Late-May trip: SFGAm, IB, HW, SFKK, KW, Lakemont, Idlewild

[307]

Okay, so, here's what we're thinking of doing in May:

 

May 24 Wed -> Driving from Toronto to Gurnee/SFGAm evening
May 25 Thu -> SFGAm/driving to Wisconsin Dells
May 26 Fri -> Mt. Olympus
May 27 Sat -> Timber Falls
May 28 Sun -> Driving to Indiana Beach
May 29 Mon -> Indiana Beach/driving to Santa Claus
May 30 Tue -> Holiday World
May 31 Wed -> Driving to Louisville/SFKK
June 1 Thu -> Driving to Pittsburgh
June 2 Fri -> Kennywood
June 3 Sat -> Driving/Idlewild/Driving/Lakemont
June 4 Sun -> Driving back to Toronto

 

Now, we basically know the parks off-hand, what rides they have, what coasters they have, etc etc. We also have road maps of everything already so we know approximately how long it will take to get wherever.

 

But basically, we're looking for outside opinions on what rides we can't miss [outside of coasters], and what rides we should avoid at all costs. We like flat rides, but have no problem dismissing them if we run out of time. However, if there are flat rides that people find excellent, we would like to know so we know which ones to hit.

 

Secondly, if there are any can't miss eateries around these areas or on the way to these areas, we'd like you guys to tell us! We know you all love eating [and hey, we do too], so we're looking for excellent places to consume foodstuffs that won't cost us an arm and a leg.

 

Finally, and most importantly, we need help with hotels. To be a bit more specific, we're looking for the lowest price possible BUT with reputable rooms. Extracirricular business like room service, pools, continental breakfast aren't important. What's important to us is a clean room with decent showers and soft beds.

 

Also, I've had little to no luck finding hotels around Indiana Beach or Holiday World, and I'm overcome by the sheer amounts of hotels in Gurnee and Louisville. So anyone who has experience with these places, please give us your hotel tips, and places you've enjoyed or not enjoyed!

 

Thanks a ton, all help is much appreciated!

 

-- Jer [lolz post #69~! rofl!!!1]

[coasterdude5]

My only suggestion, try to allow yourself for a full day at SfGam, especially if you plan on going to the new waterpark. As for not-to-miss: at Sfgam, Superman: Ultimate Flight, Batman, Raging Bull, and American Eagle.

 

As for hotels in the Gurnee area, before half of our family moved up their, we stayed in the extended stay suite. (mainly because our grandmother was their waiting for her house to be completed). If I remember right, the rates were pretty reasonable.

 

Hope that helps!!

[larrygator]

I personally like staying at Candlewood Suites. There are a couple in Louisville. There are also a couple in Indy, between HW and IB.

 

Reasonably priced with a refirgerator and microwave in every room. Decent gym in each location and clean rooms.

 

You probably don't need 2 days in Wisconsin Dells. While in The Dells avoid "Top Secret". It is right next to Mt. Olympus and a waste of money.

 

At Kennywood there are many unique rides and I think the Kangaroo is a must and even though people rip the conversion of the Old Mill into Garfield's Nightmare it is still worth the ride. The flats are run well there.

 

At IB the flats are also run very well including the Falling Star and Sea Dragon. The Water Swing and Air Crow are a must becuase of their unique poistioning over the lake. Frankenstein's Castle is well worth the extra fee. And the sky ride is great because it goes right over many rides and gives a unique perspective especially of Lost Coaster of Superstituion Mountain. And you must ride LoCoSuMo twice, facing forwards and back to feel the whole ride. Who said Vekomas were rough?

 

HW - not a big fan of their flats

 

SFKK - the only flat I really liked was Quake, but I think it was removed last year.

[pvcoasterguy]

Six Flags Great America:

 

- Superman: Ultimate Flight- If you've already been on one, don't waste your time on this one. Lines get very long for this ride, even if there aren't many people in the park.

- American Eagle- Be sure to go on this. This past season it was running great, and hopefully they're sprucing it up for its 25th birthday. Ride in the very front on forwards (there usually isn't much extra wait) and the very back on backwards (the row that goes out of the station last.) Both of these provide amazing rides.

- Raging Bull- Go on this, in either the last or second to last row.

- Viper- Go on this, in any of the rows in the front car (amazing airtime.)

- King Chaos- A Top Spin- Ran an amazing program last season, usually little to no line (one cycle wait.)

- V2- If you'd like...

- Batman- Be sure to go on this in any row. Extremely smooth and great theming.

- Iron Wolf- Go on this. It may be a little rough, but stand up straight, and it's okay. Ride in the front row for the best experience.

- Demon- Ride in the back for some amazing airtime.

- Whizzer- Ride anywhere, don't miss it!

- Revolution- Frisbee- Runs an insane program.

- Ice Moutain Splash- One of the last Arrow Hydroflumes around- it makes an amazing jump and the bottom of its major drop- totally insane!

[ParkTrips]

Now, we basically know the parks off-hand, what rides they have, what coasters they have, etc etc. We also have road maps of everything already so we know approximately how long it will take to get wherever.

I don't know how much you like woodies, but there is a junior woodie near Great America that I myself plan on visitng this spring also.

 

http://rcdb.com/pd86.htm

 

Finally, and most importantly, we need help with hotels. To be a bit more specific, we're looking for the lowest price possible BUT with reputable rooms.

Last year we ended up staying in a Microtel Inn in Allentown PA when we went to Dorney. I was worried it was going to be a s***hole, but it was the only thing in the area I could manage to get -- it ended up being a pretty darn good hotel, and best of all, it was only like $50 + tax. I myself may try that again this year when I go to Beech Bend since there is one in Bowling Green (and its running an incredible $43 a night with AAA, $50 without).

[307]

Thanks for the tips guys.

 

Unfortunately, Beech Bend and the park that ParkTrips mentioned won't be added to the itinerary [budget is tight as is].

 

Any more tips on hotels in the general areas?

[restoca]

I visited several of those parks summer of 2004. I've grown fond of Hampton Inns. Very reliable cleanliness/service, but the prices can vary greatly from location to location. Easy to plan ahead using Hampton Inn.

 

Whether you stay there or not, there's a really cool German restaurant next to the Hampton in Jasper, IN. Just north of Holiday World. Jasper seems to be a German settlement of sorts. Lots of German flags on homes and businesses. Or maybe we were there during some kind of festival? (It wasn't October...)

 

Also stayed at a Hampton in Lafayette, IN not far from Indiana Beach, and one in Madison, WI after a day at the Dells.

 

Good luck & have fun!

[N'at Man]

Here are some park recommendations:

 

Kennywood - Try to get at least two Phantom's Revenge rides in early then move on to the Exterminator before the line gets long. Other coasters include the Thunderbolt, Racer, Jack Rabbit and Lil' Phantom (no kid required anymore). Must do rides include Noah's Ark, Kangaroo, Turtle and Auto Race. Recommended rides include Garfield's Nightmare (it's rather awful but it's still an Old Mill), Whip, Pitt Fall and the new Swing Shot along with the Flying Carpet, Log Jammer, Train and Carousel.

 

For food, the park has a decent cafeteria (Parkside Cafe) for sit down meals but you have to start with the Potato Patch fries. I also like cheese-on-a-stick (Lucky stand near the Patch), Italian sausage (Pagoda near Parkside Cafe) and Philly beef at the stand near the Jack Rabbit. The best dessert is the Belgian waffles at the Carousel food court (beware, they're a meal alone).

 

Idlewild - Don't overlook Story Book Forest which turns 50 this year. It opens an hour early. Obviously the Rollo Coaster and Wild Mouse are high priorities. Top attractions include Mr. Rogers Neighborhood (a must), Caterpillar, Adult Hand Cars (in kiddieland) and Confusion Hill. Recommended rides include the Trinado, train, carousel, Dizzy Lizzy's and the whip.

 

For food, the Mineshaft Kitchen has the most variety including Patch fries. The park also has a decent fast food pasta place and the Philly steak place is also good.

 

Lakemont - Not to much to say other than ride the coasters. Food is pretty unremarkable. I've stayed at the Super 8 next door and it is OK. My best advice is to not miss DelGrosso's Amusement Park which is 15 minutes up the road. It's perfectly clean and nice with some fun rides and great food. Aside from the two coasters, don't miss the Space Odyssey indoor caterpillar. For food, the pizza is outstanding and if you like potato salad it's famous at the park.

[coaster1]

Santas Lodge in Santa Claus is fairly nice and right down the street from HW. Also, if looking for a budget, there's a nice Motel 6 in Dale as well as a Suites type across the street from the Motel 6.

 

In Pittsburgh, don't miss Primanti Bros ... BEST SAMMICH PERIOD.

 

Coasterfanatic can vouch for that statement and there's several in the metro area, but the one "downtown" is open 24/7.

 

Another thing .. maybe on June 1 do PKI .. it's about 2 hrs from SFKK area and then another 4 - 4 1/2 to Pittsburgh area. Adds on a park and gives more rest persay .. there's also Coney Island in the Cincy area and that mall with that one coaster.

[Scaparri]

Well, the beds aren't always the softest at times, but I've had a lot of luck with Motel 6. I stayed at one a few weeks ago in Detroit and it had one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in. There's one right off I-65 in Lafayette, IN which is about half an hour from Indiana Beach. There is also a decent one that I stayed at in Palatine, IL north of I-90 in Chicago which is about 20-30 minutes from SFGAm.

 

One restaurant I recommend doing is Culver's, if you've never been. They are in virtually every town in WI, and there's even one right across the street from SFGAm. It's hard to describe their food exactly. They have burgers, fish, chicken, all sorts of sandwhiches, and custard. It sounds standard, but is unbelievably good. You can easily eat there for $5-7. Depending on how you come down to HW from IB, I might be able to suggest a few more tips and recommendations.

 

Ride suggestions:

 

SFGAm- If you have the time, try out King Chaos. It is probably the wildest Top Spin I've been on. Try and get to Deja Vu as soon as it opens (depending on when that is in the day) because the line can get agonizingly long.

 

Mt. Olympus- The Disk'O is fun, but you HAVE to ride the Robocoaster. Fork out the extra $2 and tell the guy you want level 5, then hang on. You won't regret it. Also be sure and do a few of the go-karts, especially the one that goes in and around Pegasus. You actually get airtime on a go-kart. Poseidon is also a lot of fun with an airtime hill as well. Be sure and get the back seat on Cyclops and the front on Hades.

 

Timber Falls- If you can, I'd suggest hitting this park after 5pm, possibly on the day you go to Mt. Olympus instead of spreading it over two days. You can get a POP bracelet for $13 after 5pm that gives you unlimited rides on Avalanche, the log flume, and unlimited games of mini-golf, which are really fun courses if you are into that sort of thing. They also have a Skyscraper at the park, but isn't included with the POP.

 

IB- The Paratrooper and Air Crow are a lot of fun. Den of Lost Thieves (Sally Dark Ride) is a good one as well. Plus, they have a super intense Double Shot.

 

HW- Make time for the water park. Kringle's Pizza is pretty good as well.

 

SFKK- I always eat at the Big Boy at exit 128 (Fern Valley Rd) off I-65, about 4 miles south of the park. Try both the front and back seats on Thunder Run. Sit as far forward as possible on T2, and push yourself back through most of the ride if you ever want to have children. Lift your legs up on Chang after the inclined loop.

 

KW- The Pitt Fall is a must! One of the best drop towers ever! The back seat on Phantom's Revenge is a religious experience!! Be sure and get fries from the Potato Patch. Aero 360 is also a fun ride.

 

That's my two cents! I know it's a ways away, but have fun!

[307]

maybe on June 1 do PKI

Haha, I noticed that on our way from SFKK to KW, we drive right past PKI, literally. Unfortunately, our budget is tight enough that, even with Paramount passes, we can't afford the extra night's lodging to stay. Plus, we've been to PKI before and weren't impressed But thanks for the tip.

 

Depending on how you come down to HW from IB, I might be able to suggest a few more tips and recommendations.

To get to HW, we're basically taking I-65 South to around Louisville and then doing I-64 West to Santa Claus.

 

Thanks a lot guys, this stuff is really, really helpful. If anyone else has anything to say, even reenforcement of rides/attractions to do that have already been said, don't be shy!

[Rider117]

I am doing a trip just like this. I am going in Late July-Early August.

 

The parks I am hitting are Cedar Point, Mt. Olympus, Timber Falls, SFGam, Indiana Beach, Holiday World, PKI, Beech Bend, and SFKK. I also wanna go to Extreme World near Mt. Olympus to try the SCAD tower and the bunjee jump there.

[Guest]

I am doing a trip just like this. I am going in Late July-Early August.

 

The parks I am hitting are Cedar Point, Mt. Olympus, Timber Falls, SFGam, Indiana Beach, Holiday World, PKI, Beech Bend, and SFKK. I also wanna go to Extreme World near Mt. Olympus to try the SCAD tower and the bunjee jump there.

 

Daddy!!! I wanna ride the SCAD TOWER!!!!

 

 

Anyway, I wouldnt plan an entire day for Timber Falls, that and Mt Olympus can easily be done in the same day, we did it last year on a Saturday... use the extrda day for SFGAm.

[USRoadTripper]

I've been to most of the parks you are planning on visiting, and you should really have a blast!

I stayed at a Candlewood Suites in Waukegan when I went to Great America last year and I really liked it. It was in the middle of a business park so it was very quiet, and it was just a couple of exits away from the park. A great value for the money. That's the only one of those parks that I have used a hotel for.

And I'd say don't avoid any rides just because someone said they didn't like them. Don't avoid ANYTHING! Just ride what looks fun. But of all the parks, Phantom's Revenge and American Eagle are the two coasters that are, in my opinion, the best and most *not to be missed.*

Have fun and be sure to post a TR!

 

-Julie

[coasterdude5]

Yeah, and be sure to ride American Eagle backwards!!

[shesaidboom]

Anyway, I wouldnt plan an entire day for Timber Falls, that and Mt Olympus can easily be done in the same day, we did it last year on a Saturday... use the extrda day for SFGAm.

 

See, the reason we had Mt.Olympus and Timber Falls on different days is because while we're there Timber Falls is only open on Saturdays/Sundays and we were planning on visiting Mt.Olympus on a Friday. We actually did exactly what you mentioned and changed our plan to add an extra day at SFGam and are doing Mt.Olympus + Timber Falls on the Saturday. Not sure if we need two days for SFGam, but it seems like there's a lot to do there. We'd prefer to avoid parks on weekends as crowds will be a lot worse, but I guess that's kind of hard to avoid. Hopefully Mt.Olympus wont be too busy on the Saturday.

 

We definately wont be missing any of the coasters [unless they're closed] as we haven't been to any of these parks before and are big credit whores. We tend to only do the flats that look neat or are recommended to us, so we'll try to get in all the ones you guys recommended [except Mr.Roger's Neighbourhood because those characters freak me out, yes I'm lame]. I don't think we'll be visiting any water parks, we're not big on those.

 

Since we'll have paramount passes anyway, I think we've decided to stop at PKI for a couple hours to get in the new credit and ride Adventure Express This isn't forsure though, but even if we say we wont I'm sure we'll change our minds since we drive right by it and I can't drive by a park without riding anything.

 

Thanks for all the help, we really appreciate it.

[larrygator]

well if you really want to be credit whores and by the middle of the 2nd day at SFGAm you decide you want to do something else, you can drive to a little park in Madison, Wisconin called Little A-Merrick-A. I haven't been and I haven't heard stellar reviews of the park but they have a few credits and it is on the way to Wisconsin Dells.

 

US Road Tripper - thanks for backing me on the Candlewood Suites, I've stayed at them in Louisville and Richmond and found both very clean. However, I never heard of anyone else staying at them.

[307]

We've altered the trip to include Little A-Merrick-A on our trip from Wisconsin Dells to Indiana Beach, since that will occur on a Sunday and shouldn't take too long.

 

We've also added PKI on our way from SFKK to Kennywood - but only for an hour or two, to get a ride on Avatar as well as ADVENTURE EXPRESS~! and possibly the Beast, Outer Limits or something.

 

DelGrosso's is on our radar as well, probably on the last day before we drive home.

 

Anymore tips are appreciated You guys have been a big help thus far!

[larrygator]

remember don't eat at Lakemont, go to DelGrosso's hungry! The pizza is there is that good. Also pick up a couple of jars of sauce at DelGrosso's when you are leaving if you like pasta. I highly recommended the traditional marinara sauce and the vodka sauce is yummy also.

[paramountguy]

sfkk is my homepark so i can defenitly give u some clues there

 

Chang is a must, it's the second tallest standup (Riddler's revenge in front), don't let the paint job fool u, it's still a smooth ride, how could a b&m not be?

 

thunder run is my favorite wooden coaster of all time, it recieved rehab 2 years ago, and it's even faster and smoother then the day it was first conceived, and theres no trims either or anything

 

if theres a coaster that u just wont be able to make with ur time limit, id defenitly choose roadrunner express, its just a mouse

 

twisted twins or sisters or whatever they've changed it to, isn't going to rank in ur top fifty or even ur top one hundred but for what it used to be its defenitly still worth a ride, just be prepared for crappy gertslauer trains, and usually only one trains up and running

 

and alas theres ur vekoma junior (that is actually situated nicely over a pond which actually one ups it) and Greezed lightning, a sharwz shuttle, which also provides a good thrill and reaches a quick capacity

 

the park is clean and quaint if not dated, and the only way to be negative about the small park is if u go in negative, sometimes when ur there u just have to slow down and take a look around, everything is brightly painted and southernly placed, so sit back (on a coaster or not lol) and relax (or become adrenaline pumped)

 

 

hope i was of help

[paramountguy]

sfkk is my homepark so i can defenitly give u some clues there

 

Chang is a must, it's the second tallest standup (Riddler's revenge in front), don't let the paint job fool u, it's still a smooth ride, how could a b&m not be?

 

thunder run is my favorite wooden coaster of all time, it recieved rehab 2 years ago, and it's even faster and smoother then the day it was first conceived, and theres no trims either or anything

 

if theres a coaster that u just wont be able to make with ur time limit, id defenitly choose roadrunner express, its just a mouse

 

twisted twins or sisters or whatever they've changed it to, isn't going to rank in ur top fifty or even ur top one hundred but for what it used to be its defenitly still worth a ride, just be prepared for crappy gertslauer trains, and usually only one trains up and running

 

and alas theres ur vekoma junior (that is actually situated nicely over a pond which actually one ups it) and Greezed lightning, a sharwz shuttle, which also provides a good thrill and reaches a quick capacity

 

the park is clean and quaint if not dated, and the only way to be negative about the small park is if u go in negative, sometimes when ur there u just have to slow down and take a look around, everything is brightly painted and southernly placed, so sit back (on a coaster or not lol) and relax (or become adrenaline pumped)

 

 

hope i was of help

[paramountguy]

sfkk is my homepark so i can defenitly give u some clues there

 

Chang is a must, it's the second tallest standup (Riddler's revenge in front), don't let the paint job fool u, it's still a smooth ride, how could a b&m not be?

 

thunder run is my favorite wooden coaster of all time, it recieved rehab 2 years ago, and it's even faster and smoother then the day it was first conceived, and theres no trims either or anything

 

if theres a coaster that u just wont be able to make with ur time limit, id defenitly choose roadrunner express, its just a mouse

 

twisted twins or sisters or whatever they've changed it to, isn't going to rank in ur top fifty or even ur top one hundred but for what it used to be its defenitly still worth a ride, just be prepared for crappy gertslauer trains, and usually only one trains up and running

 

and alas theres ur vekoma junior (that is actually situated nicely over a pond which actually one ups it) and Greezed lightning, a sharwz shuttle, which also provides a good thrill and reaches a quick capacity

 

the park is clean and quaint if not dated, and the only way to be negative about the small park is if u go in negative, sometimes when ur there u just have to slow down and take a look around, everything is brightly painted and southernly placed, so sit back (on a coaster or not lol) and relax (or become adrenaline pumped)

 

 

hope i was of help

[307]

Once I deciphered your netspeak, I got some good tips out of it.

 

Thanks!