Six Flags Great Adventure (SFGAdv) Discussion Thread

[boldikus]

Ive only ridden KK a handful of times and once was in the very back. Just awful. Mucho vibrations, and felt like the entire back of the train was fishtailing from side to side during the launch. Not enjoyable in the slightest. Ive ridden it all over the train but never again in the back - and I usually ride every coaster in the back.

[rcjp]

I've never ridden it in the back. Only in the front (most of the times) and three times in other seats which were rougher then than the front but not really enough to make the ride unpleasant. (maybe that's because I've never tried the very back)

[Bedholm]

For KK is the entire ride rough or just part of the launch cause after riding TTD 5 times at the very back or really close I didn't feel any roughness except for when the train started its upwards descent or while go through a rollback( when the train started to re-enter the launch track area) but those instances of roughness only lasted of upmost a part of a second to a full second. If the ride is rough throughout I feel like it would just fully detract from the ride experience. Unfortunately when I was at Gadv KK was closed due to Zumanjaro construction.

[DoinItForTheFame]

For KK is the entire ride rough or just part of the launch cause after riding TTD 5 times at the very back or really close I didn't feel any roughness except for when the train started its upwards descent or while go through a rollback( when the train started to re-enter the launch track area) but those instances of roughness only lasted of upmost a part of a second to a full second. If the ride is rough throughout I feel like it would just fully detract from the ride experience. Unfortunately when I was at Gadv KK was closed due to Zumanjaro construction.

when I rode Ka many years ago I remember the launch being the most rough part of the ride. It was awful compared to Dragster. However it's been years so I don't know how things have changed in time.

[michaellynn4]

For KK is the entire ride rough or just part of the launch cause after riding TTD 5 times at the very back or really close I didn't feel any roughness except for when the train started its upwards descent or while go through a rollback( when the train started to re-enter the launch track area) but those instances of roughness only lasted of upmost a part of a second to a full second. If the ride is rough throughout I feel like it would just fully detract from the ride experience. Unfortunately when I was at Gadv KK was closed due to Zumanjaro construction.

 

For me, the launch is actually the smooth part. Once the train hits top speed, that's when the rattling begins. Once the launch is complete, the ride is pretty unbearable in rear seats.

 

If they got the softer Intamin restraints founds on I305 and soon-to-be Maverick, it'd probably improve the experience significantly. But, hey, let's face it, that's not happening.

Edited February 24, 2015 by michaellynn4

[Password121]

If you can avoid the last couple rows of Kingda Ka, for me at least, there is no roughness to complain about. Towards the back there is some shuffling and vibrating, but only towards the last couple hundred feet of the launch track and less than halfway up the tower... which is less than two seconds. Near the front of the train, Kingda Ka is really an incredible experience that shouldn't be missed. I have a difficult time calling most of the seats "rough" at all. If you could handle a ride like the defunct GASM or Rolling Thunder not on its best days, you would have reason to complain about Kingda Ka. Sit in pretty much the first four rows, and really there's no roughness at all.

[michaellynn4]

If you could handle a ride like the defunct GASM or Rolling Thunder not on its best days, you would have reason to complain about Kingda Ka.

 

The main difference here is that GASM and RT were walk-ons more often than not, whereas KK is a ride that is usually one of the longest in the park, especially after Z:DOD was installed. I was more okay with the roughness on those two coasters because I knew what I was getting and was willing to accept that as a trade-off for the short wait time. I feel bad for people who wait 60, 90, 120 minutes to ride KK and choose to ride from the middle of the train back. Such a large amount of time to dedicate towards a mediocre-to-unpleasant ride.

 

Besides, I think we could all agree that the RT "not-on-its-best-days" (which was pretty much every day prior to its last year of operation) is a LOT worse than KK in the back. My spine certainly has a strong opinion on that.

[Lightnin Loops]

Last year they ran Zumanjaro as fast as possible and Kingda Ka was the one that suffered. This year I hope they make it a point to let at least 2 Ka trains launch between Zumnajaro dispatches as last year it was often less than that. I think that's the best option for both rides given this unfortunate situation.

 

 

It was SO bad that most of my visits, KK only launched 1 train in between a Zumanjaro cycle. It was terrible.

[Lightnin Loops]

Its time for KK to get a paint job. Last year, the supports were so faded.

[vacoaster09]

It seems like they would have to atleast bring back the two station (front and back of the same side) loading to ensure that 2 trains are ready every time.

[coasterfreak101]

Can somebody who works at the park (Ryan, is that your name?) explain why, for whatever reason, they don't unload Ka at the back of the station so that when the train is wheeled to the front it's empty and ready to go?

 

Maybe the system won't let a train move forward with the restraints unlocked, but I would imagine that's a relatively simple reprogramming that they could've easily implemented when they ditched three out of the four loading areas. Seems especially worthwhile now, considering that they have a hard time even getting two trains out between Zumanjaro cycles.

[ejot]

For KK is the entire ride rough or just part of the launch cause after riding TTD 5 times at the very back or really close I didn't feel any roughness except for when the train started its upwards descent or while go through a rollback( when the train started to re-enter the launch track area) but those instances of roughness only lasted of upmost a part of a second to a full second. If the ride is rough throughout I feel like it would just fully detract from the ride experience. Unfortunately when I was at Gadv KK was closed due to Zumanjaro construction.

 

Opinions vary pretty greatly here as you see but here's my take. KK is simply a different animal. There is a relentless rattle @ about 5Hz for the entire ride after the launch. Sure the back is worse, but it's everywhere. Rode both TTD and KK as a first time rider from their front seats this past season, within a month or two. I was skeptical about really enjoying either.

 

During my TTD ride I could not stop thinking: "Wow, this is actually a really fun ride." Came back with a huge smile on my face.

 

KK ride went something like this: "Wow, that launch" .... <> ..."What the *bleep* is all this *bleep*..." .... <> ... "...-ING RATTLING??!" Came back rolling my eyes.

 

It's not a painful or an even particularly uncomfortable rattle in the front, whatsoever. But it detracts enough from my experience that I walk away feeling very "meh". This style ride just needs to be glass smooth to "work" for me, like TTD is and does.

[Lightnin Loops]

Can somebody who works at the park (Ryan, is that your name?) explain why, for whatever reason, they don't unload Ka at the back of the station so that when the train is wheeled to the front it's empty and ready to go?

 

Maybe the system won't let a train move forward with the restraints unlocked, but I would imagine that's a relatively simple reprogramming that they could've easily implemented when they ditched three out of the four loading areas. Seems especially worthwhile now, considering that they have a hard time even getting two trains out between Zumanjaro cycles.

 

I was told by a SF employee last season, that it has to do with staffing. just to unload in the back would require more employees. And if you have been to the park lately, every coaster in the park is usually run with min staffing.

[El Toro_Ryan]

Can somebody who works at the park (Ryan, is that your name?) explain why, for whatever reason, they don't unload Ka at the back of the station so that when the train is wheeled to the front it's empty and ready to go?

 

Maybe the system won't let a train move forward with the restraints unlocked, but I would imagine that's a relatively simple reprogramming that they could've easily implemented when they ditched three out of the four loading areas. Seems especially worthwhile now, considering that they have a hard time even getting two trains out between Zumanjaro cycles.

 

(Yes my name is Ryan) From what I've seen, Ka almost always launches two trains in between Zumanjaro cycles. Ka stacks its trains out on the launch area while Zumanjaro is going and then once Ka is clear, it usually launches two trains with the third train in the station already loaded and ready to be dispatched. Idk, you guys may have hit the park on a bad day but I've always seen two trains in between Zumanjaro cycles.

 

I'm not sure why the park doesn't utilize an unload station but I'm guessing that has to do with staffing. The park typically has 4 people checking restraints and a height checker as well so if an unload station were to be used, two of the restraint checkers would probably be moved to the unload platform. If staffed properly, an unload station would probably be a huge benefit but I don't think it would make a difference with Zumanjaro delaying Ka's operations.

 

I think Ka could also use a rolling block system as well to allow the train on the load platform and the train on the 2nd platform to advance simultaneously but I doubt that would ever be implemented. I think it would make a huge difference though.

[michaellynn4]

From what I've seen, Ka almost always launches two trains in between Zumanjaro cycles. Ka stacks its trains out on the launch area while Zumanjaro is going and then once Ka is clear, it usually launches two trains with the third train in the station already loaded and ready to be dispatched. Idk, you guys may have hit the park on a bad day but I've always seen two trains in between Zumanjaro cycles.

 

I agree. I do recognize that Z:DOD has affected KK's capacity, but I don't know where this "one train per cycle" thing came from. I think it's difficult for them to get three trains off, but I've always seen at least two trains go through a cycle, unless there is a separate issue that prevented it (walk of shame on KK, for example).

[DJeXeL]

I love TTDs rolling block system. KK could benefit from this.

[michaellynn4]

I love TTDs rolling block system. KK could benefit from this.

 

Yea, I think KK's "dual station" design was flawed from the start. If they used a system like TTD's, things would certainly be improved. However, the staffing issues come into play, there - the rolling block system requires more staffing to work effectively.

[michaellynn4]

Double post, sorry.

[coasterbill]

I don't know where this "one train per cycle" thing came from.

 

When we visited on a busy Saturday a few weeks after Zumanjaro opened this is what we experienced. It sounds like it's not typical but it was absolutely the case on at least one occasion.

[Lightnin Loops]

I love TTDs rolling block system. KK could benefit from this.

 

Yea, I think KK's "dual station" design was flawed from the start. If they used a system like TTD's, things would certainly be improved. However, the staffing issues come into play, there - the rolling block system requires more staffing to work effectively.

 

Why do you think the dual station was flawed from the start?

[terdferg]

I love TTDs rolling block system. KK could benefit from this.

 

Yea, I think KK's "dual station" design was flawed from the start. If they used a system like TTD's, things would certainly be improved. However, the staffing issues come into play, there - the rolling block system requires more staffing to work effectively.

 

 

I disagree. When both sides and all four trains were in use, it works wonderfully.

[DJeXeL]

How long has it been since they ran all 4? When I was there in 2010 they were only running 3.

[YoshiFan]

I don't know where this "one train per cycle" thing came from.

 

When we visited on a busy Saturday a few weeks after Zumanjaro opened this is what we experienced. It sounds like it's not typical but it was absolutely the case on at least one occasion.

 

It was also happening on a Friday in October. The line took almost 20 minutes with the line in the station and going to a middle row.

[FaithPlus1]

Does anyone know when they're going to park the looping ride in its temporary spot?

[Password121]

Does anyone know when they're going to park the looping ride in its temporary spot?

Why must everybody be so negative about this addition?

1) It's a park model, it's not temporary

2) This is a legitimate, park model flat ride of decent scale. Almost as tall as RT was.

3) How can you POSSIBLY expect a multi million dollar addition every single year? Do you want SF to file for bankruptcy again? They're finally doing well and are profitable. Give them a break.

 

Also, I'm tired of people giving them so much crap about ride openings. Yes, Zumanjaro was a nightmare. Yes, they should've started earlier and gotten permits. No, the July 4th opening wasn't entirely SF's fault. Six Flags has stated that they try to open new rides around Memorial Day for marketing reasons. Can you try to respect their decision? It'll be built after footers (yes, real footers) are poured sometime in the next month or two. Now chill and enjoy their world class coaster collection that put the company in miserable debt that resulted in major restructuring. It's all for you.

Edited February 25, 2015 by Password121