SoCal "Season"

Hey all, just got back from a trip to Florida (with some good coastering) and had the good fortune to be able to volunteer to get "bumped" on a flight and got a voucher for a free flight anywhere in the US. I figure this is my best opportunity to get out to SoCal and ride some of the coasters in that area, but I was wondering when the "in" season starts out there? I know in Florida the current months are considered season, but the attendance at parks and such is still pretty low, even during the weekends. I really can't head out there until after April 30 (turn 21 so I can get a rental car and a hotel room) but I was hoping things don't get hopping til like late May or whatever. Any insight would be great. Thanks.

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"You know we got a good thing goin' and I don't wanna see it end" --Reel Big Fish
-- Brett

21 for a rental car?? Thought it was 24-25.. Was last time I was out there.. Could be wrong though..

I'd tell ya to check the Six Flags website for dates but.. umm.. well.. you might get lucky.. it WAS working a little while ago.

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82
Technical Services - 2002-2003
Frightzone Screamster - 2002-2003

Somewhat off topic but I know dollar rents to 21's. They charge a huge fee though which is why I didn't get a car for the solace last week.

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I hope they kill that iron yuppie. Thinks he's so big. The great homer simspon

Yea, Dollar was who I was planning on going with. I didn't mean like open dates or anything, I mean as far as like the massive influx of tourists and such. Does that start in like late May once schools start to let out or earlier? Just trying to get a feel on it, since my options on when I could take this trip are pretty open.

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"You know we got a good thing goin' and I don't wanna see it end" --Reel Big Fish
-- Brett

PD, glad you had a good time on the rides...did you get Gwazi, it's been real nice lately (when they're running both sides at least).

*Normal* rental car rates are set for drivers 25 and over...if they'll do you the honor of renting to you under 25, a *surcharge* WILL apply...the insurance will demand it.

Enterprise will also rent to you if you're under 25, and I understand ACE members get a discount. I believe their extra charge is about $10 @ day if you're under 25.

As far as crowds getting bigger, Memorial Day seems to be the start of that. However, at that point SFMM is open during the week, and until mid-June, the kids are still in school. Anytime midweek through May/early June should be just fine.

Better than me, lol. I'm paying an extra 40 dollars per day to rent a car on my coaster trip this summer. Oh well, its worth it, and I am glad that someone rents cars to 18 year olds! (Hertz)

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Xcelerator- Put the Pedal to the Metal!

CoasterFan, where exactly do you live that you can rent at 18? I've never found someplace that lets you do that!

RG - yea, I did get to ride Gwazi and for the first time dueling too! I've got a "thing" for GCIs, but the dueling on that ride just made it so much better! I was blown away and if not for my cousin needing to get back, I was going to find customer service and drop the hint that they really outta run it dueling more often! Also, I noticed that Kumba and Montu are running amazing right now. I don't know if they got some maintenance since I was there in November or what, but they were as smooth as can be - by far my best BGT trip yet.

Also, anyone noticed lately that Hulk's second half is *really* rough? The first half until the corkscrew over the station is simply breathtaking, but after that, it just hurts, and that's rare for me to admit as I have the "you chose to ride it, deal with the pain" motto ;) And I fell in love all over again with Dueling Dragons ... what an awesome ride and theme! (wow kinda turned into a TR there huh?)

Tom - thanks for the heads up, I think late May is when I will take the trip - might take the first week of June off work, head out there on the last Friday in May and come back like Wednesday of the next week in time to hit up CoasterMania! :) (First the little brother, then the biggie!) Anyone wanna be my coaster buddy sometime that week? ;) (Most of my friends aren't rich enough to up and buy a ticket to California)

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"You know we got a good thing goin' and I don't wanna see it end" --Reel Big Fish
-- Brett

April 30th, what a great day to have a birthday ;) Anyway, email when this time gets closer, I can maybe hang out at Knotts or at least hook you up with some Disney tickets.

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"And none may dare entreat further, for to invoke death is to utter the final prayer."

Yea, April 30th, the day the world was perfected eh? ;) Alright, I'll get in touch with you in a while, I did some planning tonite (just cannot sleep) and its looking like I will be hittin it up May 29 - June 4. Thanks for your replies.

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"You know we got a good thing goin' and I don't wanna see it end" --Reel Big Fish
-- Brett