OT- Great Adventure NJ season pass ??

[bnorm27]

If you plan on going to Great Adventure more then twice in a season, then the season pass is a great deal. Yes, they have once again raised the parking pass up to $45, but I think the prices everywhere have gone up a bit, haven't they? GA invested a lot of money in the new Wiggles area for kids, an area at the end of the Safari where you can get out and pet some smaller animals, and in refurbishing some other areas. We live about 8 miles from GA, and think it is great. We go early in the morning, or later on weekday afternoons, and the crowds are not as bad. My kids love the Safari. I didn't see that mentioned in other posts, which you get in your park admission. Rude employees? I haven't encountered any rude employees, but I have encountered some employees from other countries and cultures. I think some of the rudest people are some of the guests! As we stay mostly in the kiddie areas, we don't deal with the 2 hour waits for Kingda-Ka, or El Toro. Someone mentioned about the coasters being down a lot, and I agree they seem to be. My wife's uncle works at GA, and he told us that if the wind at the top of Kingda-Ka is over 25 MPH, the coaster can not operate.While it may seem mild on the ground, the wind 400 feet up can be drastically different. I always find GA to be clean, as well.

Somebody also mentioned Keansburg Amusement Park. I grew up in that area, and actually worked on the "Boardwalk" as it is called. There are no boards any longer. It is a tar walk, thanks to hurrican Donna I believe, back in 1962. The water park is the crown jewel of the area. They also spent big bucks renovating that park last year after the season. The rides are also nice, along with the games of chance. You must eat the French Frries (with vinegar), and for dessert, get a waffle ice cream from Nickersons! This is a sandwich made from two freshly made waffles with ice cream in the middle! Keansburg is a great place to bring the kids, and is probably about 30 mins, from Staten Island! The current owners of the park are the grandsons of the original owners, the Gelhaus family.

So I vote for GA and for Keansburg!!

 

[LisaNJ25]

I have never heard of this park. What is it like? Is there a website?

TIA!

Samantha

yep,

here you go

http://www.knoebels.com/

 

[JoiseyMom]

They actually do have quite a bit of kiddie rides. My son is 7 and he thinks he's too old for the most part for kids rides though. lol

They have some in the Loony Tunes Seaport, Loony Tunes National park, Balin's Jungle Land and the Wiggles area. Typical stuff mostly including a small rollercoaster in the Seaport area. The nicest things are a ball play area in the Seaport and the water are in Balin's Jungleland.

I think the minimum height for Skull mountain, Rolling Thunder and Runaway train is 44 not 42 at Great Adventures. No restriction for the Log Flume though if you can take the line in the summer.

We have season passes and actually went on Good Friday. brrrrrr

Since you went on Friday, I have a question. Is the "new" Wiggles area, actually a refurb portion of Looney tunes Seaport?? From the pictures I have seen, it looks like LTS??

 

[Cindy B]

Since you went on Friday, I have a question. Is the "new" Wiggles area, actually a refurb portion of Looney tunes Seaport?? From the pictures I have seen, it looks like LTS??

I think the new Wiggles area is near or a portion of the safari.
That was actually a really smart move from the business end because many people were not going to the Safari. In the past few years, it has seemed that the Safari ride is shorter and much less animals. GA even enclosed the baboons area so the baboons can't climb on your cars anymore! (That was the best part as a kid!)

The last time I went through the Safari--people from NY (NY plates) had the window down and was enticing all these wild animals into eating a sandwich! that is so not safe on so many levels--for safety (animal and human) , hygiene and animal health.


So to put the new Wiggles area in would be a great thing to get more families to come to GA. My kids are way past the Wiggle stage so that doesn't do a thing for me. Now, Kingda Ka, El Toro and Nitro for me are the best things about the park.

The Looney toones seaport is still up. The Bugs Bunny National Park area near El Toro is new.

 

[disneysteve]

In the past few years, it has seemed that the Safari ride is shorter and much less animals.

I'm amazed the safari has lasted this long. There are so many far better places to see animals, like Animal Kingdom.

First, they stopped the safari being a separate ticket and now just include it in your park admission. I think the next step will be to ship the animals off to other homes and use that land which I'm sure is far more valuable as amusement space. It has to be costing a fortune to house and maintain the animals.

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

I live 30 minutes from Great Adventure. Last year, my daughter and I, along with a co-worker and his daughter, took a trip to Six Flags America (outside of Washington, DC) and purchased season passes at that park for $49.99 each.

In case you're not aware, season passes at the Six Flags parks are valid at all Six Flags Theme Parks. While there was the additional cost of gas to drive there last year to get our photos taken, from now on we can renew online, for a lot less than the $90 GA charges.

It's one way to get into GA much cheaper.

 

[korbbec]

The Safari is the best part!

I would recommend Lake Compounce in Bristol Ct. It is a family oriented theme park with a small water park (draws people away from the dry rides) and a lake. There are alot of rides, it is clean, it has relatively few teens and free soda and water. It has a good kiddy section- even a Garfield Drop- like the drop towers for adults, only smaller, yet sturdy and formatted to seat both adults and children, so you can ride with them. The log flume goes up a mountainside for a short journey thru the woods. It is also the oldest continually operating amusement park in the country.


www.lakecompounce.com

 

[michellebriana]

I read this post yesterday. I live in Jackson so I bought season passes. If I go twice, it pays for itself. I specifically looked for rude employees and actually found the opposite. I even filled out compliment forms for 2 employees who were great to us. The park was not that crowded and we had a great time! The new wiggles area was really cute! They used a small section of the looney toons seaport and removed that log ride and built a few more wiggles rides there. Although my kids don't like the wiggles, they both had fun in this area. They are DEFINITELY trying to make it more family oriented. They made several announcements in the park regarding a new "Guest code of conduct". Offensive behavior (including cursing around kids) may get you ejected without a refund! We also went through the safari and they gave us a code of conduct sheet and explained the rules. They are now STRICTLY enforcing - no feeding anilmals, keep windows up, 12 mph. They will escort you out of the park if you break the rules. What a difference in the animals!!! They had been so used to getting fed, that they would lick your windows even if you didn't have food! They were now just wandering around more naturally. Although I used to love the babboons too, they too were over fed and became extremely brave and destructive. I found this out the hard way!!! So I really think you should give Great Adventure another chance. Looks like it will be much better this year!

 

[Lilysmom]

I live 10 minutes from there and was thinking of getting season passes this year. I have a four year old and a three year old. They would LOVE the new Wiggles area. The website says it's for 2-6 year olds. But it also has most rides listed with a 42" height requirement which my 3 year old doesn't make. I haven't been to GA in over 10 years. Is this like a 42"-unless-accompanied-by-an-adult type thing? I can't imagine many 2,3 and even some 4 year olds meeting that requirement. I tried calling yesterday but couldn't get anyone on the phone.

I'd hate to spend the money and then not have her be able to do anything.

 

[mommytomy3]

I ended up last year getting a family AP to the zoo and make get one to the Land of Make Believe here in NJ.

I love The Land of Make Believe!!

ITA about Great Adventure.. last year,when we went, 1/2 the rides were closed down, and we literally got to go on like 3 rides, because the waits were so long- like 3 hours!! if we go again this year, I have to but the fastpass

 

[Ishy]

I love The Land of Make Believe!!

ITA about Great Adventure.. last year,when we went, 1/2 the rides were closed down, and we literally got to go on like 3 rides, because the waits were so long- like 3 hours!! if we go again this year, I have to but the fastpass

Growing up in the 70's I knew GA before it was 6 flags. I had a season pass that cost 25$ for several years. I moved up north in the mid 80's and always took my children to Land of Make Believe (MOST EXCELLANT PLACE FOR CHILDREN) bring your lunch and bathing suit - adults are cheaper then children... not sure what the price is but it is MUCH cheaper then GA, no obnoxious teenagers, and the park closes at 5 - everyone goes home - so there is never a late night drive.
I also frequent Hershey Park.
I live near the boardwalks on the JerseyShore now. It is a short ride the Great Adventure. We may go once every 3 years to GA, and once or twice a summer to the boardwalks (because they are close). But I really dont like the 'gang' problem in GA. If your hanging out in the kiddie park, during the weekday, I would imagine its okay. My sisterinlaw has a season pass for that reason - because she isnt there when the rowdy/nasty/trash hangs out.
My children are older... I am very uncomfortable taking them there.

Go and flame away Thats my opinion and I am entitled to it.

 

[don8life]

GA's water park is nothing like Sesame place. Sesame place is the sceaviest water park I have ever see. Went once. Will never go again. Hurricane harbor is clean. My daughter had a liver transplant and is immuno suppressed. I am a big time germ a phobe and hurricane harbor is fine.

 

[michellebriana]

I live 10 minutes from there and was thinking of getting season passes this year. I have a four year old and a three year old. They would LOVE the new Wiggles area. The website says it's for 2-6 year olds. But it also has most rides listed with a 42" height requirement which my 3 year old doesn't make. I haven't been to GA in over 10 years. Is this like a 42"-unless-accompanied-by-an-adult type thing? I can't imagine many 2,3 and even some 4 year olds meeting that requirement. I tried calling yesterday but couldn't get anyone on the phone.

I'd hate to spend the money and then not have her be able to do anything.

Some of them are with an adult and a few are without. Also Kingda Ka section has rides for smaller kids. You can always just buy 1 day passes and if you like it, upgrade to season passes.

 

[BeccaGrace]

We went to McDonalds today and the large soda cups have a Great Adventure deal for $20 off an adult ticket AND a free child's ticket. Each cup can be used for up to four discounts and is good any operating day through June 3rd.
Thought this could help someone!

 

[samanthacatangel]

We went to McDonalds today and the large soda cups have a Great Adventure deal for $20 off an adult ticket AND a free child's ticket. Each cup can be used for up to four discounts and is good any operating day through June 3rd.
Thought this could help someone!

Thanks!!

This I would be able to use for a one time deal - wonder if that would be found in Jersy McD's or in Staten Island too? Guess I will just have to go and find out. (Believe it or not, DD4 has never even been inside a McDonald's)

Also, isn't there usually some deal on Coke cans?

Thanks!

Samantha

 

[grammynelliebelle]

My experience so far with the season passes has been positive. We purchased them last week and went three times so far. Our grandkids are young- 7, 4, and 2 and three months and have been enjoying the things for younger kids. The staff has been friendly and helpful. We were happy to hear a security gentleman explain to a young man who was in the entering area that they are not kidding about the smoking only in designated area policy . (He was smoking) We alll live within 20 to 30 minutes away so plan to come over on Off times for a few hours. True its not Disney, but our dgd loved the flying elephant ride as much as she did Dumbo and its in our backyard. If you go- have fun!

 

[Samandmom]

We get season passes at the Six Flags in New England. We go to the Great Adventures Park once a year with our passes. We will make a weekend out of it. It's a 3hr drive for us. We love the Safari! But we do miss the baboons jumping on the cars. To answer the OP question, it's a cute little park for the kids I have a 6 and 4yr old.

 

[dvcbnd]

We've done six flags season passes in the past, but last year we didn't and went 2x anyway. We were SO GLAD THAT WE DIDN'T AND WOULD NEVER GET SEASON PASSES THERE AGAIN!
We don't ever plan on going there again and we let them know about it at Customer Relations the last time we were there.
The park was filthy, 1/2 the rides didn't work or didn't have any attendants there to operate them, the employees are rude and the clientele in the park wasn't the greatest.
After you have spent a day in an amusement park you should leave with such a great feeling inside about your day and look forward to going back, not leave with such a feeling of disgust and unhappiness.
We also live in SI and we have three children: DS12, DD7 and DS5.
We love Storybookland (down by AC, NJ) - it is well-run and immaculate!
We also highly recommend Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA and Hersheypark!
This summer we are planning a trip up to New Hampshire to Storyland (which has been highly recommended to us by our cousins, whom love it!)
We have also for the past few years have gotten annual passes to the Wildlife Conservation Society - which gives you access to the Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium (in Coney Island), Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn. Our kids love it and we have been to all of the above.
Sorry for the lenghty message but I hope that I was able to help -
Good luck!

 

[dvcbnd]

Yes, the coke can deal is usually buy one ticket and get a free ticket.
It might be worth it to go that way for the first time this way you will know how you like it w/o investing alot of money.
Last year the parking fee was $15. for one day. That's more than Disney charges!
They have a new area for kids dedicated to the Wiggles. They also changed the old Bugs Bunny Land to Balin's Jungleland (they opened that 2 years ago) and last year they opened Bugs Bunny National Park (which looked cute, but there was never enough of employees there to operate all of the rides) The Looney Tunes Seaport is still there, but again, at times not all of the rides are operating. If you ask me, I feel that they cater to the thrill seekers and not to families with small children. But that's my opinion.
When you are used to Disney parks, you get spoiled and your expectations become alot higher. You want to feel like you got your money's worth. DISNEY DELIVERS - SIX FLAGS DOES NOT! Again, that's my opinion.

 

[samanthacatangel]

We've done six flags season passes in the past, but last year we didn't and went 2x anyway. We were SO GLAD THAT WE DIDN'T AND WOULD NEVER GET SEASON PASSES THERE AGAIN!
We don't ever plan on going there again and we let them know about it at Customer Relations the last time we were there.
The park was filthy, 1/2 the rides didn't work or didn't have any attendants there to operate them, the employees are rude and the clientele in the park wasn't the greatest.
After you have spent a day in an amusement park you should leave with such a great feeling inside about your day and look forward to going back, not leave with such a feeling of disgust and unhappiness.
We also live in SI and we have three children: DS12, DD7 and DS5.
We love Storybookland (down by AC, NJ) - it is well-run and immaculate!
We also highly recommend Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA and Hersheypark!
This summer we are planning a trip up to New Hampshire to Storyland (which has been highly recommended to us by our cousins, whom love it!)
We have also for the past few years have gotten annual passes to the Wildlife Conservation Society - which gives you access to the Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium (in Coney Island), Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn. Our kids love it and we have been to all of the above.
Sorry for the lenghty message but I hope that I was able to help -
Good luck!

Wow - we must be on the same page! So, I am heeding the advice about the season passes. I think one time will be enough for us, especially with the Coke can discount or McD discount.

We just went to Storybookland on Easter (and stayed over in AC) and we LOVE it there. We are off to Dutch Wonderland in May, and we will be going to Storyland this August (nearly every summer of my childhood was spent there.) Make sure to do Santa's Village too!

We are also members of WCS - we go to the NY Aquarium all the time. We have been to the Bronx Zoo as well, and I hope to make it to the others before I have to renew.

Slightly OT- where are you guys staying when you go to Storyland? We are deciding between Perry's Motels and Cottages and The Villager Motel - both seem to cater to young kids. Any opinions?


Thanks!

Samantha