First Timer Questions (All tips and tricks welcome!)

[awesomeguy]

Hey everyone; thanks already for posts providing great information for our upcoming trip. Three adults will be in Chicago for first time around 4th of July. Some questions for our visit:

+ This trip will likely be our only ever. We will be doing Flash Pass, likely Platinum. I see it comes at a cost, though! If we order online, are we able to skip the Qbot line-up? Have done a pretty awful Qbot line in Montreal's Six Flags La Ronde, and would like to avoid that if at all possible.

+ Would you guess Thurs. July 3rd or Monday the 7th would be less busy, even though both are linked to the long weekend a bit?

+ Found a COKE discount but it only seems to save $1 online. AAA seems less of a savings, $5 on walk-up pricing? Anywhere else I should be looking?

+ How worth it is the water park Flass Pass? Might have to save somewhere if doing parking, entry, and Flash Pass for the main park? A bit cost prohibitive to do it all. Better to do Flash Pass Gold for Park and consider adding on water park Flash Pass at one of the two levels? That takes away the chance to do Goliath unless we're super strategic though.

+ Aside from the big name coasters/attractions? Any others we should be sure to get in? Looking forward to it all!

-T

[anewman35]

If it's me, unless you REALLY like water parks, I'd probably skip the water park and just do the coasters. The water park is fine, pretty good even, but it's nothing special that you won't see at every big water park across the country. Your time is better spent on some of the more unique things.

I'm sure the 3rd or the 7th would be less busy than the weekend itself, but they still might be pretty bad.

If you do go over the weekend, bring a Coke can and get in an hour early...

https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/s ... y-4th-fest

[Brewersdawg828]

I'd go on the Monday cause most people will have or take the fourth off and if you're going all day you probably won't need a flash pass unless you're really impatient... I've had days where I've hit all the coasters at least twice and they were relativly busy

[diggerg56]

I'd go on the Monday cause most people will have or take the fourth off and if you're going all day you probably won't need a flash pass unless you're really impatient... I've had days where I've hit all the coasters at least twice and they were relativly busy

They do have an express pickup line for online Flashpass.

[awesomeguy]

Appreciate your help with all this; thanks a ton. Looking forward to visiting... and checking out Goliath!

=) T

[Iron Wolf 90-11]

Start your day off by going to the left into Orleans Place, rather than the right into Hometown Square.

[Viper 88]

I cant stress this enough BUY YOUR GENERAL ADMISSIONS AT JEWEL OR PRINT FROM HOME It will save you loads of time getting into the park. Have your bags open and ready to be checked speed through metal detection. Definately get a Platinum if it is your first time ever at the park. as soon as you get it set that MomF-er for Goliath. Going back to the parking lot for lunch can be a hassle definately eat in especially if its your only shot at the park Johnny Rockets is your best bet for good appetites it'll run you close to 45.00 but I think its the best Meal in the park(note buying online isnt an option for JR). Souvenier refill glases are good because there are several coke freestyle machines in the park, they are self serve less waiting. Unless you are Waterpark fanatics skip HH. you'll need a locker to keep stuff safe unless 1 isnt a swimmer, Lines get long really long and it just isn't terribly wonderful.

[ThemeParkFan07]

I second the recommendation to buy your ticket at Jewel.

And do yourself a favor and get out of the park to eat. There are tons of options by the park and even more if you cross 94 and go by the mall. You might lose a little time, but you'll be met with more reasonable prices and better food. If you have a Platinum FastPass, a little break from the park won't impact your ability to get the credits.

[aesthyrian]

Don't eat inside the park, it's low grade overpriced "food" if you can call it that. Just look around and you can see what that type of food is doing to the park patrons. Don't eat that crap, and you won't ever have to worry about fitting on a coaster. Bring a cooler and pack a lunch and some good snacks, fruit is amazing halfway through the day. I always enjoy going back to my car for a bit, relaxing, listening to music that I don't hate, and just enjoying some real, good food. This relaxation really helps when you get back into the park and have to deal with the GP and the midways again. Just escaping the crowds for a bit really helps the pace of the day, for me.
Plus... air conditioning!! (assuming you car has it, otherwise I apologize.)