This was my second opening day in a row that I have attended SFoG. Last year was a cool opening day while this year's was warm and the crowds were rather large due to a cheer off that was taken place at the park.
After a 196 miles, I was pulling off of I-20 towards SFoG. I was surprised to see a line of cars waiting in line to park and was really surprised when I saw about a billion cheerleaders running around. I soon found out that a cheer off was taken place at the park today. I was starting to think I should have went to Carowinds or PKD instead, but it was to late so I parked the truck and headed off to the front gate.
I decided this year to get a season pass since I was heading to SFA, SFKK, and SFWOA later in the year and for abit over $47 bucks, I could not pass it up. It took about 15 minutes to fly through the season pass proccessing center. I was pleased to step foot into a park sice it was late october since I was in one.
I asked a few Six Flag's team members were the Fastpass was at. Some did not even know what I was even talking about and some just asked me what it was. I decided to just go hunt it and found it near the Cyclone. It seems that noone had gotten one yet so I was the first.
The Q-bots were free this weekend since they were still testing them out and the only thing I had to do was fill out a survey at the end of the day. They need a deposit incase you do not bring them back so I did. I was told that only four rides were using Fastlane today (Cyclone, Batman, Mindbender, and Scorcher). The reason being only four is because it was new and what better way to test it than let people sample it to work bugs and things out.
I got a reservation on the cyclone and headed off to find a cup of coffee. I returned about three minutes before my time and waited around the exit till my Q-bot time cause you can not scan it till it is your time. I scanned it and the Q told me to enjoy the ride and up the exit I went.
I was moved to a special line and had to wait only one train for it was already loaded. I was ushered to the Q assigned car and out the station I went. I have to say that I enjoyed all six rides on the cyclone which were all fastlaned. There is some really great air on the Cyclone.
I walked around to the other coasters that were using Fastlane and got times. I checked some of the flat rides out while waiting for my assigned time to come up.
My next fastlane was the Scorcher and to my surprise the Q seats were on the back row. I looked at the line and guessed there was about 45 minute wait in line. I only had to wait about 30 minutes after I used the Q-bot to ride. I had only to wait one train before it was my turn to ride.
I moved on over to the Mindbender and Batman next. I took a break for lunch and was not going to pay five bucks for a plain hotdog and decided to just get an overpriced drink instead. I sit and watched while only one train was going on Ninja and wondering why anyone would stand in line to get a headache. I decided I would pass this trip on the Ninja and wait t ill it was using fastpass.
I also passed on the GASM and VIper due to the fact that about another billion cheerleader and their parents were there since the cheer off was taken place in that area. I decided to use fastpass on the four and watched them work on Deja Vu while I waited for my time to come up.
I left around 3 to head back to NC.
As for using fastlane, I have to say that Iwas pleased by it. I did not have to stand in a long line and wait. I just got my time and went to another ride while I waited.
They are planning to add up to 14 rides under the fastpass system before the start of summer. So expect other rides being added over the next few weeks and remember that there is still bugs in it, but it worked well for me on opening day.
*** This post was edited by Tornado on 3/25/2001. ***