Jump to content
  TPR Home | Parks | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram 

bert went Coasting for Kids on Team TPR at Fiesta Texas


Recommended Posts

So I drove down to San Antonio bright and early on Saturday Morning to participate in "Coasting for Kids" - the benefit for Give Kids the World Village, a fantastic charitable organization, that was being hosted at Fiesta Texas on 7/20.

 

I participated as a member of Team TPR, which for this particular park consisted of myself, and Garbels (someone I've seen in pics on TPR for many years, but had never met until now.. . if you hadn't figured it out, he turned out to be a really, really cool guy).

 

I had a great time and all in all, we ended up contributing over $2200 towards the over $10.4K raised by those participating!

 

Not bad for our team of two! so really appreciate all those who donated to me over the past couple of weeks!

 

I took over 200 pics, but edited down to less than 100 for this TR - hey, I figured folks wanna see unique pics that aren't often available to general park goers (such as Wonder Woman with no line, or the views of Iron Rattler, Roadrunner, and Superman from the Canyon walking tour we got to take, as both of us made the top 20 fundraisers).

 

here are a bunch of pics, with some comments beneath them

 

Thanks to Robb (& TPR) for not only encouraging us to participate, but offering some incredible support to help us kick off some donations to our pages.

 

and the links will stay active, if anyone still wants to contribute to this fantastic cause!

 

Mine:

http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1417173&pg=personal&fr_id=1887

 

Garbels:

http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1021158&pg=personal&fr_id=1887

IMG_7894.thumb.JPG.26574f3cfee0b9f39e210b854e63dc6b.JPG

one benefit of getting here ~2 hours before the park opens to the public?

 

I can pull over at the entrance, and get a proper picture of the main sign, without causing any traffic issues!

 

(later in the day, the line of traffic to get into the park was NUTS, but for us? easy-peasy, and got to park way up front too!).

 

thanks to the Six Flags Fiesta Texas staff who came in early to let us in, serve us breakfast, and allow us to ride! all with a smile on their faces.

IMG_7895.thumb.JPG.c172b77142f659d93c860d2b2d9669e6.JPG

parked, and quick walk to front gate, where we didn't have to show any tickets, just the wristband we got a the checkin just inside the main arch. SFFT did have the Metal Detector and security officers there, but was a breeze to get in (and front gate staff even offered to scan my Season Pass upon entering, so I wouldn't have to come back later to activate it for the meal plan).

IMG_7899.thumb.JPG.710f2ad93f2230ffebf614383ba19c17.JPG

here at check in!

IMG_7900.thumb.JPG.bdfc59bdf6c290661c97d6925d86e4e6.JPG

Checking in, and getting my Tshirt/hat/badge from Give Kids the World Development Manager Steven Amos , and the wonderful Cristina Berg, who had been a top fundraiser a few weeks ago at SFOT, and came down to help out here at SFFT too.

 

Steven put on a SPECTACULAR event.

IMG_7901.thumb.JPG.1ce9bbcea526d0a984eba3ad9543ee4e.JPG

and then thru the gates, into the main plaza where we were welcomed (SFFT put out multiple signs thruout the park. . it was a job really well done).

 

I was directed to the restaurant space off the main plaza where we were to have the morning meeting with plans for the day, presentation, and continental breakfast.

IMG_7902.thumb.JPG.3bee303bfcf0593583cc1b8404e9ec66.JPG

we had been promised a Continental Breakfast, and that WAS there. . but SFFT went all out, and provided a make your own breakfast taco bar, with eggs, bacon, beans, ham, and all the fixins

 

it was a wonderful, unexpected treat, and really appreciate that SFFT went above and beyond!

IMG_7903.thumb.JPG.83ab5c75ac416c66bd2b45ba4b5577c3.JPG

IMG_7904.thumb.JPG.e0302311776c340995d5add4d3a13e75.JPG

here's the other tables that had the true "Continental Breakfast" offerings.

IMG_7907.thumb.JPG.52e755a6ea0986ff2c1ab6500a2f23eb.JPG

it looks like a ton of food, but it's really only 2 tacos, with a crapload of bacon :p

 

I tried to not over-do it, especially since i knew was about to spend some time riding coasters (and wanting to talk to my teammate -- about those folks we'd met in the past from TPR :p )

IMG_7909.thumb.JPG.08529eba8e0ea2d95d3c5a763365735d.JPG

Park President Jeffrey Siebert came in to say hello, and made sure to visit with everyone at the welcome breakfast

IMG_7910.thumb.JPG.df2ab8a82278922a5900010dc9734801.JPG

Here he is addressing the Group, and thanking us for coming to participate.

 

that's GKTW's Steven on the left.

IMG_7911.thumb.JPG.eb58104f262912dd915ed60c4a53ab48.JPG

I think, including a couple of Give Kids the World Village families, we were about 40 participants.

IMG_7913.thumb.JPG.5218a5a1a5183503ef64104f77c0eb86.JPG

these signs were out in the area too. Very cool of them, and I'm totally impressed how quickly they were able to replace "Joker" with "Hustler" as the 4th ride offered.

 

It's a shame Joker wasn't open yet (nor Supervillain swing), but that didn't really take away any of the fun we were about to have for such a great cause.

 

and per the Mgmt I was chatting with during the Cliff walk, they will both open at the same time, per DC Comics/Time Warner direction. . but both are ready to go, as soon as they get word.

IMG_7896.thumb.JPG.769fd465d075a329cce812cf4b495a93.JPG

a quick stop back to the car after changing, to stash my Club TPR shirt I had been wearing, as it was WAY too hot for 2 shirts today.

IMG_7905.thumb.JPG.fbaa72e366b1aba12049988ada1d4313.JPG

I spotted Garbels (Jake), right away - as noted, I've seen pics of him for years on TPR, and he recognized me as well.. so first thing we had to do was take a pic!

 

he was just as great a person, as i figured he would be.

IMG_7912.thumb.JPG.a86fd7f3837024c6e45beb3fc6538da0.JPG

and sure enough, Joker looks completely ready to go.

 

it looks absolutely stunning, and as Garbels kept saying, "you can't even tell there was once a Top Spin here". . it fits into the area THAT well.

IMG_7914.thumb.JPG.d41d41fa7614f7c90d559d8326358a6a.JPG

the little "Villain" signs along the front of the ride are pretty damn cool too.

 

GREAT job on the theming Six Flags Fiesta Texas!

IMG_7915.thumb.JPG.94dd3e6bedddf2054d86bb3b753fbf16.JPG

it fits right in. . .

IMG_7916.thumb.JPG.60c40a091ddd6b391f0162e8bedd603f.JPG

IMG_7917.thumb.JPG.5e2334e53f2256e219e95bef7c3ecd37.JPG

IMG_7918.thumb.JPG.2438405bcb71d69d18e2324e8d7d068e.JPG

most of the group stopped at Superman, or seemed to be going to Hustler (Batman didn't appear to be getting any love, but I guess an S&S freespin after just eating breakfast, isn't that great of an idea. . so I suppose it makes sense).

 

but we were headed to Wonder Woman

 

but what a view.. we were literally the first guests in this area.

IMG_7919.thumb.JPG.8c931a093ba8039048e2a82cb1659547.JPG

we even stopped for a pic, but it didn't look like the ride was cycling trains?

IMG_7920.thumb.JPG.1170c3d36f9e84a04f8b6ddacb400bf9.JPG

no need to worry tho. . the ride was not only fully staffed, but all three trains were on the track!

 

they just didn't have any "customers" yet - we were the 1st.

 

So was able to get a pic with the stopped train, since all 3 were stacked (2 in station, one on brake run).

IMG_7921.thumb.JPG.86e4b946751e854905cc5068d5871a10.JPG

one of the staff, even offered to take a pic of me with the train!

 

just this is something special to me, as when will I EVER get an opportunity like this again. . literally there is NO ONE there.

 

(we were getting into the train parked in front of it).

 

Now, they did have all 3 trains running, so Kudos to them for that, but be aware: 2 trains have 1 seat not working (the back seat on 1, a middle seat on another), and the 3rd train has the 1st two seats closed off.

 

So if you're going to SFFT, and it's not a regular park for you? I'd highly recommend Flash Pass, as WW is not at full capacity (20 seats vs 24), and Iron Rattler is only 1 train operations.

IMG_7924b.thumb.JPG.f36466c822645b8134b7f1e51d8b954a.JPG

the staff was SO DAMN COOL. . they did not make us leave our seats (unless we wanted to switch around), even tho every train had to have the restraints unlocked and re-locked to allow them to go, for safety reasons.

 

but I think we got 4 laps on the ride, before anyone else from the C4K group showed up to ride.

 

we basically had our own TPR train for multiple laps on this stellar coaster. (and I took this pic with permission to take my phone out on the brake run, since the train in front of us was stopped in the station)

 

I only rode a couple of times in the front, most of my rides were in the back, and my shoulders are feeling it today, LOL!

IMG_7924c.thumb.JPG.e3e0252e987e4227d195ef96fb1d1f64.JPG

TPR train, coming in after another cycle! (this pic taken by WW Employee as we came into station)

IMG_7925k.thumb.JPG.7ba0a5c67c124e2d931fa6c14c4385e8.JPG

then, I needed to get out to stand for a moment, but Garbels wanted to keep going, so he got a solo back seat ride on the coaster, while I walked 1/2 way up the exit ramp to get some pics.

IMG_7926.thumb.JPG.84d334bb864ab3f6216ebf41e9395c8a.JPG

YEAH!. . . .owning Wonder Woman!

IMG_7928.thumb.JPG.3be444749bda9814b99846b46902fe74.JPG

wheee

IMG_7929.thumb.JPG.2efbb30472574492ff762185cf0c1ba5.JPG

YEAH !!

IMG_7925.thumb.JPG.5548e51be1edbf50acb3629243ce61a0.JPG

Then it was my turn for a solo ride, while he stretched his legs

IMG_7925a.thumb.JPG.5528d8278996a96b9bf99bee13dbe485.JPG

I'm ready, back seat is the place to be on this coaster. . such extreme ejector are (which usually I don't like), but with the restraints, it's not on your legs/thighs at all, so only shoulder hits.

 

Reminded me very much of Maverick in that respect.

IMG_7925b.thumb.JPG.6d44d3b40b22b5ae8c194232df1e895f.JPG

my turn to whee! and of course, I had to hands up too.

IMG_7925c.thumb.JPG.bc296fde906a8b6cde2089da4bc1e691.JPG

IMG_7925e.thumb.JPG.bec41dd5affab7c7fce08c0948d99e1f.JPG

IMG_7925f.thumb.JPG.dea5251fc4ab7c71bf7e340816de51ed.JPG

IMG_7925g.thumb.JPG.5f41ac5349be3b87efbd40e04ef85441.JPG

IMG_7940.thumb.JPG.7a26e368b51f390251f2d641ab8c95b3.JPG

after a couple of more rounds where there actually were a handful of other folks riding with us (tho not on the TPR train), I needed another brief break, and Garbels wanted a front row ride.

 

so I stepped off for a cycle, and he took another solo ride.

IMG_7941.thumb.JPG.ed82d6e3e2ead1c0106f0dbe785d83d4.JPG

Steven & Cristina made it over to take a ride!

 

She did NOT want to ride, she doesn't do anything that goes upside-down. . .but I recommended that she give it a ride near the front, to experience the floater air one gets up front.

IMG_7942.thumb.JPG.1d174c00a5e6eb1b821d4c03d65a8f76.JPG

King o the world!

 

or at least this part of the park.

IMG_7943.thumb.JPG.0abf4eb8840efed07bdb7452fb0c1773.JPG

Wheeeee!

IMG_7944.thumb.JPG.eb87eb947d7d94f4a04c418dddfec1e8.JPG

IMG_7945.thumb.JPG.00a7e39ae87f9f60be2a351a0df3c1d6.JPG

IMG_7946.thumb.JPG.c4498f5a812c98c67ab0856d882f49d1.JPG

she doesn't look thrilled, but afterwards she thanked me for the recommendation to ride near the front

IMG_7956.thumb.JPG.0fb9af86c7123587da4e5e7bb0d78fb6.JPG

after a few more rounds on Wonder Woman (I think I ended up with 8 or 9 laps, and Garbels ended up with 8)?, we had planned to head over towards the meet up for the Cliff Walk (which was over by Iron Rattler entrance) stopping along the way to ride Superman.

 

but while chatting with *someone* just before our last ride on Wonder Woman, it was mentioned that the park was going to toss in another perk - and let us ride Iron Rattler before going on the walk.

 

ie: be the 1st in line for Iron Rattler when rope-drop happens, since we were meeting for the cliff walk at 10:30.

 

Iron Rattler is only running ONE TRAIN thru August, and we had actually been talking about how we had planned to get on Iron Rattler since we were already in the park, but when we got chosen for the walk? we *had* to do that instead, since that's a rare opportunity.

 

So when Director Ron McKenzie told us that they were gonna hold off starting the walk until anyone who wanted to ride Iron Rattler got an ride? we thanked him profusely, and got in the queue (which was chained off, but literally seconds after we lined up at the chain, the running of the bulls arrived, and the general public swarmed in behind us).

 

Because we were at the chain when Ron officially opened the ride, most of us were on the 1st train of the day, with a handful on the 2nd train. By the time we got off, it was pulling - easily - an hour + line (as even in a station queue, the wait is gonna take 20-25 minutes with only one train).

 

so absolutely, this was a fantastic additional perk! Thanks SFFT, and Ron!

 

this pic is of Roadrunner while waiting for the 2nd train of folks to get off Iron Rattler.

IMG_7958.thumb.JPG.d43038d036d2911b1b05039c88603e33.JPG

Director Ron McKenzie, who (along with some support folks), led us on an amazing behind the scenes tour up on the canyon wall.

 

they also gave us little "goodie bag" backpacks with bottled water in them, and he encouraged us to hydrate as the walk is all with no shade. They also had a med cart with us during our walk that had refills for more water if we needed it.

 

Really enjoyed chatting with him during our walk, as it turns out Ron came to SFFT from SFStL (so got to talk about that, since just got back from there), and previously he worked at Astroworld! so that was all kinds of cool stuff we got to chat about while hiking.

IMG_7959.thumb.JPG.0c01edbf6f5fb3d26b7d5f420cfcb170.JPG

NOTED!

 

(but ignored, since with Director Ron's group)

IMG_7960.thumb.JPG.559ab2e2eef3ffff86238398c52b2865.JPG

stopping for a quick pic, behind the walls!

IMG_7961.thumb.JPG.de63e543c23cd1191b3e1cab51b4ae59.JPG

Looking up at some signage, that I'm not sure is visible from within the park? Maybe one can see it from Roadrunner's queue? We're walking up the trail under Roadrunner's lift hill.

IMG_7962.thumb.JPG.9dd0e484a55c0045f8d4ce42b7a1bc59.JPG

get some really unique views of this Custom mine train going up the hill

IMG_7963.thumb.JPG.4c8cda87d8e032fb88e4938757592922.JPG

and lot of prickly pear cactus everywhere too.

 

I wish that the SFFT folks hadn't warned us to stay on the trail due to the rattlesnakes that hang out back there. . it made me nervous!. . tho we didn't see (or hear) any on our trek.

IMG_7964.thumb.JPG.7c9db781406234f62526ec282feeac9b.JPG

beep beep, goes the RoadRunner Express!

IMG_7965.thumb.JPG.91091c8cf7c4f1f14f5db938bbf86bbf.JPG

we're here, in the Texas Sun, going up a hill, to walk along the top of SFFT!

IMG_7966.thumb.JPG.f759d91bb8082f3211891bbdd221fde0.JPG

it's fascinating to get this close to the coasters, in unique view. It looks like such a twist of track from this angle!

IMG_7967.thumb.JPG.11dbc808b0b4e0217a428f9f6e19bdda.JPG

would be cooler with a train in the pic (sorry), but you get an interesting perspective of the park from over here.

 

and if you're playing "count the coasters" - track from most coasters in the park (Goliath, Boomerang, Poltergeist, RoadRunner Express, Batman, Superman) can be seen in this pic.

IMG_7968.thumb.JPG.58886d577cf83d54c48b6db1fc026b00.JPG

There's Iron Rattler. . .with a look at the lift hill from this side of the park.

IMG_7969.thumb.JPG.aa457e2834b398f27aa3466a053c2761.JPG

yeah. . NOW Roadrunner comes up the chain-lift, after we've walked past the perfect view of it. . LOL

 

Beep Beep !

IMG_7970.thumb.JPG.6b2541de5f70d2d0a7428f412b48c1ab.JPG

These riders were all thinking - who the hell are they? and why are they taking pictures of us?

IMG_7971.thumb.JPG.001e6952edf0e5a2964d243b61fac9e0.JPG

Iron Rattler's barrel roll, thru the reeds.

 

and yes, that is Neiman Marcus behind it.

IMG_7972.thumb.JPG.7c8514175ccc6e9e8902ca7345cf2fb8.JPG

Unique perspective of Iron Rattler's post drop, barrel roll, and dive off the cliff.

 

wanted to wait for the train, but with only 1 train, didn't want to fall so far behind the group while waiting. The track is pretty damn sexy on it's own anyways!

IMG_7973.thumb.JPG.0e182b4b7f5147a8849428461e1a3275.JPG

the park is just as lovely up here as it is down inside the quarry.

IMG_7974.thumb.JPG.9cdd2f6363bc95075a4599e062d0d27b.JPG

sexy, sexy, RMC track.

IMG_7976.thumb.JPG.4ec53b54a6504ede0b7c2d3bf2a4a045.JPG

here comes the IR train!

IMG_7977.thumb.JPG.6a2b4def9432190bc560e6f2363807bd.JPG

it looks so damn fine from this angle such a steep drop

IMG_7978.thumb.JPG.7667fe2dcdf8b8b05ab6878e5b49a00f.JPG

roaring thru the 90 tilted turn

IMG_7979.thumb.JPG.8b236f75299a32d50d2074f05057e3fb.JPG

and here it comes thru the quarry top "snake" layout. . headed right to us. . . to let us get some great pictures, while these folks too wonder: "who the hell are these people, and why are they taking pictures of us?"

 

but a lot of them did wave to us, and they look like they are having a blast! (on Iron Rattler? of COURSE they are)

IMG_7980.thumb.JPG.580895d1d17b6f95582b9bfcb5770057.JPG

IMG_7981.thumb.JPG.adf118abf017c8e7f147c9f083ca17c3.JPG

IMG_7982.thumb.JPG.1c8ad6c32f7860ecca3d58fdf166477f.JPG

IMG_7983.thumb.JPG.508f4ebda3ac019bfebe873e0566749b.JPG

IMG_7984.thumb.JPG.a3a8d29e7628a04a8bc74f66b6e12f5b.JPG

IMG_7985.thumb.JPG.1745c8b0a2bb292b3aad910e7f38f20c.JPG

IMG_7987.thumb.JPG.6137d82e51a04b04b3d0e07058fb1f12.JPG

Noted!

 

(that's my 'sneaky' face. . as I feel like I'm doing something I'm not supposed to) :)

IMG_7989.thumb.JPG.f99e29fae273724895cdc3a485a244a1.JPG

we've now gone around most of Iron Rattler's track, headed towards Superman - and we're at the top of the turnaround after the drop.

 

So again, an opportunity to get some great, and unique pictures

IMG_7990.thumb.JPG.6b5573323fece20978bde59ca6a6f972.JPG

Whee!

IMG_7991.thumb.JPG.02f15b9fbec2cb3844bc41b3758f423f.JPG

This one is among my favorite pics I took.

 

never realized just how "mean" the train looks, when it's headed right at you! Love it.

IMG_7992.thumb.JPG.58d6fad3f57485d87097c823583b59bd.JPG

it looks so open in this pic, till you realize that your standing on a canyon wall, and just below you is Gully Washer. . .

IMG_7993.thumb.JPG.f329539ad60cf480b521e89c2e0b988a.JPG

Looking back at Iron Rattler. . .wow, we really did do quite a walk, and we're not yet where we are headed to - a lookout pad, that by the top of Skyscreamer.

IMG_7994.thumb.JPG.35dbe3808446e46e182a724601b2b587.JPG

first, we gotta get up this hill, to the Man of Steel.

 

(and hey, look.. got a train in this pic) :p

IMG_7995.thumb.JPG.87e41dae7fe7af7901d1f1b7445d4387.JPG

lovely setting, and that loop is so big.

IMG_7996.thumb.JPG.ed4ad017d9da96c14eb11f7ebeaa324f.JPG

such a unique look at Superman's layout - all that twisted track, and in the back there? Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster.

 

 

i have about 40 more pics, I'd like to share from the rest of the Cliff Walk, and the rest of my day at SFFT, but it's getting late here, so will continue with "Part II" tomorrow

 

bert

IMG_8179.thumb.JPG.fdd8f97b4932736aced270dba712117e.JPG

Here's the group photo we all took, before being walked back - they even did a mini-rope drop for us prior to leading us back thru Spassburg over towards Superman! (before putting it back up for the General Public Crowd)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 17
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

cliff tour continued, as well as "post-event" pics from the rest of my afternoon at SFFT :

IMG_7997.thumb.JPG.6db1c9a15716923a9363fb1716c7438a.JPG

as we're walking to the platform overlooking Skyscreamer (looks like at some point it was planned as an observation platform of the park maybe from the shopping center area behind us?), as it's not only paved, but has a little fence around it. . .but SFFT simply uses it for these "special" tours). . Superman started to crest the lift hill. .so of course I stopped to take some pics

IMG_7998.thumb.JPG.a160562ed9b0d96b2caa647bbafd3b1f.JPG

IMG_7999.thumb.JPG.4850baf021dd7208882ce183b5361e94.JPG

Whee!

IMG_8001.thumb.JPG.70b8a3bc526c1a9a5d8010767d2475b7.JPG

headed up the trail to the little platform up there

IMG_8002.thumb.JPG.b2bc8bd5ec7785fbc05138c108c626e8.JPG

Superman train in the turn-around on the quarry wall, about to dive back into the park. . and Wonder Woman train just cresting the lift hill.

IMG_8003.thumb.JPG.ffa52cdb0e7783a6c9ca7a0849e71164.JPG

so weird to be able to get a pic of the carriage at the top of Skyscreamer while only being slightly below it.

IMG_8004.thumb.JPG.d8f361c63e7667fe437e054a76240720.JPG

makes for some very cool pics!

IMG_8005.thumb.JPG.d731d2353415ef2cac6e44c442641405.JPG

Nice overview of what is going to be the "DC Universe" section of the park (that entire "street" leading from Superman, past Joker/Supervillian Swings, past Batman, then to Wonder Woman at the back of the street).

 

the big building at the end of the street is the Rockville High theater. I don't believe that is being rethemed to anything DC (either Wayne Manor or Hall of Justice), tho it would be cool if they did that. However, since they want to keep Hustler and Scream (Drop tower) themed to Rockville? it's expected the theater will remain Rockville High.

IMG_8006.thumb.JPG.e7697353130362471c03d5e829b95028.JPG

Me blocking Joker, but getting a nice panoramic shot of the DC Universe, Rockville, and Boardwalk sections.

IMG_8007.thumb.JPG.ce4ea5d7d13118b2ec0d731f40fca7dc.JPG

Loop de Loop ! !!!

IMG_8008.thumb.JPG.f26c6eb02b16fc7ad772e4d6dcd4c502.JPG

can follow along with the Superman train :p

 

(it's close to the ground after the 2nd drop, about to head into the inline twist)

IMG_8009.thumb.JPG.b44210af9e3395fc8049aaacf362f79f.JPG

not a Loop-De-Loop, but an upside down tho. . .

IMG_8010.thumb.JPG.70dfd34e04baab56d62f0c9594af00b2.JPG

Looking at the Kidzopolis section, with Spassburg (and Bugs Bunny Rapids at the far left). . and of course, Batman in the center, with Poltergeist "hiding" behind it.

IMG_8011.thumb.JPG.3b45a3cb1cfe83e71ec55556cf4486ae.JPG

shifting focus over a little to get more of Spassburg, and a look at Goliath (the Batman clone, that is the Dark Blue/Yellow track way at the back).

 

Also if you zoom in? LOOK at that triple width line of cars to get in - from the toll booths (cut off at the far left of the picture), all the way thru the tunnel that gets into the quarry! who knows how far it stretched beyond that, but just what we could see? that's a 45 minute wait just to get in and park. . . holy crap, gonna be a busy day today in the park.

IMG_8012.thumb.JPG.f848132ebd120a1cbbd386c70ecee6a2.JPG

train cresting the lift on Batman, so including this pic too.

IMG_8014.thumb.JPG.b23ca44b5ab298517ada57823c7d2cad.JPG

Group photo taken of those of us who were the top 20 fundraisers and were invited on the Cliff Walk, along with Steven from Give Kids the World Village

IMG_8018.thumb.JPG.9c9a5b24dc21ee17de1ff59ed92b9bbc.JPG

Team TPR, with Superman in the center watching over us from the loop!

IMG_8022.thumb.JPG.88e5cb8b8d9287a483c1b9a2b6ac0e90.JPG

Headed back down, we passed an area of the Cliff Top where they launch some of the fireworks for the night time show.

 

I'm a Theme Park nerd, so was very interested, and a bit surprised how small this area was (tho I was told when asked, that this was only one of a few areas they shoot off from, so don't be fooled by how small it looked).

 

Snapped a couple of pics, but didn't stray too far from the path, as the warning about the snakes was in my head. . LOL.

IMG_8023.thumb.JPG.7b133e9c36e071dc42875d6b94b95580.JPG

another view of the fireworks launching mechanism

IMG_8024.thumb.JPG.fd1686cb264240067afce8329185a6bb.JPG

one final pic of Superman diving into the 1st drop, as we're leaving this area, and start to head back.

IMG_8025.thumb.JPG.4d70af793742dc5cc549450867afe676.JPG

benefit of coming back the way we came? get to take more pics of Iron Rattler!

 

this would be such a better picture without the apartments/condos in the background, but I like that it gives a nice shot of the layout, without me needing to be in a helicopter (or using a drone) to get it.

IMG_8026.thumb.JPG.e1b74dbb50b362d15c9ee105a8f23a68.JPG

Whee - thru the reeds

IMG_8027.thumb.JPG.e8d779d29ba3d52cbcd76f394abfc5ac.JPG

a pic of the path we're walking on that gives an idea of just how close we got to Iron Rattler's track in some sections

IMG_8028.thumb.JPG.226369f9c6b862fda204e29521329551.JPG

does this count as a "hidden Mickey" ?

 

someone lost their Minnie bow on Iron Rattler, and it's just hanging out stuck to the fence - who knows for how long?

 

but I spotted it, so took a pic :p

IMG_8030.thumb.JPG.c01576bd850b011bdd45bbf20eb01db2.JPG

walking back by, took a few more pics of IR from this unique perspective.

 

such a great 1st drop

IMG_8031.thumb.JPG.4cdd5fc408c2715700dd3e5e95a8b5b4.JPG

and here comes the Barrel Roll !

IMG_8032.thumb.JPG.1d3d13d49a852c8b0576fb787c19fe19.JPG

Wheee!!

IMG_8033.thumb.JPG.58747dbd312dc0d6efb006de1f02abc7.JPG

After we got back into the park proper from our tour, we gathered around, and Steven (and Ron) again thanked us for participating, and told us the total raised thus far (and it was noted how close SFFT totals were to beating SFOT total donated). As noted in part 1, the donations links are still active, so maybe enough folks will continue to donate that we can take the lead in donations from the Texas parks.

 

They told us to enjoy the rest of our day, and they would hopefully see us all again next year!

 

and with that, we all gave a round of applause, and folks headed their separate ways into the park - it was about 11:45 at this point, I believe.

 

we had seen from the Lookout point, how quickly Superman was pumping out trains so Garbels and I headed that direction (he had some plans that evening with his family, and wasn't going to be staying much longer but wanted to hit Superman, and once I mentioned Pirates of the Deep Sea, he was wanting to do that too).

 

So we headed to Supes, and found an almost walk on coaster. think we waited maybe 5 minutes?

We timed it well, as by the time we got off, the line had stretched pass the Flash Pass merge point, and the FP employee was holding the line there (when we had gotten in line, we walked all the way up the stairs into the station row lines with no wait).

 

upon exiting, stopped to take a pic of the re-themed Superman exit Gift Shop - now renamed the Daily Planet Newsstand (tho still selling the same stuff it had previously: Snacks, T-shirts, Capes, etc).

IMG_8034.thumb.JPG.3b84bcb0ac9565542c768e5ead229b84.JPG

Passing by Joker, snapped a quick additional pic or two. Even tho the park was starting to get crowded, most of the crowd seemed to be dying off as we got closer to the Boardwalk (Wonder Woman queue being the big exception, tho we had ridden the heck out of that already, so no need to wait in line again).

 

but with such light crowds, had no issue getting some great pics, that look like no one's around.

IMG_8035.thumb.JPG.ba02e6395c8f987b9edfd903d2240092.JPG

IMG_8037.thumb.JPG.6486f4dc266fc5a644a4178a9b5cf7fa.JPG

IMG_8038.thumb.JPG.fa10776938e09bd30aadfc573cc90fef.JPG

I mean. .there were lots of people in the park. . but was able to get this pic from across the walkway with no one in it!

IMG_8040.thumb.JPG.79167b865b38b1972a334c35c5cf03d6.JPG

This is new! (I asked about it during the Cliff Walk and was told it was installed Friday. . so the day before) . .but I certainly noticed it right away. It's by the toilets, which is an odd decision, but I guess that was due to this angle right here, since you can get the statue and the ride together in one nice pic (and in the shade).

 

people were stopping to take pics with it, so I guess it's really well done move by SFFT.

 

(and whisper was there is likely a Superman version like this coming soon to the area as well, to join the Bats & Wondy statues in this area).

IMG_8041.thumb.JPG.e8d8142a6fd5b404d3deb56bb73322fa.JPG

I'm not Batman. . but i can stand by him!

IMG_8042.thumb.JPG.bd36eece47f5db15d3fafd5e8e7cd93f.JPG

After we rode Pirates of the Deep Sea, as well as the Crow's Nest (which I REALLY appreciated Garbels riding with me, since SFFT has a "no single riders" policy on it, and my spouse is terrified of heights. . so I *rarely* get to ride it), we said our goodbyes and he headed out to go relax a bit before his evening movie plans - hope it was great, heard good things about "Lion King".

 

by the way, the Crow's Nest is still only loading about 2 cars of every color, so even tho it was almost a walk on, we did have to wait a few minutes. They slowly load the cars, going counter-clockwise to fill up ~2 of each color. . . and then get the wheel rotating clockwise for a good 3-4 full rotations before repeating the cycle. When the wheel is going counter-clockwise to fill the cars? It makes a horrendous squeal. Like it wasn't intended to go in that direction? Maybe something SF wants to look into? I mean, I'm SURE it's not unsafe, but it certainly didn't sound great, and I'll bet caused some folks in line to have a twinge of concern.

 

I mentioned above, that this side of the park wasn't too crowded? well, the Boardwalk was basically dead. Not really sure why, although they don't have any water rides on the Boardwalk and it *was* starting to get hot.

 

Fireball was down (appeared to be a restraint issue, but they were working on it both times I passed by it, so hopefully it eventually opened) but Pirates of the Deep Sea was absolute walk on (and I think Garbels was impressed by the queue, and possibly the ride)?

Crow's nest had only a short wait. As did Spinsanity, and Pandemonium, and Hurricane Force 5, and . . . Wave Runner!

 

yep, Wave Runner is back working again, after months of sitting broken.

 

so I grabbed a ride.

 

It's running a fun, intense, cycle too.

 

Johnny Rockets only had 3 people in line, so I decided to get a shake as a "snack" on my dining plan. . sheesh, even with only 3 people in front of me, it still took almost 15 minutes. That will teach me that a shake isn't worth it, LOL. . next time? back in the shorter Icee lines - besides those are slightly better for me health wise anyways.

IMG_8043.thumb.JPG.73a01e6f34d3c6e858498b63c7305877.JPG

wanted to ride Poltergeist, but once I got out of the boardwalk area (past Scream actually, which I only had a 10 minute wait for), the crowds appeared again. I didn't get close enough to see if they were running 2 trains, but when the line is outside of 1st queue line? yeah, that's a 30 minute wait, and it was just too hot to be in an uncovered queue.

 

so instead, I sat in the shade across from the entrance, and enjoyed the rest of my shake, while watching the construction going on in the grass adjacent to Batman.

IMG_8045.thumb.JPG.1651b2f74c9f0b339d02c73f6e3baba3.JPG

I've seen some other sites posting that this might be a new ride possibly coming in. .tho the Deck they were building looked to me like maybe restaurant seating for the Burger place, or maybe the Beer/Pretzel stand right there - tho when I asked the girl working that stand, she had no idea (and said, "they don't tell me nothin")

IMG_8046.thumb.JPG.3367698dab323ba7f8496c39043137b6.JPG

I noticed when standing at the fence watching Batman tho, that I was right by where the water jug was for the workers, so just struck up a conversation with them. (mostly about how hot it was getting). .but I slipped in the question if they were building out a deck for restaurant seating, and the supervisor told me that nope, they are improving the BasketBall game, making it a bigger area. And we both laughed when I said "great, more kids bouncing those balls around the park!"

 

thinking about it? yeah, this makes total sense, as the park pulled out the Basketball game that used to be over where Joker is now sitting. . so this is just a replacement for that game area they removed.

IMG_8050.thumb.JPG.0e25b372870a1408bc076f82bc40e238.JPG

I took a ride on the Carousel, but wasn't able to get a seat on my preferred animal (the White Rabbit), because it was pretty busy, and there was a kiddo who really wanted the rabbit. So I let her have it and rode a standard horse. Then went next door into the Sangerfest Halle to enjoy the A/C and to figure out if I wanted to eat something (although I wasn't hungry, my dining pass is something I didn't want to waste).

 

I ended up deciding that I wasn't hungry enough to eat, so I'd just go over to ChopSix in an hour, and get a salad, and if still wasn't hungry then I'd just take it home.

 

But while in Sangerfest Halle, Bugs, Daffy, and Pepe came in with their handlers for a photo-op. . .so I got in line, and got a pic :)

IMG_8052.thumb.JPG.096ddd098f1561a649075359a58514ed.JPG

Bugs Whitewater Rapids (the flume) was pulling a MASSIVE line - water ride on a hot day, so instead of going on it, I decided to head back to the Boardwalk to see if the lines were still short, stopping along the way for another ride on the Carousel.

 

this time I was far enough back in the queue, that I didnt' even have a shot at the White Rabbit (or the Brown one).. was among the first animals taken.

 

oh well, I'm here often enough, and at the end of the day, on a Carousel!

IMG_8054.thumb.JPG.3ce3b5a1a502775e367017dc18021acb.JPG

but I rode this - 1st time ever even noticing him on the Carousel.

 

he looks mean. . LOL

IMG_8055.thumb.JPG.f0faccdc28f5a237f466ef09584797c8.JPG

Walking back to the boardwalk, I was surprised to find that it was STILL pretty dead. So waited one cycle for Spinsanity.

 

got this pic of Scream while sitting in my Spinsanity car

IMG_8056.thumb.JPG.2290b30a30dcea8da63d8f6cbce9f1a8.JPG

no one wanted to share, and since it was so light over on the Boardwalk, the SF employees didn't even try to pair me up with anyone. So I sat to one side, on this next gen Tilt-a-Whirl, and off I went.

 

It spun the CRAP out of me. . . glad I hadn't eaten a lunch yet. . .

IMG_8057.thumb.JPG.276bf454ebb90e599fe5fa7a019c2d6a.JPG

got off pleasantly woozy, but since Pandemonium also had a super short line - maybe 5 minutes? - I went ahead and grabbed a ride on this too.

 

paring up with a large guy while his tiny girlfriend sat alone on the other side. So yeah, we got a crap-ton of spinning on this too . .LOL

IMG_8058.thumb.JPG.bc783b336808cd8ca6f0908279aec22a.JPG

I walked past Fireball (still trying to get it going), and peeked into the Wonder Woman line - not only all the way thru the overflow queue, but almost all the way up to the entrance plaza! So bizarre, the boardwalk was so dead, but just outside it there were pretty decent lines for everything.

 

peeked into Rockville High, and pleased to see they had started up shows again..but it was just after 2:30pm, and the next show wasn't until 5, so didn't get a chance to see it :( (I missed the 1pm show, as was riding stuff!)

IMG_8059.thumb.JPG.83eb15275110e6794497fccabce26f8c.JPG

so instead I headed towards Chop Six, passing a *massive* line for Skyscreamer, that filled the entire queue and out into the midway. Glad I wasn't gonna ride this today!

 

Such a lovely park, especially when they have the waterfalls on.

IMG_8060.thumb.JPG.9c137495fef84bca017e59ca3f98461a.JPG

Choo-Choo

IMG_8061.thumb.JPG.243f75bcdc5966d6d23052500fddd4a5.JPG

Passing over the bridge in CrackAxle, I noticed Gully Washer was drained, and the queue chained off!

 

oh no, one of the water rides - that had been up earlier - had gone down? oy!

IMG_8062.thumb.JPG.4a26e9b19d349fe8d432f48de9e8c389.JPG

Not sure what was going on, as it had been running earlier, but was down now.

 

So I continued around the corner to ChopSix and was met with a massive line (at close to 3PM).

 

What the heck? there were a TON of people over in Crackaxle area, and everything had giant lines, including the bar, and Bubba's Burgers.

 

thinking back on it, I would guess it was due to Iron Rattler's 1 train ops.. . my guess is that people that didn't want to ride, were hanging out in the area waiting for those that were in line to ride. And since only 1 train ops? the wait was a lengthy one, hence so many people in this section of the park.

 

not helped by one of the 3 rides in this area (4 if you count the train), Gully Washer, going down.

 

anyways, so I got in line, and waited almost 30 minutes, only to find out they were out of the Salad (that's pre-packaged and I had planned to just take home). .and it was too late to try to go anywhere else (since the dining plan "lunch" is only until 3:30, so I just ordered something and sat down to eat.

 

won't talk too much about it in this thread, since this is about the GKTW day, but . . it was the worst meal I've ever gotten at ChopSix, actually, worst thing I've ever gotten at any Six Flags. .they should have been ashamed to serve it.

 

I ate some of it anyways, but bleh.

IMG_8065.thumb.JPG.be07c293bc9b695c03cde292efb8750e.JPG

the only good thing, is that while i was sitting in the shaded area next to ChopSix, I heard them start making "boarding" announcements for Gully Washer. So once I finished up with lunch, I went ahead and wandered over to the queue - figuring if it was open, i'd get a ride as it was so hot.

 

it was open again, and the flume was full up and pumping, so got in an ~40 minute line (shocking as it had JUST opened, tho by the time I got off the line was all the way back over the raised bridge, so that's at least 2 hour line).

 

I did see a LOT of line cutting in this line, folks cutting thru to meet others in the line. . .I just let it go, tho some of the folks around me were getting angry, and at least 2 of them confronted folks cutting thru, and called the "line jumping #s" posted everywhere in the queue. I never saw any security or anyone show up tho. . and I stayed out of it.

 

at the end of the day? I'm at a theme park, and a few people cutting in front of me isn't going to spoil my day, and I'll get to ride eventually anyways.

 

they had all the waterfalls on (including the one from the railroad bridge), and got a pleasingly soaking ride.

 

Pics from the exit queue.

IMG_8070.thumb.JPG.989c5411acd8c741b41f90d1e62015d8.JPG

once off the ride, it was just after 4pm, and I was ready to head out.

 

I'd ridden everything I had wanted to (other than Poltergeist), and the lines were a bit too long to get into re-rides for Superman, or a ride on Goliath.

 

besides, I had an hour 1/2 drive back to Austin (which, thanks to folks not knowing how to MERGE onto a Highway from the access road was closer to 2 1/2 hours).

 

all in all tho? had a fantastic day - and got a bit of a sunburn, since never went back out to the car to put on the sunscreen I had brought. Not a bad sunburn, but enough to know I'd been in the sun for 8 hours :)

 

Was a great cause, and a great day, and i really appreciate Six Flags Fiesta Texas participating!

IMG_8016.thumb.JPG.ef9088e276504f17dc3fd1885fe88ee6.JPG

We're all laughing at Cristina taking this pic of Ron, who's taking a selfie of himself and the group. We realized she was snapping the pic, I don't think he did :)

 

I included this one, as I really like how Skyscreamer dominates the space behind us in this pic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great report! The cliff walk photos are really neat and rare views of the rides.

 

thanks!

 

I have to say, getting so close to Iron Rattler was amazing! and the views of Superman from the canyon wall, really do take one's breath away. it's hard to get it across in the pictures, it was SO cool.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great report! I really enjoyed some of those super-unique photos from the top of the quarry.

 

thanks Bill.

 

it got a bit too hot, unfortunately, otherwise would have LOVED to have stayed a bit longer, and maybe make it to the Lone Star Spectacular, since the park was open till 10.

 

but since I started so early, by 4pm, I was ready for the drive home in the A/C.

 

yeah the Cliff Walk along the quarry is something that I never thought would be available to me, and enjoyed the hell out of it.

 

I'm sure I'll be back in the next few weeks to get some rides on Joker & SV Swings, but the walk up above the park is most certainly something I'll be remembering for years and years to come.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Amazing photos and amazing report!! Loved all the wonder woman photos you were able to get of yourselves. Very cool!

 

Also love how you find the good in everything in all of your reports and don't let the little things bother you that make it THE WORST PARK EVAR by some people. Just enjoy your day

 

Thanks for taking the time to write everything up, and for taking part in a great cause!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Amazing photos and amazing report!! Loved all the wonder woman photos you were able to get of yourselves. Very cool!

 

Also love how you find the good in everything in all of your reports and don't let the little things bother you that make it THE WORST PARK EVAR by some people. Just enjoy your day

 

Thanks for taking the time to write everything up, and for taking part in a great cause!

 

thanks for that

 

I try not to let the little stuff get to me - not always successful, but I try, since I'm out at a theme park. That's the main thing, so try to focus on that and have a good time regardless.

 

glad you enjoyed the pics. although it was hot, I had a great time and it was for a great cause.

 

I'm sure I'll be back real soon too, since I wanna ride the swings again (Whirlygig has been down a *long* time since they announced the retheme) - not to mention Joker when it opens!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looks like SFFT treated everyone like VIP’s. Super cool and great to see how much was raised for a good cause.

 

 

Jeff Siebert knows how to run a park. What a great showcase of SFFT. Great report and endurance getting in all of those rides + $$$ for a good cause!

 

 

they really did treat us all fantastic, and Jeffrey really does know how to run a park! Ron did a fantastic job leading our Cliff Walk tour too!

 

was so happy I got to raise $$ for such a great cause, and have a fantastic time while doing it.

(and since the links stay active, maybe all the participants will get a few more donations in the future, and SFFT can beat SFOT's total . . LOL)

 

 

as to the endurance. . WW really takes it out of you since it's so intense in the back! I needed a quick standing break after 4 rides, then after 2 more, then again after 2. . LOL. But it was so incredible that we pretty much had it to ourselves for an hour!

 

With all 3 trains on the track, it's about 3 minutes total to get one ride complete and to the lift hill again without leaving the train - so we did pretty good getting that many rides in the 50 minutes or so ERT (since we had to leave to walk over to IR).

 

we certainly got enough rides in that once the park opened to all, I didn't feel any urge to get back on WW this visit

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great trip report! I'd definitely echo another commenter who made a remark on how you bring positivity to your TRs even if things don't go perfectly.

 

Back in March during their busy weekday operation for spring break, I had the fantastic opportunity to spend five days working at the park. Learning how to operate Scream and Batman was a ton of fun, and I think SFFT is hands down the most beautiful of the SF parks. Being from STL, it was cool running into Ron on my way to grab lunch; with his experience at Astroworld, SFSL, and SFFT, he's always interesting to talk to. Thank you for raising money for a great cause and for posting that huge photo trip report!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bert,

To your pix, to your commentary, to your participation in this so-worthy cause: BRAVO!!

P.S. Looks like you had a ball! (I would've probably fainted from the heat on that tour and missed a very special experience! Am glad you kept hydrated! Photos were awesome.)

 

Alice

Link to comment
Share on other sites

aww. .thanks Alice!

 

that I do a 4 mile walk every day (as part of my exercise program) probably made the Cliff Walk easier for me, tho to be honest I didn't see anyone struggling (or at the very least, no one was complaining)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Got a lovely postcard in the Mail from Give Kids the World Village, thanking me for participating (it was my pleasure).

 

Steven also wrote a lovely personal note on the postcard regarding how proud he was of Team TPR, so wanted to share.

 

so glad we were able to raise so much money for this wonderful Charity at SFFT for Team TPR

 

I worried it was tacky to share, but my Spouse pointed out it was on a postcard, so really anyone during it's mailing, had read it, so it wasn't like I was sharing something super personal.

 

so . . . sharing

IMG_8213.thumb.jpg.49c4c2af2d5c7e24e1bd6e62f48b854a.jpg

(the napkin is covering address label)

IMG_8214.thumb.jpg.7c60ad81e5145e32cb7be842c4555c89.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/116-terms-of-service-please-read/