Indiana Beach- what is the best way to take in?

Hey,

I have a roadtrip to Indiana Beach coming up next Friday with one of my friends. We will be leaving here in the morning and staying for approx. the daytime ride session (11-6).

My question is: what is the best way to take in the park? Are there any recommondations for which rides to start with and which ways to go?

Can anyone also tell me, in everyone's opinion, what are the "must-hit" rides that I should expect to get on?

One other question: What can I expect from a day at the park (crowds, attitudes, etc.)? If anyone could fill me in on all of this, Cool!

Thanks,

--Sean

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Goodbye Whizzer- 1976-2002.
One week left till my CP trip!
Questions:
smles@ilstu.edu

Well first off, you need to go in through the South enterance. You go over a nice suspension bridge over Lafe Shaffer and you can hear the roar of the roller coasters and the screams of patrons as you walking on it. All of the roller coasters there are must rides, even Galaxi which may look kindof dull but I still really like it. You also need to ride the waterswing as well as the other flat rides, it's a normal swing ride over lake shaffer and leans you back and fourth. If you ride the skyride one way, go from the area next to the Double shot area towards the gondolla wheel, you get right next to the lost coaster which is good for photo ops. Cornball is a must, and I would recomend the front seat, the back of the train pushes you forward and you recieve the most airtime there IMO. Crowds are usually not too bad, even for cornball you can usually get on in 15 minutes or less (usually less). In conclusion, just ride everything.

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You can hear the laughter, you can hear the mighty roar. From the brickyard down in Indy to the white Chicago shore. It's a rollin', twistin', turnin' and might we both suggest. You get you fanny ridin' on the Cornball Express!

I would say to ride everything you can! Especially Cornball Express and Den of Lost Thieves. I have not ridden Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain (LoCoSuMo) yet. But it looks and sounds like fun.

I would take 1-65 (north from Indianapolis or south from Gary/Chicago) to Indiana 24 and go East. Then follow the signs.

Also you can find some directions at Indiana Beach's website.
http://www.indianabeach.com/Direction.html

If your talking in the park for the most part it is just a long strip. Except the part that is on the mainland. It is hard to get lost at Indiana Beach.

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Whizzer tribute page http://www.crosswinds.net/~zerogthrills/sfgam/whizzer.html
Zero G Thrills http://www.crosswinds.net/~zerogthrills/

*** This post was edited by beast7369 on 8/1/2002. ***

Crowds are slim to none if you do the mornign POP session. Ride everything, you will be able to.

Corny is the cream of the crop here. A truly amazing coaster, best rides are in the back but the front is very good too.

The Hurricane provides nice views but little air if any. It is quite fast though.

Tigg'rr is very very fun. No restraints on this baby.

Galaxie is also a lot of fun and you get some good air in the back.

LoCoSuMo is very very unique but oh my gosh it is Violent and I mean violent. Not painfully so but still forceful.

Den of lost Theives is te original shoot em up dark ride. Double shot is a fun S and S Turbo Shot/Drop ride.

I was just there last Thursday and rode everything I mentioned here including each coaster twice except for Corny which I rode 20 times in a 3 hour time span.

Make sure you park in the south lot as the suspension bridge entrance is the best of any park entrance anywhere except for Cedar Point.

Oh yeah and take a coke can or bottle or whatever and you can get 3 dollars off a POP arm band.

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All I need is 4.5 million bucks and a half a mile long sliver of land and maybe someone could build me my very own Shivering Timbers. ;)

Make sure to hit all the coasters, the Double Shot, Den of the Lost Theives, and *do not* miss the walk-through (Frankenstein's Castle). It's a few extra dollars, but worth every cent, as it's by far the best walk-through I've ever experienced (and it doesn't have any of that "jump out at you to scare you" stuff).

-Nate

Double Shot, I know others have mentioned it but I want you to remember it. You will have plenty of time to ride just about everything, but take the time to walk down to the north end of the park. The double shot is really potent for it's size. You get slammed into your restraints twice and then a great floater bounce. Also, the Royal Flush is fun. It's possible to stay dry, but don't count on it. Last time my boat flooded, but it's a great way to cool off and a decent ride if you're not hitting the water park.

That's the "Big Flush" ;)

And yes, I agree about the Double Shot...for it's size, it's really fun! I rode Power Tower again recently, and yes, it's fun, but it just doesn't have that fun jerk'i'ness of Double Shot. Also, don't forget the dodgem! Many coaster enthusiasts rate this as one of the best and it is! We've stayed on it for 30-45 mins before without getting off on a slow day and it never got boring...just continious laugh out loud fun!

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-Eric
GlitchCam Returns...if you thought the Subdivision Cam was something, wait untill you see this.
According to the general public, lots of coasters go straight down.

I would recomment that you move your visit to the second POP session if you can. IB is really nice in the evening. If you are an ACE member there is a 2fer on the POP passes, but not the park admission.

Definately go at night, it's your best opportunity to get some air on Hurricane which is definately a good ride but INCREDIBLY moody I could ride it twice in a row and one time have excellent floater airtime the second time it would just be a fun filled cruise over the lake. I would say that you may get more rides though if it is somewhat crowded because if more than 4 seats are empty on Hurricane or Cornball, well then they will only launch the train every 15 minutes which really cuts down on your rides. I found Sunday to be the best day for light crowds but sufficient enough to keep the coasters going. If you like mexican food, then the place immediately to the left of LoCoSuMo when your facing LoCoSuMo is a must stop, it has excellent food at a reasonable price. Overall it doesn't matter how you experience Indiana Beach you will leave happier than you could've possibly imagined.

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Tuesday's Gone With The Wind.
Elijah Rock.
Is it written in the stars?
La Vie Boheme!!!

If you go in the morning then get there early and hit Den of Lost Theives, Antique Autos, and Lost Coaster first. These rides seem to have the longest lines all day and it is best to hit them before a crowd comes. All the other rides should have short lines. I know you might pass Antique Autos, but I think it is really interesting and you get some great views of some of the Lost Coaster track.

The 2 for 1 ACE offer Jim mentioned was only good in May and June.

Fridays aren't too bad and most people are at the beach or waterpark anyway until 6:00.

Can't add much else as everyone posted great ideas.

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Jim Fisher said:
If you are an ACE member there is a 2fer on the POP passes, but not the park admission.

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Unfortunately, the ACE discount was valid in May & June only. The info in the most recent ACE News is incorrect.

Carol

My head tells me SFGAm is my home park - season pass, close to home, multiple visits every year - but my HEART says IB. I absolutely love this place. My family and I return year after year and love it more with each visit.

Others have posted some good advice so I'll only add a few tips.

First, as mentioned earlier, LoCoSuMo is brutal. Be prepared. For many enthusiasts, the first instinct is to ride backward. I recommend facing forward for your first ride otherwise you'll spend the ride trying to look over your shoulder to see what's coming up. Save the backward trip until you have a feel for the roughness. I've never waited more than 10 minutes to ride.

Next, like LoCoSuMo, take a front seat trip the first time on Hurricane. No air but good visuals on the drops into the lake as well as the turnaround into the sky wheel. Too bad you won't get a chance to ride at night as, again, the visuals add to the experience and the speed really picks up on this thing late in the day.

Cornball Express, or the "Masterpiece in Monticello," is as good as it gets if you love the woodies. The restraints (individual belts and buzz bar), or lack thereof, make this ride an airtime machine. Leave 'em loose and you get ejector air throughout, especially on the two "little" bumps after the helix before entering the BR. Try every seat and tell me when you find the bad one. Go ahead, I dare ya!

Last row in the second car on Galaxi is surprising. Swings and Paratrooper over the water are cool. Skyride has outstanding views of the park. Antique Autos have a great layout. Den of Lost Thieves is classic dark ride fun.

I'll look forward to your trip report!

Hurricane- Nice setting, not to much air time but stilll has a nice view.

Cornball Express- Major Air time!! I like the back best but all seats give a great ride!

LoCoSuMo- Very Enjoyable coaster, but it throws you around a tad.

Tig'rr Coaster- Fast and fun, plus having not restaints is a plus too.

Galaxie- Alot of turning!

Double Shot- I very fun and gives a nice pop of air!

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“If you give a enthusiast a footer.......He’ll want a coaster!!!"

Thanks for all of the great ideas. You all are making me look forward to this more and more. I shall be looking forward to finally riding Cornball giving a trip report next Saturday (day after we get back).

Thanks Again!

Sax Player - more suggestions, if its not too late:

Pay the extra few bucks for Frankenstein's Castle. I don't want to be a spoiler but near the end you'll come across a balcony overlooking a large room. I was tempted to walk past but I was with a friend who had walked thru previously. He told me to walk out to the end of the balcony and look up to the ceiling and I'm glad I did, or I would have missed an incredible special effect!

If you have some time [and can stand to lose $20] spend an hour in the Fascination parlor, I guarantee you'll be hooked on the game and those wonderful old ladies who run it.

Treat yourself to a nice meal and eat at the Skyview restaurant.

Take the sky ride twice, once each direction.

Don't be grossed-out by the lake water, ride the bumper boats...they're the best I've ever ridden. There's a throttle you can use to get some extra speed.

Near Galaxi is a "feed the fish" area. Buy a bag of popcorn, feed it to the fish and be mesmerized ;-)

Stop at the Magic and Gag shop near the entrance to Cornball.

Play minigolf at the south-end course, under Hurricane's turn around.

Have fun!

Matthew

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"Outside of a dog, a man's best friend is a book. Inside of a dog its too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Thanks Mamoosh. I will be sure to ride LoCoSuMo too. Love some of those ideas. I will be sure to partake in many of them.

It would be worth it to stay all day. I went on Thursday and Friday and it was less crowded at night and a night ride in the back of Cornball is a must. All the coasters are a must, all the flats are fun, especially the swings. Advice for Den of Lost Thieves, try to get car 5, the orange guns are best, and one my trip I paid attention to what guns are best. In cars 4 and 8 sit on the left, on all other cars sit on the right. Don't miss Big Flush or Double Shot, and I found Paratrooper and the car ride especially enjoyable, though you may have a different opinion. LoCoSuMo is one jerky, but not hurtful or rough, ride and any seat is great. The Ferris Wheel gives a great view of the park and a great photo op for the HH turn around. There really isn't anything that isn't good, it's a real quality park.

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What is it Lassie? Did Timmy fall down the well again? Rough. Did Mr. Wilson have a heart attack? Rough. Is the drug dealer here for his money? Rough Rough. RUN!

I agree! And year by year, it seems to get better and better. It's a magical place...who would have thought? A boardwalk amusement park right in Indiana...

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-Eric
GlitchCam Returns...if you thought the Subdivision Cam was something, wait untill you see this.
According to the general public, lots of coasters go straight down.

Search for my trip report and follow Mamoosh's advice...