Jump to content
  TPR Home | Parks | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram 

Six Flags Darien Lake (SFDL) Discussion Thread


Recommended Posts

^It's been confirmed before that Lake Monster will be a remodel of Predator if it happens. I will try to find the link, but it has been mentioned at a town hall meeting last year. There hasn't been word yet if the idea has been given the green light by the park or town, but we may know soon. If Predator doesn't close by around Fright Fest or so, it isn't likely to happen next season either. There are so many little reasons why the park hasn't pulled the trigger yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Herschend and Huss still don't have a very good relationship after the failure of Timber Tower at Dollywood. Unless they would offer a major discount to put in a frisbee at Darien Lake.

 

 

So Zamperla?

 

I guess Darien Lake might have to go with a Zamperla Discovery because if what happened at Dollywood with Timber Tower!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^Kennywood Black Widow is a Zamperla Giant Discovery ride. Darien Lake has most of its kiddie rides from Zamperla as well as the Motocoaster, so another "adult" ride from Zamperla would be a nice addition to Darien Lake's ride line up.

 

In fact the former "Barracuda Bay" area would make a good spot for a Zamperla Giant Discovery, but Slingshot would have go or be moved for that!

Edited by DarienLaker
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry guys, but it's going to be another one of "those posts"...

 

Some friends and I will be visiting Darien Lake on Sunday, July 20. What can we expect in terms of crowds? If we arrive at or before opening, do you think it will be possible to ride everything we are hoping to ride? Aside from all of the coasters, I'd like to check out a lot of the park's unique flat rides. Two of my friends have been to the park before, but I have never been there.

 

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry guys, but it's going to be another one of "those posts"...

 

Some friends and I will be visiting Darien Lake on Sunday, July 20. What can we expect in terms of crowds? If we arrive at or before opening, do you think it will be possible to ride everything we are hoping to ride? Aside from all of the coasters, I'd like to check out a lot of the park's unique flat rides. Two of my friends have been to the park before, but I have never been there.

 

Thanks!

 

I hope you take pictures and give us a photo trip report, but don't expect Darien Lake to run two trains on Ride of Steel, Viper, Motocoaster, and/or Predator!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sundays are a lot better to visit than Saturdays so you're good there. Depending on the crews working all the coasters besides Motocoaster and Viper shouldn't be too bad. For RoS expect a 30-45 minute wait, same for Predator. Boomerang and Mind Eraser are 20 minutes at the most. Motocoaster and Viper could be at the very least 45 minutes depending in how long the line is. The only flat to worry about is Blast Off where you will wait at least 45 minutes as well. Do you plan on visiting the water park?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes my guess is that cost and overall reliability record will be the deciding factors. My guess is that reliability Willie theorem important of those two seeing the situation the park is in now with having to remove unreliable rides and not having enough parts to run two trains on all of their coasters

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well I'll try not to write a book, but I'll explain.

 

Last season, the park was run horribly (one train ops, filthy restrooms, poor weather, closed rides are to name a few), and it made people angry and not want to visit again. This is why we had nothing big put in this year, seeing that the owners do not want to fish out money for something that may not profit.

 

The Happiness Guarantee was put in place by Herschend to give the park a better rap. Here are the three promises.

 

Sunny Day: If it rains for over 45 minutes, you get a return ticket. (They don't do refunds so you are forced to come back).

 

Ride Service: If any major (Coaster, Thrill, or Family) ride is closed for over 4 hours during your visit, you get a return ticket.

 

Short Line: If you wait over 45 minutes for a ride, you get a front of the line pass.

 

Of course there is fine print to all of these. For instance, for the short line guarantee, you cannot say that you waited for the front seat of a coaster because that doesn't count. The main reason why this policy was put into place was because the park promised to run two trains on their coasters, and they failed to do so.

 

Overall, I don't see much more improvement in attendance or anything. But, overall cleanliness has improved tremendously, and maintenance is a lot quicker with fixing rides. They hired a new GM, Director of Operations and Safety, and the manager of maintenance played a bigger role in hiring qualified technicians. Despite one train ops, there seem to be a lot of quicker operators who actually like their jobs too. So the policies have helped so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll be heading out to the park today to hopefully get a few rides in before/after the rain. We shall be putting the Happiness Guarantee to the ULTIMATE test today! I'll try to get some pictures and possibly post a mini TR when I get back!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So as promised, I took a little trip down to Darien, and despite the rain in the morning (and up until 3), had a pretty good time. To the general public, it is a generally nice park with big rides and fun shows, but to an enthusiast, or to anyone who pays attention... the park still needs some work done to it. Now, that's not to say they aren't trying. I noticed many little things they've done that have helped to bring up the general look of the park, but still, a lot is in need of fixing. Now, I said they fixed a lot of little things, but I also noticed a few tiny details that were off as well. one of which is a sign by the right of the Emporium reads "Laserblast, laser light show" Where as the show is now Ignite the Night. But that's just me being OCD about things.

 

RAIN POLICY

This blew me away. While in the parking lot, enjoying lunch in the rain, I noticed that the Ride of Steel, Blast Off, Viper, and the Mind Eraser, were all running! and it wasn't light rain either, it was steady rain. When it started to pour, the rides did all close down, and Darien offered their return tickets at 3:15, but we decided to stick around past that. The only thing I was surprised at Ride wise, was they closed down the water park, and all In-Park water rides immediately following the showers. Thunder canyon was even drained out, as a matter of fact. I would've never expected that, from rain.

 

Score Card

 

Ride of Steel x8

Viper x3

Mind Eraser x3

Boomerang x4

Predator x1

Blast-Off x3

Silver Bullet x1

Big Wheel x1

 

Shows

Nik Wallenda Beyond the Falls - Pleasantly surprised by the show itself

Ignite the Night - Always loved the Laser Show, and I think its latest upgrade is amazing.

 

And now for the pictures!

IMG_0697.thumb.JPG.cbfbc0ef79a31c80aea5741013b50589.JPG

We start off with the nicely upgraded (and by upgrade I mean new paint and a "welcome Back!" sign) main gate!

IMG_0699.thumb.JPG.e670a323a24709b5ed3e5e0c0347225b.JPG

I do believe the gift shop in the main entrance plaza got a bit of a face-lift. it appears to me that it was re-painted and received some new signage

IMG_0700.thumb.JPG.523fc68c7b713247a868209a0869ec15.JPG

Blast-Off asserting dominance over the Redhawk and Big Wheel in the skyline

IMG_0701.thumb.JPG.de1d120ac486de8e3648b4916ae05b8e.JPG

Another shot of Blast-Off. I really wish they had put a topper of some sort on this thing... it appears incomplete to me.

IMG_0702.thumb.JPG.33ddee3a04cf1b12886c878d58d70198.JPG

The first ride of the day. As you can see, we were fighting with the rain in the morning - but with rain comes less crowds! So the lines were practically non-existent!

IMG_0703.thumb.JPG.cd2ea7021023d065110bcdaa636baf0a.JPG

This was right after the rain stopped (the first time), so they had just sent up an empty train.

IMG_0704.thumb.JPG.3aa998addbcf263ad856686d76730b2c.JPG

I do believe this fine establishment that seems dreadfully out of place in this dead end plaza got a makeover LAST year. it looks nice and all but this plaza needs more than the RoS and a little food place...

IMG_0705.thumb.JPG.9d18900943b94e00647dbd7bd4959b40.JPG

There she is in all of her glory! And I noticed they re-painted the camel backs, but they never continued on to paint any more of the ride. Shame, but it's still fantastic in my opinion regardless of the color.

IMG_0706.thumb.JPG.4f2c7e282a1506d846ab34a8c01a0980.JPG

#TypicalCoasterShot

IMG_0709.thumb.JPG.c92b470ee43d3b1def3738b6cd00f807.JPG

The lines were cringe worthy...

IMG_0710.thumb.JPG.68b01eba9456300f47615ce3ef9ec586.JPG

So. Many. People...

IMG_0711.thumb.JPG.0f4ee869a18809721514beb8d12ed853.JPG

The sign has a topper, why cant the ride?!

IMG_0712.thumb.JPG.8c860880909308d8a99634a652bd9792.JPG

Nice little drop tower, but when I looked up at it I couldn't help but think it was missing 3 other towers and a large topper that said "Power Tower" on it... My bad :)

IMG_0714.thumb.JPG.f676f7607b119c62996a0a4474e3fe5b.JPG

Ah yes, the esteemed Predator. Couldn't pass up the opportunity to see how rough this thing was.

IMG_0715.thumb.JPG.44a7acdd478c23b4ef6b80e21e2e12a5.JPG

Though it's still very rough, I did enjoy the ride as it didn't totally beat me up and leave me bruised the way it did last year.

IMG_0716.thumb.JPG.689ec09472013af017dddb2a647e7898.JPG

I love spotting the old logo in the park. I assume this is just old merchandise that never made the cut?

IMG_0718.thumb.JPG.bf4a4da3ed5c95c318b4031ad84ca454.JPG

Remember when they tried to change the logo and failed? Here's whats left of that!

IMG_0720.thumb.JPG.9e09ce93c9f2e5588a5f502133c669f3.JPG

The fountain!

IMG_0721.thumb.JPG.b93717b08f870e968ed74088580bf115.JPG

Slingshot looking... like a slingshot

IMG_0722.thumb.JPG.f2092c9b752177046d8cbcb2ce30e7e7.JPG

Another shot of the new sign for the gift shop

IMG_0724.thumb.JPG.f29571fac298f0e003e7b7a5111ffa6d.JPG

"Please don't leave forever! We'll try more next time, I promise!"

IMG_0725.thumb.JPG.8d168fe3ed08f88a23d3f05c0c0a2e0e.JPG

Mind eraser in its faded glory...

IMG_0726.thumb.JPG.84e26fd34c4228e4a984a79adbb9ceab.JPG

Vekoma did make a pretty nice LOOKING ride ;P

IMG_0728.thumb.JPG.4d353ebd7c4d06d74a15a05aff963159.JPG

NERD SHOT

IMG_0729.thumb.JPG.a4b74095ef862a19e09a8875cead4a0e.JPG

These lines were just terrible...

IMG_0730.thumb.JPG.ae867911b2fc9484f0de5f672d8e85f7.JPG

Just look at all of those people!

IMG_0732.thumb.JPG.de452fe826bd36dca137fdaf9daf8c5b.JPG

The only closed ride in the park. (Which actually opened up at like 5)

IMG_0734.thumb.JPG.24368d3cc7dd8ca75450efe23772ebb7.JPG

The station appears full, but the ride had about a 3 train wait. and by the way, not to be offensive, but I call BS on the "6 minute cycle" thing, with the station like this, it took maybe 5 minutes to get on the coaster. 3 cycles took maybe 5 or 6 minutes.

IMG_0735.thumb.JPG.21c2cc66bddb0316531269e045c380aa.JPG

IMG_0736.thumb.JPG.474135c35aca93b9b379ac25d3aae0df.JPG

'NOTHER NERD SHOT

IMG_0737.thumb.JPG.60ea97e74b0b7c34a1ef569aa276ec7b.JPG

Lasso, very fun ride.

IMG_0738.thumb.JPG.7cf08e33bce617aa539aad65431841c1.JPG

Attempt 2 at a Vekoma. Honestly, it isn't really that rough, and the color from when they repainted it in 2010 seems to be holding out nicely.

IMG_0739.thumb.JPG.fbd2c1b4c7d53e036659460ebbece0a6.JPG

The new-er signage for Silver Bullet, which also got a make over

IMG_0740.thumb.JPG.5949fee49fbcbe9176bb45515e066296.JPG

Some new signage for the games

IMG_0741.thumb.JPG.8961c4faf4192049e895f1b22ad9dcdf.JPG

IMG_0742.thumb.JPG.d6b0020181232116ed646eb860e7e305.JPG

IMG_0743.thumb.JPG.0e61ea8f614906b62f106cfd1d327bd0.JPG

And here is the newly opened up area in the front of the park. not much in the means of activity going on here but hopefully we'll see signs of something soon

IMG_0745.thumb.JPG.df6dde9c25c035b97ad0e09538b359b2.JPG

It isn't ENTIRELY clear...

IMG_0746.thumb.JPG.2c03c62bba6f3dc2e34801d5f7b61053.JPG

Boomerang

IMG_0747.thumb.JPG.b8f67bedf5ba5e5e053e4b1e98a4b5e6.JPG

IMG_0748.thumb.JPG.c464f352a869a2e8dd15733468e05aaf.JPG

Motocoaster

IMG_0749.thumb.JPG.f6e5798a1262fb677f552b5bc85186fc.JPG

NERD SHOT

IMG_0750.thumb.JPG.bf2240c711a1b7b01550c50825c80723.JPG

Very beautiful during the day, barely visible at night...

IMG_0751.thumb.JPG.555b725333a7d867c1d6a54163b01eef.JPG

Some of the new signage from last year

IMG_0752.thumb.JPG.a0e3820d967ff294ab15cb6a6144d5a7.JPG

Hey look! The wheel has lights in the picture! MAKE IT HAPPEN DARIEN

IMG_0753.thumb.JPG.87565a0b5663346d162559233e33d129.JPG

Hm, seems familiar...

IMG_0754.thumb.JPG.dc6ddb3bf10918073d7af386db125781.JPG

I noticed they have some more selection in the means of apparel. I wasn't very impressed however at the selection in the Moto-coaster gift shop. which no longer has anything to do with the Moto-coaster.

IMG_0758.thumb.JPG.00739b6246e0569770e95fbd0aa33ffa.JPG

Good to see they take care of the behind the scenes stuff on their biggest coaster...

IMG_0759.thumb.JPG.581c3b26fa784368bcb60f454ed68cbf.JPG

It would be nice if the red train were here or at least on the transfers...

IMG_0760.thumb.JPG.05fb9dd31bb1f8d6d0e3e04a53ac7f05.JPG

Taking in all that Intamin goodness - Okay, I was just being lame taking shots of the components in the track. Who wouldn't? ;)

IMG_0761.thumb.JPG.0ff1ca70990ec907a25c344b816a6812.JPG

IMG_0762.thumb.JPG.9b44c2abc3351def7a728d702ae75a1c.JPG

IMG_0763.thumb.JPG.fa194ad3ff7cafbb3f43607920781a13.JPG

It would appear the show is now free with general admission, curious, we went to see what it was all about

IMG_0764.thumb.JPG.6eb7b5069470b59b57582ae3685ed689.JPG

They could've probably done a *little* better with the front of the building... just black is rather upsetting and bland...

IMG_0765.thumb.JPG.2031f1e99c990eaa348281c9f7b022a5.JPG

They also kept calling it the "Nik Wallenda Theater" Which I refuse to call it - I knew it as the Galaxy Theater therefore, it shall remain the Galaxy Theater in my mind.

IMG_0766.thumb.JPG.fe2b50573a3a7c3a14128edd6026ac7a.JPG

IMG_0767.thumb.JPG.590c4d376b9c274ce7fb8b7e5413ebe9.JPG

Some things never change...

IMG_0770.thumb.JPG.df62b7a3928e883d5970271b3f899071.JPG

IMG_0771.thumb.JPG.d9c8259441b627a8c6204a9d1bb7e263.JPG

It looked nice inside I have to admit. But would it kill them to put backs on those sad excuses for theater seats?

IMG_0773.thumb.JPG.c93fa70618e0fcd6aaa5f7ebde24b342.JPG

Comic relief. This guy came over and sat on us. twice. for no reason. It was pretty entertaining, but rather invasive.

IMG_0775.thumb.JPG.2426215f1eafb215c45fa611d89bdae1.JPG

Human Juggling. Pretty amazing.

IMG_0776.thumb.JPG.7e5b6aa544cabd956a5eb46d74fe56a5.JPG

Everything these guys did once that curtain fell, blew me away.

IMG_0781.thumb.JPG.657ad6958c672c78c531bc80ef3f7af9.JPG

SERIOUSLY HOW DOES THAT EVEN WORK???

IMG_0782.thumb.JPG.42f2485f636d4f92b328215c6ae8a4d0.JPG

Skies opened up, making for a nice shot of the viper

IMG_0783.thumb.JPG.2d17a97575e2adf974c4b61941c2c200.JPG

FOUND THE TRAIN!

IMG_0784.thumb.JPG.e70a9399762391062ed11b783b0b213f.JPG

I really do enjoy the new sign. looks very nice and vibrant

IMG_0786.thumb.JPG.0760935c462f03400f93f4161bca1231.JPG

Here lies the forgotten put put that is blatantly obvious from the viper queue... This is just depressing...

IMG_0795.thumb.JPG.84ad097d1ef02990e4f5c073e2e2f454.JPG

RoS at night!

IMG_0797.thumb.JPG.65c52ba7e764a7b23319f95d1531a819.JPG

IMG_0799.thumb.JPG.a3c50558efe7e719e46d107604b938fe.JPG

I wish the tower changed colors... I guess I'm just spoiled by Cedar Fair :p

IMG_0801.thumb.JPG.ddf72f92085bd7aa80507304d761f1f4.JPG

There is no excuse to why this cant even have some white flood lights on it or something. Seriously, if its a park icon, it shoudn't be left in the dark like this...

IMG_0802.thumb.JPG.92210a893277173623bf5ddb4ae11401.JPG

One final shot of the Boardwalk. I enjoy the new style of the area, now lets hope to see some other changes throughout the park like this...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the PTR! Now that 'Cuda Falls is gone and the bunny house had painted to tan ( ), I assume that Floodgate Falls is going too to make way for whatever is going in the area formerly known as "Barracuda Bay". Although I agree with the Ride of Steel area needing something else besides that Jo's snack bar and Ride of Steel and Blast Off needing to be topped off!

 

I think the lockers in the Barracuda Bay house need to be repainted tan, the blue color seems out of place!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Holy crap... something relevant an interesting in the Darien Lake thread (A photo trip report)! I never thought this day would come.

 

I know, but I was thinking that we would never see something relevant ever again on this thread!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Holy crap... something relevant an interesting in the Darien Lake thread (A photo trip report)! I never thought this day would come.

 

Now some members can go right back to wishing for an underwater Pandemonium clone to replace the star attractions.

 

Yeah right, an underwater Tony Hawk's Big Spin/Pandemonium clone is never going to happen at Darien Lake or any park. The idea is so unrealistic and not mention the lawsuits that Darien Lake would have from drowning riders on that thing!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/116-terms-of-service-please-read/