SFDK and Great America Help

[Sticky Nicky]

I am going to California in 2 weeks and was just wondering if there are any tips I should now about. I would be at both parks on a Sat,Sun,or Mon August 25,26,and 27.

[darklingscribe]

I'd avoid both parks on the Saturday. Both will be packed. Maybe you should head out to SCBB for saturday as there are less rides there and crouds might be more manageable (though the traffic to the beach will be terrible). I'd suggest Discovery Kingdom on Sunday and Great America on Monday, as Great America's tiny water park draws insane crowds on the weekend.

[Tmcdllr]

Avoid both on fri, sat, sun. Invertigo on the weekend has a long wait and while it is fun you could better spend your time rather than waiting in long lines. You will be able to hit everything and enjoy both parks during the week.

[Angry_Gumball]

GA was manageable on a Sunday...I only spent a few hours in the park and got my needed credits + a few extra re-rides. The longest wait as mentioned was probably Invertigo which was an hour wait. Top Gun, running 2 trains was maybe 10 minutes, Vortex, 1 minute with 2 trains, and Demon was about a minute as well. Probably do SFDK on a Monday as Medusa always gets long lines on weekends. Maybe do SCBB on a Saturday, but watch out for those late comer topless locals who want to just sit on the beach/roam the park in just their boardshorts/sandals

[chmilo24]

I'm going to SCBB, KGA, and SFDK this weekend so I'll see how it is.

[Sunfire]

I don't know about Discovery Kingdom, but I know Great America inside and out (Wow card holder who lives 20 minutes away). If you're going during the summer, here's how to make the most of your day.

 

-Try not to go on a Saturday. It is always very crowded on Saturdays in the summer. Usually 40+ minute waits for EVERYTHING. You're better off Monday through Friday.

 

-If you must go on Saturday:

 

1. Go on Top Gun right at opening (10 am). The line grows very quickly and can be full by 10:30.

2. Don't do re-rides in the morning. Even though the lines are short, you should try to get to the back of the park as quick as you can. That's where the two longest lines in the park are: Survivor the ride and Psycho Mouse.

3. Go to the Water park when they open. That's when there's no lines.

4. At the peak time of the day (around 2-5) the lines for everything are massive. If you want to get all the credits in GA, this is the worst time. The weather is burning hot, and it's not fun waiting in the sun. I'd suggest seeing a show, or playing games. Something to keep you cool.

5. If you must ride during this time, I think the best option is Demon. The line does get long, around 45 min. sometimes, but a lot of the queue (except the short switchback before the station) is covered by trees, so it's good to keep cool.

6. If you can, stick around till closing. The last hour Great America's open, the lines disappear in the back of the park (except Survivor the Ride, it's fairly new and VERY popular). And it's very nice seeing all the lights and stuff.

 

Keep in mind that this is during the SUMMER. I'm not sure about how the crowds are during the beginning of the season. But if possible, go on a Saturday in October. Walk-on's for almost all the rides.

 

That's about all I can think of right now. Sorry that was such a long post. I'm just trying to make your visit as enjoyable as you can. Hope you have fun!

[Tmcdllr]

^Ecellent information. That is my home park and all of what you said is so true. If you must go there on a saturday that really is the way to do it. A very good guide to keep from getting burned out from the heat and long lines while still being able to do everything and have a great day.

[chmilo24]

^^ Thats what I'll be doing this weekend.

[Sunfire]

Hope you have a great time!

[haiderodes]

I was at SFDK the first sunday in June, it was warm and sunny but the crowds were very managable. There were lines, but nothing over 10 to 15 minutes except the shoot the chutes. Some advice is to ride the bigger attractions while the larger shows are going on.

[Goliath513]

I prefer SFDK over GA. The atmosphere is more enjoyable and the rides are better.

[Sunfire]

Hmm. I actually prefer Great America over DK. I went to DK a few times (when it was still Marine World) and I thought it wasn't as good as GA. But Great America holds sentimental memories (my parents met there), so it will always be my favorite park (other than Disney, nothing beats that).

[Sticky Nicky]

The last weekend in August GA is open on the weekend so I can't do that park on monday.

[Sunfire]

O.k. then, you can still go on Saturday. Just because it's crowded doesn't mean you can't have a good time.

[chmilo24]

OK, I didn't go to SFDK but I did go to GA. The morning had the longest lines. By 3:30 Top Gun, Vortex, and Demon all became walk-ones and the rest of the rides had short lines, only 10-15 min waits. Drop Zone had about a 3 min wait, but broke down about every 2 hours.

[Sticky Nicky]

Thanks For the Info.

 

Would it be worth it to get a big six pass for SFDK and go Sat from like 4-8 and then on Mon all day, or does Saturday bring a lot of people? When does school start?

[Bush985]

The last weekend in August GA is open on the weekend so I can't do that park on monday.

 

Actually the operating calendar has been updated. The park is now open Monday 8/27.