Watch our video and then read about our trip below
This is a write up from a video we put out around Halloween of 2019, things may have changed in our post covid world!
On our way back from a different trip, we stayed at the Great Escape Lodge to experience both the indoor water park and the amusement park. It was my first time at the lodge but I visited the amusement park several times growing up. Located just outside the tourist destination of Lake George, this is one the smallest parks in Six Flags portfolio and has some pretty distinct differences from other parks in the chain.
We checked into the lodge fairly late at night, not really knowing what to expect. The parking lot was absolutely full and I was a bit worried this would mean the indoor water park would be crowded the next day. The staff at the front desk was very friendly despite the late hour and we found our room to be very comfortable and spacious. The rack rate for the room was over $200 a night but we were able to use our Six Flags memberships to get a discount. In order to do this you need to call them over the phone directly, their website is not able to apply this discount [even though it says it can, you will not see a reduction].
The room includes access to the indoor water park at no extra cost, where we spent our morning exploring. This is not nearly as modern as some of the indoor parks you find in PA or out west and it's showing its age. We noticed a few things that needed updates, but the staff was friendly and the facilities were very clean. The park included two tube slides, a family raft ride, a Flowrider, A Lazy River and a water playscape with several small body slides. We included the entire Lazy river in our review video along with the family raft ride and several of the body slides. All in all, it was a fun time and the lodge was great but the water park needs to be updated!
We had a quick lunch at Johnny Rockets before driving down to the other parking lot and crossing the bridge into the actual amusement park. It's important to note that this six flags includes a nice looking water park outdoors. However, we were unable to experience it due to the time of year, so we can't really comment on it outside of remarking that it looked good!
The park bills itself as a family-centric park and the ride selection reflects this. Let's start with the rollercoasters since that's what most enthusiasts travel for:
First, there is the six flag ubiquitous boomerang. Rough. but not the worst I've been on.
Second, the park's "Steamin Demon", an old Arrow looping corkscrew. This thing beat us up!
Third, a metal bobsled named "Alpine Bob Sled". Having never been on a bobsled coaster before I found it very interesting, but the seat was uncomfortable. Also, I've been on a real bob sled with olympic trial athletes and this doesn't feel like a real bobsled : )
Fourth, Canyon Blaster, a classic arrow mine train coaster. We actually waited in line for this longer then any other ride due to its family friendly nature. It was a very good mine train!
Fifth, Comet. We rode this in the front and LOVED it. Great forces and awesome air time. We rode this in the back expecting some ejector air, but were smashed by the lateral forces and vowed to never ride the back ever again!
This is a fine park to visit if you want a quick 5 credits, 6 if you can get on the kiddie coaster, but not the kind of park to visit just for the coasters; you won't be satisfied at all.
Some other notable rides include:
The Sasquatch drop tower, a great dual S and S drop that provides a spectacular view.
The Condor, a rare spinning ride that goes up a tower and is perched on a cliff!
The "Sky Ride", a chair lift which traverses the park.
Blizzard, an indoor scrambler with incredible force and air conditioning! This usually attracts a massive line- it really is that good and the AC is awesome on a hot day.
This park is also notable for its large set of child-sized buildings and fantasy sets. They were here when I was a child and they still provide great entertainment for the extra little tykes in your family. Everything from a mini western town to fantasy buildings and even Cinderella's castle (complete with pumpkin carriage). Add all of this with the extensive collection of kiddie and family rides, and you have a great park for families and locals alike.
So is the park worth visiting for roller coaster enthusiasts? Only if you collect coaster credits.
Is it worth visiting for families? Absolutely. Combine this with a stay in the nearby tourist destination of Lake George and the Great Escape Lodge with indoor water park and you'll have a great vacation.
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