California's Great America Update - March 23rd, 2024

After getting a year of year round operation, it felt weird to head back to a proper offseason for CGA. But after a couple months, we're finally back! And it felt so good to get back. This will be a pretty short update since, quite frankly, not a ton has changed at the park! Let's walk around the park in roughly clockwise order!

Welcome to CGA opening day! Unfortunately since it was rainy and gross out, the rides were very limited

There's a fresh new sign at the entrance to the park!

Maybe I'm just imagining it but I think the carousel got a fresh coat of paint

I saw this new line of merch and was struck by how weird it looked. Like I like the idea and appreciate the lack of ornamentation but I don't think I like the way it looks

The seasonal bar in Orleans Place was open today and seemed to be serving drinks again. Maybe it'll be running year round now

Over at Flight Deck, since the 49ers lost the Super Bowl this year, the ride was temporarily renamed "Soaring Chiefs" 🤢

In front of Flight Deck (yeah, I'm not saying that terrible new name), the stage remained up. Not sure if that's just for the events upcoming or for new shows debuting this summer

The most interesting news this update most likely is this change that's happening at American Cafe

All the windows are gone!

Stepping back a little to survey

As is the counter! This is a fairly major change, can't wait to see what it becomes

I don't remember this smaller sign over at Liberty Twirler!

Unfortunately, in what was a theme for the day, Orbit had this sign posted out front

And the ride looks like it needed a little more love before it was ready to go

To no surprise all the water rides in the park were closed. Not that anyone would want to go on them on a 60 degree and rainy day

In a fairly standard move, Mass Effect is running at certain times

Tiki Twirl is closed like it was most of last year

The other interesting update at the park this month is the transformation from All American Food Festival to The Market

It got some new awnings and a much more fitting theme with the area. Let's take a look through the food and see how much has changed (not much I don't think)

Nachos and Corn

Chicken

Hot Dogs

Burgers

Sushi

Garlic Fries

Ice cream

Pizza

As you might expect, Demon was closed!

As was Patriot

What's this I see?

That's right, a new coat of paint and graphics for Wave Swinger!

The stage in front of Great American Theater is still setup. It has the Peanuts colors on it so for a Celebration show?

Speaking of, that starts soon!

The little horse near Gold Striker looks a little better this year! Maybe we'll be allowed in it at some point?

And I'll leave you with the upcoming events!

And that finishes up our trip through the park for opening day! Not a ton has changed which is okay, I wasn't expecting a ton to have changed! But regardless, it's always great to be back at Great America for another great year of fun! I'll be back at the park next month for Peanut's Celebration!