Six Flags Great America - Gurnee, IL

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[@Th3NoobSlay3r]

So cute to see Daffy Duck so excited to see Jacob the carpet bagger

[@295g295]

> 14:00

[@MikeWeiner]

JACOB! This was freaking AWESOME!!! I've never seen characters be excited at seeing a park guest like Daffy (my second favorite after Bugs) and Sylvester being so excited to see you! THAT WAS SO GREAT!!!! Its wonderful that all of your hard work is developing you into someone they know and Universal already recognizes the value of your coverage of their parks. You deserve all the fun and rewards for everything you do.

[@malene4609]

Carpetbagger made Daffy break the actor code for you xD So cute!

[@robylove9190]

Aww...Daffy was star struck to meet you! ❤❤❤❤

[@LemonExtras]

It always brings me so much joy when people recognize you. The person in the daffy costume was so happy.

[@rapids444]

Daffy & Jacob was the cutest thing i've seen in a while...

[@melanieiwasko6010]

Jacob I am so glad that you are enjoying life to your fullest and not afraid❤

[@bluegold1026]

How awesome was it to see Daffy recognize you! Whoever was performing as him that day, you just made their day!

[@lannyfaulkner6697]

Enjoyed this! I lived in Gurnee for seven years and my kids spent ALL summers there! My secretary's husband was the engineer when the American Eagle was built. I think that at the time it was built it was the largest wood roller coaster in America.

[@flashrobbie]

Tweety's a boy, he's based on Red Skelton character and voiced by Mel Blanc.

[@manongagnon9704]

Thanks!!👍 I didn’t know that either!!😁

[@Veste7182]

Fun fact: Batman the ride was B&M's first invert! To think how different the coaster industry would be if they'd never invested in that type of model.

[@TheMuni777]

"The Lobster" is an original ride from the park's opening in 1976 and was formerly located where the Joker free spin coaster is at. That area used to be themed as Yankee Harbor, hence the lobster theming for that ride. But when Batman the Ride opened in that same area, they renamed "The Lobster" to the "East River Crawler" and it remained that way all the way until the Joker opened and the ride was moved to the Hometown Square section. I thought it was neat that they gave its old name back.

[@skippythealien9627]

i'm old enough to remember the East River Crawler!! i remember when it was there for many many years. glad they still kept it even though they got rid of Orbit i believe, which is too bad

[@jackparanoia]

Little Dipper was my first rollercoaster! I'm so happy they preserved that amazing piece of history.

[@user-zm1nw2cb2o]

I always rode it at kiddie land it was my favorite. Sometimes if we were lucky there was no line and me and my cousin would ride it over and over again and run off and run as fast as we could to jump back on before a line came.

[@gdave53925_]

I too am from Wisconsin and Six flags is where we went every year as well. I loved that it was Bugs Bunny and friends themed as those were my favorite cartoons. And I'm glad to see they are still part of it. I love when they recognize you.

[@rachel_espinoza]

That moment with Daffy was so wholesome! He’s my favorite too

[@wmbolz2]

My home park as well. We're taking my daughter there in a couple of days, her first visit. I did costumed characters there in 1990, usually Bugs but also Sylvester. So much at the park has been changed just since last season, it'll be interesting to see how it feels now.

[@crosserpg4708]

Love starting my day with a Carpetbagger video!

[@andrewk7745]

In the 80’s I grew up as a kid with this park bordering our backyard. Sometimes when I was bored I would hop the fence in the backyard, walk through the parking lot, and see a show by the Chinese Acrobats at the theater. Then just walk back home.

[@kristyisaacs4761]

Glad to see you visiting my home park! Haven't been in 25 years but remember it so well. My brother and I actually were there when they were running the Eagle backwards. So incredibly awesome 😎

[@SquirrellyGirlly]

The eagle backwards was fun! I liked viper backwards better though!

[@kristyisaacs4761]

@@SquirrellyGirlly didn't know they ran that backwards! That would be amazing.

[@Corgis175]

Loved the two tier carousel and Daffy Duck's hug for you.

[@shanerogers5152]

I have years of memories at that six flags park.

[@melanieiwasko6010]

Love Six Flags Great America❤❤❤

[@kathleencastillo8525]

I was born and raised in Waukegan, IL and My mom started taking us there in the late seventies. I try to go every summer. We are current pass holders now too as we just love hurricane harbor. This park has a special place in my heart. ❤❤❤

[@robertcalifornia7505]

This is my home park!! I can’t believe you were here. I would’ve been so stoked to see you out and about. Welcome back!

[@jasonmelton9755]

Yes! That is awesome to be recognized and appreciated at Great America. I grew up in San Francisco, going to Marriot's Great America in the 70's and 80's, home of the original IMAX screen. I can remember a time when the only rollercoasters in the park were the Wizard and the Tidal Wave; then later came the Demon.

[@alliposh8097]

so happy to see this. i grew up in the greater green bay area, so six flags great america was the closest "big" amuesment park (we have bay beach but its a tiny park). Last time i was to Great America I think i was 18 and it was their scare fest, the lagoon in front was dyed red!... so its been a long time. One of these days I will bring my kids there!

[@OldMovieRob]

This park could use a few dark rides!

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

Most definitely! I know we have justice league but it's shit imo I've thought about where and what they can do with Dark rides but I'm not sure. But I do agree we definitely need some cool dark rides

[@JCW1013]

That's why I don't think of Six Flags/Cedar Fair parks as "theme parks", to me they are amusement parks with one or two dark rides.

[@ArielCunneen]

The Batman was my favorite. I remember waiting hours in line to ride the Batman, and it was great from beginning to end. Good memories!

[@RockulaRandy]

Excellent! Always a pleasure to have you back in northern Illinois!!

[@user-zm1nw2cb2o]

Thank you! I was so excited you went there! Iam 52 and went there my whole life. Havent been there in awhile now, almost made me cry the memories and looking at your video. It was like i was there. Thank you so much! You are a great story teller as well. Seeing everything through your eyes is great!

[@coachshanonfreeman]

Sorry you didn't get to ride the Whizzer. How cool that Daffy was so excited to see you. ❤

[@slytheringingerwitch]

Now that was so wholesome, Daffy is enamoured about meeting Jacob. Such a cute moment. I always thought Tweety, was a male bird.

[@adan7861]

I wish it was maintained a lot better throughout the years. I feel like the park has gone down hill for a few years now. I used to be so excited to go there but not so much anymore 😢 On a positive note - my husband and i always hit up Lobster first whenever we went to the park haha 😂😂

[@fireman1294]

I remember when it was Marriotts great America. I also remember my parents taking is to kiddie land and Santa’s village in Dundee IL. I believe Santa’s Villiage is still open. And that memory you have about The Eagle coaster, driving by it all the time and seeing it there from the road. I have those same memories. My dad worked for US Steel. The US Steel Corp always a Great America dad for just employees of the company and their families. So it was all our family and no lines.

[@bretttyner2796]

Marriotts Great America was my favorite place growing up! I loved the American Eagle, the red side and the blue side would "race" each other. And when Fright Fest became a thing the rollercoaster would go backwards.

[@TheCarpetbagger]

I remember them advertising it backwards!

[@DxnnyD4791]

Look at all of the people trolling behind him 😆36:02 36:06 36:11 Honestly credits to this guy for being capable enough for vlogging in front of people walking past you. I'd be so unsettled if that was me

[@PickledPretzels]

Jacob -- The Whizzer terrified me as a child Me too, Jacob. Me, too

[@nathanlopez5667]

The one in Santa Clara scared the hell out of me when I was younger knowing a kid died on it

[@erine4565]

That was my first coaster :)

[@bg199083]

I love starting my day watching The Carpetbagger after I eat my breakfast. I want to go to Six Flags Great America in the future. Hope you have a great day Jacob! 😊

[@kellydeal72]

This video brings back so many great memories. Thank you!

[@RudiMaier-xd9ps]

20 years ago or about i took my kids to Marriott great america. This brought so many memories back...I can identify with you and the fear of roller coasters...thanks.

[@angieleone5450]

Jacob!! Love how you came to our hometown park. I worked here for 10 years. The last few years have been coming in the park as a guest with my daughter. We love watching your KZbin. We got on whizzer yesterday and the first thing she said is we had to let you know it was open. I have heard eagle is open as of today too. The have to wait for sky striker to open or close to it. Construction was blocking the train to open. Hope to see you around the park someday.

[@NickJansen87]

First time watching this channel. Wow, love it instantly. Your story and personal relationship with this Park makes this video incredible. Can't wait to see more from you

[@arrowguy173]

11:30 Chicago skyline would be in the direction of the giant white wood coaster American Eagle which is on the south side of the park.

[@briandelagrange8722]

Great America is an awesome theme park. Many great memories of my childhood.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

. Love the screaming, and smiles that go along with amusement parks. The climb is the worst part of a roller coaster because you know what's coming and it's too late to get off lol

[@mp9876]

This is amazing! I was just watching a couple of your Six Flags videos just yesterday! Read my mind! It's how I found your channel 😄

[@ThundercatDarklion]

Awesome!!!!! I've been here first time was an 8th grade trip the other times was with family. I also knew an music teacher who worked there as Taz in the summer months.

[@mrcat3493]

I am old enough to remember when it was Marriott’s Great America, before Six Flags bought it.

[@URAWESOME94]

I rode the lobster and richocet as a kid… 22 years ago it’s absolutely bonkers to see it’s still running just as I remember. Just like new.

[@history_leisure]

Also Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Houston was originally built as an amusement park by the Taft Corporation. They built Kings Island, Kings Dominion, and Canada's Wonderland plus operations of Carowinds and CA's Great America-so that is also of note in this merger

[@jazzz3934]

I'm so happy you went to Six Flags while you were in Illinois 🎉 I hope next time I get to catch you there! Your videos have kept me going throughout my years of being wheelchair bound and now I'm free of that and ready to be amused 😂 Thank you for all you di it is greatly appreciated ❤

[@melanieiwasko6010]

Awwwww Daffy Duck❤ 🦆

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

My uncle worked there on opening day. My grandfather worked the front gate around 1980 after retirement. I worked there from 1990-1992, and again in 2003. Both my brothers worked there as well. My uncle worked there again at the front gate I think. In 1992 at the end of the night my friend and I rode the Carousel on the top level none stop for about the last hour or so. BBQ Pit used to Moose Jaw.

[@angelah9383]

This was my home theme park, too! It was the highlight of every Summer growing up. Love the videos and look forward to watching them daily!

[@cati7313]

Thank you for another banger video. I love watching your videos. Also! My family also went to Six Flags yearly but it was always during Fright Night Halloween time. 🖤🖤🖤 I hope you are well Jacob. ☺️

[@mollysmith1226]

So happy there was a video today! I feel incomplete 😢 when there's no new video

[@ggc2073]

omg no way I literally just went on the same horse as you did today 😂

[@syedhamidi5643]

Omg the carrousel is HUGE 😮 the waterpark looks fun and huge too ? Can we get Carpetbagger on waterparks too 😂

[@history_leisure]

"They moved it to New England" Fact Check: it was relocated to Six Flags America just outside of DC. It later got floorless trains. Marriot actually considered building a third Great America in the DC area, but it fell through. The lack of "Great" in Six Flags America really fits since that park has received a few hand-me downs from SF Great America and this interesting fact...although that has nothing to do with the company's choice when that park was "flagged" 25 years ago

[@moonytheloony6516]

My old park....been there more times than I can count.

[@jakenewcomb9071]

Incredible video, “the carpetbagger”. Impeccable watch. Keep up the good work brother.

[@krist6687]

I wish I knew you were there , I have been following you forever and this is my Disneyland , I live in Chicago and I have been going here since it opened 1976 !! Glad you had fun

[@simonvanderwerf]

Once when I was a kid when I went there there was only one roller-coaster that scared me and that was the Shockwave but this time I was going to face my fear, then when standing in line it stopped working with the people stuck upside-down in one of the loops. Needless to say I never had to ride it.

[@tylercollins3130]

Looks like an awesome park. I am coming here next month. Can’t wait!

[@lizlocher3612]

Your meetings with Daffy Duck 🦆 n Sylvester were TOTALLY AWESOME !!! Daffy was sooo enchanted to run into one of America's MOST BELOVED ICONIC Characters of today, the CARPETBAGGER!!! I TRULY think you are a gift to current American Folklore like Mark Twain n Will Rogers!!!

[@mollysmith1226]

❤❤❤yes!!!!!❤

[@SuziMaxx]

Sir KIDDYLAND was in Melrose PARK, IL. Trust me I grew up there. I cringed every time you said Melrose. Did enjoy Daffys joy seeing you.

[@suemoo22]

That was a great story about when you rode by the Eagle coaster all the time! I loved your meeting with Daffy!

[@Retromicky82]

Congratulations jenn on the 10k subs

[@TheFlagshipPhantom]

Awesome, Great America is my home park, I was just there yesterday!

[@karyn3341]

The other Great America in Santa Clara, CA is my home park. I grew up in Santa Clara and spent every year with a season pass and visiting all summer. It was interesting to see how similar or different the one in Illinois is from the California one. :)

[@jolietpinball7439]

Both Marriott's Great America parks were nearly identical from 1976 through 1980...the first major change was in 1981 with only Gurnee getting the American Eagle. Both parks still share an identical original footprint from 1976...the buildings backstage are still all the same, in the exact same places, built from the same blueprints. Many buildings onstage are still the same, as are a few of the rides. Sadly, Paramount destroyed much of the Santa Clara park and its charm...but it still has good bones.

[@nathanlopez5667]

​ still upset about the whizzer getting removed here at the Santa clara Park oh yeah everything is pretty much the same down to the restrooms crazy you can go to either Park and know where everything is

[@l.french560]

The whizzer was my go to ride back when I would go to six flags!

[@StinkyLilGuy420]

think this is the earliest i’ve ever been for one of your videos :) very excited!

[@yavetty95]

Some of these changes were done when I last went 2 years ago but alot more has changed 😢 I miss the old park when I was a kid

[@skippythealien9627]

it's awesome that the Sky Trek Tower had narration when you went on it. every time i go on it, it plays that dumb stupid song from 1977 lol

[@anneendres7265]

Aw the Lil’ Dipper my 1st coaster ever!! Miss Kiddieland!!

[@Frank-jl1ce]

Love this 6 flags video carpetbagger look after yourself and keep up with the amazing videos too.

[@elsiegon7118]

Hey Jacob! Omg this video made my day!! I loved Sylvester’s reaction when he saw you! I’d react the same way if I ran into you! 😂, that lobster ride, they had that in Six flags Great Adventure back in the late 70s ,when I was a small child,it was called The Monster Spin , but without the lobster on top,you can find one of the seats at that ride grave yard they have there. It was on one of your videos from six flags Great Adventure! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience ❤❤❤

[@heather....]

The 1st rollercoaster i rode on here as a kid was Shockwave. That was awesome. Lol. Iron wolf and Batman were also amazing.

[@c.rogers____]

Growing up o how I loved amusement parks going there with family.My family have all passed away. My children are all grown up with their own families, far away...I enjoy watching your video !

[@PretirementDays]

Love your videos, like seeing a friend everyday

[@emilys1806]

So exciting but bummed we missed you. This is our home park, we live 10 minutes away and spend a lot of time here.

[@joanneb4083]

Hi Jacob. Good to see you in my backyard. Thanks.

[@craigrock2828]

That was my home park also I remember Shockwave,Rolling Thunder, Title Wave and finally my favorite PowerDive the space rocket that went upside-down.

[@MSRedgirl]

Same 😂. You must have been there late 80’s / early 90’s. Great rides. Shock wave was my fav.

[@zombpumpkin]

How about some Z-Force eh?

[@jusblazeem42]

Owg my our child good. Remember the iron wolf and the tidal wave!!! The shock wave where the Superman is. That right beat your ears up.

[@thebakednachos]

The bumper cars are super cool during Fright Fest they do it up entirely in black lighting. This was also my home park, spent a lot of time in the summer here

[@brandontuchel9898]

That routing 330 foot tower thing give you roughly the same view of things that 👑 kong has

[@Eddy1969]

I remember back in the eighties it was Marriott's Great America I used to work for Marriott and got in for free back then about 1987 1988

[@LilyTheOtter]

Nice to have you back in the Chicagoland area!

[@milissavallez4022]

Great America in Santa Clara is my hometown amusement park. Went there every summer with my family. Lots of good memories were made there for sure.

[@seanlewis1148]

Are they still closing down, or what ever became of that situation?

[@milissavallez4022]

@@seanlewis1148 they were until Cedar Fair took over. I believe they have a 10 year contract as of now.

[@noellesimagination7813]

Our home town park also. I lived in the south suburbs of Chicago and my cousins worked there in the 80s. They lived in Wisconsin. Wizzars was a starter coaster.

[@trentonshowers7366]

When i first visited this place as a kid i loved the superman coaster

[@matthud7193]

They should've kept Shockwave...

[@carriep6544]

Lol I can feel the pain in my head thinking of that ride!! It was the best as a kid!! Now in my 40s I don't think I could handle it

[@ScottyMania313]

Love it. The View Tower and double Ferris Go Round are world class

[@countrycutie3263]

I haven't been to Six Flags in years, it's one of my favorite theme parks!

[@thornmallow1]

That is my childhood home!

[@skippythealien9627]

man Carpetbagger...i would say about 15-20 years ago, there were always kids playing with those remote control boats you understand why Six Flags Great Am went the direction it did...but it is always a bummer to see things that once were popular just fade away or be taken out completely (Pictorium is a great example)

[@edsonvazquez1984]

27:00 did that person just meow? 🤣

[@arrowguy173]

One of three Great Americas planned. The DC location faced opposition. I’ve been to the Santa Clara park but Gurnee is home park since the 70s and is (along with Disney) a large reason why I became an artist in the attractions industry. I studied everything and this park was a great introduction to some of the standard coaster engineering giants at the time like Arrow (Demon) and Schwarzkopf (Tidal Wave and Whizzer). Great America also features the very first B&M inverted style coaster which they would go on to build a TON of over the world. Was BEAUTIFUL in the Marriott era with additional detail and care info everything. Six Flags unfortunately slowly transformed it into a place just like its other parks with its name plastered all over everything and snuffed out as much of the park’s character as they could. Many great memories of the Tidal Wave, early years of the Eagle and Demon, Looney Tunes shows, distinctly themed areas etc. one thing SF did amazing with was the mid 90s addition of Southwest Territory and the stellar Viper coaster which is even better backwards. Eagle backwards is also just an amazing experience- glad I was able to ride during those years. And I don’t want to turn anyone off from going - SF still takes care of it and it is always clean and maintained. But wow- if I could put all of you in a time machine to the late 80s/early 90s. I encourage everyone to check out photos and other info of the two Great Americas during that era on my friend’s site at greatamericaparks.com

[@dckmatrixxx]

I worked at Great America in Ca. and it was a fun job too

[@singthelongswansong]

The Looney Tunes is a fine example of representations of speech impedance I think. It’s not like there were any cruel “jokes”