Yankees99

What year was this at the front entrance?

I have not seen this photo since 1976. I once had the press kit for that season and it featured this photo in it. Wish I still had that press kit. Would have sent it to you to add to the collection.

Been waiting for this spotlight for a very, very long time. Telling you right now that this one is my favorite of the bunch with Fun Fair a very close second. How did you get that shot out behind the flume (second photo in spotlight)?

Find room for it and bring it back.

This just warms my heart. I think the 1976 season galvanized the park a notch or two, even though the 1974-75 seasons were both excellent. Still remember all the fireworks going off around the lakefront. that year.

This is good. And I mean real good.

Amazing. I mean, absolutely amazing. One of my all-time favorite rides and one that was underrated even back in the day.

On another note, this "photo of the week" is becoming my favorite part of this site. Please keep them coming!

Another great job with your photography. The Gold Rush is their Runaway Train, except Runaway Train is way better. A lot of people when they go to MM (Wally World, hahaha) don't realize it's the high desert and they aren't prepared to spend 10-plus hours there in the middle of the summer. I always found it to be the best time to go, i.e. shorter lines. With Riddler's, I went on it the day after it opened in 1998. While I enjoyed Magic Mountain, I don't think it even comes close to comparing with Great Adventure. I live about 25-30 minutes from Magic Mountain. I used to live three exits from it in the late 90s and got myself a season pass on the cheap. I could even see the top of the tower and Superman from my house at one time.

Who is the little kid standing in front of the flower garden in front of the Little Wheel?

Very nice. You sure got your monies worth when you came out here. Was last at Universal about two years ago (Live about 10-12 miles from it). The ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier is brand new. Had something to do with environmental/energy saving. How far up the coast did you drive? Did you walk over to Venice Beach? Did you go to Magic Mountain?

Freak, the more I think about it, the more I agree with you. This is an absolute treat to see things like this. It keeps me young and vibrant!!!!!

Thank you so much for this. This is exactly how I remember it, too. Do you happen to have any photos from when they were doing the original construction (1974-75) on Fun Fair? Maybe when they were installing some of the different rides?

I'll take one of those grape drinks right now. Those were the best on those humid summer days.

So, it appears as though the Fender Bender is going to be right around where the Roundup originally operated? What's your take on the Sky Screamer?

Safe to say you guys got your monies worth when you came out here. You guys covered everything and did a great job capturing the environments and nuances of each venue.

Miss the different color gondolas. In the background, two of the best flat rides appear.

Delta flies you to...Atlanta, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, etc. When we walked along Dream Street or down by the lake to cool off, we'd always look up at the cable cars and see what city was listed underneath. Man, those were the days!

Yes, they do have great foods. Have to get down there sometime this summer for some chicken. Knott's reminds me of what Great Adventure originally looked like from a rides standpoint. Haven't been there in in quite some time, but people I talk to who go there on a regular basis now say the ride variety remains top notch. Just glad you guys had fun down there.

Cyclone was the first roller coaster I ever rode. Back in summer of 1977. Last rode it circa 1980-81. Still looks the same.

Nice memories, Flume. I still remember seeing that on top of the flume and going on the sky ride heading north.

Remember this like it was just yesterday. If you look at the first photo of the Big Wheel, it looks like the Kiddie Rides are practically in front of it when they were in fact off to the right side when walking down Dream Street toward the Big Wheel. Is the photo a bit warped and where was it taken from? This stuff is awesome!!

Sounds like you had a blast. I live about 25 minutes from Magic Mountain and about 45 from Knotts Berry Farm, so I know what you mean about In-N-Out. It's a staple out here.

Unless I missed it, did you guys go to Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant and have their fried chicken, country biscuits/gravy and boysenberry pie? It's the absolute best.

A very, very big thank you from the bottom of my heart. What a great find. My first time going to Great Adventure was Aug. 31, 1974.

Will you be doing similar takes for all of the years of existence?

Oops, sorry about that. When I see Haunted I think of the castle.

Just got home and got quite a big surprise finding this here. Wasn't sure if or when this spotlight would ever appear. Must say I'm glad it did because it's a big part of the park's history - for good and bad. I remember the tragedy occurred just before I left New York. I was at a YES concert on Long Island that night and found out about it from my folks when I got home. Couldn't believe it. Always went in there at least once each time I went to GA. So many memories. May those people rest in peace and may they never be forgotten.

I still can't get over when I read the trip reports that you stayed at GA for only five hours. Now, I know a lot of you live fairly close to the venue. When I went , we stayed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. or even later.