18 Flags over Texas Trip Help

We are flying out from Columbus, OH. tomorrow morning to Houston.

Were going to do (in this order)
Fri: Astroworld
Sat: SFoT
Sun AM: Sea World
Sun PM: SF Feista TX.

Flying from San Antonio back to Columbus Monday around Noon

Those places are set in stone, so I can't re-adjust my trip right now.

My questions:
1. Since Capacity is a concern with SF, which rides would i be smart to hit first at these parks?

2. Are adults able to ride all kiddie coasters at each park?

3. What things would I be smart to avoid?

4. Any advice on Parking at Astroworld, or would going on Friday not be as much as a concern?

Thanks, John P

Based on my experiences, locals may know better:
1) SFAW: Mayan Mindbender, UltraTwister, GL, Tx Cyclone (you'll want multiple rides on the last two). SFoT: Capacity didn't seem to be an *issue*, but I'd still get to Freeze early...and often! Runaway Mine Train (indoors)... ;) SWT: No capacity issues here either. SFFT: Just Poltergeist, since they only have the one train (unless that's been remedied).

2) Yes! :)

3) I wouldn't recommend *avoiding* anything...

4) Baseball season is OVER in Arlington, can't imagine having parking problems...

At SFOT, definately hit Freeze early. Front seat too, if you want the real experience. Generally once you get into the load station, the line for the front is only 1 or two trains more than every other row.

Poltergeist, last I heard, had two trains still this season.

As for #2, the only kiddie coaster in Texas you wont be able to ride is Wile E. Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster at SFOT.

If time is a premium at SFAW, you can avoid Serial Thriller and Mayan Mindbender. Mindbender just isn't all that good, and Serial Thriller, being an SLC, you can ride anywhere.

I wouldn't recommend skipping anything at SFOT or SFFT (Including Monster Mash Bash, the park's Halloween closing show, if you have time at the end of the day. It's amazing.)

Also keep in mind that the traffic on the part of 1604 that is still street level can get pretty backed up. Shouldn't be too bad on a Sunday, but keep that in mind.

And as I tell everyone, be sure and Say Hi when you ride Titan. *** Edited 10/13/2005 9:22:14 PM UTC by Xander***

Do you realize Fiesta Fest is going on Saturday? If you really want to enjoy the park you should rearrange your schedule and join us for the event on Saturday. I know its a lot of driving back and forth but they really put on a good event. There are two trains on Poltergiest this year. Both trains look like hell, but at least they are there.

Try to get to SFOT right at opening then make a beeline for La Vibora, it has the slowest moving line. From there head to Titan then Giant, then Shock Wave. Saturdays can get pretty crowded I usually try to avoid them. The Boomerang is closed for the season. You will need a kid with you to ride Wile E. Coyote. When you ride the mini mine train, go for the front of the car (any car), there is much more leg room up front. Keep an eye on Freeze and if it looks like it is only running one train, wait until later in the day. They don't always open with a double ride crew. If the line is long for Superman Tower of Power use the single rider line. The Giant has been really rough this year, I would recommend either the front seat or next to last.

*** Edited 10/13/2005 9:25:51 PM UTC by Jeffrey Seifert***

Damn, I was so looking forward to riding Flahsback for the first time next weekend. ;)
Xander, I will be at SFoT on Friday and Sunday next weekend (Oct. 21). I will try and say hi. Will you be at the dispatch controls? Just look for the tall, pale guy from Iowa. That'll be me. :)
Anyone want to loan me their kid for the Wile E. Coyote credit? *** Edited 10/13/2005 9:42:22 PM UTC by Acoustic Viscosity***

*slaps forehead*
CANNOT believe I forgot La Vibora....great ride, horrid capacity.

We had no trouble getting the Wile E. Coyote credit...but then again, I'm the one who thought Giant was *intense, not rough*...

Parking at SFAW city lot is currently $8. If you dont feel like paying that and want to walk a bit there are places to park in the neighborhood down Fannin or you could park your car somewhere near the light rail which costs $2 for a day pass (you'll still have to walk quite a bit, the light rail station isnt conveniant to the park gate).

As for capacity at SFAW. Do Diablo Falls and Serial Thriller first, they've only been running one train on ST and the line really backs up. They've only been running one train on pretty much everything for the last month, though usually later in the day Cyclone adds a second train. The park seems really understaffed lately and quite a few attractions have been generally closed as a result (Astroway, Thunder River, SWAT sometimes, Batman sometimes...).

I don't care how rough people say Giant is, I can't wait to try it out. I'm guessing I will find it to be "intense" as well.

CANNOT believe I forgot La Vibora....great ride, horrid capacity.

It sure would be nice if some park built a wooden version of those rides ;)

I was thinking the same thing, tee hee. ;)

wow.. it's spilled over into not 1 but *2* other threads now.. this is amusing.

I think giant has remained remarkably smooth compared to last year, especially considering we're 9.5 inches below our usual rainfall this year.

Anyhow, if you're going to be at SFOT on a saturday, and you can afford a Q-bot, I would recommend doing it. We did 25,000 last saturday which meant a 2 hour line or so for Titan. We're expecting our saturday totals to grow from now until the end of the season. Last year on the last sat. of october, we did 38,000.

I'll be somewhere at Titan after about 3:45 on saturday. I'd go earlier, but I'm working 9AM - Midnight tomorrow. I think I'll want to sleep.

Acoustic Viscosity - I'll be working Friday all night, but I'm hoping to be at Fiesta Texas that Sunday, but who knows..

not been to SFFT bust Sixflags:AW and Sixflags:OT are fun

at sixflags OT if you miss park opening dont plan to ride La Vibora becuase of its lines unless you will wait 2-4 houers in line for kids the "Judge Roy Scream" is great but if they can stand the drops take "Titan." Mr.Freeze is alot fo fun if you like shuttle loops. thats probly the best one (that i can think of atm) get to that befor lines spike

at Sixflags AW the only rides i like their are Serial Thriller and Batman The Escape but my favorit was the Texas Tornado but they took it out.

I'd like to get on Freeze or Poltergiest, but I couldn't fit into Freeze back in July at SF St. Louis, Im sure I can't now!

Bummer about Flashback, but Oh well, maybe next time!

There is absolutly no way I can rearrange my schedule

Thanks for your help so far everyone, Im hoping to have a successful trip!

John,

Call me when you get in if you like! You can even come over and follow me to the park if you get in early enough. I live 5 minutes from the park. I basically grew up there! I will be there at 5:30 PM. I am off tomorrow and will be home all afternoon.

I will be happy to give you the grand tour if you like! I can walk the park blinfolded! I am meeting up with friends at 7:30PM, so from 6-7:30, I am alone!

I sent my number via PM. If you want a tour guide just give me a call. It would be my pleasure!

Mark *** Edited 10/14/2005 12:48:40 AM UTC by Markieb***

Aw.. this sucks. I'm going to SFFT on Saturday.. HAHA

Ok...You need a whole day for Sea World. That park is so massive it's not even funny! Me and my friends go from 10-10! It just rocks. Steel Eel sit in the back. If you don't make it to SFFT, your not missing anything special. Not really a nice park unless you like to get rattled the hell out of your head on Rattler and on a really bumpy beemer. Its almost shocking.

Mark, I got your PM.

We're just planning on being there at opening. I'll probally be wearing a bright green Weezer Shirt. It will be my Wife and I. I may call you, if so, it will be a "614" number.

I was surprised to see how hot it is down there. Summer's back!

Thanks again, everyone. I hope things go well. Theres a lot to do, and not a whole lot of time to do so!

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john peck said:

I was surprised to see how hot it is down there. Summer's back!

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Hot???....It's only October...

Were having a cold front right now! It's 77. Be thankful..trust me! ? Your comming on a VERY nice weather week! WE could really have a year round park! This is the deep south!

BTW JOHN,

Unless you really miss Sea World, I would skip it! You had one in your backyard not long ago! The shows are all the same at the parks.

Rides wise you have a Batman clone found at nearly every SF's Park, and Steel Eel, a great coaster, but with Millie in your back yard she's not going to impress you!

If you miss the whales and dolphins then by all means go! If your going for rides, spend extra time at FT! Superman should blow you away, it's landscape is awesome, and Polty is unusual because not many of that model were sold.