Beer and coasting, the perfect match?

Seeing the route that another thread seems to have taken, where are the best spots for beer at various parks? For all of you 21's and older, where have you found to be a good place to kick back a cold one and then get on a coaster? I know too much of a good thing might lead to disaster, but, like they say "Know when to say when."

I apollogize in advance if this thread gets out of hand, remember you must have a wrist-band to participate in this thread. :)

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Gotta ride 'em all!

I stay away from beer at parks since it's so expensive. I think alcohol has no place at amusement parks just because they are to be family places. I'm glad parks that sell beer have it in certain areas of the parks. But I think Busch Gardens Williamsburgh would be the perfect place since the brewery is next to the park. You can even smell the hops in the park!

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Parks hit for 2000!
PKD,BGW,DP,HP,PKI,HW,SFKK,SFA,SFNE,LC,GE,QP,Camden,Lakemont,Knoebels, SFO,CP,

The best spot in my opinion is as far away from me as possible. The stuff has no place in my park. Thanks Magic Mountain.

LONG LIVE ARROW DYNAMICS!!

[please use discression in your choice of words, thanks! -N] *** This post was edited by Seven-of-9 on 8/11/2000. ***

I really don't agree with alcohol at parks since they are meant for the family. But I would have to say that Busch does this in the Best since most of the alcohol is in the hospitality room and if it is out in the park it is only in certain places ie... the restauraunts.

My opinions aside Montu is a much better coaster after a four beer buzz!!!!!!! LOL (Not to Mention the Beer is Free!!!!!!!)

But seriously I do not think Alcohol belongs in a family park. Too many people are stuipid and overdue it and make complete idiots of themselves.
Just try standing in line for Hulk for a couple of hours with a couple of drunk imature college kids on spring break. And you will agree with me.

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#1 Steel-Incredible Hulk
#1 Wood--Timber Wolf

I tend to think alcohol in the park is fine, as long as it's confined to a particular area. What I don't agree with is allowing guests to roam the park with a beer.

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Neil
Pittsburgh, PA
www.geocities.com/neildeweese

Great subject Soggy! I totally agree, nothing like kickin' back with a cold one and watching the crowds go by! Here's some of my favorite spots:

SFMW: As far as I know of, the only SF park that sells beer? Love to grab a tall Bud or Corona in the food court area by the lake, then get a lakeside table and watch the ducks and seagulls on one side, then the other 2 legged animals go by on the other side. Plus SFMW's pretty lax about walking around with beer, so you can pick just about any shady spot in the park to kick it.

KBF: KBF's quirky policy about having to buy a meal in order to buy a beer is kind of a pain, but at least they do now sell beer inside the park for the first time. My favorite spot is La Concinita. Besides the fact that you have a lakeside, front row seat for the nightime lazer/light show, you can just buy a plain nachos for $1.25 and 2 beers, without having to buy the full meal.

Another great place is Ghost Town Grill. They actually serve pitchers here!!! And the restraunt has the best atmosphere and grub, you'll swear your in a honkey tonk dive at some roadside truck stop!

PGA: Overpriced and the cups are the same size as a small McDonalds soda, but at least they serve it inside the park. And they're pretty strict about walking around with it, so the best places I've found are the pizza joint inbetween Drop Zone and Grizzly, where you can watch people wig out on DZ. And Wings, air conditioned and nice atmosphere.

Can't wait to suck down some suds at DCA!!!

A great beer is one at "the Red Garter Saloon" right across from the MF exit AFTER you have ridden one of the greatest coasters ever built. In addition to a "cold one" you can relax and enjoy the show.
As far as "No beer, it's a family park" PLEASE...As 7 of 9 stated, keep the beer in certain locations and all is fine.
Anyone who pays the Park admission and then decides to drink too many has WAY TOOO much disposable income.

I'm under 21, but I think it is not a good idea. I know some people will only have one beer. But some people may get out of hand. Wouldn't that result in a rowdy person that could stir up something? Also, that could also contribute to ride accidents. If people drank responsibily it would be a good thing, but if people didsn't, it would be a bad thing. But I guess that is what happens everywhere. Like sports games.

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DOWN WITH TRIM BRAKES!

Drinking in the parks is nice, I enjoy going to an air conditioned bar for a drink to break up a long hot day of waiting in lines. However, usually I don't even feel like it because of the heat. Anyway, people should be able to drink in the park. There are many family places that allow drinking (sporting events for one). If someone wants to get drunk at the park, they will bring a flask and do it, or drink in the lots. The park deciding to not serve alcohol will not prevent this. It all comes down to responsibility. Just because they serve liquor doesn't mean everyone who drinks will get drunk. There are a lot of irresponsible sober people in the park too.

ive been going to parks now for over 20 years
if it was not for the beer my dad would have never
taken us, my dad loved to just sit and watch his
kids have a good time on the rides, he is terrified of rides so he would sit there and have a beer while we rode them. my mom was the driver
home all the time. so dad thank you for taking me
and starting my addiction up roller coasters i dont drink

I think that the beer pricing in most parks that offer it is what keeps it under control. Generally, I won't ride with beer in me, but it depends. I've only had enough to enter non-driving status twice, both times at Cedar Point. The first time was at TGI Friday's in a rain delay, the second in Red Garter then Lusty Lil's, also in a rain delay.

Admittedly it felt kind of dirty to be somewhat intoxicated at the park. However, I had a great time, and it was the first time in ages I really threw them back and tied one on.

In summary, I don't have a problem with beer in the parks, because it's usually priced as such that hilljack drunks can't afford to buy it. I was surprised to see real live bottled beer available for $2/bottle or less, as that's cheaper than most restaurants.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

I understand why some people may be concerned with drunken, rowdy patrons, but this thread is about the best places to drink, hopefully for those who do so responsibly. Personally, there's few things I like better than relaxing after a hard day of coastering with a cold beer (or three) while recounting the day's adventures. On my first trip to CP as an adult I was thrilled (and a little surprised) to see the park sold beer; coming from Canada, although we view beer as part of the national fabric, alcohol laws are pretty restrictive (particularly egregious example - my first trip to Maple Leaf Gardens, hockey shrine and home of MOLSON Hockey Night in Canada, was back in '92. At that time, YOU COULD NOT BUY BEER AT A HOCKEY GAME. Ouch).

Having said all that, a few places at various parks stick out:

Cedar Point - Last Chance Saloon - Why? Near the end of every night there, my wife and I have a drink or two and then head over to the Mean Streak, which we only ride at night after a beer. It's a tradition, and it helps us enjoy the ride more :P.
(Of course, after the park closes, the TGIF at Breakers is our first stop).

KBF - we also enjoyed the Ghost Town Grill, where we liked the theming as well as the beverages.

At IOA, right across from Dueling Dragons is a pub-style place (with a really cool entrance - themed to Merlin, was it?) where you can sit out by the water and look over at Jurassic Park on one side, and across the lake to Marvel Island. Great view.

And, finally, although not actually at the park, there's this little roadhouse on Route 77 down the road from Darien Lake that's a must stop on the way back to the motel. Can't recall the name just now, but... oh yeah! I'm going there tonight. Can't wait.
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Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with walking around with a beer or getting one and getting into an hour line as it makes the wait a little less painful. If you become a sloppy mess, that individual needs to be cut off- it's that simple. Those who are maintaining their cool should not have to suffer the misfortunes of others. Remember how everyone hated that rule in school- Joe Blow was disruptive in class, therefore no one goes out for recess. It's the same thing- punish the guilty party, not everyone. As to the topic, the Alchemy Bar and Backwater bars in IOA are fantastic, the Red Garter Saloon at CP is a winner, and there is a cute little brewpub in King's Island that serves homeaid beer. Of course, nobody mentioned drinking around the world at EPCOT- literally the most fun you can have at a park without going on rides!

Yeah, that was it - the Alchemy bar at IOA! (why did I think Merlin?) And the roadhouse on the way to SFDL is called Romar's.
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Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.

Spewey, you probably thought Merlin because merlins castle (aka Dueling Dragons) is right across the way. Anyway, my favorite beer spot is in SFGAm and the County Fair Food Court. It's really nice because there is a little stage right outside the patio area that shocases local talent. Its nice to sit back and be able to listen to music. Also from there you can watch the Splashwater Falls (shoot-the-chute) ride drench the little kiddies on the bridge.
(Climbing aboard soapbox)
On the subject of no alcohol because of the "Family" atmosphere. Well most "Family" events I have been to (and I'm talking about family reunions, cook-out etc...cant get more family than that) or even heard about serve beer (and other 'harder' liquors). If that is not a part of your 'family' that's fine, feel free to abstain. But there is no reason that others should have to conform to your standards.
(dismounting soapbox)
BTW: at SFGAm you cant leave the patio with your beer (I think that's a good idea) and they really check ID's (ppl still look at my ID and dont think I'm 24).
smile,
lata,
Jeremy

I look forward to one or two beers throughout the span of the day. Like 2Hoystyl said, at SFGAm you are not allowed to walk around with a beer and they are very strict on this. They also only have a few places in the whole park where you can purchase beer so with these things in place, I feel it is well controlled. If someone looks intoxicated then they should get the boot from the park, plain and simple.

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"DONT FIGHT IT, RIDE IT",,,,RAGING BULL

Do any parks allow you to roam around with a beer after having purchased it?

It seems like I remembered being able to take beers with you at King's Island in '89, but since then I don't think they allow you to. I don't know if they changed it or my memory is faulty.

I don't usually drink while at the parks, but I'm glad it's an option.

Do any parks serve anything better than the usual swillwater? I refuse to touch Bud, etc. (I'm a diabetic, not going to play with my control for something like THAT), but if I can get a Sam Adams, or a Guiness, or even a Penn Dark, well then that's another story ;)

I DO think that parks which serve alcohol should keep it within controlled areas. Last time I was at Cedar Point I saw two security guards talking to a guy with a bottle -- looks like he'd brought it in from outside, which is a definite no-no.

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--Greg

http://www.pobox.com/~gregleg/

I'm underaged but my hometown New Orleans is known for alcohol anywhere in my hometown themepark jazzland they sell beer at every food stand a Bud or Miller. I think should and should'nt.If the par is more meant for a family maybe not but if the park is mean't for the general public sure.

Ride The Zeph

MegaZeph!!!!!!!

21 years as a drinking age is pathetic! Thats my moaning done at you yanks.
Anyway, back to coasters, beer and a few loops on a coaster would go down well.