Some Questions for Taking a First Timer

[JuleeM13]

Hi guys. I need your help. I'm taking my boyfriend to Fright Fest on Sunday. He has never been to FF and hasn't been to GA since he took his son about 15 years ago but he didn't ride anything. In fact he hasn't ridden a roller coaster since he was a kid and never a big one. He's a bit nervous (not a fan of heights) so I want to make this fun for him because I love theme parks and roller coasters and I want him to as well (I'm 38, he's 42)! He is game to try.

I haven't been to Great America or FF in several years (before they instituted the no purses/bags on rides policy which I was surprised to read about!). Can you answer a few questions for me?

1. We plan to do the regular Flash Pass. I said I would never pay for these but I figure it's the only way to avoid standing in line forever. I was going to get them in advance online but maybe I'll just wait. Do the regular ones sell out usually? Hopefully it will be worth it. How are the crowds for the first FF weekend usually?

2. I read the line for picking up Flash Passes is insanely long. What time would you suggest we get there to avoid this as much as possible? Do people go directly to the pickup counter or does it get crowded later in the day? They will open the gates before 11am and you can get into the park near the carousel, correct? What time does that occur?

3. I have never got there before opening and was reading about sitting in traffic for an hour at the exit. Is this true? I also read there is a back parking lot that is less crowded. Also true? If so how do you access it? Maybe it was something about arriving via Washington St.

4. Are there all day lockers anywhere other than in the front of the park near the carousel?

Any other suggestions to help me make my boyfriend love this!?! He's a huge horror fan so I'm expecting he will enjoy the FF element at the very least.

If it was up to me we'd be riding Batman and Raging Bull first but perhaps I should break him in slowly with the Whizzer, lol.

Thanks so much!!!

[DejaVu2001]

Most rides will allow small bags if it is secured over your shoulder and does not come in between the seat or restraint.

1. The first weekend usually isn't bad. I would make the Flash Pass decision at the park after seeing how crowded it is. If the crowds are enough to warrant Flash Pass, I would recommend going for Gold. They usually don't sellout until at least 1 or 2 in the afternoon.

2. The line usually isn't too long, and even if it comes around the front toward Music Hall, its only 10 minutes. The line moves fast and they have a lot of registers. You can get into the park at 10:30am. Most of the time this year, you can access Orleans Place, Hometown Square, and Southwest Territory, though no rides will open early.

3. I've never had any traffic issues arriving before opening at Grand Ave or Washington Street. As for leaving at the end of the night, if you take Route 41, park in the front lot. Then follow the fence along Superman and turn left after drop off, then you can whiz past all the people waiting to turn to get to 94.

4. All day lockers are located at the front of the park, by the Orlean's Place restroom, and the Hometown Square restroom across from Orbit.

[Johnny.Ink]

The parking entrance off of Washington Street according to the coupon book is for season pass holders only, but they may let you go through, never know.

We get in and get out in 5 minutes tops, I think the longest we ever waited in that entrance is 10 minutes tops.

As for rides, my 8 year old did

demon, Dark Knight, American eagle, Viper, Giant Drop

then moved up to Batman, Superman, Raging Bull once he was tall enough.

i think that would be a good order personally. Out of that first batch only the Demon inverts and should ease him into the bigger rides.

Have fun!

[JuleeM13]

Thanks guys! Anyone else have tips?

[onyxhotel08]

First weekend of FF rarely warrants a flash pass.
The big boys (Batman, Bull, Superman) are best to hit right away or near the end cause of the lines.
As for the kids, remember the capacity issues with rides like DK and RC and hit those if you plan to at the proper times.
Gold flash passes are the best. Cheaper than platinum and you never wait more than the time to get from one area of the park to another.
Always leave the park a half hour to an hour before it closes to ensure fast leave time. Don't wait till everyone leaves at the same time.

[DejaVu2001]

^ Disagree. Leaving early just costs you ride time. If you're that concerned about traffic, just get in line for Bull or Superman 1 minute before closing. By the time you get off, parking lot should be pretty clear.

[JuleeM13]

Thanks, I'm more worried about getting there late due to traffic than the traffic afterwards. Hmmmm so no Flash Pass huh? I for sure cannot justify spending the money on the Gold so it's regular or none for me.

[CoasterDave316]

Always leave the park a half hour to an hour before it closes to ensure fast leave time. Don't wait till everyone leaves at the same time.

That's the worst advice. Even on the most crowded days if you exit through Washington Street, you can exit the park in under 5 minutes at closing time. You aren't saving yourself any time by leaving early, you are just losing out on some extra rides.

[tribar]

^Yeah i agree

If you need to get back on to I 94 West (North to Wis)) Turn left on Washington until you hit Ill 21 turn right and follow the signs. East (South toward to Chicago) turn left on Washington until you get to Oplaine Road. Take this to Ill 120 turn right and follow the signs. US 41 can be accesed via Washington.

Hope this helps

[onyxhotel08]

^ Disagree. Leaving early just costs you ride time. If you're that concerned about traffic, just get in line for Bull or Superman 1 minute before closing. By the time you get off, parking lot should be pretty clear.

Some people like me don't do much the last hour or so before the park closes. You have ridden almost everything and that last hour/hour and a half is really the time of the day when you notice the retail shops and want to shop a bit, so you do save yourself some money too. I always say do not buy anything until you leave to save money on lockers/save a trip to the car to put items away.

[Johnny.Ink]

Julee-

how did the trip go? What advice worked, what sucked? Enquiring minds wanna know...

[tribar]

^Maybe they'll do a trip report. That would be nice but how did the trip go. I'm curious

[Johnny.Ink]

^Maybe they'll do a trip report. That would be nice but how did the trip go. I'm curious

As am I. I don't think we are getting a note back