California's Great America Update - March 11th, 2022
All American Corner Changes & Opening Day Updates
The long offseason is over at CGA! And of course I was there to check it out. Or specifically, CGA hosted a passholder preview day the day before public opening day. I was eager to get to the park again, especially as we got the exciting news of a new ride, Liberty Twirler, being added to the park. But it wasn't the only thing changed in the park, so let's walk through and see the full list of changes!
Table of Contents
All American Corner Updates
Liberty Twirler
Let's start with Liberty Twirler! This new Scrambler ride will be put in Firefall, the old Top Spin's, place
This area was the area that showed markings in our last update last year
No real work that you can see from the public path. Nothing too much from the air either, maybe a little bit of earth moving but nothing too crazy
I would assume that this will be the entrance/exit
The former location of the rope climb challenge game looks like it might play a part too
A little side view of the area
One last look. I'll keep my eye and see when this ride starts to take shape!
Game Time Sports Bar
The biggest surprise in the area was the removal of the signage from the Game Time building
A worker in the park walking by me told me to expect "more seating" so we'll have to see what replaces it!
I think I ate here once but I liked the concept of having a sports bar in the park
The restaurant and the arcade attached are already completely empty. Not saying it's gonna happen but if Rip Roaring Rapids were also available for removal, the combined piece of land would be a great spot for a coaster
Other Changes in the Area
Other minor changes in the area: the gazebo from 2019 still isn't back. But there are signs for a new show in the area which is nice
Orbit is still closed and disassembled. The sign still says Spring of 2022 and I'll keep and eye to see if we can get this classic ride back this season!
Rapids were still down but would be open when I went the next weekend
Ride Updates
Drop Tower is still being refurbished
The shells are sitting around the ride
As are the seats
Interesting seeing the skeleton of the ride vehicles on the track
Mass Effect is back to operating continuously and is starting to need some care taken for the graphics!
White Water Falls still is sleeping for the winter. Looks like the walkway in the splash zone is getting replaced
Tiki Twirl also wasn't quite ready but was cycling vehicles all day
I saw the Tiki Twirl torches shoot a little fireball which I don't think I've ever seen before
In Planet Snoopy, Gr8 Sk8 isn't quite open yet
I believe that Planet Snoopy Construction Zone was closed last year so Covid so this is probably the first time it was open since 2019
The biggest news is that Gold Striker isn't quite ready yet either. Workers told me that it'd be ready in April
Looks like there's some track work going on. Hoping for a smoother, faster ride for our favorite wooden coaster in the region!
And finally, Patriot wasn't quite ready yet but was cycling trains all day so it'll be open soon
Misc Updates
A quick look at the rides closed today
Actually, there were pretty decent crowds at the park for the day. Nothing too crazy and it was still a good day for riding the rides
Interesting, the park has gone completely cashless. Like SFDK, the park has added cash to card machines throughout the park
South Bay Shores opens for the year on Memorial Day Weekend
Looking forward to seeing what our great new water park looks like for its second year!
Looking forward to getting on these slides again in particular!
The Maggie's lines looked a little different this year. Gone are the drink machines at the front of the line
And the cash registers were on their own island
The planter arch wasn't green yet but I'm looking forward to seeing it grow!
We have Coaster Dynamix at the park now! We have Gold Striker, Railblazer and Flight Deck and they're at various shops through the park
The games weren't quite open yet either
I always feel bad for this one Planet Snoopy sign that got swallowed up by South Bay Shores
Glad to see that there's no need for this sign anymore! The ride is open like normal and is looking great
The Bayou Outpost Store seems to have transformed from a generic discount store to a Christmas store
Interesting new line of tie die merch at Inside CGA
Let's take a look at the event schedule for the year: looking forward to seeing what Carnivale brings us!
I am a little disappointed by the lack of Haunt on that schedule although I am curious to see what Tricks & Treats brings us
Some of the houses are taken down, like this one and some still sit up like Wax Museum although we'll see if they get reused in a more family friendly setting
Finally, I am glad to see Friday Nights back this year. This year the stage in front of Great America Theater looks much more substantial than last year
Whether it's part of Friday Nights or not, I am really glad to see the park investing in live music so much. There's always a good crowd listening
Ride Pictures
Of course, let's finish out with some ride pictures!
