Tips on SFAW

[Bubba Z]

OK, so will the park have lousy operations the last week in October before they close. Should I except Huge crowds due to the park closing and fright fest? If so do they offer fastlane or Q-bot. What is a must see or do at the park? What rides are better in the back than front or vice versa. I Pretty much want to credit whore the park and not miss anything

like SWAT since I only have 6 hours to see the park.

[Sir Clinksalot]

I seem to remember them having FastLane (the tickets).

 

Make sure you get to the park right at opening. Head for Ultra Twister first sine it has the worst capacity in the park. Hopefully you will get lucky and it will open with the park.

 

Next I would probably hit the SLC since that really seemed like the longest line of the day when we were there.

 

I would hit up the indoor coaster (mayan mindbender) next as the capacity on this thing is pretty low. The kiddie is in that same area so I would do that next. I actually liked the kiddie coaster here.

 

The Arrow suspended may still have 1/2 of the train facing backwards. I didn't like it backwards, but it was still fun. (it still only counts as 1 credit if you ride it both ways) . If you have time ride SWAT and Diablo falls since they are by XLR8.

 

The two schwartzkopf's will be running 1 train (duh) but they both seemed to be operated pretty well. The shuttle loop is kind of hard to find, but it's in the back of the park. You will miss it if you aren't careful.

 

Batman the Escape is Shockwave from SFGAdv (which I'm sure you have ridden) so you only need to ride this if you want a walk down memory lane.

 

The only thing left is the Cyclone. It was running 2 trains when we were there, but did have a line. If you see it earlier in the day and there is no line, hit it. If not, save it for last after it has warmed up.

 

As for crowds, I don't know how it will be. I don't know if they are advertising that the park is closing and if people in Houston really care that it's closing. If you get there early you should miss alot of the FF crowds.

 

6 hours should be PLENTY. We did the park in 4.

 

Have a great time!!!

[robbalvey]

Well, MY reccomendation would be slightly different.....

 

Ultra Twister, Mayan Mindbender, Greased Lightning, and Serpent are the lowest capacity rides in the park. Out of the 6 visits I've had to Astroworld, I've never seen Ultra Twister not open with the park, but I have heard recently that one person went and it didn't open with the park.

 

As you read though this, you might want to bring up the park map for reference:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/pdf/map.pdf

 

So assuming that the park is busy for Fright Fest (and because it's one of the last weekends of operation).....

 

Hit up Ultra Twister first, and then Greased Lighting, which is not too far from Ultra Twister. It's one of the tallest structures in the park and it's easy to find on the other side of the railroad tracks. Head over to Mayan Mindbender hitting The Serpent on the way. I have had the unfortunate experience of having to wait over an hour for this pathatic ride.

 

If Ultra Twister is not open with the park, don't wait for it. Do what I wrote above hitting Ultra Twister last.

 

Now, the worst part about this is that most of the low capacity coasters aren't next to each other! Mayan Mindbender is clear across the opposite side of the park from Ultra Twister! But if you want to get all the credits in, you will have to do some backtracking to get to these coasters early!

 

The only caveat to this would be XLR-8. When you're over by Greased Lightning, you shouuld be able to check and see if XLR-8 is running one or two trains, if it's two, you can wait on it, but if it's one, hit this between Greased Lightning and The Serpent.

 

The SLC traditionally runs two trains, and while the line might be long, it won't be as bad as Ultra Twister or Mayan Mindbender. The woodie also should run two trains, but if they are still doing FastLane, you may be able to use them for these two coasters. There really isn't any point to hit the SLC early if you have FastLane!

 

On busy days Viper should run two trains, and I have to assume that during a Fright Fest you'll see the park filled to capacity. Although, being that the park is getting ready to shut it's doors forever there is always a chance this will run one train. If that is the case, hit this right after Mayan Mindbender.

 

It really doesn't matter when you hit Cyclone, it's not one of those CCI's that gets better later in the day. It's pretty much the same morning, noon, or night. Hit it when the line is shortest or use FastLane.

 

So to wrap this up.....My advice would be to hit the coasters in this order (assuming they are open)

 

Ultra Twister, Greased Lightning, (XLR-8), The Serpent, Mayan Mindbender, Viper.

 

Use Fastlane (if they doing it) on Cyclone, SLC, Batman.

 

Hit up SWAT and Dungeon Drop after all the coasters.

 

I would plan a FULL day at the park and to get there 30 minutes prior to opening. Gregg has never seen this park *PACKED* which I have, and trust me, it's not a pretty sight!

 

I have already seen all over the net people planning on going to Astroworld for it's last weekends, so I would make the assumption that this park is going to see some of the largest crowds ever in October. And if it turns out to be a light day, more riding for you!

 

Please be sure to take LOTS of photos and video for your trip report and have a good time!

 

--Robb "Good luck!" Alvey

[Bubba Z]

Thanks guys, so If it busy I should except lines like SFgadv, Disney or Cedar Point.

 

Off topic : Pictures yes, vidoe no, my dvr just got sent to Sony in Texas for repairs. Lost the sound on playbacks . Maybe I could just pick it up when I get out there, lol

[coaster1]

Don't expect much of a crowd. From what I've got from friends in Houston, they haven't said much more about the park closing.

 

As for FastLane, there is no more FastLane and if the Texans are playing that Sunday on the 30th, expect ALOT of headaches trying to park.

 

I'll be there on the 30th do or die.

[gisco]

Thanks for all the good info. I was going to ask the same question but now I don't have to. I am going to Astoworld on the 21st and 22nd. This is a kind of spur of the moment trip with the sole purpose of getting credits. Does this make me a credit whore?

 

Bob "The first and last time going to SFAW" Hoffman

[coaster1]

Not really .. don't need to whore kids for any of the rides there, just don't be upset if you miss out on Batman, Ultra Twister or Mayan Mindbender, they close alot.