Massive Park Trip

Next July/August I plan on taking 40+ days to visit theme parks around the country. The trip currently includes 26 parks and 205 coasters. I was wondering if anyone has any money saving advice for me as it is not a cheap expedition. here's the list of parks:

King's Island, SF Kentucky Kingdom, Holiday World, Beech Bend, Dollywood, SFoG, Hard Rock Park, Carowinds, Busch Gardens Europe, King's Dominion, SF America, SF Great Adventure, Coney Island (Astroland), Adventureland, Lake Compounce, SF New England, Dorney Park, Knoebels, Hersheypark, Lakemont Park, Kennywood, Waldameer, Darien Lake, Canada's Wonderland, and of course Cedar Point.

I plan on sleeping out of my station wagon to eliminate the cost of lodging, plus i am staying with multiple friends along the way. I have already purchased a Cedar Fair and Six Flags season pass for next season. Any other advice?

Well, I already see one problem with your plans. Hard Rock Park is not likely to be open next year as they have filed for bankruptcy protection and are looking to sell. So unless a buyer is found AND plans to operate the park, I'd watch out for that.

Also, I thought Astroland closed this season. I think Cyclone is still operating as it was independent, but Astroland itself is closed.

You'll probably be able to get better tips over at Coasterbuzz.

Cut the trip to 20 days....

Just kidding, but in all seriousness, I don't know if I could handle a 40+ day coaster expedition...sleeping in a station wagon. I go to parks to have a fun day, not to go on a grueling cross country voyage in search of credits...

But, if thats your thing, the best of luck to you!

Yeah Astroland is closed, but The Cyclone still operates under the name of the Astroland amusement park. And quite frankly, The Cyclone is the main reason I'm going there. And as far as Hard Rock is concerned, I had heard about the bankruptcy but according to the article i read they are still planning on opening next season. If they dont, it saves me an admission ticket and a few extra hours of driving.

And Josh, I do keep track of what rides i've been on, but I dont ride them for the credit. I just love riding them. And it occured to me this may be the last opportunity I get to go on a trip of this scale seeing as how I'll probably have an internship for the 2010 summer.

Also I won't be spending every day in a park, I'll be spending quite a bit of time in D.C. and NYC as well as with friends who live along the route.

http://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Thread/54996.aspx

If they are looking to make severance payments to the execs, I wouldn't expect them to open. At least not as Hard Rock Park. I guess someone else could re-open it with Iron Dirigible: The Ride.

Oh wow.... That is a new update to the unfortunate saga (or maybe single episode?) that is HRP. I had not yet read that, as it wasnt posted on amusement today until this morning. The previous news article I had read stated the park would reopen in 2009. But this doesnt sound anywhere near as optimistic. Thanks for the information John.

I generally tire of coaster trips by about day 3, and that's with sleeping in hotels and showering every day.

I don't know how you do it.

Can you imagine 40 days without a shower in June and July? Yuck!

Well, some of those parks still have flume rides. Just sneak a bar of soap and lather up on the lift . . .

Again, I'll be spending about half the nights with friends. and ive been on a 21 day trip before and didn't tire of the coasters.

Woah... multiple user names... or multiple personalities?

I'm confused.

I have multiple email accounts and i typed in the wrong one. so apparently i created the millenniumrox account some time ago. My apologies for any confusion.

No problem... I was just confused for a moment.

bholcomb said:
Can you imagine 40 days without a shower in June and July? Yuck!

I know what it smells like, having been around you during those months. :)

^zing!

Anyway.. as for advice on the trip, I'd look for coke/pepsi cans in every city you go to for discounts to the parks for which you don't have a season pass. And pack lunches as much as possible (see the 50+ threads about the food prices at amusement parks).

You are going to have a tough time finding people to go with you from Pointbuzz. Work and stuff ya know....

I'd just keep saving up, and try not to spend too much money until then!
And if you don't have enough money by the time of the trip, just postpone it. It would be worth it to wait.

Sounds like a fun trip! Hope you have a blast :D

I know I am planning a couple of trips this year! I am looking for the deals too! Godd luck on your coaster adventure!