The Great Escape (Six Flags) 8/3/2010

[bobbinbop20]

I'll first start off by saying that The Great Escape is a very beautiful park and the entrance area is simply stunning with the theming added to the buildings, it's something you wouldn't expect from Six Flags, and I like it

The great escape has a cute little family atmosphere to it which kind of gives it its own charm which I really liked about the place, everything just seems to fit and it works.

Ride wise there's not really anything too amazing, You have the comet which was pretty decent but I wasn't really feeling that well when we were at The Great Escape so the airtime made me feel like I was gonna puke, because of that I only rode once, but I'd love to come back and marathon.

The other thing I liked about the great escape is that it's one of those parks that the lines just don't get long, everything was a station wait besides the Alpine Bobsled because of the horrible capacity but hey I'll let it fly.

It might be kind of hard to amuse yourself at the great escape for an entire day so it's best to just go for a few hours, unless you're also going to the waterpark, then I'm sure you could make it the entire day

One more thing I would like to point of was the new? S&S double tower called Sasquatch (Is it new? It looked new? can anyone confirm this?!) I'm not sure what Sasquatch has to do with a drop tower but I loved the name it was just quirky and cool haha. Also it was probably the most intense S&S turbo drop I've ever been on, some of them are kinda lame, but this one was on full force grab you're balls and yank you down kinda drop. Really good ride!

Pictures...

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06411.jpg
Things at this park just looked nice, starting with this sign

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06409.jpg
There's trees everywhere.

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06415.jpg
an Arrow looper, kinda on the rougher side

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06412.jpg
The paint looked fantastic though

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06413.jpg
Ticket booths

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06417.jpg
They only have one train and foot pedal release restraints but we only had to wait for 2 trains.

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06418.jpg
Kinda crawled through the corkscrews

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06419.jpg
This ride was closed when we walked by..

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06421.jpg
But it was testing so we stuck around

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06422.jpg
Canyon Blaster. Apparently it was closed because some guy tried to get out of the restraint while the ride was going because it hurt his legs, the op's were talking and I guess they banned him for a year

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06424.jpg
but it opened and ran one cycle (which we were on) then it broke again. not sure if it reopened, but nonetheless we got the credit!

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06427.jpg
another one of these

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06432.jpg
This one wasn't half bad, boomerangs don't bother me half as much as SLC's and weird wooden torture devices like Medusa at Six Flags Mexico (yes I've been there)

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06433.jpg
call me crazy but I like the way the wraps look on this ride.

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06435.jpg
we've all seen a boomerang before

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06439.jpg
They obviously didn't care much about the girl in the front with her camera out

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06440.jpg
we waited 50 minutes for this ride. the line moved veryyyyyyy slow

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06442.jpg
these things are pretty fun though so it's ok

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06443.jpg
blame Canada! blame Canada!

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06444.jpg
some of the waterpark

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06446.jpg
le Comet

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06454.jpg
It's a fun little zippy ride

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06449.jpg
somebody's a nerd. I can only imagine what people think about me when I do that

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06451.jpg
red train

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06456.jpg
blue train

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06460.jpg

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06463.jpg
overall it's the star attraction at The Great Escape

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06464.jpg
They had this weird alice and wonderland thing

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06465.jpg
you go through here and there's a room with an oversized kitchen table set then you walk outside around a garden and that's about it

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06466.jpg
stole a little girl and got my credit, these are by far my worse favorite kiddie coaster. I hate how some parks claim you need a kid when other parks with the exact same model say you don't

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06467.jpg
I like this bridge

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06470.jpg
only the best drop tower ever (Is it new?! somebody tell me)

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06471.jpg
everything looked brand new

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06472.jpg
clicker. they used these at SFKK too

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06473.jpg
I've now seen all types of S&S towers

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06474.jpg
This is what you see when you walk in the park

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06475.jpg
some random pig

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06476.jpg

http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/trip_reports/bobbinbop20/tge_8_3_2010/DSC06477.jpg
Sasquatch! I have to say though, those seem like some pretty ugly/dull colors. but whatever I love the Sasquatch!

The End

[DarienLake:D]

I know its not brand new but according to the website it opened May 9th, 2009 so its practically newish just not brand new.

[SFNE Expert]

It was moved from Six Flags New Orleans after it closed because of Hurricane Katrina.

Also the theming is so different than any other Six Flags park is because it was called Storyland or something like that before Premier bought it in the 90's. SF just hasn't had a chance to butcher it.

[nitrofan]

Great TR! I've driven past Great Escape 4 times with a Six Flags season pass in my pocket and I've never been able to stop, but maybe some day.

Everyone says that TGE has charm and doesn't need a new coaster, but IMO one moderate sized modern coaster would be great for this park. Ednor should have come here too.

[Austin]

Acquaz I thought that tower at SFNO got moved to SFFT? I know their Batman got moved to SFFT but I thought their tower went to SFNO also.

[Jp]

^Scream at Fiesta Texas opened in 1999.
------------
These are the rides that Six Flags has taken out at SFNO, to be out in other parks.

Batman: The Ride = Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Goliath) opened in 2008.
Bayou Blaster & Sonic Slam = The Great Escape (Sasquatch) opened in 2009.
Road Runner Express = Six Flags Magic Mountain (Unknown) opening in 2011.

There is a picture of Bayou Blaster & Sonic Slam at SFNO on this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasquatch_(ride)

[palmer]

I remember my trip to GE. It lasted a matter of about an hour and 1/2. It poured as we were heading to Comet and we left during the storm. It's a real nice park, but it's just really small.

[DarienLake:D]

The only down side to SF selling Darien Lake is that I cant get into Great Escape for free and also im going to SFGAdv on August 18th..

[SFNE Expert]

Everyone says that TGE has charm and doesn't need a new coaster, but IMO one moderate sized modern coaster would be great for this park. Ednor should have come here too.

An SLC would completely ruin the family aspect of the park I think. That charm would be ruined by the Vekoma snake. Their Boomerang is actually pretty smooth though. But I hear that the mouse from Kentucky Kingdom is actually coming up to TGE. It would be a perfect fit for the park IMO.

[palmer]

also im going to SFGAdv on August 18th..

Sweet man! If you need any tips, tricks, restaurant ideas, anything GADV related I could help. Just PM me and I'll help you out.

[Austin]

An SLC would completely ruin the family aspect of the park I think. That charm would be ruined by the Vekoma snake. Their Boomerang is actually pretty smooth though. But I hear that the mouse from Kentucky Kingdom is actually coming up to TGE. It would be a perfect fit for the park IMO.

Thats what I've heard also. Makes sense. Its a family park and Road Runner is a family coaster. I heard shortly after it was announced the ride was given to Six Flags that it was heading East so that narrowed the list down to a handful of parks. I wouldnt be surprised to see it at TGE in 2011 or 2012 (only if there is delays)

[Jp]

I seen some rumors on the internet, saying that the Ghost Town (themed section) will get a makeover for the 2011 season. If this is true they could knock down the Nightmare building and added it there. But great pictures.

[nitrofan]

Thats what I've heard also. Makes sense. Its a family park and Road Runner is a family coaster. I heard shortly after it was announced the ride was given to Six Flags that it was heading East so that narrowed the list down to a handful of parks. I wouldnt be surprised to see it at TGE in 2011 or 2012 (only if there is delays)

SFA, SFOG, and SFGE are all equally as likely to get it.

[Austin]

What makes them more qualified? TGE is the most qualified out of all their East Coast parks.

SFA has gotten alot of new stuff lately. SFOG has a good list of coasters already. TGE is really the only park that hasn't really had alot of major additions. Road Runner would really be a great addition.

[SFNE Expert]

A lot of people are going to jump on you, Austin, for saying SFA has gotten a lot lately. But they have. Not ride wise but just all around upkeep. They've really made a great turn around. Plus I think Tony Hawk would be an even beter fit than Road Runner.

To me I see it 80% - TGE. 15% - SFA. 5% - SFOG. I have a feeling SFOG is getting something bigger.

[Austin]

SFOG is SF's premier South-Eastern park. They dont want a used and basically a standard model Wild Mouse. They always get the new stuff 9 out of 10 times and like you I think they are getting something big.

SFA has a good collection of coasters for the most part and if they get a new coaster anytime soon it will be a major coaster. Because the park hasn't received a coaster or anything major for the most part sense 2001.

TGE is basically the only option for Road Runner. They don't have a wild mouse and I'm sure they would take it because it fits their guidelines for rides it seems. Its in great condition, and it's a family coaster.

[DarienLake:D]

SFOG is SF's premier South-Eastern park. They dont want a used and basically a standard model Wild Mouse. They always get the new stuff 9 out of 10 times and like you I think they are getting something big.

SFA has a good collection of coasters for the most part and if they get a new coaster anytime soon it will be a major coaster. Because the park hasn't received a coaster or anything major for the most part sense 2001.

TGE is basically the only option for Road Runner. They don't have a wild mouse and I'm sure they would take it because it fits their guidelines for rides it seems. Its in great condition, and it's a family coaster.

I'm agreeing with you. So i'm guessing the every park gets something in 2011 for the company's 50th anniversary is true?

[SFNE Expert]

I heard that with Shapiro, just about each park was supposed to get some form of a coaster and a fix up of the park. Lets see if this holds true with Weber.

[DarienLake:D]

I heard that with Shapiro, just about each park was supposed to get some form of a coaster and a fix up of the park. Lets see if this holds true with Weber.
I hope so...
But i doubt they will change the plans... Well i'm really hoping not...

[Changsucks]

SFOG is SF's premier South-Eastern park. They dont want a used and basically a standard model Wild Mouse. They always get the new stuff 9 out of 10 times and like you I think they are getting something big.

...What? SFOG is SF's only Southeastern park, and the location of a park really has nothing to do with how "high up" it is the chain.

I don't think Great Escape needs Roadrunner. SFA could really use another family coaster, unlike Great Escape. I think it is highly likely that at some point, TGE will branch out from their "small family park" atmosphere. You need to keep people coming in and a big coaster will do that.

[Austin]

...What? SFOG is SF's only Southeastern park, and the location of a park really has nothing to do with how "high up" it is the chain.

I don't think Great Escape needs Roadrunner. SFA could really use another family coaster, unlike Great Escape. I think it is highly likely that at some point, TGE will branch out from their "small family park" atmosphere. You need to keep people coming in and a big coaster will do that.

The South inlucdes SFOT, SFFT, SFSTL, SFA, SFKK (formerly). Also dont forget who SFOG has to compete with. Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Dollywood, Disney and Universal and other mid-sized parks like Wild Adventures. And yes they compete with Disney and Universal. I was in a rest stop in Orlando and saw flyers for SFOG and billboards heading towards Georgia from Orlando advertising SFOG. You could also say they compete with Legoland once it opens and Busch in a way.

The point is they have to get the "new" stuff to retain area dominance over midsized parks like it and Kings Dominion which is their true competition. The other parks in the chain in the area dont have too much competion. SFA has Busch and Carowinds but they dont seem too worried about it by the lack of additions like new coasters for the park.

[SFNE Expert]

I think it is highly unlikely that at some point, TGE will branch out from their "small family park" atmosphere. You need to keep people coming in and a big coaster will do that.

Fixed.

Great Escape is the Kiddieland park of the chain. Its run like a small family run park with a corporate twist. Its extremely unlikely that they're ever ever going to get a big coaster. They had an SLC on site, in storage. Instead in was shipped to La Ronde. Visit the park, you'll know what I mean. Its in the same DMA as GADV and SFNE. If the thrill seekers want to go to a park they'd go to those two.

People visit the park for its theming and family atmosphere. I don't think Sasquatch made that much of a blip in attendance. Also people come because of the Lodge. Its a perfect family getaway for a weekend.

[Changsucks]

I just don't see how the park does good business with how little it has (as an amusement park). What keeps you coming back there every year...?

A Wild Mouse would just be a pointless addition imo.

[Austin]

It's a fun family park that has a different feel to it than the corporate parks that ram the looney tunes and Six Flags brands down your throats on every ride and every where you go in the park. Holiday World is the same way. Its a fun family park with a great atmosphere. Holiday World won't ever add a large steel coaster anytime soon (I doubt they will for the foreseeable future) because they have been able to add fun family rides without much of a need for thrill rides. TGE would be a great park for Road Runner because it appeals to everyone but yet adds a slight thrill factor in.

[palmer]

I just don't see how the park does good business with how little it has (as an amusement park). What keeps you coming back there every year...?

A Wild Mouse would just be a pointless addition imo.

I agree with you on the wild mouse.

Yet, what brings people back is the nice theming, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the feel that the park is for everyone, not just for one select age group. Personally, they could use a bigger coaster, yet no giga or hyper. I understand the they got an S&S tower for '09 and that would increase the "thrill-ness" in the park. But they need something that could draw the teen age group even more. GP teens would think, oh this park is so childish and kiddie, not what I want. And they don't have much for me. Maybe one of those Terminator GCI clones that Shapiro originally wanted. Maybe Weber would bring a new, possibly cloned, GCI for the park. Or even a B&M Flyer or Inverted.

[Austin]

To my knowledge GCI hast cloned any rides. And I don't think they will give up their uniqueness in that any time soon.

[nitrofan]

People always have seemed to forget what "something for everyone" means since Shapiro came in. Besides Comet and Sasquatch, they really don't have a GOOD selection of rides for the thrill seeker group.

There is a reason that I have driven past Great Escape 4 times and have never stopped. I would like to go there at some point, but it clearly isn't a priority.

[SFNE Expert]

To my knowledge GCI hast cloned any rides. And I don't think they will give up their uniqueness in that any time soon.

Evel Knievel is a clone or mirror of something but I don't remember the name. It fit perfectly in the spot so they installed it.


But like I said, the point of the park isn't for thrill seekers, its for little kids and families.

[Changsucks]

Evel Knievel is a clone of Thunderbird.

A GCI would be fantastic at Great Escape, especially if the trains were modified like on Joris en de Draak for a shorter height requirement.

[SFNE Expert]

Changsucks, have you ever been to TGE?

[Changsucks]

I have not.

[SFNE Expert]

Okay, then if you can try to make a trip there. You will see that a fast paced, smooth woodie would not be a good fit for TGE. I know, I know. As weird as the sounds. Trust me on this one though. A mouse is perfect for that park.

If you visit you'll know exactly what I mean. Its extremely hard to explain. Have you ever been to one of the smaller Northern parks like Lake Compounce, Quassy, Canobie Lake, FuntownSplashtown (Maine), or Kennywood. Parks like that?

Those parks are exactly like what TGE is, except on maybe a little smaller scale. On the scale of Canobie or Quassy. A fast paced, smooth, modern woodie would just be to over the top IMO. Maybe thats just me?

EDIT: These might help show you why its different from a SF park. Does it even look like a Six Flags?
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=428642#428642
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27137

[Changsucks]

I totally get what you mean. I've been to Kennywood, Knoebels, Lake Compounce, etc. and that classic "familyish atmosphere" is just really nice. A big coaster doesn't fit the parks atmosphere, it's not the kind of park it is, etc...

But all I can say is: Knott's Berry Farm. People hate on the park so much for not being what it used to be. Coasters took over and removed the great atmosphere the park had. It's sad, but it needed to be done. Granted, these smaller north eastern parks don't have nearly as much competition as KBF does, but eventually I think what it has will get old. You can only go through the fairytale house (or whatever it is) so many times before you begin to realize that you've completed the park and that you may just begin going to SFNE or some other kind-of-nearby park... And a Wild Mouse isn't really one of those attractions that you will come back year after year to ride.

I'm not suggesting a B&M Hyper or anything, but a medium sized coaster like a GCI looks like it would fit in nicely, keep people coming back, and probably would not ruin any "familyish" atmosphere. If the park can have Comet and a Boomerang, why not a GCI?

[SFNE Expert]

Rumor is its going indoors. They used to have an indoor coaster called "Nitemare at Crack Axel Canyon" but its been SBNO since '07. Perfect place for it. Have a crazy mine theme. Goes with the rumor Jp heard of them redoing Crack Axel Canyon. I think thats what he said. He hasn't been on lately though.

[Austin]

Its also a former KK coaster :p

[SFNE Expert]

Nitemare is a former KK coaster also? Or is it Nightmare? Haha.

[Austin]

It was called Starchaser. It was moved to Beech Bend and then it was sent to TGE.

[Jp]

Rumor is its going indoors. They used to have an indoor coaster called "Nitemare at Crack Axel Canyon" but its been SBNO since '07. Perfect place for it. Have a crazy mine theme. Goes with the rumor Jp heard of them redoing Crack Axel Canyon. I think thats what he said. He hasn't been on lately though.

Yep that a rumor at TGE, and this year the petting zoo has been remove and there is a sign in front of it saying "Pardon Our Dust As We Prepare This Area For A Future Enjoyment" And here is the link I got most of the information about the petting zoo.
http://z8.invisionfree.com/gecentral/index.php?showtopic=579
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff157/richie4896/0712101900.jpg
http://z8.invisionfree.com/gecentral/index.php?showtopic=579

[SFNE Expert]

Is that near the building?

[Truth Seeker]

It was called Starchaser. It was moved to Beech Bend and then it was sent to TGE.

Yep it was removed in 94 due to a accident, moved to DL, and finally moved to GE. I know someone who got to be one of the first people to ride it way back in 87...

[Jp]

Is that near the building?
The Petting Zoo is in the Story Town area its like right in front of the Cinderella Castle. On the online park map from the park you can see the Petting Zoo, its in a circle with different animales in it and that is like almost to Ghost Town entrance.

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But keep this thread about the Trip Report from "bobbinbop20". If you want to talk about the other things about the park, please click on this link:
http://amusementparkauthority.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532