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This past Wednesday, I decided that before the school year begins, I needed my annual dose of Six Flags Great America. As an avid roller coaster enthusiast, I was more than pleased when I heard about the Six Flags’ 45^th anniversary celebration. What does that mean? Discounted tickets, of course!

As of July 31, Six Flags began its celebration of 45 years as America’s largest chain of roller coaster theme parks. Until September 23, there are a few promotional opportunities which I suggest you take advantage of within the next few weeks.

Discounted tickets may be ordered online for $34.99, which is $20 off of the regular admission price. You can also purchase these discounted tickets at any participating Pick’n’Save grocery store, as well as coupons that may be found on some Coca Cola, Subway and Wendy’s products (ask specific location for details). Apart from this great offer, Six Flags has its season pass on sale for the price of regular admission. A typical season pass can put you in the hole about $90, but right now is a $54.99 admission fee. This season pass is also good for Freight Fest, which begins the first weekend in October.

Although, the weather is changing, remember that regular admission includes Hurricane Harbor. This is the new water park which is featured at only a few Six Flags theme parks. On Wednesday, I did not visit the water park, because I had such a wonderful experience at Six Flags.

Apart from the anniversary special, right now is the perfect time to visit Six Flags for three reasons:

1.)    many people are preparing for school and have already taken their last summer trips

2.)    the people who do make it to Six Flags are spending the last hot days at Hurricane Harbor

3.)    the season is ending, changing Six Flags’s open availability from 10am – 10pm to typically 10am – 5pm. To be safe, go to the website www.sixflags.com/parks/greatamerica, and click on “Park Info,” which shows you a calendar and lists the specific times the park is now open.

To most people, being at Six Flags for only seven hours seems to not be enough time to get the full roller coaster theme park experience. Not for me, as I found Six Flags to be completely open and lacking in lines. For the first time in my life, I did not have to wait in line. I literally walked right up to the terminal gates (the ones that file you into a specific coaster car). It was amazing! I went on Raging Bull, Superman and Vertical Velocity twice in a row without so much as waiting more than five minutes. I was totally shocked as last time I went was during the chaotic Freight Fest, where after eight hours of being there, I only rode three coasters. 

Being so open, it was enjoyable to wonder around, although a lot of the special restaurants and festival games were closed.  It should be noted that The American Eagle along with some other rides were not open that day either. Of course, I didn’t mind—as long as Batman was open (something about black spandex always seems to excite me).

Despite the sodas they exorbitantly sell for $3.00, Six Flags can be inexpensive if you plan accordingly. Bags are allowed in the theme park, and as you can guess, are checked upon entry. The signs state that “no outside food is allowed in the park grounds,” but read the fine print. A small water bottle is “allowed” into the park, and as there are drinking fountains located by the bathrooms, you can forgo paying $3.00, and drink water as it should be—free! Plus, one of my friends walked right in with a bottle of soda, so I don’t think the aforementioned rule is strictly enforced. There is also a picnic area right outside the gates where you can go and bring a packed lunch, saving you probably a good $10 per person. Just remember to get your hand stamped for re-entry.

Apart from Hurricane Harbor, there is a very new feature that Six Flags has added—a smoke free environment. I was surprised as every 10 minutes an announcement came over the sound system, basically proclaiming, “After 45 years, Six Flags has stopped smoking.” I suppose it is a good idea, as the roller coaster theme park is more of a family environment. Six Flags isn’t completely smoke-free; there are little areas set aside where smoking is permitted.

All in all, I would say that right now is the perfect opportunity for you to go to Six Flags and enjoy all the open roller coasters. If you decide to venture into Hurricane Harbor, do so at your own risk—whenever we went even near that entrance, the volume of people seemingly doubled.

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