A Chilly Day at Six Flags Great America

Last weekend I spent a grey and chilly day at Six Flags Great America. I was excited to see what had changed at the park since I last visited in August of 2012.

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One of the noticeable changes to the park this year was the reconfigured entrance area. Guests now pass through this new security checkpoint before proceeding through to the turnstiles.

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Guests now purchase tickets at the building shown at the bottom of the above photo.

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Despite the frigid temperatures, the park’s plants and flowers were lush and in bloom. The bright greenery made for a stark contrast against the grey sky.

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One of the more exciting changes this season was the reversal of the Batman: The Ride trains.

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Batman: The Rides backwards, or #NAMTAB as seen on social media, was an exhilarating ride experience for an already intense coaster. I sat in the back row, which technically could be the “front,” as it offered the best view of the track behind you.

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I am not a fan of backwards motion, as it messes with my equilibrium. I like to be able to expect what is coming. Therefore, I did not particularly care for the backwards Batman. However, based on talking to others, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.

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I was happy to see the crashed police car up and “running,” as well as the use of fog in the queue and station. It was a nice throwback to the coaster’s earlier days.

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The configuration of the backwards train only allows for seven rows of riders. However, an efficient crew of ride operators kept the line moving quickly.

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Ride Batman: The Ride backwards while you can, as it will only run backwards until July 7, 2013.

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The igNIGHT set is coming along nicely, although I was disappointed to see the quaintness and tranquility of the Hometown Square area disrupted. Hopefully, after the show concludes, the square will be returned to its former glory.

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The go-kart track provides great views of the park, at the cost of a huge slab of concrete in the middle of the park.

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East River Crawler is still in pieces, but crews were working on the ride as I passed by.

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On the other side of the park, X-Flight is still thrilling riders in its second year of operation.

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The control tower keyhole makes most novice riders scream in terror.

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It’s a great addition to the park’s coaster lineup.

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I was surprised to see a lack of Man of Steel tie-ins within the park, while other movies like White House Down and After Earth were heavily promoted. Go figure.

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Whizzer is still chugging along.

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Viper is the next Six Flags Great America coaster to receive the train reversal treatment. The ride will run backwards for a limited time beginning July 8, 2013.

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A few brave souls decided to ride Roaring Rapids. More power to them.

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Iron Wolf’s former station is still standing at the back of the park by itself. The park has not yet released plans for the area.

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Unsurprisingly, Hurricane Harbor did not open.

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Overall, it was a fun yet cold day at the park. The crowds and temperature dwindled as the day progressed. Lines were nearly nonexistent by the end of the day. I look forward to hearing reviews of igNIGHT. The park has advertised it as the biggest production in its 37-year history.

One last thing: if you’re at the park this summer, don’t forget to stop by the Pictorium to see Screams & Dreams, Volume III. It’s a very interesting documentary that details the park’s recent history (2000-2012).

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