So, is it worth it? And also, would the crowds be light since it is a Monday, or are they always light in this park?
Thank You!
Lakeside is visually stunning at night, as Pale Rider pointed out. Their Cyclone is an ACE coaster classic, and they also have one of the better Miler mouse coasters ("Wild Chipmunk"). The rest of the park consists of tradional amusement park rides, with some rare gems thrown in for good measure, such as a recently refurbished Whip, a coal-fired train that goes around Lake Rhoda, and "Skoota Boats" (bumper boats). Lakeside includes free parking with their $2 gate admission (which includes a 50 cent coupon), and you can buy tickets for individual rides or splurge on an all day wristband (last time I checked it was $12.75 per adult on weekdays, $17.75 on weekends). Note that on weekdays Lakeside opens fairly late in the afternoon, so don't plan on the major rides being open until 6:00pm-7:00pm.
Six Flags Elitch Gardens is a more modern park; they have the only North American installation of Intamin's Halfpipe design, and their Flying Coaster was the first ever Zamperla Volare ride. They also have a water park that is included with admission, though it is not as good as Waterworld. Parking costs $8 per vehicle, and standard adult admission is $36.99. That said, if you print your tickets from their web site they are only charging $25.99 right now. And select Diet Coke cans will give you $15 off gate admission Fri-Mon (Tues-Thurs is "Buy One Get One Free").
If you have the time, you should also check out the Alpine Slide at Heritage Square in Golden (just west of Denver). If you haven't done one of these, you will be in for a treat. And on the non-thrill ride front, I am obligated to plug the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest train in the United States. Who'd have imagined a gift store on top of one of Colorado's Fourteeners?
--Kevin
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Kevin Knapp, Colorado Springs, kknappcyclone@aceonline.org
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That alpine slide looks cool. I've never done one before and wish that that I had known about it before my trip as I would have fit it in. I guess that's what return trips are for.
SFEG may be a fine park, especially if you like having your wallet emptied SF-style. Lakeside is much more family-friendly with a superior wooden coaster.
mOOSH
*** Edited 7/7/2004 8:46:18 PM UTC by Mamoosh***
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