Darien Lake neighbor parks?

My NY state of mind isn't that great like Billy Joel's, so I need a little help. Late Aug (around the 22nd) I am planning on driving up from PA to visit the park for the first time. Seems like it has some great rides (Intamin hyper, moto coaster etc) Is there anything worthy of visiting close by Darien Lake? If anyone has any tips to throw in feel free. I don't think the crowds will be heavy that time of year. I just hope they don't start doing ride rehabs.

Seabreeze in Rochester is worth a visit. Nothing mind blowing but a nice classic woody and a quirky little coaster.

kingdakacor said:
My NY state of mind isn't that great like Billy Joel's, so I need a little help. Late Aug (around the 22nd) I am planning on driving up from PA to visit the park for the first time. Seems like it has some great rides (Intamin hyper, moto coaster etc) Is there anything worthy of visiting close by Darien Lake? If anyone has any tips to throw in feel free. I don't think the crowds will be heavy that time of year. I just hope they don't start doing ride rehabs.

Like Andy said. I was at Seabreeze a week ago today. Probably about 60 miles away from Darien. Bobsleds are a lot of fun, JackRabbit's a good old woodie with a nice finish. Not a destination park, but worth a stop.

Incidentally, the McDonalds near where I stayed in Rochester had discount coupons for Darien Lake. Burger King had them for Seabreeze.

Martin's is nearby. Nice little park. I remember really enjoying Silver Comet.

I have a map tool on my website showing park locations. (link)

And, of course, RCDB has the 'parks nearby' feature. (link)

Wow. How long have yo had that awesome map, Gonch?

It kind of makes me sad to see it though, because when looking at my part of the country, there's Camden Park, and nothing else for hundreds of miles away.

Quite a while, Travis. It's probably due for a refresh, but all the major stuff is certainly on there.

Travis, you are sorta in the amusement park abyss there. But at least you're within a short weekend trip of a number of parks.

It could be worse. At least you don't live in Seattle or something. ;)

I'd put the "nearby" parks in order of priority (depending on your willingness to drive/cross the border and what you personally enjoy): Canada's Amazingland, home of the flats, then Seabreeze, since nobody builds John Millers anymore, then MFI since Silver Comet is an underappreciated gem, and finally MarineLand - cool animal stuff, but ride-wise, not too much.

coast2coaster.com also works for this sort of thing.

Did this whole big Buffallo area trip a couple years back. Stopped at Conneaut Lake and Waldameer on way up from Cincy We stayed on Grand Island NY (Suburb of Niagara Falls two miles away) Anyhow, None of the things mentioned were over two hours away.

Keep in mind you could do a couple of these things in one day and feel your missing nothing, Such as Martins and the Falls. Martins and Marine Land. Seabreeze and the falls. Canadas wonderland is full day as is Darien.

Niagara Falls, If you haven't done the maid of the mist. Go for it! I thought I'd be underwhelmed but wasn't.

Herchell Carousel Museum. Near Niagara but can't remember exactly where. Do a search but it was neat and they were glad to have us.

Darien Lake, Neat setting, Lots of rides, Superman or whatever they call it now is the standout but I liked Predator as well. Ride the UFO rare ride.

Martins Fantasy Island, Was right next to KOA campground on Grand Island. Spinny Mouse and Silver Comet. Silver Comet is a very very good ride. Not top ten but a very good woodie.

Seabreeze Rochester, Im guessing a hour from Darien. One of the few parks about as origional as it gets. Ride the Bobsleds, One of a kind! Ride Jack Rabbit woodie in the front car. You'll see why and I do mean SEE :) The Carousel is beautifully restored and has a museum around it. The Family of Seabreeze used to build Carousels but the one at the park is a PTC.

Niagara Falls Canada. Marine Land. Didn't do it, Showed up with a hour left of the park being open and decided not to pay the hefty price to get in. Heard it was a half hour walk to Dragon coaster anyway.

Two hours from Darien, Canadas Wonderland (Northern Toronto). Most well rounded IMHO of the former Keco/Taft/Paramount Parks. Visited before Behemouth and stunt track. I found Wild Beast to be a good woodie, Better than Grizzly at KD due to being well maintained and two bench trains.

Favorite park to me was Seabreeze
Most to do, Canadas wonderland and Darien.

Have fun, whatever you choose

If you go into Buffalo. Make sure to visit The Anchor bar, Home of the original Buffalo chicken wings. http://www.anchorbar.com

Wow. Hope RoS is open for your trip.

@ Gonch...Thats a very cool map app. It really helped me pinpoint everything in and around D Lake =) @Andy...I am keeping my fingers crossed. RoS is one of my main reasons for making the trip there. Who knows who long the investigation will drag out. Who knows...maybe they will modify the ride down the road b/c of all of this.