State Labor Department concluded that the ride itself was operating properly, but that the ride operator started the ride without having made sure that all of the passengers were secured by the safety harnesses. The Department's Office of Safety Compliance further concluded that the accident would not have occurred had proper procedures been followed. The park was found to be in violation of the Carnival/Amusement Ride Safety Act and was subsequently charged with the maximum state fines of $1,000. The ride was reopened on Saturday, October 10, 1987, with the permission of the Labor Department."

I wish!

Based on the posts on my FB account today (Sunday), it sounds like a solid crowd again. SFGA is in luck, as this upcoming weekend's weather is calling for a high of 59 degrees next Saturday and Sunday! Combine that with "the word getting around" on social media (i.e.- FB, Instagram, etc.), I would speculate that this event is working in their favor.....

SFGA has 5 of their 6 B&M's running right now (not running Bizarro b/c that portion of the park isn't open for their Holiday in the Park)....and it was in the 30's last night!

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Maybe I missed this? Friday, 12/18 opening..... Date Park Hours: Friday, December 18 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Good topic! Yup- as a kid, I couldn't get enough of Lightin' Loops at my home park of SFGA, none the less all the "bad ass" multi-loopers that seemed to be popping up over the place! For me at least- it wasn't until I went on Magnum in '92 (when I was in college at PITT) that I experienced such a fun ride relative to height and speed! It was from that point on, that the industry took notice, started building 200+ foot drops, and the GP evolved too with this trend...... I have no fear of any sort of coasters, rides, etc.....however- that's my brain speaking! My body ain't loving those loops like it once did! Add to that some claustrophobia I've seemed to developed (as I've gotten older), thus those over the shoulder restraints (on many loopers) freak me out! (I'm fine if the ride is moving, otherwise- oh my!) Bottom line- speed and heights is my thing! And I do think that my age has something to do with it. PS- this is why I wasn't happy with SFGA's announcement of Total Mayhem. I'll ride it....but it ain't for me, based upon the above mentioned!

I'm NEVER in a rush to go onto Green Lantern either! That said- I figured with no crowd, "what the heck!" Someone mentioned keeping your head forward, helps to avoid the head banging.....and honestly, debated that approach (as I figured I'd hurt my neck somehow!)- but did it anyway with little resistance/force to my head getting slammed back. I think doing that, and the colder weather....made for a decent ride for me! The drop/first loop is plenty for me....the rest of the ride isn't exciting. Having said that- I'm in no rush to get back on it anytime soon! Just curious of your take on it this time of year.

@Boldikus- thanks for the post on your trip to Holiday at the Park! Seems like you need to get out there solo/with a friend when the park opens, and hit those coasters up when there are no crowds that early in the day! I'd be curious to hear your take on the likes of Green Lantern and Superman.....at my age, I found them to much more enjoyable with the cold weather vs. the dead of summer....as the spinning + heat= yuck!!! Also- as you pointed out...I too found the fence on the boardwalk area weird! If the plan was not to open up that area (games and food) due to expense of staff, operating cost, etc. so be it! That said- not sure what the fence is doing/preventing, IMO. BTW- did you see the bar/beer selection near Dark Knight? I didn't have the time on Sunday to grab a cocktail, but will look to do so next trip this month.....when the kids are sipping on their hot chocolate! Happy Holidays!

My kids are past that age- however, this would be the area of the park I'd expect to have a "crowd" so to say! I saw plenty of strollers in the park as I was leaving yesterday, and many more coming in! That's great for the park, as little kids will want smores, hot chocolate, etc.....

I agree with this point, and I think it's the most important factor to consider. I haven't seen too much of it here, but I've noticed others elsewhere equating short lines / walk-ons to light crowds and assuming therefore the event isn't successful. However, I've been three times so far, and even though lines for coasters have been short (if not non-existent), the midways have always been packed, primarily once it starts to get dark. Everywhere you look are families taking pictures, taking part in the various HITP additions, filling up the Adventure Theater for Jack Frost, etc. Heck, I've been noticed longer lines for all the "family" rides than the coasters. It's still too early to determine if this event is a true success or not, but there's enough evidence to show that traditional measurements of success like long lines on coasters aren't what should be primarily considered. Watching the growth of all the local farms in the area (for both Halloween and now Christmas), I think this event makes sense....as it is a great place to go for families to see a light display, sip on some hot chocolate, and "get in the mood" for the Holiday season! As you pointed out- small lines at coasters doesn't equate to an unsuccessful event! What will make this successful is revenue in food, drinks, etc. vs. operating cost (like that is anything different than what we already knew!) Incremental season pass and dining plan sales would help too! I'm happy this is taking place, and will make it back at least one more time.......challenges the park will face are: 1) weather, 2) people having enough "free time" around the Holiday's to set aside heading to SF. BTW- social media helps get the word out too! (ie- Facebook postings/check-ins)

Yesterday (Sunday after Thanksgiving) turned into a nice day to take in some rides! Here's a quick summary of the day: - arrived around 1pm, and found the park lot (close to) empty - all roller coasters that early in the day were walk-ons: Nitro (front row, seemed quicker than it probably was due to the cold wind!)> Batman (front row, ran great!)> Dark Night (figured why not?)> Skull Mountain (front row)> Skyscreamer> Green Lantern (which I NEVER go on due to headaches when I'm done with it; we sat in the front, and I kept my head forward the whole ride....it wasn't so bad!)> Superman (that pretzel loop is quite a sensation!)> Nitro (back row this time) - I had a commitment last night, so had to leave by 4pm....so can't comment on the lights! (I'll be back though!) Couple observations: - the park was filling up as the day progressed/got closer to night....so (my opinion) the Holiday lights seem to be the #1 attraction, not the coasters - I think the cold weather helped me "tolerate" Superman and Green Lantern more so than when it is hot out - what stood out to me the most was all the leafless trees! For example- it was weird to see so much of the park when we were on the top of Nitro....included the back turn of Nitro, that is usually blocked by leaves/trees All in all- parked looked really good (can't wait to see it after sundown); there was plenty of staff relative to the crowd (which was small early in the day)....and I'm happy that my coaster season has been extended! Fingers crossed that this becomes a money-maker for SF, as I'd like to see it succeed, and get bigger and bigger down the road. If you are debating to go- GO!!!!

My sense is there will be plenty of updates/posts! Personally- I can't make it due to prior commitments tonight and tomorrow......but would expect to be there sooner than later!

All good comments! I hear you loud and clear about season passes, dining plans, etc.....but let's assume they wouldn't do it unless SF management felt that it ultimately it drives profit! Again- internally if you have the data, it is "easy" to figure this all out. And yes- the bottom line is you need the people to show up! Hopefully they do!

I give the SF management team more credit in projecting their cost for this event compared to their projected revenue to profit! We obviously don't have access to their operating numbers, however- I see this as a moneymaker. "When I was a kid", I don't recall the park operating in October- can you imagine that in this day and age! They, along with a ton of companies, have figured out how to profit on Halloween, and I believe that they will figure out how to do the same for Christmas.....and years from now, we'll be scratching our head's saying, "why didn't they start this years ago?" Expense: - Staffing: their #1 expense, and easy for them to figure out how much they have to spend, based on what rides and concessions they plan on opening - Operating/Facility Costs: their #2 expense (i.e.- electricity, etc); like staffing- very predictable in terms of operating cost - Holiday setup: purchasing of lights/installation would be a nominal expense, as they are reusable for year's to come Profit: - "I expect mostly season pass holders to attend. If that if the case I don't see it lasting more than one year.".....I disagree with half of your statement! - I agree that the majority of visitors will be pass holders (60%) - It is hard for us to tell if this event influenced additional season pass sales vs.last year; if it did- more revenue for SFGA! - where I disagree with you is your assumption that season pass holders don't spend $$$ when they are at the park! SFGA has enough data to conclude what the average spend is for their pass holders for each visit.....hence why their business model is to get as many people as they can to get season passes! Keep bringing them back, to get $$$$$ from each visit Bottom line: if the weather holds up (i.e.- no early winter storms, average temp around 45- 50 degrees), they will do just fine! I don't think SF would take a major expense risk during the winter in NJ! Personally- I'm glad they are doing it.....as it should be a nice place to walk around, get food/treats, and put us in the Holiday spirit! The fact that they have rides open is a major plus in my book!

With clear weather in the 50's this upcoming weekend.....I would expect a good crowd! Although there hasn't been any "traditional" media for this weekend, don't underestimate social media, emails, and in-park advertising that has been setup for months. Thinking about running the 5k race on Sunday.....