SFGAm Media Day 4/29/03
Associated parks:
None
The entrance is not finished yet, as you can see from my pictures. They are using the same entrance as Shockwave and the beginning of the line goes through the old shockwave line. You can tell where they are going to put up the superman sign – my guess is the same one that is used for the other supermans (is it supermans or supermen?). There was an area on the ground that was blocked off where it is very clear that they are going to put the superman logo. It is smaller than the SFOG version and faces away from the ride as opposed to the SFOG version. Ok, since there was no line, we walked up the exit path as opposed to the entrance but they did have, what I am guessing, are the same cutouts that are at the SFGAd version. One note, the area under the ride is only dirt, but they already have holes dug where trees are going. Overall, the landscaping is going to add to the ride – just not done yet. Also, the only thing that needs to be done before they can open the ride is to finish the railings. The exit path and the gates in the station are not done, but the rest of the stuff can be finished after the ride is open. Finally, on to the ride. Walked right up and sat down. Having only seen the ride on video, you cannot appreciate how well designed the trains are. They hold you securely but are incredibly comfortable. Also, they close in one easy motion and lock. This will improve capacity greatly because the ride-ops only need to walk by and make sure they are locked. This is the exact opposite as Déjà Vu. Anyway, the seats smoothly go up into the “flying” position and you are off.
I am not going to go into much detail on the ride because everyone has read about the SFGAd version and having never been on the other versions, I don’t know how they compare. What I will say is that SFGAm has a winner. This ride is pure fun. The pretzel loop is amazing and gives completely different rides depending on where you sit. I was able to ride the ride 15 times throughout the morning and tried all the rows. In the front of the train you fall through the first half of the pretzel loop before experiencing the powerful Gs. The back is pure Gs. You are plastered to the seat. After the pretzel loop the ride provides a nice sensation of flight. (although I do lack the power of flight to compare). I suggest the outside left because you get some nice “arm” choppers flying past supports. After one of my rides, I looked over and saw Walter Bollinger and walked over and talked to him. Very nice guy- wanted to know what I thought. This was definitely a highlight.
At 10:00 they had a ceremony. Walter Bollinger talked about the ride and his connection to SFGAm. He thanked them for taking a chance on a new company and building Iron Wolf. He said they would not exist without that ride being bought. So for all of you that complain about that ride, if it had not been built, we would not have B&M. Walter, Jim Winthrope (sp??) the GM of SFGAm and all the Clark and Kents went on the first ride – even though I had already been on the ride 7 times. Whatever gets them to sleep at night J At this point there was a line of a train or two so we went and got the free food. After eating, the line was not existent so we rode Superman a couple more times. By this point, it was time to go. In all, rode the ride 15 times and loved it. It looks like it could be open by opening weekend – if they finish the railings and the entrance. Also, there was a separate line that I am guessing will be used for fast pass.
It was hard to tell but I could definitely see some of the train inside of V2. The shockwave parts were sitting on a hill and are clearly visible while going up the lift hill. I took about 100 pictures and will post them. Here is a sample of the pictures and the rest will be posted soon. http://photos.yahoo.com/jpbsuperman
Some people are having trouble seeing the pictures so I also put some up on MSN. More pictures are on the way.
Thanks,jpb
edit - fixed spacing
edit - added MSN info
*** This post was edited by jpb 4/29/2003 4:21:49 PM ***
*** This post was edited by jpb 4/29/2003 6:01:44 PM ***
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Six Flags Great America Rules, I finally get to fly this year
Also, looked through the press packet. The Cd that came with it was pretty stupid. All the Superman pics were from the SFOG version. But there is one computer generated SFGAm one that includes the entire skyline behind it. I will post that picture as well.
They are mostly the same - more pictures to come, but I have to do some work today first. I will post more tonight.
Edit: added link
*** This post was edited by jpb 4/29/2003 6:03:15 PM ***
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Superman - Ultimate Flight SFGAm = 15
I might as well brag before the park opens.
http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=30747
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Never Has Gravity Been So Uplifting.
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http://www.floridathrills.net
Your Guide to the Southeast-Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Alabama.
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All who think Mean Streak needs a match taken to it say I.
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Arena football has arrived in the Windy City. Go "Chicago Rush"
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Superman - Ultimate Flight SFGAm = 15
I might as well brag before the park opens.
http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=30747
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Superman - Ultimate Flight SFGAm = 15
I might as well brag before the park opens.
http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=30747
Edit - sorry, I realize that I should have just put this as an edit to my post above.
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Superman - Ultimate Flight SFGAm = 15
I might as well brag before the park opens.
http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=30747
*** This post was edited by jpb 4/29/2003 11:20:17 PM ***
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