I love this park. It had so many great rollercoasters. It’s really sad that it’s closing. Demon was my very first looping rollercoaster and it was really fun.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrewI really hope so. When I went I was only able to go on demon and patriot because I was with my friends and they wanted to do the flat rides. But those are really fun and got me into rollercoasters
I cannot believe that I lived in San Fran for eight years and never went to Great America. I definitely need to go before they kill the thing. It ought to be a California historical landmark.
as a teen who loves thrilling roller coasters the gold striker was my first it opened me up to all the coasters i ride now i go to great America almost every weekend during the summer with friends seeing it close breaks my heart im gonna miss the memories and laughs i had here i wont be in the bay in 11 years but when i visit i wont see the park that gave me some of the greatest moments of my life..
I worked here as an EMT. I was 1 of the very first ppl to test ride gold striker. So many great memories of drunk parents hurting their kids in the park
It’s so unfortunate they’re closing it down. I have So many memories here. I worked 9 seasons of Halloween haunt here and made some of my fav memories in life. Good times. I hate to see it go. I hope they can somehow manage to keep it open 🤞🏽
Patriot once called The Vortex, the best time to ride the demon is at night. When you go in the tunnel you can see demon eyes looking at you very cool. And flight deck back in the day was called Top Gun when Paramount owned the park. So many good memories 😊.
$21 for a chicken sandwich and a VERY ROUND scoop of mashed potatoes is outrageous. Also you are crazy to go on a ride that goes upside down FOUR TIMES right after lunch 😳
This news was sad to hear. I've lived in Bay Area my whole life and have memories of going here as a kid. My high school also used to organize a trip here before school officially started in Sept. so a trip to Great America used to feel like it was a close out to the summer break. This was in the early to mid 90's. Now my family has annual passes as my kids love going to the water park there. It does kinda feel, nowadays, that the park is on the decline. Felt that was for years. So many rides and theaters were closed and never replaced. Its clear that less money is now spent on park upkeep, the food is not as good, the staff feels minimal. Still wish it could stick around though.
I haven t been there in ages since 1980. I d like togo there at least 1 more time before they have to shut down the theme park. I saw that Great America theme park is closing down due to the 49ers being there next door right across the parking lot
I was a big fan of Ca. Great America, had a season pass for many years. The wife and I were upset about the park closing. So we visited the park this year, most of the rides were closed, the wonderful theater shows, were closed. Then to make matters worse, they canceled, Tinkers Toy Factory, at winterfest last year. With all this cost cutting, we lost interest in the park. Then they planted some trees and flowers, installed a carnival ride, and announced it as a new exciting area. Great America is dead to us.
Yes I'm glad somebody sees what Ca. Great America is doing. It's a shame people tell me, they pay full price, on days when the park cuts down on rides and shows.
It’s BS that Cedar Fair went from making the Bay Area folks think that were going to grow the park with top rides and a 5 year plan to screwing over its customers. Sold instead to developers, because what we need is more business parks, or crap like that, when we Don’t have enough places like this, which has tons of more social value, promotes tourism and family and fun for the youth. Hopefully it will survive and the developers plans fall through or they sell it to someone else who can manage and grow this worthwhile park
Hey, thanks for the video that was cool that you came up this way and visited California’s great America. I remember visiting that park when I was Marriotts great America when it opened in 76 so that’s a few years back you said in your video why you wanted to visit that park, and do you have any plans to visit the other park? Six Flags discovery Kingdom about an hour north of California great America. Thanks for the video again. Can’t wait for the next one.
The Woodstock Express was formerly The Blue Streak (Smurfs themed). There used to be a Smurf village in the area. That was my first coaster as a kid. My first "adult" coaster was The Demon, which will forever have a super special place in my heart. I don't know if they play The Demon theme song anymore at the coaster, but that jam sure would get you amped for the ride. :D. Loved it. Flight Deck was formerly "Top Gun" coaster back when the park was Paramount operated.
This was THE PARK we went to all the time growing up, back when it was Paramount's Great America. The kids zone was all Smurf themed before Nickelodeon moved in. The Jr. coaster is exactly the same (and it shows its age). Gold Striker is in an area that used to be a laser light show theatre. Patriot used to be called "Viper" and was bright green. Rail Blazer occupies the area that used to be an inverted reverse launch boomerang layout coaster. The Demon is EXACTLY the same and was my first looping rollercoaster. The Grizzly is exactly the same. Wild Mouse coaster is in an area that originally had an Intamin Freefall Coaster/Ride called "The Edge". It was epic (so was the line). Flight Deck was originally called "Top Gun" and was themed like the movie with "danger zone" playing throughout the line and station and at parts of the ride. God this park brings back so many memories!
Well I’m glad I brought some memories back for you. That’s why I love amusements parks so much. I wish I could have visited during the days when paramount operated the park to see the differences.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrewgrowing up summers we’d go it was paramounts great America. So for most part rides were same just themed after paramount movies. Flight deck was called top gun, the grizzly and the demon have always had those named
Another fun video. I went to Great America in 1977, when we had a high school trip, and then again in the 80's. I don't remember there being alot of coasters back then, except for a big wooden one that was so jerky, it gave you an instant headache. Overall, how did you like the park? Thanks Andrew.
I first went to Marriott’s Great America (Marriott’s was named after a hotel) with my sister and her friend back in 1978, then I went again with my high school friend on a high school trip in 1986 when it was switched to Paramount’s Great America (named after a motion picture studio), then during the first year of the 21st century I went with my neighbor when the name of the theme park was switched to California’s Great America.
The Demon was my favorite ride when I was a child. The other rides weren't around yet. I once rode The Edge; I didn't like it, but I don't/didn't like rides that just drop straight down. It's a shame about Great America; I had some really wonderful times there with my loved ones.
I was part of the team that originally built the Great America parks. So much has changed I hardly recognize them. If they tear it down, I hope they keep the Grand Carousel Columbia as part pf maybe a local park. It's the largest one in the world and the horses were copied from many famous European and historic carousel horses.
Back then, it was truly a "family park" with rides of all intensities but also shows and street attractions that all ages could enjoy. I don't get the sense that there is much here for mom and dad now. Seems it is all rides and money making shops and food service facilities. The danger is that it will become a hang out for an unsavory crowd so families won't attend. Money always wins over fun, unless you are Disney who builds quality experiences for all. Maybe why they are so successful?@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew
When it's was paramount great America its was epic. The music everywhere was amazing and they had all the rides themed to movies and more. They also had alll the rights to Nickelodeon and did it right and it was awesome they had slams water maze . And stealth the first coaster to lay down. I rode my first coaster here the grizzly
I was only at this Great America Park, once, back in the Summer of 92, that's how long ago. I remember having a great time, and Many rides sadly have been removed. The Edge 1st Gen Free Fall Drop Tower, Revolution which was a Pirate Ship that flipped upside down, Later named Endeavor before it was removed in 2017 or 18. It's Sad that this was the ORIGINAL GREAT AMERICA Park, and it's CLOSING. 😔👎 I feel for the People who have been coming here for years. SIX FLAGS MAGICMOUNTAIN and Six Flags GREAT America in Gurnee were both my 2 Home Six Flag Parks. But I'm really BUMMED about California Great America Closing. Hope there's some Divine Intervention that allows this Park to Stay Open afterall. 🙏😎🌴👍
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrewI’m still skeptical 🤨 on the closure, because usually the park would stay stagnant, instead the park is still getting spruced up every offseason and just got a complete re-theme of the county fair into NOR CAL County Fair.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew I know Change is a fake bullshit website full of Cyber Ninjas that want to go after your money. However, there are 2 articles, but Fucking DoucheTube wouldn't let me share the links to them, KMPH and SFGATE
A lot of memories there, Datig with my boyfriend now husband, company outings, now that I am getting aged, no more roller coasters, Sad to see it will be closed in 2033 😢
I'm 6'1 and I managed to ride Woodstock Express with my four year old cousin. Was I comfortable? Oh heavens no. But did my little cousin love the fact that I went on this ride with her? You better believe she did.
If I had the money, and the right team on my side, I'd buy the land the park sits on off of Prologis, buy up a bunch of rides from CedarFair (I think they own all the rides in CGA right now), and build a new park, bigger and better than what CGA is right now. Pipe dream, I know.
I’ve had that hypothetical conversation with myself so many times 😂. I feel like I could build and operate a pretty amazing park if I had unlimited money.
People have this misconception that inversions are intense or uncomfortable but really, on modern rides especially, inversions are very smooth and very light on your body and since you do them so quick most of the time it's over before you realize what happened It's like rolling in a barrel but just one time
That version Of a Band M is to new to have been made in 1993! im almost certainthats more 2000's era ...check and see. The One at Kings island now named the bat was in fact caled flight deck for several years and was called Top Gun b4 that AND it was built in the 90's so might be confusing the 2
The government of California killed this on with excessive taxes, labor laws, plus you add the county taxes to it plus, regulations just to much to keep the park open and make a profit. Cedar fair tried. I have a lot of great childhood memories here to.
You’ll notice in the video that I do have research here. It is scheduled to close at the end of the current land lease it has. Things can always change, and I hope they do!
![Visiting a Dying Amusement Park… California’s Great America - Santa Clara, CA | VLOG [8/26/23]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/drDoMy-huMg/mqdefault.jpg)
I hope a miracle happens and the park doesn't close. This park means a lot to us Bay Area folks.
🤞 I hate seeing parks close so we can hope
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew I'm glad you enjoyed our local park. Hope you return soon
Real
I love this park. It had so many great rollercoasters. It’s really sad that it’s closing. Demon was my very first looping rollercoaster and it was really fun.
Demon is fun no doubt! I wonder if any of the coasters will be moved to other parks eventually.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrewI really hope so. When I went I was only able to go on demon and patriot because I was with my friends and they wanted to do the flat rides. But those are really fun and got me into rollercoasters
Same here. I remember being like 11 crying saying i wanted to get off soon as i was strapped in😂 after that i was hooked
I cannot believe that I lived in San Fran for eight years and never went to Great America. I definitely need to go before they kill the thing. It ought to be a California historical landmark.
Well you’ve still got time!
as a teen who loves thrilling roller coasters the gold striker was my first it opened me up to all the coasters i ride now i go to great America almost every weekend during the summer with friends seeing it close breaks my heart im gonna miss the memories and laughs i had here i wont be in the bay in 11 years but when i visit i wont see the park that gave me some of the greatest moments of my life..
Sad to see it go. I am hoping some of these coasters are relocated at least
I worked here as an EMT. I was 1 of the very first ppl to test ride gold striker. So many great memories of drunk parents hurting their kids in the park
That doesn’t sound good! 😫
Great video! The views from above is Awesome!
California GA and SFGA were sisters Parks built by Marriott. ✌
I’ve been to SFGA, but not in many years. Need to get back there.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew I haven't been back @SFGA in a long time also! Sad thing is is that I drive past it everday!🤷♂️🤦♂️
Great video Andrew! Hate to see amusement parks closing down.
I’m hoping some of these rides can be relocated at least
I love the bees and I love that grassy tunnel! I especially love Woodstock Express. That’s a Lydia ride!
Yeah you would like that one for sure 😂
10:23 - bees
13:55 - Woodstock Express
Omg i would faint on RailBlazer
Well you won’t know until you try it 😂
That's my favorite ride scary but so worth it
It’s so unfortunate they’re closing it down. I have So many memories here. I worked 9 seasons of Halloween haunt here and made some of my fav memories in life. Good times. I hate to see it go. I hope they can somehow manage to keep it open 🤞🏽
We can hope! I wish I would have been able to work at a park when I was younger but I didn’t have any close enough to me.
All my girlfriends from my teen years were brought to this park. Oh yeah fun times! 😇
Great memories I’m sure 😊
Patriot once called The Vortex, the best time to ride the demon is at night. When you go in the tunnel you can see demon eyes looking at you very cool. And flight deck back in the day was called Top Gun when Paramount owned the park. So many good memories 😊.
$21 for a chicken sandwich and a VERY ROUND scoop of mashed potatoes is outrageous. Also you are crazy to go on a ride that goes upside down FOUR TIMES right after lunch 😳
Too bad it didn’t go upside down even more!
Thats called Bay Area COL + Theme park prices = $$$$$
7:41 - chicken sandwich
I guess whoever that was probably doesn t mind throwing up
Finally went there early one day on a Sunday so there were no lines and had a blast! Thanks for the commentary on each coaster, great video.
Wow that must have been amazing! Nothing better than a park full of short lines. Thanks for watching!
This news was sad to hear. I've lived in Bay Area my whole life and have memories of going here as a kid. My high school also used to organize a trip here before school officially started in Sept. so a trip to Great America used to feel like it was a close out to the summer break. This was in the early to mid 90's. Now my family has annual passes as my kids love going to the water park there. It does kinda feel, nowadays, that the park is on the decline. Felt that was for years. So many rides and theaters were closed and never replaced. Its clear that less money is now spent on park upkeep, the food is not as good, the staff feels minimal. Still wish it could stick around though.
I had a good time but it will probably continue to decline until it closes as they care less
Another solid video 👍 can't believe you stayed so late bearing in mind what time you got the plane 🙌
It was a long day!
I gotta get there and ride Rail Blazer for sure!
That ride tried to eject me straight into the sky. 😂 so awesome
I haven t been there in ages since 1980. I d like togo there at least 1 more time before they have to shut down the theme park. I saw that Great America theme park is closing down due to the 49ers being there next door right across the parking lot
Thanks for the shout out I live in San Jose. I work at great America while in high school have great memories 😂
If I had grown up closer to a park I totally would have worked at one!
I was a big fan of Ca. Great America, had a season pass for many years. The wife and I were upset about the park closing. So we visited the park this year, most of the rides were closed, the wonderful theater shows, were closed. Then to make matters worse, they canceled, Tinkers Toy Factory, at winterfest last year. With all this cost cutting, we lost interest in the park. Then they planted some trees and flowers, installed a carnival ride, and announced it as a new exciting area. Great America is dead to us.
Probably a slow phase out, but I find it interesting that are adding some small rides still
Yes I'm glad somebody sees what Ca. Great America is doing. It's a shame people tell me, they pay full price, on days when the park cuts down on rides and shows.
It’s BS that Cedar Fair went from making the Bay Area folks think that were going to grow the park with top rides and a 5 year plan to screwing over its customers.
Sold instead to developers, because what we need is more business parks, or crap like that, when we Don’t have enough places like this, which has tons of more social value, promotes tourism and family and fun for the youth.
Hopefully it will survive and the developers plans fall through or they sell it to someone else who can manage and grow this worthwhile park
I also hope something happens and it sticks around, but unfortunately the land it sits on is very valuable!
Hey, thanks for the video that was cool that you came up this way and visited California’s great America. I remember visiting that park when I was Marriotts great America when it opened in 76 so that’s a few years back you said in your video why you wanted to visit that park, and do you have any plans to visit the other park? Six Flags discovery Kingdom about an hour north of California great America. Thanks for the video again. Can’t wait for the next one.
I do have a plan to get to Discovery Kingdom later this summer!
You really missed out on Lucy's Crabby Caddy's, the little kids coater goes around twice.
Aw man! Guess that’s for the next visit 😂
The Woodstock Express was formerly The Blue Streak (Smurfs themed). There used to be a Smurf village in the area. That was my first coaster as a kid. My first "adult" coaster was The Demon, which will forever have a super special place in my heart. I don't know if they play The Demon theme song anymore at the coaster, but that jam sure would get you amped for the ride. :D. Loved it.
Flight Deck was formerly "Top Gun" coaster back when the park was Paramount operated.
It’s been a few months now so I can’t remember if they were playing the Demon song or not. My first “big” coaster was Gemini at Cedar Point.
Six Flags in Vallejo is better located because it’s situated between San Francisco and Sacramento.
This was THE PARK we went to all the time growing up, back when it was Paramount's Great America. The kids zone was all Smurf themed before Nickelodeon moved in. The Jr. coaster is exactly the same (and it shows its age). Gold Striker is in an area that used to be a laser light show theatre. Patriot used to be called "Viper" and was bright green. Rail Blazer occupies the area that used to be an inverted reverse launch boomerang layout coaster. The Demon is EXACTLY the same and was my first looping rollercoaster. The Grizzly is exactly the same. Wild Mouse coaster is in an area that originally had an Intamin Freefall Coaster/Ride called "The Edge". It was epic (so was the line). Flight Deck was originally called "Top Gun" and was themed like the movie with "danger zone" playing throughout the line and station and at parts of the ride. God this park brings back so many memories!
Well I’m glad I brought some memories back for you. That’s why I love amusements parks so much. I wish I could have visited during the days when paramount operated the park to see the differences.
Patriot wasn’t called Viper it was Vortex and it was a stand-up coaster. Viper is at Magic Mountain. 😉
Correct that you. Yes Vortex@@bromidedrag
I love this park. It was a yearly thing when I was growing up. I went to it as Marriot's Great America.
I never got to visit before Cedar Fair bought it. I would like to have seen the differences
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrewgrowing up summers we’d go it was paramounts great America. So for most part rides were same just themed after paramount movies. Flight deck was called top gun, the grizzly and the demon have always had those named
that sucks to hear i use to love to ride the tidal wave
Another fun video. I went to Great America in 1977, when we had a high school trip, and then again in the 80's. I don't remember there being alot of coasters back then, except for a big wooden one that was so jerky, it gave you an instant headache. Overall, how did you like the park? Thanks Andrew.
I had a good time! Nice park. That roller coaster you are talking about was probably The Grizzly.
I first went to Marriott’s Great America (Marriott’s was named after a hotel) with my sister and her friend back in 1978, then I went again with my high school friend on a high school trip in 1986 when it was switched to Paramount’s Great America (named after a motion picture studio), then during the first year of the 21st century I went with my neighbor when the name of the theme park was switched to California’s Great America.
The Demon was my favorite ride when I was a child. The other rides weren't around yet. I once rode The Edge; I didn't like it, but I don't/didn't like rides that just drop straight down. It's a shame about Great America; I had some really wonderful times there with my loved ones.
Really is a nice park but unfortunately with the extremely high operating costs they just aren’t making enough to stick around 😰
I was part of the team that originally built the Great America parks. So much has changed I hardly recognize them. If they tear it down, I hope they keep the Grand Carousel Columbia as part pf maybe a local park. It's the largest one in the world and the horses were copied from many famous European and historic carousel horses.
Oh wow! I’ve bet you’ve got some amazing stories then.
Back then, it was truly a "family park" with rides of all intensities but also shows and street attractions that all ages could enjoy. I don't get the sense that there is much here for mom and dad now. Seems it is all rides and money making shops and food service facilities. The danger is that it will become a hang out for an unsavory crowd so families won't attend.
Money always wins over fun, unless you are Disney who builds quality experiences for all. Maybe why they are so successful?@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew
When it's was paramount great America its was epic. The music everywhere was amazing and they had all the rides themed to movies and more. They also had alll the rights to Nickelodeon and did it right and it was awesome they had slams water maze . And stealth the first coaster to lay down. I rode my first coaster here the grizzly
I wish I could have visited during the paramount days
If you enjoyed this park, you should go to Sandusky, Ohio and check out the company’s flagship park Cedar Point
Planning on being there in August 🙌
0:22 that sound was in roblox Theme Park Tycoon 2
ooo snap!
I was only at this Great America Park, once, back in the Summer of 92, that's how long ago. I remember having a great time, and Many rides sadly have been removed. The Edge 1st Gen Free Fall Drop Tower, Revolution which was a Pirate Ship that flipped upside down, Later named Endeavor before it was removed in 2017 or 18.
It's Sad that this was the ORIGINAL GREAT AMERICA Park, and it's CLOSING. 😔👎
I feel for the People who have been coming here for years.
SIX FLAGS MAGICMOUNTAIN and Six Flags GREAT America in Gurnee were both my 2 Home Six Flag Parks.
But I'm really BUMMED about California Great America Closing. Hope there's some Divine Intervention that allows this Park to Stay Open afterall. 🙏😎🌴👍
We got some time before it is supposed to close so you never know what can happen!
15:30 - built and opened as Top Gun (Paramount's)
Wish I could have visited the park back when paramount operated to see the differences
It’s sad that it’s closing
I’m hoping something changes in the next 10 years but it’s not looking good. Sad indeed. It’s a nice park.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew that would be nice because it’s another amusement park I have been wanting to go to.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrewI’m still skeptical 🤨 on the closure, because usually the park would stay stagnant, instead the park is still getting spruced up every offseason and just got a complete re-theme of the county fair into NOR CAL County Fair.
@@zacharyyamashita8554 I am interested to see what happens over the next several years
Planet Snoopy would be my SPOT.
You would probably be there all day 😂
That Drop tower looked Gangbusters.
Was a really solid drop tower
Actually They're planning to relocate the entire park to Fresno.
😂 now that would be something
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew No joke their acuity are relocating the Park to Fresno.
@@themeparkreconnoiter9787 I hadn’t heard that, but I just saw the petition online. I’ll
Have to keep an eye on that, thanks!
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew I know Change is a fake bullshit website full of Cyber Ninjas that want to go after your money. However, there are 2 articles, but Fucking DoucheTube wouldn't let me share the links to them, KMPH and SFGATE
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew CZcams is full of shit
A lot of memories there, Datig with my boyfriend now husband, company outings,
now that I am getting aged, no more roller coasters,
Sad to see it will be closed in 2033 😢
We can still hope there’s an agreement to not close but it’s not looking likely. Always sad to see a park go.
Keep up the good work 💪💪
Thanks! Appreciate the support
I'm 6'1 and I managed to ride Woodstock Express with my four year old cousin. Was I comfortable? Oh heavens no. But did my little cousin love the fact that I went on this ride with her? You better believe she did.
That’s true dedication 😂
If I had the money, and the right team on my side, I'd buy the land the park sits on off of Prologis, buy up a bunch of rides from CedarFair (I think they own all the rides in CGA right now), and build a new park, bigger and better than what CGA is right now. Pipe dream, I know.
I’ve had that hypothetical conversation with myself so many times 😂. I feel like I could build and operate a pretty amazing park if I had unlimited money.
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew It would take winning the Mega or the Power to do that, but the jackpot probably needs to be at least $1B.
5:22 - Is this the same track-shape as at SF-FT San Antonio Texas?
Yes, RMC has a few clones of this model
nice!
Do you think I could ride Patriot? Looks like it only goes upside down once!
I think you could do it! Not intense at all. Does go upside down two times though.
People have this misconception that inversions are intense or uncomfortable but really, on modern rides especially, inversions are very smooth and very light on your body and since you do them so quick most of the time it's over before you realize what happened
It's like rolling in a barrel but just one time
That version Of a Band M is to new to have been made in 1993! im almost certainthats more 2000's era ...check and see. The One at Kings island now named the bat was in fact caled flight deck for several years and was called Top Gun b4 that AND it was built in the 90's so might be confusing the 2
I do my research before my videos to make sure I have the right details!
The government of California killed this on with excessive taxes, labor laws, plus you add the county taxes to it plus, regulations just to much to keep the park open and make a profit. Cedar fair tried. I have a lot of great childhood memories here to.
Just a shame when any park has to close.
Should of done orbit, it’s not a coaster but it be fun
I don’t usually have time to ride many things that aren’t coasters but I try when I can.
18:40 - When you visit Walt Disney World, will that be 4 parks?
I will get to all 4 parks, won’t be on one trip though.
MGA 1979. Sunnyvale High 1981
0:33 - Is there a 47-year-old Marriott hotel near the park?
Honestly not sure, I stayed about 20 min away from the park
Did you end up visiting that Starbucks?? 😅
Actually I did not surprisingly
They need a moose out front to tell people when the park closes.
A 🫎? 😂
I. Like. Railblazer.
thats all i have to say
thats all i have to say
thats all i have to say
It was a STAND-UP coaster?! That would be a big pass from me
You could ride it now though
Clixkbait lol
🤔
@thatcoasterdudeAndrew always posting lies without doing research. Good thing this park isn't closing lol
You’ll notice in the video that I do have research here. It is scheduled to close at the end of the current land lease it has. Things can always change, and I hope they do!
@@thatcoasterdudeAndrew but it isn't if you actually talked o he manager of the park and not just read some random articles online lmao
@@talem84 I worked at the park for years and I know many of its operators and employees. It’s closing.