Lake Compounce....worth it???

Pale Rider- going to LC during the haunted graveyard is one of the best times to go. They keep the park open late to accommodate people waiting for the graveyard. Since the graveyard line can be 1-2 hours long later in the evening (its just not that scary before dark), I have seen LC keep rides open until 11pm or a little later to accommodate everyone. The funny thing about LC at that time is that even though there are hundreds of persons in line for the graveyard at any one time, the rides are still not that busy (except for the ghost hunt line which is always busy). While it may be cold that time of year, if you get a mild night, a warmed up Boulderdash tucked in-between the fall foliage, is hands down one of the best wood coaster experiences out there. If you go, dress warmly and be ready for a long wait for the graveyard.

I don’t know if the park is open before 5 pm on the graveyard nights- but you really wont need much more time to experience everything. Some attractions (like the water rides and skylift to nowhere) are closed at night and most everything else does not have large lines.

Coastingohio- I’d just second what everyone else here has said about LC - Boulderdash is a must and the park feel is great- but there is one other reason to go this year no one else has mentioned- this year supposedly the flying scooters are to return!

Those flyers *are* returning!!!

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"I don't like poop singers." Peabody, discussing American Idol.

During October, the park is not open during the day. If I remember correctly, it's 5-11 on Saturday and 5-10 on Sunday.

Just be warned that they have a tendency to close the park when it rains. Last season alone, we drove all the way there from NJ on 2 separate occassions only to find the park closed due to rain. One time we even called them less than an hour before opening, was told they were opening, and got there to find the gates closed. Although I do love the park, I don't agree with their rain closings.

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Sue

Just go, enjoy yourself, and don’t worry about other people’s opinon of the park. Passing up a CCI is like the ultimate Coastering Sin anyway ;) Just think you may never have a chance to visit this park again. We did the same thing after SFGAvd on the way to SFNE. We spent about 6 hours in the park it is well worth it. One thing I really suggest is to Try and get discount tickets from AAA or somewhere,

Alright check out this link....

http://www.lakecompounce.com/new/accom.html

Now if I'm reading that correctly, pretty much all of those hotels offer tickets to the park plus the overnight there. That may be an option but we need to find something to do in Bristol, CT unless we would just have to do Lake Compounce in the morning. I'm just afraid that Boulder Dash won't live up to the hype if I have to ride it in the morning....which will happen unless ESPN has anything to do in the area (since they don't have any tours of their facility.)

So does anyone know of anything to do in Bristol, if not then I think that day would be split from Lake Compounce in the morning, and the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield in the afternoon.

Any suggestions of anything to do in Bristol?

EDIT: I forgot to ask, can you just take a break from the rides and swim in the lake or something, and just relax. Because my dad will probably be little tired from Sfgadv. And if they do have that, is it just like a waterpark where it comes with the admission or is it extra. I'm asking all of this and I don't even know if you can swim in it....(I live next to Sfwoa, and I hope no one swims in that!)

Also, just out of curiosity, what exactly is the Sky Ride, I know its a chairlift but where does it take you. To the top of the mountain and down? Or can you stay on top of the mountain for a little bit to enjoy the view?

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"Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail" -Jack Handey
*** This post was edited by coastingohio 5/14/2003 3:59:19 PM ***

Lake Compounce offered discounted admission during the evenings last year.

It was $15 each, if I recall correctly. It was the perfect price for a few hours at the park.

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--Maddie--

C-Ohio - While I've never seen anyone swimming in the lake proper I do know that a few of their waterslides to empty into a portion that is roped off. However LC's fun waterpark went thru a huge expansion this off-season and is included in the cost of admission.

Quassy Amusement Park is about 30 minutes away and would be a nice lunchtime diversion. You'd only need about an hour at Quassy for their flats and two credits. FYI they do require 2 riders for their Monster Mouse.

IIRC there is also a Carousel Museum near Compounce.

Oh, and the skyride is a round trip to the top of the mountain and back.

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"I don't like poop singers." Peabody, discussing American Idol.

Yes, there is a small roped off area where you can swim in the lake.

You can't get off of the skyride at the top--it's round trip. Just picture a ski lift without the snow and you have LC's skyride.

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Sue Barry
CoasterSue@aol.com

While you are all at it, I was planning on visiting this Satureday, are there any discounts offered for the park in the area. $30 also seems a bit steep to me, particually after being at Dorney last week where it was only $21 and they have more to offer ride wise.

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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

Black 7 said:
are there any discounts offered for the park in the area.

Call the park and ask. They will be happy to assist you. Last year they offered discounts if you showed a Stop N Shop card or a Bob's Store card. There were also discount coupons available at Connecticut welcome centers on the interstates.

Yeah, water park is free with admission and located within the park, so you can travel from wet rides to dry rides easily, no gates or seperate enterances. Just bring a towel, lay back, and bask in the sun... while Lake Compounce supplies free sun tan lotion.

By the way, you'll enjoy the view of the skyride pretty long because the ride last for 18 minutes ;)
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Lake Compounce-So Fresh and So Clean Clean

Sounds pretty good, but is there anything to do in Bristol??? I dont think a carousel museum would be the best for our family. If theres not too much to do than I'll probably have to visit Compounce in the morning- mid afternoon....so I wouldn't get a 'good' ride on Boulder Dash from what you guys have said about it warming up as the day goes on.

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"Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail" -Jack Handey

-Nearby there is the Timexpo Museum which has the Time Tunnel and a cool exhibit on Easter Island.

-Your family is bound to have fun and a load of laughs at the Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum.

-Then I'd suggest packing a picnic or having lunch at Quassy. Great place for the family to chill for a while, eat, catch a "few" thrills, swim, and catch some airtime in the Extreme Zone all for very low price. Did I mention that park addmission is free?!!

-Make sure mom steers clear of the Thomaston Opera House, it's not the wonderful family show she'll think it will be. If you do wind up in Thomaston, Naugatuck Scenic Railroad is a nice detour but nothing to write home about.

-Oh, I forgot one of the best part, screw the theatre, the big Summer Music Festival is in Naugatuck... I still have to find out who playin a gig this year!

If you need more info, guides, or references, you know who to ask ;)
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Lake Compounce-So Fresh and So Clean Clean