Remembering the Original Phoenix that Lead to the New Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens

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Today (July 21, 2024) is opening opening day for Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens. Phoenix Rising is is the new family suspended roller coaster by B&M. The ride is in the Pantopia area of the park in the area previously occupied by Sand Serpent, a couple of kiddie rides and the original Phoenix looping starship by Intamin. There will be many articles today celebrating the new Phoenix Rising, but I wanted to take a few minutes to remember the original Phoenix. Perhaps I can also take credit for being a bit of a future teller in the name of the new coaster?

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The Flash Pass One Shot at Six Flags Over Georgia is a Great Value

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On my last visit to Six Flags Over Georgia I noticed for the first time several of these green signs offering the Flash Pass One Shot. When you follow the QR code you’re taken to the Flash Pass website where you can buy a flash pass for the day, the season and now a Flash Pass for a single ride. This “One Shot” is reminiscent of the Lightning Lane Single Pass at Disney parks where you can buy “skip the line” access to certain attractions. The cost seems to vary by ride and day (similar to the Disney system) and I’ve seen prices range on a Friday between $6 and $14 each. However, a Flash Pass on that same Friday went for $60 for the Standard (virtual line holder) Flash Pass all they way up to $145 for the Ultimate (no wait) Flash Pass. So if you’re a regular and only going for a few hours, Single Shots seem to be the way to go.

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Review of Wild Adventures Ultimate Animal Feeding Package. Amazing Family Activity and a Great Value!

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Animals are a huge part of the appeal of Wild Adventures in Valdosta, GA. It’s great to be able to look at them, but to have an animal experience where you can feed and interact with them will make your trip much more memorable. The Ultimate Animal Feeding Package at Wild Advantage is a great way to have several animal interactions together as a family. At under $30 and including a souvenir photo it’s a tremendous value too.

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A Theme Park is a Great Place to Watch Fireworks on the 4th of July!

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Girl watching firework explode over roller coaster
2024 Celebrate America July 4th Fireworks Show at Wild Adventures in Valdosta

This 4th of July we headed to Wild Adventures in Valdosta for the 4th to watch some fireworks. Last year we did the same at Dollywood and honestly I think we’ll make the 4th of July and a theme park a tradition going forward. It is such an easy way to take in a great display in that you spend a great day having fun and around 9pm you wander over to the correct area and look up. Theme parks also usually have great sound and music to complete the atmosphere as well. Most of the time the display you’ll see will be equal or better to local fireworks too.

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Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger Official Today (7/1/2024)

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The new Six Flags (Cedar Fair) Logo after merger

The Six Fags and Cedar Fair merger is expected to finalize today July 1, 2024. The last major hurdle was passed last week with regulatory approval. The new combined company will be known Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, trade under the ticker symbol “FUN” on the NYSE starting July 2nd and be based out of Charlotte.

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Sweet Summer Nights at Wild Adventures has Awesome Benefits like 50% Off Food

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Sweet Summer Nights sign display outside Wild Adventures.

Have you ever heard of a theme park offerings 50% off of food? Me neither! However, this is exactly what Wild Adventures is doing on Friday nights this summer. We’re not talking off of a handful of select items either, but off of essentially everything. This discount made my awesome dinner of peach BBQ pork sandwich with two sides cheaper than a meal at the local Chick-fil-A at around $6. This is one of the huge benefits of Sweet Summer Nights at Wild Adventures for 2024 which runs through July 26th.

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ACE’s “World’s Largest Ride” at Wild Adventures on Boomerang

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On June 16th at 2pm participating parks simultaneously dispatch coasters as part of “The World’s Largest Ride” to celebrate the anniversary of LaMarcus Thompson’s Switchback Railway, the first modern roller coaster. The event is organized by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and this year is the 3rd annual celebration of the event. About 20 parks participated this year including Wild Adventures of Valdosta, GA where I participated.

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Who Wants to Buy a Used Roller Coaster for $15,000? How Parks Buy and Sell Old Rides.

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Update September 2025: It appears Canada’s Marineland is selling most of its rides. Bill Ossim of Rides Plus, LLC is handling the sale with details like pricing managed through a formal inquiry process for qualified buyers. There have been some reports of pricing online with family rides going for $75,000 and thrill rides as high as $2.5 million.

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Review of an Afternoon at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park

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Arial view of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
View of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from Sky Glider

On a recent business trip to California I had a free afternoon and decided to check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This seaside park opened in 1907 and is California’s oldest surviving park. Walking down certain parts of the boardwalk feels a bit like a trip in a time machine, but most of the rides are now modern with one huge exception, the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. The Giant Dipper is the signature attraction of the park dominating the skyline and it was the main reason for my visit.

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
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Review of the VIP Diamond Pass Lounge at Six Flags Over Georgia

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April 2025 Update: The Diamond Pass has now become the Prestige Pass in 2025 with the Cedar Fair merger.

This is my first year being a Diamond pass holder at Six Flags and therefore my first time having access to the VIP Lounge. I have to say this is an extremely nice benefit! The lounge is a great air conditioned space with comfortable seating, free soda and a wide assortment of snacks. At Six Flags Over Georgia the lounge is also centrally located just past the Marthasville Train Station near Acrophobia and in front of the great new Along the Rails Tavern. At the entrance they simply scan your physical or electronic membership card and you’re in.

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