Six Flags Great America (SFGAm) Discussion Thread

[Six Flags Enthuseast]

I'm glad to hear about all of this expansion. When I visited SFGAm in 2005, we stayed for a little while at HH and we loved it! This expansion will make it even better!

[Jay20016]

The wave pool at Great America is packed on busy days. I'm not positive about it, but does Six Flags have to clear the wavepool often just for insurance reasons?

 

Having been in aquatics for years now, I just find it as a bit funny people need to clear a pool to make sure it is truly clear... If you aren't proactively scanning, finding a person at the 40 min mark is... not really going to help them... Do they not trust their guards?

 

The wonderful AFR is always a joy to have, telling people we're just doing some spot cleaning and/or selective water quality checks is fun...

 

Oh, they trust their guards. They are Ellis guards, and won the Ellis International Lifeguard Competition. No question there of how prepared they are.

 

I still don't get the reason for a clear though... Apart from bathing load limits (which means you need a bigger pool or longer/more lines to soak up guests) what purpose does it serve? It sounds like an unnecessary action taken by the park that would only lead to headaches...

 

I know a lot of constant wave pools will turn off their waves for say... 10 minutes an hour or so, just to keep the machinery from over heating and what not, but... fully clearing a pool every hour just seems like a crazy step to take for something that should've been caught before...

 

I've cleared pools and it isn't fun, most people don't want to leave, you actually lose your 10/20 more trying to yell at people, than if they'd simply remained in the water IMO...

[WildStangAlex]

Yeah, I really don't know, I've always thought it was odd. We never had breaks like that at my park.

[JamesMC]

I was truly disappointed that Chang was moved last minute instead of coming to SFGA...However, a waterpark expansion is "good" in my book. It's good to know that there will be some "tangible" new attractions next year.

 

Little Dipper was a GREAT way to preserve some nostalgia and give the little ones their first "wooden coaster credit", BUT....this is the 3rd Family/Children's coaster since 2003....we kinda need a new "Adult" coaster. I am not saying a "record-breaker", but something that's unique and not a "cookie cutter coaster Du Jour", and something that has a real capacity/per hour. I'd take a new GCI woodie---hey give us the one from California's Great America...or even a new layout of a Tony Hawk Big Spin. It doesn't have to be huge, it just has to be fun/unique for our park.

 

My .02

[ilrider]

I was truly disappointed that Chang was moved last minute instead of coming to SFGA...However, a waterpark expansion is "good" in my book. It's good to know that there will be some "tangible" new attractions next year.

 

Little Dipper was a GREAT way to preserve some nostalgia and give the little ones their first "wooden coaster credit", BUT....this is the 3rd Family/Children's coaster since 2003....we kinda need a new "Adult" coaster. I am not saying a "record-breaker", but something that's unique and not a "cookie cutter coaster Du Jour", and something that has a real capacity/per hour. I'd take a new GCI woodie---hey give us the one from California's Great America...or even a new layout of a Tony Hawk Big Spin. It doesn't have to be huge, it just has to be fun/unique for our park.

 

My .02

 

I hope others here can see that some people local to the park, like us, desire a new adult coaster. I got totally jumped on recently for making the same claim that I hated to see Chang go and want a new adult coaster. That was when the rumor was only a single new waterslide, not a complete watermark expansion, so I just said I wanted a coaster over a slide. It looks like the other Six Flags are all getting a thrill ride of some kind, and I just don't care for waterparks that much, other than they lessen the crowd in the dry side of the park. Business is business.

[deathbydinn]

 

New this Fright Fest, the most successful horror franchise in movie history comes to life at Six Flags Great America in the all-new SAW LIVE haunted house. Let the games begin as the master manipulator, Jigsaw, tests the nerve of all who enter. Come face-to-face with live actors and iconic traps based on scenes from the SAW films. If you thought the movies were terrifying, you won’t want to miss it LIVE!

 

Should be interesting to see how this turns out compared to the other Saw houses.

 

Info about the rest of Fright Fest.

 

Kid Friendly Activities:

 

Character Candy Trail Presented by Walgreens

Located in Yukon Territory

Free with park admission

Little ghouls and boos can join their favorite Looney Tunes friends to trick-or-treat through Yukon Territory Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day from 10am-2pm at the Character Candy Trail.

 

The Wiggles

Located at Wiggles World in County Fair

Free with park admission

The Wiggles continue their run with a Halloween themed show that won't send guests crying to their mummy.

Haunted Houses:

 

SAW LIVE

Located in Southwest Territory

Additional fee required

New this year, the most successful horror franchise in movie history comes to life at Six Flags Great America in the all-new SAW LIVE haunted house. Let the games begin as the master manipulator, Jigsaw, tests the nerve of all who enter. Come face-to-face with live actors and iconic traps based on scenes from the SAW films. If you thought the movies were terrifying, you won’t want to miss it LIVE!

 

Mausoleum of Terror: The Horror Heart of Necropolis

Located in Necropolis, in the Picnic Grove Additional fee required

Long thought to be merely a myth, the Mausoleum of Terror stands as a monument to the dead where decaying citizens are dedicated to getting revenge on the living! You found your way in, but can you find your way out? Not recommended for children under 12 years of age due to graphic content and intense nature.

 

Studio 13 - Back Lot Horror Tour

Located in the Southwest Amphitheater Additional fee required

See the remnants of this old studio lot that has been overtaken with zombies and ghouls. Can you handle the most intense studio tour ever?

 

Studio 13 - Area 51 Located in the Southwest Amphitheater

Additional fee required

Aliens have invaded Six Flags Great America! A long time mystery, this area houses all of the creatures the authorities don't want you to know about.

More Free Spooktacular Activities:

 

Necropolis: Haunted City of the Dead Picnic Grove in Yankee Harbor

This is unlike any city you've ever visited. Bloodthirsty zombies and other creepy creatures lurk around every corner with several new haunts to explore...if you dare.

 

Seven Sins Cemetary Orleans Place Be on guard as you travel through this cemetary, encountering ghoulish characters depicting the seven sins.

 

Tinseltown Terror Southwest Territory Visit this long abandoned movie studio haunted by dearly-departed stars in movie history. The movies have never been so "reel." Will you survive your horror screen test?

 

Love at First Fright Grand Music Hall in Hometown Square

Fright Fest's award-winning musical is back for its 20th smash season! Join Jack and Katie on their dare to spend a night in the cemetery. Be thoroughly entertained by this family-friendly show.

 

Dead Man's Party Snowshoe Saloon in Yukon Territory and Hometown Square Stage

Party with the dead in the biggest musical bash this side of the graveyard. Zombies and ghouls come to life in this live musical concert. Bring your ghoul-friends and get ready for the party of the year.

 

Susan Rosen, Mistress of Mesmerism Pictorium

Returning this Fright Fest, witness the marvels of world-renowned hypnosis Susan Rosen. Volunteer to fall under a spell during this mesmerising show in the Pictorium. You'll have to see it to believe it!

 

Full Moon Rocksplosion Hometown Square Train Station Stage

This all-new pre-show and nighttime parade kicks off in Hometown Square with some of your favorite rock tunes performed live.

 

No One Lives Forever Trolley in Hometown Square and Orleans Place

Join in the monster mash as the trolley stops throughout the park in this all-new zombie dance party.

 

Scary-oke Food Court Stage - County Fair

Sing and dance in front of all of your ghoul-friends with the latest Halloween hits.

 

Zombie Jamboree Daytime Parade

Parade Route through Hometown Square, Carousel Plaza, Orleans Place and Mardi Gras

Ghouls and frightfully fun characters come marching in with this daytime parade.

 

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/events/frightfest10.aspx

[Mr. Starr]

Interesting, I'll definitely have to try Saw Live out, and hopefully SFGAm can make it decent

[ilrider]

Went to Fright Fest today and got our 2011 passes processed. The crowds were very light for several hours but increased a bit later in the afternoon. Lines were almost non-existent on most rides. My 2-year old son added the Spacely and Little Dipper coasters to his credits. We'll be back tomorrow for more!

[traincrossin]

Has anyone tried out the new Saw maze or any mazes at Fright Fest this year? Also, how's Love at First Fright and Terror Twister 2?

[Jerrykoala2112]

Has anyone tried out the new Saw maze or any mazes at Fright Fest this year? Also, how's Love at First Fright and Terror Twister 2?

 

LAFF is always amazing, they used the same songs as last year and use up to date culture references to liven up the show. I didn't get to try the Saw Maze or any of them, but Terror Twister is always awesome!

[ilrider]

Terror Twister was very cool!

[DemonLvr52379]

Hey all! I was just wondering if it is worth it to buy a season pass? I've been thinking about it and wanted some feedback before I made my decision. Thanks!

[traincrossin]

^If you're going more than once, definitely. It pays off in two or three visits plus you get a coupon book with discounts for around the park along with days your friends can get in free.

[ilrider]

^Plus, the pass is good at all SF parks. St. Louis is only 6 hours away. We have used our passes at Fright Fest 7 times already this month. It's nice to not have to stay all day each time.

[Airtime&Gravity]

Here are some renderings of Riptide Bay.

 

In addition to the speed slide and surf simulator, a Proslide Tantrum and two Superloop slides will be built.

 

 

 

News Plus Notes

Six Flags

 

 

 

The new Riptide Bay area looks a lot better than I expected, and I am pleased to say I think this is a much better addition than Chang.

Edited November 5, 2010 by Airtime&Gravity

[Jerrykoala2112]

Oh thank god they made it more than one slide! I remember reading that they were adding A SPEED SLIDE! I was just thinking one, but this looks a lot cooler. Thanks for posting!

 

And I hope the tornado slide isn't as bad as the one at Adventureland, that one had speed bumps throughout the ride

[SharkTums]

Nice added surprise with the tantrum type tube slide added along with the speed slides. IIRC only the speed slides were announced for that tower right?

[Airtime&Gravity]

^Correct, I guess the tantrum would fall under the "and more" part of the press release. Also in the rendering, are those some of the new looping water slides? It doesn't look like they bank as much, but at the same time, the sudden curve looks like it would cause you to hit your head.

 

Edit: I don't know how I missed reading it, but two new Proslide Superloop slides will be built as part of the expansion.

Edited November 5, 2010 by Airtime&Gravity

[traincrossin]

Well they're adding more than what I was expecting, it looks great! It also looks like they took out the go-karts for the waterpark expansion, anyone think they'll build another another one?

[Mr. Starr]

Riptide Bay actually looks a lot better now that we have an actual rendering for it! This will definitely warrant me to at least a few trips to Hurricane Harbor in 2011!

[SharkTums]

SFGAm is doing the old 'Under Promise and Over Deliver'! I wish some of the other parks in the SF Chain could do that instead of the opposite!

[Mr. Starr]

SFGAm is doing the old 'Under Promise and Over Deliver'! I wish some of the other parks in the SF Chain could do that instead of the opposite!

 

I'm glad to see it, personally, and a lot of people were underestimating this as just a new speed slide, but it's nice to know that they're trying to expand what they have, even after the whole Chang fiasco.

[traincrossin]

SFGAm is doing the old 'Under Promise and Over Deliver'! I wish some of the other parks in the SF Chain could do that instead of the opposite!

Could it have been because they didn't quite know what they were doing at the time? I mean they knew that they were going to expand Hurricane Harbor, but maybe they didn't have enough time to finish all of the details and renderings? That is of course assuming that we were going to get Chang and didn't have a plan b prepared.

Edited December 14, 2010 by traincrossin

[sfgamguy]

I dont know if anyone else thinls this but i think a zacspin would fit sfgam perfect for 2012

[Ed Farmer]

I think Great America is more than set in the "poor capacity coasters" dept.