California Great America (CGA) Discussion Thread

rolercstrluvr · March 24, 2012

I'll be there no matter what happens, I just re-newed my pass. I'll be there in my Knott's Haunt sweater with a TPR shirt under.

gromithere · March 24, 2012

Wow...California's Great America seems to be gaining fundraisers right and left for Coasting for Kids. Just finished signing up for myself and my good friend Teresa. I'm looking forward to raising some funds for this awesome cause.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/craigjensen/CaliforniasGreatAmerica

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/teresazequeira/CaliforniasGreatAmerica

Of course we'll be pushing like crazy to raise funds in the "real world" over the next couple months, but any jumpstart that anyone would like to give would be appreciated.

Tmcdllr · March 24, 2012

According to the National Weather Service Doppler radar as of 3:15 PM today looks like the (storm) is getting closer so the rain should increase tonight and continue to tomorrow.

NOAA Doppler Radar San Jose, CA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUv3sOsahXY

Angry_Gumball · March 24, 2012

Yea, I think my plans kind of took an about-face turn...With the uncertainty of the park closing early due to this slow-moving storm, and not knowing what will be or won't be running. So, perhaps next weekend, if it isn't raining again?

Seems like this storm got a late start as it's just now picking up to an almost steady rain as opposed to the mist we had earlier (which I'd be fine with).

robman · March 24, 2012

I did read that the storm is supposed to die down around 10-11AM with there just being small showers throughout the day. The only downside of having a radar to look at is it only shows an hour at a time and not the full picture. This is from weather.com "Cloudy with showers. High 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%." I will check again later on never know how this storm might change.

Angry_Gumball · March 24, 2012

Maybe I'll have a better idea tomorrow when I get up. But right now, I can assume that I'll have to re-plan my first visit.

robman · March 24, 2012

Maybe I'll have a better idea tomorrow when I get up. But right now, I can assume that I'll have to re-plan my first visit.

That's why I was sort of worrying about, I haven't missed an opening day in quite awhile im just trying to stay optimistic. If worse case scenario if the park is still open I will go and process my pass and leave.

XYZ · March 25, 2012

I live near San Jose, CA, and it's HORRIBLE weather here. Tomorrow is going to probably have horrible weather too, not the best time to go to a theme park.

robman · March 25, 2012

I live near San Jose, CA, and it's HORRIBLE weather here. Tomorrow is going to probably have horrible weather too, not the best time to go to a theme park.

Im just going to wait and see how it is in the morning. Weather in the Bay Area tends to change by the hour either by getting worse or better. That's one of the reason the news prediction are so off sometimes due to the drastic change the weather can have.

*EDIT* I thought I would post a comparison to what Angry_Gumball posted. This came from weather.com which is claiming the same exact thing almost

Edited March 25, 2012 by robman

Angry_Gumball · March 25, 2012

This.

Hopefully this is so. Reports I've been reading was that the storm was a slow mover, where a good chunk of it is to stall over the bay area afternoon through evening...and will wind down tomorrow morning and will have a mix of sun peeking through, the passing shower, being cloudy... Also going to wait and see. I want to go and hopefully the weather will cooperate.

And who wouldn't want to ride a coaster in the pouring rain? If you've never done it before, this is a must. I did Flight Deck (though was shielded by the rows ahead of me), Invertigo (this time on an end seat facing outward...and by then it was pretty steady, felt like someone was spraying me with a garden hose on spray mode, full blast), and though at another park, Roar. There's something about wood coasters and rain that are a really nice mix.

Yes, it was a quite unique experience visiting an amusement park when it's raining. About 20 minutes into the drive to the park, the rain picks up and remained steady. After that Invertigo spray-down, I finally took shelter on the Carousel as the storm died off. I finally took another spin on Flight Deck without rain to 'dry off' and a dry ride on Delirium. In the end, I was damp when the park closed, tempted to pick up a sweater in the store as I still had Haunt to take on that evening.

robman · March 25, 2012

I was looking at the Kings Dominion thread and I noticed they were getting this installed in their Action Theater.

New - Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D.

If it weren’t for a series of cataclysmic events; a comet impact being first on the list, our planet could still be the domain of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs fascinate us so much, that many people wish they were still among us. Fortunately, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D will be the closest we get to actually being in the presence of these extraordinary creatures.

Deeply rooted in science, this new 3D film in the Action Theatre, narrated by Donald Sutherland, carries audiences back in time to witness these amazing beasts come to life. Meet the largest living animals to have ever walked the earth: the titanesque plant-eating Argentinosaur, and its nemesis the Giganotosaur, a bipedal carnivore that could easily challenge the famous T-Rex! Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D combines CGI and live action featuring Dr. Rodolfo Coria, a world-renowned Argentinean paleontologist, visiting sites of major discoveries.

Location: Action Theater

Duration: 20 minutes

Free with park admission

I wonder if this will be going into CGA's Action Theater as well?

Angry_Gumball · March 25, 2012

On the CGA site, it still shows that Spongebob is still hanging around. Perhaps KD is a 'test' park for this and will spread out to the rest of the chain next season. Cedar Fair must have a love for dinosaurs as it seams but this sounds like a cool idea for the theaters.

robman · March 25, 2012

I see Spongebob on the site now, I didn't see it listed their at first. Hopefully something comes to that theater soon. Spongebob has lived there too long now.

Angry_Gumball · March 25, 2012

Not sure what to make of this weather as some reports are saying possible thunder showers tomorrow. I have the plans on going tomorrow, but at the point of 'wait and see what tomorrow brings' as my final decision. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for wanting to do CGA tomorrow but don't understand it being opening day, light crowds, mini ERTs, and possible water-enhanced rides. I still need to order my pass. Yes, I'm a slacker.

So yea, just hoping for the best when I wake up tomorrow, otherwise I'll be riding my virtual Flight Deck via No Limits.

And I agree about Spongebob. His signage is all sunbaked (Spongebob's all white now, or close to it), and he seems a bit out of place but at the same time, is the last bit of Nickelodeon the park still has without having any license agreements (that I believe). A new show would be refreshing and bring some new life into the theater...would be nice to see some Halloween themed shows during the month of October.

robman · March 25, 2012

Back on the topic of weather for a moment, it appears that the major storm front has gone away and there are just a few small showers that might make its way to Santa Clara. So major rain shouldn't even be an issue today!

Angry_Gumball · March 25, 2012

I see clear skies, I'm ready! It is however freezing do do dress warm.

Update: Season pass is officially alive again, just renewed it. See you guys out at the park!

KDCOASTERFAN · March 25, 2012

This.

Hopefully this is so. Reports I've been reading was that the storm was a slow mover, where a good chunk of it is to stall over the bay area afternoon through evening...and will wind down tomorrow morning and will have a mix of sun peeking through, the passing shower, being cloudy... Also going to wait and see. I want to go and hopefully the weather will cooperate.

And who wouldn't want to ride a coaster in the pouring rain? If you've never done it before, this is a must. I did Flight Deck (though was shielded by the rows ahead of me), Invertigo (this time on an end seat facing outward...and by then it was pretty steady, felt like someone was spraying me with a garden hose on spray mode, full blast), and though at another park, Roar. There's something about wood coasters and rain that are a really nice mix.

Yes, it was a quite unique experience visiting an amusement park when it's raining. About 20 minutes into the drive to the park, the rain picks up and remained steady. After that Invertigo spray-down, I finally took shelter on the Carousel as the storm died off. I finally took another spin on Flight Deck without rain to 'dry off' and a dry ride on Delirium. In the end, I was damp when the park closed, tempted to pick up a sweater in the store as I still had Haunt to take on that evening.

I went on backlot once last year in a light rain &it wasn't the best....the rain stopped when we got up to the gates but theminute we launched it was like a monsoon.

Angry_Gumball · March 25, 2012

Out at the park, pretty light. I'm happy to see that Firefall is running as opposed to last season. Well got some coasters to ride!

robman · March 25, 2012

I just got back from opening day at Great America and in quick form, I was able to get numerous rides on all of the coasters except Grizzly. Which for some reason was only using one train and was having very slow dispatches. Continuing with Grizzly, the retaking they did for the second turn around has made the ride a lot smoother. Also the permit for the new staircase that was posted a few pages back, really isn't a staircase they just redid the entire ramp to go up into the station. I will post some captions in the pictures below to explain a few more things. I did't take too many pictures this time as I plan to go back when the weather is nicer and bring my T2i. On a side note, I noticed two survey markers at the park today, one near Rue Le Dodge, and other one near the gift shop that is by Loggers Run. It could be nothing or it could be something but im calling it now Aquatrax.

Yay im the first person in the world to get this shot, not.

While waiting inline at the Season Pass processing area, Vortex through the trees!

Here is new new Gold Pass design, the other passes also got a redesign.

gold passes.bmp

Here is the previous years Gold Passes for comparison.

First coaster of the day was Flight Deck!

Flight Deck through its Zero G roll.

Next I headed over to Vortex, which is still very rough.

The new Fast Lane signs, which are at various rides. At most rides to enter the Fast Lane you either go through the exit or front of the ride.

Demon and its new paint. (Not sure if your able to tell in the picture.)

Also over at Grizzly they chopped some trees down which gives you a clear view of Tiki Twirl.

Fire Fall was running on opening day for once. (Which was stated above.)

Drop Tower with the dark clouds in the background. Which thankfully it didn't rain.

For a good part of the day, Tiki Twirl was stuck at this end of the ride. Not sure what the problem was.

Now the question is, will we see a new coaster in this area next year? Also can you spot the elephant?

Edited March 25, 2012 by robman

rolercstrluvr · March 25, 2012

The park map by Demon had a "Coming Soon" banner in the glass case. I did see others around the park for the mobile app, but this one didn't. So, it's either for the mobile app or something soon to come.

Angry_Gumball · March 25, 2012

Tiki twirl is still down, stuck in the far end. I'm going to have to see that sign, heading to Demon next. Been a really good day earlier. Random note: couldn't do more than 2 back to back rides on FD as I was informed that it's not good for my body. If only she heard of ERT...

Update: must be a new policy they have to follow as we were informed about this again on Grizzly.

And the ramp situation, they have to keep it clear for accessibility reasons. New stair case is still yet to be completed, which I think we will be using.

RainbowDash · March 26, 2012

I would be thrilled if they added a GCI woodie. I'm from around that area, and it would be really fun to ride it.

CGA_88 · March 26, 2012

Tiki Twirl aka Survivor took a nosedive today and may be down for a while. As for Grizzly, there will be a new staircase entrance in the coming months for the regular entrance queue.

robman · March 26, 2012

Tiki Twirl aka Survivor took a nosedive today and may be down for a while. As for Grizzly, there will be a new staircase entrance in the coming months for the regular entrance queue.

I knew something bad had happened when someone is the grassy area and looking at the ride vehicle. Do you know what happened exactly?

Angry_Gumball · March 26, 2012

Tiki twirl: 2012s Firefall! Ok, I'll give it some credit as it did technically run when the park opened.

Just got done at the park, going to post photos when I get home. Today was a smooth opening day (at least from my point of view) that was very light crowd-wise. Most of the rides were walk-on with the exception of Grizzly and Psycho Mouse (Psycho was about 2-3 train wait all day, snagged a couple rides on it). As mentioned previously, Grizzly has a new procedure at the moment where there's a temporary queue set up on the courtyard and stopped at the ride's entry. An attendant is standing by, pulsing people up into the station, keeping the entire ramp setup completely clear. I was told that the ramp has to be kept clear for wheel chair access (as the exit path can jam up with people). The new stair case is not up yet but will be an element to the regular and fast lane queue (if I'm understanding right). A lot of 'alternate' queues were made leading right up to the station gates for Fast Lane. One thing I found a bit odd was the use of really high walls. I'm also guessing these walls will be painted as they're just raw wood right now and feels 'incomplete.' Demon's wide entry path has been evenly split (goodbye line cutters!) and then the Fast Lane path veers off another direction, feeding directly into the station. Back to rides: Short lines allowed for multiple rerides on a few rides...even did some bumper car action 3 times back to back...fun to bump empty cars into people's paths while I'm at it.

A few other miscellaneous notes: don't expect to see Flight Deck and Demon entirely painted. Only certain areas were done. Flight deck's loop had fresh paint and silver rails while the cork and helix track is entirely black. Feels a bit 'incomplete' if you ask me. Not sure if they're continuing the paint or doing the "Grizzly" approach and paint sections at a time.

Also saw several orange tipped markers under/in the original waterslide area (Under the multi-person raft slide). Not sure if it's gardening or other, visible from loggers run. Didn't get photos of it though in respect of the camera policy on rides. Full report coming soon.

Other notes: Shout-outs to Sunfire, Patman, Flagg O' Dim, Robman, ABW, and another TPRer I ran into on the bumper cars toward the evening, not quite sure what name he said. Today was a great day for spontaneous meetups at multiple times throughout the day.

Lastly, I found out why there are no head-ons allowed on the bumper cars as I was coming around the corner, my friend had turned around suddenly when we met face-to-face...the tight-fitting restraints caused a sore neck...ouch!

Here's some photos to give you an idea of park happenings.

With the storms we had last night, it brought some snow to the peaks...cool stuff to see, pretty rare.

Another snow shot...also, you can see the freshly painted corkscrew.

(Not pictured) Flying Eagle's base and supports were repainted, looks nice to see fresh paint on it.

Yay, Firefall's open! I expected to see a missing gondola like last season, or atleast a sign/trash can blocking the entry.

(not pictured) My cousin and I were the only ones on the ride when we got on.

At the back, we've got a walk-on Psycho Mouse, an hour into the park being open.

While the park had mostly sunny skies, there were some lingering showers in the area but not even coming close to hitting us.

Aw...poor Tiki Twirl...

This could use some new paint on the turntable...looking quite beat up.

The carousel looks amazing with her fresh coat of paint, and got a full-on paint job as opposed to Demon and Flight Deck.

More Firefall hotness

Fellow CGA Facebook fan met up with us to hang out for the rest of the afternoon...taking a spin on Grizzly. Now onto some of the queue stuff.

From here, queue starts on the right of the planter boxes. Most people were ignoring this, we used it. The attendants thanked us for using this path as opposed to skipping it altogether.

Fresh first section of ramp heading up...the smell of fresh wood!

The Inverti-grass is looking quite nice today...all neatly groomed.

The sign that was mentioned a couple pages back. This "Coming Soon" sign fell off of the app poster, just so happened to land in the appropriate spot.