first visit dilemma

So I have been to CP many times, I've ridden everything a million times except Gatekeeper will be a new one for me this year. However, I am bringing my boyfriend along who has never been. He LOVES roller coasters but tries to compare CP to Six Flags (UMM NO COMPARISON!) So what should I take him on for the first few rides? I don't want to take him on the dragster or MF first because then I feel like the rest of the day will be let downs. Any adivce?? We are staying at Breakers Express so the early entry rides might change plans a little too. Oh another thing, does anyone know if you can see in advance what the early rides will be for a certain day? Thanks in advance for the advice! :)

The early entry rides do not vary by day. They are GateKeeper, Millennium, Raptor, Maverick, and Iron Dragon. Sometimes Dragster will open early but it isn't advertised that way because they can't guarantee testing will be done in time. Personally I'd say Millennium first because you'll likely be able to get several rides on it, but you might want to do Maverick first instead because it will be the shortest the line will be for the entire day.

Thanks! Have you been there recently? Can you recall which lines are generally the longest? The last time I was there I remember MF and Dragster being pretty short, but I recall Raptor being long! Which is surprising.

My approach is to enter via the resort gate (by Magnum) and go to Maverick first, MF second and then to be in line for TTD when they open the queue at 10am. I try to get second rides on both Maverick and MF if the lines are short enough. After TTD off to Magnum (maybe a quick trip on Corkscrew first if I feel like it and there is no line) then to Gemini and the Mean Steak. Skip the front of the park until later in the when the lines thin out. Most nights by 7:30 or 8pm the lines are pretty short at GK and Raptor, pick up the Blue Streak while you are in the area.

Thanks! I thought about that but I think I read somewhere that they don't let in early entry through those gates? Also, If I'm parking in the main lot how would I get to those gates, or is there parking over there?

You can park in the Soak City lot. They do indeed open those gates for early entry.

I highly advise youmto ride make Millennium Force and Maverick a high prority for early entry. Especially Maverick because the line jumps to nearly 2 hours long fairly quickly and stays that way for most if not all day. I wouldnt break my back to ride Gatekeeper during early entry because its line usually dies down a lot as the day goes on. I wouldnt worry about rides being let downs either because each ride offers something different.

45Wheelgun's approach has been our strategy most mornings as well. I have been on Maverick more times this year than any other. We usually went 1st to Raptor, but the front entrance has been very crowded this year and if GK is not operating they all head for Raptor making a walkon and reride morning into a long wait. You can always do GK and Raptor later in the day when the lines settle down. Have fun!

Maverick for sure!

You should take him on the rides that have no comparison at any Six Flags park he's been to. Maverick is at the top of the list it seems. If you like Gemini, take him on that. There isn't another tubular steel racing coaster ANYWHERE. Wicked Twister comes to mind too, unless he compares it to Vertical Velocity at SFGrAm. I definitely enjoyed the difference between the two. What about flats like MaxAir or Power Tower? It all depends on which Six Flags parks he's been to. Isn't half of Skyhawk open now too?

Definitely go to the resort gate and hit Maverick first. If you get off and there is a short line do it again instead of spending that time walking around because Maverick will have really long lines all day. Then what I would do is around 15 minutes before early entry ends, head to Top Thrill. Like other people have been saying, Gatekeeper will have short lines at the end of the day, so don't spend your early entry time on that.

If riding Maverick at some point during the day is a must-do, then ride that during early entry. I have found very long slow moving lines later in the day, with all the Fastlane. Raptor and Gatekeeper in the late afternoon / early evening is a very good time to ride. Mean Streak and Magnum often have short to no wait before noon.

Thanks everyone this is really helpful! Can I ask, how far in advance should I get to the gate? I'm guessing the gate by Magnum doesn't have as many turn tables so it will move slower, how soon before the park opens to Early Entry do people start lining up?

I'd say get to the gate 10 to 15 minutes before 9. The Magnum entrance doesn't have as many turnstiles, but it isn't as popular as the front gate.

Don't miss Max-Air. Not a coaster but IMHO a great ride with lots of g force and even airtime. Also Power Tower is lots of fun.

Windseeker is also great around sunset. Spectacular views.

Windseeker at night is also a treat. From seeing the glow of colors, to complete darkness over the lake.