I've got a question about the lines at SFGA.

I'm planning a coaster trip some time in the summer. Although Spring would be the best time to go, I have a funny feeling it'd end up happening in the Summer.

SFGA is my first choice, but I don't want to spend my vacation standing in lines for an average of 2 -3 hrs per ride, and we're not going to purchase a Fastpass. Which ever park we pick, we'll be there for 2 1/2 days.

Our trip will be in the middle of the week. How bad are the lines mid-week in July / August??? Would it be worth inconvienancing everyone and attempt going in May??? Should we just consider another park.

Thanks

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Something Wicked This Way Comes

The only real bad lines I had at SFGADV were Nitro and Chiller (KK was closed)
Nitro had a long line but it moves so its not that bad... Chillers line is inside so your not in the sun.. But it moved very slow.. So hit it first...

If you are there midweek in the spring, the lines should be fine. Even in the summer, it shouldn't be that bad. In 2.5 days, you will be able to sufficiently satisfy your coaster needs.

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Go on weekdays in the summer. If you go on the weekend, sunday morning its empty. The lines are not bad at all. The longest line is normally Superman:Ultimate Flight. Skip it. Its not worth the line. If you really want to ride it, ride in in the morning. 2.5 days is enough time for every ride you can want to ride. Make one day you run to KK in the morning before the line gets long. Only when KK is closed are the lines bad. I hit every coaster in the park besides KK (wasn't runing) in 1 day, so you should get them all and all the flats you want in 2.5 days, even if its in a summer weekend.

Well, you can skip S:UF because the F does NOT stand for flight, contrary to popular belief. This ride SUCKS, and you'd be stupid to wait 2.5-3 hours for it. Your worst lines will be Nitro, KK, and the Chiller, as said above. If El Toro is open when you go, I'd expect that line to be bad too. The Nitro line can be deceptive, too - if all trains are running and the crew is efficient, you won't wait long. It's a people eater.

Since you're going for 2.5 days, you shouldn't need a fastpass to do every ride you want multiple times. However, on the off chance that you go on a busy day/days, the fastpass is worth it. I know it's more money, but really. The one time I got it, I definetely felt it was worth the money (weekend in late July). We literally had to run from ride to ride to make our times, especially as it got to dinner time. It can be money well spent. If you already spent $50 to get in....you might as well make the time count, right?

17 days!

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When i went i went straight to SUF because i heard the lines were going to be huge, and they were even when that was my first ride. They had 1 train running only! until the middle of the day when they added the second. the ride wasn't that good except the one pretzel loop that gives you an awesome feeling.
Chiller's line was the longest for me, cuz only 1 train. It is sooo boring but it is indoors so that fine. Go to this ride first, or atleast try. It took me about 2hrs!
Then Nitro's line is very big but goes by fast. Took me exactly 56 minutes. (i timed it) lol.
Then there is KK, but i got only a 10 minute line on it casue i went the day before it reopened and they let a max. of 800 people ride it for testing purposes and i happened to be there that day! got lucky that day! But the other day I went KK had an 1hour and 30 minute line, hit it at night it looks cool, even though i haven't been on KK at night.
The rest were short for me, Medusa was, Runaway Minetrain was kinda long, Rolling Thuinder was a walk in, Skull mountain was alittle long, and Batman was like an hour wait.
Great American Scream Machine is awesome at night. I rode it atleast 6 times with No line, cuz they just let you stay seated in the train if they see you getting in the ride then walking out and then getting back in. It was fun! but hurts just alittle. good luck! hope this helped! lol

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I appreciate all the help. I know that SFGA is building it's reputation as an A-list park. I've hear the horror stories about what lines can be. I know that waiting for 3+hours to ride KK is possible, and it just wouldn't make the trip worth it for me.

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Something Wicked This Way Comes

not that you should plan your trip around it, but weather plays a HUGE role in how crowded the park will be. I went on a summer weekday when it was overcast/drizzling throughout the day and every ride was ~15 minute wait. I went again on a summer weekday toward the end of august on a beautiful sunny day and most rides were 2+ hour waits. I even waited over an hour for scream machine, which usually has short line. As said above, hit KK and Chiller first, maybe one day run to KK when the park opens and then the next day do the same with chiller. The other rides should be do-able throughout the day.

With 2.5 days in the park, you'll have plenty of time to do everything, even if lines are bad every day. If you're going on a weekday, it's really not an issue.

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i went last year on many weekdays throughout the summer. heres how the major rides were:

Nitro - when the queue is completely full (up to the NITRO sign) and its running 3 trains (which it does on sunny days), the wait is about 45 minutes. most afternoons its a 20-45 minute wait.

Kingda Ka - the slightest drizzle will close the ride and breakdowns are common so when you get in line, you never know what you're in for. when the trains are going, the line moves really fast. with no delays, the line probably wont get over an hour but if there are, be ready for many hours.

Chiller - if the line is right at the doorway to the building, its right around a 40 minute wait. most weekdays it is inside the building which makes for a 30-40 minute wait. if both tracks are open and you're going solely for the shorter wait and both lines are outside the building, go for Robin. the batman line has to go under the tracks so its a longer line.

Superman: UF - if this is running one train (which it did a lot of last season), dont even go near it. if its running two trains and the line is up to the bubble, you can expect a 90 minute wait.

Medusa - good thing is that they arent opening the bridge to medusa so the lines will still be short. last year i didnt wait more than 15 minutes for a ride on this. its deffinatly the best bang for your buck.

Batman the ride - if the line doesnt come out into the park area, its about a 35 minute wait. on the same days i've seen the line over an hour and 20 minutes so it depends on when you get there.

Great American Scream Machine - wont be more than 10 minutes, most of the time its a walk on.

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I was once TN's top poster!
2007 Gadv Count: Kingda Ka-6, El Toro-6, Nitro-4, Medusa-2, S:UF-2, R:TC-1, B:TC-, GASM-0, Skull Mt-0, B:TR-0, RMT-0, RT-0

Wow. SFGadvKing, this is all good as gold to me. These lengths of lines that you mention are what I realistically would've hoped for. I was worried we'd get down there and face the worst. Only being able to ride 4 or 5 rides in a day. 2 days or not, that would defeat the whole point of the trip.

I (and my friends) really appreciate you taking the time to make this detailed list for me. It's safe to say that you've made up my mind as to where we'll be venturing this year.

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Something Wicked This Way Comes

SFGadvKing is right, but don't worry the Batman side on The Chiller is never open anyways so no need to worry about that. The Robin line is soooo decieving you would thing as soon as it eners the building the station is there but the main que area is inside thebuilding and takes ForEveR! Also Superman is long too, and as i said before KK.

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If Chiller isn't that long, take a trip on the Batman Side. Its great going through the tophat backwords.

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Batman the chiller is going to be open in 2006. Nitro's line is the fastest line I ever waited in. Medusa's goes fast too. Supertman you may want to skip but it isnt a really a bad ride, just short. Batman the ride isnt that great to me. Scream Machine is very fun but it may bang your head a little. Runaway train is a good ride and will be even better now that it is getting new restraints. And last of all Kingda Ka, best ride ever but you want to do it when the park opens especially in july or august.

Whatever you do don't go on a Saturday in the middle of the summer, it can get pretty packed around that time. Mid-week in June, July and August is good. Hit Kingda Ka first, then El Toro which should be open by June I assume. Then you can go over to Movietown and from there it is all up to you.

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