Coaster Palooza

Hi Everyone! We were invited to the California’s Great America Picnic Preview a few weeks back. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back. The staff was awesome as usual and we liked the upgrades (work on Grizzly, new paint, fast lane on Flight Deck, etc.) throughout the park. It took a little while, but here is the trip report! We're a little early for Haunt... First in line...light crowd early in the morning! Gyendolynne with Snoopy and New Character Franklin! The paparazzi had to stop us on the way in Fast Lane pricing! First ones in the park! First to Flight Deck! It felt like ERT Too much fun New Paint.. and Boomerang Bay They must be waiting because of the new work that was done on Grizzly. What is here in October? What is missing here? Derek's 666 Coaster! Time for lunch. Menu prices... Photos from the picnic area. Something is missing here there it is. BIG HUG for Snoopy! The food spread. They played tug of war. Sack races... I think the big guy was having fun! Grizzly's new wood! I love Snoopy. New paint on the carousel. Fast Lane up close Did you know the 49ers are moving next to CGA? Before ground breaking ceremony. New parking lot for the 49ers stadium. Final shot of how close the stadium is to CGA.

I think that maybe I’m out of the norm with my thoughts on this year’s WCB. We only attended SFMM. We have been doing this for years. I thought that the ERT was set up very well. I know that they had construction going on and I understand how Neal explained it at the Q&A session for the reason why we didn’t get any backstage tours. I have no problems here. The way the ERT was set up worked well. We had one side of the park in the morning and the other side in the evening. Yes, it sucked not getting ERT on Apocalypse, but we ended up back there from 6:30pm-7:30pm and rode it 4 times. That didn’t suck. We went to Tatsu next and finished up the night on X2. I’m glad that they kept the ERT in the areas instead of having Goliath, Batman, Tatsu, and X2 as night ERT (not saying they did this, but that wouldn’t be as fun running to each side of the park for 2 hours). We had a great time this year! I hope that they do a similar ERT session next year. I wouldn’t mind having all the coasters open for night ERT, but it isn’t the end of the world if they don’t! Thank you Robb and Elissa and thank you Six Flags Magic Mountain!

I count 7 duckies....

Does this picture count for Scott, Shannon, Gyendolynne and myself? At Holiwood Nights....2010

I counted 4. Great to see this thread back!

HOLY CRAP! What a trip, and Trip Report. Thanks for putting all the time into it and making this so entertaining Scott. We love Halloween, it is my favorite Holiday. I know it doesn't excite you, but I love the time of year. I have never been on a cruise yet and it looks like a good time when you're with good friends. Thanks for the tips about Discovery Cove too. I don't know when we'll get to Orlando again, but it is something to look into. You and Shannon have made me "comfortable" with water parks. Wish we could have been there! Great job again

We will be heading up to Holiday in the Park this year. I agree, make sure that you go to CGA's Haunt. I don't know what will happen next year with the new Ownership, but the managment team should still be there!

That looked like you both had a great time as always! I have always loved October, my birthday month, as well as the Halloween events. It just seems like they get better and better. Nice job!

We were at CGA’s Media Event for Haunt on Friday night. There are a few “new for 2011” at Haunt that I will highlight below. There are some good reports for Haunt at the following link. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42682&start=3310 My reviews wouldn't be as good as theirs. I will say a couple of things, but please check out their reviews too! To start off, the Overlord’s entrance is awesome and has to be seen! Don’t miss it! I didn’t see the Zombie’s gone Viral. I will try to see it later on this month. Blood Drums is good. They get the crowd going. I saw a lot of people dancing during their performance. Shocking Sideshow of Freaks is always entertaining. If you have seen it, you won’t forget it! I also didn’t see the Haunted Hypnotics, hopefully later. I went through all the mazes except Black Widow’s Cavern. Slaughterhouse is a great improvement! I won’t ruin it. CarnEvil is worth the $1 3-D glasses. I like Club Blood’s new entrance. It was quite foggy at the end though and we could barely see our way out. Toy Factory and CornStalkers are the same as last year. If you liked them, and we did, you will still enjoy it. Werewolf Canyon has some scares near the end and they could use some more monsters, but I still enjoyed it. ScareZones improvements were great! The Underworld Alley was by far the best. We had a great time overall. It was the busiest opening night that I have seen. I also went Sunday and they weren’t as crowded. How about some pics? I'm here for the Media Event! This is Nick, Susan's son...more later Your host and hostess for the event... Just like Tom Brady says, gotta get properly lubed up before we get started. The Boofet is good. I really liked the brisket, meatballs, and mozzarella sticks. Susan with a clown Me with the padre... CarnEvil area Fog outside the CarnEvil maze....they had plenty of fog too Chuck! One of the best costumes Gyendolynne Getting ready for the Overlord's entrance.... THERE HE IS!!!! I like this with the eyes in the background. Susan and Nick with a pirate....aaarrrgh Had to ride it! Susan and Nick with the bird lady Which way? FireFall had fire!!! Sideshow Freaks! Get the stapler ready. Deadman's Cove I know you can hear the song. The changed where the entrance is for Slaughterhouse. There are other changes too! It is a great maze. Club Blood's entrance is in the back now. Enjoy the pole dancing for the ending instead of the beginning. Blood Drums That's it for Friday Onto Sunday! These guys were sliding and having a great time until... Yep, plenty of fog and the Overlord arrives! I like the entrances to Underworld Alley Had to do Toy Factory. That's it for now. Hopefully I'll be back there later and take in the shows.

Great TR Chuck! Can't wait to hang out with you on Friday night.

Great job with the Video Robb! Sorry it took so long. We also rode the SkyScreamer at Six Flags Mid-America. Had a lot of fun at that park too!

Hi Everyone! Just got back from Media Day at SFDK for SkyScreamer. What a great ride, even in the rain! Yes, it was raining here in Northern California. That didn't dappen our spirits though. The guys for Travis Air Force base were there to take the "First Flight" on SkyScreamer also!!! SkyScreamer is a great addition to SFDK. The fact sheet and media release are below: SKYSCREAMER Fact Sheet Height: 150 feet Revolution: 98 degree circle Speed: Up to 43 mph Length: 2 ½ minutes Number of passengers: 32 sit two across Diameter of base: 20 feet Seating: Swings Seatbelt strapping: Across lap and between legs Number of stars on Star Points: 128 Number of chains holding each swing: 8 Capacity of concrete in foundation: 283 yards Lineal feet of rebar in foundation: 6,785 feet or if stretched from end to end equals 17 football fields Views: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, mountains to the West and water to the East Height requirements: 48” or 44” with an adult Flash Pass Availability Yes SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM OPENS SKYSCREAMER – MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SkyScreamer Will Take Thrills to New Heights May 25, 2011 (Vallejo, CA) Travis Air Force Base squadron members took to the sky at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom today, as the first “flyers” to experience the park’s newest thrill ride, SkyScreamer. SkyScreamer, which opens to the public on Friday, May 27, is the latest sensation in tower rides, and takes the concept of spinning round and round to a new level of thrills. The lofty attraction joins the park’s unique array of rides, shows and interactive animal experiences. At 150-feet high, SkyScreamer is the equivalent in height to the park’s tallest roller coaster, Medusa, and will give passengers a bird’s eye view of the entire park. With a capacity of 32 guests sitting two across in open air swings, the “star points” upon which the swings are attached, spin while climbing to the top of the tower, as riders orbit around. At full swing, guests revolve in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 43 mph for 2½ minutes. Once the sun sets, SkyScreamer will be lit from top to bottom, creating a stunning focal point. “There is nothing like it in Northern California,” said Dale Kaetzel, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Park President. “The sense of soaring so high is both exhilarating and nail-biting, and it’s that anticipation before the ride starts that gets the heart pumping.” SkyScreamer, which is topped with an iconic globe surrounded by the words Six Flags on two sides, was manufactured by Funtime of Austria, a world leader in unique and exciting rides. The colorful tower and globe offers a new look to the overall park skyline. From May 27 through June 26, 2011, guests can literally earn their wings by braving SkyScreamer 10 times during this time period by participating in the SkyScreamer Frequent Flyer Program. On their first ride, guests receive a punch card that serves as their frequent flyer card. The card is punched by a ride operator on each subsequent ride until guests hit their tenth ride to receive a special commemorative pewter SkyScreamer wing pins. SkyScreamer Opens Starting Memorial Day weekend, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is open daily through August 21, then on weekends and select dates through January 1, 2011, including Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®, its annual month-long Halloween event and Holiday in the Park starting November 27 through the end of the 2011 season. For more information or to purchase a Season Pass online, visit http://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom. VIDEO!!! My buddies Pat and Jim accompanied me... We're in the right place Where to next? A great addition to the skyline. Just keep following the signs. They had the characters out too. This is why we're here! Pat and Jim took time to have a picture with Daffy. Media is present... Some of the Travis Air Force base guys...and gals. Getting ready for the cutting of the ribbon. National Anthem perform by the Deadlies. Captain Lee starts off then the President of SFDK spoke... Finally the cutting of the ribbon. Waiting to ride with Travis Air Force. This was my Air Force partner for the first ride. Oh yea, did I tell you it was raining!!! Charles is great! Thanks for the on-ride footage. Pat and Jim with their swag bags... This was what they were looking at though! Jim sleeps on the way home. We had a great time!

Hi, We were invited to the Picnic Preview at California’s Great America in April. Sorry that the Trip Report is so late, but better late than never…. The food at the picnic area is awesome! If you have a big group, this is a great deal. They had ribs, chicken, lasagna, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, etc. Everything tasted really good too! Thanks so much for the invite CGA. I wanted to keep this part short, so onto the pics! Pretty good crowd ERT doesn't get better than this.... Sky Ride to the back with Gyendolynne You get to see a lot from up here... Not operating!!! This is why we're here! We gotta find the beer stand that is running. Here are the choices... Big Mike has me beat on the non blurry pictures of pricing. Yep, found the beer stand. DJ in the house. Snoopy Characters for your enjoyment. Lucy and Linus with yours truly! Ryan giving away prizes for the raffle. New show at the playhouse. Hello, something is missing here! Do you think Slaughterhouse is still set up in there?

WOW! This is a fantastic TR. Thanks for posting. I would like to get to the Mall of America at some point.

I would love to go, but I umpire the World Series from August 4-11. I could do the previous weekend (July 30, 31) or the following weekend (August 13, 14). Are these dates "set in stone?"

Nice report Chuck! I like that kid's look in the photo where you are pointing at the Christmas trees' balls... Maybe we'll make it out there next year. Gyen's parents are coming here this year.

We went to Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights, Nights of Fire Friday night. We added the buffet dinner to our tickets. It is a good feast! Here is a link to last year’s Trip Report: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=53526 The park is well decorated for the Holidays. The Peanuts characters are always a good addition to the festivities. Our first stop was the Bay Area Backroads for the 12 days of Christmas. They change the whole area to display the different days. Of course we rode the Quiksilver Express, Ferris Wheel, and the Balloon ride too! I was disappointed that they took out the ice rink. Even though I don’t skate, it was fun to watch the kids. In its place, there is a Country Hayride, which was interesting… The Charlie Brown Christmas and Laser Light show/Fireworks were awesome as always! I wish there were a few more shows to see between the feast and the 7:30 and 8:30 shows. We're at the right place A great entrance They change the tree entry way to Candy Cane Lane! Water falls as you walk in. SNOW! In Gilroy? Peanuts characters are all over the entrance area. Favorite ride for the Holidays They theme it up nicely If I have to tell you everything, then you don't know the song... Hi Gyendolynne! 5.....Golden....RINGS..... We will be your bartenders tonight...Do you want a shot of peppermint schnapps in your hot chocolate? They put on a show during dinner. Nativity scene... The park is well decorated! This is where the fatman is! Hi Big Boy! They had goats outside where there were hayrides I didn't get a picture of the prices, but they are $5 a ride for adults. This is a good show too! We take a relaxing balloon ride before the end of the night. They give you a piece of paper to write what you want Santa to bring you and then you can "mail" it throughout the park. Charlie Brown Christmas show. Linus give his Shepherd speech. It's snowing!!! Time for the final show. Nights of Fire and Fireworks!!! That's all I have, I hope you enjoyed it.

We had a fun time at Celebration City when we went there a few years back. Thanks for posting the pics of what it looks like now, it's sad to see that it is closed though...

Great pictures Dave! I doubt that we'll ever get to this one, but it is great to see it.

We have to get back to Wisconsin soon! It looks like so much fun.

^^I have had a great time at all of Cedar Fair's Haunts. I would like to try to get to Dorney, KI, and Cedar Point for Haunt too! ^Hey Chuck, it was great hanging out with you too. I hope you had a good time as well. KD's Haunt was really great. They have a lot of room to work with. The entrance to Haunt was really spectacular this year at Kings Dominion! Gyendolynne had a lot of scares throughout KD. I will post a trip report soon. Fangs wasn't a good show at either place. I'm looking forward to going to CGAs again to see some improvements.

I can't believe how late I am to see this TR. It is all kinds of awesome! We miss you guys. This is truly one of your best.

^^Hey Guy, Yep, they are doing a great job at CGA for Haunt. It gets better every year. ^I have been asked to do the Media Event the past couple of years for Haunt from TPR. I know Robb would like to be everywhere, but unfortunately he can't. We're going to Kings Dominion's Haunt this Friday. I did see your TR and liked it. Did you go to any of the shows? We were the only ones in Toy Factory until the end. I don't know why, but people stopped after they got into it. Other people came up behind me and started shoving me into the people in front of me. It is a suggestion to everyone - PUSH YOUR WAY THROUGH IT AND DON'T STOP!

That looked like a lot of fun. Club Blood is a good maze.

We went to California Great America’s Halloween Haunt on opening night for the Media/VIP Event, representing TPR. The park wasn’t crowded, but that helped us to go through all the mazes and scare zones. We started with the Boofet and then went into the park. We missed their opening at 7pm this year. The next time we go we will see it. Here is a link to last year's Trip Report: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=52797&p There is a new attraction and a new show. Black Widow’s Cavern has taken the place of Camp Gonna Getcha and the new show is Fangs. Ed Alonzo isn’t back this year. I’ll review the mazes first and then the shows. CarnEvil – The improvements of this 3-D maze are terrific. There are many scares throughout this maze. There were 2 other girls in line and they wanted us to go in front of them. It was pretty funny. Definitely get the 3-D glasses, it is worth it. Werewolf Canyon – This maze has the next best improvements on the season. Between CarnEvil and Werewolf, you will get some jumps. CornStalkers – These guys come out of everywhere. We were the only ones going through it at the time and we experienced every jump. Do this maze first because it gets backed up as the night goes on. Slaughterhouse – They put so much gore in here. I wish I could get some pictures, but they don’t allow any in there. This isn’t as scary as it is gory. Toy Factory – The song, need I say anymore? By the way, please push your way through the end! We got stuck because people wouldn’t shove themselves out of there. Club Blood – This maze has been one of my favorites the past 2 years, but this year it is hard to see anything at the beginning. They have a light that is right in your eyes. You have to get up close to the opening to get in and you don’t know where you’re going. I didn’t know whether to go to the right or left. I wish the light would be adjusted a little bit. The maze is short too. I thought it had been longer. Black Widow’s Cavern – We didn’t get the chance to go on it. I liked Camp Gonna Getcha, so I hope that this one is just as good, if not better. Fangs – The new show for 2010. It is a combination of Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. The female lead has an incredible voice! The male lead is a house. They have songs and dancing throughout. Shocking Sideshow of Freaks – It is a number of “stunts” that you would have done growing up. Something like, I bet you can’t crush this block of cement on my stomach with a sledgehammer? Do you think I can explode firecrackers on my stomach and chest? I think you get the picture. It is an entertaining show. BANG Primevil Percussion – They play throughout the park. Dave Hill’s Haunted Hypnotics – He hypnotizes people from the crowd. You get the picture. Thank you to California's Great America for putting on such a great Haunt! You guys have upgraded the event very well! Starting out at Bennigan's for an "Adult" beverage. This is becoming a habit... Yep, I must be in the right place. VIP and MEDIA This was our invitation The event isn't for the young ones... Gyendolynne and I with our MEDIA passes. We had the Boofet before going into the park I don't know who he is, but the Boofet is very good... especially the adult beverages. All the tables had great decorations. Monsters came out to scare you too! They snuck up on a lot of people. George and Mike, the Sideshow Freaks! We headed out by CarnEvil first. They put out a lot of props this year. By far the best maze in the place. Many scares throughout. Get your 3-D glasses because the upgrades in here were tremendous! They also have a "club" where you could dance and have something to drink. We didn't induldge in the festivities in there. One of the best upgraded mazes. I thought the sky and the eyes looked really creepy. Hi Gyendolynne! The Sideshow Freaks...please see the previous year's link. It has some great photos of this show. One of the scare zones This is the new attraction. It took the place of Camp Gonna Getcha They had some pretty good scares here. We were the only ones in the maze when we went through it. This is very unique...PUSH YOUR WAY THROUGH! Yep, he's back.... Outside of Slaughterhouse Very gory One of the meat cutters escaping Fangs, the show has potential. I think the more they show they have, the better it will be. I'm looking forward to seeing it again in a couple of weeks. Sorry about the darkness of the photo. BANG! PrimEvil Percussion Club Blood, I hope they adjust the lighting. Thanks TPR for having us be the Media for this event!