Ranking Every Coaster EVER at California's Great America - Past & Present

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  • Опубликовано: 7 июл 2021
  • California's Great America has had 15 coasters over its rocky history, here's how they rank up!
    Join the Discord: / discord
    My Raw Footage Channel: / @airtimethrillsrawfoot...
    Google Earth: earth.google.com/web/
    Thanks to these channels:
    David Ellis: Vortex - • Vortex Stand-up Coaste...
    Psyclone Steve: Tidal Wave - • Tidal Wave, Paramount'...
    Menachem Piekarski: Stealth - • 2002 videos stealth pa...
    Menachem Piekarski: Invertigo - • invertigo paramounts g...
    Coaster Crutchfield: Iron Wolf - • Iron Wolf (Off-ride HD...
    XScream Thrills: Firebird - • Worst Roller Coaster O...
    Sharp Productions: Stinger - • Stinger (Off-Ride) Dor...
    Justice League Battle For Metropolis Expert: Whizzer - • Video
    Sean Flaharty: Son of Beast - • Son Of Beast Off-Ride ...
    OldCrow242: Top Gun - • California Great Ameri...
    California's Great America: / @californiasgreatameri...
    Carowinds: / carowindspr
    Cedar Point: / cedarpointvideos
    Six Flags Great America: / sixflagsgreatamerica
    Music in this video, found in the RUclips Audio Library:
    Intro music: Stranger Danger
    Theme music: Black Vulture
    Background music: Magnum

Комментарии • 519

  • @benkeating3053
    @benkeating3053 Год назад +27

    nothing was better than topgun when it was topgun. the branding, the music, the staff in costume, the ride. all the elements were there. it was the best coaster with the best theming and even waiting in line watching it barrel roll above you for the first time while people screamed and dangerzone was playing... iconic.

    • @j.d.contreras392
      @j.d.contreras392 Год назад +5

      Man you ain't kidding. I miss those days. Top Gun was awesome. I remember the Submarine scanners they had in the lines! They went all out for that ride! Then the Top Gun song kept playing until we actually got on! That ride was awesome back in the day.

    • @mattfirebird
      @mattfirebird 11 месяцев назад +2

      Top Gun at Great America. Those were some good times bro!

    • @PlanetJameson
      @PlanetJameson 3 месяца назад

      You said it! Those were the days.

    • @rb5078
      @rb5078 3 месяца назад

      Yes, loved it!

  • @JP-rf7px
    @JP-rf7px 2 года назад +8

    I was the Technical Director at Great America till it was sold in 1986. Originally the Demon had a tunnel with 1728 lights in it that did chaser effects as you went thru. I know as I designed and helped build and install them! Oh, if we had just had Leds!

  • @TJ85234
    @TJ85234 2 года назад +30

    RIP Great America.

    • @The_Clones_Pranks
      @The_Clones_Pranks 10 месяцев назад

      What

    • @Dreamy_Uzii
      @Dreamy_Uzii 10 месяцев назад

      They are gonna remove it in a few years I think it’s like 8 or something like that

    • @The_Clones_Pranks
      @The_Clones_Pranks 10 месяцев назад

      @@Dreamy_Uzii it's 10 years

    • @IMWBMEGJCC
      @IMWBMEGJCC 9 месяцев назад +1

      Not yet

  • @EZKI332
    @EZKI332 3 года назад +54

    I really get this notification as I’m recreating CGA in Minecraft, wow

    • @largenome9512
      @largenome9512 3 года назад +2

      Wowie that is bonkers

    • @propfoce7941
      @propfoce7941 3 года назад +1

      i’m at the park right now

    • @hedgehogcoasters7239
      @hedgehogcoasters7239 3 года назад

      @@largenome9512 what's bonkers is you using the word "bonkers"

    • @brandondinh1404
      @brandondinh1404 3 года назад +1

      lmao the notification popped up while i was on my break from working at tiki twirl

    • @EarthySmerky
      @EarthySmerky 3 года назад

      Wow I’m recreating Universal Studios Hollywood in Java edition (I’ve already made Orlando)

  • @michaelkeehan8094
    @michaelkeehan8094 3 года назад +93

    Idea: Ranking Every Coaster at Cedar Point since Blue Streak.

    • @AirtimeThrills
      @AirtimeThrills  3 года назад +24

      Ill do something for CP after i go back

    • @skyguyismyguyr12turn
      @skyguyismyguyr12turn 3 года назад +2

      No.

    • @coasterhockygamingboy9549
      @coasterhockygamingboy9549 3 года назад +2

      No do them all

    • @michaelkeehan8094
      @michaelkeehan8094 3 года назад +4

      @@coasterhockygamingboy9549 Problem is the rides before Blue Streak are from such a bygone era that there is little way for them to be reviewed without the video being filled with opinion-less mentions of side friction coasters and wild mouses.

    • @miked7212
      @miked7212 3 года назад +2

      Great idea!

  • @HHPYEPIC42
    @HHPYEPIC42 2 года назад +6

    Well folks.it’s going down.11 years max left for this place.if you want to see it. DO NOT WAIT.go as soon as you can because I doubt it has more then 7 years left realistically. RIP Californias great America

  • @maksim9107
    @maksim9107 3 года назад +15

    This is my home park and im happy that cedar fair is putting new coasters into cga

    • @calebwagner1305
      @calebwagner1305 3 года назад +3

      My home park is the other great america

    • @randonm1151
      @randonm1151 3 года назад +1

      And the new waterpark

    • @kevina8035
      @kevina8035 3 года назад +1

      Wait they are what is it called? This is also my home park

    • @maksim9107
      @maksim9107 3 года назад +3

      Kevin A There is a rumor of b&m hyper and also gold striker and rail blazer after the 12 year coaster drought

    • @kevina8035
      @kevina8035 3 года назад +2

      @@maksim9107 oh thx

  • @nickthepetrock403
    @nickthepetrock403 3 года назад +34

    as a cga fanboy,
    *YES*

  • @iansterling9589
    @iansterling9589 2 года назад +5

    I have very fond memories of the Whizzer and the Tidal Wave. Such a fun time in my childhood!

  • @habeascorpushalo
    @habeascorpushalo 3 года назад +17

    My first job when I turned 16 was a ride operator on Tidal Wave (Greased Lighting in the video) from 1992-1995. Your video made my whole week and knowing it was in your top five, May have made my whole year. Thanks for the great video Chris! Keep it up.

    • @6thwilbury2331
      @6thwilbury2331 2 года назад +2

      I remember going to Great America (back when it was owned by Marriott), and looking forward to the day I was old enough to ride it. Then when I hit that age, I was afraid of going. By my junior high years, it was probably my favorite ride there, along with the Demon.
      By the way, it has now been more than twice as many years that Great America has been owned by someone besides Marriott than when it was owned by Marriott, yet my family still refer to the place as Marriott's Great America. Talk about the power of branding.

    • @I_like_turtles_67
      @I_like_turtles_67 2 года назад +1

      The last time I went the great america. Drop zone was new. I also remember they had MTV then grind there lol. So it was mid 90s.

    • @habeascorpushalo
      @habeascorpushalo 2 года назад +1

      @@I_like_turtles_67 that’s the time period I worked there! A friend of mine was a supervisor at drop zone it’s opening year.

    • @I_like_turtles_67
      @I_like_turtles_67 2 года назад +1

      @@habeascorpushalo I need to go back when my daughter is older.

    • @ruscaliso
      @ruscaliso 2 года назад +2

      @@I_like_turtles_67 go quick! It’s shutting down

  • @madelynbixby1552
    @madelynbixby1552 3 года назад +3

    I saw that you posted this right after I just got hired as a ride op at the other Great America!! What a coincidence lol

  • @hedgehogcoasters7239
    @hedgehogcoasters7239 3 года назад +46

    Cga: I went 12 years without a new coaster. I can't see anyone beating that record
    Michigan's adventure: 13 years and counting...
    Valley fair: 14 years and counting
    Great escape: 16 years and counting...

    • @Verdelite
      @Verdelite 3 года назад

      also cga: is the best park ever and dosent need a new coaster BUT UR DUM BC THEY GOT RAILBLAZER

    • @appalachianenthusiast9499
      @appalachianenthusiast9499 3 года назад +5

      Lakemont: 28 years and counting
      Idlewild: 28 years and counting
      Belmont Park: 96 YEARS AND COUNTING!

    • @DoswarePictures
      @DoswarePictures 3 года назад +3

      Michigan’s Adventure is actually 22 years and Idewild is more than 28 years.

    • @appalachianenthusiast9499
      @appalachianenthusiast9499 3 года назад +2

      Michigan's Adventure is 13 years actually (Thunderhawk arrived in 2008)

    • @appalachianenthusiast9499
      @appalachianenthusiast9499 3 года назад +1

      If you don't count kiddie coasters as rides that can end coaster droughts, then Valleyfair actually has the longest drought in the Cedar Fair chain with 14 years.

  • @djames4242
    @djames4242 Год назад +4

    I was there the year the park opened. The drops on Turn of the Century were insane. Possibly the best airtime I have ever experienced. When they changed it over to The Demon, the theming was incredible - the audio that played in the queue was so much fun, the crazy lights in the tunnel, and the blood-red fountain by the corkscrews (not to mention feeling like you were going to hit your head as you entered the demon's mouth) - but, while the initial two loops are tight, I still miss the airtime from the two hills the followed the initial drop.

    • @frozenuruguayball6436
      @frozenuruguayball6436 6 месяцев назад

      I heard the park scaled back the theming on demon bc it was to demonic

    • @aggiesjc
      @aggiesjc 4 месяца назад

      I had been wondering what Turn of the Century had before the loops went in. The Demon is sadly lacking in hills, with its main elements just the four inversions now.

  • @dwaynewohnoutka7349
    @dwaynewohnoutka7349 3 года назад +5

    I used to work for California's Great America from 2013-2017. I started out with Halloween Haunt 2013 then worked my up from Handyman to Rollercoaster Maintenance, specifically wooden coasters. Iike Gold Striker Grizzly & Rip Roaring Rapids were the rides I did maintenance for. I had tons of fun working at great america. Excellent video by the way.

  • @sarinap.1636
    @sarinap.1636 3 года назад +13

    My house was two blocks away from this place and I was there almost every weekend. When I wasn't there I could hear the screams from the coasters and the ride operator on Drop Zone from my backyard. Going to the park almost every weekend in the summer, I grew up on those coasters. That's probably why I favor B&M coasters and I never thought about it until this video.
    Glad Cedar Fair bought them out. It's a little park, but it's worth checking out. The ride landscapes are what make them so enjoyable.

  • @Leepmj10
    @Leepmj10 3 года назад +2

    Great America is my home park! It was really cool to see the coaster history!

  • @Noct31
    @Noct31 3 года назад +22

    Man, it's rough being CGAm. They have had as many coasters total in their entire lifespan as SFGAm has right now active in that park.

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад +3

      Doesn’t help either when you’re land-locked. Thank Goodness Cedar Fair bought the land.

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад +1

      And a B&M Hyper which permits have been filed for may never happen

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад

      @@zacharyyamashita8554 I’m not gonna hold my breath. Kings Island recently released a book explaining that Orion almost didn’t happen, that it was initially going to CGA (albeit smaller) but that Cedar Fair cancelled it but didn’t want to ruin their relationship with B&M, and so still placed an order with them. That order then going to Kings Island. So it was cancelled at CGA before the pandemic

    • @WhatAG23
      @WhatAG23 7 месяцев назад

      And it only got worse for them

  • @RollerCoasterFrolicking
    @RollerCoasterFrolicking 2 года назад +37

    Damn bruh soon this will be ranking all of Californians’ great American
    Past & past

  • @kimturner282
    @kimturner282 3 года назад +4

    Maaaannnn. Great America used to be POPPIN! I remember when they shot Beverly Hills Cop III there and it was such a big deal to go. Everyone in The Bay would go after prom. Don’t matter the school. I haven’t been in years. This was cool to shine a light on it. I love your channel dude. You make really good content.

  • @ItsSiebay
    @ItsSiebay 3 года назад +19

    I think CGA is an underrated park, considering its size and the placement that it falls within the Cedar Fair chain. It really holds its own as an important player in the amusement industry, and I’m glad Cedar Fair decided to invest in it rather than sell it.

    • @beachboysswiftie
      @beachboysswiftie 3 года назад +3

      Amen

    • @alyssa5430
      @alyssa5430 2 года назад +2

      Hate to break it to you…

    • @Hervinbalfour
      @Hervinbalfour Год назад +7

      This comment didn't age well unfortunately. 😥😥😥

    • @aaronsandman749
      @aaronsandman749 Год назад +1

      Yeah. Definitely didn't age well. They had plans for it until they got into debt, and they sold it instead. Yikes.

  • @gothrockfairy
    @gothrockfairy 3 года назад +1

    I was legit there today how funny you posted this! Railblazer 10/10 I loved it so much

  • @thefirstdrop2680
    @thefirstdrop2680 3 года назад +46

    I’d rank them 1. RailBlazer 2. Flight Deck 3. Goldstriker, but the park has an insanely good top 3 for it’s size. You can’t go wrong with any of those.

    • @slipknotmfkrlocust8843
      @slipknotmfkrlocust8843 10 месяцев назад

      agreed

    • @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od
      @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od 5 месяцев назад

      Flight Deck Is Just Too Short

    • @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od
      @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od 5 месяцев назад

      Flight Deck Is Just Too Short (This Is Coming From A Person Who Has Railblazer In Their Top 25

    • @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od
      @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od 5 месяцев назад

      Flight Deck Is Just Too Short (This Is Coming From A Person Who Has Railblazer In Their Top 25

    • @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od
      @HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od 5 месяцев назад

      Flight Deck Is Just Too Short (This Is Coming From A Person Who Has Railblazer In Their Top 25

  • @ahirunakamura9592
    @ahirunakamura9592 3 года назад +7

    I've only been to CGA once, in a very short new year's visit, but man... riding Railblazer at midnight with the fireworks going on - while I was being lifted up, in the back seat - was probably my most awesome moment in any rollercoaster... only rode it once but it became one of my favorites already...
    also rode Goldstriker once and man it got me off guard of how crazy that was! Ghostrider is still my favorite wooden but Goldstriker is right next to that...
    missed Flight Deck though :(

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад +1

      Ghostrider is my favorite woodie as well. It just goes and goes!

  • @neptuneWX
    @neptuneWX 2 года назад +5

    Six Flags Great America laughing because the park is closing
    Ngl this is sad it’s going to go

    • @tigerrocks503chase8
      @tigerrocks503chase8 3 месяца назад

      Actually we are not as both parks have always looked over each other even under different parent company’s if you get what I’m saying. Marriot era fans have mad respect for both parks history.

    • @nathanlopez5667
      @nathanlopez5667 2 месяца назад

      Very true and now with the merge they are one again ​@@tigerrocks503chase8

  • @cchild12789
    @cchild12789 3 года назад +11

    This is one of my home parks. This and Discovery Kingdom. It's a great park.

    • @lucasgomez4877
      @lucasgomez4877 3 года назад +3

      Rn it seems very top heavy but hopefully that changes

    • @cchild12789
      @cchild12789 3 года назад

      @@lucasgomez4877 I can see what you mean

    • @jaya1000
      @jaya1000 3 года назад +1

      Discovery kingdom is moving operations to Fresno. Looking forward to fewer central valley folks packing magic mountain.

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад

      @@jaya1000 You can’t be serious 🧐, it’s hotter than heck in Fresno, why not Sacramento.

    • @jaya1000
      @jaya1000 3 года назад +1

      @@zacharyyamashita8554 they want to go somewhere that has cheaper land. I think they want to cash out on discovery kingdoms real estate, which they own, and lease land from city of Fresno for cheap. Kinda like airtime thrills did moving from santa clarita to inbred Oklahoma. 💰

  • @OklahomaCoasterFan
    @OklahomaCoasterFan 3 года назад +12

    I would flip Whizzer & Demon, but otherwise, I think I agree with everything. Flight Deck is actually my 3rd favorite invert. The intensity was a big surprise and made up for it being a short ride.

  • @beachboysswiftie
    @beachboysswiftie 3 года назад +1

    Finally!! This is a video I've been really hoping you'd do. CGA is my home park

  • @deronsteinke
    @deronsteinke 3 года назад

    I had the same idea for a video about Kings Island last week when I purchased the then and now T-shirt. Great work as always.

  • @davidlins5689
    @davidlins5689 3 года назад +1

    Hooray! This is one of my favorite series on the channel.

  • @Rickmarine1
    @Rickmarine1 3 года назад +9

    Goldstiker is such a good woodie, the first drop really gets you especially in the back seat and there are moments on the ride where the airtime actually gets you out of your seat for a slit second. Was really shown what GCI is capable of when designing rides. It's definitely gotten rougher over the years and could use some re-tracking in the near future but it's not as bad as other rides. I remember Vortex, Grizzly, AND The Demon all being rougher than Goldstiker.

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад +4

      Turning Vortex floor less was the best thing to happen to the ride, especially in that tight space.

    • @Rickmarine1
      @Rickmarine1 3 года назад +1

      @@zacharyyamashita8554 yes I agree, I’ve never banged my head so hard on a standup worse than vortex. The flourless seats are a god send.

    • @DwayneMaxwell
      @DwayneMaxwell 3 года назад

      goldstriker jackhammers when it gets hot, i love it still but i only ride it two, three times at most a visit because of the jackhammering it will give me a headache. its actually fairly smooth still first thing in the morning though which is wild.

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад +1

      @@Rickmarine1 As Patriot now, it’s easily reridable now as well.

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 2 года назад

      @@Rickmarine1 The only problem now is that it's less intense as a floorless.

  • @ArborealTiger
    @ArborealTiger 3 года назад +11

    Growing up in the area, CGA used to always be the crummier park, Discovery Kingdom was always better. But after Cedar Fair finally started to put some love into this park, it's come out firmly on top!

    • @AirtimeThrills
      @AirtimeThrills  3 года назад +4

      I agree, cga definitely leapfrogged sfdk

    • @keithvnumber1
      @keithvnumber1 Год назад

      I had a bad experience at DC. Left work, drove down (3-4 hours) and missed the exit unknowingly. Made it all the way to the Bay Bridge and had to circle back. Was late to check into my hotel. They were about to give my room away til I spoke up. Room was in non smoking but may as well have not. It was awful. I felt pretty unsafe. Woke up grabbed my bags and canceled the second day of reservation. Got to the park and first thing I rode was Virtual Velocity and scared the bejesus out of me because I was in the very back which sends you straight up however high it goes... backwards. Loved it though. Then the wooden coaster (Roar back then) tore my back up. I tried Kong or was it Konga? Terrified me. They didn't double check my shoulder harness and it was really loose. I was holding on for dear life because I thought I was gonna fly out and die. My last ride was the Elvira (was Halloween) virtual reality ride. It made me so sick but I wasn't about to be the one who presses the emergency shut off so I dealt with it. Even closing my eyes sucked. I went to the bathroom and puked and left. Almost got lost on the way home and almost got hit in a tunnel. Great America is way better.

    • @nathanlopez5667
      @nathanlopez5667 7 месяцев назад

      Discovery Kingdom was never good probably the worst of all Six Flags parks

  • @scottfulton267
    @scottfulton267 3 года назад +4

    Yep, I can agree with that. I had worked at CGA in my teen years from 1986 to 1990. I worked on the Grizzly in 1987, and that one is definitely ranked properly. I have not been on Goldstriker, Railblazer, or Patriot yet.

    • @spaghellie_smelly
      @spaghellie_smelly 2 года назад

      I went on Goldstriker today for the first time and it was so fun! I bounced in my seat a few times which kind of scared me lol

  • @tumbleblunder
    @tumbleblunder Год назад +2

    Greased Lightning/Tidal Wave was my first inverted roller coaster and I hold it very near and dear to my heart even though I only got to ride it a couple of times before it was removed.
    I distinctly remember calling it tidal wave as a kid and was surprised to see when the name change happened because there was no way I was old enough to ride it when it was still Tidal Wave (born in 93). Will always be Tidal Wave to me nonetheless.

  • @idiotcow3721
    @idiotcow3721 3 года назад +5

    cga’s my home park so im stoked to see the video

  • @justiceleaguebattleformetr9239
    @justiceleaguebattleformetr9239 3 года назад +1

    You uploaded this just as I finished jogging around my neighborhood. Nice.

  • @johnrussell9857
    @johnrussell9857 3 года назад +3

    Taxi Jam was my first ever coaster. I was like 4 years old, but I was wuss and was traumatized by its extremely intense 6 foot drop. I didn’t go on another coaster until I finally worked up the courage to try Big Thunder Mountain when I was about 8, and I have loved coasters ever since!

  • @triple7marc
    @triple7marc 3 года назад +6

    Awe, Grizzly is such an underrated ride. I try to ride it every time I go to CGA.

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад +2

      It puts me to sleep 😂

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 2 года назад

      If the hyper is cancelled, now's there chance to RMC Grizzly.

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 2 года назад +1

      @@zacharyyamashita8554 I don’t think it’s cancelled, just delayed. GoldStriker was originally going to be built and opened for the 2009 season, but the Economy Crisis put it off 4 years. I think the Hyper will still be built eventually, but maybe they could RMC Grizzly in the mean time!

  • @orllyfools14X8
    @orllyfools14X8 3 года назад +7

    I really miss it when it was Paramounts Great America. That was so much fun as a kid and teen riding the light rail from the east side to there with my friends in the summer.

    • @CoriLane3060
      @CoriLane3060 3 года назад +2

      lol, the light rail is the best

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад +2

      But Paramount were awful management. One of the worst companies to ever run amusement parks.

    • @orllyfools14X8
      @orllyfools14X8 3 года назад +1

      @@scottyjbd but they had Days of Thunder and the James Bond ride. Hahahah

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад

      @@orllyfools14X8 hahaha great the first time I rode! Got tired of them pretty quick though

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад +1

      @@scottyjbd Rides also broke down more when Paramount ran the park.

  • @kyliemclean-salazar3502
    @kyliemclean-salazar3502 2 года назад +1

    Fun fact actually: RailBlazer is one of 2 prototypes. So yes the one in Fiesta Texas opened first but it is a mirror image of the Great America ride. So essentially it is the 2nd single rail coaster to open (six flags always has the one up on getting the first)

  • @jamilah9699
    @jamilah9699 11 месяцев назад

    Thank you for this!!!

  • @Cloudstrife112233
    @Cloudstrife112233 2 года назад +4

    Vortex was my very first, inverted coaster. Stealth was amazing and I never understood why they took it out.

    • @frozenuruguayball6436
      @frozenuruguayball6436 6 месяцев назад

      Becauss of the water park. They could have just put it on the land that the stadium is now

  • @stellasilverr
    @stellasilverr 3 года назад +2

    You’re totally right about Grizzly, honestly while it’s not at all likely if it ever got the RMC treatment I would be stunned.
    My experiences with Patriot have not been great, the ride is somewhat smooth but I feel like the corkscrew really knocks my head around.
    As for the rest I’d say they’re accurate, I’d put RailBlazer above Gold Striker though since I prefer a smoother ride, even if it’s short. Just my opinion.

  • @kworkshop
    @kworkshop 3 года назад +4

    Crazy you made a video on CGA, my very underrated home park.

  • @MonsterFlame1
    @MonsterFlame1 3 года назад +9

    I have yet to visit California's Great America but I will say that Goldstriker and Railblazer are a strong top 2

    • @ahirunakamura9592
      @ahirunakamura9592 3 года назад

      the only two coasters I got to ride in a very short and crowded new year's eve attendance but they were worth that single visit...

  • @eddienhp
    @eddienhp 3 года назад +4

    California has been growing over the years! And it is still popular to this day! However, the past attractions from California's Great America is my favorite part!

  • @johncastro9098
    @johncastro9098 2 года назад

    I first went to CGA in '76 on my 8th grade graduation trip. You were 1 yr old! Your description of these coasters are exact! Great job!!!

  • @floridamaddogg
    @floridamaddogg 3 года назад +8

    You should do similar ranking with SF Great America. I grew up with that park and first visits there were in the 1980s.

    • @AirtimeThrills
      @AirtimeThrills  3 года назад +3

      Ill go back there soon so I'll do it then

  • @lfroncek
    @lfroncek 3 года назад +3

    Later in its life, when it was less popular, they're run Tidal Wave for multiple passes -- 3 or 4, if I recall.

  • @CoriLane3060
    @CoriLane3060 3 года назад +11

    Ironic, I’m at CGA right now

  • @marty_nz
    @marty_nz 3 года назад +1

    Top 3 bang on. Got an early and cheap JetBlue flight out of Long Beach to San Jose, met up with a childhood friend from many years ago and spent about 6 hours at CGA. Flew back the same night. What a great day it was.

  • @jaysoncowan4333
    @jaysoncowan4333 3 года назад

    Great vid!

  • @PocketC00KIE
    @PocketC00KIE 3 года назад +2

    The Whizzer (in SFGAm) was my first coaster. I rode it when I was 3.

  • @XscreamThrills
    @XscreamThrills 3 года назад +7

    Never been a fan of the flying dutchman model. B&M flyers all the way! 😎

    • @hedgehogcoasters7239
      @hedgehogcoasters7239 3 года назад +1

      When the commenter with the most subs has only two likes ☹️☹️☹️ (I love your videos!)

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад

      Well NightHawk is on its last legs at Carowind’s with the lack of spare parts.

    • @XscreamThrills
      @XscreamThrills 3 года назад +1

      @@zacharyyamashita8554 it's popularity is what keeps it alive, but yeah, probably not gonna last much longer

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 2 года назад

      @@XscreamThrills Great America basically did better in the long run when it was removed back in 2003.

  • @lailathedawn
    @lailathedawn 3 года назад +4

    gotta love how grizzly was listed below the family coaster lmao

  • @steveh8829
    @steveh8829 2 года назад +3

    Gold Striker is the best. Good airtime and the roughness in my opinion adds to the out of control feel and love that first drop too.

  • @Joypyf
    @Joypyf 2 года назад +2

    I’d like to see other parks covered in a ranking like this!

  • @Castro-sl5qw
    @Castro-sl5qw 10 месяцев назад

    Your comments on Invertigo are perfect . I agree

  • @Hydreigon445
    @Hydreigon445 2 года назад +3

    Came here after the announcement. Sad to see it going soon.

  • @kaitie_ren
    @kaitie_ren Год назад

    Just visited for the first time this past weekend and while it's definitely a halfday park it was definitely a blast

  • @varunnair4705
    @varunnair4705 3 года назад +5

    YES FINALLYYYY

  • @otismcgurk1186
    @otismcgurk1186 3 года назад +4

    Just went here for the first time about a week ago. I agree with everything except Psyco Mouse being ranked higher than Patriot. Other then that, pretty spot on!

    • @MagicalBread
      @MagicalBread 3 года назад

      I’m curious about your opinion about ranking Patriot under the generic psycho mouse?

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад

      @@MagicalBread Because Psycho Mouse 🐭 is an Arrow Mad Mouse model and one of the last coasters they built besides X2.

  • @mr.furyous497
    @mr.furyous497 Год назад +1

    I don't think the B&M inverts get enough love today. Awesome positive g's. Flight deck doesn't look as intense as some but does seem to be a unique design.

  • @EdsStuff76
    @EdsStuff76 3 года назад +5

    Yay...my home park...I've ridden both vortex and Patriot....double credits yay

  • @coasterdaydreams7150
    @coasterdaydreams7150 3 года назад +6

    was anyone else like, "why is Action Bronson chillin by a kiddie coaster in Wisconsin?" LOL

    • @coasterdaydreams7150
      @coasterdaydreams7150 3 года назад

      Um, i didnt even realize I had bars either!
      Im like why the hell is Action Bronson,
      straight relaxin by a kiddie coaster in Wisconsin?
      LOL

  • @liamsadler9286
    @liamsadler9286 3 года назад +1

    Awesome vid! You should do ranking all the Busch gardens parks. Williamsburg and bgt

    • @DoswarePictures
      @DoswarePictures 3 года назад

      He could do it, but Drachen Fire, Glissade, and Gwazi have something to say about that.

  • @trentspara1826
    @trentspara1826 3 года назад +3

    Nice video! Did you just go there? Because I can see your using the better quality camera like you did at universal! I love this series! Are you doing it for the other western parks?

    • @AirtimeThrills
      @AirtimeThrills  3 года назад +1

      Yeah i was there recently and the camera is newer but shouldnt be that much better...just the model newer from my other one. But good to know its noticeable. I'll do it for parks where i have experience with the past and present coasters one way or another

    • @trentspara1826
      @trentspara1826 3 года назад +1

      Yeah it has great quality. Are you going to use it for povs?

  • @j.d.contreras392
    @j.d.contreras392 Год назад +1

    The scariest ride was Smurfette's wild ride. Currently known as Woodstalk express. It was terrifying.

  • @jacksonbryman9191
    @jacksonbryman9191 3 года назад +1

    proud that I finally cracked 54" by early 2016 so that I could ride Vortex once before it bit the dust lol

    • @jacksonbryman9191
      @jacksonbryman9191 3 года назад

      oh also when I went on June 30th Gold Striker was closed for retracking (!!)

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 2 года назад

      @@jacksonbryman9191 Are you serious? Which sections were they retracking.

  • @TOONMAN200
    @TOONMAN200 2 года назад +1

    I live in San Francisco, about 30 miles from CA Great America. So I have been going there since the first day they opened and I have been on every ride that you mentioned in your video. They were all great rights love them all, unfortunately there were removed mostly because of high maintenance. Now my favorite park is Six Flags Magic Mountain they seem to hold onto their roller coasters even the ones that are of high maintenance. Although Magic Mountain is 400 miles away, with my love for roller coasters is worth the drive.

  • @thomz4625
    @thomz4625 3 года назад +2

    Went yesterday for the first time. Agree with this list. I couldn't stop laughing on Gold Striker but it is pretty rough

    • @triple7marc
      @triple7marc 3 года назад

      Gold Striker is NOT rough, wtf?

  • @CylitheraGreywolf
    @CylitheraGreywolf 3 года назад +1

    This along with SF Discovery Kingdom were my home parks growing up, and I went again in 2019 when I visited my parents. It may be a small park, but the top 3 are pretty solid for me! I'd love to see an RMC Grizzly, although I doubt the likeliness given the proximity of another RMC just a couple hours away.

  • @awesometronic
    @awesometronic 3 года назад +5

    I've lived in the bay area for most of my life and had the pleasure of riding every one of these, except for the 2 kiddie coasters at #15 and #14. Willard's Whizzer was my first coaster; it was a fun coaster and I'm sad that it was removed. Good rankings. I LOVE Rail Blazer and Gold Striker, and I agree Grizzley needs to go.

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 3 года назад +5

      Grizzly just needs the RMC Treatment.

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад +1

      I absolutely must get to Six Flags Great America to ride its sister! Had no idea it existed

    • @scottfulton267
      @scottfulton267 3 года назад +2

      I second the RMC treatment for Grizzly

    • @jolietpinball7439
      @jolietpinball7439 2 года назад +1

      @@scottyjbdGurnee still has much of the original Marriott themeing throughout the park, along with the railroad (still used in the regular operating season) and trolleys (only used for parades these days). The parks both opened in 1976, and were about 99% identical then, all the way through 1980. Then they started going in different directions, with the 1981 addition of American Eagle in Gurnee, and nothing in Santa Clara. Before selling the parks in 1984/1985, Marriott had grand plans for expansion in Gurnee, which were finally realized by Warner Bros/Six Flags in the mid-1990's. The only major things really missing in Gurnee that are still in Santa Clara today are the skyrides, the original Eagle's Flight/Delta Flyer and the Southern Cross (never built in Santa Clara, and was built for the planned big expansion in the mid 80's, before Marriott sold the park to Six Flags). There was a incident where high winds automatically triggered a shutdown of Eagle's Flight/Delta Flyer, and it could not be restarted, so people were trapped for hours, until the Gurnee Fire Department rescued them from their ladders on the fire trucks. I believe both skyrides were removed the next operating season, or shortly after that...mainly because of the bad publicity...but also because they probably didn't want a chance of this happening again. This was still during the Marriott era, so SIx Flags had nothing to do with their removal. Anyway, for many years, I had no idea a Great America existed in Santa Clara! While they are quite different today, many of the original buildings are the same at both parks, especially at Carousel Plaza/main entrance, and Hometown Square. At night, you mind can play tricks on you...if you're used to one park, you'll be walking along and it's all familiar, and then suddenly something is missing or completely different!

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 2 года назад +1

      @@jolietpinball7439 well I finally made it to SFGA for the first time! Just a few weeks ago, it was amazing how much it looked like my Great America as a kid. All the same flat rides Lobster, Triple Play, Fiddlers Fling, the same themed areas like Yankee Harbor and Orleans Square, both Log Flumes Yankee Clipper and Loggers Run. An ice trip down memory lane!

  • @thequackenscoasterchannel2927
    @thequackenscoasterchannel2927 3 года назад +3

    I haven't ridden RailBlazer yet, but I have done Wonder Woman, so I have a good idea what to expect there. Even if I had done RB, I don't think I would like it more than Gold Striker. Good to see someone else who agrees GS is the better ride! It's in my personal top 25 and my second favorite GCI. I rode Vortex and will say it was not very good

    • @zacharyyamashita8554
      @zacharyyamashita8554 2 года назад

      Vortex is now Patriot, as a B&M floorless, and is much smoother.

  • @coreyheins1152
    @coreyheins1152 3 года назад +1

    I’ve only been to California’s Great America once back in 2008 and rode vortex and I thought it was bumpy and rough. Definitely had the B&M rattle

  • @bandmfanboy
    @bandmfanboy 3 года назад +2

    In an alternate universe, CGA and SFGAm are sister parks just like the two CF CW parks.

  • @WhatAG23
    @WhatAG23 Год назад

    One of the few videos we will never need an updated version of

  • @propfoce7941
    @propfoce7941 3 года назад +2

    I got the ping on his server while i’m at california’s great america

  • @caliman99
    @caliman99 2 года назад +1

    I rode Stealth on its very last ride at Great America. It was my favorite coaster ride of all time. Since coaster love is subjective, YMMV. But it is the closest I've ever come to feeling like I was flying. The climb up the first hill on your back leaves you totally unprepared for the inversion into superman-ing on your stomach through the first drop and the fast and scenic whips on the rest of the course. I've never ridden anything like it before or since. (FWIW, my second favorite coaster of all time is Grizzly at King's Island, because of that magical, exhilarating and long race through the moonlit woods at night, set to the soundtrack of shrieking steel wheels amplified through the wooden structure.)
    My one time on Stealth wasn't scheduled to be the last ride of its last day, but unspecified technical issues made it the last, and I've always been grateful to have been on it.
    Thanks for covering this coaster and others that lived at my closest theme park.

    • @ruscaliso
      @ruscaliso 2 года назад

      The unfortunate news out of CGA

  • @theone2130
    @theone2130 3 года назад +4

    Gold striker is one of the best rides I’ve ridden

  • @robblaster9556
    @robblaster9556 3 года назад +1

    I always wondered when you were going to do a video on my hometown park! I was going to say Vortex was better than Grizzly but then you have Patriot in front so I'm ok. I don't think Grizzly is smooth at all. I'm hoping for a Twisted Grizzly though. Invertigo was SO MUCH FUN! I'm still salty it had to go. Stealth was down way more than it was up lol I love when Top Gun flies over the marquee, queue, and station into that finale. Such a great ride. I need to go back up and try Goldstriker and Railblazer.

  • @scorn-52
    @scorn-52 3 года назад

    This Video Is Perfect. I Live Near This Place And I Need To Go Soon LOL

  • @josecastro2332
    @josecastro2332 3 года назад +1

    I agree with the ranking. I rode Gold Striker when it first opened in 2013 and it was a blast. Rode it again in 2016 and was a bit rougher than what I remembered but man was it a rush. Havent gone back there since then. Railblazer to me came out of no where when it was announced. Like I was actually shocked that they were adding something that crazy to the line up. Flight Deck really needs a retheme imo.

  • @Gocanes2010
    @Gocanes2010 3 года назад +1

    lol u posted it the day I was there

  • @screampillow3360
    @screampillow3360 2 года назад

    I've never been to CGA, but I live in SoCal and I have a soft spot for this park seeing as how it's the only other Cedar Fair park in the state, or rather the entire west coast and I have high hopes for its future. I'll go some day!

  • @al0742
    @al0742 3 года назад +5

    Wait, you're telling me that Whizzer is only 3mph slower than Patriot! Whizzer 36 inches to ride, Patriot 54 inches!

    • @AirtimeThrills
      @AirtimeThrills  3 года назад +2

      Its all about the restraints

    • @jolietpinball7439
      @jolietpinball7439 2 года назад

      @@AirtimeThrills (Willard's) Whizzer at both Great Americas initially had none! Seat belts were added later, as they exist today in Gurnee...that's it!

  • @noahkiel2454
    @noahkiel2454 3 года назад +2

    I agree about the flying Dutchman’s. So many people trash them but I really love them

    • @scottyjbd
      @scottyjbd 3 года назад +1

      The 2nd model is far better than the original. I never cared for Stealth due to its limited fly-time while X-Flight/Firehawk and Batwing have you in the flying position for about twice as long

  • @tommyaddison6539
    @tommyaddison6539 Месяц назад

    Loved the Vortex

  • @echotier8690
    @echotier8690 3 года назад +3

    I always wanted to see this park, my usual is Knotts😃

  • @ThousanWhite
    @ThousanWhite 2 года назад +2

    10:00 I really think Nighthawk is solid too. I think the added sensation of the ride and the position can be so intensely awkward to a lot of people that this dynamic alone turns people off. However, I'd say once you know what you're in for, it's a pretty intense ride (but in a really good way).

  • @cthomas2812
    @cthomas2812 3 года назад

    Man this use to be my home park! I remember riding Stealth the first year is came out, man at the time it was soo intense!

  • @paraskep5080
    @paraskep5080 3 года назад +3

    That's some great things about Grizzly.

  • @tommyaddison6539
    @tommyaddison6539 Месяц назад

    Spot on on the Psycho Mouse line….takes FOREVER

  • @AGKaiju
    @AGKaiju Год назад

    Can agree with Demon's placing here, especially as a former operator to that ride.

  • @Jakeyboyofjoy4
    @Jakeyboyofjoy4 3 года назад

    Hey man. You going back to MM now that everythings opening up again? Going back July 21st. Can NOT wait.

    • @triple7marc
      @triple7marc 3 года назад

      He doesn't live in SoCal anymore :(

  • @quentenmajoor5861
    @quentenmajoor5861 3 года назад +4

    Imagine if CGA built a B&M flying or wing coaster and named it "Stealth" to pay tribute to the former coaster.

  • @whenlifegivesyoulemons284
    @whenlifegivesyoulemons284 3 года назад

    Ayyyy im going there tomorrow

  • @angeltv8958
    @angeltv8958 2 года назад

    You forgot to rank a coaster !?!?!?!?!
    Wicked twister 2.0 😎👍

  • @focusfrets3668
    @focusfrets3668 3 года назад +1

    That raptor in the thumbnail reminded me a few days ago when I saw a wheel fly off on the s curve on stunt pilot

  • @FrontRowCoaster
    @FrontRowCoaster 3 года назад +3

    When did you visit the park?

    • @theone2130
      @theone2130 3 года назад +3

      Ay I have seen your vids before

  • @AC98000
    @AC98000 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the dinner reminder