Quoted from Chitownpinball:Calling andhart120
I’m surprised at all the responses! It has been amazing to me as a coaster enthusiast at how these two hobbies seem to mend together. I know several other coaster enthusiasts that are also pinball collectors. Pretty cool!
I have been doing coaster trips for over 20 years now, so I’ll have to list some favorites just like the others!
Here is a BIG tip regarding Cedar Point. Sigh. This place has been my favorite for years. However, last year they decided to start offering tons of discounted tickets and discounted season passes. Though this is great that it gives people who may not have been able to afford to go before a chance, it has made the park more crowded than ever before. If you go, you need to go as early as possible and knock out a ride or two before the lines get real long. Cedar Point has always drawn huge crowds with long lines but the difference now is the implementation of the fast lane system which allows people to skip the lines by paying $100+ on top of their ticket price. Due to this, the lines move much slower than they used to because you have so many people paying to skip the regular line. Please give yourself a few days here if you go. Get there early, and head to Steel Vengeance first which is currently my favorite coaster then immediately go to Maverick which is right next to it. Maverick can have downtime issues and due to this and the slow moving line this can be one of the longest waits in the park (besides Steel Vengeance).
Two parks with probably the best all round package in the USA: Dollywood & Silver Dollar City. Not the most rides by any means but both parks each have one of the best wooden coasters out there (Lightning Rod, Outlaw Run). They also have friendly employees, great food, wonderful locations, and good shows if that’s your thing.
Classics: Check out Knoebels and Kennywood in PA. I saw others mention these so I won’t rehash everything.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg- Great selection of rides, theming, food.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay- Some of the best coasters in the country and all with short waits if you go at the right time.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas- This to me is the best Six Flags park. It doesn’t feel like a Six Flags park it’s so much more. The Park President is THE best and cares about everything and everyone.
Holiday World- The best 1,2,3 punch for wood coasters. Free parking. Free soft drinks. Free sunscreen. Huge water park with awesome water coasters.
Kings Island- Several great coasters including the classic Beast wooden coaster. New this year is Orion, a steel coaster with a 300’ drop which is sure to be great. This park has improved so much over the last decade!
Other favorites:
Hersheypark
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Carowinds (Fury 325 is REAL good!)
Six Flags over Georgia
I left out the Disney parks and Universal which I also highly recommend but not so much for large coaster thrills (even though there are some). I’m sure im forgetting something!
