SFOG, Zoo Atlanta, or The Aquarium? (Atlanta advice needed)

I’ve got a one day layover in Atlanta Friday on my way to a week of fun, relaxation, and scuba diving in Cozumel. I’m traveling with the wife and a 2-year old. Can anybody confirm recent changes in operations at SFOG…or is it same old, same old…? I’d love to try out Goliath, but I need to make sure my son and wife are happy…or else I won’t be happy!

I’ve been there quite a few times and have ridden all the other coasters. I’ve always liked the rides, but have been under whelmed with the operations. Have things changed with the Shapiro announcements? How are the two woodies running (very important stuff here)?

Can I use that Q-bot thingy to get on all the rides while maximizing my wait times with the family? I’m not going to leave them all day so I can get my coaster fix.

Also…I cannot recall the kiddie area for the life of me…is it nice?

…or would I be better served heading to the new aquarium downtown and skipping the park? We did the zoo last summer and had a ball…this is always another option!

I was just looking for some last minute information from the “family” perspective. I know hardcore coaster fans will see it no other way (been there and done that).

Thank you in advance for any advice/opinions!

I would take the fam to the zoo or aquarium, but only before or after you took off for a couple hours to ride Goliath by yourself.

I have done that a couple times with my gf Monica. She went to the spa at Universal while I drove down to Tampa to ride Sheikra.
*** Edited 4/5/2006 3:11:50 PM UTC by eightdotthree***

I would go to the aquarium. The Zoo has pandas, but other than that, it isn't much to write home about. SFoG is nice, but I wouldn't choose it over the chance to see the aquarium. Some of my coworkers (I work for a Zoo) went to a sneak preview during IAAPA last year and couldn't stop talking about it. I'm hoping to check it out during the conference this year. I would look at getting tickets asap. I've heard they can sell out on busy days. *** Edited 4/5/2006 4:28:39 PM UTC by bigboy***

I debating this very thing as well. I'll be in Atlanta with 12 kids and 10 adults later this month for an event and we have some time to kill on a Sunday.

Is it worth trying to haul the group out to SFoG for five hours of riding before we go to the airport or should I just make reservations for the Aquarium?

If you've been to the Six Flags park before, then go to the Aquarium. Apparently, it's the world's largest, and for crying out loud the place is exhibiting whale sharks! I'd pay money to see the world's biggest fish than to ride a new hypercoaster. Well. Maybe not, but still.

SFOG's "Bugs Bunny's World" area is pretty nice. It's kind of near Acrophobia (the drop tower) and the Crystal Pistol Music Hall. There's also Skull Island (the interactive water play area) too, and the Riverview Carousel hill area with the Rockin' Tug and balloon ride. Don't forget Monster Plantation too. Send the wife and 2 year old off to do some of that and you should have enough time to do Goliath. Knowing Las Vegas isn't exactly down the street from SFOG, I know if I were you and chose other options like the zoo or aquarium besides Goliath, I'd be kicking myself later. It really is a fantastic coaster. Definitely worth the visit. Even better, why not do the aquarium early in the day and then hit SFOG for night rides on Goliath? They are staying open til 10 pm this year.

Aquarium. But make sure to get your tickets well ahead of time.

I don't recommend the World of Coke near downtown unless you want to pay $9 for what is essentially a commercial disguised as a museum. Not even the "cokes of the world" tasting room is worth the price of admission.

I was in and out of that place in less than 10 mins! What a waste of time and money!

The Zoo pretty much isn't very fun.

The Aquarium was insanely crowded when we were there on Wed, March 29 at Noon. None the less it was pretty fun. They have a really cool kid's play area. Ooh...Sea Turtles!! Yeah...it was cool.

Just hold off on World of Coke until the new one opens, and we'll hope it is better.

Heh. Is anybody not disappointed with World Of Coke.

My description from that page (written 2 weeks ago):

"I would describe World Of Coke as part memorabilia collection, part museum, part nostaligia trip and real life walkthough commercial. It seems like a pretty fair assessment."