Six Flags Great Adventure
News & Notes for Spring 2005



 Go To The Official Six Flags Great Adventure Website For Current Park Information

 

Click on any thumbnail for the full size pic
Click here for the Summer Notes Page

053005-040.jpg (83245 bytes) 053005-463.jpg (74143 bytes) Notes from 
May 30th & 31st
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The line for Fastlane on Memorial Day was HUGE! Weekend Warriors and the other shows opened on Saturday Primer went on May 30th And fresh paint May 31st
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The Koi Pond mallard has a new batch of ducklings A heron on the lake A hint for next season? The railing is back in place Before (with primer) After (with paint)
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The new story tellers in Golden Kingdom Another street character in the Frontier Adventures 
(think Deadwood)
The sand sculpture contest was amazing! The leaves and crud have been removed from Poland Springs Plunge in preparation for opening
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The theme of the sand sculpture competition was a tribute to our troops (for Memorial Day)

 

052705-001.jpg (69289 bytes) 052705-158.jpg (149043 bytes) Notes from May 27th 052705-033.jpg (99851 bytes) 052705-028.jpg (133919 bytes)
Starbucks was giving out free samples at the front gate One of the parks resident critters gets a handout New Kingda Ka license plate frames The water play structure was open today
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The Mission Weekend Warriors show was rehearsing again, 
and looked like it was coming together well.
More preparation for the sand sculpture competition

 

052605-012.jpg (156359 bytes) 052605-014.jpg (113937 bytes) Notes from May 26th

Preparations for the holiday weekend are well underway.  Hopefully we'll have some better weather to kick off the Summer!

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The elephant slide is great! The sand sculptures are starting already Another scary new T-shirt The Gazebo is set for the new boy-band show
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Ameriquest Mortgage is a new park sponsor and has signs and a booth The Mission Weekend Warriors is almost ready.
Great to see a show coming to the Great Lake Grandstand

 

052405-010.jpg (214076 bytes) Notes from May 24th 052205-012.jpg (169971 bytes)
052405-011.jpg (150608 bytes) The Poland Springs Plunge is being put back together Tigerland Treehouse is finally open 052405-009.jpg (172770 bytes) 052405-002.jpg (145631 bytes) Beach sand is in place for the sand sculpture competition More new landscaping including a topiary swan and changing flowers for the Summer 052405-012.jpg (218717 bytes)

 

052205-001.jpg (127160 bytes) 052205-015.jpg (152922 bytes) Notes from May 23rd 052205-013.jpg (267461 bytes) 052205-014.jpg (219820 bytes)
Signs were posted near the ticket booths warning that Kingda Ka would not be open, but it opened as I was leaving the park today One of the trains from Great America's defunct Shockwave things are coming together for next weekends show debuts, including the new "Mission Weekend Warriors" show

 

052105-017.jpg (123781 bytes) 052105-018.jpg (83177 bytes) Notes From Saturday, 
May 21st

Opening Day of Kingda Ka and Coaster Celebration
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Now that Golden Kingdom is done, work has re-started on Poland Springs Plunge And work continues rebuilding the lift on Movie Town Water Effect The new resident of the Temple of the Tiger Entrance A new T-shirt (a hint for the 2006 coaster?)   It reminded me of this
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Rolling thunder was racing! Signs from Bugs Bunny Land and Frontier Adventures (areas that are now part of the Golden Kingdom), have been retired to the Season Pass Processing Building Jumbo the Elephant is still standing in the maintenance yard Kingda Ka was very popular on opening day, with lines which stretched beyond the regular queue and into the Golden Kingdom. 
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The Spirit of the Tiger show previews were very popular as well The tigers are so amazing! Really beautiful Great show! Awesome costumes, and the dancers are fantastic There was a double rainbow over the park towards the end of the day!

 

051205-002.jpg (139204 bytes) 051205-216.jpg (192565 bytes) Notes from May 12

More pictures of Kingda Ka in action are on the Kingda Ka Page

New Golden Kingdom pictures have been posted on the Golden Kingdom Spotlight Page

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Scariest.T-shirt.Ever! The flowers dress up the walkway There is now a scrolling sign telling which rides are not running
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Scream Machine was stopped on the lift when I arrived The new pavement looks great from above Mr. Six's bus is back! Kingda Ka was testing all afternoon
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Viper is walled off for removal Runaway train was running two trains today
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A last look at Viper The bridge is closed off going towards Viper Pentax Digital Cameras is now a park sponsor Good to see a second train (even if it still has the old restraints)

 

042205-038.jpg (140106 bytes) Update April 22

The Golden Kingdom opened today as part of Coasters After Dark

Here are some other things that have changed around the park as well over the course of the week.   In addition, track work on the inside track of Rolling Thunder appears to be complete, so hopefully it will be opening soon (and racing!)

The theme for this week seems to be signs 

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Kingda Ka has been added to the direction signs Mr. Six now directs people to the Season Pass Processing building
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Work on the parking lot has begun, with all the reverse rows removed New signs are up on the Koi Pond
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The trees are starting to bud The former arcade, turned laser tag, turned haunted house, has become an arcade again, with a DDR machine it the sales booth New signs direct season pass buyers at the front gate
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A new fence separates the Golden Kingdom from Frontier Adventures More new sod and landscaping along the Lakefront The flume has a fresh coat of paint The High Striker has been removed and an ATM has taken its place The blue pavement is growing on me Movie Town Water Effect is undergoing a major rehab on the lift hill
041605-024.jpg (96453 bytes) 041605-022.jpg (131332 bytes) Update from April 16
Workers are all over the Golden Kingdom trying to finish construction, and each week it looks more and more spectacular!
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The areas of the park that received blacktop last season have been coated with blue sealant Guests were riding Congo Rapids despite the cool weather Another week, another detail added to the entrance
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The new blue pavement takes some getting used to There was a "VERB" sports event in the park The oldest ride in the park (the Carousel which dates back to 1880) with the newest ride looming over it The treehouses keep adding more and more elements The new shields look great!
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More views of the treehouses going up.    The details are fantastic! Kingdom Traders is looking great
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Wildside Pizza has a sign now Additional seating has been added across from the Outpost Grill It's all coming together Workers apply stucco to the new rooftop The tiger enclosure and viewing area is taking shape quickly
Updates from April 9
The park looks better and better every week, as more work is completed and the landscaping starts to fill in with the warmer weather.
The park has been doing exactly what they promised, with all the rides, shops and restaurants open. 
Great job, Six Flags!
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Remote control trucks have taken the place of the Ham on Rye  The Batman queue looks great with the new landscaping Congo Rapids was testing this morning The waterfalls were running on Skull Mountain The new iron fence around Wave Swing looks much better than the old one!  The flowers look really great along Dream Street
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Great American Scream Machine looks sharp with its new paint A new sign is up on the former Recording Studio The fish feeders are back! Tweety's Roundup looks great in its new location
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The fountain over by the Bandstand looks great with the new iron fence and all the new landscaping
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Work continues at full speed as the Golden Kingdom comes together Old coaster technology meets new technology Kingda Ka reflects in the lake The tiger viewing area makes steady progress The detail in the new buildings is fantastic
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The Golden Kingdom entry sign has been modified slightly Entry to an exotic land Getting ready for the first guests to arrive
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The tree houses are coming together The animals have their own sign now Overview of Dream Street on a great day
Updates from April 2
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The new interior of Best of the West Black Beard's Lost Treasure Train finally has a sign (after 6 years) The water screen is waiting to go back in the lake The Old Main restrooms got a fresh coat of paint this week The Bandstand got a little more "character" with some Looney Tunes cutouts added to the roof
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More progress has been made on Kingdom Traders More theme elements have been placed Work was going on through the rain Another tower structure for Bailin's Jungle Kingdom More details have been added to the new structures The slides are just about to be added to the tower
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The tiger viewing area of Kingdom Traders is taking shape quickly along with the rest of the tiger enclosure More greenery and a small "stage" have been added to the animal interaction area The Boardwalk entrance to the Golden Kingdom has had more progress made, including adding large logs above the walkway, and aging of the statue
(picture at the far end is from last week for comparison)
040205-022.jpg (127624 bytes) 040205-016.jpg (175200 bytes) 040205-024.jpg (427373 bytes) Stuntman's Freefall is almost ready to open for the season.  The ride has apparently cycled this week (along with Congo Rapids).   There was a car stopped at the drop, and several times the cycle start horn went off while a crew was on the platform today 040205-027.jpg (101676 bytes) 040205-029.jpg (59074 bytes)
Another view of the construction area.   Great progress has been made over the last week.   A large number of the trees have been planted in the new section, including large stands of bamboo which will help screen Golden Kingdom from Frontier Adventures The old TVs are being removed from the queue of Scream Machine.   In the distance, a great looking new fence is going up along the back edge of the Golden Kingdom With the rain and wind today, practically no one was at the park.   I was there from ten to noon, and the pictures above show haw few cars were in the lot.

Despite the lack of crowd, the crews were friendly, and were cleaning everything in sight.   The landscapers have done even more planting and cleaning, and there were (for the second week in a row) employees using skimmers to remove trash from the lake!

Keep up the great work Great Adventure!



 Go To The Official Six Flags Great Adventure Website For Current Park Information