Six Flags New England (SFNE) Discussion Thread

[Canobie Coaster]

^ I think Superman with less bulky restraints could be my preferred choice in all seats. I'm still hoping that happens someday considering they eventually got new trains for a 20 year old SLC.

 

I think the finale of Wicked Cyclone is still pretty awesome. It's slower than the other parts of the ride, but that camera hill is really wild, the last zero-G roll has a ton of airtime, and that outward banked hill has some strong air too.

[BoulderDash]

The trains on Superman don't appear to be in the best shape and have been really noisy lately. It still rides great but I noticed a significant amount of noises coming from the trains. I really hope that one year they invest in new restraints and replace the missing row. I just want the restraints to be identical to the way a normal T bar would fit but with a U shaped bar. Modifying the restraints would also likely allow them to ditch the headrests, I believe they are a requirement with the restraints they currently have.

 

Seems like Goliath has had a lot of down time lately, I wonder how long it will before they pull the plug on it. It is a maintenance nightmare, and a waste of space. I see Flashback or GCG leaving before Goliath though, but hopefully it will be soon to follow. Unless they get a new Vekoma train for it and put some money into making it work, then I am totally fine with it staying.

[Jason Maier]

Aren't the trains on Goliath Premier built?

 

And IF Goliath and/or Flashback go to the scrapyard, what goes in their places?

[Canobie Coaster]

^ Goliath may have had a decent bit of downtime lately, but it seems to be pretty popular. It's not uncommon for it to have a 30-60 minute wait while Flashback is no more than a one cycle wait.

[bill_s]

As amazing as both are Superman has always been the one I've preferred. The combination of sustained ejector and smaller pops of ejector while mixing still mixing in big forces is just awesome to me. its layout is about as close to perfection as you can get. It doesn't have the extreme airtime of something like El Toro (while Supermans airtime is still insane) but the variety really is what makes it so good. On WindexCyanide after the hill that comes right after the second inversion the ride is just kinda meh for me. Superman kicks A$$ the whole way through so that's why I prefer it.

 

I think Superman's ejector is stronger than El Toro, like Skyrush it feels like it wants to rip my legs off a little much to not hold myself down. Maybe that was just the 8.5 hours in a car getting there, plus GrAdv doesn't have WC and Thunderbolt to pre-treat your thighs first. I was saying the slightly less force as well as lumping it in bigger hills on El Toro results in much more sustained air, although the bigger hills style results in the front seats not having as a good of air in the traditional way vs. smaller hills that maintain speed. I can totally see why Superman's so high rated but it left me with a appreciation of the speed and comfort of I305, believe it or not. Also, while it made sense to RMC their Cyclone, it does seem like a weird combination to have so much extreme lapbar ejector air in one park. It hurt my thighs, but my hips and back felt great for weeks from the chiropractic stretch!

 

P.S. Superman is still going to be more comfortable than Skyrush or El Toro for those really pushing the size limit as the lapbar sensors aren't quite as restrictive.

[Chasehat]

As amazing as both are Superman has always been the one I've preferred. The combination of sustained ejector and smaller pops of ejector while mixing still mixing in big forces is just awesome to me. its layout is about as close to perfection as you can get. It doesn't have the extreme airtime of something like El Toro (while Supermans airtime is still insane) but the variety really is what makes it so good. On WindexCyanide after the hill that comes right after the second inversion the ride is just kinda meh for me. Superman kicks A$$ the whole way through so that's why I prefer it.

 

I think Superman's ejector is stronger than El Toro, like Skyrush it feels like it wants to rip my legs off a little much to not hold myself down. Maybe that was just the 8.5 hours in a car getting there, plus GrAdv doesn't have WC and Thunderbolt to pre-treat your thighs first. I was saying the slightly less force as well as lumping it in bigger hills on El Toro results in much more sustained air, although the bigger hills style results in the front seats not having as a good of air in the traditional way vs. smaller hills that maintain speed. I can totally see why Superman's so high rated but it left me with a appreciation of the speed and comfort of I305, believe it or not. Also, while it made sense to RMC their Cyclone, it does seem like a weird combination to have so much extreme lapbar ejector air in one park. It hurt my thighs, but my hips and back felt great for weeks from the chiropractic stretch!

 

P.S. Superman is still going to be more comfortable than Skyrush or El Toro for those really pushing the size limit as the lapbar sensors aren't quite as restrictive.

I don't like Supermans restraints but I've never found them particularly painful. They can be very uncomfortable if you get stapled, which SFNEs Ops tend to do. As far as too much ejector in one park.... I think there's never to much ejector air

[coasterbill]

The Holiday in the Park website is up (though it's clearly a work in progress) and we have a lot more information about the event now as well as some (small-ish) images of the setup at the park.

 

They're small so I won't share a ton, but some of them look awesome...

 

 

 

The ride list doesn't seem to work, but if you go to the main site and check what's not listed as "closed for the season", you'll get the list. It hasn't changed. The highlights are still the coasters (Batman, Thunderbolt, Mind Eraser, Joker and Fireball... and the kids coaster for you whores. lol), along with Buzzsaw and Tomohawk (though there are reports that Tomohawk has been winterized).

 

We have a lot of information on the shows too.

 

The main show will be Frost, a cirque style show in the Rockville theater.

The description honestly makes it sound really good. Obviously this is going to be on a Six Flags Budget in a small theater, but I'm actually really looking forward to it.

A cold North wind blew through the land creating a frosty coating in Snowflake Falls. Swirling snows conjured up a magical winter spectacle where some of the most amazing cirque acts gather on stage in this amazing spirited performance. Join us on a journey of astonishing feats of acrobatic artistry and energizing dance styles. You’ll be on the edge of your seat and entranced by amazing feats of skill, dance, music, and the mystical wonder that fills the air.

 

As these Six Flags events go, this one is actually pretty show heavy which is nice since they have a limited ride lineup compared to the other events since they're so far north (though they still blow every seasonal Cedar Fair park to hell in this department). They don't have 2 full blown theater shows like Six Flags America but they do have a tree lighting show in addition to Holiday Magic and their main theater show. I wouldn't be shocked if they actually beat Great Adventure in the show department this year (though everyone at Great Adventure will probably be far too busy riding Nitro to care).

 

A lot of the things listed under "Entertainment" are sort of bullsh*t, but aside from "Frost" there are a few others that look cool.

 

Apparently they'll have a tree lighting show every night over near Goliath at 5:00 (where there's apparently a 50 foot tree) and a "Holiday Magic" show every 15 minutes on the main midway. I would expect the show to be set to

but instead of a tree it'll feature coordinated lights on the main midway buildings and strung above the midway itself.

 

I actually really like that Six Flags has made this show a little bit different at every park (even though the music is the same). I know a lot of people complain about that but it doesn't really bother me. Keep doing the same thing every year, that's cool with me. Most of the time it would be annoying but the Holidays are all about tradition and sooner or later this show will become one. F*ck the haters. Um... I mean... Merry Christmas.

 

This event looks awesome and I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully we'll get up there in the next few weeks.

[Canobie Coaster]

The whole event sounds great and I'm excited to try it out.

 

I figured the tree would be down on the South End somewhere or the main courtyard, but placing it on the North End side should help prevent congestion since there aren't too many rides open down there.

[coneyislandchris]

The ride list doesn't seem to work, but if you go to the main site and check what's not listed as "closed for the season", you'll get the list. It hasn't changed. The highlights are still the coasters (Batman, Thunderbolt, Mind Eraser, Joker and Fireball... and the kids coaster for you whores. lol), along with Buzzsaw and Tomohawk (though there are reports that Tomohawk has been winterized).

Call me crazy, but I thought the reports were in that Buzzsaw was removed? Or am I misremembering?

 

This does look fantastic -- I have no idea whether or not we'll be able to bounce up there at all for this due to an insanely packed schedule over the run-up to Christmas, but I'd love to come and check it out if at all possible.

[coasterbill]

There are strong rumors that Buzzsaw will be removed after Holiday in the Park and that the Teacups will take their place (as the new frisbee will go in their current location). This is sort of backed up by the fact that the teacups aren't open for Holiday in the Park even though they're right in the heart of the Holiday in the Park area, though I guess that could just be for site prep regardless of where they end up.

 

Personally I hope the rumors aren't true, but I get the feeling this might be your last chance to ride Buzzsaw.

[boldikus]

They should give Buzzsaw to Great Adventure.

[Canobie Coaster]

For a ride that's supposedly nearing the end of it's life, I can't recall a single time that I have seen Buzzsaw down.

[TheDarkMaxim]

Tea cups has already been removed from its current location.

 

https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/attractions/newfor2018

[MisterBrow]

They should give Buzzsaw to Great Adventure.

 

SFA addition for 2019!

[Jason Maier]

They should give Buzzsaw to Great Adventure.

 

SFA addition for 2019!

 

sounds nice . . . . but what I really want at SFA for 2019 would be . . . .

 

Roar getting RMC'd . . . . or Mind Eraser being replaced with a B&M Invert

[boldikus]

 

sounds nice . . . . but what I really want at SFA for 2019 would be . . . .

 

Mind Eraser being replaced with a B&M Invert

 

[Sluggo77]

Teacups and Sling Shot are both already gone. From what I heard the construction fence will be up around that whole area during HITP. Buzzsaw is gone after HITP and that is where the Teacups should end up. I still think that Tomohawk is planned to be open during HITP.

[coasterbill]

Western Mass News did a piece on Holiday in the Park and it looks seriously amazing. Check out the video here

 

[EliHorton]

Wowwie! That looks gorgeous! I love that Six Flags is starting to do this at all of their parks. I absolutely LOVE that area with the lights strung over the pathway and that is the light show. I grew up with an Old Time Christmas at SDC, last year I was also able to got to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags St. Louis, this year I'll be able to visit Winterfest at Worlds of Fun, and next year I'll be able to go to the "new for 2018" Frontier Christmas at Frontier City! I love amusement park Christmas events.

[Trevor Hamilton]

I'm heading to SFNE in 2018 and I just have a few questions.

 

1. Are Wicked Cyclone and Superman really that awesome?

2. Is Goliath really that bad? (I think it looks awesome)

3. Do Mind Eraser's new restraints make it bearable or dare I say FUN?

4. How terrifying is the New England Sky Screamer?

5. What are some overlooked coasters or rides I should look forward to?

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

EDIT: Also I'm going in mid-August, so what day of the week should be the least crowded? And are Flash Passes worth it? Sorry I have so many questions.

[thrillseeker4552]

I'm heading to SFNE in 2018 and I just have a few questions.

 

1. Are Wicked Cyclone and Superman really that awesome?

2. Is Goliath really that bad? (I think it looks awesome)

3. Do Mind Eraser's new restraints make it bearable or dare I say FUN?

4. How terrifying is the New England Sky Screamer?

5. What are some overlooked coasters or rides I should look forward to?

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

EDIT: Also I'm going in mid-August, so what day of the week should be the least crowded? And are Flash Passes worth it? Sorry I have so many questions.

 

1. Yes. My only complaint is the restraints on Superman, but they fit different body types differently, so they might be alright for you.

2. It’s terrible. Even in the front row (Coasterbill will disagree). Those trains make it awful, because I also rode it when it was at SFMM, and it was quite good.

3. I went in 2016, so I can’t comment.

4. Very terrifying, but in a good way. My whole family rode it and loved it. The first ride is the worst.

5. I actually enjoyed Batman quite a bit in terms of Floorless Coasters. Depends on your taste in B&Ms.

 

I went on a weekday in June and crowds were very manageable, except Superman was a clusterf*ck because of VR at the time. I would assume weekdays in August are very manageable, if New England is anything like other East Coast parks I’ve been to around that time. Monday thru Thursday would be the best. Someone else can more accurately comment about this because I am going off of assumptions.

[Kaltenzahn]

Superman is still one of the top rides on the planet. Its drop doesn't have the terrifying parabolic curves of the more modern designs so it does feel a bit like a ramp in the middle of the plunge, but what happens right afterwards is arguably the best mega coaster layout in the country. The two airtime hills that run next to the lift are near Skyush quality, especially the second one, and the twisted finale is amazing. I liken it to bolting Rita's layout post launch to the second half of something like El Toro. I have ridden it hundreds of times since I live in New England and still run to it as soon as i arrive at the park. I would place rides like Skyrush and I305 slightly higher because their intensity is a whole different level, but this is still easily a top 5 worldwide coaster.

 

Wicked Cyclone is the perfect example of the argument that you don't need extreme height for a world class ride. It kicks your ass from leaving the chain to the brake run and treats you to one shot of powerful airtime after the next with a smooth as glass ride. The drop is insane in the back despite its height and you may wind up liking this just as much as Superman. The queue offers some great photo ops since you are so close to the structure.

 

Goliath is case of huge potential marred by ride quality. It is definitely worth a lap because the drops off the tower are excellent but it is severely outclassed by Superman and Wicked Cyclone. You will enjoy parts, and hate others, but this is typical of these older Vekomas.

 

Mind Eraser used to be as fun as getting head kicked in by Brock Lesnar but is much improved with the new restraints. The layout of these SLCs is quite decent and can now be appreciated a bit since you aren't dealing with the collars beating your ears. It is not a flagship ride by any means but gives a solid 6/10 experience.

 

The Sky Screamer is a must-do when you visit. If you are scared of heights it will terrify you since you are much higher than any of the coasters and the views stretch for miles in all directions. The ride itself is pretty gentle though. If heights don't bother you the tranquility of soaring high above the park with the wind in your face is very relaxing.

 

Batman is a decent compact floorless with a very good drop in the back row. It sort of auto-completes after the Zero-G roll with a rough set of corkscrews but as the only B&M around these parts it is worth a few laps. While down there Joker is well worth a few rides, but it can be quite disorienting so do this before eating.

 

Thunderbolt is a classic wooden coaster that is worth a spin, especially in the back. Operations can be a bit slow on it, so if it is packed wait will the lines die down a bit. Pandemonium is a very good spinning coaster that is worth a visit on the way to Wicked Cyclone and Sky Screamer.

 

Harley Quinn Spinsanity will be open when you go, and this is a MUST do for mega flats. These giant frisbees are amazing rides and are right up there with the coasters as far as a quality level of intensity.

 

If you are planning on being here for a few days, DEFINITELY hit up Lake Compounce for Boulder Dash since it is one of the best wooden coasters of all time. The rest of the park is excellent too with a good Premier launcher in Phobia Phear Coaster and the renovated Wildcat. Down the highway a few miles is Quassy and popping in there for a few hours to ride Wooden Warrior is a blast. It packs a TON of airtime into its modest layout and lines are pretty short here so you can wind up with 15-20 laps in an evening.

[bill_s]

I'm heading to SFNE in 2018 and I just have a few questions.

 

1. Are Wicked Cyclone and Superman really that awesome?

2. Is Goliath really that bad? (I think it looks awesome)

3. Do Mind Eraser's new restraints make it bearable or dare I say FUN?

4. How terrifying is the New England Sky Screamer?

5. What are some overlooked coasters or rides I should look forward to?

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

EDIT: Also I'm going in mid-August, so what day of the week should be the least crowded? And are Flash Passes worth it? Sorry I have so many questions.

 

1. I'd say they're worth the trip from PA in 2018 but won't be from VA, which was marginal in 2017 and I did more out of RMC obsession anyway. Superman is a good coaster with very strong ejector but it's not magic or better than El Toro or Skyrush. WC is a great coaster for its size but it is almost half the size of Supes.

2. I got bumps but no headbanging. Main thrill is the vertical lifts and the intense noise, no airtime etc.

3. Inverts, including B&Ms, are very subjective to me and the experience varies. I didn't enjoy it that much while I was there. Still has some bumps but much less boing boing boing. But somehow it just didn't seem very exciting at the time, which isn't always how I feel about SLCs.

4. Didn't ride

5. Thunderbolt's pretty good, but you'd probably ride it anyway. I really liked Pandemonium for a spinner.

[Canobie Coaster]

I'm heading to SFNE in 2018 and I just have a few questions.

 

1. Are Wicked Cyclone and Superman really that awesome?

2. Is Goliath really that bad? (I think it looks awesome)

3. Do Mind Eraser's new restraints make it bearable or dare I say FUN?

4. How terrifying is the New England Sky Screamer?

5. What are some overlooked coasters or rides I should look forward to?

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

EDIT: Also I'm going in mid-August, so what day of the week should be the least crowded? And are Flash Passes worth it? Sorry I have so many questions.

 

1) I've been on over 500 coasters and they're both top 10 rides for me. Wicked Cyclone is absolutely relentless in any seat. Superman is good in all rows, but it's truly spectacular in the front. It will have an extra 20 minute wait but don't think twice.

 

2) I have only gotten one ridiculously bad ride on it, but it was in the middle of the train. It's still great in the front and I usually get the back. I've never had an issue back there. But I am in the minority on this.

 

3) I think it's fun now. It still doesn't track super well, but you don't bash your head any more so I like it now.

 

4) It looks way worse than it actually is unless you are deathly afraid of heights. If it's a windy day, just be prepared the seats could do a 180 atop the tower.

 

5) Houdini is a very underrated mad house. I like that ride a lot.

 

Saturday is the day to avoid without a doubt. Sunday may be a little more crowded than the weekdays, but it's hard to say. I would be prepared to get a Flash Pass just in case.

[coasterbill]

Most of these things are highly subjective, but I will say that Goliath is very hit or miss for me. It's miserable in some seats and great in others (and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it) but they assign seats so it's basically like playing Russian roulette.

 

Personally I don't think the park has any "bad" coasters unless you catch Goliath in the wrong seat. Mind Eraser is actually decent now with the new train (though still not amazing). I guess Flashback is skippable but we actually ride it a ton since it never has a line. Personally I like it a lot more than Goliath since it's smooth(ish) in every seat.

 

Aside from the coasters, the only "can't miss" rides are Scream (as it usually runs in combo mode on 2 of the 3 towers), Buzzsaw (but it probably won't be around next year) and New England Sky Screamer. I'm a fan of Tomohawk, though it looks like it might be totally overshadowed next season. As far as coasters go, I find Thunderbolt and Pandemonium to be highly underrated rides.

 

PS: Houdini is good, but if you've ridden the one at Great Adventure then feel free to skip it. The New England version isn't nearly as good since it has far fewer effects and a ton of non functioning effects throughout the ride and pre-show.