First Ever Visit to Six Flags Great America in Illinois! Exploring the Park & More!
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
- Today I finally made it to Six Flags Great America for my very first time! We explore the massive park in Illinois, ride the iconic coasters and more. Hope you enjoy todays vlog from Great America!
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- Dylan
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#sixflags #sixflagsgreatamerica
Batman is a clone and cost 20 thousand to build. But if you built Batman today it would cost a million.
It isn’t a clone, it was cloned.
The Batman at Six Flags Great America is the original one, as well as the first BnM invert and the first invert roller coaster with an inversion
This batman is actually the original batman roller coaster
Also the demon isn’t a clone because it opened at the same time as the one in California. A lot of information was incorrect
@@Galarticunoyep you right you right
@@Preppykel correct it is a twin not a clone
Having lived near the park since it opened in 1976, it's sad for us locals who remember it well back then, to see it now. The different lands were themed and the Marriott Corp who built and opened the park, took several ideas from Disney parks and copied many of them. You still the remains of the old styling, even though Six Flags and it many various owners over the decades, has destroyed that by putting coasters everywhere without much thought. The double decker Carousel was a classic Marriott touch and the landscaping and upkeep of the park was almost legendary. I remember working there in 1984 and the cleanliness and attention to detail that Marriott instilled in the park was apparent everywhere you went. I'm glad to see Willard's Whizzer still in operation, even though Six Flags was going to tear it down years ago, but I think the fan outcry had saved it. The Demon used to be the, Turn of The Century, until it was re themed and enlarged into the Demon back in the early 80's. Marriott's Great America had many unique rides specific to the park, including cable cars throughout the park, gondola rides (aka Skyway), the Tidal Wave, The Pictorium, and many others that no longer exist. The American Eagle which opened in 1980, was unique for it's time, but much of the theme and styling had changed and it's a hike to trek back to it now, as you found out. I'm glad you enjoyed the coasters, but the park just isn't popular anymore with us who remember when it was safer and much cleaner.
It’s still popular. Just not with people your age ig.
I would say the park is still pretty popular. Times change which is normal, and I would say that the rides are really fun and draw a big crowd. I think like all six flags parks, they need to focus on more esthetics and that would complete the overall package.
Wasn’t born in that decade, but wish the park was more thought out. The rides are phenomenal, but the preservation and upkeep of older attractions is lacking and saddening. Also still bitter about Yankee Harbor’s rename and re theme. They repainted 3 rides and renamed a bunch of stores and restaurants. A third of the DC themed rides aren’t even in that area.
They stopped trying after Southwest Territories
All VERY TRUE!!! Especially how Marriott kept the park up! My favorite was Tidal Wave!! ….I remember what a BIG DEAL it was, when it opened a hundred years ago!! 😂😂
I agree The theming was great back in the day late 80s early 90s. Bugs Bunny Land, Southwest Territory, New Orleans theme. Character meet and greet and the parades. The Virtual Velocity used to pause before it came down too
Actually, that's the OG Batman! And the OG B&M invert. The Jengo Fett you could say....
Yeah I messed up in the video for sure.
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD Nah, it's not a mess up. Its a not remembering. All good in the hood. I sometimes not remember loads of things
Yes. This is the sister park of California’s Great America. Both were built by Marriott.
Yup yup
That batman is actually the original, so technically not a clone. The OG inverted coaster!
Yeah I found that out once we left. Glad I was able to get the og credit.
How fun!! We used to drive down from Wisconsin to Six Flags and always had so much fun at the park. We always enjoyed their Fright Fest every fall. Glad you got visit the park!
Ayy Dylan, glad you enjoyed SFGAm.
Actually THAT Batman is the original...everything other one are the clones.
Yeah I spaced and totally forgot that was the OG one. Glad I finally went on it.
Such a smooth ride compared to its clones.
That is the first ever Batman the ride 😎
Yeah I found that out later when we were gone lol. Was great to ride the og
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD I’m glad you learned that !! Love the channel buddy, keep up all the hard dedicated work, I love your content and wish to do the same type of thing in my future!! Sending good vibes from Winnipeg 😎 . I went to Six Flags Great America in 2007 on a high school band trip, it was super cool and I’ll forever be grateful. I’ll go back someday soon. Haven’t been back since!
Oh my goodness, those coaster looked like sooo much fun!!! Thanks for sharing your obsession with us!
They were pretty awesome. Glad I was able to get some new credits 😁
Home park and the trolly line is used for parades and special event floats
Oh well that’s good they still use it. 😁
About Batman at GA, it's not a clone of that ride it is the original and first B&M invert.
Yeah I screwed up for sure in the video but regardless it was great.
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD was not trying to be snarky just information.
YAY! you finally visited this park, i was hoping you would, this is my hometown park when i lived in IL so much fun and its so cool to see how much its changed since i lived there
That's currently the closest Six Flags park to where I live, and it's also my second favorite park in the Six Flags chain behind Magic Mountain. If you think about it, this is basically Kings Island if it were a Six Flags park since they're both equal in size, have a nice atmosphere, have a well balanced ride lineup in both quality and quantity, and the waterparks at each location are great places to cool off.
I’ll have to try the water park one of these days. Overall the park was pretty fun. Curious to see how it’s going to rank when I visit the other six flags parks.
Great video Dylan, Six Flags Great America looks great. Keep up the great work Dylan
My home park! The coaster collection here is about as diverse as I've seen one.
I agree, they have a solid line up of coasters here that pretty much meets every enthusiasts needs.
Nice to see something out of the ordinary
Always been the goal here. Just takes time to travel to other parks. 😁
I'm so glad you and Michael had a safe trip 🙏
Eyyy my home park! It's a little better in the summer when the rides get into full swing. Goliath is my favorite!
Goliath was a lot of fun. I want to try different rows on it next time. Maxx force was another one of my favs at the park.
Oh wow- this really reminds me of CA Great America. I worked at Great America in the 1980s when it was pretty new, and this brings back so many memories. It was owned by "Marriot" back then (had great food) and a lot of the coasters were state-of-the-art at the time. The CA "Demon" used to be called "Turn of the Century" and was my favorite. We also had a "Whizzer" called "Willard's Whizzer" which looked very similar (don't ask me who "Willard" was lol) Thanks for taking us along. Great to see Michael too! 😀
Yup both the California park and this one were owned by Marriot which is why they look similar in the front. Was a fun park overall and would totally come back. 😁
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD Oh that makes sense, thanks! Have to go back to the CA one before it closes. It's had lots of "ups and downs" since I worked there, but my son and I have to go back and pay our respects 🙂
The viper and Americans eagle, when they first opened, that walk was to accommodate the super long lines. When viper first opened, the ride was smooth as heck.
That makes sense.
They were fun but rmc or gci could help out a little bit.
The lines used to be longer even; Eagle’s queue stretched to the front of the park and Viper predates Southwest, so the West entrance used to be the entrance.
@@Galarticunoactually the eagle line used to be smaller untill they built the kids area in the place of its old entrance
The queues have to be that long because the stations are so far away from the midway.
The best spot to ride the Viper is in the back, front for the views, but you feel every inch of the track up front
Dylan it was so cool seeing you at my hometown park.
We used to get annual passes and ride the American eagle both the red and blue tracks because we were convinced one was faster than the other. One day we got to stay on it for 5 runs in a row because there was nobody else in line. They would sometimes run one forward and the other backwards!
This is the OG Batman opened way back in 92 our HS physics class got to attend a soft opening event and try experiments on it. They also had a cool Batman stunt show that really pulled it all together.
Yeah I found out afterwards that I was mistaken and it was the Og. So I’m really happy I was able to ride it.
And I was bummed that American eagle was only running one side so fingers crossed they can open both sides again soon. That’s awesome you did it multiple times like that. 😁
Thanks this was my first Six Flags park many years ago being from.Ill I really only remember American Eagle though 😅
You’ll love the other coasters they have 😁
I would love to travel to go to different six flags looks like fun..
You should! It’s been fun to see a few different ones. I have a bunch more on the list. 😁
i am excited for my pin comes in 😊
Dylan! You finally made it my former home park! My first professional job in entertainment was at this Park from May 1998 to August 1999!!!!! I haven’t been back to this Park since it’s 25th Anniversary.
I live in Indiana bout 3 hrs from here. This is my home park :D
Was a really fun park
Looks so fun!
It was a blast.
Yay, my home park! :) I''m really missing Goliath and Maxx Force right now! I hope to finally make it there next week for my first visit of the season. And it looks like you had a great day for wait times and ride ops. That's always a bonus!
Yeah the wait times were not bad at all which was great. Was a fun park and would love to go back sometime soon 😀
soo happy you got to visit Six Flags in my hometown before my family and i moved to california. i remember going to six flags during the 90s with some of our family friends. we used to go during the summer and sometimes during halloween when some of the characters would come out and scare the guests. we also had meet and greets with bugs bunny and friends. anyway glad to see that six flags kept some of the OG rides like viper, american eagle, and demon. as for the other coasters, those look brand new to me. it’s been over 20+ years since i visited that park.
hope you had an awesome time visiting Gurnee. maybe one day, i’ll fly back to visit the park.
My home park growing up!
Wizzer was my first roller coaster.
When I was 14 my friend and me tode tidal wave 17 times in a row.
So many concerts... the Pictorium... Orleans orbit....❤
Oh how cool. Yeah the wizzer was a lot of fun. Next time I’ll have to get a couple more rides on it.
…..Loved, loved, LOVED Tidal Wave!!
That's my park! I travel to the USA twice to work there! I gained a love for that park. My little house where I worker two summers was Hometown Funnel Cake ❤ a side of the Wizzer (I see it close in the video 😢)
Viper is so rough 😂😂 I ride it twice, and I can't do it more! 😂 I am only 26 and my body hurt!
It’s a fun park, glad we finally made it out
And yeah I think viper needs a re track to smooth it out.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is my home park. I’ve gone to SF Discovery Kingdoms and recently visited SF Fiesta Texas. Can’t wait to continue my journey to visit all SF parks.
This park was pretty fun. I thought the lineup of coasters was pretty cool.
Thank you 🤩
You’re welcome 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video.
We have a coaster here in Utah like the Whizzer. We have one theme park, about 20 miles north of Salt Lake, called Lagoon. You should come & I'll show you around my stomping grounds.
Lagoon has been on the list of to dos, so hopefully I’ll get to visit soon. 😁
Sounds like you’re thinking of Jet Star 2. Lagoon is my home park as well. Jet Star 2 is smaller and more compact than Whizzer and has no scenery whatsoever. It is a fairly intense ride for a small one though. One other drawback is it doesn’t allow single riders, so if you’re by yourself at Lagoon you will have a tough time getting to ride this one.
Nice work ❤❤❤
Thanks 😄
9:24 There used to be even more queue for American Eagle. The Kidzopolis area used to be the entrance queue for the ride.
Oh dang, yeah I was for sure getting those steps in haha
do you think the blue train on American Eagle will ever run again?
@@creamcitysista1970 they'd have to do a major renovation to fix the helix. Then they'd have to have two ride ops crews. I don't think it'll happen. If I were Six Flags I'd put in a call to either GCI or the Gravity Group and discuss reworking Eagle into a single track coaster.
Viper here is basically a mirror image of the Coney Island Cyclone clones.
Good to know. I need to make it out to Coney Island one of these days.
glad you had a great time at great america there are a few thing you proable didn't know about the our demon the first drop on ours is steeper compared to the one in CGA which was reprofiled when cedar fair bought CGA and ours plays the demon theme song which the one over CGA doesn't not
I noticed the theme song while we were waiting before it went down. That was really cool, glad they still play it.
You talked about RMC a lot. I hope you come out here to Hershey Park and ride the Wild Cat which is one of the newest RMCs! Would love to hear your thoughts on how it compares to Iron Gwazi. Looks less fast but really fun!
Wildcats Revenge is for sure on the list. Keeping my fingers crossed I can get out there soon.
Welcome to my town hope gurnee did its justice
It was fun for sure. Was nice to see a new park 😁
I enjoy when Michael is with you
Sameee
1. Glad you enjoyed my home park! It’s one of my happy places.
2. American Eagle and Viper should NOT be RMCed. SFGAm is one of the few parks out there that has both quality and quantity when it comes to their woodie collection and there’s already a ride experience similar to an I-Box with Goliath. It would be a redundancy in the lineup while trading away a precious woodie. And American Eagle (especially red side) and Viper are still fantastic coasters. Viper just got some retrack work right before the 2024 season and it’s running faster and smoother than I’ve seen it in years. So, not a good RMC candidate. And AE just needs some TLC.
3. I’m glad the others in the comments mentioned Batman not being a clone. It’s the originator for both inverts and Batman clones. It was cloned BECAUSE it was such a hit in 1992. And it even has an ACE plaque commemorating its importance in coaster history. It’s my baby and running better than ever! ❤
4. Demon isn’t actually a clone. Despite the fact that it was built at the same time as CGA’s, the first drop on SFGAm’s was reprofiled to be steeper. So, the airtime in the backrow is WILD.
Also, you missed out by not riding Ricochet. I don’t really like spinning rides, but Ricochet is awesome. It’s more so lats/airtime than spinning sensation.
We have one of those bobsled coasters here in Utah at Lagoon. Have you ever heard of Lagoon? I think you would love our coaster called Cannibal!
Lagoon is AMAZING, and very beautiful……and HISTORIC!!! Yes, Cannibal is insane! One of the best coasters out there!! …..Dylan needs to go!!
I feel Cannibal is right up there with Velocicoaster.
And yes Lagoon is very beautiful.
elite vlog
Thanks buddy
You can’t really compare the justice league at magic mountain to any of the other justice league dark rides… Yours was one of the last ones built… And they souped it up and added more to it… The rest of them are all like the one at Six Flags great America. Also the Batman the ride at great America is the original… It’s an ace roller coaster landmark… It’s the original and the best in my opinion. First inverted coaster ever built.
Guess the 3D was removed. But Ive done other battle for metropolises now as 2D.. and I always remember the Great America version to be really fun (in the back row)... st. louis was very slow paced
That’s interesting that they are all paced differently. Wasn’t too bad without the 3D though.
My home park Raging Bull is my favorite roller coaster ride
Raging Bull is a good one.
A little bumpy but overall really fun.
My home park! They actually did use the trolley for a parade during Pride Fest a couple weekends ago! My first time seeing it since I’ve started going, it was great!
Most of the food is typical Six Flags fare, but there’s a new spot called Mijo’s this year that’s a great Mexican option that’s a big step up from everything else.
I saw that location while in that area of the park and wasn’t sure but I’ll have to give it a try next time I’m there.
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD I tried it for the first time on my last visit and was pleasantly surprised to eat what felt like real food at Six Flags! (a low bar😂)
Also to 4 July and a summer festival in August if I don't forget. (That was last year, I worked there)
That's where I grew up
That’s awesome!
Kind of creepy how much similarity it is with the Great America in Santa Clara, CA. I mean I get it they basically built the parks alike, but it's weird to see something else look the same. I saw that corkscrew climb and immediately was screaming "THE WIZZER!!!" which was one of my faves, although it's been long gone from the park over here, nice to see it is still loved though
The parks were built identical
@@michaelgreenslade7260 Yeah I realize that, doesn't make it any less weird to see "your park" in a slightly different configuration. Although the parks definitely have diverged as far as newer rides.
@@Mike__B that in and of itself would make a great year by year side by side comparison video
Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America is NOT a clone ITS THE ORIGINAL I GRT INSULTED BECAUSE PEOPLE CALL THE ORIGINAL A CLONE
Spaced out for sure, overall it’s a great coaster. There is a reason they cloned them to other parks. Cheaper and still packs a punch
Love the video and want some tips on starting a vlog channel for me and Michael are thinking of move to Florida just us together someday and want to meet you some day at Disney land and love your videos
Remember you can always film vlogs on your phone which is super easy. Great way to get started.
Thanks as always for tuning in 😁
@Theme Park Obsession OK thank you for the tip
Boom goes the dynamite
Always and forever!
Can honestly say Batman the ride is not a clone as it was built in 1992 and the one in California was built in 1994. As for the trolley track, that is for the parade at night. Only coaster you missed was the demon which was originally called turn of the century. Also the location of Batman the ride was the location of the old tidal wave.
Oh man I can’t wait to go sometime! Great coverage of the park, love the positivity.
You’ll have a great time! The rides were a lot of fun.
like #215 here ! great vid; YT suggested it as I sub to Coaster Studios and Theme Park World Wide (they are a young couple spending a month here in midwest (they've been here many times) . . . ), Coaster Dash, East Coasters, and quite a few others. There are ways to be able to film the ride; sometimes chest cams are permitted and sometimes special permission, and/or being invited to maiden runs. Your descriptions are great. some coaster vloggers your age scream on them and some go on kiddy rides . . . you can try something silly can't wait for next.
Yup I’m aware of a few of those vloggers. Have talked to both Taylor and Sean before and have seen the park many times. Was happy to finally make it out.
Hopefully next time I’ll be able to film on ride with park permission.
That's the ORIGINAL BATMAN:The Ride at SFGAm. Came out in 1992. I actually rode it!!! Everything else is a clone
It didn’t disappoint because that was really smooth compared to the other ones. Wish we had it back home.
The batman isnt a clone it was cloned, it is the first batman and also b&m first invert at least i think lol
Found that out after I left lol. I punished myself by riding an slc over and over again.
Your Six Flags coverage never disappoints!
Thanks! Hopefully many more parks to come
What jacket are you wearing? I liked it and the video!
I got it at H&M years ago 😁
I went on that many times as a kid
It was a really fun park. 😁
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Right back at ya
So wild to see you somewhere else but California, I know you travel ALOT though…
That’s the goal, to see as many parks as I can 😁
Is that the theme park they used in Beverly Hills Cop 3?
I’m not sure, I have never seen those movies.
At one time all the lands were steamed and you bore a certain costume for that land . I grew up there and work there in the eighties
That’s awesome! Was neat to see some of the older parts of the park still there.
That batman is the first .... and demon is not a clone ....it was rethemed from the turn of the century ..same as Santa clara
I know, found out after I left.
Thanks for watching.
MaxxForce has the quickest ACCELERATING launch in North America. It goes from 0 to 78mph in 1.8 seconds. Other coasters, like Kingda Ka at Great Adventure goes from 0 to 128 in 3.5 seconds.
A better record for MaxxForce is the worlds fastest inversion which is the best part of the ride.
Raging Bull is also the only BnM Hyper Twister.
The Magic Mountain BFM is actually really different from a lot of the other ones.
How dare you diss Viper. Legit a top 5 in the park and an airtime machine. RMC American Eagle is the joke/cause. Viper is also only 28 and still runs well while Eagle is 42, has issues running constantly, and can’t duel. Next time sit in the back rows on each and don’t keep your head all the way back.
They still use the trolley, it’s just for parades, saved for larger events, like Fright Fest, or the Glow in the Park event they’re bringing back this year. Covid did kind of screw with these events
When I was talking about maxx force people got what I was talking about. Of course there are coasters out there that go faster mph wise.
And like Apollo’s Chariot RB was one of the OG’s so it was nice to get that credit.
Yeah viper was not the best for me. Some good airtime but I’ll save myself from the body bashing. Lol
POV: every time he says Batman is a clone but doesn’t know that it was the original. 😤
It’s a clone and cost 20k to make. But if you built it today it would cost 1 million.
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD pretty sure it was the first
I’ll bet you it’s a clone. 😉
Calling thw original batman a clone. Bold move
Yeah and it only cost the park 20k to build back then. But if you built it today it would have cost a million.
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD is there a meme here im unaware of lol
Those stats are from the Little Dipper. Lol
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD i mean i heard it in the video. Was just confused cuz i saw the remark all over lol. Pinned comment as well
That's the og batman
Found out the hard way but yup! Lol
So glad I was able to ride it, it was so much fun.
Demon is original to both Great America parks. They are both not clones.
Oh well good to know. From my vantage point it looked like a clone.
That’s the original Batman
Yeah, found that out later lol
I hear Demon Restarting In the background 5:28
I’ll have to get the credit next time. Thankfully we were able to hit up a bunch of other coasters 😁
Batman the ride is the orginal , same with demon
Did you go to PRIDE at disney??!
I did not, I don’t go to any of those after hours events.
You've mentioned the term "RMC" quite a few times without defining what it is, what is it?
Rocky Mountain Construction is the name of the manufacturer or RMC for short 😁
RMC Viper before Eagle? Nah. Viper's solid. Eagle's older -- its time has come.
I mean hey they can do a two for one special haha
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD Nah. Keep Viper. Viper's a solid wood coaster. And it's a Cyclone replica - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viper_(Six_Flags_Great_America).
I miss Tidal Wave (Montezuma’s Revenge at Knott’s), and The Edge (Freefall at Magic Mountain, long gone, sadly). …….How many of you out there CRINGED when Dylan said IlliNOISE?!?!? Ugh!! It’s Illi-noi Dylan!! The “S” is SILENT!!! Great video though!! 😁👍
Maybe things are said on purpose 🤫
It is UA-cam after all. 😉
Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD ha! Ha! 😁👌
Ok the old “Big Bend” coaster at Six Flags over Texas was a Schwarzkopf like this one? 🤷♂️
Schwarzkopf made some good coasters.
Man, that S&S coaster is so ugly. Looks like a fun ride though!
S&S always loves to make funny looking coaster layouts. Unique for sure.
Hiiiiiiiiiooo
Hey hey hey!
@@ThemeParkObsessionDD hiiii
I had a mental breakdown when he kept saying batman clone😡
That's not a batman clone. It's the original.
Yup. I know. Found that out later.
Batman was the first Batman not a clone
Found that out after I left the park. Lol. Glad I was able to ride the OG.
STOP calling it a Batman clone. It was the original and it was the first ever inverted coaster.
Oh it’s a clone. I can put money on it.
Sadly, Six Flags is a shadow of what it once was.
They can always improve things. I did enjoy the rides at this park though so I’ll be back for sure.