A few queries regarding SFNE, Lake Compounce, TGE, La Ronde

[307]

So in late-August we're going on another trip, this time to hit up a bunch of Six Flags-owned parks in the north east.

 

Here's the itinerary:

 

SUN Aug 20 - Drive to La Ronde + evening at La Ronde

MON Aug 21 - La Ronde

TUE Aug 22 - Drive to The Great Escape+ The Great Escape + drive to Enfield, CT

WED Aug 23 - Six Flags New England

THU Aug 24 - Six Flags New England

FRI Aug 25 - Lake Compounce

SAT Aug 26 - Drive from Enfield, CT to Rochester, NY

SUN Aug 27 - SeaBreeze, drive from Rochester, NY to Vaughan, ONT

 

Now, I've done a bit of research on lodging and I think we're set for our hotels. However, if anyone has any experience with the Sandman in Montreal, the Motel 6 in Enfield [just south of the CT/MA border], or the ExtendedStay in Henrietta [Rochester], then let us know!

 

What I'm mainly wondering is, what kinds of crowds should we expect? We're trying to do the parks later in the summer to maybe avoid the major crowds, however this is about the best weekend to do it, as it's the weekend before Labour Day, and anything after that conflicts with my girlfriend's school schedule and thus can't be done.

 

So what kind of crowds are we looking at here?

 

Also, what are some can't-miss flat rides at these parks? Obviously every coaster is on our "to-do" list, but what about flat rides? We generally won't experiment unless they look too cool to pass up, and we normally by-pass generic rides - but if we're going to be missing a crazy program or cycle, then let us know!

 

Thanks a bunch y'all.

[307]

...anyone?

[larrygator]

you picked some bad parks for flats in Seabreeze and Great Escape - I have nothing to recommend at either. I'm also not a huge fan of Lake Compounce flats but their Enterprise is good as should be the new Screaming Squirrel. The SkyRide is a must if you have 20 minutes and are not afraid of heights. The log flume will get you wet.

 

SFNE - Time Warp is one of my favorites, You have to try the skyway for it's uniqueness, Scream is a good tower ride and now they have the old Sky Swatter from Astroworld

 

La Ronde has some enjoyable flats - you can really get the Tea Cup (Tasses Magique) spinning fast, the Auto Tamponneuses is a good version of orbiting bumper cars. Disco Ronde, Manitou and Maelstrom are also fun.

 

However the one thing not to miss at LaRonde is their version of Fried Dough called a Beaver Tail. Find the place that serves them and you will be in heaven.

 

Also, with La Ronde if you have a Six Flags season pass they can not scan it at the turnstiles. You need to take the season pass to the Guest Services (Resignment) window just to the left of the turnstiles and they will give you a paper ticket (billet) that can be scanned. At least that is how it was in 2004.

 

Good luck

[307]

Thanks, larry. All of that will be very helpful.

 

Any clues on what the crowds will be like or were your visits out of this timeframe?

 

From what I've been told, La Ronde only operates one train on every coaster - is this true?

[ParkTrips]

Jer - first off, I am already anticipating the TR upon your return, you guys rock!

 

Also, I'll second Larry's recommendation of the Sky Ride, but first you may want to do the rapids ride next to the loading platform. It will get you very wet and you can dry off on the way up the mountian (if you are into the whole getting drenched thing). Other than that, the Lake really does have a pretty mediocre set of flats. The Carousel is still pretty nice though

 

Since you will be in the area, I can't not recommend going to Hoffman's Playland. They have a credit (woo Hershell Dipper) and the hardest hitting Lusse Skooters. The Skooters cost $2/ride and I doubt the coaster costs any more, well worth a stop since its just off the highway headed between Great Escape and SFNE/LC.

 

Also I went on what they called Lake Compounce's busiest day ever last July and when we rode Boulder Dash in the daytime the wait was only 5-10 mins. The only rides with truly long lines were the sally shooter (Ghost Hunt I think), the water rides and the sky ride.

 

Six Flags New England was very crowded though, we only did 4 of the coaster (could have done more but had woman-derived circumstances, grrr). They did have an uber-sweet waterpark though 8)

 

- Joe

[canada]

Thanks, larry. All of that will be very helpful.

 

Any clues on what the crowds will be like or were your visits out of this timeframe?

 

From what I've been told, La Ronde only operates one train on every coaster - is this true?

 

I can only comment on what rides to hit at La Ronde since its the only canadian park I've been to.

 

Manitou is an awesome flat ride, you can not miss that.

 

Vertigo is another thrilling experience, be sure to ride it but just to let you know the loading/dispatch times take sooo long. Each ride takes up to 7 minutes!

 

Bateau pirate is an old bucanneer type of ride like the one at SFGADV. Pretty boring.

 

Tornado is rough as the restraints are very uncomfortable but it's always a walk on and since its right next to Cobra (the standup) you might want to try it on your way.

 

Orbite is a pretty good freefall ride but usually its veryy packed. Not something I recomment if theres a long lineup.

 

For the roller coasters:

 

Vampire usually has the most lines of any coaster, including goliath and monster. I can't say they run both trains every day but its not like they never run both trains either. It really depends on the lineup.

 

For the monster, try track 2. Track 2 has some airtime unlike track 1. Usually in August they run all 4 trains.

 

Cobra and the vekoma corkscrew called Super Manege NEVER have both trains running. Super Manege is broken this year anyway.

 

Also Goliath has both trains running every time but the dispatch times vary from day to day. It is a good ride but only in the front. Any seat but the front sucks (yes the back sucks!).

 

If you have any more questions just let me know!

[shesaidboom]

I am already anticipating the TR upon your return, you guys rock!

Thanks! Hopefully we'll finish up the TR we have going one of these days

 

Cobra and the vekoma corkscrew called Super Manege NEVER have both trains running. Super Manege is broken this year anyway.

Do you know why it's broken? In a way I'm glad I don't have to ride another corkscrew, but I also want the credit

[canada]

I am already anticipating the TR upon your return, you guys rock!

Thanks! Hopefully we'll finish up the TR we have going one of these days

 

Cobra and the vekoma corkscrew called Super Manege NEVER have both trains running. Super Manege is broken this year anyway.

Do you know why it's broken? In a way I'm glad I don't have to ride another corkscrew, but I also want the credit

 

Aparently its closed for the whole year for some reason. I think a piece of the motor is broken or something. Sounds kinda fishy to me.

[canada]

Great news! Was at la ronde today and they finally opened the super manege at 8 pm for the first time this season after testing with dummies!!

[307]

Just wondering one more thing:

 

If we go to SFNE on, say, August 23 [Wed] and August 24 [Thu], would it be wise of us to purchase a fast pass?

 

We're mainly looking to first get on everything, and then worry about re-rides. Would a fastpass be the best way of going about this, or would the crowds be thin enough that one isn't necessary?

 

Thanks again for all the help.

[307]

Nothing?

[ParkTrips]

FYI I think Season Passholders get some serious discounts on the q-bots, which is cool but also means the line was insane.