Northeast SF Parks on 9/1-3

I'm planning a trip through the Northeast on the Thursday through Saturday leading up to Labor Day. I suspect that the crowds may be awful, but this is my last chance to excercise the old SF season passes during the week this season.

I am thinking of hitting SFGAdv on the way to SFNE and The Great Escape, but I haven't nailed down the best order to do them in. To best avoid crowds and traffic, I was thinking GAdv on Thursday, NE on Friday and TGE on Saturday combined with the 8 hour trip back to northern Virginia.

I have been to GAdv a couple of times, but amazingly still have five coasters that I haven't ridden there for various reasons (either clones or due to downtime). The other two parks are new to me. Does anyone have any suggestions for things to avoid on any particular day in finalizing this trip? Is there something I shouldn't miss (Lake Compounce would be tempting, but is only open that Saturday)? Any info would be appreciated.

I've travelled to parks on quite a few Labor Day weekends over the years and have found that in most cases crowds are at or below average.

Thats a good way to do it. I heard the Lake George area traffic could be horrible if you stay longer than you planned. Also, try to avoid I-95 on a friday. Try to get to I-84. (I-87N, Saw Mill PkwyN, I-684N to I-84E). SFNE is about 30-40 mins from the I-84/I-91 interchange. Lake Compounce is indeed tempting. They have reduced admission after 5 pm (17.95) I am not sure if its good on weekends. but try anyway. Its off exit 31 on I-84. If you get done with SFNE early enough do it. If I am not mistaken you might be taking the same road to go up to Lake George. Boulder Dash is worth the quick stop IMO.

Thanks to both of you for your input.

Coy, I'm curious about your routing. Is I-95 from the NJ Turnpike to I-87 ok, or should it be avoided as well? Also, do you think I would be better off driving this part between GAdv and SFNE late on Thursday rather than on Friday morning? I guess traffic and lodging would both be a consideration in that case.

One final question. Is SFNE the kind of park that I should figure spending all day at? I know that GAdv can easily eat up a day with its size and crowds, but I don't really know what to expect in New England. I'm not really into the waterpark deal unless it's an all day affair, so that kind of cuts the park down to what looks to be a manageable size on the map.

Similarly, I suspect that The Great Escape can be enjoyed in 5-6 hours, correct?

Sorry I forgot to mention this earlier.I would skip I-95 to I-87. Everytime I drive into manhattan that interchange is congested 80% of the time. Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway off I-95. (its one of the last exits before hitting the GWB) then take I-87 south going to white plains/tappan zee br. the exit to saw mill pkwy is about a mile-mile and a half right after the toll. Its longer but it minimizes you hitting traffic. I am not much of a flat ride fan, so if you do strictly coasters both SFNE and TGE could be done in 5-6 hrs on a good day. Just try to get as much rerides on S:ROS and Comet. If you like the spinning wild mouse rides, Mr. Six doesn't disappoint at all. BTW get the q-bot. Its a big help. *** Edited 8/19/2005 11:02:44 PM UTC by coy***

Lake Compounce has a twilight rate? Is it not listed on the website for a reason?

Andy, last year, the rate was listed on their website. Not this year though, so I called 'em anyway to inquire. And yes, their twilight rate is still available.

I would count on all day at Six Flags New England if you like to do stuff other than coasters. The waterpark is very big and good to boot. I would at least leave yourself some padding to ride S:ROS as many times as possible if you don't plan on returning anytime soon. It's that good. You asked the question about when to drive also, and I can only say that if you're driving in the morning that you may have to contend with rush hour traffic.