If you live in Oak Lawn, IL, then the trip to Six Flags Great America theme park is about an hour drive straight up I-294. I went last Thursday with my two sons and two out of three of my grandchildren.
We were hoping that it wouldn’t be too crowded but we realized that wasn’t going to happen when we had to wait a long time just to get into the parking lot, which cost $15.00. I don’t remember having to pay for parking before, although it’s been years since I’ve been there.
Flash Pass
My son mentioned the new Flash Pass but we didn’t want to purchase them until we could see how busy the park was. We decided to get them. For our group it came to about $36.00 each for the Gold Flash Pass, around the same price we paid for our discount tickets at Jewel Food Stores.
My sons loved it but it wasn’t worth it for me. I only used it on one ride (the Dark Knight, which I didn’t like). That was an expensive ride for me. My grandchildren used it on a few rides so I guess it was worth it to not have to stand in 90 minute lines, although I’m not sure they were all that long.
My sons loved it but we dashed from big ride to big ride meaning we went from one themed area to the next without really staying in a particular area. It was too much running around and not enough leisure walking through each park. In fact, I would have gone on the Raging Rapids ride using the Flash Pass but we never made it to that one.
The kids and grandkids had a great time but I now know why I rarely go to Great America. I don’t like the scary rides and there’s not much in between (either scary rides, baby rides or rides that go in circles). I don’t like roller coasters or anything that has a big dip (I can no longer go on the log rides – I hate that long drop).
In fact, I hurt myself on the few rides I went on. I’ve got the biggest bruise I’ve ever had in my life on my leg. I convinced the grandkids to go on a baby ride with me (in the Wiggles area) and when coming out of the small door I hit my right outer thigh super hard. My back was also hurting, probably from the Dark Knight ride.
I’m not sure when I’ll be going back to Six Flags Great America but it’s nice living in Oak Lawn since the access to I-294 is so close, which can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go. If you’re looking to purchase an Oak Lawn home for sale give Judy Orr a call at 708-536-8200.
