PGA Inquiries

I may seem a little ignorant asking a few of these questions, but I am leaving tomorrow and I need to know a few things before I go to California. I was planning on visiting Paramount's Great America, since I will be in the area. I was wondering what sort of crowd I could expect on a Wednesday evening. I was also wondering, if anyone could approximate how long it would take me to hit all the coasters in the park. I am on tight schedule and I am trying to see as many parks as I can. Does anyone have any suggestions about other parks that I should visit that are relatively close to the same area. I know Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is not too much of drive from PGA. Thank you for your time and suggestions.

Matt

PGA won't take you much time at all. If you are just there for the coasters, then with moderate crowds (I'm assuming) it'll take 5 hours, maybe less. I got to the park at 3:30pm on a busy Saturday, and was ready to leave by 6pm.

It depends how far you want to drive, what types of parks you want to visit, and how much time you have as to what otehr parks you should visit. :) Bonfante Gardens is about 45 minutes south (without traffic.) I'm not sure exactly how far Santa Cruz is, but I believe it's a little more of a drive than Bonfante. Six Flags Marine World is just about an hour away (without traffic.) Someone (jomo?) please correct me if I'm wrong about these drive times, because I don't live near the park, nor do I know the area very well.

Santa Cruz is the classic, and most charming park in northern california. Giant Dipper is tons-o-fun, along with the Fireball. The food and shopping, and women, are all great, but if you're about the rides this might not be the park for you. Here's a map

Bonfante Gardens is a very small family park. They don't have any major roller coasters, but there are some fun rides, and the scenery will blow you away (if you're into that.) Here's a map

Six Flags Marine World is easy to hit in a short period of time as all the coasters are right near eachother at the front of the park. If you like wildlife shows, or zoos, you'd probably enjoy this park a lot. The rides are also pretty top notch, and better than Great Americas IMO. Here's a map

I hope that helped with your trip.

Thank you for the great info above.

I was wondering if anyone could confirm the drive times he posted above. I was also wondering if anyone knows about the ACE discount at Paramount parks. I know that I can buy myself a half price ticket, but can I buy multiple half price tickets? *** Edited 7/25/2004 12:07:49 AM UTC by CoasterMatt***

PGA to

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - just under 45 minutes

Bonfante Gardens - just under 45 minutes

Six Flags Marine World - about an hour and 15 minutes