Finally got out to my "local" park, as my very pregnant wife was working all day and the cable was being "Comcastic!" (for all not subscribers means inexplicably out- for three days). I had the morning free, so I snuck out to SFA to get a feel for it.
Now- I am a big enough junkie to travel to a park alone... still this was first time I've ever done so. I only had a small window to get there, so rather than spend an hour on the phone trying to recruit a friend, I set out solo. (it was actually kinda fun!)
Arrived at the park at 10am, the posted "opening time", and initially feared that the park may be closed, as there was little of anything going on. The attendant at the parking booth collecting my $15 general parking fee ($25 for premium?) diminished my fears. -for a moment I felt like the Grizwalds arriving at Wally World... first ones here...)
At the ticket window, the sales agent was quite confused that I wanted to purchase a ticket, at regular price. She even suggested that I go ask a group of people standing near by for a cupon... I assured her that I was good for a full priced admission, but thanked her none-the-less.
She sold me a season pass for $49.00, without telling me that I was purchasing a season pass.
After a breif stop at the Pass processing building, it was through the gate (very exuberant staff) and down "Centennial Ave." which doubled well for Disney World's Main St. USA. Cobble stones and all. I was stopped by an armed guard *they need guns? REALLY?* and told that the "park" does not open until 10:30 and I would have to wait here...
The forced gathering was to watch the Looney Tune characters dance, and the "Mr. Six" guy do his weird thing... then a very nice singing of the National Anthem- and they opened the park to me and about 200 others who had gathered.
The park itself is quaint, more so than most other Six Flags parks I've been to... and a quick history lesson suggests why-
This was originally a local park called "Wild World" then "Adventure Land" under Premier Parks. It was re-branded along with Geauga Lake when Premier bought out Six Flags. The park was quickly Six Flagsified by adding a Vekoma SLC and a Vekoma Dutchman... a la Geauga Lake.
The park retained it's theming, as Geauga Lake maintained that "western" feel, SFA's older section still has that charming look and plenty of trees...
A brisk walk through the kiddie area (complete with Mack jr. Coaster) led me to one of the two rides I came here for-
The Wild One
Originally "Giant Coaster" at Boston's Paragon Park, this woodie opened in 1917 and remained until 1982 when it was brought to Maryland. Originally designed by John Miller, it was repaired by H. Shemeck following a fire. The coaster was restored to it's Miller design upon it's rebuilding at Wild World (SFA).
This honestly, is the best wooden I've ridden in years. Bigger and longer than Blue Streak, and packing a few more surprises than Big Dipper, it's surprisingly smooth and quite unexpectedly fast! Best moments are at the turn around, featuring a double-up then a double down to kick off the return trip, and the ride ends in a great helix.
GCI has MUCH to learn from this baby. ...which was a walk-on!
Following my ear-to-ear grinning ride on Wild One, I legged it into the "Gotham City" area... which is every bit as cold and uninviting as the name implies. Deviod of anything remotely welcoming, it looks like an industrial district filled with games...
And roller coasters.
They managed to sneak in a "matterhorn" ride called "Blizzard"... but that is the only non-coaster ride located in "gotham".
Stopped by "Jokers Jinx", a Premier LIM launch coaster, to find it down.
The one-way Gotham path leads next to Superman- an Intamin Mega.
Like Wild One, Superman's queue was empty, and there were half-empty trains departing. Hopeed on the first train through, front seat second car, and enjoyed the ride. Millinium Force it is not, but it is a great coaster. 200' drop, 73mph, a few great air hills, two high G helixes... best ride in the park.
The path dead ends at "Batwing", an X-Flight clone Vekoma Flying Dutchman. Equally boaring. Once the feeling of being suspended is no longer exciting, these rides offer little.
I did however notice a trend for the day, the station crews were having a terrible time loading and unloading all the trains... even on the simple wooden coasters. It was apparently "Girth" day, as a minimum of two people had to leave every ride after not being able to close restraints...
Heading away from Batwing, I noticed that Superman's station was still empty, so took another spin. It just makes me smile!
On the way back, Joker's Jinx was running. So I hopped on the partially full purple train... JJ is the exact same ride as Flight of Fear and KI or KD. And being uncovered really takes away from the ride. Not terrible, but not a remarkable ride in any way.
The other ride that I was keen to try is ROAR, a 1998 GCI twister. Since there are rumors swirling that CP may add a GCI, I'm paying more attention to them...
On the way to Roar in the "Skull Island" section of the park, there is another ride worth noting- "Skull Mountain", an Intamin Flume/Water Coaster that may also be what CP ends up installing. I declined a ride due to the fact that as far as my wife knew I was at work... and coming home smelling of amusement park water may have broken my cover. Still it's basically an expanded splash boat ride with the exception of multiple lifts and a couple of 360deg. spins...
Next to S.M. is Roar... a regrettable pile of lumber.
I'm really not sure which I hate more... Mean Streak, or Roar. I think Roar is more painful, but it's layout is more interesting... so it's a toss up.
90' tall, 50mph, crosses itself 20 times, and breaks at least 2 ribs. Not a straight drop on the ride. A couple of interesting moments, but for the most part... terrible!
Needing to remind myself that woodies can be fun, treaded back over to Wild One. Still a walk on. Grabbed the front seat... not as much air time as the middle or back, but this coaster is quickly becomming a favorite. SFA claims that reprofiling added speed and that it now tops out at 60mph... either way, I can't get enough of the helix finale.
The only coaster remaining is Mind Eraser... the Vekoma SLC...
I had to walk passed the exit to get to it... and fought myself hard not to just leave... but...
I hate these rides. They are like an imitation B&M inverted, with none of the power, thrill, or excitement. They snap into every element, and provide a really terrible ride.
I should have just left!
I did have to do a little work on Saturday, so I called it a day.
Walked out of the main gate at 12:15.
8 coaster rides in 1:45.
And wasn't even running.
There really wasn't a crowd.
There were lots of people streaming in as I left, so it seems to be a late arriving crowd. AND on a 95 degree day, many looked to be headed for the water park.
The park itself was reasonably clean, fairly well kept. It wasn't Cedar Point, or Busch Gardens, or even our beloved lost friend...
but it was a nice enough experience that I shall return with my family.
I mean, I DO have a season pass! |
