I really got into coasters when I was growing up in Ohio. Every year I'd try to go to closing day of either Kings Island or Cedar Point in late October/early November and then have to spend the winter until April jealously reading trip reports from enthusiasts in California/Florida.

Well now I'm one of those lucky enthusiasts and closing days feel a lot less awful than they did in the past since in NorCal we have SFDK open all year. But even with that fact, CGA closing for the year is still a little sad but we were there to document the day and eagerly look forward to next year!

Table of Contents

• WinterFest / NYE
  • Closing Day Prep
  • Lines
• General Park Updates
  • Lights
  • Coasters & Rides

WinterFest / NYE

So not only was it a normal WinterFest day at the park but also featured some special NYE events, chief among those a DJ and fireworks. Let's take a peek at some of the setup around the park!

Different parts of the park had these firework viewing/party areas

The fireworks themselves started at 9pm, perfect for those of us (including myself) who don't want to stay up all the way to midnight

Mix106 had a booth set up to DJ from

I might just not be observant but I don't remember this stand ever being open

But it was tonight, distributing NYE hats and noisemakers

The hat itself

Closing Day Prep

Walking around the park I found the first signs of a park about to hibernate for the winter.

Workers start to take down prizes from games booths

Later in the night they were all down

Actually most of the games were closed

Lines

Like most of the other parks around the country, CGA also experienced heavy lines around Christmas time. Never was it more evident than NYE. Even 30 to 60 minutes after opening several flat rides already had a line spilling out of the queue.

Eagle's Flight/Delta Flyer has an overflowing line

As do Flying Eagles

And 12 Days of Christmas/Barney Oldfield Speedway

And Celebration Swings

And of course Carousel Columbia

Initially the coasters didn't look quite as bad probably due to having longer queues but they got in on the fun later on, with Psycho Mouse and Gold Striker both having overflowing queues when I walked by at 7:30pm.

Not sure if they were using all of the switchbacks for GS though

I think part of the reason for these lines is the fact that it was the last day to use Platinum Pass renewal Fast Lane which led myself and many other passholders to use it, inflating the Fast Lane count and slowing the regular lines.

The queue to get through security and get into the park was still completely full when I left around 7:30pm

General Park Updates

The last update of the year for SBS. Can't wait to try these slides out next year!

The sign for the Wax Museum haunt is finally covered up, I guess that means Halloween is officially over :(

This is the first time I actually saw the horses on the track!

Lights

I think I missed some of the decorations in Planet Snoopy the past few times I went to CGA

Snoopy's doghouse is represented

As is Charlie Brown's sad Christmas tree

The lights in Orleans Place are my second favorite ones in the park

The details stand out to me

But my favorite is Tinsel Town

I mean how can you not love the tinsel?

Coasters & Rides

Patriot looks good at night

Especially surrounded by trees and lights

I think all coasters look good with Christmas lights

But I still think the best looking coaster in the park is Railblazer

The lights on 12 Days of Christmas were a lot of fun!

I'm gonna miss walking into the gates of CGA and seeing this until next year

CGA does the holidays right!

Until next year, CGA, I already am looking forward to coming back!