Six Flags Great Adventure
News & Notes for Summer/Fall 2005



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

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Click here for Spring 2005 Notes

102905-019.jpg (125515 bytes) Notes from 
October 29th

End of the 2005 season		 102905-032.jpg (143386 bytes)
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The flowers have been taken down for the Winter The Scream Port sign went up a bit late, and now there are some cool Fright Fest Souvenir Cups
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Poland Spring Plunge has been Winterized Spin Meister appears to be getting a comprehensive rehab this Winter, with all the cars removed 
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Closing weekend and Fright Fest have drawn enormous crowds The lines for Q-Bot stretched to the fountain All the rides had long lines by 12:30 in the afternoon By noon the Nitro line was already longer than the queue area

 

100205-028.jpg (78493 bytes) Notes from 
October 2nd 		100205-003.jpg (145973 bytes)
The platform on Poland Springs Plunge seems to be getting some work done in the off season, with the rubber ring removed A picture perfect Fall day
(sized for use as 1024x768 desktop wallpaper)

 

093005-002.jpg (95080 bytes) Notes from 
September 30th

After this week's announcement of El Toro, Plaza del Carnavale, and Bugs Bunny National Park, the preview center was open for the first night of Fright Fest

 

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Exterior of the Preview Center The freshly painted interior with the renderings
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Detail of the "New Ride" which appears to have the footprint of an S&S Sky Swatter Some details of Bugs Bunny National Park
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Overview of the Plaza del Carnavale expansion Detail of the plaza center and restaurant Detail of the ride queue.   It appears the bridge will be closed to the public and only used as a service entrance A snake is on display at the Preview center
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Chili in a bread bowl is back, and perfect to a cool night This year's Fright Fest mugs have blinking LEDs inside Sunset on Kingda Ka Kingda Ka finally has lighting installed and looks great at night!

 

092405-070.jpg (105697 bytes) Notes from 
September 24th

Just a few random notes this week while 
  Fright Fest keeps coming together, and anticipation grows about the record breaking wooden coaster announcement this Wednesday.

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Fred tries to make his escape! In case there was any doubt the Movie Town Water Effect was closed for the season...
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The plantings in front of Scream Machine are really spectacular The Animation shop seems to be turning into a light/glow shop for Fright Fest  It looks like the shop next to Central Park Deli is turning into a picture studio for Fright Fest  The Haunted Hayride down the street is setting up to lure in Great Adventure guests 

Click here to see the Fright Fest preparations going on around the park

091705-003.jpg (171852 bytes) Notes from 
September 17th

 

 

The season is beginning to wind down 
and Fright Fest keeps coming together.

 

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For some reason two of Vipers cars were sitting next to Superman's shop with the wheels removed
(maybe something for Fright Fest?)		 Nitro's test seat has returned, all fixed
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The tigers' tree seems not to have survived The Animation Shop (Hocus Pocus) seems to be undergoing a transformation 
(maybe something for Fright Fest?)
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The Scara's Italian Ice cart that was here seems to have been pulled for the season The topiary swan has been pulled in for Fright Fest Fantasy Fling finally got a sign! The boats have been pulled for the season from Poland Springs Plunge... ...and from Movietown Water Effect

Click here to see the Fright Fest preparations going on around the park

090405-036.jpg (72810 bytes) Notes from 
September 3rd & 4th

The weather is perfect for this Labor Day weekend, 
and the people seem to be coming to the park 
despite the outrageous increase in gas prices.

Kingda Ka was re-opened this morning after a
couple of days of downtime, but the Robin side 
of The Chiller saddled at some point in the day.
By the end of the day on Saturday, the Robin train had
been completely removed from the track, and 
reassembled at the back of the station.

As the regular season draws to an end,
some of the shows have ended their run
already, while others will finish on Monday.

 

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After the final fireworks show of the season on Saturday night, the pyrotechnicians were out on Sunday to pack up for the season  The New Image show has finished for the season a few days ahead of schedule
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The crane is removing the cars one by one from the low point in the circuit This is probably the last few days of operation for the Big Wheel this season, since the Dead Man's Party stage should start going up soon.
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Strange seeing only a three car train sitting there For what I believe is the first time in the park's history, Flying Wave has its own sign
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The cars are being re-assembled into a train at the station The new frames were sitting next to the Batman Stunt Show.   They could be something for Fright Fest or possibly a Winter greenhouse for all the Golden Kingdom's tropical plants  At some point over the past few weeks, storage boxes with doors were added to the platform of Nitro Kingda Ka seemed to run well all morning.
(Picture sized for use as 
1024 x 768 wallpaper)		 The sign is a nice addition
(Picture sized for use as 
1024 x 768 wallpaper)

 

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The Runaway Mine Train seems to be going through a major inspection of all the welds, most likely as part of a full rehab over the off-season.  Hopefully next season it will receive a fresh coat of paint along with the promised new restraints for the trains

083005-020.jpg (125062 bytes)		 Notes from 
August 30th

With the rain today the park was very un-crowded.

Work continues on the new coaster construction site. 

Fright Fest preparations have started already, as the park transforms itself for the Northeast's Largest Halloween Event!

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As a sure sign of the end of the season (and the rainy day today), Looney Tunes Seaport is using rotating ride operators
Spin Meister remains closed, and they seem to be working on the ride hydraulics 
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082505-001.jpg (169441 bytes) Notes from 
August 25th

The park was crowded today 
with lines for just about everything in the park. 

 

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Kingda Ka was closed today, and a crane was on site apparently in the vicinity of the transfer track 082505-002.jpg (176070 bytes)

< I guess this game is closed for the season (hopefully it's being removed over the Winter to create room for the Twister's queue again

 < Now you too can have the stereotypical ACE member look, with the new Kingda Ka fannypack!
 The WB "Crash the Backlot Tour" was in the park, and the kids really seemed to be enjoying the games and activities.
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082505-043.jpg (293601 bytes) Congo Rapids riders are enjoying the last days of Summer 082505-044.jpg (371482 bytes) As the season draws to a close, the boats of Movie Town Water Effect are beginning to be removed for the season 082505-069.jpg (180008 bytes)

Go to the 2006 Construction Watch Page

081305-009.jpg (173457 bytes) Even more signs have been added letting people know where Best of the  West is located Notes from 
August 16th

With the end of Summer coming quickly, and Kingda Ka re-opening and you end up with one crowded park! 

Despite the crowds, lines are moving quickly and almost everything is running at full capacity.

Kingda Ka seems to be running much more reliably every day, with trains launching at regular intervals throughout the day.

The additional seating for Temple of the Tiger seems to be complete, though it is still closed to guests (possibly waiting for final approval from the Building Inspector)  081605-023.jpg (171993 bytes)
081605-017.jpg (190224 bytes) Today the line started in the overflow queue... 081605-024.jpg (197583 bytes)
081605-008.jpg (173813 bytes) ...and continued... Chaos remains closed and is rumored to be removed due to safety issues similar rides have experienced in other parks 081605-039.jpg (201875 bytes)
081605-005.jpg (184215 bytes) ...to the full section located behind the lockers.

More new Kingda Ka wallpaper pictures have been posted on the Kingda Ka Page

 The newly planted climbing flowers are really taking off 081605-037.jpg (228338 bytes)
081605-030.jpg (217898 bytes) Every ride had a line today, including a completely full queue for Medusa One of the trains on Batman the Ride remains stranded on the lift hill, awaiting repairs to its lift chain.    081605-041.jpg (96381 bytes)

 

080505-017.jpg (75379 bytes) The queue begins back near the restrooms, and is lined with misting fans and umbrellas Notes from 
August 5th

The re-configured queue for 
Kingda Ka

 The main part of the queue is in the area just behind the lockers.   The route of the line takes it past the lockers just before entering the station allowing rider to drop their carry on items 080505-006.jpg (115458 bytes)
080505-016.jpg (86929 bytes) There is an auxiliary line on the opposite side of the path.   The white tent visible over the fence is part of it as well The viewing area seems to be permanently closed to the public, and the line cuts off its entrance 080505-010.jpg (114216 bytes)
080505-015.jpg (84379 bytes) The line includes several drink and ice cream carts and stands The entire station is now backwards from the original layout, with the former Fastlane entrance now the main entrance, and the exit through the operator booth side 080505-001.jpg (112856 bytes)

 

080405-001.jpg (111507 bytes) Notes from August 4th

Kingda Ka has finally re-opened!!!

At 6:30 this evening, the first train load of guests got the ride of their lives as Kingda Ka roared back to life.

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The Kingda Ka toy is now set up in the gift shop Great to see it run again!
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The small passengers seem to have enjoyed the ride! Another bunch of happy passengers
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This thing is HUGE! Over the top...
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It's also available in the Golden Kingdom--Price $29.99 There is now a fence and gate to help limit the traffic in and out of the Oasis The Jungle Land Express track is back together With new gates ...and safely back to earth!

 

073105-014.jpg (69195 bytes) 073105-003.jpg (69624 bytes) Notes from July 30th & 31st 073105-030.jpg (106914 bytes) 073105-006.jpg (149378 bytes)
New baskets of flowering vines are on the front of the Aqua Stadium Now you can take home your own mini Kingda Ka! The Animal Ambassadors have their own designated area The new Best of the West sign is complete
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Saturday was the park's Midsummer Masala event, and the logo was this really cool chili pepper! The Spirit of the Tiger show is finally no longer in "Previews" Fred and Wilma were feeling a little frisky on Sunday... ...and enjoyed a few moments of afterglow together
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The park was very crowded Saturday, and the Masala event was huge, with great music and food The addition to the Temple of the Tiger is almost complete, and has a stairway in the back now so guests can enter after the show has started The Kingda Ka area is set for the re-opening (any day now), and they are ready for HUGE lines with additional queues The Fastlane (Q-Bot) entrance has been moved to the back end of the station 

Go to the 2006 Construction Watch Page

072605-001.jpg (145298 bytes) Notes from July 26th 072605-026.jpg (113338 bytes)
The Temple of the Tiger addition is almost done, and looks like it will add a lot more seating for the wildly popular show The Jackson Outlet Center has changed names (and management) to become the Jackson Premium Outlets, and is now managed by Simon Properties
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A part of the fence has been removed, and a rope barrier is in its place, along with some carts in preparation for Kingda Ka's reopening In anticipation of huge lines, the test seat is now out near the bend in the path The Dippin Dots stand that was here... ...is now around the corner A great new sign/planter directing people across the bridge to Best of the West (and it's worth the trip for the best food in the park!)

 

072405-001.jpg (106132 bytes) 072405-003.jpg (108501 bytes) Notes from 
July 24th 		072405-018.jpg (152296 bytes) 072405-007.jpg (69743 bytes)
New sponsor signs Another load of water dummies crests the hill
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Quick progress is being made on the Temple of the Tiger expansion The parking lot has new signs designating the sections Kingda Ka was testing all afternoon, launching trains constantly The trams have been running, and the tram stop is now on the planter side

 

071805-001.jpg (138312 bytes) 071805-002.jpg (151172 bytes) Notes from 
July 18th 		071805-027.jpg (117709 bytes) 071805-028.jpg (73968 bytes)
Work has begun on the expansion of the Temple of the Tiger seating area The tree which was here (and didn't survive) has been removed and planters are now in its place Today was the first time this season I've seen a tram running in the parking lot 

 

070705-004.jpg (104825 bytes) Notes from 
July 7th 		070705-021.jpg (97710 bytes) Just a few random things 070705-009.jpg (170133 bytes)
The tents for the Sean Hannity event New vines on the front of the Dolphin Stadium (probably for training vines) The beautiful new flower design on the lake shore

Go to the 2006 Construction Watch Page

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An important note to Season Pass purchasers, Pass Processing hours are now Noon to 8:00PM There's now a sign directing people to Rolling Thunder and Medusa since the bridge is closed Notes from 
July 4th 		The Fireworks shows for the 4th of July were great this year, including live singers.   The Grandstand was decked out. Some new bleachers have been placed in the Festival Stage area.

 

062505-005.jpg (48565 bytes) 062505-007.jpg (33785 bytes) Notes from 
June 25th

From Hurricane Harbor and the 
Theme Park

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New landscaping is everywhere in Hurricane Harbor this year, including these great flower baskets along the entrance fence The new photo booth is more substantial than it used to be Movie Town Water Effect is open!   Just in time for a very hot weekend (it was 95 degrees today!)
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Tube and locker rentals have been moved to a central point next to Aquatopia Cafe The new folding Coke cart near Chiller is kind of cool There was a long line to ride and even more people on the bridge getting soaked

 

062405-002.jpg (102025 bytes) 062405-005.jpg (98593 bytes) Notes from 
June 24th 		062405-038.jpg (107196 bytes) 062405-015.jpg (112332 bytes)
The water and two of the boats are in place on Movie Town Water Effect (just in time for a hot weekend opening!) The Illuminatrix fireworks show now has a sign Chaos is still closed, but with the recent accidents involving other parks Chaos rides, it's not too surprising.
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Kumai, the park's 13 week old male kinkajou was out playing with his trainers this afternoon

Go to the 2006 Construction Watch Page

062005-010.jpg (44430 bytes) 062005-009.jpg (49271 bytes) Notes from 
June 20th & 21st

Houdini's Great Escape is now open, and Movie Town Water Effect and the Batman side of Chiller look to be opening soon!		 062005-054.jpg (51690 bytes) 062005-051.jpg (40100 bytes)
The new landscaping touches really add so much atmosphere to the park Work continues on Batman's LIMs, with a pair sitting on the ground waiting to be raised to the spike
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Markings for what looks like a new sign coming for Best of the West More new plantings Houdini is open! New Nitro glasses (there are matching Scream Machine glasses as well)
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Misters were running on the queue for Congo Rapids The sun shade is up on Nitro's queue line Finally the fountains across from Skull Mountain are running Hmmm... ;-) Some great new shirts are available in the shops
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The maintenance workers are making great progress on getting Movie Town Water Effect re-open for the season.   Most of the lift is back together with its new parts, and the station is now getting attention.    My dream car!
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On Sunday the park hosted a classic car show as part of the oldies concert 
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061205-059.jpg (59241 bytes) 061205-060.jpg (48031 bytes) Notes from 
June 12th

In addition, Great American Scream Machine is now back to  running all three trains, Poland Spring Plunge is open, and Rolling Thunder was racing.
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The mechanics were hard at work putting the lift back together on Movie Town Water Effect The faulty train has been removed Get to the Spirit of the Tiger Show early!
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Waiting for the rest of the LIMs New speakers have been added to the Gazebo Space Shuttle is OPEN! Just an FYI since people always ask me Fastlane prices
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Some of the LIMs on the Batman side spike have been placed  And looks great! Hopefully this sign will be back out soon!

 

060905-004.jpg (158526 bytes) Notes from 
June 9th		 060905-051.jpg (119019 bytes) Kingda Ka was closed today, with the dark blue train sitting on the end of the launch track covered by a tarp.   

There is lots of speculation on the Internet currently about the cause and length of the downtime, and I will not contribute to it, but instead direct anyone looking for facts to the Park's Official Website, where the ride's status is being posted.

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New topiary near the Dolphin Stadium
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New misters along the Boardwalk Games Space Shuttle was testing today

 

060605-005.jpg (75232 bytes) 060605-003.jpg (78033 bytes) Notes from 
June 6th		 060605-010.jpg (99855 bytes) 060605-017.jpg (97347 bytes)
A new Rolling Thunder T-shirt! The sign outside the preview center It looks like some new screening is going up on Rolling Thunder to hide it from the Golden Kingdom kids rides The little train is still not running and a piece of the track has been removed.
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The Summer flowers are replacing all the Spring flowers in the  park Still a lot of work to do on Movie Town Water Effect A new Dippin Dots stand next to The Buccaneer
(they all get HUGE lines)		 A new Q-bot scanner in the Golden Kingdom 
(for Kingda Ka or the Temple of the Tiger show?)

 

060205-001.jpg (77570 bytes) 060205-003.jpg (82111 bytes) Notes from 
June 2nd 		060205-008.jpg (69149 bytes) 060205-011.jpg (72113 bytes)
The new paint looks good The bridge into Looney Tunes Seaport got painted too The reservoir is filling The Robin train was pulled out of the spot where it saddled
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The canvas got a fresh coat of paint as well The boats are in place (and a lot more than last season!) For some reason the sun shade haven't yet been placed over the queues



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