Where to get my winter fix?

[milst1]

I had a strong finish this year, managing to get to Cedar Point, SFGAdv twice, Magic Springs (Hot Springs, AR), and Dorney Park (Allentown, PA), all between Labor Day and Season End.

 

Now I'm wondering...where am I gonna get my fix this winter?

 

I know the obvious Florida parks (Dis, Universal, Busch Gardens Africa), and I believe some California and Texas parks have hours during Thanksgiving/XMas (e.g. SFoTx is open Thanksgiving weekend and then a bunch in December).

 

So my question is, what are the best places to go for winter coaster riding in the U.S.? I'm looking for great experiences at big or small parks.

 

Thanks!

 

Martin/milst1

[SpartanTS]

Take I-95 South to I-4 West

[Sunfire]

Well, I know that the Disneyland Resort (both DL and DCA) are open 365 days a year, so you can literally hit them up any day.

[kraxleRIDAH]

Knott's Berry Farm is also open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

[Reon]

What about indoor parks like MoA and such? Arent they open year round?

[milst1]

What about indoor parks like MoA and such? Arent they open year round?

 

Is MoA Mall of America?

 

I know the Sandusky, OH area has a number of indoor waterparks.

 

Are the smaller parks of TX, FL, and CA open over the winter?

 

I'm looking at RCDB's listings in TX and I see Wonderland, Kemah Boardwalk, and others. Do these stay open? SFoTx, SeaWorldSA, SFFTx: Are these open at all between January and springtime?

 

Just curious if anyone knows this off the top of their head.

 

Thanks,

 

Martin

[steel]

Yeah, really, if you're up north already, just go to MoA (or WEM if you wish).

[Swoosh]

Go to South West Missouri to a little town called Brason and visit SDC

[deasondodger]

I think dollywood is open till end of the year on select days

[Moose]

Yeah, really, if you're up north already, just go to MoA (or WEM if you wish).

 

You do know NYC and MOA are not close to each other, right? Yes they are both in the "North" but they are not exactly next door to each other. THe trip there would require a flight and flying someplace warm would be cheaper and easier than flying to MN.

[Absimilliard]

In Canada, you got 2 indoor parks... Galeries de la Capitales in Quebec City that has one credit and kiddie rides and the West Edmonton Mall, but that would require a pretty long flight!

[PKI Jizzman]

I'm heading down to Brisbane, Australia and hittin' up Dreamworld, Movie World, and Wet 'n Wild!

 

7-8 new credits? It will be awesome. I can't wait to get on Giant Drop, the Intamin Motocoaster, Intamin Halfpipe, Intamin reverse freefall.....Intamin heaven!!!!

[speedracer]

There's alway Vegas, coaster fixes, cocktails and buffets!

 

SFDK makes a nice side trip from San Francisco. Will be open for their Holiday In The Park weekends from Thanksgiving till Xmas, ditto for Gilroy Gardens and their Holiday Lights celebration. Plus the SCBB and Nut Tree Family Park are always open weekends year round.

[cpfan101]

Sea World will be open through December 31.

 

Six Flags Fiesta Texas will be open same time. However, several major rides including Superman, Rattler, and Road Runner Express will be CLOSED.

 

I'm not sure about the other parks.

[steel]

You do know NYC and MOA are not close to each other, right? Yes they are both in the "North" but they are not exactly next door to each other. THe trip there would require a flight and flying someplace warm would be cheaper and easier than flying to MN.

I realize that. To me, it seemed like he was asking for parks up north that operate year-round and those were the ones I could think of. And there's the obvious draw of new credits, I suppose.

[spaceace12]

Beach Bend is opening Thanksgiving to Jan. 5th with Rumbler open plus other rides according to thier website.

[SharkTums]

Be careful if you decide to go to Kemah in Texas as that ride will be down for some time during the winter.

 

As for where to go...give us more information on what you like, where you've been, where you haven't been and we'll help you out!

[Primogen18]

http://rcdb.com/qs1.htm?quicksearch=jeepers

..well, some are located in northern states, they're open all year, indoor, and include a credit....

[holyblakbelt]

Just a warning if you want to go to MOA, don't go since they're working on The Park at MOA, unless you want to see some construction going on! But they said that almost 80-90% of the park would stay open during construction so if you get the chance, visit MOA.

[Xxhershey818xX]

Yea I usually go to Kalahari Sandusky Resort for my winter fix! Sometimes we mike side trips to like Florida or other warm places with coasters!

[carolinacaniac]

http://rcdb.com/qs1.htm?quicksearch=jeepers

..well, some are located in northern states, they're open all year, indoor, and include a credit....

 

Jeepers!!!! Nothing like going to a cheap knock-off Chuck E. Cheese for a credit! One of the best parts about my first visit to Concord Mills in NC, too bad it closed down

[mcjaco]

Just a warning if you want to go to MOA, don't go since they're working on The Park at MOA, unless you want to see some construction going on! But they said that almost 80-90% of the park would stay open during construction so if you get the chance, visit MOA.

 

Well which is it? Go or don't go?

 

I'll be heading up to MoA in a few weeks. I like to get a quick fix during the off season there. I'm more excited about seeing the construction this year than actually riding anything.

[milst1]

Thanks everyone for the advice and tips (especially about major rides closed at Fiesta Texas)! We are now looking at an early December weekend in Tampa to visit BGAfrica (I haven't been in 10 years) and Cypress Gardens (never been) in Winter Haven, maybe with a stay at the Seminole Hard Rock (Cheryl likes blackjack!).

[milst1]

Be careful if you decide to go to Kemah in Texas as that ride will be down for some time during the winter.

 

As for where to go...give us more information on what you like, where you've been, where you haven't been and we'll help you out!

 

And thanks for the Kemah tip, SharkTums.

 

To address the other point, where we really want to go is on the TPR Japan 2008 trip and we're holding our breath that we'll get in on that!

 

Best,

 

Martin