Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (SCBB) Discussion Thread

I will definitely say that the highlight of my visit was Undertow. Not only was it a really great coaster (I'd even put it in my list of favorites), but it also partially helped one of my friends get over her small fear of roller coasters, which I must say was a great accomplishment. The coaster was so great, we were able to ride it twice on both sides.

Any chance they had the trims open? Every time I've ridden it, every trim brake has been in use, making for a fairly dull ride aside from the first drop.

Any chance they had the trims open? Every time I've ridden it, every trim brake has been in use, making for a fairly dull ride aside from the first drop.

If my memory serves me correct, I believe that the brakes were in use when I rode it, though it didn't bother me as much. Again, I'm a bit fuzzy on the details.

So I'm going to be in the area the weekend of 8/16-17, and I was looking at visiting the park on Saturday the 16th. I probably wouldn't be able to get there until the evening (6-7), but the rides are open till 11, so I figure I should be able to have enough time to enjoy everything, right? What kinds of crowds/wait times should I expect given that it'll be a Saturday night? I'm not huge on most flats, but I figure I'd like to get several rides in on the coasters. Is a wristband my best bet? Any other must-ride attractions? And are there any special deals/tips/tricks/etc I should know about? Thanks!

Expect it to be BUSY. Switchbacks will be full, but weather will play a big part in it all. With the way its been, the weather is unpredictable. Its Winter when it should be Summer, and vice-versa. So as long as you keep up on checking that, you should have your expectations set. Operations at the Boardwalk rule, so you should be able to to a majority but I wouldn't go as far as saying you could do everything there. If you get there at 6, you stand a good chance to ride a lot. There are some great price breaks to take advantage of, but none that I know of on a Saturday. Get a wristband, and buy online. It will save you a couple bucks. Here is a list of things I would suggest to anyone as 'must rides'. If you have been on similar rides before its worth it to ride just for the unique views it may offer, or for the different program they may run vs. the one you've been on before.

Rock-O-Plane

Giant Dipper

Undertow

WipeOut

Tornado

Loggers Revenge

Fireball

CaveTrain

Haunted Castle

Ghost Blasters

Rock & Roll

Cliff Hanger

Crazy Surf

Tasunami

Doubleshot

Keep in mind a long line at the Boardwalk is often just 15-20 minutes maximum.

Your best deal on a wristband (must buy 2) might be at Costco, in-store or online (http://www.costco.com/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-2-Rides-%2b-Attractions-Combos-E-Voucher.product.100112236.html)

The Boardwalk's operations are outstanding. Most of the flats are no longer than 15 minute waits even with full switchbacks. The Giant Dipper is usually 15-20 minutes at worst if they have two trains going. Undertow was by far my worst wait. The park sent off trains quite quickly, but the ride still had almost an hour wait with a full queue. I'd say you should be able to get several rides on the Dipper but Undertow could be tricky.

The Boardwalk's operations are outstanding. Most of the flats are no longer than 15 minute waits even with full switchbacks. The Giant Dipper is usually 15-20 minutes at worst if they have two trains going. Undertow was by far my worst wait. The park sent off trains quite quickly, but the ride still had almost an hour wait with a full queue. I'd say you should be able to get several rides on the Dipper but Undertow could be tricky.

Dipper's line always looks worse than it is. If the line is out the door and fills the switchbacks its maybe 45 minutes. Line at the door is usually anywhere between 15-30.

This is how its been Thurs-Sat. Switchbacks for Dipper are all the way full and spilling out a little bit.

If he is showing up and riding 7pm-11pm, waiting in line for both Undertow and Dipper will eat up some time. Especially with a crowded Boardwalk.

^ But even when it's busiest, one ride each shouldnt be more than about 90-100min total. Busy by Boardwalk standards but still easy compared to Disney/SF/CP waits on equally busy days.

Taking consideration: parking, waiting for rides, bathroom breaks, eating, beers, crowds, watching bums corn-hole each other under the boardwalk, etc. It can be done, just really rushed.

Thanks for the unnecessary visual. I've never had a problem parking, I always pay the $12 and park right across the street. Granted I don't try to hit all the flat rides, but I've never felt rushed at The Boardwalk. One of the things I love about it is it's a place I can come to to just get away and feel relaxed and laid back. I love to just wander up and down the beach.

In fact parking, food, bathrooms, and queues are better managed at SCBB than at any other park on the west coast except maybe DLR. I've never had or witnessed a problem, though I don't wander underneath the boardwalk. If you have a problem with SCBB you should probably just stay home.

On a lighter note, I just found these photos recently, I posted them to SCBB's memories page but I think some here might enjoy as well. My grandfather's brother Warren and his wife visited SCBB on their honeymoon in 1941.

Newlyweds on the beach right in front of where the Haunted House is now. You can see the 'Dipper peeking in from the corner.

Setting up on the beach with Casino building in the background.

parking, food, bathrooms, and queues are better managed at SCBB than at any other park on the west coast except maybe DLR. I've never had or witnessed a problem, though I don't wander underneath the boardwalk. If you have a problem with SCBB you should probably just stay home.

I love my home parks!

^ AND THE WINNER IS.... That just made my day!

I hope one day they give the Cave Train an upgrade. It has been 14 years since its remodel, and it's losing its edge.

I hope one day they give the Cave Train an upgrade. It has been 14 years since it's remodel, and it's losing its edge.

I cant believe its been that long.

Yep. that's why I'm thinking it's time for an upgrade.

Also there seems to be a new kiddie ride stuffed between the Sea Swings and Rock'N'Roll.

Images by Nicholas Laschkewitsch

This park really knows how to maximize space.

Eh.. I don't know... I don't really like how they're cramming rides wherever they have a space. Makes them look desperate. Speedway and this new Kiddie Cruzers ride looks out of place and tacky.

I don't see any issues with it. I would prefer this over removing a ride.

Please explain to me how one 'classes' up a Boardwalk.

Simple...erect Shoot the Freak.

Make it so.

I thought the Boardwalk had plans to extend the upper deck up over towards the Fright Walk. If they do that, they'll have room for more rides. I also think they should build a better facade for Ghost Blasters.

^ I think the plan was to demolish the building that houses Frightwalk and park operations previously was.

Removing this building would create a large plaza area in front of Doubleshot and Pirate Ship where more rides could be put in. I'm not sure what the status of this project is, but I'll do my best to find out.

^

Awesome Thanks.

On another note, I finally got to ride Undertow. I thought it was fun, but all those brakes sort of killed the thrill. Is it better than Hurricane? In some ways, yes. But they should really let up on the brakes.