SFoG and Carowinds question

Some trip planning going on, and two of the destinations are SFoG and Carowinds.

Just a question for any of you who have been there... can each of those parks be covered well in 1 day (I mean 1 day at each, not each in the same day).

Okay, I know that it's the same old question, but hey, its better than "What should I ride?" (answer: What ever you darned well please).

Yes they can, unless you plan to attend PCoW's waterpark.

SFOG is, by far, my favorite SF park. So selfishly I enjoyed it enough to spend two days there. However, if you just want to hit the coasters, it is easily to manage in a day's time. Well, just don't count Deja Vu into the mix. Some people resent the Fastlane Qbot system, but I swear by it. I recommend the investment, especcially if you want to cram as much in as possible.

Carowinds is also very managable. However I am hearing reports that (understandibly) the new Borg Assimilator lines are terribly long. Seems to me the smart thing to do is head to the rear of the park and work forward, saving Borg for late in the day and chalking it up to a long wait. Typically if a new ride is temperamental and has a huge line, I will wait until the end of the day just prior to closing to hop in line. That way the long wait does not eat into your day, and you time lin line extends past general park closing time. Unless the ride does not operate properly, the park will run out the line even well after closing.

Shaggy

No, not a water park person, and yes, would like to see more of the park than just the coasters.

For what is worth... pending time of the trip will be 3rd week in June and will be visiting on week days.

I usually have the opposite approach to new and tempermental rides. Hit it right out of the gate and re-ride the poop out of it until the line gets unmanagable. The worst scenario is when the ride breaks midday and never comes back up. This also allows you to figure out how much you like it and how much time you want to allot for re-riding.

Well, the trip plan is pretty much set now...

One day at Carrowinds,

One (with an option for a second) at SFoG.

Won't hold my breath for dejavu... and if I hit BORG Assimilator it will strictly be "one for the count" as I was not all that impressed with SFA's Batwing.

I have to agree with Shaggy, SFoG is my favorite Six Flags park (of the 5 I've visited)--and I spent only 5 hours there, from 5pm until 10pm. Had a blast, by myself. I was able to ride all the coasters at least once (pre-Deja and -S:UF). I really do want to get back there at some point, though, so I can ride the two newer coasters and the flats I missed.

As for Carowinds, well, I was able to do everything I wanted to do in one day as well. Granted, that was 10 years ago, but I'm sure you can still manage to cover the park in a day, since I can do the same at PKD, which has a bit more to offer from what I can tell.

Honestly, the only park I've been to in which I felt I had to stay a second day was Cedar Point.

Both parks are easy to do in one day. When at Carowinds, take my advice and ride the new BORG first, assuming you get there when the park opens. The park has been open for the last 2 weekends. On both weekends BORG has gone down mid day and didn't reopen. Plus, they are currently only running one train. Do it early, get it out of the way, and enjoy the rest of the parks more reliable rides.

i agree, but both parks can be done in one day if you only count coasters.

If you have an option for a third day, I would seriously consider either driving two hours west to Visionland or an hour and half north to Lake Winnie. Both are really nice parks, each has a great woodie, and both are easy day trips from Atlanta.

Trip plan is as follows:

Sun. June 13: Leave PA for NC

Mon. June 14: Carowinds

Wed. June 16: Myrtle Beach Pavilion and Family Kingdom

Saturday, June 19: Boomers, Dania FL

Monday, June 21: Wild Adventures Valdosta GA

Tuesday June 22: Six Flags Over Georgia

Wednesday, June 23: either a 2nd day at SFoG or possibly Visionland

Thursday, June 24: Lake Winnie

Friday, June 25: Dollywood

Saturday, June 26: Drive back to PA

Some of the days in the first week of the trip will be spent visiting family in FL. From Tuesday, June 22 on, we are basically going to play it by ear.

Last year, we cut our vacation in New England two day's short when we just got tired of beign on the road that long... we could do the same this year, who knows.

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However I am hearing reports that (understandibly) the new Borg Assimilator lines are terribly long.

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Due to one train operation and minor breakdowns thats why but i suggest getting on it first thing. the opening week sunday i rode it in 15 mins and i walked to the line, not ran.

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Won't hold my breath for dejavu... and if I hit BORG Assimilator it will strictly be "one for the count" as I was not all that impressed with SFA's Batwing.

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Actually they are quite differences being that one is not as rough as the other (from what i hear on the net) and the screws are a little better than the inlines. Not to mention the water and "theming" which makes a difference.

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As for Carowinds, well, I was able to do everything I wanted to do in one day as well. Granted, that was 10 years ago, but I'm sure you can still manage to cover the park in a day, since I can do the same at PKD, which has a bit more to offer from what I can tell.

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The same can be done today, its just a matter of what day. I suggest sundays because thats all i go to and i can do everything in the park double and sometiems triple and be leaving the park at 2 at the latest. On sundays almost all the rides are walk-ons and some you can some you can just re-ride w/o leaving your seat. (people around here value going church strongly lol lol so the parks are nearly empty!!)

Carowinds has lots to offer w/ its unique line up of attractions and enviroment. One minute you can be walking by a water wheel over a foot bridge then you can be strolling thru what looks to be a tropical hideaway by the wild thornberry's river adventure. And carowinds also has top gun - the jet coaster, need i say more!!

It sounds like you have a great Southern trip planned. If your going to be in Myrtle Beach, don't forget that they have a fun spinning mouse at the MB Grand Prix in North Myrtle. Like I said before, if your going to be down here definitely try and hit Visionland. SFOG is my favorite Six Flags but it can definitely be done in one day, especially if your hitting it on a weekday during the first half of the summer. Even if you wanted to get some more of it in on a second day, you could always hit it for a half day and then go to Visionland in the evening. I believe they have discounted admission after 5:00 PM. Just remember that there is a 1 hour time change from there to Atlanta. No tour of the South is complete without a night ride on Rampage! Have fun and post some trip reports like you did for your New England trip (which were very good BTW) ;)

I agree w/ Pale Rider-You need to visit Visionland. The Rampage is worth the drive.