Suggestions for Six Flags Great America

I will be going to SFGA for the first time in a couple of weeks and was wondering if anyone could provide any tips in terms of when to ride what and how to get the most out of the day. I have heard Superman usually has the longest line and am planning on riding that first....thanks for any input.

Yeah! My home park, I'm there alot :)

I would skip Superman until the end of the day - everyone goes there first; that and Raging Bull. If you have been on a Superman clone, I would especially skip it.

If you have a thing for unique non-cookie cutter coasters, and oldies and odd rides (like I do), then head to American Eagle. Whizzer is another one of my favorites, but the line is long early in the day, as it is close to the front gate. Whizzer is also great late in the day - the line is short or non-existant, and the ride warms up well.

American Eagle has one side running a good amount of the time; you want to ride RED side if at all possible. Any seat on RED, later in the day (after the ride is nice and warm) has been a real surprise in the last couple years. 3rd seat is GREAT on Eagle and Viper.

Demon is a great old, semi-themed Arrow. Check out the front and back - where you will get ejector air on the first drop.

Ragin Cajun has a single rider line - otherwise the line is always dreadful.

Iron Wolf is very rough. The rest of the rides are pretty much available at other parks. Raging Bull seems to be popular, but I'd rather spend my time on the oldies.

Also, if you have time, check out some of the classic flats; Fiddler's Fling, East River Crawler (Polyp; note Lobster with red eyes still on top of the ride), Triple Play (Troika), Orbit (Anton Enterprise), Hometown Fun Machine (Scrambler). These are especially nice at night with some of their original lighting.

Last year when we went to SFGAm American Eagle and Iron Wolf did not open with the rest of the park.

Thanks Demon! I actually have never experienced a B&M flyer so I do want to ride that at least once. I'm really looking forward to Raging Bull even though I hear that it is now heavily trimmed. I've heard Whizzer is great, as are the woodies. I'll make a point to check out some of the flats you suggested as well.

^^Dave may have a point. I'm never there first thing in the morning.

If you like Superman (or any coaster at the park for that matter) make sure you find an empty seat and jump back in after the ride you waited for. The park doesn't fill seats too well, and there are always empties. Even on Whizzer when there is a line. Most ride ops won't say anything if you hop back in an empty seat.

Whizzer is my ride. Whizzer, Red Eagle and Demon are pretty much all I ride. If you have never been on a Anton 'speed racer' or 'jumbo jet' of any kind, you are in for a treat. Viper is GREAT too, but the walk to get and from it is not cool.

Also, check out www.greatamericaparks.com they have tons of great old pics, etc.

CoasterDemon said:
^^
Whizzer is my ride. Whizzer, Red Eagle and Demon are pretty much all I ride. If you have never been on a Anton 'speed racer' or 'jumbo jet' of any kind, you are in for a treat. Viper is GREAT too, but the walk to get and from it is not cool.

I've only been to the park once, in '07. I rode every coaster except Ragin' Cajun. I liked most of them, especially Viper. What really left an impression on me was the length of the queue for American Eagle...I'm talkin' 'bout the walk itself, because there was no line. I didn't really enjoy my day there...combination of the heat, not feeling too well, and some bad company. I'd love to go back someday and give the park another try under different circumstances.

The walk to ride American Eagle is quite impressive. After walking through the entrance sign it is a long, long walk back to the loading station with or without a line to wait in.

^Yes, it is very rediculous. Best thing to do is walk up the exit, then 'transfer' to the entrance path when you get on the other side of the sky coaster up charge attraction. Then you avoid the zig-zag length.