Paramount's Great America or Six Flags Marine World?

Glad you had fun! About Zonga, you weren't really missing much. Believe it or not it hurts more than Kong. Plus the best part of the ride (the first drop) was castrated.

...so that explains the high-pitched noise coming from Zonga ;)

Yea, Zonga's nothing to be worried about missing. If you really are up for it, get two bricks, go to the top of a slide, and while you're going down beat the sides of your head with the bricks. Might not be as painful and it might be a bit more thrilling, but you'll get the idea.

Favourite Noise... UK ... Reel Big Fish fan perhaps? Just a shot in the dark :)

Brett, Resident Launch Whore Anti-Enthusiast (the undiplomatic one)

Can someone that rode Thriller or Zonga pre-mods comment on how much of a difference there is? Are we talking about SFMM/Revulsion-type wanton destruction of an Anton classic, or more like *tweaking*?

Looks like the Garlic-Con is moving to '06 for me, but I *will* be getting back to NorCal....still trying to get the taste of PGA outta my mouth...

Gates, Zonga feels like nothing Anton has ever built. I love his rides like a fat kid love cake, but this one could possibly be the worst. I think getting rid of the horrid death traps and getting new trains would do wonders.

I agree, heard nothing but rave reviews of Thriller when it was in Germany. Now, it's right up there with Revulsion as a torture device. And all 3 block brakes are used as trims, practically brings the train to a screeching halt on each one. At least the g's in the first 2 loops is still one of the best Anton moments I've experienced (when it's open, still suffers from some serious reliability issues).

Last season, the red train seemed to be running noticeably smoother, but still bumpy. Unfortunately, I think we're stuck with those trains/harnesses. Apparently after the mods, the clearances are just too close now to allow for more open restraints.

Hey now wait a minute...why wasn't Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk a choice??? Why not a morning at PGA followed by a quick jaunt over to SCBB for the afternoon? The drive is about 30-40 minutes on a weekend...and very much worth it. Even though SCBB doesn't have as many "big thrills", I'm sure your parents (and you) will enjoy its seaside charm (not to mention a kick-@$$ classic woodie).

*** Edited 4/7/2005 3:17:11 PM UTC by janfrederick***

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

ROFL Eric...a day at Bonfante or SFMW followed by night rides at SCBB seems more....enjoyable...;)

SCBB was *gorgeous*, even if it was CLSED...:(

I'm from England too and have visited both these parks on a couple of occasions. In some ways it's a difficult choice. Medusa, Roar, V2 and ex-Thriller is a tough combination for any park to beat. SFMW is also one of the better parks in the chain IMHO, well maintained and operated. But if you like B&M inverters Top Gun at PGA is one of the best anywhere. PGA is also well operated and has several enjoyable rides. Just a shame that the Schwarzkopf shuttle loop has gone (less of a shame that the Vekoma flyer has moved on!). Avoid Grizzly at all costs and you'll have a good time there too. Overall SFMW probably wins out, but only just. Alternatively you could forget both of them and go to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

i would've liked to have gone too all three but never mind. i was looking at zonga and to be honest it didnt look that amazing. santa cruz looked quite nice but i was looking more for huge thrill rides rather than a seaside boardwalk - all too many of them in england! thanks anyway

Then by all means go to Marine World. Additionally, I believe it might be a tad closer to San Francisco (and you'd get to take the Bay Bridge). Have fun!

PS...Look up Sam Wo's in Chinatown. Neat little place: link *** Edited 4/8/2005 2:35:00 AM UTC by Jeff***

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

santa cruz looked quite nice but i was looking more for huge thrill rides rather than a seaside boardwalk - all too many of them in england! thanks anyway

Consider yourselves lucky, SCBB is the last of our old seaside parks left on the West Coast. Majority of those sites are now condo's.

If I was coming all the way from England and could only do one park, I'd probably done the same as you since there's no doubt SFMW offers the best ride lineup. But if you ever get back this way, definitely set some time aside for a nice scenic drive down to SCBB and Bonfante Gardens, true NorCal gems.

*** Edited 4/7/2005 9:03:48 PM UTC by jomo***

favourite_noise4 said:
santa cruz looked quite nice but i was looking more for huge thrill rides rather than a seaside boardwalk - all too many of them in england!

Trust me, there's nothing like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk here in England :)

^Nothing against Santa Cruz, but Blackpool is MUCH better, IMO.