BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
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 9/16/2004 7:57:19 PM
Larry, you seem to be the pro at the multi-park road trip. Im looking towards a trip next May. Here's what Im thinking for now, but this is based upon this year's calander and prices.
I may opt to go the preceding week as long as everything is open to planning.
Tuesday, May 17
Depart home (To Jackson: 850 miles; 14 hours)
Thursday, May 19 (Day 1):
Six Flags Great Adventure
Price: Free (SF season pass)
Travel to Allentown: 86 miles; 1 hour, 45 mins
Friday. May 20 (Day 2):
Dorney Park
Price: $21.00
Travel to Elysburg: 77 miles; 1 hour, 45 mins
Saturday, May 21 (Day 3):
Knoebels
Price: $15.75
Travel to Hershey: 65 miles; 1 hour, 30 mins
Sunday, May 22 (Day 4):
Hershey Park
Price: $38.00
Travel home: 780 miles; 12 hours, 45 mins
And Im considering leaving a day earlier and going to BGW, but it is a bit out of the way. Or, I could hit PKD, or make a quick stop at SFA (just because it's free)... we'll see.
So, is it possible? The parks seem pretty close and relatively easy to travel between, and since its not quite peak season, I figured that the parks could all be hit in one day. Agai, to me, you're the expert.
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larrygator
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9/17/2004 4:01:01 PM
great idea and certainly doable
May usually isn't too crowded at GAdv, but Thursday will be the least crowded of the four days on your trip. Since this will be before a lot of the summer help gets there, even short lines could take longer with less ride ops.
With Knoebels you'll have the check if that weekend is a POP when they release their 2005 schedule. But even if you have to pay by the ride you can probably get away with about $25-$30 in tickets. Ticket prices vary by ride with $2 being the most for any ride. I think. For HP, as someone said previously, Eagle supermarkets usually sell discounted tickets to the park. That Dorney admission price sounds low.
Outside of Disney I don't think there is a park that "needs" two days if it's not a busy weekend. Twice I have spent only a day at CP. The third time I went I spent 2 1/2 days and that was pure bliss (except for my whiny, bitchy sister)
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Message updated 9/17/2004 4:04:17 PM by larrygator
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adriahna
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Skooter Junkie
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9/17/2004 4:27:51 PM
Sounds like a great itinerary!
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
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 9/17/2004 10:20:14 PM
Quote:
larrygator said:
great idea and certainly doable
May usually isn't too crowded at GAdv, but Thursday will be the least crowded of the four days on your trip. Since this will be before a lot of the summer help gets there, even short lines could take longer with less ride ops.
With Knoebels you'll have the check if that weekend is a POP when they release their 2005 schedule. But even if you have to pay by the ride you can probably get away with about $25-$30 in tickets. Ticket prices vary by ride with $2 being the most for any ride. I think. For HP, as someone said previously, Eagle supermarkets usually sell discounted tickets to the park. That Dorney admission price sounds low.
Outside of Disney I don't think there is a park that "needs" two days if it's not a busy weekend. Twice I have spent only a day at CP. The third time I went I spent 2 1/2 days and that was pure bliss (except for my whiny, bitchy sister) |
Awesome... glad to hear that its possible. Just to address two things- first, the Knoebels price is based upon this years prices, and they had some sort of pre-peak season ticket, which also explains the low price for Dorney.
Now I just need to work on hotels, and the supermarket tip was nice (often overlooked deals)
Thanks again! 
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Cyclonic
Posts: 2636
Registered: 7/19/2002
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9/18/2004 12:04:07 AM
Larrygator's got nothing on me (six parks in two days, yeah!).
Another detail not to forget is looking for those little parks that you can be in and out of in an hour's time.
On your way up you can easly hit Blue Diamond Park. It is not expensive and only about five minutes off of I-95.
On the way home, if it is open for the season yet, Williams Grove is a must do. The Cyclone there is the scariest coaster in existance (no, I am not kidding).
A great help to such planning is Tim O'Brien's Amusement Park Guide. It is about 2 years old now, but most info is pretty up to date, and it can really help in finding those parks that you never knew were there, as well as give you great info on the bigger parks you want to visit.
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larrygator
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9/18/2004 12:31:03 AM
Quote:
Cyclonic said:
Larrygator's got nothing on me (six parks in two days, yeah!).
Another detail not to forget is looking for those little parks that you can be in and out of in an hour's time.
On your way up you can easly hit Blue Diamond Park. It is not expensive and only about five minutes off of I-95.
On the way home, if it is open for the season yet, Williams Grove is a must do. The Cyclone there is the scariest coaster in existance (no, I am not kidding).
A great help to such planning is Tim O'Brien's Amusement Park Guide. It is about 2 years old now, but most info is pretty up to date, and it can really help in finding those parks that you never knew were there, as well as give you great info on the bigger parks you want to visit. |
I must agree that Cyclonic is the King, he has had many more trips over the years. I only started doing this hardcore this year.
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BobFunland
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9/18/2004 12:39:44 AM
Sweet guys, and thanks. I guess I should've asked Cyclonic too, but it all works out. Oh, and where about is Williams Grove? (also, I am in no way familiar with eastern PA, so you may need to be a bit vague- I can do I95, I80 etc.)
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larrygator
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9/18/2004 1:32:51 AM
Williams Grove is a little southwest of Harrisburg less than an hour from Hershey
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Cyclonic
Posts: 2636
Registered: 7/19/2002
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9/18/2004 8:19:30 AM
One other suggestion, you should get some mapping software, like Microsoft Streets and Trips. It is very helpful to know exactly where you are going, it saves time and money that way, and is far superior to things like Mapquest because you can plan your entire trip with it.
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Message updated 9/18/2004 8:23:56 AM by Cyclonic
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larrygator
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9/18/2004 11:31:12 AM
Quote:
Cyclonic said:
One other suggestion, you should get some mapping software, like Microsoft Streets and Trips. It is very helpful to know exactly where you are going, it saves time and money that way, and is far superior to things like Mapquest because you can plan your entire trip with it. |
I agree, espceially with the smaller parks off the beaten path. The directions to Williams Grove on their website are just hard to follow. One of the turns the street names wasn't marked.
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
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9/18/2004 11:32:15 AM
I think that it came on my computer when I bought it, but Ill have to go looking for it. Thanks, and what costs are associated with Williams Grove? Is is an admission or a per ride park?
Update: I can get Microsoft MapPoint for free through school
Hopefully it will cover what I need it for.
Message updated 9/18/2004 1:09:23 PM by BobFunland
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larrygator
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9/18/2004 3:04:26 PM
Williams Grove = pay pay ride, I think it was only $1 for each ride. There is also a minimal charge $2 to enter the park.
Message updated 9/18/2004 3:07:10 PM by larrygator
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BobFunland
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9/18/2004 3:28:36 PM
Quote:
Cyclonic said:
On the way home, if it is open for the season yet, Williams Grove is a must do. The Cyclone there is the scariest coaster in existance (no, I am not kidding).
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Can you elaborate on that? Just wondering, because oyu only gave it a 6 and said it needed work among other things. Is it still good?
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Cyclonic
Posts: 2636
Registered: 7/19/2002
Rank: Experiment 626
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9/18/2004 3:35:36 PM
 Yeah, it needs work all right. I say that it is the scariest coaster because it feels as if it is going to fall from under you at any moment. It is still a fun ride in a very, very odd little park. when you get there, go to the park office and ask from Ingrad, she is the park owner's wife. Sweet old lady, with a very thick German accent. Let her know you are an enthusiest and where you are from and she will probably give you some tickets.
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ABR
Posts: 277
Registered: 3/22/2003
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9/18/2004 10:55:35 PM
Yeah, for Hershey and Dorney you are defenitley gonna wanna look into discount coupons/tickets. To clarify however, it's GIANT that sells the tickets, not Giant Eagle. Giant and Hershey have kind of a permanent relationship because of the arena that Giant sponsored at Hersheypark.
A few weeks before you leave, check the parks websites and they will usually tell you where you need to go. Many parks now offer print at home tickets.
But nowadays, they seem to be aiming towards places like Taco Bell or Blockbuster. I remember the good old days when there were 2 parks in my area, Adventure World (now SFA) and Kings Dominion. There are 2 big grocery store chains in my area, Safeway and Giant (not affiliated with the Giant mentioned above), one park would do Safeway, the other would do Giant. Now I rarely see them there.
Anyway, it seems like a good plan. Although I might suggest putting in a day of rest on Saturday. I can barely walk after spending an entire day at a park, let alone 2 or 3. You know, just hang out at the hotel and swim. Although since around that time you will be by Knoebels (where there's free parking and free admission) you could just do a couple rides there and then return to the hotel, and then on Sunday do a 1/2 day there and get a jump start on hershey. Hershey offers a "Preview plan". If you purchase a ticket for the next day 2.5 hours prior to closing, you get in for the remainder of the day free. But this can't be used with the supermarket discount. Keep in mind Saturday will be the most busy day for amusement parks, plus it's right in the middle of your trip which is why I'm suggesting you do this.
Also, look into Kennywood. Although that's also out of your way. As a local to the 3 parks you are considering, let me just say: Busch Gardens>Kings Dominion>Six Flags. Although in your case SFA may be the best, with your season pass. But seriously, with the exception of about 3 rides, SFA blows.
Message updated 9/18/2004 10:58:20 PM by ABR
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
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9/18/2004 11:12:11 PM
Quote:
ABR said:
Yeah, for Hershey and Dorney you are defenitley gonna wanna look into discount coupons/tickets. To clarify however, it's GIANT that sells the tickets, not Giant Eagle. Giant and Hershey have kind of a permanent relationship because of the arena that Giant sponsored at Hersheypark.
A few weeks before you leave, check the parks websites and they will usually tell you where you need to go. Many parks now offer print at home tickets.
But nowadays, they seem to be aiming towards places like Taco Bell or Blockbuster. I remember the good old days when there were 2 parks in my area, Adventure World (now SFA) and Kings Dominion. There are 2 big grocery store chains in my area, Safeway and Giant (not affiliated with the Giant mentioned above), one park would do Safeway, the other would do Giant. Now I rarely see them there.
Anyway, it seems like a good plan. Although I might suggest putting in a day of rest on Saturday. I can barely walk after spending an entire day at a park, let alone 2 or 3. You know, just hang out at the hotel and swim. Although since around that time you will be by Knoebels (where there's free parking and free admission) you could just do a couple rides there and then return to the hotel, and then on Sunday do a 1/2 day there and get a jump start on hershey. Hershey offers a "Preview plan". If you purchase a ticket for the next day 2.5 hours prior to closing, you get in for the remainder of the day free. But this can't be used with the supermarket discount. Keep in mind Saturday will be the most busy day for amusement parks, plus it's right in the middle of your trip which is why I'm suggesting you do this.
Also, look into Kennywood. Although that's also out of your way. As a local to the 3 parks you are considering, let me just say: Busch Gardens>Kings Dominion>Six Flags. Although in your case SFA may be the best, with your season pass. But seriously, with the exception of about 3 rides, SFA blows. |
Thanks for the tips.
First, about the day of rest, I put Knoebels in the middle because it shouldn't take too long to get through, and I can enjoy the whole resort.
Second, thanks about 'Giant', because I was thinking Giant Eagle
Also, I owuld only be going to SFA for a few coasters, plus I have a cousin that lives 10 mins from the park (it would be nice to visit  )
Anyways, thanks again. Ill take all of the tips I can get- I want this one to work out perfectly.
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coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004
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9/20/2004 9:54:57 AM
ok in a totally friendly way i need some love from posters on this site.
over 300 ride reviews posted and this summer i had a trip out east that covered erie zoo,waldameer, conneault,delgrossos,lakemont,philly zoo, dupont house, all major historic sites in philly, sf drive thru safari, steel pier, 8 casinos, sf gadv, hershey, zoo america, knoebels. all in ten days with my wife and parents.
i probably should have wrote a trip report so i will probably do that in the winter(good memory)
the obrien guide is awesome thats what led be to penn two years ago and i definately agree with looking for small parks its a cheap way to really heighten your trip.
one last question when should we put up a topic for 2005 itenaries.
ahhh thanks for listening that makes me feel better
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BobFunland
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9/20/2004 10:49:25 AM
Come winter is when people usually begin confirming trips, so I guess thats when you could start an 05 Intinerary thread.
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larrygator
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9/20/2004 12:49:30 PM
Some of us are still lucky to be working on 2004
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BobFunland
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9/20/2004 1:18:44 PM
larry- Are you headed to LA this week or next?
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coaster05
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9/20/2004 4:42:22 PM
i do have two trips still to go in 2004. just kings island ans sfgam for fear fests. im just so excited for2005 im ready to see what others have planned
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BobFunland
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9/20/2004 5:07:58 PM
Well, I guess this thread is sorta my 2005 Itinerary. Plus a trip to Myrtle, and hopefully Carowinds, Lake Winnie, and maybe Visionland and Dollywood again.
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larrygator
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9/20/2004 11:25:38 PM
Quote:
BobFunland said:
larry- Are you headed to LA this week or next? |
I'm flying to LA next Wednesday, September 29
heres my remaining amusement park potential.
September 26 - Montreal - La Ronde (this all depends on when I have to check in for events at my work conference)
September 30 - Magic Mountain
October 1 - Knotts Berry Farm
October 2 - Belmont Park
October 14 - IOA
October 15 - BGT
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
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9/22/2004 4:01:03 PM
Quote:
larrygator said:
I'm flying to LA next Wednesday, September 29
heres my remaining amusement park potential.
September 26 - Montreal - La Ronde (this all depends on when I have to check in for events at my work conference)
September 30 - Magic Mountain
October 1 - Knotts Berry Farm
October 2 - Belmont Park
October 14 - IOA
October 15 - BGT |
Im glad that your making the arduous trip down to Mission Beach to hit Belmont- I absolutely loved the Giant Dipper, and the rest of the park seemed nice (and clean to all of you that have visited Coney), but a bit on the small side and I wanted to get back to the beach (not the frigid water though)
Also, glad to see that you are going to Central Florida to ride two more of my Top 10 coasters... lucky...
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larrygator
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9/22/2004 10:55:02 PM
The California softball tournament is actually in San Diego, I'm flying to LA two days early to hit MM and KBF. So I just need to sneak off for a short time between the softball games and the night time parties to get to Belmont Park. I plan to only ride the Big Dipper
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BobFunland
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9/23/2004 12:30:15 PM
Giant Dipper, but Im glad that you are, because I personally loved it. If you're going to ride it one- wait for the front- the view of the Pacific is sweet.
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larrygator
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9/23/2004 1:43:00 PM
Quote:
BobFunland said:
Giant Dipper, but Im glad that you are, because I personally loved it. If you're going to ride it one- wait for the front- the view of the Pacific is sweet. |
Big Dipper - what an idiot, and I don't think it's the first time I've written it either. I generally ride every woodie at least twice (front and back).
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
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9/23/2004 5:46:09 PM
I got you- its only like 4 bucks a ride, and if you wanted to ride it more than twice, I think that the wristbands were cheap (Im usre you've looked into that)
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yfz450
Posts: 1743
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9/28/2004 4:57:28 PM
wow that's going to be a good trip bobfunland! That's like as many parks that i've been to overall. I can't wait until next year. i wonder what parks i'm going to go to. I was going to go to sfgam but now I think i'm going to IAO and maybe another florida park.
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ABR
Posts: 277
Registered: 3/22/2003
Rank: Silver Critic
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10/1/2004 9:13:25 PM
You may want to postpone your trip a few weeks for Kingda Ka. It might be open by then, but then again...
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