Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America

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anae428
Epinions.com ID: anae428
Member: Ana
Location: Chicago Suburb
Reviews written: 52
Trusted by: 2 members

I Wanna Touch the Sky! I Wanna Fly so High!

Written: Jul 06 '03
Pros:They're located in various locations in the US
Cons:A bit more pricey than your average amusement park.
The Bottom Line: Take the whole family, just make sure you get there an hour before it opens to avoid the rush=)

Hey everyone-
Just went to Six Flags last weekend on a discount. If you go to Jewel-Osco, all locations are selling one-day tickets for $33 per person. Compare this to a lil’ over $40 if you pay at the door. Hey, every dollar counts!

Another smart way to save is by keeping a Coca-Cola can and bringing it to the admission door at Six Flags. As of now, you can get $10 off regular admission. Best of all, this ONE coke can is good for use for 4 guests! Yes, every 4 guests can use the same can and get $10 off.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Ladies, please don’t wear any white articles of clothing, besides socks of course. My friend went on a water ride with me, and you could see everything underneath after she got soaking wet. But if you’re into that, do it at your own risk but don’t say I didn’t warn ya! At least wear a t-shirt underneath!

Men, you can wear just about anything, but I suggest if you’d like your punching bags to breathe, don’t go on the Iron Wolf if you’re wearing unbearably tight pants. This ride (the Iron Wolf) is one were you have to stay standing and my boyfriend says it’s quite painful even with normally fitted Cargos on!

As for shoes, try not to wear any sandals without backing on them because they will slip off on the roller coasters that go upside down and you may hurt yourself on the water rides.

DO wear lots of sunscreen because you will be walking along with the heat of the sun all day long.

DON’T bring a purse along. Forget the makeup, the cameras, the cell phone as much as humanly possible. This is just bulk that you don’t need, and in order to have the most fun-filled day, you don’t want to take anything that may get lost - that will, yes, RUIN the day.

EXPLANATION OF THE RIDES:
I’ve been on every ride at Six Flags so I know my stuff LOL. Let’s start off with the classic, the American Eagle. I went on this ride backwards and forward, but I couldn’t tell you what I liked better. They are both thrillingly chilling. This is the oldest ride and it’s made of wood. You’ll like it because it seems a bit lengthier than the newer rides and you can’t go to Six Flags and say you skipped this one - that’s just a no-no. A great ride is the Demon, known for its low-riding, tunnel-driven force, along with high loops. Vertical Velocity is a newer ride, and given its name because you slide back and forth ‘til you reach the pole’s top and then you head back down anticipating the next round of it. Another classic is the Batman. This ride is cool because you spin, loop, go upside down, and make steep drops all in a matter of 2 minutes, but better than this is the famous Raging Bull. Oh man, if you can handle this ride, you will fear roller coasters no more! Picture a 90 degree drop. Now lessen that to about 70-80 degrees, and that’s about the drop you are going on the Bull. It’s thrilling, super fast, and one of the Park’s most popular.

A bit milder is the Viper, and I say this because it’s more bouncy that fast, more feel-good than feel scared, and you don’t go upside down. Another heartbeat-friendly ride is the Iron Wolf, but you are standing on this one and going upside down. It can be compared to the Batman, except you stand. It’s not so bad. Men, remember those loose pants (no idea what I’m talking about? See beginning of review)!

I must say that I’m angry that Six Flags knocked down the Shock Wave and replaced it with Super Man. This ride isn’t what it was made out to be. Just a more neck-friendly version of Shock Wave with upside downs and twists. Not a favorite of mine.

If you have more time, you might want to try the Giant Drop. This isn’t a roller coaster. Rather, you sit and
Work your way up the top of the elevated pole, and you quickly drop the ground when you least expect it. It wasn’t one of my favorites because it’s really short and I waited in line too long for what wasn’t a big deal anyway.

I’m not too fond of the water rides. I go for the roller coasters mainly, but if you’re into them try the ones where you sit in a log-style seat. I forget the name of them, because like I said, I go for the big boy coasters, but the water rides are fun, just not thrilling enough for my taste. I said to go on the log style water rides because those are the ones that you get splashed and soaked with water the most. Oh, by the way, a lot of their water contains chlorine, so bottle blondes, be careful, or your hair will turn green if you do not care for it properly afterwards (ask your hair stylist for more info=)

WHAT IS THERE BESIDES RIDES?
There are tons of things to do. These are pretty self-explanatory so I’ll make a list for you:
-Get you and your guy/gal drawn as elaborated cartoon characters. My boyfriend and I paid $30 for a 15 -minute color drawing of us.

-Shoot some hoops and win huge stuffed animals. It costs $2 per game. The balls keep coming at you till time’s up.

-Play arcade games at the arcade room and win cigarette lighters, collectibles, and small toy cars

-Have you and your friend record a song at the recording studio for under $10 per cassette!
-Get your picture taken with Dressed-Up Cartoon characters=)

-Shop at the gift shop (they will hold your items while you enjoy the rest of the day)

A FEW EXTRA PERKS:
Six Flags has a fast-lane pass for $30 (good for 4 rides) that allows you to skip the long waiting lines (roller coasters only) and get straight to the front row! Hey you’ve spent tons on food and gifts - what’s another $30 to save a few hours of your day=) LOL

Also, there are so many restaurants and stands to chose from. You’re bound to find something in your own budget. Hot dogs run about 3-4 dollars, cotton candy about the same, and you can find coke and water for $2 (the best prices are the stands, not the actual restaurants).

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
Six Flags opens 10am and closes at 9pm (the one in Gurnee, Illinois does, but all should be somewhat similar in time, give or take a half hour).

The best day to go and beat the crowd is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Many people have Saturday and Sunday off so that’s a crowd. Others take off Friday to make a 3 day weekend. So Fridays are packed. Some people take Monday off if they couldn’t take off Friday. But Tuesday is usually when everyone gets back to work, when the daily routine kicks in, and when not many are considering taking off for a Six Flags day. Same with Wednesday and Thursday. You can also call, like I did, early in the morning, and check the expected volume and wait time for the rides. Approximate wait time for each ride is an hour on a normal day. As much as humanly possible, avoid going on a Saturday. Everyone is heading over there on their day off and it’s a zoo!

Hope you enjoy your stay the Six Flags. Let me know how it goes=)

Average price my boyfriend paid for both of us the whole day (that includes everything like drinks, admission, food, prizes, fast-lane pass, etc):
$150

Oh I forgot to mention, if any guy out there is looking for an original place to POP the QUESTION to his girlfriend, let me tell you my friend Tony popped the question to his gal on the American Eagle at night when it was dark outside, and she was so overjoyed! It's a great idea and she will love you for your creativity! I won't tell her I gave you this pointer=) Lips are sealed=)



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