blueeowyn | Six Flags Open (Reply)

Java and I are insane. It was snowing (ok, flurries) when we left to visit Six Flags for opening weekend (they opened yesterday but the whole work thing sort of kept us away). So, what was the weather like? COLD! There was snow on the deck when we were ready to leave.

We had no problem with the parking and got a 2007 map. Nice map (sort of laminated instead of paper ... don't know if it was an opening weekend special or what). No sign of the in-line coaster on the map (no big surprise there). The rides listed as closed were Superman (drat), Great Chase, Penguin's Blizzard River, Skull Mountain, Shipwreck Falls, Hurricane Harbor, Joker's Jinx and maybe one other thing.

First stop, Customer Service, Java had sent an email to corporate headquarters and had arranged to get his parking as if we had done it together so we went to get that nice little sticker. I noticed a sign on the window about rides being down due to the inclimate weather but opening as soon as possible. Then we went to pick up our coupon books. The people in there were friendly enough but NOT used to what needed to be done (the guy wasn't sure if I should get the regular coupon book since I was getting the premium but he checked when I said yes and we got it. Then we were told that we had to activate our cards (I had asked if he needed to scan the cards to record that we got the books ... otherwise what would stop us from getting a second set?). It turns out, since we got the passes last year, they didn't need activation.

Inwards we headed and went towards Wild One. We passed the theatre and heard part of a show (Java mentioned 'dress rehearsal with an audience' but I think it was more of a comment about the probably lack of audience than quality of the show ... they sounded pretty good to me ... and I hope the weren't wearing too short costumes. I noticed that the statues holding up the roof weren't there (hopefully they will come back). We get to Wild One and it is Closed. Probably all day according to the ride op at the entrance. New this year, lockers next to Wild One. Drat. The 2 things I wanted to ride were closed (I LOVE Wild One and Superman). Oh well, we headed to Two Face because it was there and running. It is running fairly well this year but will probably stay as a 1/trip if that ride for me.

Next stop - Tea Cups. I tend to not do real well on these (laterals give me problems which is one reason I have NO desire to ride the Falling Star next to Wild One) but once in a while it is fun. It was COLD on that seat and the handle (metal) was VERY cold. My gloves didn't grip real well and poor Java's hands were freezing (and using his coat to protect from the cold left NO grip. SPIN! We sort of staggared off of that and went to the carousel. It looks like they are doing some refurbishing of it (several animals were off it). They did require the seat belts (on the slowest carousel I have ever ridden). The antique cars were closed so we couldn't do that.

Off to visit the arcade. Nothing special there, and then to Mind Eraser. I now remember very clearly why I call that type of ride a Vekoma Hang And Bang. Ow, my head did NOT appreciate that. She needs some work, there are some weird accelerations (and decelerations) that I don't think belong there. While heading that way, I noticed that the Tilt-A-Whirl is gone (not a huge surprise with the Rodeo - an ultimate Spin-N-Spew - across the way). I also notice that the River Rapids seem to be running. Huh???? They normally don't seem to get that running until late May. Sure enough, not only is it running, there are people riding it. Brrrrr No thank you.

Next stop - Bumper Cars. That was pretty fun, dodging some people nudging some and slamming into a few. I got Java once, he got me good several times. Fun! We then wandered towards Skull Mountain (formerly called Typhoon Sea Coaster) to see if we can see any of the changes ... not that I can see other than possibly a repaint of the skull. Visited the 'Try the WII' station and did NOT like the game I played. We were also unimpressed with the 'customer service' of that person (who basically told us that since the park was closing in 10 minutes, we may as well not bother).

Walking out, I got to throw a snow-ball at Java (first -and probably last- time this winter). I even hit him (not hard).

So, it was fun (COLD!) but I wish I could have ridden certain other rides. I think that they are working on customer service (with the exception of the WII lady, most people seemed reasonably friendly and helpful). They did have several characters out (who were probably VERY glad for the warm costume). I can understand closing early but I would have liked to see some sort of give-away at the gate for anyone who had the really horrible luck to pay full price (though I suspect those people would have gone to customer service ... and face it, other than Season Pass holders, who would go to an amusement park in April when it is SNOWING? You'd have to be insane, yes?