Pre-Season Tour at California's Great America

Hey there, Park Journey Readers! 

This week, we had a wonderful time touring California's Great America courtesy of our friends at ACE NorCal. There is a ton of work being done at the park right now, including the construction of the highly anticipated Railblazer and land clearing for yet-to-be-announced future attractions. 

Come with us as we check out the coasters, construction, and new offerings coming to California's Great America for the 2018 season.

​Written by Andrew Cunningham

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We began the morning with a walk-back into Patriot's ride area. The blue pain still looks fresh and vibrant, adding great color and brightness to the surrounding midways. We spent much of the day being ushered back and forth through Patriot's service road since Hometown Square is undergoing a massive repaving project. 

Now, we know you may have come here for Ralblazer photos, but we came for some food! 

The park is debuting a new funnel cake and churro location in the French Quarter, complete with some wild flavors. I really enjoyed the "strawberry shortcake" funnel cake and "hot chocolate" churro. 

And yes, that is a pulled pork funnel cake you see there. It actually worked really well, as the sweetness of the funnel cake and barbecue sauce paired nicely with the saltiness of the pork.  

Next up, we took a peak back in the coaster shop, where the park performs maintenance on the various trains that run on their rides. 

The shop was really fun, as it is decorated with signage from some of Great America's past attractions. 

Oh, and there may be some new trains parked in here...

Alright perverts, we know what you came here for. Despite the Florida Legislature recently declaring pornography to be a public health risk, we know our audience, and we're here to deliver for you. 

​Take your time. 

Moving on... 

Did you know that Great America has a secret apartment in the middle of Orleans Square? A remnant of the park's original days as Marriott's Great America, The Consulate is a vacant apartment that is being revived as a private event space for the 2018 season. 

Did you know that the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be held at Levi's Stadium (in Great America's parking lot)?

The park was kind enough to put together a concept board for how they will be remodeling the apartment in time for my inevitable Clemson tailgate. Thanks Great America, I appreciate you! 

Moving back out to the park, there is still work being done on the removal of Logger's Run and the looping starship. While we are really sad to see the flume leave, these removals open up a ton of space for new additions. 

Speaking of new space opening up, we were also informed that 2018 will be the final season for the go-kart track

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the park, the map above shows all the space that will be wide open by the end of 2018. 

I'm thinking maybe a waterpark expansion for 2019 and a hyper coaster for 2020?

To wrap things up, we have your daily dose of Railblazer construction. The ride is coming together quickly, with the rockwork and theming being the main focus at the moment. 
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I can't wait to come back and ride it soon! Hopefully we'll sneak in another construction update or two before the ride opens. 

Thank you for reading, and thank you to ACE NorCal and California's Great America for putting together such a fun tour! 

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Related Updates: 

• Knot's Berry Farm HangTime Update - January 30, 2018
• Haunt at California's Great America 
• Knott's Scary Farm Opening Weekend - The Original is still the best 
• Cedar Fair Announces All New Attractions for 2018 Season
• Trip Report: Canada's Wonderland - A Beautiful Park with two Top 20 Coasters​

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