![]() ![]() ![]() He had a lot of guts to even consider it at that age. Heres a 5-year-old looking at this monster ride from the ground, Charles Gobel said. Begging, pleading and arm-pulling by Frankie convinced his father to stand in line for the wooden coaster, which includes a nearly 8-story drop. At the time to me it was probably the most epic thing Id seen in my life, 23-year-old Frankie Gobel recalled.Įarlier that day, the two had spent the afternoon on childrens rides, much to the pleasure of Charles, who was afraid of heights. My eyes just set a gaze on Rolling Thunder. In 1994, then 5-year-old Frankie convinced his father, Charles Gobel, to try their first roller coaster. It was this journey into what was then referred to as the enchanted forest.Īn oversized tepee, fort and ice cream-themed food palace really made you feel tiny in a world that was massive and exciting, over the top, he said.įrankie Gobel, of River Vale in Bergen County remembers experiencing a state of euphoria at Great Adventure. When the park first opened, one of the things they wanted to make sure was that it was a getaway, an escape from city life, said Applegate. In addition to the coaster, other original attractions still exist today, such as the Saw Mill Log Flume, the 15-story Big Wheel and the Skyway ride. This is scary but at the same time, what a great experience, he said. When the final part of it (the ride) goes over the water in front of the fort, it was like Wow. Postcards show early attractions and Great Adventures original layout, which has since changed.Īpplegate fondly recalled his first ride on a major roller coaster, Great Adventures Runaway Mine Train, which is still there. His website,, illustrates the parks evolution. … I was 7 years old at the time, said Harry Applegate, author of Images of America Six Flags Great Adventure. Some of the fans have gone on to devote much of their lives to the pursuit of adrenaline. In 2000, Six Flags expanded its Jackson property, which originally included the Great Adventure theme park and adjacent Wild Safari, to include a water park, Hurricane Harbor.Įven in its infancy, Great Adventure imbued countless people with a love for thrills and theme parks. ![]() Since opening in 1974, Great Adventure has undergone a revolution of sorts, transforming from a fantasy family theme park into a mecca for thrill seekers. Decades ago, the first visitors to the Jackson-based theme park likely would not have envisioned Great Adventure in its current manifestation. Six Flags Great Adventure begins daily operation of its 39th summer season today. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |