My 16th Birthday Dilemma......

My first reaction to this thread was that the kid is spoiled. But then I saw it from the dad's point of view. If I had a 16-year-old son who loved coasters, HECK YES I would take him on any trip he wanted to go on! ;)

I'd also go for Florida. Granted, I haven't been to California, but it just seems like Florida would have more for you to do Family wise. The coaster selection between Busch and IOA is simply amazing, and SeaWorld is a beautiful park. Florida is also closer to home, and probably more cost efficient.

id say youd prolly end up getting cheaper tickets for the parks if you go with california...knotts and sfmm always have specials

on the other hand there is usually cheaper airfare from PA to FL than PA to CA...so its up to you. but then again the parks can be a bit more...

Universal still has the buy 2 days get one free promotion...dont know how much longer thas gonna last...

Also Florida in summer is really hot and humid...Cali will be hot but not as humid...depending on what day you go there might also be lesser crowds at SFMM and Knott's and crowds are never a prollem at DCA

If you live in Pennsylvania, I assume you've been to the Pa. parks plus probably SFWOA. So I agree with the suggestion that if you're really just in this for the coasters, going all the way to California or Florida is not cost effective when their coasters are not as good as the ones in your own region. I suggest a PKI-Kentucky Kingdom-Holiday World-Indiana Beach-Michigan Adventure-Cedar Point circuit. If you've already done Cedar Point, bend the itinerary South and pick up Dollywood so you can be one of the first to ride Thunderhead. This would be a real fantasy trip, much more memorable than California or Florida, and much less expensive. *** Edited 2/18/2004 3:12:15 AM UTC by Trekker Park***

For my 16th birthday I got a smack on the head followed by "go get a job!"

For my trip (end of March), the temperatures in Florida were slightly higher than California's, just in case that would be any concern to you.

---

Koaster King said:
For your 16th birthday, go to Hooters and when you try to get up on the birthday platform while they sing to you ...

---

"Hooters has a birthday song, not to short and not to long, Hooters has a birthday song..."

Is it bad that i know that song? Guess i should find somewhere else to hang out...

Anyway, I agree with Trekker Park, the midwest circuit is much more appealing to me than either Florida or Cali.

But, if your stuck on one of those two, I suggest Florida. Its closer to where you are, and I guess im just a stickler for IOA. Sure, Cali has X, and Riddler's Revenge, and ... Psyclone (;)), but I think that a trip to IOA and BGT should help you achieve your coaster fix. Whichever you choose im sure you wil have a great time, and a Happy Birthday.

Both places have great weather, great coasters, and can be very fun. It's a hard choice. I'd probably prefer the California trip because I like the climate so much.

"My 16th Birthday Dilemma......" O god I feel old. *runs

Ok... being from California and having just made a *short* Orlando trip, I would pick California for coasters. Take my comments lightly though, because I do tend to be bias.

California has a great mix of coasters as I'm sure you know, with a few "only in cali" attractions. I mean X, V2, GhostRider, *Medusa*, Top Gun, Riddler's Revenge, Superman the Escape, Giant Dippers, etc. Orlando will have much more limited ride lineup, *but* they all have heavy themes. Depends what's important to you. I'm turning 16 in June, and if you're anything like me, you're in it for the coasters (everything else is extra.)

Northern California is also worth the long BORING drive too. The coasters aren't like socals, but we have some sweet top 20 (depending on how many you've ridden) rides. I know many people who love Medusa, our Roar, Top Gun, Drop Zone, Giant Dipper, and more depending on your taste in rides. Marine World is a great place to have as your last park because it's a nice medium size. There's plenty of places to rest and be entertained, while there's enough rides to keep you happy. Maybe that's just my homepark love because I happen to think Marine World is a very nice park, especially because there is no need to rush through any part of it.

Have a fun trip. Don't listen to these people that tell you to take trips close to home... do those when you get a job and a car. :)

---

Trekker Park said:
If you live in Pennsylvania, I assume you've been to the Pa. parks plus probably SFWOA.

---

I live in PA, and have never visited Kennywood, Williams Grove, Conneaut Lake, or Idlewild. And I just visited Dorney for the first time last year. Pretty sad since I've been riding coasters heavily for almost 4 years now... :)

---

---