Texas Trip Planning Help Needed

[scooterdoug]

Hello!

 

I'm in need of some advice. I will be visiting Texas in early August to visit the two Six Flags parks there. I've heard something about a couple of wooden coasters getting retracked, and they're supposedly kinda decent

Seriously, after years of drooling over the magic of RMC, I finally get to try them out. This is my itinerary:

8/3 - Fly into Dallas

8/4 - SFOT

8/5 - Drive to San Antonio

8/6 - SFFT

8/7 - Fly home

I'm fine with all the rental car/hotel logistics, I've done plenty of trips like this before. I have a gold season pass, so park admission is taken care of. I plan on purchasing Platinum Flash Passes (Platinum is the only way to skip the line on ALL the coasters, gold doesn't include the ones I'm most excited about) at both parks, as I want to rack up serious numbers on the coasters and hate waiting in line. I originally planned on stopping at ZDTs during my travel day, but I spoke with them on the phone, and they said that their shuttle woodie likely wouldn't be open by the time I get there. So, I'm mostly all planned and ready to go, I just have a few particular questions.

 

1. Should I really buy the flash pass? If the lines for the RMCs are 30 minutes, I'd still consider the Flash Pass worth it. Like I said, I want to rack up numbers on the coasters. So, even if the crowds are moderate, it's completely worth it to me (after all, I have no idea if and when I'll be back). Should I buy them, or am I not privy to some local information and will be visiting on walk-on days?

 

2. Any suggestions on things to do during my travel day? It's only a 4 hour drive from Dallas to San Antonio, so I'll have time to kill. I thought of stopping at ZDTs and taking some pictures of their new coaster to post to TPR. But, I'm up to anything. Any credits I don't know about (no, I won't ride a kiddie coaster without my daughters )? I wouldn't be averse to taking in some local culture/history as well.

 

3. Food! I'm a culinary traveler...I like to eat whatever is local and good. In this case, I want to try bbq, Tex-Mex, and a solid chicken fried steak (my friend told me that I absolutely must try one of those in Texas). I've gotten some good ideas from the "Good Eating Outside of Theme Parks" thread (www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=65101&hilit=good+eating+outside). However, if any of you know of any places where I can get some solid brisket and ribs (slow smoked, mmmmmm...), quality Tex-Mex (though that seems to be covered really well in the "Good Eating..." thread), or a decadent chicken fried steak near either of the parks (really, it doesn't have to be right next door, I'm willing to drive a little for good food), please let me know. Even better if it's open late, allowing me a full day at the parks before gorging myself.

 

Those are my specifics that I'm looking for. Any and all help that you fine people can provide will be much appreciated. I can't wait for my first trip to the Lone Star State. Thanks!

 

-Doug

[DoinItForTheFame]

1. Should I really buy the flash pass? If the lines for the RMCs are 30 minutes, I'd still consider the Flash Pass worth it. Like I said, I want to rack up numbers on the coasters. So, even if the crowds are moderate, it's completely worth it to me (after all, I have no idea if and when I'll be back). Should I buy them, or am I not privy to some local information and will be visiting on walk-on days?

I personally ALWAYS buy Platinum Flash Pass. Even if it saves me 15 minutes I am happy. Because that is 15 minutes more I have to ride coasters instead of waiting in line. I buy mine online before even getting to the park, and I have never been disappointed. That is just a personal preference. I like to have everything out of the way when I get there, so I can just go pick up my Flash Pass, and start riding rides. With that being said, most people on here will tell you to wait until you get to the park to buy them.

 

2. Any suggestions on things to do during my travel day? It's only a 4 hour drive from Dallas to San Antonio, so I'll have time to kill. I thought of stopping at ZDTs and taking some pictures of their new coaster to post to TPR. But, I'm up to anything. Any credits I don't know about (no, I won't ride a kiddie coaster without my daughters )? I wouldn't be averse to taking in some local culture/history as well.

If I were you I would go visit Zero-Gravity in Dallas. It's about a 40 minute drive from Six Flags with Dallas traffic. They have a SCAD Tower, and if you have never done a SCAD Tower I highly suggest it. It is a crazy, heart stopping expereinece that you can not get any where else. (Except for obviously on another SCAD Tower.) With it being so close you might as well! They also have a decent Sky Scraper ride. Again, if you have never been on one, they are a lot of fun.

 

Then for the San Antonio area, be sure to check out the San Antonio River Walk. They have some great restaurants, and a fun little boat ride though the river walk area. If you have the time, maybe even try squeezing in a visit to Sea World San Antonio if you have never been. Steel Eel is a pretty fun coaster. Not to mention they have a Batman Clone!

 

3. Food! I'm a culinary traveler...I like to eat whatever is local and good. In this case, I want to try bbq, Tex-Mex, and a solid chicken fried steak (my friend told me that I absolutely must try one of those in Texas). I've gotten some good ideas from the "Good Eating Outside of Theme Parks" thread (www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=65101&hilit=good+eating+outside). However, if any of you know of any places where I can get some solid brisket and ribs (slow smoked, mmmmmm...), quality Tex-Mex (though that seems to be covered really well in the "Good Eating..." thread), or a decadent chicken fried steak near either of the parks (really, it doesn't have to be right next door, I'm willing to drive a little for good food), please let me know. Even better if it's open late, allowing me a full day at the parks before gorging myself.

 

In Dallas, I usually eat at Salt Grass Steak House. It is near SFOT, and I really like their steaks. They also have several really good Brazilian Steakhouses in Dallas. Amazing, all you can eat meats like Lamb, Filet, Brisket, Prime Rib. They are about $50 a person, but it is beyond worth it.

 

Again, in San Antonio, I highly suggest you visit the River Walk. There are a LOT of really good food places there.

 

 

-- I hope this helps a little. If you are flying in to Dallas early enough in the day I would say try hitting up Hurricane Harbor next to SFOT, it's a nice water park, and has a Platinum Flash Pass for $35 that would ensure you got to do all the slides in a few hours. Also, admission if you buy online in advance is like $27. Both of the parks in Texas are a lot of fun! NTG is AMAZING, and Texas Sky Screamer at SFOT is seriously one of the few rides on the planet that scare the SH!T out of me!! I hope you have a blast, and I look forward to a nice Photo TR from you!

[Phideaux]

SFFT is weird I have been during the week and all the rides are walk-on and I have been during the week and it is crowded. I have asked the ride operators about it and they would always say "It was not crowded at all yesterday". With the new ride it might be worth the extra purchase to skip lines.

For Chicken Fried Steak I have not found many places that make it better than homemade. In Waco (on your way to San Antonio) there is a place called "George's" and I like their chicken friend steak. Plus you can order a Big 'O' (it is a big glass of beer).

 

The riverwalk is a must in San Antonio and just go look at the Alamo. I usually visit Mi Tierra for food and they have a Mexican bakery there. Mi Tierra is in the Market Square and after we dine we usually walk around the market area and do some shopping.

 

Hope it helps and hope you do not melt while visiting.

[bert425]

Hello!

 

I'm in need of some advice. I will be visiting Texas in early August to visit the two Six Flags parks there. I've heard something about a couple of wooden coasters getting retracked, and they're supposedly kinda decent

Seriously, after years of drooling over the magic of RMC, I finally get to try them out. This is my itinerary:

8/3 - Fly into Dallas

8/4 - SFOT

8/5 - Drive to San Antonio

8/6 - SFFT

8/7 - Fly home

I'm fine with all the rental car/hotel logistics, I've done plenty of trips like this before. I have a gold season pass, so park admission is taken care of. I plan on purchasing Platinum Flash Passes (Platinum is the only way to skip the line on ALL the coasters, gold doesn't include the ones I'm most excited about) at both parks, as I want to rack up serious numbers on the coasters and hate waiting in line. I originally planned on stopping at ZDTs during my travel day, but I spoke with them on the phone, and they said that their shuttle woodie likely wouldn't be open by the time I get there. So, I'm mostly all planned and ready to go, I just have a few particular questions.

 

2. Any suggestions on things to do during my travel day? It's only a 4 hour drive from Dallas to San Antonio, so I'll have time to kill. I thought of stopping at ZDTs and taking some pictures of their new coaster to post to TPR. But, I'm up to anything. Any credits I don't know about (no, I won't ride a kiddie coaster without my daughters )? I wouldn't be averse to taking in some local culture/history as well.

 

-Doug

 

Question for clarification, you are planning nothing else during your travel day other than driving? And you are flying back out of San Antonio?

 

if yes to those, then I would suggest, as I35 between Dallas and San Antonio is under construction, and has been for years (and seemingly will be for years more). . . I wouldn't go I35 at all. . . instead:

 

ensure you have late check in to San Antonio Hotel, and instead of taking I35 thru Austin to San Antonio, take I45 to Houston (3 1/2 hours), and go past Houston to Kemah for the Boardwalk Bullet. (or go just 45 minutes farther for the Galveston Pleasure Pier to ride Iron Shark).

 

Then take I10 from Houston direct to San Antonio for your hotel (~ 3 hours).

 

so it would make it a travel day of ~8 hours of driving (6 1/2 + 1 1/2 there/back to Galveston), but you'd get a couple of great coasters in (a woodie in Kemah, and steel on the boardwalk), and it's really not THAT much more driving than you would be doing sitting in traffic on I35 anyways

 

have a great trip.

Edited June 24, 2015 by bert425

[bert425]

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[LiftThrill]

SFOT might be worth a Flash Pass, but having SFFT as my homepark, trust me that a Flash Pass really isn't all that much worth it. Especially considering the weather policies at SFFT, it can literally be a downpour and as long as the wind isn't too strong and there's no lighting, you can still ride everything coaster/big flats at SFFT 3-4 times with a full day. And everything except IRat, Scooby-Doo, Boomerang, and Batman are a walk-on all day most weekdays (although in August there's usually a longer-ish wait)

 

SFOT advice: hit La Vibora first. Low capacity and terrible in the rain. Save time for extra rides on NTaG, Judge Roy, Shockwave, and Mr Freeze (apparently, as I haven't been on it).

 

SFFT advice:

If you're a CreWho, hit Boomerang, Goliath, and Pandemonium first. People say run for the best rides, but Boomerang has terrible capacity and slow crews most of the time whereas Goliath and Pandemonium are just credit coasters if you're from out of town.

If you're not a CreWho, start by going right at the fork (Boomerang) straight to Crackaxle Canyon. Hit Road Runner first, and avoid wheel seats with wheels by your feet (the big lump in the floor) if they're not assigning seats as the wheel seats there have very little leg room. It's not too rough but it's very loud. Keep expectations low since it's a mine train, but it's still a fun ride.

After Road Runner, go next door to Iron Rattler. It's an awesome ride, but if you have ridden NTaG in the same week you may have expectations a little too high (depending on if you end up on the Edwentag/Jiant or Edwiron/Jattler) side of the awesome Rocky Twilight Construction coaster wars) Resist the temptation to reride right then and there. Trust me, it'll be there.

After Iron Rattler, you can head over to Spassburg and hit up Superman. The front is awesome for raw speed and forcefulness, but the back has better hangtime in the loop and such. Take a pick for your first ride on it, then resist the temptation to reride and go to Rockville to hit up Batman and Poltergeist. They assign sides on Batman and no matter where you sit it's awesome and fun and insane. Poltergeist, however, you want to wait for the front car. The back on this ride is brutal when it comes to the transitions and overall smoothness of the ride (it isn't very smooth), but in the front it's a very enjoyable ride albeit not very smooth. Just don't sit in the back or the middle. At this point you've hit all the adult, non-clone credits. Flat rides that may be fun are Scream (S&S combo tower), SkyScreamer (the cliff gives a real sense of height), Frisbee (just really fun), and the two log flumes.

If it's hot and you want to cool off, use the Flash Pass to skip the huge line for Gully Washer (rapids) and ride that, or you could just stand at the corner of the Splash Zone for Power Surge (shoot-the-chutes log flume).

At this point, you have to make a choice: ride the clones or get more rides on the big coasters. I'd personally opt for front and back row rides on Iron Rattler and maybe a 5th row (very middle) ride if they're applying the lift hill brakes, then ride it a ton of times in your favorite seat. After that you could go back to Superman and get more rides on that if you wanted, and basically free roam the park doing whatever you feel like doing.

 

Eating advice:

-Erick's Tacos in San Antonio is amazing if you like Mexican food.

-Be sure to try Whataburger at least once if you haven't had it before. I like the #5.

-Dan's Hamburgers in Austin is even better if you want to make the extra drive. Their bacon cheeseburgers are glorious.

-Cooper's BBQ is by far the best BBQ I've ever had. Be sure to hit that in New Braunfels. The brisket is the best.

-If you like Vietnamese food, Hai Ky in Austin is apparently very good (if you want to make the extra drive)

 

Misc:

-If you have an extra day, Schlitterbahn is an amazing waterpark and worth the extra day if the weather's all right you have the time.

-Get plenty of rides on NTaG and IRat, Shockwave, S:KC, and Judge Roy. If you like Titan, then reride it, too.

[Farley Flavors]

Any suggestions on things to do during my travel day? It's only a 4 hour drive from Dallas to San Antonio, so I'll have time to kill.

 

As you're looking for some quality BBQ I'd highly recommend a detour to Lockhart, pretty much the Texas BBQ mecca.

 

There's three main players in town - Smitty's Market, Black's Barbecue and Kreuz Market.

 

You can't go wrong with any of them although my favourite brisket is probably Black's. They also do a terrific "Texas Babyback" smoked beef rib but you'd need a serious appetite to tackle it.

 

Smitty's is well worth a visit for the ambience alone. The fires have been burning continuously for over 90 years and the walls of the old dining room are blackened with soot. They occasionally have fantastic smoked prime rib available. Their brisket, pork ribs and wonderfully greasy sausage are all really good too.

 

Kreuz Market is probably my least favourite, mainly due to the slightly unfriendly staff, but their heavily smoked brisket, peppery ribs and jalapeno cheese sausage are all very good.

 

Always order brisket "fatty" for the best flavour and juiciness!

[scooterdoug]

This is one of the prime reasons I like TPR: the wealth of detailed knowledge out there. Thank you all for the fantastic advice. I've got a much better idea of what I will be doing during my days in Texas. Just a few specific follow-up comments/questions:

 

DoinItForTheFame - Great info...especially the SCAD tower. I showed the video to my wife, and she promptly said "Hell no!" At $32.99, there might be some adrenaline in my travel day.

 

Phideaux - Thanks for the help. I definitely plan on strolling the San Antonio River Walk, and would also like to head to the Alamo to take in some history.

 

Bert425 - Thank you for the advice. I don't think I'll do the Kemah or Galveston (though I considered it in my initial planning). Since I have 2 little daughters, I don't get chances to sleep in much...and I plan on doing that during my travel day. I've been checking Google Maps on my iPhone regularly throughout the week during the times that I would be driving, and the average travel time is 4 hours 30 minutes. It shows the multiple construction sites, but no traffic (aside from some in the Austin area). Google Maps is usually quite accurate (in my experience) for travel times. Is this driving time pretty accurate, or is it missing something?

 

LiftThrill - Your detailed SFFT advice is fantastic. It sounds like I could easily hit a walk-on day. However, what are my chances of Iron Rattle and Batman being walk-ons? If all of the rides are walk-ons, but those two have 20-30 minute waits, the Flash Pass will still be worth it to me (I wouldn't mind racking up double-digit laps on Iron Rattler).

 

Farley Flavors - Thanks for alerting me to Lockhart, this is valuable knowledge to a foodie like me. I'm planning on stopping there on my travel day for an early dinner. From perusing Yelp, Black's looks like it'll be my favorite. I'll definitely be sure to order moist, not lean, brisket. The black crust looks amazing!

 

Thanks again, everyone. All your advice is detailed and very helpful. I can't wait to get out there!

[sokalkostr]

It's pretty funny, I'm actually in the same boat. I'm planning a trip right around the same time. My itinerary is as follows...

 

8/5 - Fly into Dallas

8/6 - SFOT, Drive to New Braunfels

8/7 - Schlitterbahn

8/8 - SFFT

8/9 - Sea World or SFFT again, Drive back to Dallas and fly home

 

My girlfriend and I have SF season passes, I have gold, she has regular. Planning on doing GOLD level flash passes at SFOT and SFFT. I've never been to any of these parks and I'm on somewhat of a mission. My current coaster count is 278. If all goes to plan, I'm hoping to hit 300 on this trip, that 300th being Iron Rattler.

 

For Six Flags, based on the days I'll be there. Thursday for SFOT and Saturday for SFFT, will GOLD level flash passes be enough? For SFFT, does the water park offer flash passes as well? Any additional plan of attack I should have for either of those parks?

 

For Schlitterbahn, we are doing the $20 early entry add on to get into Blastenoff an hour before the park opens, what's the best way to tackle that park?

 

We don't really have the ability to add days or sightsee, so it's just non-stop and hoping to do whatever we can to explore as much of these parks as we can.

 

Thanks for your help!

[ArgoZ]

It's pretty funny, I'm actually in the same boat. I'm planning a trip right around the same time. My itinerary is as follows...

 

8/5 - Fly into Dallas

8/6 - SFOT, Drive to New Braunfels

8/7 - Schlitterbahn

8/8 - SFFT

8/9 - Sea World or SFFT again, Drive back to Dallas and fly home

 

My girlfriend and I have SF season passes, I have gold, she has regular. Planning on doing GOLD level flash passes at SFOT and SFFT. I've never been to any of these parks and I'm on somewhat of a mission. My current coaster count is 278. If all goes to plan, I'm hoping to hit 300 on this trip, that 300th being Iron Rattler.

 

For Six Flags, based on the days I'll be there. Thursday for SFOT and Saturday for SFFT, will GOLD level flash passes be enough? For SFFT, does the water park offer flash passes as well? Any additional plan of attack I should have for either of those parks?

 

For Schlitterbahn, we are doing the $20 early entry add on to get into Blastenoff an hour before the park opens, what's the best way to tackle that park?

 

We don't really have the ability to add days or sightsee, so it's just non-stop and hoping to do whatever we can to explore as much of these parks as we can.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Schlitterbahn,

 

Do not go on the weekend, stay on your Friday schedule. This park is terrible when busy, but world class fun when manageable. Your early entry will be all used up on Master Blaster. Then, do the other tower slides. Ride The Falls over to Dragon's Revenge. The other park is quieter in the morning, due to the water being very river cold, but I would stay and ride The Falls and Torent river until it warms up and then head to the old park. The old park has some awesome tube and boring tube rides. Whitewater is so intense, get ready to get dumped! Wear secure clothing. I want to go back, so fun.

[bert425]

Bert425 - Thank you for the advice. I don't think I'll do the Kemah or Galveston (though I considered it in my initial planning). Since I have 2 little daughters, I don't get chances to sleep in much...and I plan on doing that during my travel day. I've been checking Google Maps on my iPhone regularly throughout the week during the times that I would be driving, and the average travel time is 4 hours 30 minutes. It shows the multiple construction sites, but no traffic (aside from some in the Austin area). Google Maps is usually quite accurate (in my experience) for travel times. Is this driving time pretty accurate, or is it missing something?

 

LOL. .understood.

 

that travel time is pretty accurate, IF (and that's a big if) there's no weather. Even a light shower and Texans forget how to drive.

 

"OMG. . WET stuff is falling from the sky! I better go 10 mph!"

 

so yeah, even if sprinkles, expect massive delays.

 

Most of the construction you'll find will be between Dallas and RoundRock (about 10 minutes outside of Austin). . once you hit Austin, it should be pretty smooth sailing, and just about an 1:10 or so until you hit San Antonio.

[bert425]

It's pretty funny, I'm actually in the same boat. I'm planning a trip right around the same time. My itinerary is as follows...

 

8/5 - Fly into Dallas

8/6 - SFOT, Drive to New Braunfels

8/7 - Schlitterbahn

8/8 - SFFT

8/9 - Sea World or SFFT again, Drive back to Dallas and fly home

 

My girlfriend and I have SF season passes, I have gold, she has regular. Planning on doing GOLD level flash passes at SFOT and SFFT. I've never been to any of these parks and I'm on somewhat of a mission. My current coaster count is 278. If all goes to plan, I'm hoping to hit 300 on this trip, that 300th being Iron Rattler.

 

For Six Flags, based on the days I'll be there. Thursday for SFOT and Saturday for SFFT, will GOLD level flash passes be enough? For SFFT, does the water park offer flash passes as well? Any additional plan of attack I should have for either of those parks?

 

For Schlitterbahn, we are doing the $20 early entry add on to get into Blastenoff an hour before the park opens, what's the best way to tackle that park?

 

We don't really have the ability to add days or sightsee, so it's just non-stop and hoping to do whatever we can to explore as much of these parks as we can.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Schlitterbahn is bigger than you think -- seriously, there's a shuttle between sections (see map below).

 

If it were me, I'd take the bus to the "old section" (where they have "Cliff Hanger", "Raging Rivers" and most of the other classic "tube ride" big attractions, and do that first -- and then work my way towards the newer section. But I wouldn't be paying the early entry, and you are. . in particular to Blastenhoff, which gets you to MasterBlaster, Black Knight and Torrent (the first two tend to get long lines). .so start there and do the new section first, and then go to the older section for the afternoon.

 

you really can't go wrong tho, the lines will be longer in Blastenhoff -- simply due to Master Blaster tower.

 

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/getmedia/4723f4a1-2399-4533-9919-884e3004bd9e/SNBW_parkmap.pdf.aspx

 

 

for Fiesta, Tx, it really is a beautiful park, and they are known for the shows. Try to catch whatever is playing at Rockville Theatre, or the big theater in the main entrance. . those are typically well worth seeing.

[LiftThrill]

LiftThrill - Your detailed SFFT advice is fantastic. It sounds like I could easily hit a walk-on day. However, what are my chances of Iron Rattle and Batman being walk-ons? If all of the rides are walk-ons, but those two have 20-30 minute waits, the Flash Pass will still be worth it to me (I wouldn't mind racking up double-digit laps on Iron Rattler).

 

IRat usually has walk-in/10-15 min waits on weekdays, but August may be a little busier. I'd wait until you're there to judge if you need a FP or not and just leave it in the budget. Batman can have around 20 minute waits on average weekdays but it's not something worth riding all that many times. The longest I've waited is for Boomerang, but I've heard it's one of the best Boomerangs. I'd just wing it when it comes to FP.

 

As for Lockhart BBQ, I have been to all three of the famous BBQ joints, and none of them even compare to Cooper's. I found them to be generally bland and not very flavorful, but I'm really spoiled and picky when it comes to barbecue, so do what you wish

[sokalkostr]

Here's how things turned out for us on our trip...

 

It ended up working out at all 3 parks!

 

www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=70788