Seating Arrangement Tips for Visiting New Parks

[sheikra182]

Ok I know the title says nothing like travel but this is a travel related thread. I started this thread at Coaster Dimension and it actually did very well. The idea is to post up the best seats on a coaster you have rode. This way others that visit the park for the first time will know ahead of time the best seat to sit. Post your seats up and I will post them on the main post here so others can have a little extra advice on a trip to CP or maybe even SFMM for the first time. I will start with a few seats I know.
SheiKra - Anywhere in front row
Revenge of the Mummy(USF)- Back row in any seat
Dueling Dragons(Fire) - Back Row any seat
Dueling Dragons(Ice) - Front row anywhere.
Journey to Atlantis(SWO)- Front if you want to be wet. Back if you want airtime.
Millennium Force - Car 5, First Seat, Loading Side for Airtime
Millennium Force - Front Row for speed and view.
Feel free to post your favorite seating arangements so we can all have help when going to a new park.

[Dan]

This could be problematic, as we all have our personal preferences. For example, I prefer the front car of Millennium Force.

But, here's a little tip from a Cedar Fair executive (for which I'd like to take credit, but can't) -- sit in the same seat on all the coasters you ride, at least once. That way, you'll be able to more accurately compare all the coasters to each other.

[sheikra182]

The way the thread works around that kind of problem is, if you post up a ride thats already up there then kindly explain why you like that seat. That way new guests can view why that seat is so great. I know the MF seat I chose has Airtime, and the Front Row on MF is all about speed(I know that from experience lol).

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

It depends on the ride, as I'm not going to try different seats on a Vekoma Junior.

Typically what I do for the 'signature' attractions is aim for front row my first ride (to get the full visuals the first time), then a rear and middle seat atleast once. After that I'll double up on the far right or far left side atleast once to see which side of the train is better (if any), then choose that side on the best section of train.

[sheikra182]

It depends on the ride, as I'm not going to try different seats on a Vekoma Junior.

Typically what I do for the 'signature' attractions is aim for front row my first ride (to get the full visuals the first time), then a rear and middle seat atleast once. After that I'll double up on the far right or far left side atleast once to see which side of the train is better (if any), then choose that side on the best section of train.
That is a great idea, but what does one do on their first visit to a crowded park like IOA or maybe even KBF? Remember that rides like Hulk, Xcelerator, and Silver Bullet tend to keep a long line at times. Yes you may get there early but rides like Hulk can build a line in 20 mins. How does one get to try all the seats for themselves? That's where the tips come into play. I used the MF tip on my last visit of '06 to CP and I am glad I rode in that very seat because it was a incredible ride. That's the advantage of knowing ahead of time.

[Jake]

^ Most people aren't going to Islands of Adventure for only one day. We don't all live in Florida you know ;). And Knott's isn't so crowded that you couldn't get several rides on all the coasters, there aren't that many of them.

[sheikra182]

^ Most people aren't going to Islands of Adventure for only one day. We don't all live in Florida you know ;). And Knott's isn't so crowded that you couldn't get several rides on all the coasters, there aren't that many of them.
Summer months buddy, summer months lol. Yes I will admit my FLA Fanboyism but I was using IOA as an example ONLY this time. Next time I will be talking about it for real but this was example. But what about DLR? I know that the Disney parks stay crowded year round. WDWR is still crowded.

[Jake]

You have to realize that crowded parks like IOA, and all the Disney parks are not one day experiences. If your going to try and squeeze all that they have to offer in one day, your crazy, and going to miss out on some of the great things these parks have to offer.

That's why I think that posts like Ryans' are the most helpful. If for some reason I can only get one ride on a coaster, I'll take the front, two front then back, and so on and so forth.

I generally do the front, and if I like the ride I'll snag a ride in the back.

[sheikra182]

Well there is no way I can fight against that statement lol because you are right about that. It is impossible to fit everything in. I barely fit everything in at WDWR when I went in August '07. I got lucky enough to enter the Buzz Lightyer Space Ranger Spin at a good time because when I went in line they were giving Dream Fastpasses. Because of that I was able to do all the great attractions without waiting and that made it very enjoyable. I did however had a hard time at Epcot and sadly didn't gt to do Soarin' at that time. I did get to ride it in December finally ;).

[Tom]

I do what Mr. Sickles does but here are some of MY personal favorites:
B:TR:back row on one of the edges
RR: Sixth Row outside
Goliath: Back row, seat closest to the exit ramp, CRAZY airtime!
Scream: Back row, outside nearest to the line
Colossus: Front row exit side, nice pops of air
Colossus: Back row entrance side, after first drop TONS of air!(almost too much)
Deja Vu: Row 16, closest to line
Tatsu: Back Row outside closer to exit.
Tatsu: Front row outside closer to exit.
Viper: Middle
X: Front row, Viper side, outside
Xcelerator: Back row, exit side

[rcwhiz]

For me:
Superman-SFNE : Any middle seats on the exit platform side because it gives great views of the water and seems to freak some people out being that high off of water. And they are also the quickest seats to get when the station is crowded.
Batman-The Dark Knight : Front row because you cant really see anything around you when you sit else where.
Boulderdash : Front or second row for a non-painful but IMO the best ride. If you want a really painful ride sit in the back seat cause it hurts especially for girls.

[Dan]

I agree with Ryan and Jake, I do the same thing...try for first in the front, then go near the back, or middle.

[chris]

For Griffon-any row all the way closest to the loading gate. Ton of airtime on immelmans. Wait for front it is best.
Alpengeist-Anywhere in front. Push on harnest when entering cobra roll (reduces head banging)
Apollo- Second row closest to exit. Great veiws.

[Dan]

Apollo- Second row closest to exit. Great veiws.I disagree with this. The first row would provide even better views, and give that amazing first row experience. I say, ride in the front once, then in the back. Unless you don't feel like waiting the extra time, go first row.

[Jeff]

I disagree with this. The first row would provide even better views, and give that amazing first row experience. I say, ride in the front once, then in the back. Unless you don't feel like waiting the extra time, go first row.

Of course you would disagree because as you said before, everyone has their own personal preferences. I like the very back in almost every ride.

Xcelerator - Front seat left side. (Driver Side) ... Best experience ever! :)

[Jake]

Yes.. but the front row offers the best views.. which is what he was saying..

[Jeff]

Yes.. but the front row offers the best views.. which is what he was saying..

Depends what ride. Xcelerator Any seat has good views, basically all the same because it's all open.

[Dan]

The way the thread works around that kind of problem is, if you post up a ride thats already up there then kindly explain why you like that seat.I was just following the thread creator's instructions, I gave another seat and an explanation.


Front seat left side. (Driver Side) ... Best experience ever! :)I prefer the right side, because it is the driver's side in England, and it makes me feel like I'm back on Stealth :D


Depends what ride. Xcelerator Any seat has good views, basically all the same because it's all open.Where have you been riding your coasters? Any view but the front is partially blocked by the seat in front...

[Jake]

Depends what ride. Xcelerator Any seat has good views, basically all the same because it's all open.

Yes, every seat has good views, but the front offers the best. I don't see how anyone can contest that. The front seat always offers a better view then any other seat on a ride.

[rshl]

I personally love Tatsu in the back because there is so much air time when coming into the end of the ride on the quick... I'm not sure what to call it...dip upwards? Anyways, that coaster is pretty much awesome all around! <3

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

^^Especially in four wide trains, the middle seats don't even get a good side view.