PGA or Marine World

I also posted this topic at danimation and was wondering if I should go to Marine World or PGA when I am in SanFran in April. I was also wondering if Zonga would be open by then! Thanks.

Don't count on Zonga being open. Its possible but don't plan your trip around it.

That being said its a little hard to answer your question unless we know more about what you want out of the trip. Do you want to ride as many coasters as possible? Go to PGA. Do you want to ride good wood? Go to SFWM [or better yet Santa Cruz Boardwalk]. Wanna see animal exhibits and shows? Go to SFMW.

See what I mean...why don't you tell us what you're interested in doing so we can best answer your question.

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Yup, you wont be disappointed with the Boardwalk. Then again, whenever someone asks if they should go to Disneyland or Magic Mountain, I always tell 'em Knott's.

Yah, for overall ambience, go to Santa Cruz.

I myself would go to Marine World, but that's just because I haven't been there since they were located where Oracle is located now...and they had the coolest waterslide ever (Tiger Mountain Rapids).

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"Know thyself!"

Hmmm, I never knew that Marine world was where Oracle was....I always thought it was on the Belmont side of 101. Anyway, I would chose Marine World. PGA has more coasters, but save Greased lightning and Top Gun the rides are...eh. Whenever I go I marathon Medusa and Roar...in the front. I doubt the new ride will be open...it took them until June to do the V2 mods and that was relatively minor. However the crowds are always light, even on saturdays. The park is cute, nice scenery, and some damn good funnel cake!

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Welcome to Planet Nupe!

Yup...In fact, Oracle Parkway loops off of Marine World Parkway. I'm not sure if this will work, but check out the map (notice the slough that follows the road, the Northern part was where they held the water ski shows):

http://maps.yahoo.com/?&addr=Marine+World+Parkway&csz=Redwood+City,+CA&country=us
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"Know thyself!"

Having never been to either park, I would say that Marine World has the coolest looking Huss Frisbee I've ever seen. But then again, that would be a tough choice—Frisbee vs. Revolution.
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I prefer SFMW over PGA. Basically, I would rather have fewer, good coasters than severall mediocre ones.

Honestly, I feel that PGA's selection is largely pretty average stuff. Top Gun is good, but a longshot from the best B&M invert. I don't think Stealth is that great. Why spend so much time of a flying coaster doing inversions? Vortex is the first and only B&M that I feel is below average. There is actually headbanging! :) On the nicer side, I think Invertigo is a lot of fun. I didn't ride Delirium, but it looks pretty good.

SFMW on the other hand has Medusa going for them. Excellent ride all around. Roar is a wonderfully designed woodie. V2 is better than the average impulse (and is a ton of fun, every seat gives a very different ride). And their collection of flats is wonderful. Lots of Huss goodness there! And if you are lucky enough to get there to ride Zonga, that looks very good as well. Its also worth noting that in my experience, SFMW is 100% more friendly than the average Six Flags park. Good ride ops and service the day I visited.

A few people have suggested SCBB. I love that park. If you have any chance to visit while you are in the area, it is more than worth it. Giant Dipper is great, as is the whole scenery and vibe of the park. Their coaster Hurricane is incredibly intense. They even let me ride their kiddie coaster, which is a plus. ;) Anyway, it is certainly worth a visit and is quite a throwback to parks before our time.

Its your choice, but I know how I would decide. :)

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Xcelerator- Put the Pedal to the Metal!

Like Mamoosh said, if you want coasters - go to PGA. Decent collection but no real standouts. Just to let you know Grizzly is the most pathetic coaster I have ever been on.

Marine World does not have as many coasters as PGA but Roar is fabulous. Medusa is also quite an excellent floorless, and yes, Tasmanian Devil, their Huss Frisbee, is very nicely themed.

If you can squeeze a few hours in, definitely hit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has an awesome atmosphere being next to the Pacific. You will not be disappointed. Giant Dipper is not only a beauty but defines the word "classic" and you can still grab the brass ring on the carousel.

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