PKI, SFWoA, Holiday World, Indiana Beach, Michigan's Adventure and (possibly) SFGreat America.
Not interested in "marathon" riding... but AT LEAST 1 ride on each non kiddie coaster (preferably at least TWO rides on each non kiddie coaster) and any flumes... also not interested in "This park is better than that one so I would go there..." or "since you are that close, why not go to..." (the list of parks is set... and CP is NOT ON THE list for 2003. 2004, probably, but not 2003). Also, not interested in a "Whirl Wind Tour" of multiple parks in one day...
I'm just wondering how much time would be required to be spent at these parks to generally do all the coasters plus look around the park a bit.
The only parks we are considering hitting on weekends are HW, IB and MiAdv. PKI, SFWoA and SFGrAmr would be weekday visits... possibly Friday visits.
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Kind of hard to take a post as objective if a park or coaster name is part of the "user name"
PKI - One day park. I'd plan on spending an entire day at PKI, even if crowds are light when you go. I think it's one of the better all-around parks I've been to, and there's more than enough there to take up a full day.
SFWoA - Depending on crowds, operations and your desire to see the wildlife side, this could be anywhere from a half-day to full day park. If crowds are light and you arrive at opening, you can bang out all the 'adult' coasters by 2pm. If it's crowded and Villain, X-Flight, and Batman are only running one train, you could be in for a long day. It's a crap shoot, but it's a really nice park with some excellent rides.
Holiday World - If you're not into 'marathoning' coasters, you really only need about half a day to get everything done here. However, you may not find that half a day of Legend and Raven are enough. I know I didn't on my first visit, and really wish we had given ourselves more time a couple years ago..
Indiana Beach - This is really a tough one. If you get to the Beach and you 'get it,' you won't want to leave. If it isn't your style, you can also get this one done in a half day. Go for the night ride session, though. Indiana Beach at night is not to be missed.
Michigan's Adventure - I've been here a bunch of times over the last couple years, and have never seen it very busy (even on Saturdays in the summer). MiA can easily be done in half a day. Try to schedule your visit so that you're there at closing, as Timbers really is a ride that needs a lot of time to 'get its groove on.' The last rides of the day are *by far* the best.
(possibly) SFGreat America - I'd take out the possibly, and find a way to include SFGAm in your trip. It's one of the best SF parks I've visited, although I sometimes take it for granted. The only draw back is that it's always crowded. The plus is that the staff can handle the crowds and does a great job of keeping the lines moving. I'd make this an all day stop for sure, possible a day and a half.
Have fun!
*** This post was edited by chris 5/9/2003 10:45:02 AM ***
Indiana Beach is definitely a hidden treasure but I find it's a park people either "get" or don't [and I totally get it!]. I spent 2 days there post-SRM, staying in the IB Hotel's Penthouse Suite overlooking for midway, and never once was at a loss for something to do.
But regardless if you get it or not you'll want to plant your fanny on Cornball Express for a few hours at the end of the day. I dare anyone to ride CE and not laugh hysterically on every single circuit. And do yourself a favor and spend the $3 to walk thru Frankenstein's Castle!
IMHO Holiday World is a full-day park, especially since you can always enjoy their top-notch water park for free.
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"I don't like poop singers." Peabody, discussing American Idol.
PKI: All day Friday... possibly Thursday evening as well depending on when we arrive and also IF we get Paramount season passes at PKD earlier in the summer. IF by some unknown turn of fate Lesourdsville Lake (Americanna) actually opens this year, we would fit this in to sometime either Thrusday or Friday.
Holiday World: Saturday... probably from 1pm till possibly closing (9pm)
Indiana Beach: Sunday... "2nd session"... 3pm-10pm
SFGrAm: All day Monday
Michigan Adventure: Tuesday from 3 or 4 PM until 7pm closing
SFWoA: All day Thursday (open till 6pm) MIGHT stay an extra day depending on how much we get done.
Kennywood: Friday... if we do not use the extra day at SFWoA.
SFWoA and Kennywood timing are not as critical since they are the closest two parks to us... they could easily be an "overnighter" some other time. For that matter... Kennywood could actually be a LONG day trip.
Of course... any return trip from western PA almost requires a stop in Altoona and Lakemont park for Leap-The-Dips and Skyliner. However, since my wife has never been to Idlewild and DelGrosso's, we may make two quick stops there on the way home on Saturday.
Its a crazy schedule... but oh well. Then again... this could all change if we decide to head north east and hit the New England parks.
Thanks again.
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Kind of hard to take a post as objective if a park or coaster name is part of the "user name"
*** This post was edited by SLFAKE 5/9/2003 11:17:33 AM ***
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