Can U tell me about Great America?
 

We are going to see relatives in Morgan Hill and I understand that GA is close by. Is it a good park? My kids are 17 and 13. Are the rides geared towards older children? We almost NEVER do amusement parks. But if this is a pretty good one, the kids might have a good time.

Any thoughts? Is that the only amusement park in that area? Thanks all.

Great America is a wonderful amusement park, I think you and your teenagers would have a wonderful time. There are rides for all ages, but trust me, there are definatly rides that your teenagers would enjoy. The only other amusement area semi-close to that area is the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Any other tips about this park? Any ways to save money on the almost $50 admission? Wow, parks have gone up since I was a kid. That is very expensive. That is $200 and then food and souvineers on top of that. Is this park worth it or would we be happier just sticking with the Santa Cruz pier?

Heavens: My daughter goes to UCSanta Cruz and my son works at Great America so I have a little insight to both places. The Boardwalk has specials: http://www.beachboardwalk.com/. I'll check the specials for GA and post when I find them. They also have a website. I'd ask my (teenage) son but he's still sleeping! And yes, GA is geared toward older children as well as young.

Buy online for $29.99 http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets.jsp
Or, if you want you can wait until you get here and buy them at Safeway (grocery store) or Blockbusters for the same price.

I did read on their website that you can get discounts at Safeway and/or Blockbuster. But not sure if that is all in the area or what. If he gives you any tips, let me know.

Also, maybe to avoid too many lines, what are the must rides for teens? You know, the cool ones? Any help would be appreciated. We are not very familiar with the area.

We are going to look at the university at Santa Cruz with OD. Sounds like a fun school, and what a location!

My son gave me a list:
Top Gun
Delirium
Inverigo (?)
Drop-Zone
Vortex

Only my opinion, but if you have to choose between Santa Cruz and Great America, I'd pick Santa Cruz as a family fun day. Now that my kids are teens, I do not go to Great America anymore. Even when they turned 12 or so, I'd just drop them off. BUT, if you and husband really like amusement parks...go for it. I just think that Santa Cruz is a much nicer vacation destination. Not sure where you are coming from but I'll bet the ocean and it's cool breezes (and awesome scenery) will make more memories than a hot, crowded theme park. On another thread you received some excellent advice on where to hang in Santa Cruz.

My daughter LOVES UCSC. And I love that she is "just over the hill". By the way, she spent yesterday at the beach on went in the water to boggie-board with a group of friends. BURRRR! The kids can handle the cold water.

Thank Trav. Great info. Yes, H and I would much prefer Santa Cruz over the park. We are NOT amusement park people and our kids have noticed. They are complaining that it has been so long since we have been to Disneyland that my 12 year old has NO recollection of the last time he went. Ooops, but that is another trip. We just thought we might do the park for the kids, since that would be quite a treat for them.

Thanks for the list of rides. Do they have a fast pass or anything like that to avoid the long lines? Or do they just line up and hope it goes fast? We will most likely go on a weekday and go early.

I would choose the Boardwalk over Great America, but they are both good choices.

Great America has more thrill rides than the Boardwalk, but the Boardwalk has some fun rides and wins for the nostalgia factor. And with the Boardwalk, you get the beach, the arcade, miniature golf, etc, and the wharf is right there too. Also admission is free to the Boardwalk and the all day ride passes are $30.

On a weekday you shouldn't have too many long lines at either park.