SFGAm Coaster - CoasterBuzz

Ok, I must add my 2 cents on this subject. I doubt that Great America gets a new coaster this year. They got 2 coasters last year, and Raging Bull in 1999 (correct) they have just about every type of coaster you can think of. I recently read somewhere that they shut the parking lot that goes under "American Eagle" with the new attention to secruity it seems that we probably will not see that parking lot open back up. Giving them some more land to work with. They probably will not get a new coaster this year, but I do think they are a PRIME canaidate for a 4-d coaster in 2003, depending on how well "X" runs and does this year. Shockwave is not in my top 10 favorite coasters, but I would ride it again, it is pretty exciting. I might be one of the few people on earth who love Whizzer , I thought it was an outstanding family coaster. I wouldn't execpt much this year, but next year will be another nice coaster year for people in Chicagoland. Tidal Wave returning to Great America, I will probably be lynched with this thought. But I think it would be better to go to one of the smaller SF parks for a while Denver or even St. Louis would be my guess for the next home.

*** This post was edited by mikerose2 on 1/2/2002. ***

I agree they should use the space that they will have after closing down that entrance exit by Eagle. If Great America did add a coaster in 2003 I hope they would be able to find a place to put the coaster without having to tear down any of the current coasters.
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i doubt tidal wave/viper would go to elitch gardens, as they already have an arrow launched loop. tidal wave already spent a good amount of time at six flags over mid-america, not that the fact would prevent it from being installed there ...

Where did this "Use the shut-down American Eagle entrance!" stuff comming from? What could you add there other than a shuttle that follows the road? (And then there is the problem of getting the queue to the ride)

Which entrance? the one to the American Eagle? The entrance/exit that parallels the AE on the opposite side of the eagle from SW Terr? The section of that road that parallels I-94?

TriBiggar and Krazy,

Yes, the entrance/exit under the Eagle that parallels I-94.

Here is the link: http://www.coasterbuzz.com/news/news.asp?NewsID=3182 The article link to the Daily Herald is dead, but it says the entrance/exit under the Eagle will be closed for security reasons. The parking lot next to Southwest Territory would still be open though. Bus parking is next to Viper and Raging Bull. The bus lane (in the front of the park) directs people to the bus lot. There is room in the bus lot area for a coaster, maybe even a new theme area.

As far as a new coaster in 2002, I highly doubt it. 2003, a very good chance. There has only been two times that I recall SFGAm adding roller coasters in two or more consecutive years: 1988 (Shockwave)/1989 (Rolling Thunder)/1990 (Iron Wolf) and 1998 (Spacely's Sprocket Rockets)/1999 (Raging Bull). Both times there are exceptions to the rule: 1989 (Ride Reolcation) and 1998 (kiddie coaster). SFGam has a great selection of coasters except for Shockwave. Shockwave is too much akin to Demon. Sure, a B&M Flyer or 4-D would be a great addition, but they have to improve their family selection of rides. Not just kid rides which SFGAm has plenty, but older adult rides such as a Ferris Wheel and also some more flat rides.

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Perry

SFGAm home park for 25 years
Experience the Force in THX

If you read that article carefully it says "they'll initially close" one of the entrances, no where does it say they will close any parking lots. And besides initially means they will open it back up, and it would be hard to use that entrance if there is a ride in the way.

Actually I know for a fact that the AE entrance was open after September 11 because during Fright Fest it was open. So they will probably open it up in June when weekday operation begins.
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Mike
Favorite Wood: Viper at SFGAM, Shivering Timbers
Favorie Steel: Magnum and Raging Bull

coaster895 is right. When we went to Fright Fest, the Washington Street entrance was open. We always go to that entrance because the kids get a kick out of going under the AM.
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Beer, My Baby, and Coasters. Is this a great country or what?

*** This post was edited by stoogemanmoe on 1/2/2002. ***

I also remember that I went out that way after the last day of Fright Fest, but that news wasn't announced til after the season was already over.

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They really need a big thrill ride in Orleans Place. Don't get the wrong idea...I am not for taking out Shockwave, but it is pretty much the only thrill ride in that corner of the park. They need another coaster in that area. Whenever they build a new coaster, I hope they figure out a way to put it there (and of course I hope it is a 4D coaster !).

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Current favorite coasters:
Wooden: 1) Beast 2) Raven 3) Son of Beast 4) The Boss 5) Timber Wolf
Steel: 1) Raging Bull 2) Millennium Force 3) V2 4) Wild Thing 5) Mr. Freeze

*** This post was edited by Joe Carroll on 1/2/2002. ***

I have a plan. 1. Get rid of Demon.

2. Put a new family ride in Demon's place.

3. Demolish Whizzer.

4. B&M flyer in Wizzer's place.

5. Lower Dippin Dots price. hehe :)

Get rid of demon and wizzer? I think both of those rides are going to be around for a very long time. Both are good coasters for the younger crowd. Shockwave on the other hand, the adults dont like it , the kids dont like it, just a few here and there who dont mind getting banged up.

Shockwave has no real value or attraction. It is the most visible coaster from the parking lot, but lets face it, The coaster provides little to no airtime, has extreme lateral and positive verticle g forces, and no scenery. What is the attraction people?

It's blue. :)
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"If two coaster trains almost hit each other, why is it called a near miss and not a near hit?"

Actually I totally agree Patrick. I guess I wasnt thinking when I posted and now that ive taken the time to consider, I think that Shockwave would be the best one to let go.
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Scream your coaster opinions and ideas! Its the ThemeParkBigShot!!!

Shockwave has a lot of open land on the area it sits, they could easily add a large coaster to that area and intertwine it with Shockwave. Great America from my understanding does not want to demolish any coasters any time soon, the only coaster I could see them tearing down would be the Whizzer.

IMO arguing over other people's opinions is pointless. Shockwave is fun to some people and painful for others. If you are trying to change someone's opinion it is pointless. As for SFGAm getting a new coaster, it's possible, but the parts would probably have to be at the park within the next month. Also, if a park gets a coaster you should be happy, not complaining that your home park didn't get it.
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My Top steel: Millennium Force, Magnum XL-200, Raging Bull, Desperado, Speed the Ride. Wood: Viper, American Eagle, Twister II, Zeus, Cyclops.

Demon rocks!!!! For an older Arrow coaster I found my ride on it fairly smooth and a very enjoyable experience. I read that article about them shutting down American Eagle's parking lot and thought that maybe they could put it to some use by possible converting it into more area for the park to build on. Now that I think about it, they probably will open it up when the season is in full swing of things. I think a new coaster in Orleans Place would be the wisest thing to do. There is really nothing to do in that area of the park.
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Of course that's just my opinion I could be wrong~Dennis Miller

well, in Orleans Place it does include Shockwave, Roaring Rapids, Condor, and Rue Le Dodge. So there are things to do there. But just an idea, I think it would be cool to have a flying coaster go over Roaring Rapids.

After thinking about this for awhile I noticed that Great America doesn't have anything from S&S. I think a space shot would be great to go in the place of power dive, I would like to see one of those at SFGAm.
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