Six Flags Great America? or Six Flags St. Louis?

[RainforestAndy]

Me and the Girlfriend want to go to a Six Flags this summer for Vacation, I live in Minnesota, and we will be driving there. We can't decide between Six Flags Great American or Six Flags St. Louis haven't been to either of them.

[spaceace12]

Never been to Great America, but been to SF St. Louis 3 times last year. If you go around July, I say SFSTL only because by then EK will be open (mmmmmmm...GCI) and they are good coaster selection plus descent flats. Mr. Freeze is fun, so is Tony Hawk's Big Spin, Screamin Eagle, Batman, and I also liked Ninja. I haven't been to the water park, but it is probably on par with the average SF water park. Plus the atmosphere is nice because there is plenty of shade. Also, Superman: Tower of Power is fun.

[the_rock401]

From the Twin Cities, Great America, and it's not even close. Distancewise, you can get to Great America in 6.5-7 hours, while it's 10+ hours of the worst driving you'll ever do to St. Louis. I know this from several friends at the U from suburban St. Louis.

 

If you don't mind staying in Racine, you can get a room mid-summer for $50/night. Plus you also have the stuff at Wisconsin Dells (Noah's Ark, Mt. Olympus, etc.) to ride on the way down or back.

 

Paul "Iowa sucks to drive across" Miller

[mcjaco]

I'd say SFGAm, only because it's got one of just about everything. B&M Flyer, check. B&M hyper, check. B&M Invert, check. B&M Stand Up, check. Schwartkopf, check. Delicious Impulse, check. One good woodie, check. One big and just OK woodie, check. Spinning mouse, check. New mouse, yes, that too. No summer is complete without one ride on Fiddler's Fling.

 

And with gas prices, you could hit the Dells, and Little A-Merrick-A on the way down too.

[MisterP]

What they said ^. SFSTL is my home park, but even if I'd never been there before it would barely be a full-day park for me. SFGam just has so much more of everything, and its a very pleasant park as well (although STL is very nice also).

[RIP Psyclone]

On the TPR midwest trip last summer, they went to SF Great America, but did not visit SF St. Louis. Just sayin'!

[MisterP]

On the TPR midwest trip last summer, they went to SF Great America, but did not visit SF St. Louis. Just sayin'!

 

Well to be fair, I'm pretty sure that trip would have made a stop there if it was this year with Evel Kneivel on the horizon.

[terrancew_hod]

Definitely do SFGAm. It has more of a selection of rides and a bigger park. Get the Gold Q-bot though so you can get on more rides.

 

The only reason I could see you doing SFSTL if you were also heading down into Branson to go to Silver Dollar City or Worlds of Fun. I would imagine that much driving would be painful, unless you like to drive (I did this once, but then I like to drive and I had time to do it).

 

Terry

[Carnage]

SFGAM over SFSTL easy.

 

I'd choose SFGAM even without considering that my day at SFSTL was one of the worst park days I've ever had.

[ttd rox]

SFGAm! It's my home park and I think it's awesome! It could beat SFstl just about anyday!

[knottslover77]

Well from what I hear SFGAm is the best park in the chain overall so... I would go to SFGAm.

 

--Jay

[CP_RULES]

If you want credits and more "hardcore" rides then go to SFGAm. If you want a very nice family environment with some great, but not nearly as spectacular rides (but still really fun!), then go to SFStL. SFStL is probably one of the most underrated parks in the chain, and it's definitely worth a visit, but it just doesn't stand up to a more "high end" SF park like SFGAm in terms of rides.

[Carnage]

SFStL is probably one of the most underrated parks in the chain,

 

Maybe I caught it on a bad day, but my one visit a couple years ago was beyond bad. Bad weather, badly behaved locals, incompetent staff,etc. Basically the exact stereotype of the "bad six flags experience".

 

Though I love GCIs, so I'll probably have to grudgingly return at some point.

[spaceace12]

I went three times last year. April 29th, June something, and closing day.

Out of all those three times, I only had one rain out (did ride all the coasters I wanted {Batman in the rain sucks}). On closing day, I seen 5 management people out there and had a descent conversation with them (a few where from Astroworld). I only had a couple instances of train stacking: Batman (happens quite a bit), THBS (pretty easy to do it), and once on Eagle.

[KGA29]

I'd say SFGAm, only because it's got one of just about everything. B&M Flyer, check. B&M hyper, check. B&M Invert, check. B&M Stand Up, check. Schwartkopf, check. Delicious Impulse, check. One good woodie, check. One big and just OK woodie, check. Spinning mouse, check. New mouse, yes, that too. No summer is complete without one ride on Fiddler's Fling.

 

I agree. SFGAm has the better coaster collection by far. Plus their water park is great! During my road trip this past summer we had this exact same question (SFGAm or SFStL). We chose SFGAm and are so happy we did. I hit every roller coaster, rode some flats, and spent 2-3 hours in the water park all in one day.

[coaster05]

I actually prefer SFSTL, now some of that is due to overkill at SFGAM, but IMO there are as many good coasters at SFSTL as there are at SFGAM. However the deciding factor for me is I just like the feeling of SFSTL better.

 

Carnage, sorry you had such a bad day there, as we had one of our best.

 

BTW I have no idea what the statement of like HW but not affordable means?

[Airtime&Gravity]

The park to go to also depends on what else you plan to do.

 

If you plan to do more than just the park, then SFGAM would be the better choice as there is so much to do in Chicago. From the museums, downtown, the lake front, and the parks, there is plenty to do beside just visiting SFGAM. St. Louis also has more to do, but obviously not to the scale of Chicago.

 

However, if you just plan to visit a park, then I would go to SFSTL. During my visits, crowds have been light, the staff have been really good, and the park is just really enjoyable. The theming is nice, there is plenty of shade, there is a really good flat ride selection, the coasters are great(even Boss is fun), and the park just has a lot more atmosphere than SFGAM. Sure SFGAM has more coasters, but SFSTL has a better flat ride selection, a nicer location, and more atmosphere. Both parks are great, but I think SFSTL is the more enjoyable park.

[CP_RULES]

Maybe I caught it on a bad day, but my one visit a couple years ago was beyond bad. Bad weather, badly behaved locals, incompetent staff,etc. Basically the exact stereotype of the "bad six flags experience".

 

Well it definitely sounds like just a bad day to me, as it seems positive attitudes about the park's atmosphere and experience are in the majority. Was it a saturday? The "couple years back" thing could have something to do with it as well. I'd definitely recommend going again for another try.

[Carnage]

Well it definitely sounds like just a bad day to me, as it seems positive attitudes about the park's atmosphere and experience are in the majority. Was it a saturday? The "couple years back" thing could have something to do with it as well. I'd definitely recommend going again for another try.

 

Yeah, I think I'm willing to give it another try. My experience was so bad that it couldn't possibly have been the norm. And true, being a couple years ago could have something to do with it.

 

It was one of those days where the park was overrun with annoying punks, the staff didn't care, and we only had a few hours before a massive thunderstorm rolled through.

 

And to top everything off, I was standing at the front turnstiles taking shelter from the downpour, waiting for my group to show up. I was standing in front of a turnstile that was also blocked off. An employee came up and told me that I couldn't stand that close to the turnstile, I had to step back 10 feet. (in other words, I couldn't take shelter under the over hang, but I was welcome to stand in the massive downpour). I thought she was joking at first, but no she was just being a witch. Nice final impression to give me of your park.

[PURE]

This is a good question, both of the parks seem good in their own ways.

 

Although some of the rides at St Louis like Ninja look downright painful, I think Mr. Freeze would be fun, and its a good thing Evil Knievel isn't open otherwise it'd be an even harder decision.

 

Just looking at the coasters and from reputation of peoples reactions, also being it a closer drive I think going to SFGAm would be were I went.

[coreyml]

easy

 

SFGAm

and make sure you hit the dells (avalanche) up on the way (or back)

and SFStL = 9 hrs away and an awful drive at that zzzzzzzzz

[spaceace12]

Although some of the rides at St Louis like Ninja look downright painful

 

I don't think ninja is bad at all, I have ridden it atleast 4 times and the only time it hurt was on the break run with OTSH's pushing against me. I usually pushed back and it didn't hurt.

[uwgbdork]

I am just gonna have to vote for SFGam for the simple reason that if you are coming from the cities it is not too hard to hit up a few extra credits on the way. You got The Dells on the way with Mt Olympus and Timber falls as well as Little Amerikka just outside of Madison. All easy to get if you budget time and plan your route from the cities. Not to mention SFGam Stands pretty well on its own.

[VivaLaVibora]

These are just my opinions:

 

SFStL has Ninja, and Boss which are really rough to me. I also believe that Batman the Ride isn't as great as it is at SFGAm. SFGAm BTR > SFStL BTR

 

I like the mine train roller coaster, Screamin' Eagle, and Mr. Freeze a whole lot at SFStL. Evil Knieval is coming to SFStL. I don't know if that gets you excited, but for me it doesn't. Also, they have Tony Hawk coaster which I haven't been on. That's a spinning coaster, and SFGAm has a spinning coaster called Ragin Cajun.

 

I really don't like Ragin Cajun, and Tony Hawk might be just like that ride, but Tony Hawk could be less intense than Ragin Cajun which could be better than Ragin Cajun for me. If you want an intense mouse spinning coaster, don't even think about Tony Hawk because I know Ragin Cajun is painful spinning fun. At least for me, it's painful.

 

As for flats, SFStL ruined the Yo-Yo. It doesn't tilt anymore. SFStL has a Shoot-the-Chutes while SFGAm has taken their's out. They both have about the same exact drop towers (Intamin- really Ride Trade Gen Drop 2). They both have enterprises. SFStL has like a Evolution type of ride. To me, it kind of reminded me like the enterprise. This is Excalibur. To me, it's nothing great. They both have carousels even SFGAm is slower.

 

I haven't been on SFStL carousel, but SFGAm is quite slow. They both have swinging ships. SFStL is cooler because it's themed to Joker, but it's still just a swinging ship. The scrambler when I went to SFStL seemed better than SFGAm's. I definitely liked SFStL rafting river ride compared to SFGAm's. The rapids are awesome.

 

SFStL has a Scooby-Doo dark ride which is really fun while SFGAm doesn't. SFStL has bumper cars, and so does SFGAm. I don't know how SFStL bumper cars are, but SFGAm's are hard hitting if you get the right car that doesn't go really slow. Also, when it when it rains, just avoid it. It's pointless. SFStL has a falling star ride which is quite fun while SFGAm doesn't. SFStL has a gigantic ferris wheel while SFGAm doesn't. They both have antique car rides even though SFStL is being moved. However, I don't know if SFGAm's will be open this year because they are removing Splash Water Falls. They both have trains.

 

For roller coasters at SFGAm they have:

* An awesome Batman the Ride (5 inversions)

* Many people think Demon is too short, and sometimes painful (I don't agree with them though.)

* With Superman Ultimate Flight, they think it gets boring the more times you ride it because their are only two inversions in the ride. After the pretzel loop, many enthusiasts seem to hate it while the gp loves it. They praise Tatsu, and dis Superman.) I really like it though. I put my hands out forward, and enjoy the whole ride, and not just the little part that those people do.

 

* Some people believe V2 is just boring the more times you ride the ride. I again, don't agree. It goes around 65 or so miles, and it's so thrilling.

 

* Raging Bull is what the people like at this park. I really don't care for this ride. It's not like Superman: Ride of Steel (SFA), or Goliath (SFOG). If you like Goliath at (SFMM), you will like this ride. There are too many missed opportunites of airtime on this ride. The track is always turning, and not enough just straight track.

 

* I don't care for American Eagle. It's a dual wooden roller coaster created by Intamin. However, if you are a helix person, go on this ride. It has a big gigantic helix, and than it has another smaller one.

* People love Viper which is one of the smoothest cyclones around (I think.) I don't. I think it's boring. When I was a little kid, I used to get a lot more airtime, but not anymore like I used to. Maybe, it has to do with the seatbelts, but maybe it doesn't.

 

* Whizzer is geared for kids, but it's quite fun for me. However, it's a big sized coasters. It's not a dinky coaster at all. I think it's quite awesome! It's a steel helix type of coaster. On wooden coasters, I think the helixes should be short, and to the point. On steelies, I think they could be a little bigger, and all over the place.

* Remember that Deja Vu is gone, and they are adding a Batman standard non-spinning mouse coaster which I think should be awesome, but I like the standard version of mice, and many enthusiasts don't care for them like I do.

* Painful coaster named Iron Wolf. Any roller coaster that you have the ride the right way is just stupid to me.

* The spinning, and sometimes painful Ragin Cajun

* Of course, they have Spacely's which is just a really small Vekoma kids coaster.

 

Onto the flats:

I really like these at SFGAm (The other ones I said above. I'm not repeating myself. Thus, the bumper cars isn't in this list, or the train, and so on.):

Huss Troika

Huss Condor

Huss Swing Around

Zamperla Teacups

Zamperla Balloon Race

Zierer Wave Swinger

Shrawtkopf Calypso III

Intamin (Ride Trade) Observation Tower / Gyro Tower

 

They also have:

Huss Frisbee (It's not that fast compared to a Scat, or Gravitron.)

Huss Top Spin (There is no water on this one, and the cycle only give you like 4 flips.)

Shrawtkopf Monster (This is an Octopus type of ride.)

 

2 Flume Rides (One goes down a straight drop, and the one has a dip in the drop.) SFStL also has a flume ride. I dont' care for any of these at all.

Zamperla Rock N Tug

 

Space Shuttle America (Intamin movie simulator), Splash Water Falls (Shoot-the-Chutes), and Deja Vu won't be there, or won't be open during the 2008 season so don't get your hopes up.

 

For SFGAm water park, they have (This is included with admission.) a lazy river, a wave pool, 2 family raft rides (both different), mat racer rides, 4 tube slides (that are similar), 2 other tube slides (that are similar, but different than the other four), 2 bowl slides (similar to each other), 2 body slides, a Tornado, an interactive kids play area that has a nice skull bucket, and in that play area, they have like 5 kids slides that are similar to each other. They are body slides.

 

I haven't been to SFStL included with admission waterpark, but I believe it is smaller.

 

I guess if you really like woodies, go to SFStL. If you are a steelie, and flat fan, come to SFGAm. SFStL has 3 wooden coasters, and SFGAm has 2 even though people pretend to think that American Eagle is 2 coasters. Look at Holiday World. They have wooden coasters, and some enthusiasts absolutely love that park because they have them. What else does that park have that is so great? Heck, I like an Octopus, and a included water park, but what else is there? Is it the Sally Dark ride? Is it the free drinks? Give me a break if it's the free soda. Just go to Mcdonald's.

 

It has to be the woodies. So, if you like Holiday World, your better bet would be to go to SFStL because they have more of them. If you like steelies and flats, come to SFGAm. Heck, if you really like steelies, waterparks, and flats, come to SFGAm over SFStL. SFStL is a fun little park, but it doesn't have many of the biggest and baddest steel roller coasters like SFGAm does.

 

I say that as long as you avoid Kentucky Kingdom, you have made a good choice. It's not as bad as I make it out to be.

[RainforestAndy]

Thanks for everybodys input, so far I'm thinking more towards Six Flags Great America, if I did go to the one in St.Louis I would stop at Worlds of fun along the way, so I'm still a little unsure.