8/17 SFGAM, SUPER CROWDED!!!

This was my sister's last weekend in chicago before she went back to Wisconsin. So, my sister, stepbrother and I decided we should go to Great America. We first had the idea that quite possibly there would not be many people, becuase we were hoping they were all going to the air and water show. It was the complete opposite.

We got around the park but were stuck in traffic from 10:00-10:50. All the traffic was headed towards grand avenue. Finally we got to the park. The place was so packed. It was ridiculous. We decided to hit Superman, but that was forgotten as soon as we saw the line practically going to the Columbia Carousel. I'm not exagerating either. The wait had to have been like 2 hrs.

So we decided to it Batman. Forget that! The entire que line was full and the line spilled in the midway wrapping itself around the octupus ride. So we headed for V2. That was completely full. But we got in line anyways.

We waited for 45min. Then we got to ride. What can I say. I love this ride. It gives you such a rush! After that we headed for Iron Wolf. Forget that too. The line was full and spilled over in the midway. We skipped the eagle cause my sis hates it. Passed by Deja Vu and the line stretched all the way to the Soutwest Terrirtory Sign.

We went for the Bull. This spilled out of the midway too. This was our longest wait of the day! They only ran two trains. It also broke down while in line. I couldn't believe it myself, but we waited for the bull for 1 hour and 45 minutes. It was worth it though. I love that ride.

Next we headed for Viper. WHAT A BLESSING! There was no line at all! We waited like 20 mins. I love this ride so much. It was our best wait. Then we headed for Superman.

Superman was full and it borke down twice ! We waited a total of 1hr and 30 min. I must say I like the ride, but it's not worth the wait. Then we ate, and went on the train which needs serious oil. That thing squeaks so much! It was pain to the ears! Then we went on Raoring Rapids. Great ride. And then we left!

The park was way to croweded. I think this might have been one of the worst days out of the whole sumer. We were there from 11am-7pm, and we only rode V2, Raging Bull, Viper, Superman, Train, and Roaring Rapids. That's how crowded it was! It was ridiculous. Oh yeah Demon had a pretty long line as well. It was very hot today, and it just wasn't a great day.

I also noticed Raging Bull has gotten very shaky. Has anyone else noticed? Well I'll head to the park next monday, so hopefully there will be no one there. i mean all the Catholic schools will be in by then so I;m hoping!

Nice TR. I'm sorry that your day couldn't have been better, though. It's good to hear that Deja Vu was up and running. Viper is one of my favorites, and it's good to see that you enjoyed it. Just a head's up: according to the park's site, SFGAm is closed next Monday. After tomorrow, the only Mondays left for SFGAm are Labor Day and Columbus Day.

kal - I got to the Grand Ave. entrance at 9:35 am. Walked through the park gates at 10:05 am. Ridiculous. But as bad as it was, I've seen it worse. Then again, that was when the park had 3 or 4 fewer coasters...

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Come on fhqwhgads!

Unless one of RB's trains was broken it would make no sense to only run 2 trains on the ride!!!! I hope that was the case and not that they were trying to sell more fastlane!!!

Bob O - I can't vouch for the remainder of the day, but RB was only running two trains until at least noon, and the line was snaking out of the switchback into the midway a good hundred feet or so.

It really seemed like SFGAm was unprepared for the crowds yesterday, beginning at the parking booths. And Fast Lane was truly irritating yesterday for the non-users... time to scrap that gimmick for a better one.

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Come on fhqwhgads!

Its all because of these damn 2 for 1 tickets. Even last Monday RB had an 1h 15min. wait.

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"Before you insult anyone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do insult them, you'll be a mile away and have there shoes.

That's what I've been hearing about those tickets. I've been too spoiled by my early-fall visits to SFFT and Sea World S.A. ... it's like renting out the park, it's so empty!

I understand Six Flags is trying to generate revenue, and I'm certainly not a marketing or finance major, but there have to be tons of people leaving the park on days like yesterday thinking the park is generally overcrowded, the lines are too long, and who won't want to return so readily. Even with my season pass, I probably wouldn't even want to arrive at the park before 7 pm, lest I get stuck in lines like I did yesterday. But what do I know...

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Come on fhqwhgads!

I believe in SF's earnings announcements they admitted to discounting to deeply and this wouldn't occur again next season. Pretty sure this is what they said but don't quote me.

Raging Bull runs only 2 trains before 12 (mainly because the park just opened and not everyone is running to RB)Then if necessary they put the 3rd on at 12. It's always been this way that's why you didn't see the 3rd train on before 12.
*** This post was edited by CrAzedFaNaTiC 8/18/2003 10:03:12 PM ***

What are the 2 for 1 tickets? I am heading to the park on Wednesday and would like to know if this offer is still on?

Its on until the end of September. They are selling the tickets at Chicago area Jewel grocery stores.

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Arena football has arrived in the Windy City. Go "Chicago Rush"

Thanks for the information. I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but is this open to anyone, and is it a buy one get one free or a two-day pass?

Anyone can buy the tickets at Jewel. Its buy one get one free, and not a 2-day pass.

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Arena football has arrived in the Windy City. Go "Chicago Rush"

At least it only goes through September. Imagine what it would be like at Fright Fest with those tickets!

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"Before you insult anyone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do insult them, you'll be a mile away and have there shoes.

Crazed Fanatic- Actually when we hit the coaster at 12 the line was way out of que. Common sense would tell you to put the third. Besides I was in line until about 1:49 and there were still two trains. I just think there was a problem with the train. I mean the crowd was too big. They would've put the third one in.

I can't confirm this or anything, but it seems that Raging Bull has blocking problems when 3 trains are running. I have seen plenty of times when the midcourse stops 1 train which sets off the 2nd train to stop on the lifthill. The 3rd train is in the station.

I might be digging to much into this but this might be an issue.

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Arena football has arrived in the Windy City. Go "Chicago Rush"

I haven't seen Bull have any blocking problems recently. I thought it had pretty much had its regular smooth operation going, but maybe im not paying enough attention. The park has been extremely crowded the last 2 weeks. Last week Tuesday every coaster had at least an hour wait.

I think it is staff problems rather than blocking problems. I would guess that SFGAm might have cut back on staff based on how the summer has been thus far or might not have needed a 3rd train as early as they have at this time last summer. To go from 1 --> 2 trains is no big deal, to go from 2 --> 3 requires more peeps working the ride.

I'm guessing that the problem now is that most schools are starting within the next week or so and familys are thinking: Oh no! We haven't gone this summer, let's go before school starts! And not to mention the added lure of those 2 for 1 tickets the park will be crazy.

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Favorite Coasters at SFGAm: 1.)Superman 2.) Viper 3.) Batman 4.) Bull 5.)Eagle

I was there Friday, Aug 22 and the park appeared understaffed on everything. 2 ops on V2, 3 on Superman, and 3 on RB. The dispatches were pretty bad accross the board.

They did test DV just before the park opened, but of course, it never ran. That makes 4 visits since they built the damn thing and no ride yet.

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Without the chaindog, you'd never get up the lifthill...