SFGAm 8/5
Associated parks:
None
The Whizzer
When we got here, we found a 45 minute wait in the line! You know that you are going to be waiting in lots of lines today when the Whizzer has a 45 minute wait! We waited it out anyway, and finally got to the station. We got in the seats which I found a bit uncomfortable as one person had to sit in my lap. Nothing big, just a little uncomfortable. After waiting for a few minutes, we were off up the surprisingly fast lift hill. When we got to the top, we started down the barely slanted drop, gaining speed and more speed. The curve at the bottom of the hill really got me, as we just flew through it with tremendous speed! We went through the rest of the ride, very quickly and finally hit the brakes with some speed to still burn off. My favorite parts were probably the swoop over the water and the helix in the trees. Great ride.
Pros: Swoop over water, surprisingly smooth and fast, the trees and lake around the ride
Cons: The bucket-type seats, the wait
Final Verdict: 9/10, great ride for the whole family
After getting off of the Whizzer, we saw through the trees that Deja Vu was up and running perfectly, so we quickly ran over to it!
Deja Vu
What we found wasn't a very pretty site. We found a VERY long line that was spilling into the midway. We got in line anyway, and waited it out. After about 30 minutes we were up onto the station platform, but that wasnt the bad wait. We waited another 45 minutes just on the station platform! What a horrible loading procedure!!! But finally after 1 hour and 15 minutes, we were sitting in the cars, going backwards up the spike. After climbing higher and higher, and finally we were released to fly through the maze of loops, steel, the station, supports, it was a huge blur to me, and then we did it all backwards! After all of that, I was feeling a little sick. All of us got off feeling a little weak and sick. The part that most surprised me about the ride was the high intensity. It was cool and all, but it was almost too much! Probably one of the MOST intense rides I have ever been on, and that might not be such a good thing!
Pros: Going up the first spike, the loop, flying through the station
Cons: The intensity was a little too high, the rude ride ops, the loading procedure, the huge line
Final Verdict: 7.9/10, it was fun, but a little too intense. And the loading procedure just sucked!
After getting off Deja Vu, we all felt a little sick, so we took a short break. After we all felt better, we went over into Southwest Territory. We saw the Giant Drop cars going up the tower and dropping, decided it looked fun, and got in line.
Giant Drop
After a short 15 minute wait, we were in the "station" part of the que. After another 5 minutes, we were seated in Car 4. We started going up the tower, going higher, higher, higher, and even higher! Finally we stopped at the top for about 6 seconds, and then dropped. Floating down the entire drop was one of the coolest experiences I have ever....uh......experienced! Finally after making a smooth stop at the bottom, we got off of the ride laughing about how fun that was. The only thing that could make it better is if it was a little taller, like Drop Zone at PKI! Other than that, it was an awesome ride!
Pros: The big drop, floating down the entire drop, the intensity, the above average theming
Cons: Could be a little taller, not much else!
Final Verdict: 9.5/10, an intense and float-filled drop makes for one awesome ride!
After getting off of Giant Drop, we just couldnt pass up the orange giant that was looming over our heads, so we headed over to...
Raging Bull
What is long, long, and even longer? If you said Raging Bull's line, then you are correct. Not only was the line using both of the zig-zagging portions, but it was also spilling out into the midway. But we just couldnt pass it up, so we got in line! 4 obnoxious kids ahead of us, one lady breathing down our neck behind us, and 1 1/2 hours later, we were in the station and getting into our very comfortable seats. After making the little dip down from the station, we were headed up the anticipation filled lift hill. As we got to the top, we hanged over the drop, and finally started down the insanly long drop! Through the tunnel, through the turnaround, and up the third hill, only to be almost stopped by the trim brake(which I think was on very very high!!!). We made our way through the rest of the course, and hit the brakes. We all got off, looked at our picture, and decided that we would definently have to hit that one later tonight!
Pros: Great first drop and tunnel, awesome speed and air, comfortable seats, great G-filled finale
Cons: The trim brake, the trim brake, and......um.......oh yeah, the god-awful trim brake!!!
Final Verdict: 9.7/10, take out the damn trim brake, and this coaster could easily be a 10/10!
After having so much fun on Raging Bull, we just totally forgot about eating something, but our stomachs made a big roar, which signaled to us that we were starving. We headed back down by Deja Vu, and ate at some outdoor resteraunt right there by Deja Vu. After letting the food settle in a little bit, we headed straight across the midway and got in line for a demon of a roller coaster!
The Demon
We found one of the most glorious sites of the day! Yes, only a 5 minute wait!!! *gospel music starts playing* After waiting that oh so short wait, we were seated in the black car, and off throught the tunnel. Creaking up the lift hill, around the corner, and down the small, yet steep drop. The two loops right in a row were absoloutly fabulous. The perfect amount of intensity! Through the really cool tunnel, and up the hill for a short break. But we were soon going back down a short hill and through another tunnel. The corkscrews were cool too, although that is where I experienced the most headbanging. After we hit the brakes, we decided that the Demon was a pretty good little coaster. And it was probably the smoothest Arrow I have ever ridden, and that is saying alot!
Pros: Cool litte drop, back-to-back loops, the theming and tunnels, the short wait!!
Cons: Headbanging in the corkscrews, the small cars(long legs do NOT fit in there nicely!)
Final Verdict: 9/10, cool little coaster, with a little headbanging. Great diversion from the bigger thrill rides!
After getting off of The Demon, we heard some people saying that Superman had a short wait. So we walked(ok, ran) over to it. We found a line that was barely out into the midway, which we thought looked good. So, we got our ticket thingie and got in line!
Superman: Ultimate Flight
The line was great, as we were constantly moving, and never just standing there! We got up into the station in like 1 hour which I thought was great, as I have heard that the line could be up to 4 hours long. After a lot of anticipation, we were finally in the comfortable seats, and being brought up to the track. Going up the lift hill was very cool as we were just staring at the ground the whole time. The drop was one of the coolest things I have experienced! Going towards the ground closer and closer, I really felt like I was flying! And up into the pretzel loop, which was very intense! Through all of the curves and twists, we hit the brakes and stopped in the station a few moments later. Not only was this roller coaster the most unique ride I have ever ridden, it was also probably one of the best!
Pros: Great first drop and awesome pretzel loop, comfortable seats, totally unique experience, the zero-g roll
Cons: It was all over a little too quick, could use some more theming around it
Final Verdict: 9.7/10, totally unique and awesome experience, one of the best coasters I have ridden!
After getting off Superman in awe, we walked further on this side of the park, and ran smack into Batman. Barely seeing a line, we got in it!
Batman: The Ride
Man, is this Disney or Six Flags? The que impressed me very much, as it was extensively themed with the graffiti, the cop car, the tunnels, and the bat cave! Why doesnt SF continue this with the rest of their lines on rides? After waiting maybe 20 minutes, we were seated in the comfortable seats(B&M has the most comfortable seats, PERIOD!) and going up the lift hill. After the short lift hill, we were off on our journey. The loop was really tight, and the zero-g roll was crazy wild! After going through the second loop, the rest of the ride was a big blur! We were swooping and looping through the trees, over the water, by the que! It was intense, fast, and a big rush! And after that fast finale, we hit the brakes with tons of speed, and got off laughing and talking about the great ride we just went on!
Pros: Fast, intense, comfortable seats, great theming, the trees and water around the ride, the final corkscrews
Cons: Loud and annoying chain lift, some of the restraints were worn and tarnished, the rusting track
Final Verdict: 9.3/10, A fast, intense, and comfortable ride. A great finale!
We got off of Batman, and saw V2 looming over us. So, guess what we went one next? Come on, guess???
Vertical Velocity
Another short line! YAY!!! Maybe a 15 minute wait, and we were sitting in the cars, anticipating the oncoming launch. And we were off! Picking up speed going down the launch track, we headed straight up and went maybe half way up the twisting spike. Backwards throught the station and we go all the way up the back spike. Another time through the station, and this time we went all the way up the twisting spike. That was a really cool sensation, twisting while going straight up, and twisting while coming backwards down the spike. And the brake on the back spike really got me. I knew about it and everything, but it still scared the crap outta me. And once more through the station, and then we stopped back in the station on one of the most enjoyable coasters of the day!
Pros: Great launch, awesome twisting spike forwards and backwards, brake on back spike
Cons: I seriously can't think of any, maybe the loading procedure needs to be worked on cause it took kinda long!
Final Verdict: 9.4/10, intense launch, twisting spike, 90 degrees looking straight down! What more can I say?
We got off of V2 and just started walking towards American Eagle(which we sadly didnt ride :( ). On the way, we stopped by Iron Wolf, and we prepared to ride our first standup roller coaster!
Iron Wolf
We got up right by the station, and after a 5 minute wait, we were next in line. But before we did, we had a scary experience. We were standing there waiting while the other train passengers straped in and everything. And there was this larger man who couldn't get the restraint over himself. And the ride ops looked like they were about to launch the train. They had all of their thumbs up and they hadnt even checked the restraints or anything!!! So we had to yell at them that this guy wasnt strapped in, and THEN they checked everyone's restraints! It was so scary because I could just imagine them letting the train go and that guy wouldnt have been strapped in! Wow! Now, on to the ride. We got strapped in and left the station. We went up the lift hill and quickly got to the top. And I am sure that you know the layout, so I wont bother to type it out. It was all very shaky! Like my head was banging from side to side! I hated that. It reminded me of an Arrow, which is not good at all! I did like the corkscrew, and the portions in the ride where it would turn one way, and then immediatly turn the other way. And even though these places had lots of headbanging, they were still pretty cool! After getting spoiled with all of the smooth and comfortable B&M's that day, this one didnt do a whole lot for me!
Pros: The short wait, the corkscrew, the side to side protions, weaving in and out of itself
Cons: The headbanging, the uncomfortable bicycle seats, the stupid ride ops for not checking restraints!
Final Verdict: 7/10, cool twisting layout, but lots of headbanging make for a so-so ride! B&M has definently improved since making this!
We got off of Iron Wolf, and decided that we wanted to end the night by re-riding Raging Bull and Superman. So we went around the back of the park and headed towards Raging Bull. But as we got near, we saw the line stretching out past the sign!! And this was when most of the people had left the park!! So, we couldnt ride Raging Bull since we had to leave pretty soon, and we also thought that Superman also probably had a big wait. So, we decided to hit Viper to end the night!
Viper
We got in line about halfway in the que. And in about 25 minutes we were getting seated in the car. This was a new experience for me, because I had never ridden a roller coaster in the late night! I know I know, so shoot me! Anyway, we left the station and made our way up the lift hill. At the top of the hill, it almost seemed like we were going to get stuck. It just went VERY slow over the top. Why does it do this? Anyway, we made it over the top, and we were off for a wild ride! Up and down, left right, through the structure, this way, that way. The layout was incredibly fun, and the coaster maintained it's speed through the entire course which was absoloutly crazy! And I think riding it at night was a big plus, as we could not see where we were going at all! I really liked the double down, and the parts where we were flying through the structure going back and forth. We got back to the station absoloutly speechless! Before during the day, we were going to pass this one up. But that would have been a HUGE mistake!
Pros: The air, the double down, flying through the structure, the speed maintained through the whole ride, the nicely themed station
Cons: Hmm.......um.......lets see, nope, can't think of any!
Final Verdict: 10/10, WOW! Great air, great speed, great rickity feel(can I say great anymore) Oh yeah, GREAT ride! The biggest surprise of the day!
And after our ride on Viper, we left the park all feeling tired, weak, but ultimately supremely happy with the day that we had at the park! The park in itself was great. It was beautifuly landscaped with trees flowers, ponds, and more! Add awesome roller coasters and you get one stupendous park experience!
Final Verdict: 9.5/10, awesome roller coasters, a wide array of flat rides, beautiful landscaping, a great way to spend a day!
Leaving the park was a little sad, because we had had a great day. But we had to leave, so we did. Hopefully I will be back soon, because I had an awesome time! I hope that you liked my Trip Report, sorry if it was too long! :)
------------------
The grownup in me likes the prospect of fun, but the kid in me is suicidal over what a fat bastard I'll become. -Peter, Family guy.
------------------
Arena football has arrived in the Windy City. Go "Chicago Rush"
As for Whizzer, alot of us guys who bring girls to the park happen to love those cars.... Whizzer is a great date ride. Nuff said.
------------------
Bob Hansen
Resident Airtime Whore
Thats just sad. Do you know how many they were running? And S:UF never has a 4 hour wait. Even at full que with it extending in the midway, about 1 hour 40 min.
------------------
Top 5 SFGAm Coasters: 1) Deja Vu, 2) Raging Bull, 3) V2, 4) Batman: The Ride, 5)AE Blue
*** This post was edited by SFGAMan 8/8/2003 6:38:59 PM ***
*** This post was edited by SFGAMan 8/8/2003 6:44:59 PM ***
*** This post was edited by SFGAMan 8/8/2003 6:45:37 PM ***
Kick the Sky- I could see how those cars would be good date cars, and I did sit in the car with a girl.........but that girl was my sister. I mean I am close to my family, but not THAT close!!
I am glad that everyone liked the report, and Neuski, have tons of fun at the park! Your gonna have a great time! I already wish that I was going back soon! :)
------------------
The grownup in me likes the prospect of fun, but the kid in me is suicidal over what a fat bastard I'll become. -Peter, Family guy.
I really wish that we would have ridden AE too, I have heard great things about it! Oh well, next time I go I will ride it!
------------------
The grownup in me likes the prospect of fun, but the kid in me is suicidal over what a fat bastard I'll become. -Peter, Family guy.
------------------
Yummy for your tummy
------------------
The grownup in me likes the prospect of fun, but the kid in me is suicidal over what a fat bastard I'll become. -Peter, Family guy.
Worst word to describe a wooden coaster ever.
------------------
SFGAm Viper
We left the park about 4:00 having only rode three coasters, we just didn't feel like waiting in line. I think my wife and I are going to plan a trip to Chicago for either later spring '04 and try to hit the park when it isn't so crowded.
My only other comment is, this park could really use a good power washing and a better maintenance crew. The bathrooms need to be checked a little more frequently. The rest rooms in the Grand Buffalo Sallon smelt like sewer. I had to leave and use the one's by the drop tower.
You must be logged in to post
