Help! Visiting The Great Escape Tomorrow - Any Advice?

[live2tell75]

Hello TPR,

 

I am going to be visiting The Great Escape tomorrow (Wed. 8/8). I have been extremely busy at work recently and have not been able to really research the park properly. Any advice on a plan of attack and enjoying the day?

 

Here are the facts:

• We will be at the park at opening (10am).

• Should be at the park until at least 5pm.

• Would like to try to experience all of the park's major attractions.

• How are crowds? Do I need to get a Flash Pass?

• Our group will be a mix of riders and non-riders. Some like coasters, some do not.

• Are the coasters very rough?

• My 4-year old nephew will be with us. I have heard their are a lot of nice children's attractions, including a cool Alice in Wonderland walk-thru?

• I have no idea if we are doing the water park, I'm thinking probably not. But if we did do the water park, does it get crazy crowded? I figure it might since it's August. Is the water park included with the park admission? I believe it is, just making sure.

• Any particular not-to-miss attractions?

 

Sorry for the last minute questions and if there is already a thread like this. I'll be leaving on a flight right after work at 6pm tonight, so I appreciate any type of help. Thanks so much!

[larrygator]

Hello TPR,

 

I am going to be visiting The Great Escape tomorrow (Wed. 8/8). I have been extremely busy at work recently and have not been able to really research the park properly. Any advice on a plan of attack and enjoying the day?

 

Here are the facts:

• We will be at the park at opening (10am).

• Should be at the park until at least 5pm.

• Would like to try to experience all of the park's major attractions.

• How are crowds? Do I need to get a Flash Pass?

• Our group will be a mix of riders and non-riders. Some like coasters, some do not.

• Are the coasters very rough?

• My 4-year old nephew will be with us. I have heard their are a lot of nice children's attractions, including a cool Alice in Wonderland walk-thru?

• I have no idea if we are doing the water park, I'm thinking probably not. But if we did do the water park, does it get crazy crowded? I figure it might since it's August. Is the water park included with the park admission? I believe it is, just making sure.

• Any particular not-to-miss attractions?

 

Sorry for the last minute questions and if there is already a thread like this. I'll be leaving on a flight right after work at 6pm tonight, so I appreciate any type of help. Thanks so much!

 

 

Eric - I sent you a PM, but forgot to mention that I'd expect the water park to be packed. I'd play it by ear on the Flash Pass once you see what it looks like in person as I don't know off the top of my head what it's good for or what your group will be riding.

[tatertot3710]

I went on a Wednesday in July and it wasn't bad at all. Most rides were walk-ons. Boomerang was a 3 cycle wait, longest I waited in. The waterpark was enjoyable. The day wasn't the best, but the lines weren't too long. Steamin' Deamon was VERY rough, and if I had the chance, I wouldn't ride it again. Canyon Blaster (mine train) has a lot of shaking. Just don't miss the Comet!

[medic738]

Speaking from my experience last year (though we did make an August trip there), most lines were relatively short with exception of the bobsled coaster (Alpine Bobsled?) and mine train. When we saw the wait for the Bobsled, we tried to get a flash pass and found them all sold out. It seems they have a limited number and they went fast that day. I don't think they use the q-b ot system like Great Adventure or SFNE. With there system, you get five rides for $15 (or 11 rides for $25). These can be 5 rides on a single ride or 5 different rides. The price is pretty cheap and I hate to stand in lines so I would spring for the pass and use them to make the most of your time. Even if it frees up some time to hit the water park for a bit.

 

On the day we went it was pretty hot and the water park was packed. Because of this, I didn't get a good look at how much it offered but it looked good from outside.

 

This park has a lot for younger kids. I think there were animals to pet and a miniature village to play in. Don't remember seeing Alice In Wonderland though. There was a castle and some kind of carriage ride that looked like Cinderella's pumpkin.

 

The swan boats and train ride would be great for a small rider. Their kids area looked cool (though I think we were denied a kiddie coaster credit there being too tall - but pathetic enough to even try!).

 

My son was 15 and we enjoyed the park - Comet was outstanding. The other coasters are ok. Not our favorite SF park but good never the less.

 

Hope you enjoy your day!

[Canobie Coaster]

I went to the Great Escape last year and had a great time. Flash Pass will not be necessary as lines are no longer than 15-20 minutes even for the major attractions.

 

First thing I'd hit would be the Alpine Bobsled. Why? First, it has a really low capacity. Also, it closes for the day if there is any rain. If you ride this unique Intamin bobsled coaster immediately, it should be a walk-on. I recommend riding in the 2nd and 3rd rows since they are the smoothest rows in my opinion.

 

Then, hit the park's Ferris Wheel. It gives great views of the area and shouldn't be missed.

 

Next, hop on the park's Raging River river rapids ride. Later in the day, it will have a 30-45 minute wait. Right now, it should be a walk-on. While not the best river rapids ride out there, it is still an enjoyable ride.

 

Afterwards, I recommend doing the water park immediately before it gets busy. While it won't get packed later in the day, the lines could be about 30-40 minutes for the Mega Wedgie bowl slide and Tornado funnel slide. However, in the morning Mega Wedgie had a 10-20 minute wait last year, Tornado was a 15 minute wait, and the raft slides were 10 minutes each. I recommend passing on the Black Cobra since it is really slow and uneventful. Don't miss the Banshee Plunge! While only about 5-10 seconds in length, it may be one of the most thrilling water slides I've ever been on. Make sure you really hold onto your tube!

 

Following the water park I'd head right for the park's star attraction, the Comet. It should ultimately be about a 5 minute wait each time thanks to speedy two train operations. No seat is a bad seat on this amazing wooden coaster. It is currently my 4th favorite wooden coaster, so I recommend that you get several rides on this wooden coaster since it is far and away the best attraction at the park.

 

Then I would move back towards the front of the park hitting some of the park's flat rides. I'd hit the Cannonball Express (himalaya), Blizzard (scrambler), and the Flying Trapeze (swings). Make sure you hit the unique Alice in Wonderland walkthrough on the way by. It is a really cool little walkthrough. Also, skip the park's Sky Ride since it is a really long and boring ride.

 

Now I'd go for a ride on the park's Boomerang. It should be a 15-20 minute wait. Don't worry, this is the smoothest boomerang I've been on so it is actually a really fun ride.

 

Next go for a ride on the park's S&S Tower, Sasquatch. The down side is the better of the two sides, but sadly this is one of the weakest S&S Towers I've been on. Regardless, it is still arguably the park's most thrilling attraction and shouldn't be more than a 15 minute wait.

 

Now head into Ghost Town and ride the park's Canyon Blaster mine train if you want the credit. It will either be a walk-on or have a slow-moving half hour wait. This thing loads incredibly slowly and isn't even all that great of a coaster. The downward helix is cool, but it is quite bumpy and the overall ride is way too short.

 

Then, I'd go for a ride on the park's flume, Desperado Plunge. It should be a 10-15 minute wait. While not a really big or special flume, it is a nice relaxing ride.

 

Finally, go on Screamin' Demon, the park's Arrow Loop & Corkscrew. It should be a 5-10 minute wait.

 

I hope you have a great time at The Great Escape!