Are there any good coasters near Washington DC?!

[wildejon]

Here's a question for you all, my first post too

 

I have a Sunday in Washington DC in a few weeks time. I was thinking that it might be more fun to hit a Theme Park instead of sightseeing as I love coasters but have only really experienced them in this country (although there was a crazy one in Tivoli gardens in Copenhagen, was pulled at the same speed the whole way round, strange experience!).

 

Does anyone have any recommendations?! I have been told by a lady over there that I should head to Cedar Point but its quite a way to go, although I'm happy to do so if it is deemed worthwhile.

 

I'll have a car so driving is fine.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Jon

[Erik Johnson]

Six Flags America is located on the east side of Washington D.C. While it is not one of the best Six Flags parks, it does have a decent collection of roller coasters such as Superman: Ride of Steel and The Wild One. If you have a little more time to spare, King's Dominion (Volcano) is about a 2 hour drive (to the south) of the D.C. area. Busch Gardens Europe (Griffon, Apollo's Chariot etc.) is about 3 hours away (an hour away from King's Dominion). Six Flags Great Adventure (El Toro, Kingda Ka, Nitro) is around 3 hours away to the north. So if you are willing to get up early you could make the drive to one of those parks, or just settle for Six Flags America. Cedar Point is too far away.

[wildejon]

Cheers, I'll probably drive Saturday eve and stay close to wherever I'm visiting on the Sunday, means I can get in nice and early too! Are any of those parks better than others or is it all completely down to personal opinion?

 

I love that everyone knows whats at which parks. I'm pretty new to all this, I'd love to join in on one of the trips though, would be great!

 

Edit: The more I look at the Cedar Point website the more I think I should just be hardcore and drive it! I didn't know Top Thrill Dragster was there too?!?!

[SharkTums]

Do yourself a favor and drive way less and go to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey instead. Way better than Cedar Point!

 

And the best coaster in the country is there (El Toro!)

 

Just make sure to get a Gold Qbot so you can really enjoy your day!

[larrygator]

^Come on woman get with the program. It is called a Gold Flash Pass! Q-Bot is so 2006.

 

Take Elissa's advice or if you want to spend less money I suggest HersheyPark.

[coaster1]

don't forget Kings Dominion (w/ Volcano, Hypersonic) and Busch Gardens Europe (Apollo's Chariot, Griffon) are 2+hrs south.

 

AND .. Hersheypark, NJ piers, Dorney are all within a few hours as well.

[wildejon]

Choices choices...

 

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll have to look up all their websites and try to make a relatively informed decision!

 

El toro looks great btw!!! I'm a big fan of wooden rollercoasters, they seem to have more effect on my stomach

 

Cheers

[wildejon]

Looks like its gonna be Six Flags Great Adventure

 

Do those Flash Passes get you entry to the park too?

 

Thanks for your help everyone

[Dorneypark_fan]

Looks like its gonna be Six Flags Great Adventure

 

Do those Flash Passes get you entry to the park too?

 

Thanks for your help everyone

 

No they don't, but you need one if the lines are long

[Obscurerider]

Yeah you need to buy the admission then the flash pass but the flash pass is definitely worth it. The lines get really long.

[cfc]

There's a limited number of Gold Flash Passes, so you should get to SFGA early to make sure you can snag one.

 

If you want to check out SFA (which has two very-good-to-excellent woodies) you can take the DC Metro Blue Line, then grab a bus at the Addison Road station (there are directions on SFA Web site), if you don't feel like driving.

[wildejon]

Excellent, all is set then!

 

It looks as though you can order those passes online? Although they are expensive! The conversion rate helps out a lot though

 

Anyone fancy coming with me?! Is there a place I might be able to stick a post up to find out if there is anyone going on the same day?

 

Thanks again everyone, most helpful, glad I found the site!

 

(Thanks for the travel tips too cfc, might well do that, saves lots of hassle)

 

Jon

[wildejon]

Not sure if I need to start a new thread for this but I've just had it suggested to me that I could in fact visit SFMM instead of SFGA when I go to see my wife in CA after my week on the East coast.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts or comparisons between the two? My main concern would be missing out on El toro!

[raptor6]

Do yourself a favor and drive way less and go to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey instead. Way better than Cedar Point!

 

And the best coaster in the country is there (El Toro!)

 

Just make sure to get a Gold Qbot so you can really enjoy your day!

 

 

Watch your tongue Elissa!! (j/k)

 

 

Is El Toro really better than Millennium Force and Superman: Ride of Steel at SFNE??

 

 

I'll be going to Six Flags Great Adventure in September and I'll see if your comments are valid...