Six Flags Great America

Visited: July 23, 2023

Attending: Just Brian

I did Great America on my previous Wisconsin trip, and I remember really liking it. In retrospect, I think I spent a lot longer in lines than I might tolerate now. I also left a few credits behind because of lack of time. I knew this trip would be a short one, and that was fine. My priority was getting to Wisconsin, and given how late I’d gotten in the previous night, I wasn’t taking chances today. I got there about 15 minutes before open, got a good parking space, and prepared to be efficient.

Maxx Force

I’d ridden Maxx Force on my last trip, and waited a good while to do so. Although it’s generally not my policy to go on the coaster near the front of the park first, on the advice of Buzzed Bars (that it always has a line, and frequently breaks down), I decided to amend my policy. Which proved to be smart. I had to wait on the midway until the ride itself opened, but my total wait was maybe 20 minutes. I got assigned to the next-to-last row, which would normally be my preference, but I don’t think it really matters with this one. The launch was strong, but not as strong as I remembered. The force definitely dropped before the “step up” on the launch track. A couple of elements, and then it’s done. Sitting in the back just emphasizes the brakes on the final down-slope, where brakes shouldn’t be. I stand by my assertion that this is a good half-a-ride. Maybe I won’t prioritize this in the future.

Trivia: By riding Steel Curtain, then Maxx Force, I rode two S&S coasters in succession, which is unusual, because they’re kinda rare. I could have gone for three by riding Joker next, but I didn’t.

Whizzer

Whizzer is a nice historic Schwarzkopf that opened with the park in 1976. It’s got a clone at California’s Great America, and used to have a sibling at Worlds of Fun. I missed this on my last trip because, stupidly, I just forgot it was there. I became much more interested in this ride after riding Zambezi Zinger, which was “inspired” by the former coaster at Worlds of Fun. This one has bobsled-shaped trains, kinda similar to Space Mountain in Florida, in that you ride in a single-file line, either one or two people per slot. Fortunately, I was alone, which made for a nice, open experience. The spiral lift is still pretty neat, but might have been a lot cooler if I hadn’t just done one last month. The ride itself isn’t strongly forceful, but it does have some nice swooping effects, and a helix that will push you back into your seat. Really not bad for such an old coaster. I hope they continue to maintain this one.

The Dark Knight

I skipped this ride last time I was here, and with good reason: it’s a clone. Not a super-successful clone, though. This one and the one at Great Adventure opened at the same time, and there was supposed to be a third in New England, but they broke some zoning laws, and it got shipped to Mexico instead of opening. Anyway, I’d ridden one before, and they’re kinda dull. It’s also family-friendly, so it attracts a long line. Which I anticipated, but I decided to get the credit anyway. When I got into the main queue space, the line didn’t seem to be very bad, but it also wasn’t moving. Several parties bailed while I waited, and I considered doing the same. However, I eventually got through the door…at which point I discovered I didn’t know just how much queue there is. I remember cruising through most of it at Great Adventure, so it must not have registered, but this thing goes on forever. When I finally got to ride…well, it’s a wild mouse in a box, so there’s not much to say about that. The person riding with me had clearly never experienced one before, so he was startled by the switchbacks, and the drops, and everything, I guess. So good for him. The train jump-scare at the end wasn’t nearly as loud or bright as I remember, so maybe they turned that down. I’m certainly not about to ride this again. Maybe the Great Adventure version, if it’s on a slow day.

Goliath

I decided to just skip Joker altogether, even though I still need the credit. The line was long, and I just don’t like S&S Free Spins, although I’ve only been on one. So I moved clockwise back around the outside of the park. Demon and American Eagle were both closed for the day, but that was OK by me. Goliath was the first one I came to, and I know it has a secret single-rider entrance, so I went right there, and was on the platform almost immediately. However, once there, I was at the whim of the grouper, so I had to wait a while. I got assigned to row 11, which would have been my choice, so that made me happy. Last time, I was somewhat disappointed by Goliath, as compared to other RMC’s. This time, with my expectations lowered, I wasn’t expecting big air or fancy inversions, and I liked it better. The first drop is excellent, as is the dive loop near the end. And the stall, of course, is pure poetry. It’s short, unfortunately, but it’s still probably the best ride in the park.

After that, I wanted to tag the B&Ms if I could. Unfortunately, X-Flight had quite the line. I figured Raging Bull would be doable, because B&M hypers never seem to get enough love, and this one is pretty hidden. I was wrong about that, though; the line was nearly onto the midway. I figured I’d exhausted my opportunities, and just left. I had thought about going to Little Amerricka, as it was on my way to the hotel, but I couldn’t see taking the time just to get myself beat up by a Chance toboggan, even if it happened to be running, so I didn’t.