Worst Park in America? My Experience at Elitch Gardens - Denver, Colorado
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 เม.ย. 2020
- This is the worst park I've been to, based on my experience at Elitch Gardens on July 5th, 2018.
Video Credits:
David Ellis, Half Pipe: • Half Pipe - Elitch Gar...
Coaster Crutchfield, Sidewinder: • Sidewinder (Off-ride H...
Music in this video, as found in the TH-cam Audio Library:
Intro music: Magnum
Theme music: Black Vulture
Background music: Passage
here to see my home park get appropriately roasted
MegaBetch 👆🏻That part! Lol
Same
I think he just went on a bad day, also I think the twister is permanently closed now. I might be wrong on that last part but idk
Samuel Plunkett wouldn’t be suprised, shit old asf
overpriced, understaffed, misinformed... par for the course at elitch gardens. I've stopped going and taken my business to disney.
if you think this is unsafe you clearly havent been in lakeside
Lakeside is a gem. It's pretty close to being the last park of its kind
Atleast there isnt duck tape on most rides at elitches unlike lakeside.
@@ShannaFarley nostalgia ain't worth death lol
Exactly
First time I went to lakeside, it was with this girl I was dating, I was on shrooms, she didn't know I was on shrooms. She was also wondering why I was so terrified the entire time 😅
Here looking for fellow Coloradoans roasting Lakeside.
nah bro lakeside is incredible
@Sean Neilson no I haven't been there all year cause of covid but last year Lakeside was safe and fun. Something might have happened since but I'm not sure.
Lakeside is a death trap.now a days
I love Lakeside!
Lakeside is way better than elitches and idk what everyone is talking about duct tape and it not being safe lmao, those people probably have never even gone there. My family has gone every year since moving to Denver in the 50s so I mean I think I would know plus there’s been more accidents at elitches in the last 20 years than lakeside
Elitches "Worst park I've ever been to"
Lakeside *shivering in fear*
wood shaking in fear 😂
I love lakeside and elitch gardens I have a season pass for elitches
Lol
That chipmunk ride scraped my elbow so bad 😭
@@amoriivsq how
When this is your home park
F in the chat
rest in piece
My condolences. It must suck.
Oof
Better than no home park
The best experience I had at Elitch Gardens was getting engaged.
We're divorced now.
Not every marriage ends in divorce. But every divorce starts with marriage. Just say No to marriage.
@@SIXPACFISH wow, such true, very feels, many sad
Oof, sorry man.
SIXPACFISH not uh, not really the best place to be commenting this.
Common Dirtbagz I know. Especially since I just moved out because my wife is leaving me.
Me seeing my childhood home park while the title says "worst park in America"
Six flags fiesta Texas looks like Disney land when I went here most was open but it wasn't near as fun obviously if u grew up there the nostalgia blinds ya a bit
*anger*
@@Northerncoloradofirebuff very much
Right? Pretty sad and the only reason I watched the video, even sadder that I have to agree with most of what he said.
I risked my life willingly as a child at LAKESIDE riding the cyclone
I cried out of terror but I really liked a lot of other rides
I always thought that the cyclone was the best coaster in world when I was little
I’ll continue to do it to this day
Still rattles like a pill jar
True
Alright basically, Elitch Gardens is a ghost of its former self. They closed the classic park, move it, turn it into a thrill park like Cedar Point or Six Flags, no picnics allowed, a waterpark, then Six Flags buys the park and it becomes the least attended Six Flags ever, causing them to sell it off, and it is what you see today. Had they left it alone in the 90's, it probably would still be alright, but basically it's now just a typical used to be Six Flags park.
I hate that six flags buys smaller parks thinking they'll be good because they're location then when they realise they coudnt handle it they dip out without care becasue they never can handle it and always have monetary issues and pretend its not their problem
Amen! Once it moved downtown, it lost its soul. So many good memories of it at its original location, none good of its current one.
Was Mr. Twister a good ride?
@@zachcoastercrazy4032 MIster Twister was fast, scary, and awesome! My first real roller coaster. I miss the old Elitch's, with the gum all over the tree by the log ride.
The Six Flags-ifacation was really a killer. I remember the old park on 38th and Tennyson well. It was small and old, but had its charm as it was probably like what true Amusement Parks were like back in the old days. It had 2 pretty noteworthy wood coasters (Wild Cat and Mister Twister), also a very good log flume. I was sad they didn't move that it was unique with its animatronics (crude). Also I remember when they put in the Side Winder which was actually out in the parking lot only to tear it down for the move about 4-5 years after installation. Now if you want a "old park" feel you have to go to LakeSide for the Cyclone and Wild Chipmunk, but that place is a dump otherwise.
The swaying from Twister II literally made my jaw hit the floor.
Sweet Jeebus.
I saw that I'd noped the fuck out. How is that even allowed?!
Coastermonkey61 I’ve seen it sway before but never they much lmao
John Lorton I stopped trusting it years ago 😅
Right?? I thought The Rattler was bad...
Don't you mean "Oh Lord, No!?"
Cyclone at Lakeside is probably the most thrilling coaster I've ever been on, not because it's a good coaster, but because you're actually risking your life when you ride it
Denver wouldn't be so expensive if people stopped moving out here LMAO
Yes thank you I hate everyone who has moved here in the last 10 years.... they have ruined Colorado
Omg yessss
frr everyone need to go to there own states🖐
Yeah ! they should make everyone go back to the state they are from
@@kaylove8663 blame weed
Because of this park I grew up thinking that every roller coaster should leave you with a massive headache
Pfff Fr I went on the mind eraser today and I swear it’s never been so rough for me I have a rly bad headache rn :/
@@madisyndeidel5242 I went today and it was the smoothest it's ever been for me. No shaking whatsoever. I even rode once on each car. Not sure why we had such different experiences?
@@madisyndeidel5242 I've got a few headaches from that ride, but I always ride it haha its always been my favorite
honestly i just went i have a massive headache now it’s bc they use gravity instead of magnets
Honestly it's good on the red cart the blue cart is Shakey and has a hard stop
The swaying on Twister II is an accident waiting to happen unless they fix it.
Slushman2006 just like a swing set.
Twister II used to run 4-car trains instead of 3, but that was reduced in 2018 to lighten the strain on the structure. Supposedly it's not in good condition, though they've done some recent section replacement and trackwork. I'd bet it'll close years before the park does
Michael Bianco Yes and I’ll be a hoe the ride
Michael Bianco I rode it 3 times recently, on the way through the line there are spots where loose bolts can be seen laying on the ground in fenced areas!
@@wyatt9663 and you still rode it THREE TIMES?
Maybee it's because it's really the only theme park I've ever been to, or because I grew up at this park but I love it. the water rides are great and brain drain is one of my favorites if you ever go back definitely go on brain drain.
Same it’s my only one I’ve ever been too and every time I go the rides are open and it’s really fun time
@@disdating6198 get in line for the mind eraser coaster, every time we go, some kid throws up on the ride and its closed down for hours
If this is the only theme park you've ever been to then I can understand liking it but other than that from a perspective of a coaster enthusiast even if he got an unlucky day I don't really see anything here thats worth making a trip to
me watching this as someone who spent his childhood at elitches even worse younger brother, lakeside: 👀👀👀
older brother*
Yessss but u mean older brother
Imagine participating in the running of the bulls for a Vekoma SLC
And according to Chris, the worst SLC!
I’ve done it... :(
Airtime Productions welcome to michigan’s adventure
I mean... people in Denver are coaster starved. I'll take a terrible SLC over nothing at all any day! Used to love that ride until cedar point. Oops.
eKaJ. growing up in michigan and only going to michigan’s adventure and no other parks, I can definitely confirm that Thunderhawk was always the one I would go for lmao. Wasn’t until pretty recently that I learned a lot of enthusiasts aren’t crazy about it
Imagine getting trampled trying to get to a SLC
And according to Chris, the worst SLC!
It's pretty terrible, but it's less aweful if it's really cold.
TheRandom not only an slc, but THE WORST SLC lol.
At least in Michigan we have Shivering Timbers... We'd be in the exact same position if not for that.
going to an slc is like going into your grave
The best part about Elitche's is the car ride home.
And you get to take the clothes pin off your nose. Toilet Garden
Lol
You mean after the 35min line to get out?
Elitches is actually really damn safe compared to lakeside and heritage square
Holy fuck I completely forgot about Heritage square..it’s a damn shame they closed it :(
Heritage is not as bad as lakeside
@@Northerncoloradofirebuff from personal experience lakeside was safer. I got my elbows scratched to the bone at heritage while lakeside I've never had an injury
@@mromwtfyb5146 I miss it
@@atlas1924 never been to lakeside just got that opinion from friends should I go?
Watching Twister II sway is more exhilarating than the ride.
And that's really sad. The old Mr. Twister at the previous location was regarded as one of the best wooden coasters. The second iteration is a pale shadow of Mr. Twister's greatness.
okay but the shakeyness and the fear of it is what makes it fun
Fr my friend was like “omg Maddie it’s shaky wtf” and I was laughing at her panicking the whole time 😂
@@madisyndeidel5242 HAHA, when i last went it broke down HAHA
As a native Coloradan, this has been my home park for years. I’ve had a lot of fun here! Yes it’s sketchy, expensive, and run-down, but it’ll always have a special place in my heart!
reap thegrim96 Same
Same! I grew up going here and had a season pass for at least the 2007 season. Lots of good memories here even if it's in decline now
It started to decline ever since six flags sold it and its seen no cool new rides since. But it somewhat satisfies my urges to ride a rollercoaster
Same here. I grew up in Denver and have lots of fond memories of going there with friends and family.
Thank goodness he didn't go to lakeside
me: man I miss going to amusement parks. Maybe I'll get a season pass to Elitch Gardens again.
Airtime Thrills: WORST PARK IN AMERICA
SAME LMAOOO
elitches is actually fun y’all just went on a bad day.
Yeah I'm going tomorrow
it’s fun but it’s not as good as others. it’s extremely meh
@@Chris-hi1hf in my opinion it’s just like other amusement parks
dude fr
@@evieb7828 How many parks have you been to? Ever been to a real serious park like Magic Mountain or Cedar Point?
"It was overpriced and nothing was open!"
Me, a denver native "well yeah... duh"
ARE NOT ALL AMUSEMENT PARKS LIKE THAT?
....is it really just ours
Lol elitches was the worst. I hated amusement parks for a while cuz all I could remember was elitches...
I went to kings island 2 days ago in Mason ohio, and the only thing closed was the invertigo. Besides that everything else was opened.
If you revisit after covid I think its better now
(Smiling): You’re such a Denver, native to think that. For the amount of money you pay for parking and admission you would think that ride operations would be better. You need to think outside the box, called Colorado, or see the rest of his journey.
PS. Sidenote, it’s not “pop“ anymore it’s “soda“. Also, many Colorado natives still miss pronounce Vazquez Street, Pueblo and many others incorrectly.
(Smiling)
LOL, Denver is “Home” so here’s some commentary.
That sign is NEVER updated. Ever.
The fact that you compared anything to SDC is by far way to much honor for elitch.
Yes, Twister 2 is terrifying and for ALL the wrong reasons.
That old arrow valleyed at one point in 2019, and blew the return launch motor twice in the season.
Halfpipe is by far the best ride in the park. I used to run in, eat lunch, ride halfpipe and the sea dragon, then dip out.
It is very sad, Denver used to be home and I used to go to Elich at minimum annually. Makes me feel very fortunate to be near Busch Gardens Williamsburg and semi-near Kings Dominion despite missing CO very much.
@@oengusfearghas9608 Denver was home for me as well. Sad thing in the park (Wild Waves) where I live is even worse.
Robert McNearny Are you in the Seattle area? I ask because I know the Wild Waves near me sucks! I remember when it and the other park that was next to it were built and they were never all that great! So, just wondering if we’re talking about the same Wild Waves!
Oengus Fearghas yeah, I actually now live in a 19 ft RV and do a LOT of traveling. There’s some videos from parks on my channel if you wanna check it out :) I used to live in Florida before moving here.
@@Krisna_K yea, same Wild Waves. It is terrible
As a denver native, I can personally say all of this is true.
Same. I haven't been to Elich's in over a decade. But, Lakeside is far worse.
No it isn't
@@ZaibatsuHeavyIndustries agree
They were probably short staffed because a bunch of them called in “sick” when they were hungover after the 4th of July
....I live in Colorado and this is the only theme park I have ever experienced and I thought it was a fun and amazing place... I've been living a lie...
No you haven’t everyone has different opinions and he showed the worst of his time here but everyone has better and way more fun experiences same with me I think he just had a unlucky day there
ya Elitch is amazing he is just showing the wost and he should of planned it out better so he knew what rides were closed.
@@gracebeshears4397 have you even been to any other amusement parks 😂😂 elitch is ghetto as fuck
I grew up in Northern Ohio (by Cedar Point) and moved to Denver and was like "what a kiddie park"
Hey! At least we have the boomerang and sidewinder! Everyone agrees those rides are pretty fun!
Plus… it’s better than the traveling carnival my town usually gets (but the carnival is cheaper to be fair).
I secretly like the awful carnival as well… even if I almost fell off my favorite ride due to a bad seatbelt
Me: review my home park!
Airtime: WORST PARK EVER
Me: F
Doesn't know F. Kekw
@@vivianvigil6375 I wonder how your employer would feel if they knew that you were out here cursing at potential customers and telling them not to come to your/their park 🤷
@@kraftiikatie sorry I didn't mean to call you out on the carpet like that
@@kraftiikatie she really hurt your feeling huh karen?
@@painxz1 oh, yes 😬 so badly 🙄 I cried for weeks 😭🤦♀️
Worst thing I ever experienced there was last summer. 17 years old and with 3 friends the same age. We went on some rides, and waited in line a lot, the usual. We decided after a few hours to go and get some food outside of the park and come back afterwards to hit some of the other coasters. Basically we got back at about 6 o clock and we get to the entrance and we were told we could not go back in because “minors were not aloud in after 5 o clock without a guardian because of adults getting drunk” most ridiculous rule I had ever heard in my life. We ended up spending all of that money just to ride a couple rides and then be prohibited from entering again.
yeah that happend to me and my sisters to
It’s not because adults getting drunk it’s because of other reasons
People saying the Twister II is very boring*
Me at the Cyclone at Lakeside: 👁👄👁
Colorado deserves a much better home park.
Mother Joan Hazy the real estate is so Valuable here no one will build one in the hopes of making a profit. I think I read elitches is slated to be dismantled here shortly. Too close to down and so ready for the location to be redeveloped into more overpriced housing.
Not gonna happen. Land value for homes is far too high.
Honestly, if real estate wasn’t a concern, I wish Cartmanland (North Park Funland) was a Real Park
They do, its called Water World, lol
well the skiing pretty much makes up for it
Not gonna lie, everything you said is pretty much true. But when you live in Colorado you take what you can get when it comes to amusement parks.
W01F15HR0UG3 I agree being a Colorado native!
Right, especially with the closure of Heritage Square a few years ago. Growing up this place was the best because it was all we had
Officially Sp00ked exactly!
What about royal gorge and glenwood?
I prefer lakeside amusement park.
I live in denver and bro I went there a few years ago and we didn't get to do ANYTHING. We sat in line for hours and as soon as we got to the front, someone threw up on the ride and ut was closed
The reason they charge 20 for parking ls because people who buy a season pass get to park for free all season. So they need to charge more for out of towners
They don't need to. They do it to try to persuade people to buy the year pass.
The amount of sway on that coaster is TERRIFYING! I can’t imagine seeing that AFTER you have already ridden- it makes my stomach drop
Yeah that’s me. Last season I rode it once and felt like it was going to derail right around that part. Now I know why
It sways more now
Been on it. Won't be on it again after seeing that.
There are nets over the line que path covered in large splinters from the track.They're so large I would call them wood chips. I was about to ride it the last time I was there but I was with a school group and had to duck out of line for lunch.
That’s just absolutely insane-
I feel bad for the unfortunate souls that have this as their home park.
So true. Lakeside is another historic park very nearby, but Denver is a massive city with so little for its residents.
Ya that would be me lol
It's pretty lousy
Currently my home park is King's Island, I'm thinking about moving to Colorado (for completely different reasons) which would make this my home park so yeahhh big L
This is my home park.
While Elitches is indeed pretty lame, there’s honestly no better place to spark up a joint than on the Ferris Wheel at this park. Nothing like getting stoned while being above the mile high city.
@@smooth_concrete bro why, it’s real talk 😂
A few things to add to your knowledge if you want to know and it’ll likely explain a lot.
Six Flags actually bought out Elitches for awhile. The Boomerang is Joker themed. I dunno what they call the lift wing ride now but it used to be the Batwing. If you look inside “Kiddie World” you can still find remnants of Loonie Toons. When Six Flags bought out the park they upped the entrance fee which the new owner kept in tact.
Also, Twister 2 used to have a sign, a rather large one outside of it. When Elitch Park moved properties Mister Twister was dismantled then “rebuilt”. They claimed they couldn’t rebuild the exact Mister Twister. However the original wooden beams and parts are still there in cases. They do get replaced with new ones if damage becomes “detrimental” but if the old parts are declared good they’re still there. Likely the reason for the coaster shake.
Six Flags really ruined Elitch Gardens. There’s also two reasons the observation tower is literally never operable, one fact and one rumor. The tower was not maintained and could potentially blow over one day. On a windy day even two decades ago the tower would sway with high winds. Then rumor is they’re using it for a storage area. Last time I was up there the elevator was closed and you had to take the stairs. Which most people won’t.
"This sign is fake news" 😂😂
IMO, the real Elitch Gardens died in 1994, when the original park closed to relocate, and left their old Mr. Twister coaster abandoned (till it met the wrecking ball years later). Six Flags did more harm to this park than good during their run of it. A shame, since the original Elitch could have been like a smaller version of Kennywood or Knoebels: An old park with a lot of charm. Instead, the post-1994 Elitch lacks any charm (or a good coaster for that matter).
Colorado deserves a better amusement park.
The plans were used to build the one in Knoebles
At least there's still Lakeside, right?
Got to ride that original Mr. Twister like 7 times in one day, we did the Wildcat about a 1/2 dozen times as well. One visit, almost 30 years ago, pretty much a polar opposite experience from this video.
Being a Coloradan all my life I agree 100%! Ever since Premiere bought it in 1996 it’s been terrible. I hope they move again somewhere with more room to add a couple new rides and keep the old favorites.
@@JulianDale94 I've heard pretty bad things about how Lakeside is run by the In the Loop crew. (The Legend, one of the main contributors of In The Loop, even claimed it was the worst park he's ever visited. At the time at least).
man does he realize how spoiled this sounds. elitches is literally my summer home
Did you hear someone got stabbed there and died? Elitches has gotten so ghetto. I was excited to go this year but all you see there now is people fighting and mad drama.
This was recent too
@@xanny6944 I was there no kizzy, I was just leaving and there were like 10-15 cop cars with sirens on outside, as long as you hang out with the right people and don’t say anything bad you don’t have anything to worry about
@@fazeliquidjellieballs bahaha yes I went the other day and they close at 6 now
@@fazeliquidjellieballs was it at the park or outside? I was there recently and I've tried looking for a news report but the closest I found was police following someone downtown on 16th and Champa before just giving up
I feel like this park was better when I was a kid, but maybe that's because I was a kid. When I take the train past the park nowadays, it looks like that wooden roller coaster is falling apart! I've seen some of its boards on the ground. I remember it being rickety when I was a kid, but not falling apart like it is now.... 😞 It would be cheaper to park the car in a neighborhood near the light rail and take the E, C, or W train to the park. All-day RTD tickets are $6 dollars for 2 zones and $10 for all 3 zones + airport. Those 3 trains have a stop at Eliches. 😊
That said, this video is like watching what the "good ol' days" were like pre-covid.... hopefully things will get better soon.
How did you get a $6 RTD pass? Granted, I haven't been on any lightrail in 2020, but I thought the all-day pass was $9 or more?
@@philabronc4667 I think 3 zones + airport is currently $10.50, but 2 zones is $6 for the all-day passes. 2 zones for 3 hours is $3. You could park for free in a nearby neighborhood (watch out for the no-parking/permit-only signs, but free spots do exist in neighborhoods a bit further out in the zone 2 areas), and then take the train to the amusement park. =)
That was the most polite rant ever
SOOOOOO polite.
Man I wasted a ton of my teenage years coming here. Used to get the annual pass and hang out with my two brothers all summer at Elitch. While I can definitely agree in retrospect that this place is kind of a piece I can't shake the sense of nostalgia looking at all these rides again. I sure miss CO.
In 1999/2000 this place was fucking LIT. Best memories of my childhood, so sad to see it fall so far from grace
All that magic left when they stopped operating under Six Flags, the place is definitely a shell of it's former self
I was born and raised in Denver, and I am DYING!
Well, having this as your home park would be better than having no park as your home park.
*cough cough*
Natives of Montana
The Coaster Roaster Hawaii is worse.
Don't forget Denver also has Lakeside
And Delaware
@@motorwayt-s628 but in delaware you are probably somewhat close to either the Ocean City parks, the NJ boardwalks, or SFGAd
@John Lorton East coast "close" and MidWest "close" are vastly different. I'll drive 8+ hours for a weekend trip. East coast folks don't do that.
I actually liked Elitch Gardens, it's got a good atmosphere in some parts of the park, has good food, a good waterpark, and friendly staff. You probably got there on a bad day, the closed coasters are pretty good. Your day just sucked, and I feel bad you had that experience. (Not my home park btw)
FoleyAS guess you are that rare few that enjoy horrible things
@@salt_container7523 the parks not the best, it really does just need more space, crappy location so it's not like they can buy anything, which is sad.
Mr_King Salty it’s not bad
I have never even stepped foot in that observation tower. It’s always closed
You never will. It's been condemned for being ludicrously unsafe.
It was open like 4 years ago one time and I thought it was a miracle.. Other than that, it's always abandoned.
I grew up going to Elitchs. As a kid and teenager it was awesome. My childhood definitely was better for it. As an adult I've been there a couple times. There's a reason for that. I'd rather sit at home then overpay for a way below average amusement park. There's a reason 6 flags dropped it.
I grew up in Denver and often frequented this park and lemme tell you, I have never in my life ever seen the observation tower be open. Ever. It just doesn't happen.
Exactly....bruh I'm sad I cant go on it
I went up on it once when I was really little. It has actually been condemned. It will never be opened again
I went up on it once when I was really little. It has actually been condemned. It will never be opened again
Yep. Went up there when it first opened. Can’t remember the last year you still could
HAHAHAHAH, OH NO, THIS IS MY HOME PARK. After watching this channel for a good while I knew it wouldn't get a positive review but I still think it's great fun, definitely nostalgia has some to do with that.
In my experience (and I've not been there in a number of years), Half Pipe is closed all the time, Sidewinder definitely a surprise to see closed, so for sure a below-average day but not an outlier.
$20 has EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE PARK BEING LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN DENVER
Since this used to be my home park it does have a nostalgic place in my heart, but yeah, it's awful. The employees who work there seem miserable which could point to an explanation for the severe understaffing. Everything you experienced like the closed rides are very common occurrences. They also have weird and inconsistent operating hours (sometimes the park closes for the day at 4pm), every single line takes forever to move (the lines in the food court are often 30+ minutes), the food is awful (except for the deserts and old fassioned treats in the main entrace), and rides break down constantly or are closing down due to weather. The park is not laid out well, is dirty, and has an overall cheap, unkempt, sketchy, and an overall "off" feeling.
Observation tower is condemned actually. Talked to an employee for a while years ago. He said it was so unsafe that they had no choice but to tear it down or rebuild. Neither has happened. The twister 2 is also unsafe. Park is dead. It always sucks there.
Yup, but it would be hard to tear it down with all the stuff nearby, I fully expect it'll stay up until the whole park moves for the redevelopment. But it's hilarious they show it on the maps and signs like it's "temporarily" closed.
It's literally been closed for decades. Kind of figured it was closed.
Its really does
5 years ago I think me and my friend went to the park with my parents, and while we were off doing our own stuff some lady let us up in the tower for a while. I had pictures but the phone I had back then broke so I can't access them. It was really cool tho, and I also didn't know that its been permanently closed for a long time
I’ll bet nothing ever sucks as long as you are present
If you ever come back just go to waterworld it’s much better than elitch’s
Except for the pee pee
Hamsaphina that happens in any pool tho
Waterworld is a disgrace to denver. Is got me really sick. There water is dirty. Atleast Eiltch’s has clean fun places
He isn’t a fan of getting soaked or water rides, waterslides, like he doesn’t like getting on things related to water on you.
I'm a Colorado native and I have to say that when Elitches was at the original site, it was an awesome park.
do you have a playlist of all your videos from this road trip in order?
The original Elitch's Gardens was incredible, on the north-west side
That's true! Used to go the old park, believe it was located at 44th and Tenn. Saw Chad and Jeremy, an English singing duo. Enjoyed the haunted house. This was in the 60's. Wouldn't go there now, way too expensive!!
@@suzannehemenover6093 You're close, it was just south of W. 38th Ave. Every summer we went, large groups of neighbor kids. The last time I went there was 1989.
@@charlesbastien4870 I couldn't remember if it was on 38th or 44th. Thank you for correcting me.
@@suzannehemenover6093 I was a Yellow Cab driver from 1988-91. I visited the new park in the valley in 1998, and was extremely disappointed. The original Elitch's had rides, gardens and a famous theater pavilion.
i don't know the story why it was moved. was it just a space thing?? and if so, why did they not take all the old classic rides? i grew up in OKC and used to visit Bell's in Tulsa and i know the heartbreaking story why they aren't there anymore, but i never understood why elitch's left the old location. such a pity
If i were you i would have went to lagoon instead of elitch gardens
He had already went to Lagoon, which was why it wasn't on the agenda. The credits he gets are in #210's. Cannibal was his #200.
We go to Lagoon sometimes as its own trip so we didnt wanna waste a day on this trip on it
Shame you weren't able to get to. Lakeside Park and ride their roller coaster
Airtime Thrills But Lagoon is so kickass (and it’s also my home park so I’m biased)
@@wolfenman1013 What is this... Lagoon I keep hearing about.. CO resident btw.
this is so sad to see. i've never visited the current elitch gardens but i visited the original park (located at 38th and tennyson) in the 70's and remember it as one of the nicest, most beautiful amusement parks i ever experienced. we visited lagoon the following year and i thought both parks were very similar. i never knew the real story why they moved downtown (space??) but if they were able to stay, they certainly should have. and for you coaster buffs, the original (Mr.) Twister was one of the most intense coasters i ever rode, not to mention striking looking as well. so happy knoebel's built a nice tribute to it.
I used to love Elitch Gardens, but that was back in the early ‘90s. It was fantastic back then!
That was the old Elitch's, everybody loved that one. When it moved Downtown...not so much.
I’m laughing my ass off because THIS was my childhood. THIS PARK pretty much single handedly got me into coasters and I don’t have a clue why!!!
The Denver-Colorado Springs area is such an untapped market for coasters. Six Flags or Cedar Fair should look at this market as a prime expansion opportunity (once the economy rebuilds itself from this plague).
I've thought the same thing. I moved here from the northeast, and was shocked by the lack of amusement parks around here. Like Charlotte, the Denver-Csprings area is seeing out of control growth, IDK why one of the chains won't put a Carowinds type park here.
But unfortunately since Six Flags sold the park off in the first place, I doubt they'll ever look at this market again... At least The Boomerang is still great though.
We already have enough people here, don't need anything else bringing in more
@@hcaz5818 Exactly, the Californian's have already ruined what was a nice state over the last 20+ years.
we dont need one and it would be closed for half the year due to cold temperatures and snow so that is what the skiing is for
Coming back to this reminds me of my day at Great Escape. I was unlucky with crowds, ride closures, and staff issues.
I work at an amusement park 5 years this year. I understand the frustration when the rides go down like that. But most of the time it’s out of their control, no one wants to work now a days. My park struggles with staff and the other factor is that it takes so so so long to get parts in, we had one that took 2 years to get a part since it was made in Switzerland and they had to make a motherboard that was struck by lightening. It was one of our older rides in the park “wooden roller coaster” so the person who made the past motherboard was dead.
It could have been worse, when I went there I rode Flying Coaster, a Zamperla Volare that everyone hates.
And the Original which is now at Luna Park Coney Island
Michael Pitch I too hated that ride, but when it was new, it was the latest craze that everyone wanted to experience.
OMG I rode that at Coney. It was so painful, UGH. Had to do it once for the credit but NEVER, EVER AGAIN would I. My legs still hurt.
Yeah, I hated the Flying Coaster. Good idea, but horrible execution.
Elitches is definitely more of a park you go to when you want to hang out with friends but don’t feel like going bowling or mini golfing for the millionth time.
I worked at the old Elitch Gardens Park in north Denver, in the 1970s.
The summer I was there, the old wooden roller coaster had a derailment and crash twice. One person killed. They immediately locked the gates, and forbid the employees to talk to the press. The accident never appeared in the newspapers, and the police did not come. Apparently Elitch's was bribing the Denver police for years to keep such accidents , that seemed to happen on average once a year, quiet.
Some old history... Interesting.
I've lived in Denver my entire life and I haven't been to Elitch Gardens for a number of years (the half pipe didn't exist last time I spent a full day here). Now that my kid is almost 10 and season passes for the remainder of '22 and through '23 are under $60 (parking included), I said what the hell. I'll take a bad SLC some other mediocre rides to at least be on some rides. Covid was brutal for me and I hadn't been on a coaster since '19 until I finally got to go to Busch Gardens in VA this past summer. I kept telling my family I wish Elitch was that good when we were at BGV, Ha!
I would never go to a park after a holiday. Staff probably all called in sick being drunk/high/all the above.
I'm actually from Colorado, so I'll throw in my two cents: I agree completely.
I used to go to the park every summer with my parents back when I was in late elementary school and middle school, around 2007 through 2011. We went back again in 2018, like you guys, because they had season passes available for both 2018 and 2019. Suffice to say, it wasn't impressive. The park didn't look like it had changed much at all in the 7 year span between going there my last day of middle school and my senior year of college. Like your experience, there was so many rides closed for non-obvious reasons (I'm guessing the staff shortage you mentioned), and the rides that were open weren't as fun as I remember.
The biggest hurt for me was Twister II. When I was younger, that was one of my favorite roller coasters (though at that point, my coaster experience was very limited). When my Dad and I _finally_ got to ride it last year, it felt like the ride was going to collapse at any point with how rough and bumpy it was. I didn't ride the Mind Eraser, but considering how much I hated that ride as a kid, I was in no mood to try it again as an adult.
I don't know if I just grew up and realized the park sucked or if the park has aged like milk, but there's a reason why my Dad was adamant our family wouldn't be going back in 2020. And when the only "new" ride they have is a reskin of an old ride, I don't think there's going to be many people going back to it when the park opens back up. I don't think you guys hit it on a bad day; just an average day.
SuperMarkerComicBro Were we on the same run on Twister II last season cause that’s exactly how I felt. I thought we were going to legit derail around the last turn.
I agree with the video on the Boomerang. It’s the only ride that’s aged okay in my opinion.
The sway of the wooden coaster made me audibly gasp. I have seen wooden coasters move but never ever to that extent.
Lakeside in Lakewood colorado cyclone coaster which the coaster is over 120 years old is worse
@@rydermccracken9199 The Cyclone has NEVER swayed like that....
As a Colorado native, I’ve only been on sidewinder once! It’s always closed! Love twister 2 because of the memories. And boomerang is by far the best. The first year the mind eraser ran was fantastic and then it’s became way to bumpy. It’s hard to enjoy it. My biggest complaint is the parking price but that is Denver. Everything is at least 15-30 bucks for full day parking in that area. I know it’s not a roller coaster park but check out water world next time! Free parking! Always a great time.
The second someone told you everyone rushes to the SLC at rope drop, you should've known you were in for a rough day
This park seriously needs to be relocated and re-profiled, it just looks like a bunch of rides dropped into a rundown industrial area.
Dave that’s because Denver’s has made it move and it’s actually trying to force the park out so they can build apartments.
Honey Lemon it isn’t really trying, it’s reality
That's.... exactly what it is.
Totally agree. Would just put "rinky-dink" before rides.
@Maintenance Renegade remember, Cinderella City? 😂
What about the amusement park that was out in the Golden area. We were there once about 6 years ago and right before we stepped on the Ferris wheel we noticed loose nuts on more then a couple mount bolts to one of the units you sit in. We did not go on it and I immediately went to management. It did not seem they cared.
Hey any tips on cross country driving? :,) driving from LA to Cleveland
Just driving itself? I always gps myself from gas station to gas station so the drive doesnt seem so long
@@AirtimeThrills driving with my best friend, any parks along the way worth visiting? And cool thank you for that tip!
I grew up in Denver going to the original location for most of my childhood. It was total garbage once they moved it.
I know what you mean. I have never been to the new location!
The original was also my childhood experience and it was amazing. There was something for everyone and anytime you'd take a break there was always shade with a breeze. Now it is a flat top oven with no escape, droll food and all the history that was once so celebrated is gone forever.
It was an actual garden. And you're right, the new location is just blacktop.
I lived much of my childhood a few blocks from the old park. It was amazing.
That's what i heard too.....but unfortunately I have only ever known the new elitches
it makes sense that the day after the 4th people would be out. Everyone I know takes the day off after a Holliday. I do agree that is the park is shit, tho. XD
Ikr
I can see that, lots of hung over employees
GoesByJ
Parks need to offer incentives to employees to work that day. Like time and a half or something
TheEpic22 but they did not and we can’t change that now. Maybe for the future.
Love everyone bringing up lakeside.
This is my home park and got to be honest you went there on a pretty bad day 😂. And if you think this place is run bad or sketchy you should try Lakeside, now that is one sketchy place.
The fact is there is too much other things to do in Colorado to be spending time at a theme park. You either have a big market such as Florida or a completely dreadful state like Ohio or Pennsylvania where the only escape is an amusement park. Colorado is niether, and of course any theme park will just not be good.
The consistent stickiness under your feet while waiting in line 😊🤢🤮
I remember my younger sister dumped a soda on a woman’s head while waiting in line for the mind eraser. Classic!
Frrrr
Oh yeah Fr
That is every park I have been to. Worlds of Fun, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Disneyworld, 6 Flags (Both in California and in Chicago), and Bush Gardens in Virginia.
denver is disgusting and dirty, STICKINESS *EVERYWHERE*
Bro you think Elitches is bad, try Lakeside
Lmao right but it seems not to many people know of lakeside everyone always goes to elitches and ignores lakeside including me 😂
You are spot on. Lived in Denver area many years. I grew up with a six flags near by so Elitches has always been a disappointment. It was a garden when first opened. It was turned into an amusement park little by little. When they where looking for places to move to I think the best place would have been the recently closed Stapleton Airport. It had a covered parking garage. A terminal ready made for shops and restaurants. Then there was the tarmac. All there with just a small amount of renovations needed. The plus was it was so easy to get to. Right off the I-70 and a very short distance from I-25. There were hotels there for multiple day guests to stay at and lots of room to grow. They could have added a first class water park. Since the area was a tarmac it could withstand about any weight that rides would need to help stabilize them. Instead they chose an area downtown where they could not expand. Where parking for all the sport complexes is almost nil and work parking lots are no better. A lot of the parking areas are privately owned. At Stapleton the parking would have been owned by the park and I felt would of been cheaper. Plus it would have been covered. Most amusement parks don't have parking garages. You have to walk forever to get to the gates or if you were lucky they might have trolley type cars to take you to and from the gates once you get to one of their on/off stops.
Imagine running to ride a Vekoma SLC
Fernando Valencia lmao
you definitely came on a bad day, though half the days are bad. Halfpipe and sidewinder are always closed. Halfpipe has an intense rattle, and a really bad restraint design. Sidewinder has some sweet ejector airtime, and back row, or front row is the best. Aim for the front on mind eraser, and twister ii is bad all around.
If I have to be honest I love this amusement park it’s so fun.I grew up in Colorado and this was one of my first ever roller coaster experiences I love going with my family and have so much fun it’s breaks my heart to see so many people especially from Colorado to hate so much😢
You should've seen my face when he said people made a beeline for the Vekoma SLC... How do people enjoy those? I've never ridden one but I can see by just looking at POVs that those are SUPER rough
I live near Eliches, and while I have fond memories of it from my childhood, I can't enjoy myself there now because of how bad it is. Whenever people ask what they should do if they take a trip to Denver, I always tell them to steer clear of Elich Gardens.
I’ve ridden Sidewinder and Half Pipe. They’re the best rides in the park.
Sidewinder seems so simple from afar but it kicks butt
@@kpov2533 And that simplicity is it's strength. Since it's so short the line moves really fast for a coaster.
I grew up only a couple blocks from Elitch Gardens in its original location (W 38th Ave and Tennyson St) back in the ‘80s and I still miss that park today, it was almost like my second home during the summers of my childhood. It’s such a damn shame that the friendly neighborhood charm of the original has been replaced by the impersonal, corporate theme park we have today. I’m sure many enjoy the place, but me, can’t ever get the original out of my head. By default, I’ll forever stack other parks against that high standard.
Road trips are my favorite thing ever! And I'm glad the more "boring" coasters such as Grizzly exist for those of us who can't handle the "real" ones. Hope the rest of your trip was better.
Sidewinder usually opens around 4-5 PM on most days. Half pipe most likely didn't open that day. Also this is my home park, and I'm very sadden to say that. But yeah, sidewinder is a lot of fun, because the restraints are loose, and you fly, best ride there.
An SLC being the most popular ride in a park is why we joke on GP
Elitch gardens is owned by a parent company that operates a slew of parks.
It was a 6 flags park for years and they are who built most of the rides.
Daily parking is expensive as hell in downtown.
What did you do with the compensation they sent you