Trip planning advice needed

[ACEfanatic02]

I assume this is the correct forum for this...

 

For my 16th birthday, my parents are giving me a trip, anywhere in the (continental) US, over a long weekend. When, where, and what are all up to me (so long as it's not too expensive). I figured I'd use this as a chance to expand my coastering horizons, but I need some advice. This will probably happen in the late summer... say July or August.

 

So, where to go?

 

Since I don't want to spend the entire time at the park (my poor mother's an acrophobic, and doesn't like crowds much either), I'd like something near a major metro area (architecture buff, right here). Also, my coaster experience is very limited - 3 credits, two woodies and a bobsled. So a park with a large variety of rides would be nice.

 

SFMM has been my major consideration so far... it's in the LA metro area, and has a nice ride selection. However, I haven't heard much good about the place... Does it look like the new management's going to fix things up?

 

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

-ACE

[sixflagsmagicmountain]

They are fixing things up pretty well. They have been repaving a lot of areas, and repainting a lot of buildings and a couple rides. They have been improving their landscaping, employees are becoming more friendly. It's much better than it used to be. Oh and there are plenty of rides. 16 coasters and hopefully by next month, 17 coasters. Sky tower should be open when you go. It's been closed for a long time, but they're finally going to reopen it. If it is open then you must go in it, it gives you a great view of the entire surrounding area. It's not nearly as dirty as it used to be, it's actually quite a bit cleaner. It would be a great place for you to go. Not to mention, if you wanted to you are really close to Universal Studios, Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, and Knotts Berry Farm. Just a few things to consider. Hope that helped.

[CoasterFanatic]

Like big cities? Try this one one for size ...

 

NYC

 

Check out:

Manhattan / Coney

SF Great Adventure

Philadelphia

Dorney Park

Knoebels

 

You could even throw Hersheypark into the mix if you like.

 

I would pick that over SoCal any day.

 

// No offense to all you Westcoasters

[SharkTums]

He's from Virginia so I'm guessing he wants to get a bit farther away.

 

What about Toronto? Not the best park, but lots of credits, cool buildings, and maybe a trip to the Niagara Falls area.

 

Seriously though, if you want to go to SFMM, go, you'll still have fun.

[larrygator]

for architecture I think Chicago (and SFGAm) and Montreal (LaRonde) are good options

[ACEfanatic02]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

 

I've talked it over with my parents, and I've decided on SFMM.

 

When would it be best to go to avoid the crowds? Right now I can put it anywhere from June to August (though, early June's iffy... driver's ed...) Any suggestions for what else to do in LA?

 

Thanks,

 

-ACE

[tatsuflyspeedfear]

I'd go on a wednesday, usually the safest day to avoid crowds. Also, try to get to Knott's. They have on of the best woodies in the world and an Intamin Rocket. You haven't lived until you've ridden an Intamin Rocket (you DO want to live... don'y you? .) And while you're at SFMM, try not to experience Psyclone... trust me, I'ts for your own good. But if I came all the way from Virginia, with 3 credits, I'd be sure to ride X, Deja Vu, Goliath, Scream!, Riddler's, Batman... Viper's something to do, to. I feel like im missing something... *looks at username* oh yeah, ride TATSU!

 

Have a nice trip, I hope I've helped you out the least bit. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have... if i can. (all this talk about parents giving trips for their birthdays is gettin me anxious for my CP trip in June!)

 

-TatsuFlySpeedFear

[SharkTums]

Go as EARLY in the summer as possible, it will only get busier and busier.

 

As for Wednesday, NO! Wednesday is a big 'camp trip' day. The park is almost always busier on Wednesday than any other day of the 'weekdays'.

[dougr]

He's from Virginia so I'm guessing he wants to get a bit farther away.

 

What about Toronto? Not the best park, but lots of credits, cool buildings, and maybe a trip to the Niagara Falls area.

 

Seriously though, if you want to go to SFMM, go, you'll still have fun.

 

I think you'll like SoCal-if you wanted to stay north and had a little more time, I'd suggest Seattle around Labor Day. If you time it right, you could hit the Puyallup, the PNE (2.5 hours), the Oaks (2.5 hours), Silverwood (6 hours) and "Enchanted" Village.

[DannyBoy]

He's from Virginia so I'm guessing he wants to get a bit farther away.

 

What about Toronto? Not the best park, but lots of credits, cool buildings, and maybe a trip to the Niagara Falls area.

 

Seriously though, if you want to go to SFMM, go, you'll still have fun.

 

Geez! You don't want to scare the poor guy away from coasters!

 

PCW has to have the biggest collection of headbangers. Vekoma, Togo, Volare oh my!....I'm not bitter!

 

Niagara Falls did just open a new indoor water park resort today though. Its called Great Wolf Lodge and is along the same lines as Castaway Bay in Sandusky. On the good side, its huge and they have a master blaster. On the bad side, they've used every cartoony Canadian stereotype as theming (EH!).

 

I know he's decided on SFMM but I just had to give my $0.02.