Six Flags Great America 2011 Update

Every summer I take a trip to Six Flags Great America. Although I live in Memphis, Tennessee, Great America is more my “home park” than any other park. I spent four days at the park during my visit this year, which happens to be the park’s 35th year of operation. I was able to take note of all of the changes that have taken place at the park since last season.

The park’s skyline changed this year with the addition of Riptide Bay. The Mega Wedgie & Dive Bomber slide tower now greets guests as they enter the park. Click here for my review of this new waterpark area.

To make way for Riptide Bay, Sky Trek Tower’s entrance was relocated and a new sign was installed. The ride is much more accessible now than it was before.

One of the most noticeable differences in the park this year is the relocation of the Winners’ Circle go-karts to the center of the park. The go-kart track now sits on top of the old Bugs Bunny area.

Personally, I think the new track is an eye sore. There is now a giant concrete hole of sorts in the middle of the park. It looks very out of place.

Luckily, the rest of the park looks the same.

Wiggles World was rethemed to Kidzopolis. Although the ride names have changed, it’s still a colorful, kid-friendly area.

I believe the Camp Cartoon area of the park needs some updating. It would be nice to reimagine this area as a Looney Tunes-themed land. That’s only wishful thinking, though.

Giant Drop was closed several times during my visits at the park. At several points a loud hissing sound could be heard coming from the top of the tower. Maintenance crews worked on one of the carriages during the day.

Raging Bull is still one of my favorite B&M coasters. Its unique layout and fast pace keeps me getting back in line for ride after ride.

Tip: for the best ride, take a seat in the very back row. You’ll thank me later!

Viper is sporting a new sign this year, although I’m not a big fan as it seems to be made out of a cheap tarp-like material. Perhaps it’s only temporary.

I recommend riding Viper in the back for the most airtime.

I might be in the minority here, but I miss the Papa John’s pizza. The Famiglio pizza tasted more like cardboard than pizza. And does anyone else think “Famiglia” sounds like the name of a disease?

I didn’t get around to riding The Dark Knight but I heard that the preshow is no longer. I liked the preshow, so I’m sad to here that it’s gone.

Raging Bull isn’t the only ride at Six Flags Great America that is “raging,” Ragin’ Cajun is a spinning coaster on the other side of the park.

Vertical Velocity is another one of my favorites at Six Flags Great America.

Although I do miss the holding brake on the reverse spike. The overall experience isn’t the same.

Little Dipper is still doing its thing in the shadows of Batman. It didn’t seem to be attracting much of a crowd, though. I guess no one cares much for the history!

Warning: Superman rant ahead! Six Flags needs to get it together with this ride. The slow dispatch times kept the queue nearly full on several days that I was at the park.

Coupled with extended downtime, it’s no wonder that I only rode it once.

The ride, although fun, is not worth a wait longer than 45 minutes.

I had heard that it was closed, but I can report that Yankee Clipper was open every day that I was at the park.

Looking towards the Yankee Harbor area from Sky Trek Tower.

I don’t know how anyone manages to not get sick on Fiddler’s Fling. I get sick from just watching it complete a cycle.

Oh, Iron Wolf. I want to love this coaster so much, but it’s too painful to do so.

I bought one of the limited edition blue prints of the coaster that they had on sale in the Carousel gift store. I have a feeling that Iron Wolf’s days are numbered despite what the park may say.

American Eagle is celebrating its 30th year of operation this year. Although rough, it’s a very enjoyable ride. You can buy a limited edition print of the coaster’s blue prints in the Carousel gift store near the front of the park.

American Eagle is celebrating its 30th year of operation this year. Although rough, it’s a very enjoyable ride.

One of the trains had wheel covers, the other did not.

It was a great few days at the park. I highly recommend viewing the Screams and Dreams documentary which is showing in the Emporium. The film looks at the first few years of the park under Marriott’s ownership. It’s very interesting.

Overall, the park is looking great. For the most part, the staff was friendly and efficient. All this park needs is another big coaster and it will be set for years to come.