The state appears to be hung up on the idea of rides. Zoos and Museums are both allowed to open (with strict limits), but specifically with no rides.
And I don't know the science behind it, but I don't think Illinois is the only one doing it - California let San Diego Zoo open, but no Amusement parks so far. And Six Flags is specifically going to open Discovery Kingdom for animals only, no rides open.
Last edited by anewman35 on June 29th, 2020, 10:55 am, edited 1 time in total.
I would think it would take four week minimum to get HH open, what would be the point as they would only be open for 2-3 weeks daily, then two more weeks for the weekend? Seems like a lot do for 25% capacity which would be 2000 out of the 8000 allowed. Gurnee and Lake County school go back mid August, so they cannot extended the weekday past mid August easily since the water park (at any capacity) takes a lot of lifeguards.
I think a lot has to do with the CDC not issuing any guidance for amusement parks. CDC issued guidance for pools and waterparks, but not amusement parks.
JT2002 wrote:Update: Hank said don't count the dry park out for a late July opening.
Also, HH has an opening date but it's confidential rn.
They've previously said it would take about a month to get the park open once they got permission, right? So I assume this mean they're expecting the state to give that very soon? Hmm...
Six Flags has announced Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee has received approval to open and an opening date will be announced soon. There is no news on Great America at this time.
JT2002 wrote:Update: Hank said don't count the dry park out for a late July opening.
Also, HH has an opening date but it's confidential rn.
They've previously said it would take about a month to get the park open once they got permission, right? So I assume this mean they're expecting the state to give that very soon? Hmm...
Currently landscaping and cleanup is underway
They say there isn't a spot in the park where rusting metal or peeling paint is at least 15 feet away from you.
ilrider wrote:Pritzker’s orders just got shot down in a downstate court today, so his restrictions are legally null and void. Time to open the park!
The State will appeal. It'll probably go to the State Supreme Court, which will uphold it again. Any business who starts making plans to reopen until the Supreme Court weights in is wasting it's time and money.
It's funny because it was a downstate judge. Clay County Illinois. And I personally see it as another example of "we don't have to listen to the state government because you don't understand what it's like down here."
And it will be another example of higher courts overruling downstate judges
Regardless of the politics, the park already has a plan that's been set in motion and they're moving as fast as they can.
They say there isn't a spot in the park where rusting metal or peeling paint is at least 15 feet away from you.
Are they working on building a main entrance directly into Hurricane Harbor? Or are they going to use existing Park Entrance and have it roped directly to the water park?
^Not sure yet, I think they'll be delaying that construction until next season. But I'd imagine when the Harbor opens they'll use the members entrance up front.
Also, We have water!!!
They say there isn't a spot in the park where rusting metal or peeling paint is at least 15 feet away from you.
Wow, sounds serious. If it were to open in the next 30 days, I would have expected communication of an opening date by now. The park is incurring costs by getting the park ready, so I wouldn't think they'd do so if they didn't have a reasonable expectation that the water and/or dry parks would open this summer. With that, I'd think they'd begin the process of providing updates to their customers.
It was already announced that the water parks will open soon. No date was given but if I had to guess I would say July 18th. The theme park side i think they will get the ok after 28 days in phase 4 with no uptick in cases.
got2havefun wrote:Are they working on building a main entrance directly into Hurricane Harbor? Or are they going to use existing Park Entrance and have it roped directly to the water park?
Last photo I saw of park back in March showed the parking lot entrance completely demolished. So I’m guessing they have to get that operational before they can open.
got2havefun wrote:Are they working on building a main entrance directly into Hurricane Harbor? Or are they going to use existing Park Entrance and have it roped directly to the water park?
Last photo I saw of park back in March showed the parking lot entrance completely demolished. So I’m guessing they have to get that operational before they can open.
Or I wonder if it does make sense to use the main gate and have people go through the park - I would presume they could use some of the food, shops and restrooms along the way too (as long as no rides are open), might help with social distancing, etc?
Though Phase 4 of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan does not allow us to open Santa’s Village, we are anxiously awaiting future guidance that may include the potential for it to open yet this season.
However, we are thrilled to announce that Santa Spring’s waterpark at Santa’s Village will be opening on July 14th, 2020.
Six Flags Great America has announced Hurricane Harbor Chicago will open for Season Passholders and Members July 20th - July 26th and everyone else starting July 27th. Operating hours will be 11:00am - 6:00pm. Reservations are required for all guests and can be made at http://www.sixflags.com/reserve
NOTE that all attractions in Riptide Bay (Surf Rider, Monsoon Lagoon, Wipeout, Mega Wedgie, and Dive Bomber) will NOT open in 2020 due to construction.
"Park Entrance Update: ALL guests will now enter through the Six Flags Great America main gate to get to Hurricane Harbor Chicago, for health screening purposes." This means even though the rides will remain closed for now, guests will walk through Carousel Plaza, Hometown Square, and Southwest Territory to reach the Hurricane Harbor entrance.
HH opening July 20th for members/passholders, general public on July 27th.
To me though, the weirdest part is that they've appearanrly decided to call the Gurnee park 'Hurricane Harbor Chicago'. Which just seems confusing and stupid, in my opinion...
Anyone else not able to make a reservation? I am a Diamond Elite member and I've tried entering in both my Membership Number and the order confirmation number but I keep getting Error 10.
anewman35 wrote:HH opening July 20th for members/passholders, general public on July 27th.
To me though, the weirdest part is that they've appearanrly decided to call the Gurnee park 'Hurricane Harbor Chicago'. Which just seems confusing and stupid, in my opinion...
They did that because we now have two HHs in Illinois, Rockford and Chicago. Why they said Chicago rather than Gurnee I don’t know, but guessing it’s because Chicago is where people outside the state or area say our park is. Heck, I tell people from other states I am from Chicago.
I just made a reservation and it was very easy. Just had to enter one of our pass numbers, then indicate how many in our party, and choose the date and time. There is a reservation page you have to print or show on your device. Just one reservation page for the whole group.
Last edited by ilrider on July 10th, 2020, 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
anewman35 wrote:HH opening July 20th for members/passholders, general public on July 27th.
To me though, the weirdest part is that they've appearanrly decided to call the Gurnee park 'Hurricane Harbor Chicago'. Which just seems confusing and stupid, in my opinion...
They did that because we now have two HHs in Illinois, Rockford and Chicago.
I understand that, but Gurnee isn't Chicago. Would be better in my opinion to call it 'Hurricane Harbor Gurnee' or 'Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great America' or something.