speedracer

^ you can make all the personal observations you want, doesn't change the fact that parks that cater to families have the largest attendances and biggest profits. Disney, Busch, even SFDK have been doing it for years, and yes, I've seen signicantly more than just 3 grandparents enjoying these parks along with their families on numerous occassions. The fact that you haven't at your park is more proof that SF needs to change their target audience, catering to season pass holding teens that use the parks as a hang out and don't spend any money (your perspective and personal financial situation are an exception, not the rule) are part of the reason SF in the financial pit they are in now. Or SF can keep on catering to teens as you suggest and keep eating the millions in operating cost every year until SF finally does go bankrupt. Then when your local SF park gets bulldozed over for condos, you'll wish they had been smart enough to do exactly what they are doing now.

Your exactly right, SF is in it for the money, why they wised up and stopped catering to teens. Finally realized the average thrill seeking teen doesn't spend any money at their parks, parents and grandparents with fat wallets do.

I posted the same observation in my SFDK TR. My guess, as far as SFDK is concerned, is that they're downplaying the thrill ride/coaster aspect of the park and re-emphazing the park's new family friendly focus, the critters. Tons of new t-shirst and merchandise with all different types of land and sea critters, but not a single coaster item in the whole park. Re-focusing SFDK's emphasis back to it's original family friendly offerings was easy since it's always been such a family oriented park. They're gonna have a harder time with alot of other SF parks though that don't offer much for families, but Shapiro is already planning on importing some of SFDK's offerings to other SF parks to accomplish that: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32746&highlight=critters Will be seeing more Looney Tunes, Wiggles, Thomas and even Disney merchandise, but SF coaster shirts may very well be a thing of the past.

^ Seriously! This is what happens when you mix conservative religious fanatics with politics, they want everything rolled back to 1940's values, could care less that it's 2007 and about 2 concenting adults making their own decisions on what they feel is acceptable. I just don't understand how putting a buck in a g-string at 12:01 affects them, except for the fact that they consider adult entertainment immoral, and want everyone else to have to bow down to their beliefs and values, which aren't the same as everyone elses.

I agree, the real tragedy is the poor animals that pay the ultimate price for these brats and their parents stupidity, they should be the ones put down!

Thanks guys, appreciate all the great comments. Glad I was able to visually convey just how gorgeous this place is, and trust me, pics don't do it any justice, even more stunning in person. Even grabs a Golden Ticket Award every year as one of the top 3 best landscaped parks in the world. As far as the name change, makes total sense now since it's looking like it will actually become a city-owned park. Here's a great article on the park's current situation: http://gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=209836 GG is located in Northern California at the very Southern-most tip of the San Francisco Bay Area, sort of out of the way, but so worth the drive. And as someone else suggested, can make a great day of it by doing GG in the day, then jumping over the hill to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for sunset rides on the Giant Dipper.

^ Sadly, Bonfante originally already had GCI come out and draw up plans for a hillside terrain woodie back at the beginning, but with the park struggling to even stay open, obviously never materialized. He had big plans for his 500 surrouding acres, major park expansion, second gate, hotel, etc., none of which will happen now with the park in survival mode. And even if the park does turn around, with the luxury homes being built right now, right up against the park on the small parcel of land they had to sell to survive, those NIMBYS will never allow anything more than small quiet kid rides to be built next their new million dollar homes. Thanks for all the comments guys!

Was an especially gorgeous spring day yesterday (sunny, clear, mid-70's) after raining on Saturday, figured it'd be a good time to go check out the renamed Gilroy Gardens and get my season pass processed. Bought the full price 1-day ticket for $39.99, get the rest of the season free, far and away the best SP price of any CA park. Was a pretty light day, not too crowded at all, was a nice relaxing visit. Unfortunately all the freezing cold temps we had this past winter were not kind to alot of the foliage in the park, so there wasn't a whole lot blooming since alot has just been freshly re-planted. On the whole the park was as gorgeous as ever though, will hopefully remain that way for years to come. The Road To Bonfa . . . er, Gilroy Gardens! (gonna take a while for me to get used to that). New entrance sign, liked the old one better with the coaster on top: The heavily landscaped driveway into the park is unique for the West Coast, reminds me alot of the more beautiful parks back East: Yaa! parking has been dropped down to $8! When the park first opened, parking was only a reasonable $7. When Paramount was managing things, first thing was to jack up everything, including parking to $10. The cool giant neon BG signage has been removed, be interesting to see if the new sign is half as dazzling as the original. Entry gate, and possibly a first? You read that correct, GG is a smoke free park! According to the guidebook, "We ask that guest who wish to smoke exit the park gates". In other words, you wanna smoke, then get the #%&$ outta our park. Love it! Dixie Cup Plaza entrance, beautiful as ever. Sycamore Bridge. What it looks like from underneath. Looking up through the canopy. New open path on the bridge to Claudia's Garden. Some of the new banners on the bridge. Unlike another renamed local park, the changes weren't nearly as extreme, mainly just new signage. The views of Claudia's Garden from the bridge: Welcome to springfling! Wasn't too crowded at all, good for me, not so much for the park. Springfling garden sale at Halls Mercantile, name any other park can you purchase souvenier shrubbery at! Just love all the landscaping around the carousel. The Illions Supreme itself is pretty spectacular too. Cute Strawberry Sundae kiddie flat. And big arse boat of Banana Split, get some great air on the ends. Ride the big banana! Future airtime junkies! Good way to start out any visit. Train arriving for our short but scenic spin around the park. Love the redwood canopied train station, very cool! Our C.P. Huntington ready to roll. Alot of sights to see along the way, crossing the entrance tressel. Spinning garlic bulbs. Beautifully landscaped duel kiddie car rides. Past various scenes, like this mock train dock. Complete with it's own loading dock ho hidden inbetween the sets of crates (far left). Don't notice her unless you look for her, but she's sitting there wavin' and a grinin' at ya as you wiz by. On through Monarch Garden. In . . . . . . and finally out of the pitch dark tunnel section (freaks the little ones out everytime!). Sittin' for a spell at Coyote Junction. Continuing past Bonfante Falls. Over the big oversized tressle that was sadly built for bigger things to come, when Michael Bonfante had hoped to replace the fake train with real full size authentic stream train. Really is a nice ride around the park regardless. Back to where we started, time for a spin on Timber Twister. The scenic extended que offers you a choice, as always in life, think I'll take the scenic route. Since no one else does, very quiet peaceful area that not many people even know about. Just love all the impressive rockwork around the park too. Nothing is naturally placed, every single rock, tree, plant etc. throughout the entire park was personally positioned by Michael Bonfante himself, worked on the place for decades before finally getting it opened. Yikes! A ginormous snake just slipped out from behind them rocks! Slithering amongst the trees. Snake in the grass! Come to NorCal and ride my snake! World exclusive! The first drop is so burried and hidden, don't believe anyones ever got a shot of it before. For a kiddie coaster, does have a bit of a bite to it. Steep first drop with a nice pop of air in the back, nice speed around the helix of doom. New kiddie flats added this year replacing a few game stands. These make me hungry for cheesy crackers. Walking around such a beautiful park rewards you with scenic vistas around every turn. The never completed Dino-topiary and closed for the day Mushroom Swing. The Elissa-friendly Pinnacles Rock Maze, pitty more US parks don't have mazes, really alot of fun. Moving along, the area gets much noisier with the crashing sound of rushing white water. Lovely Bonfante Falls. Path that leads to this mine-shaft looking tunnel through the rocks. Once most people get to this point, they wuss out and scurry back the other way rather than proceed forward. Guess it has something to do with this thundering waterfall only inches from you, soaking anyone that dares walk under. But yours truly braved the falls and unacceptable amount of wetness for these under the falls shots for you. Not safe after the main falls either, few other falls on the way out that want a dry piece of you too. The falls elevator that has never run. Dont understand why they never sued the crap outta the company that installed this POS to get it operational, would have been cool to look down on the falls area. Up the hill for some beautiful mission style theming around the area. Even the bathrooms are themed nicely. Time for a ride on Sky Trail. This would have been a perfectly timed sweet shot of Quicksilver Express, but nooo, dang monorail just had to get in the way! Ride so wild, it requires lapbars! Outta the station, past the transfer area for all you monorail/transfer track fans. While on the subject, here a wheel shot for all you wheel enthusiast. Go ahead, you know it makes you horny! Past the Four Legged Giant, not to be confused with the 3rd-legged monst . . . er, never mind Through the bamboo forest directly into Monarch Gardens. Quicksilver transfer shed for you transfer shed freaks. Back on ground for some ground level views. Mmmm bananas! Time for a go on the Panoramic Wheel. Beautiful design, my only beef is the placement. Right up against the equally tall Monarch greenhouse, so the entire behind view is completely obstructed (meaning you can't see the Santa Cruz Mountains or no aerial views of Quicksilver ). The thick bamboo forest maze que you take to get to the ride is a nice touch. Do like the color and design of the baskets though. Some views from the top. One and only 1 of those trees down there is original, other that that single one, every single tree and shrub you see was personally positioned by the parks founder, along with everything else you experience throughout the entire park. Rainbow Gardens Round Boat Ride. Elissa will be happy to know they've slowed the water down, so the boats don't spin nearly as much or as fast as they used to. Down side is I saw alot of boats stalling until they got bumped along by another boat. Striking arch entrance to Claudia's Garden. Check out Quicksilver Express one more time before heading out. These furries still greet you at the que entrance. Off lift hill #1 Up lift #2. Through the mill with no fog/mist, hope that sweet effect returns. Coming off the double drop to the lowest point on the multi-terrain QE. Cross the wooded bridge one more time on the way out, will be back soon for sure. Thanks for checking out my report, and since I agree with Robb with the complete total ownage of this shot, agree it should be included in every PTR too. Hoping another similiar coaster atrocity up here in Santa Clara gets the same well deserved wiped-off-the-face-of-the-planet treatment STAT!

Got some really beautiful shots there, Efteling is easily one of my top 5 most favorite parks in the world, thanks for sharing.

^^^^ yeah I'm not seeing why either that the Thomas area is a problem, from the new maps, doesn't look like they'll be much to it anyways, so the pathway will still be wide and open. And clever of them to use the old train route around Shark Experience for the new train path, nothing else really could go in that area, so it's actually a pretty good fit for a previously dead area that didn't have much in the first place. Not doing GA this year, haven't for the last few years, hopefully next year CF will give me a real reason to go back to GA. Thanks for props though, your pics are equally as impressive (helps that the park looks so nice huh!). But I've seen your other updates and you definitely have quite a talent there for great shots guy, looking foward to your future updates.

^ why Shapiro has taken such a special interest in our park, demographics-wise, closest thing in the chain to a total family park with something for everyone to enjoy all together. The rest of the chain is gonna take alot more effort and investment to turn around that thrill ride park image, SFDK already had a solid base of family entertainment offerings, just needed someone in charge that had a clue to unlock the potential here. Quite a difference from past management who's solution to increasing attendance was to just throw up another parking lot coaster.

Big congrats! Did the exact same thing at your age when my local park was closing, glad I did. Allowed me to spend alot of quality time there before it disappeared into park history. Take a few spins on Cyclone for me!

What makes this even more bizarre and scary is he made a movie long ago where in the finale, he transforms into a giant metalic robot and blows crap up, Moonwalker: Was obviously inspired by this scene, scroll down for more frightening pics: http://www.agonybooth.com/moonwalker/default.asp?Page=5

^ These are actually right outside of Rio Vista off Highway 12. Can't see them from 12 though, have to get off and go towards Birds Landing then you'll see them everywhere. The below are part of the Altamont turbines

Thanks guys, really appreciate all the great comments. I'll admit I was selective in my photos, the park is far from anything close to a Disney or even Busch park. Still LOTS of major work that needs to be done to bring the park up to the level of even SFFT or SFOT, but it's a great start and absolutely a major step in the right direction. Shapiro has promised this is only year 1 of a major multi-year multi-million investment into SFDK, so this is only just the very beginning, seems as though they're definitely on the right track. Honestly, although they look spectacular, the themed sections are currently a little bizarre. For example, they have Thrilla Gorilla marked as in the "Sky" section, but right next door is the Butterfly Habitat, which is marked as being in the "Land" section. On the other side of the park immediately beyond the "Land" entrance shown in my pics is the Dolphin Stadium, which is marked as being in the "Sea" section. So these so-called lands may actually be more like concepts, with the various attractions scattered throughout the park fitting into either the Land, Sea or Sky idea for the park's theme. At least until the entire complete transformation and reconfiguration years down the road is completed, this is the best I can figure out how they're sectioning up the park. Pics don't do them any justice, these suckers are GINORMOUS in person. And these are the smaller ones, check out this video of the even bigger ones installed last year, the largest in the U.S., gives you a better idea of the size of these things: http://www.smud.org/green/wind.html

After seeing Sean's great pics of the media preview, decided to go check out all the newness at SFDK for myself last Sunday. Since Sean did a great job showing off the new signage and everything, this is more of a regular TR than duplicating what Sean already covered in his report. First off, just wanted to share some NorCal springtime pics. When time allows, love to cruise the bay area backroads on my way up to Vallejo. My favorite route takes me through the East Bay foothills, through little dusty towns, over and along the Sacramento River delta, past ginormous turbines, and finally drops into Solano County, home of SFDK. Mt. Diablo in the horizon Sacramento delta Last of 3 bridges I cross before heading east Good thing they put in a stop sign, otherwise you'd never know you just drove through downtown Birds Landing "Where the grass, the dirt and the gravel all meet . . . " Sounded like a Stevie Nicks concert out here Big arse turbines mooo Finally make it to SFDK Beautiful new entrance sign All that remains in the infamous Swartzkopf graveyard The lakeside setting makes a nice backdrop for the park Just had to get some close shots of the new sign, really is striking The old Zonga pad is now being used for valet parking About this point I noticed something quite different. Suddenly the air was filled with this Lion King-esq music and rhythyms, along with bird sound effects all around. Didn't get a pic, but throughout the entire entrance area and all around the park, they've installed hundreds of new huge booming speakers that crank out ambiance, sorta reminded me of Adventureland at DL with the piped in jungle noises. First new critter to greet you at the remodeled new entrance This is the first example of something I noticed throughout the day. Notice the "SF" missing from this major new entrance signage? In other cases, the "SF" is so small or nearly transparent, almost as if DK wanted to somewhat downplay their association with the tarnished SF brand name. Or perhaps to allow the park to have it's own identity once again rather than being lumped in as just another SF ride park. Band-Aid to hide Medusas parking lot setting. Looks better than before, just hoping next years investment addresses this problem with something more permanent The new entrance plaza looks amazing now Shouka spewing Intamin track V2's new colors are really spectacular, looks much better in person Entry gate New Explorer Outpost thing, not sure what's it all about, but nice to have the lone park aquarium open for free again (had been converted to a buffet place where you had to buy the dinner in order to see the fish tanks) Few shots of the interior retheme Say hi to Patrick Jellyfish sup! Really do love the new colors of SFDK Even the trashcans are park/section specific, and again, with no reference to SF stores even received an extreme makeover along with all new merchandise It's interesing to note that the main gift shops have been stripped of any coaster related merchandise. The typical generic SF souvenier offerings have mostly been scaled back and replaced by unique, park specific animal items and higher end merchandise, such as these vases that run for $370.00 each These new posters show how the park has returned it's focus back to it's original roots, highlighting only the parks animal offerings. No coaster references in sight, and the subdued SF again Gotta love the new family friendly focus obligatory big cock shot for some odd reason, the shark is already missing from the new signage one PO'd looking gorilla a few flats were out that day, but these purple things smelt so purdy! True sign of quality machinery, a broken down Boomerang This is one of those park sections that are quickly disappearing from today's parks. An entire side of the park runs along this tranquil quiet lakeside trail in the back where no one hardly goes. No rides in this area, and will never be, so most people don't even make it out here. Which makes for a nice quiet escape from the insanity. New banners have been added along the way highlighting facts and info on the parks renewed star attractions again, the animals Also located in the back is the Butterfly Habitat, another great place to escape Koi pond and waterfall Backside of the falls Even the plain bland walls leading to the picnic areas received some love Poor flipper wanted to play Here's one of the more recent additions to the park, the Carribean themed Ocean Discovery Line for Roar, park was actually pretty busy, normally opening weekend is a ghost town and walk on for all rides ROAR! Cobra, now being touted as the "largest family coaster in Northern California". Obviously they forgot about Quicksilver Express Stage that replaced the Medusa Plaza fountain. I normally love fountains, but that thing was so hideous, seriously looked like it was made of feces molded into crude animal shapes, with water spewing forth. So glad they got rid of that eyesore! Random Medusa shots Kong with it's new entrance and slogan, "you'll never escape it". Must be talking about the ear boxing you get new Kong entrance now in Medusa Plaza Foliage around Medusa's station has really filled in nicely over the years Medusa is also being marketing for the first time as the tallest, fasted and longest coaster in NorCal, even though it's always been since it opened Can sorta make out the new train paint scheme here A few last shots of the beautiful new V2 paintjob, thanks for reading

^^ shouldn't be an issue, MWAUSA had always been open year round prior to Premier/SF. Of course that was one of the reasons they almost went bankrupt, but hopefully now that they'll have the attendance, they can bring back year round operation without breaking the bank. Excellent pics Sean, park looks fantastic!

^^ GG's is the perfect place for pre-teens, big on the fun factor, you and your kids will love the place! As far as the name change goes, now it all makes more sense: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=209659 Glad to hear the park will most likely be saved, but this blurb from last week is upsetting: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=209428 So it very well may end up being just a city park and nothing more as the new name implies .

^ That looks amazing! Love the theming too! Sunsplash actaully has a couple of different versions of the toilet bowls, plus they have NorCal's only Master Blaster, so there's definitely more than one good slide there to make the drive worth it: http://roseville.golfland.com/attractions.aspx#SunSplash%20Waterpark

Great to hear of Disney returning to hand-drawn animation. Do enjoy Pixars and some of the other CGIs, but the artistry of the hand-drawn Disney classics can't be beat in my book.

Actually really nice pics there of one beautiful park, thanks for sharing.

Ironic since I've been calling it Not So GA ever since Paramount ran the place into the ground! Someone mentioned it becoming the Astroworld of the CF chain, was already always considered the AW of the Paramount parks, so no new status there. They really should just change the name, Paramount already strip-mined the original beautiful theming/landscaping out of it, not much of America left in it, let alone anything Great. So really no point in hanging onto a name that has no relevance with the park anymore anyways.

^

On page 6, the article about Sally's Forbidden Island mentions the interactive dark ride being added to Granite Park in Fresno: http://www.nxtbook.com/dal/DataTeam/parkworldfeb/mar/index.php Nothing major, just nice to hear about a new park and dark ride opening up in the coaster/park starved Central Valley: http://www.sallycorp.com/Darkrides/den_thieves.htm

LOL! Didn't even realize Robb, but sounds just about right! At least it'll finally be marketed correctly!