SFA Questions.

[everyavenue]

Ok, hi everyone. In a few weeks my friend and I are going to Six Flags America for a concert, well of course beforehand we're going to ride coasters/rides and such.

 

Now the last time I was there was July 2007, and my family and I had a horrible experience when it came to crowds, rides being broken constantly, and the staff were really rude.

 

I've heard that the staff friendliness has improved majorly this year, but I wasn't to sure so I figured I'd ask you guys?

 

Also, it's on a Saturday (August 29th) And I have no clue what crowds are like there on Saturdays, but I figured with the economy the lines wouldnt be too long, but does anyone know how the crowds have been this year? especially for a weekend?

 

If anyone could help me out with any tips or answer my questions, it would be way appreciated. Thanks! :]

[Mich17mak]

Hey! You know, I had never been to SFA before until this year, when I happen to be living in Baltimore so it was the closest Six Flags to me. I read HORRIBLE reviews of the park and the staff online - and I was weary about going to the park, but I figured I would get my pass there (since it was a little cheaper then at Great Adventure), and I could decide for myself whether the park would be worth going to again - I was also in desperate need to go on rollercoasters, so I just went.

The first time I went was the weekend before Memorial weekend...so needless to say, the park was TOTALLY empty - it was great, as if I had the park signed out to my brother and me for a special event or something. Anyway, we went on a few coaster rides...and I kept telling my brother "..the staff aren't so bad here..they are actually really fun!". Honestly - most of the ride staff were social with the other guests and they all seemed to be polite and having fun. I was confused on why they were in a good mood...I decided it was b/c there were no crowds that day so they didn't have to yell at a lot of people. Anyway, I saw on the news online that apparently they had the largest pool of job applications that year, so this year they didn't have to pick from the "bottom of the barrel". The only ride that was closed that day was Batwing in the morning - but it opened by 1pm. The only other time that I went and a ride was closed was when Superman was closed for awhile (I think it was several weeks?..).

Anyway, I went several times to the park since then, and the staff remained friendly and dutiful. One time that I went I was on line for Batwing and I was in line for the next train, well some stupid kid jumped over the gate that is between the next people on line for the coaster and where the train loads - I guess he wanted to take an empty spot on the rollercoaster, but he jumped the gate after the operator closed it for safety..anyway, the ride operator called security, and the security guy got him out, along with 2 line-jumpers that someone else pointed out (man, that security guard was really scary - the guy who jumped the gate was getting attitudey w/ the security guard and the guard said "I'M NOT PLAYING!" and really scared that boy - so he shut it and went w/ the guard through the exit along w/ the other 2 line jumpers..so you can imagine that they reinforce the rules now!) I do think, however, that the food courts are understaffed (it will take you longer to get a burger then to get on the front row of any coaster..). Also, Batwing has a horrible wait (three times as long compared to all of the other coasters).

 

So to answer your question about staff: they are great now.

Your question about rides being closed/down: not an issue compared to previous years (at least w/ my experience so far this year).

 

About crowds - I usually go on Friday or Sunday. Fridays there is NO ONE there - I walked onto almost every ride except Batwing which was about a 25 min wait (which is short for that ride).

When I go on Sundays, the crowds aren't so bad either. Batwing will have the longest line - around 45 minutes more or less (even when they do use 2 trains..during the week they only use 1). Lines for the other coasters tend to get longer in the evening when crowds migrate from the water park to the dry part of the park, but you can definitely hit every rollercoaster more then once on a Sunday. I can't imagine Saturday being too bad, especially since you are going in late August when kids are getting ready to go back to school and young adults are probably already off to college. I would try to hit Batwing as early as possible. The lines for Mind Eraser seem a lot shorter in the morning also, but all in all, I would say that it's probably the least crowded amusement park that I've been to on the weekends. (and every time I went, the weather was beautiful, so I didn't dodge crowds b/c of the weather).

 

I hope that helps and that you have a great time! Don't be weary of the rides being down or the staff - it had improved from all of the bad reviews I read previous to this year!

[JEAPUgrad]

SFA now has the General Manager that was at Great Adventure for most of this decade.

 

He's brought some fresh ideas to the table and IMO has really started making positive changes behind the scenes.

 

I've been told that the general morale "backstage" is higher than anyone can remember and more emphasis has been placed on the guests of the park.

 

I'm not saying SFA doesn't have any problems.

 

Things are changing, that's all.

 

As we all know, SFA is getting a large Thomas Town next year and early 2011 rumors have a thrill sized steel coaster addition.

[PAL]

How is Superman running? Just wondering. I've heard this one isn't as smooth as the one at SFNE.

[redfoot12]

^I've ridden Superman in June of 2006 and September of 2008 and it's definitely gotten rougher. Still a great ride though.

[nitrofan]

Flash Passes only cost $15 at SFA, so I would definately reccomend it.

[CoasterNERD502]

Saturdays are always packed at SFA unless its the beginning of the season. Also since your going to the park on a concert expect long lines. The morning, when the park first opens, should be fine though. But a couple hours before the concert (depending on whos performing) the park will be at full capacity.

Rides to expect have a huge line:

Superman

Batwing

Joker

and maybe even Mind Eraser... YES I said Mind Eraser! lol

 

WildOne almost never has a line longer than 5 minutes, and its very rare to see Roar have a line coming out the station.

 

Since the waterpark will still be open, that should take away most of the crowd, but if you plan on going to the waterpark, GO EARLY! Its always packed! Even on random Tuesdays! lol

 

The staff is very friendly now a days, I used to work there but I left for a job in AC lol I highly doubt you will have any problems with staff, unless its hot, crowded, and people are acting a fool. Remember the staff are people too, I hate it when people catch an attitude with us and get mad when we catch one back. So with my words of advise, Have a Six Flags Day! lol

[DC High Heat]

If you want to go to the waterpark, do that between 10 and 1. After that it'll get packed on a Saturday, whereas you can ride everything as much as you want before then. I went 2 Saturdays ago, and the theme park side was not busy at all...as almost always. Superman for the last couple years has been running top form...really flies through the layout, I love it. They also allow rerides if it's not crowded and nobody is in your row...I'd ask first though. If they do allow them, you can also switch to an empty row. As mentioned before, Batwing will probably be the only ride with a line more than 10 mins long, and though it loads terribly slow, that line usually isn't too bad either.

 

I live smack in the middle of GAdv and SFA, and often go to SFA over GAdv despite the difference in ride quality because you can ride what you want as many times as you want, whereas at GAdv you might have to wait in significantly longer lines. I think SFA is highly underrated, and because the lines are so short all the bickering about slow staff and such is pointless. I'd rather have very slow staff and wait 5 mins to get on a ride instead of waiting an hour with great staff...wouldn't you?

[everyavenue]

I really, REALLY appreciate everyones replies. Judging from what you guys have to say, hopefully we'll have a great day at the park and the concert. We're seeing All Time Low, and they do have a pretty big fanbase so hopefully that doesnt increase the wait times for most rides, but either way hopefully it'll be worth it.

 

Thank you guys so much! :]

[Capitalize]

I've been to the park a few times this season and have been very pleased with the staff, much nicer and efficient then in the past. Maintenance has also been much better in my experience, much less ride closures.

 

I wouldn't worry about the crowds. Thats pretty late in the summer, the only rides you'll have to wait for will be Batwing and Superman more then likely, and that shouldn't be too bad. I'm willing to bet you'll get everything you want done, and then some. Thats what always happens with me, at least. I'll normally only be able to get to the park after work on Fridays and can get every single coaster done in under two hours including a re-ride or two...

 

How is Superman running? Just wondering. I've heard this one isn't as smooth as the one at SFNE.

 

In the front its still great but further back it has pretty bad rattle. Nothing too bad, I still love it in any row, but definitely not as smooth as it was.

 

Flash Passes only cost $15 at SFA, so I would definately reccomend it.

Only way flash passes would be worth it is on one of the few REALLY crowded days, July 4th and the days they have Latino day/Christian Day/etc. (can't recall actual names unfortunately.

 

If you want to go to the waterpark, do that between 10 and 1. After that it'll get packed on a Saturday, whereas you can ride everything as much as you want before then. I went 2 Saturdays ago, and the theme park side was not busy at all...as almost always. Superman for the last couple years has been running top form...really flies through the layout, I love it. They also allow rerides if it's not crowded and nobody is in your row...I'd ask first though. If they do allow them, you can also switch to an empty row. As mentioned before, Batwing will probably be the only ride with a line more than 10 mins long, and though it loads terribly slow, that line usually isn't too bad either.

 

I live smack in the middle of GAdv and SFA, and often go to SFA over GAdv despite the difference in ride quality because you can ride what you want as many times as you want, whereas at GAdv you might have to wait in significantly longer lines. I think SFA is highly underrated, and because the lines are so short all the bickering about slow staff and such is pointless. I'd rather have very slow staff and wait 5 mins to get on a ride instead of waiting an hour with great staff...wouldn't you?

 

Well said, I totally agree. Thats the reason if all things were the same I'd rather have SFA as my local park rather then SFGAdv at this point. I love being able to just show up any day at any time and walk right on Wild One/SROS/Roar/Etc. As opposed to SFGAdv where I find myself waiting 30 minutes for a ride like Rolling Thunder...

[HCLcoasters]

SFA has never had any sizable lines when I've gone there. I think it's a decent park with decent rides and an interesting history.

 

S:RoS is not a great ride but it's fun. I didn't get very much rattle but the helixes are completely forceless and should not be there. It would be a better ride with over banked turns and an extra hill.

 

Batwing is easily my favorite ride at SFA. It's a must ride.

 

The food is my one major complaint and SFA is notorious for it's sometimes unruly guests (line jumping and things like that).

 

I think you'll have a good day and hopefully the concert will be good!

[frozenflames]

I went to the park on a Saturday last month, and had very few actual lines. Probably the longest was about twenty minutes, for Mind Eraser.

 

The staff has definitely improved, as they were all friendly, and actually cared about performing their duties. I was at the park all day and didn't see a single person in charge of a ride goofing off on a cell phone.

 

I would definitely recommend hitting up the water park first, and then going to ride the coasters. By doing that, you will basically ensure yourself to ride everything there is in a timely manner, and you will also take up time waiting for Batwing to open, as it tends to open the latest out of all the coasters in the park.

 

As long as you get to the park around opening, you shouldn't have a problem with lines.

[DC High Heat]

Also note that even with say 40 trips to the park over the last 9 years, I've rarely ever had a problem with line jumping. Line jumping used to be bad at GAdv, but now it's very rare to see people cutting the line.

 

I also think Superman is a much more exciting ride than Batwing. Batwing is always fun, but for me hasn't stayed as thrilling as SROS. I love the sustained speeds on SROS...I think the first helix is great because you never slow down, and is forceful enough that many people (sometimes including myself) start to gray out toward the end. The second half of the second helix isn't as good, but there are some lats and that half along with the subsequent dip serve as a good setup for the fun airtime on the last 3 hills.

 

I will suggest front 2 rows on SROS. Back does rattle more, though it's not terrible and doesn't take too much away from the ride. I think the ride is built for speed though, which is why the front is better with its lack of obstructions.

 

Have fun!

[Mich17mak]

SROS...I think the first helix is great because you never slow down, and is forceful enough that many people (sometimes including myself) start to gray out toward the end.

 

^^ I almost always start to black out during the 1st helix especially if I've ridden the ride a few times in a row. -It's amazing (the helix, NOT the feeling of starting to black out!) - I love the front row, especially at the end of the ride when you are going over the last few hills over the walking path and the last hill seems seems like you are going to go right through the station - but then the brakes stop you quickly at what seems to be the last second. It's a great way to end

[Capitalize]

I've never had problems with line jumping at SFA really, (when the line is only a train or two waiting for your row its hard to get cut )

 

The only bad ride for line jumping is Batwing. They have a ramp on the side of the station designed for Fast Pass users but the gate is easy to open/jump over and is in a spot where a ride op normally isn't standing or looking at so I'll see kids cut through there sometimes. Most the time with the kids at SFA if they cut in front of you if you simply yell "HEY" angrily at them they'll stop right away and even apologize... SFGAdv line jumpers are normally older and in bigger groups so yelling at them directly might not be the best plan...

[xVicesAndVirtues]

After reading so many bad reviews about SFA over the years, including claims of rude employees, rude patrons, uncleanliness, etc., I was actually pleasantly surprised when I visited a few weeks ago for the first time.

 

I did it as a joint trip between SFA and SFGAdv, figuring we'd just do a credit run through the park, maybe ride SROS a few times in a row, then head out to Great Adventure. We ended up staying the whole day.

 

The park's entrance and themed areas are beautiful. The layout is slightly confusing, but they have a LOT of room to expand. Employees seemed to enjoy their jobs, and ride operators seemed to have fun dispatching trains. Also, the biggest plus was that the lines were nearly inexistant. Never more than a one train wait for an Intamin mega is fine by me.

 

SROS, while not Bizarro, is a fantastic ride. It definitely wins out Nitro in my book. The red train definitely rattled a bunch and felt like it needed some TLC, but, several times we waited purposely for the blue train, because it gives a 5x better ride. The first airtime hill is hit or miss for floater air, depending on the weight in the train. I don't know how anyone can call those helices forceless, I thought I was going to black out on the first one. Then, the other large hill and the 3 bunny hops at the end provide all the warm gooey Intamin airtime pie that you need!

 

Wild One is a fantastic woodie. The double-up, soon followed by the double-down is one of the most fun and unique elements of any wooden coaster I've been on. I don't know how this woodie doesn't get more recognition.

 

Batwing, while slow to load because of the complicated restraints, was a very cool ride. Definitely beats out Superman Ultimate Flight (the only B&M flyer I've been on).

 

Joker's Jinx is awesome. I'm a huge fan of the Premier coasters, such as ROTM at USF. The launch is fun, the first few inversions are exciting, then theres a slow bit in the middle that lets you catch your breath, followed by a great forceful ending with a lot of directional changes. Not to mention, lapbars!

 

Mind Eraser, while being a death-LC, was actually pretty smooth. Front row ride with minimal head-banging.

 

And last but not least, Roar was a cool ride as well. Not as good as the GCIs with the Millennium Flyer trains like Wildcat at Hersheypark, but still an exciting woodie.

 

At the end of the day, I ended up breaking one of my flip-flops back in Gotham City, and one of the ride employees was able to point me to which shop had flip flops, described to me what kind of assortment they had, and also knew the prices. Needless to say, I'm wearing them still now as I'm typing this.

 

I guess it all comes down to your outlook, to determine what kind of experience you're going to have. If you walk into the park looking for everything that you can nit-pick and let the one rude employee among the hundreds of friendly ones ruin your day, and go on Roar expecting it to be El Toro, you're going to have a miserable day. But, if you go looking for a day of fun and some decent coasters, you're going to have a great time.

 

All in all, I'll be visiting SFA again next summer.