Six Flags Darien Lake (SFDL) Discussion Thread

[Golddisk]

My prediction for Darien Lake's fall event is going to be just some sort of family thing with a corn maze, a trick of treat trail and crafts for kids, and just the kiddie rides and Giant Wheel open. I guess there going to be no Fright Fest!

 

Darien Lake will be offering both parts of their Halloween festivities again this year, including Fall Family Fun days (similar to last years stuff for younger kids) and a haunt called Outbreak. A sign for it was posted just today along with pushing the new season pass upgrade price of $19.99. Outbreak sounds like it will be pretty cool and their should be an official announcement about it coming soon.

[CoasterKrazy]

My trip report (& first post!)

8-27-10. (This past Wednesday)

 

Annual season pass holder, this is my report from Wednesday's trip:

 

-Rode predator in the front seat for first time in a while, if ever... Much smoother than the middle or usual back seats. But still rough on the thighs around the turns..Id still prefer to ride the back and take the beating. If they make a decision to tare it down or rebuild it I hope they give some heads up so people can get some last rides in.. I seen some boards of lumber laying within the helix loop area but it wasn't much, I wonder if they're just planning on another short term refurb for now..

 

-Scrambler was fun, haven't been on one of those in forever.

 

-Boomerang was running in the day, later on when i went to ride it was down with lots of people on the platform trying to fix something. Rode motorcoaster, then passed it again on way back and they were saying it was going to reopen in 5 minutes but I didn't stay to find out.

 

-Ride of steel's line was down the steps and back some, haven't seen it that long in a while. Wouldn't of been a bad wait really, if it was running both trains. And woulda been my last ride of the night, but I chose instead to ride:

 

-Blastoff, which I haven't been on this year yet, partially due to it being down quite often. Good ride, although I wish they also had one that was a drop tower! Find myself holding on a bit tighter riding those.

 

-Viper: awesome

-Ranger: SBNO

-Grizzly run back to back with no line right before it closed at 7.

-Mind Eraser: Rougher than Predator (almost)

-Waterpark: Spend a lot of time in here, I'd love to see an expansion all the way around/behind the wavepool, ect. Also they need to fix up hooks lagoon badly. I remember being younger when this thing first opened & it was awesome.. Almost none of the valves work anymore, no firehose underneath, the smaller kids ship in the front with slides was completely roped off, and the bucket no longer tipping is rediclious that thing was like a trademark. Heard it was cause one girl fell down or something... Big deal one (reported) injury since what 96' ? Wish my kids could experience the same treehouse I once had. Also, some fast body slides without mats or tubes would be a great addition.. I think they had some years back. A drop slide would be great.

 

Speaking of trademarks, that Giant Wheel needs some lights ASAP! I recall that being lit up late until past midnight, camping years ago, as well as predator reflecting over the lake with much more lights.. It really makes a difference.

 

Rides I didn't make it to I've already mostly gotten my share of this year, except ROS which never gets old.

Other than that, the park closed early this week, at 9 pm, I guess because school and fall hours are approaching.. I guess that's better than what they've done in recent years towards the end of summer, which was just having half the rides closed. Didn't mind, but I gotta say terrible move on their part closing all the vendors and games off at the same time. There were mobs of people looking to spend their money on last minute treats and getting denied. People begging to buy fried doughs and getting refused... Those things are like 1000% profit, pay the kid in the booth to stay an extra half hour, make another hundred a night easily while keeping park goers happy by not turning them away!

 

Okay this is way beyond too long now so I will end here. But I must say their maintence team has improved, and actually fixes rides the same day, instead of just shutting them down. And it's good to see scrambler back, I hope they do fix the UFO, and The Ranger even though I don't ride it. I like this parks collection of old school flat rides much better than the newer flat rides that are around today. (Every ride @ Fantasy Island). Hope they stretch their lifespans out as long as possible.

[coasterkid124]

^The wood in the middle of Predator's plot has always been there. It is used for repairs at the start of each season. If you look at the structure, every year new beams are put in.

 

Hooks Lagoon should also get worked on. 90% of the water features either don't work or aren't run right.

[Geauga Dog]

^Sounds like a normal visit to Darien Lake IMO. I've never been there at night but I'm surprised to hear that the booths closed immediately with the park as that is always a big time for that last funnel cake or souvenir as guests make their way out of the park.

 

While MFI was briefly mentioned and there is no discussion thread about the park I noticed this on the ITAL used ride site. Is Fantasy Island removing the Beanstalk ride, the Moser spring ride? They just removed the log flume this year.

 

http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1885

[coasterkid124]

^Sounds like a normal visit to Darien Lake IMO. I've never been there at night but I'm surprised to hear that the booths closed immediately with the park as that is always a big time for that last funnel cake or souvenir as guests make their way out of the park.

 

While MFI was briefly mentioned and there is no discussion thread about the park I noticed this on the ITAL used ride site. Is Fantasy Island removing the Beanstalk ride, the Moser spring ride? They just removed the log flume this year.

 

http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=1885

 

That's definitely the right ride, and the right year. I don't know why they keep on removing attractions that people enjoy. The log flume I get, but Crazy Bus, Sizzler, Sea Ray, etc. got higher reviews than Over the Falls, Starship 2000, and others.

[DarienLaker]

The reason why Fantasy Island keeps removing rides is because they don't have a lot of room to put new rides in, but now I wonder what's going to replace the Beanstalk ride?

 

Going back on the subject of Darien Lake's Hook's Lagoon, I think it's time that Darien Lake gets a new water playground to replace Hook's, it almost 20 years old and those water park attraction have at least a 20 year lifespan.

[coasterkid124]

The reason why Fantasy Island keeps removing rides is because they don't have a lot of room to put new rides in, but now I wonder what's going to replace the Beanstalk ride?

 

The park is not landlocked yet. Even with the log flume, they had a TON of space to expand on behind it. The mini golf course is another prime space. There are also other small patches that are often overlooked, and there are many of those spread through the park.

[DarienLaker]

The reason why Fantasy Island keeps removing rides is because they don't have a lot of room to put new rides in, but now I wonder what's going to replace the Beanstalk ride?

 

The park is not landlocked yet. Even with the log flume, they had a TON of space to expand on behind it. The mini golf course is another prime space. There are also other small patches that are often overlooked, and there are many of those spread through the park.

 

I thought that Fantasy Island was landlocked already!

[Geauga Dog]

That's definitely the right ride, and the right year. I don't know why they keep on removing attractions that people enjoy. The log flume I get, but Crazy Bus, Sizzler, Sea Ray, etc. got higher reviews than Over the Falls, Starship 2000, and others.

 

Isn't MFI looked upon as being more of a "kiddie park" compared to Darien Lake? If that's the case, and considering the recent additions they've added the past few years, it seems they are trying get people to look at it as being more than just a "kiddie park". If they are trying to go head to head with Darien Lake they have a very loooong way to go and quite a few large investments to make to even get close.

 

The reason why Fantasy Island keeps removing rides is because they don't have a lot of room to put new rides in, but now I wonder what's going to replace the Beanstalk ride?

 

I can see a few areas that could be expanded upon. I don't see the mini golf course lasting too much longer as I've never seen anyone using it the few times I've been there. There's still quite a few open spots at the front of the park as well as where the log flume used to be (though I can see a gradual expansion of the water park take up some of that land in the future).

 

As for a replacement for Beanstalk it wouldn't surprise me if they added an ARM/Larson Super Shot, probably the best drop tower for its size, which would be a perfect fit for that park.

[SaraAB87]

MFI is replacing rides because they have old rides, that log flume was built in 84 and was way past it's time and a maintenance nightmare. There is a lot of room to expand behind where the flume was now. Though the guests seem to hate the new ride, since there is complaining about it everywhere.

 

I am not sure why people are complaining about the flume since it was old and the water getting dumped on you is disgusting and gross and I would never go on it.

[coasterkid124]

I haven't visited MFI this year but it sounds like operations have went on a landslide. It sometimes surprises me how much things have changed. No ride there is really safe (of course besides Silver Comet, the train, antique cars, and water park attractions).

[SbSteveZ]

I'm also rather concerned of the negativity surrounding this park... I went there the week before they installed Over the Falls and I had a great time. I love their collection of rides! Sure, some of them are "carnival rides" But they're WELL KEPT carnival rides and they even have that Mind Warp that I've never seen anything like anywhere else... Devil's Hole is one I tend to avoid because since I was little I hated the way the "seats" or whatever would slide up and down and I'd always get dizzy... But to the removed rides thing, I remember Sea Ray never having a line at all up until it got removed. The thing would run with like 1 family on it. So I'm not sure where this "raving reviews" came from... and aside from that one year where they installed that tiny little REALLY slow carousel type thing in the kiddie park, Fantasy Island has been really working on their collection of thrill rides... Full Tilt, Crazy Mouse, Flight, Disk'o, Devil's Hole, Mind Warp, Over The Falls, ect. And yes they got rid of the drop tower for the Flight and they removed the Sea Ray for Devil's Hole (I believe) and the Mind Warp stands where Scrambler used to... but if that's such an issue... in my mind - Darien Lake has the Pirate, Blast-Off, and the Scrambler. So its not like the park removed rides that are the last in the country... Darien Lake also has a very nice log flume, so though the rides at Fantasy Island will be missed... there are similar attractions not too far away for families to enjoy. Lastly, I love the employees at Fantasy Island. Last year there was a very nice, funny woman operating the Flight, she was the reason I kept going back to the ride. This year when I went there was a nice man running the Mind Warp and halfway through the day there were two really nice women operating the Silver Comet. Maybe it's just chance, but I always love trips to Fantasy Island. My ONLY downside with this park is that it only stays open until like 7:30. If they want to compete with Darien... perhaps extend out your calender a bit? They have lights on almost all the attractions, I'd LOVE to see this park after dark...

 

My mini rant is over now Proceed!

[SaraAB87]

I haven't visited MFI this year but it sounds like operations have went on a landslide. It sometimes surprises me how much things have changed. No ride there is really safe (of course besides Silver Comet, the train, antique cars, and water park attractions).

 

From what I am hearing this year I don't want to be mean or put words in someone's mouth or anything like that but they did have a mechanical failure of the swing ride and an incident which I will not specify on the mouse, though that one could happen anywhere. There seems to be more complaining about MFI than DL though. The problem is I just get this gut feeling that MFI values profit over safety and is a bit neglectful of the safety of the rides.They don't exactly have guest friendly policies though especially concerning glasses, I always wear a strap with my glasses on any ride because they are so expensive so I am obviously responsible for myself and my property. When I was at Waldameer I am pretty sure I was the only one with a glasses strap at the whole park. The problem is that I can't see at all without my glasses and therefore I cannot safely board a ride without them. I am unable to wear contacts also, I have tried but I can't get them in. I can move around my house a little without my glasses but that is because I know where everything is already but as for stairs and edges and stuff I cannot see those at all so if I tried to board a ride without my glasses I would fall instantly. I also cannot have a pair of glasses that cost several hundred dollars sitting on a shelf, ledge or some ride platform, and even then once I put the glasses down I won't be able to find them again so that is another problem.

[Sk610]

I qould like to get the discussion back towards DL and tell anyone who is going to the park in the fall to take a look around the park for any signs of construction.. With the park being closed all week and only open on the weekends with good weather, the fall is a prime time to start any construction or ride removals. The maintenance staff will have unlimited time with no park guests to get things done.

 

I would think if ranger is going to be removed this offseason, it would probably happen in the next couple of weeks. So if you are going one of these weekends, take a close look at the park and see if things are being removed, or possibly even some site clearing if they are going to put in a new flat ride or two. i also would think that one addition will be in the waterpark, so look over that way for any site work as well

 

I am going next weekend, and will post a trip report, along with keeping my eyes open for anything new and different happening

[DarienLaker]

I hope that Darien Lake uses Galaxy Theater again next year for either a new ride or a show!

[Matman-TheRide]

Some guy named "RideOfSteel" on the Cedar Point forums said that Mantis is being relocated to Darien Lake next year. I call bullshit on this one, observe. BULLSHIT!

[loop-de-loop]

^It was sarcasm

[coasterkid124]

^It was sarcasm

 

I could be wrong, but I think it was more of an inside joke than sarcasm

[loop-de-loop]

^But you need sarcasm for the joke though

 

Though I think a coaster like Mantis would be good for Darien Lake.

[Matman-TheRide]

^It was sarcasm

Now that I think of it, most likely.

[Matman-TheRide]

While I'm still here, has anyone looked into the old 'Cuda Falls site recently? Or, is there any signs of construction? ( I haven't been to Darien Lake in a few weeks )

[coasterkid124]

While I'm still here, has anyone looked into the old 'Cuda Falls site recently? Or, is there any signs of construction? ( I haven't been to Darien Lake in a few weeks )

 

Nope... No signs of construction anywhere. At least yet. Today is the first day of weekend-only operations.

[Sk610]

Yes today was the first day of weekend only operation for the park, and the opportunity for the park to get work done without having to work around guests. i am going this weekend and will be sure to take a look around as much as i can

[Sk610]

So i went to the park today and wanted to post a small trip report. Before i do, you must know a few things...first,i. Went with my 4 year old son, so i only rode one coaster. Second, i have a 4 year old son, so i have not been to the park in about 5 years.

 

With all of that being said, i was so pleasantly surprised with the park. Rowdy's Ridge and Boardwalk look fantastic! If that is what HFE wants the entire park to look like, then i am in! I would give them the money to revamp one section of the park in the same fashion in each of the next few years right now. The landscaping just about everywhere looks vey nice. They could use someine to pull weeds, but that is minor. I thought moose on the loose was pretty cool, and something the park was severly lacking. It reminds of something Disney would do, just on a much smaller and less animatronic scale.

 

All rides were up and running with the exception of ranger. boomerang was struggling to pull the car up the initial lift. It did run for my entire visit though. Scrambler looks very good, but the pavement around it was put in very quicly and isnt very level and could easily lead to a twisted ankle for those not watching where they are walking. I am wondering if that is the next area of the park to theme and re-pave with a new ride or two. The space is definately there. Viper was a three train wait and was still pretty smooth. One train operation on all coasters with what appeared to be little wait on those i could see...never got over by ROS. The kids section was extremely nice with lots for my son to do, and he loved everything in there.

 

I have a few dissapointments...lack of service staff was very evident. We went over to the boardwalk for lunch, my son wanted pizza logs, and they had none made and would be 5 minutes. Only one cashier working at 12:30 and had a line at least 10 deep at a prime lunch time. Load time on just about every ride was very long. We waited at least 5 minutes on the scrambler while the attendant checked everything. The same thing happened on haymaker. For some reason moose on the loose would only send three moose onto the course at any given time, even though they had six in the station, and you had to sit and wait for the others to get back in. That made the wait on that ride pretty bad. iI had ten people in front of me, and it took at least twenty minutes to get onto a ride that could have taken ten. The abandoned mini golf inside viper looks terrible from the que. Please just tear it out and put in grass or add some flat ride or something in there.

 

Almost all of the buildings look very freshly painted and the entire park really looks very good. I do like that when the put in Rowdy's Ridge, they added and kept some mature trees, henc providing shade and making it look like it had been there for a long time.

 

I did not see any signs of construction, even from the ferris wheel, so its hard to say what if anything is happening for next year at this point. As mentioned previously, I don't care what they put in next year, as long as they contiue the current plan and make the remainder of the park look like Rowdy's Ridge and Boardwalk. If that were to continue, we will have a very nice park in a few years. I am hoping the poor service was due to the fact it was a sunday and not busy. The ride operation is inexcuseable in my book though. That needs to get faster!

[SaraAB87]

The students are back in college and the kids back in school so they likely have less workers now. I don't think the end of the season is the best time to visit the park, rides start to fail and sometimes in ways that they cannot fix during the season and operations and service will be at their worst due to lack of workers. But If you managed to give a positive review even despite all that then that is a good thing. I would ideally go a couple weeks after full season opening, aka after the kids get out of school. This Park has problems getting enough workers in the off season when everyone goes back to school which is something I really don't understand since everyone here is out of work, ideally there should be plenty of people clamoring for these jobs.

 

There was an accident at the Erie county fair where a ride was started before everyone was on the ride and a girl fell from the swing ride and broke her arm. I personally feel the Erie county fair is VERY fast paced, the ride ops hustle like none other I have seen and you have to be on and off the rides in seconds (and I have been there many times). Perhaps DL employees are just slowing things down a bit in order to make sure there are no accidents. I find that when an accident happens in this area the ride ops on every ride suddenly become more cautious and that takes more time.