Six Flags Great Adventure, NJ

On Friday, August 12, 2005 (final week of training) we had a company picnic to Six Flags Great Adventure, NJ. The day stared early (~6:10am, yep that early), got ready and had to go to a colleague's place who would be driving some of us to the park. The park is ~2.5 hrs from Norwalk, CT and since it was working day for rest of the world, we would encounter a lot of NYC bound traffic, so we left early at ~7:30am. Reached the park at ~10:20am. The ride to the park was fun as the other ppl in the car were quite talktive and jovial. I was the only new hire in the car so didn't talk much (as usual) but was keenly listening to them. Most of it was crap, but got an insight into what amrus generally talk about and what I would experience at work.

The biggest attraction of the park is the new fasest and tallest roller-coaster in all US, Kingda Ka. It stands 450ft tall and goes from 0 to 128mph in just 3.5 sec. This is faster than the Dragster in Cedar Point, OH which I rode last August. The shape of KingDa Ka is same as that of Dragster, it has a 90 degree ascent, 90 degree descent and a 270 degree twist during descent. But, kingda ka has a bump at the end which Dragster doesn't have. Truly, that was the best way to start the roller-coaster ride in the park. There was a 2hr wait for it, but it was definitely worth it. Next, I rode on Twister: a huge swing which makes the full 360 degree circle. But, it moves slowly which is really scary at times as it pauses for almost a second at the top (like the TV serials which end at a suspense scene), it keeps you guessing whether you will go all the way or just back the way you came. Also, the 360 degree circle can be the entire swing or just the seats. I would say pretty good ride.

Then it was time for lunch. Unfortunately, no garden burgers in any of the restaurants inside the park so had to eat salad (which was also good in a way because I didn't want to ride on a roller-coaster with a full stomatch).

Then we went on some smaller roller-coasters and a couple of water rides. The best of them would be the "Stunt man" ride where they drop you from some height and you experience free fall. The colleague with me kept a penny on his lap when we sat on the ride and during the ride we saw the penny flying with us while we were in air, really cool :)

My final ride of the day was Nitro. This is a fast roller coaster (although not as fast as kingda ka) but it has lots of humps and s-turns. Also, at certain points on a turn the centrifugal force (hope you remember that stuff from std. XII) is so large that you experience large accelerations which can knock you out. I don't think I had that passing away feeling, but 2 of my colleagues were talking about it on our way back.

It was only 4:30pm when I finished Nitro and could bear a couple more rides but weather was against us ... it started raining heavily and the rides were closed. So we had to head back home. But overall, it was a great fun day. I'm looking forward to getting there again.


Some advice when you are making such trips to theme parks:
1. Carry water/soda with you or know where to get some in the park
2. NEVER wear black clothing (even if it is you company T-shirt or your favourite jeans). Wear shorts, if possible.
3. Even if you don't intend to do the water rides, get a towel (because if everyone else is going and you feel like joining them as it is so hot, you have a way to dry yourself and not catch pneumonia)
4. Carry a plastic bag (zip lock bag preferred) to safely store cell phones/wallets when you go for the water rides.
5. Know someone who is carrying a bag/purse (girls generally do that, so be in good terms with them. In general, be in good terms with girls ;) ). Give them the stuff you bring along so that you can go on the rides carefree.
6. Bring sunscreen and gogs to look cool and protect your body :)