CHANG WATCH: The Official Topic

[david]

^ I don't remember that! Was that in Superstition?

[coasterfan71555]

I have stood by for a while and resisted making a posting. But some of the recent comments here are so ridiculous I have to speak my piece. If anyone thinks Great America doesn't need a new coaster, they are either complacent or completely oblivious. Dark Knight? Please - that ride was nearly a total waste of money and a perfectly good theatre. When did we last get a GOOD coaster? I believe it was 2001 when V2 was new. The park was smart and should be APPLAUDED for securing the Little Dipper. And when what was formerly Chang arrives, it will be warmly welcomed by me and many friends who ache for a truly specatcular coaster experience. I have been going to this park since it opened in 1976, and a lot of thing have come and gone since that time, and lately, we have lost more than we have gained. Sky Whirl -gone. Shock Wave - gone. Deja Vu - gone. Splashwater Falls - gone. Theatre Royale - gone. So again, don't say that the park doesn't need a new coaster...lower attendance speaks louder than those making such crazy statements. The park is finally showing signs of waking up and realizing that to bring in more paying guests requires the addition of truly good major new rides. I will be in line for Little Dipper in 2010 and hope that the public realizes what a smart move was made in securing this ride for Great America.

[6FlagsCitizen]

In the next 10 years it would be nice to see

Another Mega Looper (Hopefully Chang)
A Kingda Ka/Top Thrill Dragster type coaster thats as tall as the Sky Trek Tower
A regular Boomerang or Invertigo to make up for Deja Vu
& A Ferris Wheel

Great America has done alot for families over the past 8 years, now hopefully they start catering to thrill seekers again. The Removal of Shockwave & Deja Vu was a Major blow to the parks thrill seeking crowd. The problem is, these 2 Massive coasters were replaced by rides that are far smaller & no where near as good as the original

Shockwave vs S:UF - If Shockwave was some how made to be smooth again, it would be 10X better then S:UF. End of story.

Deja Vu vs Bucaneer Battle - Yeah...............

[wishman35]

I find there to be no point in building a Top Thrill type ride that only goes up 300 feet, why even do it when you are building a ride of inferior stature by far to the other two. In fact it would almost be 200 feet shorter than Kingda Ka.

Sure it would be fun, but it doesn't seem worth it.

Doubtful to see another Vu type ride again,

I think making a looper out of Chang seems to be the best option. A Bizzaro-esqe treatment would be fine by me

[Galvan]

Coasterfan,

The sad thing here is you are one of the people contributing to the "ridiculous" comments that you pointed out in your post. I think your the one whose "completely oblivious" especially when it comes to The Dark Knight.

If you dont know by now, and you should since you "Have been going to the park since 1976" Six Flags has changed itself, from a chain of parks that cater to the thrill seekers, to a more family orientated chain. And If you have a problem with that. Well there really are two things you can do about it.

1. Nothing
2. Stop going to the park

I am getting sick and tired of people flooding this site with this idiotic and down right stupid notion that "GREAT AMERICA NEEDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111 A NEW COASTER!!!!111"

No it doesn't, What Great America really needs is a financially stable company running it. And not a group of assclowns that nearly ran the company into the ground in the Middle part of the this decade.

I personally think that Chang will be great for the park, of course... But Its not a necessity as some asshats on here love to fret over. Our park has a diverse line-up of coasters, something to cater to everyones likes and tastes when it comes to roller coasters. And again, if you dont like it. Stop Coming back to the park.

[Goku1910]

Galvan, you just won the best rant of 2009 award!

[6FlagsCitizen]

If Great America doesn't need a new major coaster, then why would they purchase Chang? If the rumors are true & it is installed, that is a clear sign that they are in need of at least one new major thrill ride. Great America has turned into a more family friendly park over the past 8 years (Keeping Whizzer, Jesters Wild Ride, Rajin Cajun, Big Easy Balloons, The water park, Wiggles World, The Dark Knight, Bucaneer Battle, Little Dipper) These have all been great moves to draw more families into the park, & make Great America a much better place. However, the thrill seeking crowd (like myself & many others) have not seen anything really good for along time. The opinions of the thrill seeking crowd DO matter, seeing as they make up a large Percentage of the parks guests.

[Chitown]

^No, they do not make up a large percentage of guests. Families do.

[david]

Their trying to cater to Families, but a family doesn't just comprise of 3 year-olds. parents want to have fun, along with their teens. I go to the park with my friends, and please notice:

[list=]
Quite a few guests range from ages 12-20
Children stay in the SMALL area of WW
HH is almost enough enough for the kids
[/list]

[onyxhotel08]

I love how people think families only like rides like Whizzer or Buccaneer Battle. Not every family is stuck with 4 year olds and parents who are only able to ride Eagle or Demon.

[coasterfan71555]

I find it very interesting that Galvan's reply to my post seems to suggest that I don't like the park, and that I should stop going. Well, let me tell you, I love the park, and I have long felt that Mr. Shapiro's desire to cater to "families" has been somewhat detrimental to the overall experience at Great America. Dark Knight, popular in its first year, but in its second, nearly a walk on on most every day I was there. (Please bring back Theatre Royale!) Buccaneer Battle, with an overflow queue area that has NEVER had any guest's feet walking on it, clean and virginal on Labor Day weekend. If these rides have brought "families" in, they certainly offer no proof of this. The overall makeup of the crowd is not all that different from past years. And, the best thing we received in 2009 was the Cyber Cafe, with its wonderful fresh baked goods, long missing since the departure of Brown's Bakery in Hometown Square shortly after Six Flags took over in 1984. So, Galvan, I will not stop going, not even at age 54 and soon to be 55. This park opened the year I turned 21, and I have every right to offer my opinions, as do you. And the fact that I have had a season pass every year since 1983 (when the park was still Marriott's Great America) proves that I care about the place. We need a new major looping coaster, and what was formerly Chang will be welcomed by me and many others. But please do not suggest that I stop going, because I will not. Happy holidays to all!

[tillenterprises]

Shockwave vs S:UF - If Shockwave was some how made to be smooth again, it would be 10X better then S:UF. End of story.

Deja Vu vs Bucaneer Battle - Yeah...............

I know Shockwave was obviously a favorite of yours, but personally I prefer Superman. I did enjoy the first drop and the first couple loops on Shockwave, but then the pain set in on the 2nd half of the ride, and it ruined it for me. It was the same kind of coaster as Demon, and since I like Demon much better, and it has more sentimental value for me since it's been there since 1976 as Turn of the Century, I didn't miss Shockwave when they tore it down. Plus, Superman doesn't look like they just put it up quickly on a parking lot. Even though Superman isn't as tall as Shockwave, I think looking straight down at the ground and praying your harness doesn't accidentally open up during the climb is possibly the scariest single ride moment at Great America!

I agree with you about Buccaneer Battle, though. Even with all it's problems, I'd prefer DejaVu or even Sky Whirl back in it's place. The theming is very good for BB, but I think this ride would've been a great addition to Hurricane Harbor, where you're already wet anyway, and the pirate theme fit perfectly. The cold weather this summer didn't help matters, either.

[onyxhotel08]

people complained about how rough Shockwave had become but it was 10X better and more fun to sit through than Iron Wolf...

[monsterfan99]

If Great America doesn't need a new major coaster, then why would they purchase Chang? If the rumors are true & it is installed, that is a clear sign that they are in need of at least one new major thrill ride.

They didn't buy it new for the park, it was bought in the late 90's. The ride had to go somewhere and this is where they picked.

[w00dland]

Most of you in this thread don't understand one very simple fact. Our park was thrill heavy for years before Shapiro got to town back in 2006. We had 13 coasters, and two run down family sections of the park that would keep a 5 year old busy for half an afternoon.

You speak of families consisting of more than just kids. You're completely right, but families also come to the park once every year or so. On a busy day, most families won't even get to all the coasters we have in the park right now, especially if they spend some time in Hurricane Harbor. We have a very solid coaster collection that certainly doesn't get boring after 1 or 2 rides per year. 99% of guests are not you and me who ride these things constantly, they still find them fun after 10, or 30 years.

That's why I totally support what rides Shapiro has been adding to the park for the past 4 years. They make sense to what the park truly needed. We have serious thrills already, and practically no competition against them. (And if you say Cedar Point is competition fine, but not for most families)

I'm not saying the man is perfect, because I detest the fact that he has taken the small amount of "theme" out of the park and made it more like a billboard, but when it comes to a solid business plan he nailed it.

[monsterfan99]

^ +1

[Jcoaster95]

Galvan, you just won the best rant of 2009 award!

No, that award goes to Hitler =D

[6FlagsCitizen]

^

[6FlagsCitizen]

I find it very interesting that Galvan's reply to my post seems to suggest that I don't like the park, and that I should stop going. Well, let me tell you, I love the park, and I have long felt that Mr. Shapiro's desire to cater to "families" has been somewhat detrimental to the overall experience at Great America. Dark Knight, popular in its first year, but in its second, nearly a walk on on most every day I was there. (Please bring back Theatre Royale!) Buccaneer Battle, with an overflow queue area that has NEVER had any guest's feet walking on it, clean and virginal on Labor Day weekend. If these rides have brought "families" in, they certainly offer no proof of this. The overall makeup of the crowd is not all that different from past years. And, the best thing we received in 2009 was the Cyber Cafe, with its wonderful fresh baked goods, long missing since the departure of Brown's Bakery in Hometown Square shortly after Six Flags took over in 1984. So, Galvan, I will not stop going, not even at age 54 and soon to be 55. This park opened the year I turned 21, and I have every right to offer my opinions, as do you. And the fact that I have had a season pass every year since 1983 (when the park was still Marriott's Great America) proves that I care about the place. We need a new major looping coaster, and what was formerly Chang will be welcomed by me and many others. But please do not suggest that I stop going, because I will not. Happy holidays to all!

Wow you have awesome opinions, if you & me owned Great America, we would turn that place back into a real theme park! (No Jonas brothers or Pop music included, lol)

[david]

(Might be since I'm younger) but having pop-music, attracts teens into the park. That shouldn't drive others out.

[6FlagsCitizen]

^ I just really don't like the Jonas Brothers, lol. It erks me every time I hear their crappy music playing at my beloved Great America. However, if I did own the park, I would build another shooting Gallery in the South West Territory, with the Jonas brothers as the targets! If you successfully hit all 3 gay rods, I mean targets, you win a giant stuffed Animal bugs bunny as the prize! Thats my idea of a family friendly park, lol Just kidding, of course...... Well......Not really.

[Chitown]

Wow you have awesome opinions, if you & me owned Great America, we would turn that place back into a real theme park! (No Jonas brothers or Pop music included, lol)

No, if you two ran the show, the place would be on the auction block. And don't say real theme park, because in reality you two want it to be strictly a thrill park. The only park that can get away with that at this point is SFMM, only because they have stiff competition from other parks that cater to families so SFMM has to have its own niche.

With Little Dipper coming in next year and possibly Chang in 2011, you have a collection of 15 coasters(yes, I am counting Eagle as 2).

[onyxhotel08]

I really think after Chang everyone needs to stay quiet till 2016 before talk of another coaster...With Chang fullfilling our missing piece of mega looper, we will have a pretty solid collection. Granted, no park needs 2 wild mouse rides (even if one is "dark") but with Six Flags still in massive debt we should be happy we get something almost every year.

[Chitown]

I have stood by for a while and resisted making a posting. But some of the recent comments here are so ridiculous I have to speak my piece. If anyone thinks Great America doesn't need a new coaster, they are either complacent or completely oblivious. Dark Knight? Please - that ride was nearly a total waste of money and a perfectly good theatre. When did we last get a GOOD coaster? I believe it was 2001 when V2 was new. The park was smart and should be APPLAUDED for securing the Little Dipper. And when what was formerly Chang arrives, it will be warmly welcomed by me and many friends who ache for a truly specatcular coaster experience. I have been going to this park since it opened in 1976, and a lot of thing have come and gone since that time, and lately, we have lost more than we have gained. Sky Whirl -gone. Shock Wave - gone. Deja Vu - gone. Splashwater Falls - gone. Theatre Royale - gone. So again, don't say that the park doesn't need a new coaster...lower attendance speaks louder than those making such crazy statements. The park is finally showing signs of waking up and realizing that to bring in more paying guests requires the addition of truly good major new rides. I will be in line for Little Dipper in 2010 and hope that the public realizes what a smart move was made in securing this ride for Great America.

Been going to the park as long as you have although I was only 5 when the place opened and I have a different opinion of what you are stating. Yes, they have removed some rides and attractions, but those rides and attractions were maintenance and money hogs. Just ask some of the current and former employees on this site and they will tell you just that. Shapiro isn't removing these things to piss people off. He is slowly replacing them with newer rides and attractions. I to miss the Marriott days, but comeon, the park has so many more things to do then back at that time. I remember working there in the summer of 87 and they only had 4 coasters , less flats, and no waterpark but yet the place brought in the crowds. When Shapiro took on this ridiculous debt that Burke created, did you really expect him to plop down more 15-20 million dollar rides? When the company gets into better financial shape, he will start investing again.

Would you rather see the park (or SF in general) keep going down that path of digging a deeper hole of debt and possibly the parks closing or spend wisely right now, fix the parks up, and improve the guest experience? I will take the latter and hope that my grandchildren can enjoy these parks in the future.

[6FlagsCitizen]

Wow you have awesome opinions, if you & me owned Great America, we would turn that place back into a real theme park! (No Jonas brothers or Pop music included, lol)

No, if you two ran the show, the place would be on the auction block. And don't say real theme park, because in reality you two want it to be strictly a thrill park. The only park that can get away with that at this point is SFMM, only because they have stiff competition from other parks that cater to families so SFMM has to have its own niche.

With Little Dipper coming in next year and possibly Chang in 2011, you have a collection of 15 coasters(yes, I am counting Eagle as 2).

Not exactly, actually Chitown, you would probably like Great America 10X better if we ran the show. Yes, more thrill rides would be added In moderation, but much of the original theming which has been lost over the years would be restored immediately (& It wouldn't cost much money at all) & yes I will say REAL THEME PARK, because thats what Great America USED to be, & that is what made it a great park!

Yankee Harbor & County Fair look like complete Sh*t now a days compared to what they used to look like.

These simple issues could all be EASILY fixed for very little money. If I were in charge, these problems would be fixed ASAP, I don't see why anyone with half a brain would be against that. Look at how good South West Territory, Mardi Gras, & Huricane Harbor look! Wouldn't you want every area of the park to look that good? Yeah, people like Great America the way it is now, but they would like it much better if theming was brought back up to code. & anyone who says theming doesn't matter is full of it! of course theming matters. Why would you do something half A$$ed when it could be done 100%? Thats just being a stereotyped lazy American.

Perfect Example - Deja Vu had to leave because it was unreliable. Fine, that is completely understandable! Now, Great America could have put a nice big ferris wheel in its place, and possibly thrown the old name of Sky Whirl back on it. But no, what did they do instead! They put a freakin pirate ride in it's place! Bucaneer Battle is a nicely themed fun ride, but it's in the WRONG PLACE!!! This was a perfect catch for Huricane Harbor or Yankee Harbor, but some how it made it's way into The Great Midwest Live stock Exposition at County Fair!

Why do this!!!!

Why not just theme the ride to the proper area!?!?! Deja Vu didn't even belong in County Fair, but it would have fit in perfectly over in Orleans Place or Mardi Gras!

I Know most of my ideas will be shot down immediately, but in reality, most of my solutions would honestly be the best & most fun route to take, & I'm not that bad at managing money either.

Plus, let's not forget, I was the first one on this forum to bring up the idea of Great America buying Little Dipper a month before it actually happend. Right away I had people posting "Its not Going to Happen" "Great America would never do that!" "Thats a bad idea" etc. Hmmmmm, Now everyone says its a good move because Six Flags actually did it, lol.