First Trip to the Park (help)

[nhman]

Hey I am taking a trip with my father to Chicago in Early July and I plan on spending a day at SFGAM, but unfortunately I can only spend one day at the park. So I am trying to find out what rides not to miss and what i can expect as far as lines go for the Coasters. I am expecting to be at the park on Monday the 6th and i dont know what to expect as far as crowds. Also i already have a SFNE season pass but my father does not and i was wondering if it would be cheapest to give him my half-off gate price coupon from the coupon book, or is there someplace cheaper to buy tickets. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[monsterfan99]

I can give you some advice on the coasters. I am not sure if you are into coaster credits, so I will put down the best advice I can for all coasters.

First, consider the Flash Pass. It will run you near or over 100 for the gold for 2 people. But it works on 8 of the parks coasters and some of the flats. Here is the strategy if not, amusing you are there in line before opening.

Superman Ultimate Flight - Expect long lines early and often. Add to that, there is a good chunk of the que line in the sun. Hit it first or last ride before you leave.

The Dark Knight - Honestly, I would skip it unless you hit it right after Superman or before if you choose to ride Superman at close.

Ragin Cajun - Use the single rider line as line for the ride get down right awful. If you are not ok with single rider, run there as early as you can.

Batman - The Ride - Goes through people quite quickly, especially if you do not ride in the front row. Almost the entire que is in the shade/indoors, so feel free to wait until afternoon for this.

V2 - Lines get thick early but tend to die down near closing. Best advice here is to use flash pass.

Spacley Sprocket's Rocket - A kiddie coaster, but lines can get around 20-30 minutes. skip if not into credits

Iron Wolf - Ride does not open until 11 am. The ride is rough, but was also the first B&M. Not sure on lines for the ride as i tend to skip it.

American Eagle - This ride does not open until 11 am. Both sides are very different, so keep that in mind. Lines can get long if only one side is running. Another problem is you can not tell the line until you are already is said line. Try to hit at 11 am or right after.

Raging Bull - Line can get long, but goes fast. A full que at worst is an hour, but worth it. One of the best rides in the park.

Viper - A great wooden coaster. Lines can get long for this as well, but only around 45 minutes to an hour.

Demon - The arrow looper of the park. Lines can get around 30-40 minutes, but loads fast. My advice is skip if not into credits.

Whizzer - The classic ride of SF Great America. Worth the wait no matter what the wait.

Most of the rides also have boards outside the ride with que lengths. Most tend to be around 5-10 minutes within the posted times. If a line looks long and the board says so, it probably is.

None coaster wise, don't forget to take a ride of the Sky Trek Tower for a great view of the park. Also gives you a chance to get off your feet. Also, the bumper cars at the park are outstanding, well worth a ride.

Remember to have a great time.

[Viper 88]

Always glad to help out a first time visitor. WHATEVER U DO DO NOT TAKE THE 290/294 EXPRESSWAY IT IS ANYTHING BUT!!!! They are doing so much construction it would be faster to take Milwaukee avenue to Grand. Or whatever streets are around u. If u only have 1 day skip Hurricane Harbor The lines get tremendously long for the slides and the park very often fills to capacity before 11 am. Splurge for the Premium parking and it will take 5-10 minutes off walking to the gate. Try to go on a Monday or Tuesday there are generally less people here during these times (but i cannot guarantee if all of the rides will be open but they should be). Most of the coasters fill fast especially Superman, and The Dark Knight, lines for these 2 can easily be 2 hours during peak park attendance. Do not go for the Fourth of July You'd be lucky to get on three rides; also u may want to call the park @ 847-249-1800 and ask what private groups are going to be there. Last year I went during a muslim fest and they were jammed packed lines were horrbile. Skip the bumper cars the line never moves. Some of the better flat rides include: Triple Play, Orbit, Chubasco, The Great America Scenic Railway (which makes a stop right next to Iron Wolf), Fiddler's Fling, and Roarin' Rapids. Be warned that even though some lines may not look too bad some are and are eye foolers by turning round a corner u cant see the rest of the line. U can save time and strength by waiting to play games until the end of the day, this way u wont have to lug around hot stuffed animals. Buy a souvenier refill glass, as each bottle (20oz) of Coke can be 3.00 the cup may be 12.00 but last years came with free refills the entire first day u bought it, after the first day they were .99. The flash pass might still be a great idea if u are a serious coaster freak. I hope this helps and i hope u have a good trip. Ps a Twicket (return again ticket) is only an additional 20.00 which may be something to look into.

[DejaVu2001]

Buy a souvenier refill glass, as each bottle (20oz) of Coke can be 3.00 the cup may be 12.00 but last years came with free refills the entire first day u bought it, after the first day they were .99.

I would highly recommend NOT buying a Sport Bottle as they are not allowed in line for any of the coasters. Don't bring anything that can't fit in a pocket or you'll have to rent a locker everytime you ride a coaster.

[Demon_07]

^^^I actually haven't seen Demon's line more than 15 minutes with the exception of FF.

[onyxhotel08]

Buy a sports bottle at the end of the day and remember on the water rides you can bring them on anyway....otherwise do the water fountains and/or buy a small water bottle so you don't get thirsty with those sweet sodas. Less trips to the bathroom the better for you.

[monsterfan99]

^^^I actually haven't seen Demon's line more than 15 minutes with the exception of FF.

Last Friday they were a good 25 minutes with the line all the way to the que entrance.

With food, don't even bother in the park. Lines have been long for food and cost over 10 a person. Just drive over to Burger King across the street for half the price and few lines.

Also make sure you can fit everything in your pockets due to the new locker policy.

[onyxhotel08]

I don't get why everyone is obsessed with eating Burger King. I would not want that anywhere near my mouth or arteries. Though not 100% perfect Subway at least allows you to see your food come together and you get the healthy stuff put in to balance of the meat most people have. Don't get me started on those salads at BK. Besides, a lot of places in the park usually have few lines and good deals are easy to spot with coupon books and meal combos. You eat like once really good and the rest of the day you leave for water and/or snacks (I skip those as well). The time it takes to go all the way to your car, drive out to a place, order, eat and come back you waste so much time especially if you don't visit that often.

[bobbinbop20]

WHATEVER U DO DO NOT TAKE THE 290/294 EXPRESSWAY IT IS ANYTHING BUT!!!!

Its not bad at all, they have 3 lanes, I take 294 everytime and have never been caught in traffic

[DPFan]

Yeah, 290/294 really isn't that bad. Yes, there's going to be traffic because of the construction...but the expressway will be the easiest path (if coming from south/west suburbs). Tip: DO USE the express lanes! They might seen slow at first BUT once you get going, you will thank yourself...the local lanes get backed up. Keep using the express lanes, thats what I have been doing.

For the parking...
I had no problem with the general parking. Saving $10 is well worth the 2-5 min walk from your car to the gates.

Just a few tips to add on to what has already been said (and a few repeats)...
-Do not buy the refillable bottle...you WILL have to store it in a locker for $1 before getting on EVERY roller coaster. I can usually go the entire day with one major drink and then there are the FREE water fountains.

-Go on Superman: Ultimate Flight BEFORE park closing, not when park opens.

-Be prepared for some pain on Iron Wolf and some slight pain on American Eagle. By no means am I saying to skip these rides (though I always skip Iron Wolf). American Eagle gets really bumpy in its mega-helix.

-Don't be turned off by the casual flat rides like Fiddlers' Fling and the Orbit (my two favs!)

-Giant Drop gives an amazing view! Try getting on either carts 1,2,5 (I think those are the numbers). TOn a clear day, they give you an amazing view of both downtown Chiago AND the lakefront!

-Dont be embrassed to use a map. Though the park is a large circle, you might pass a ride. Some of the entrances can be missed...you could always ask someone though.

-If into characters...check out Carousel Plaza in the morning AND around park closing.

-Don't forgot your camera! The carousel is an awesome icon for photos. Demon is also a great coaster to take photos of...with its loops and corkscrews (you can walk under the coaster right by the corkscrews!)

-Food is pricy. There is no getting around that. Remember that $10 you saved from choosing general parking? Use it for food. And yeah...what's up with everybody on this site and Burger King!?!


Hope some of this helps! Enjoy your trip. SFGAm is a great park!!!

[cowboy1192]

Ill make it easy.

Must rides
-Raging Bull
-Viper
-American Eagle
-Superman Ultimate Flight (Id do it first)
-Batman the Ride
-Vertical Velocity


As long as you can hit those up, youll have fun for sure.

[onyxhotel08]

Skip if long lines or no flash pass:

Iron Wolf
Dark Knight Coaster
Buccaneer Battle
Superman: Ultimate Flight

Go on Raging Bull first then, if no flash pass, hit Batman and V2 if no huge lines

Roaring Rapids is an awesome water ride that is almost deserted right at opening the water rides are a mess after 12 so go early or late in the day.

Certain rides are awesome since they have no lines and/or are great for first timers:

Whizzer
American Eagle
Viper
Giant Drop
Demon
Revolution
King Chaos
Dare Devil Dive (costs extra but if you have $$ do it!)
Sky Trek Tower
Logger's Run/Yankee Clipper (if open)

Have a plan if you don't use a flash pass so you don't waste time wondering where to go next. Note flash passes are not available for every ride every day. Check the ride status for flash pass in Hometown Square.

[nhman]

Thanks for all the Tips and Info, I am looking foward to visting the park!

[onyxhotel08]

It is always so much fun going the first time can't believe mine was 13 years ago!