O Great America

[twixmix0303]

Didn't America become independent in 1776? If so, then wouldn't Great America have opened 200 years later, in 1976? Is that just a coincidence, or did they plan the whole Great America theme because of that?

[Timmy179]

Yes america did become independant in 1776, but i dont know if the great america parks were planned to open on the 200th anniversary

[Do I Know You]

Though it would make a lot of sense if it did.

[FParker185]

The original opening date for both Great America Parks was to be July 4, 1976, it was planned that way to celebrate the nations 200'th annerversary, but due to budget concerns(construction went pretty far overbudget) both parks soft opened May 29, 1976, and with one missing territory (The Great Southwest). But yeah, the whole 1976 thing was planned out.

[greatamerica2003]

Yep its no coincidence, they planned it that way, as a celebration of the country's bicentennial. All of the major themed areas in the park represent a time in Americas past. Thankfully, the Gurnee park has survived thus far with its themed areas intact. The park in Santa Clara hasn't fared as well.

[Papas]

PGA is making more of a Paramount movie ad type park. SFGAm knows how to do it, still patriotic .

[Chitown]

Paramount pretty much butchered their Great America. I guess they felt they wanted to have their style of theming.

While I am glad Six Flags kept most of Marriott's theming, I think it was more of a cost saving measure and why mess with something that works.

[InsaneNewman]

...and with one missing territory (The Great Southwest).

So Southwest Territory was part of the original park plan?

[Chitown]

Yes, it was.

Marriott had the intention of building a Mexican/Western themed section in the area where Southwest Territory is now.

Since Marriott only owned the 2 Great Americas for 8 years, the plans were squashed.

[M-SFGreatAmerica]

The Southern Cross Sky Ride at SFGAm even had a sign that said "The Great Southwest" comming to Great America in the early 80's at the turnaround point of the skyride which is aproximatly where the Raging Bull Station is now.

[SFGA 11]

It was originally going to be called the Great Southwest?

[Aero737]

This was before Southwest Territory was in the makings/planning stages. LONG before that.

[FParker185]

Well Technically SWT has been in planning since about 1974

Just took time warner to get off their butts and do something about it. Supposedly the end Result is fairly similar to the original Great Southwest plans, at least midway and building wise, rides of course were updated to fit with the times.

[Mr. SFGAm]

Thankfully, the Gurnee park has survived thus far with its themed areas intact. The park in Santa Clara hasn't fared as well.

I think that the only original themes that they have left would be part of Orleans Place, and County Fair. Most of their original rides are gone too.

[SFGA 11]

There Yankee Harbor changed two times. Yankee Harbor to Stealth Bay to Boomerang Bay. That park defiantly does not care about there history.

[Papas]

Well they dont need to considering the dominate the NorCal park world (SFMW, lol) and only people like you would really care about the history, just because they changed the park doesnt make it bad, although the way SFGAm changed it while keeping things the same is neat .