On April 24. 2024, we had our yearly event at Santa Cruz, this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Giant Dipper. We started the day with an amazing 90 minutes of ERT, and the Dipper gave its usual amazing rides. Notice the cool new graphic on the front of the train! Everyone took […]
Here’s how Northern California theme parks are celebrating the holiday season
It’s the most festive time of the year, and what better way to celebrate the season than riding a rollercoaster amidst all the holiday cheer? Here’s what our Northern California parks have on tap for this season. ∙∙∙ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland opens Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 1. In addition to […]
It’s the merriest time of the year. Here’s what’s on tap at the parks for the holidays
The weather is cooling (mostly), the stores are packed with shoppers, and the end of the year is nigh. The holiday season is in full effect, and our Northern California theme parks are decked out to the fullest. Here’s a brief overview of what’s going on. California’s Great America: WinterFest is back on select nights […]
Haunts and frights return for 2021
Halloween is back. Perhaps not as large as it once was, but after the annual spookfests took an unplanned hiatus last year, we’re not complaining. Here’s what our Northern California parks have planned this year. California’s Great America Halloween Haunt is back after last year’s pandemic-related cancellation, running select nights from Sept. 24 through Oct. […]
2020 Season in Brief: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Important Dates: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opens daily with limited rides on weekdays beginning March 30. Rides are now open on weekends. Full daily operation runs May 22 through Aug. 16, with the park reverting to weekend-only operation Sept. 12. Free Movies on the Beach return Wednesdays June 17 through Aug. 12. Free Friday […]
Boardwalk’s Main Entrance project moves forward
Work is moving swiftly on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Main Entrance project, and park officials are eyeing a Memorial Day opening date. The $14 million project, which broke ground in September, will include two new rides, more ticket windows, a new Fright Walk experience, two arenas for The Vault Lazer Maze and more. Sitting […]
Boardwalk main entrance construction update
With the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk wrapping up its full operation schedule this past weekend, construction on its main entrance project is now heading into the winter months. The park received the green light from the City of Santa Cruz to construct the two new rides that are part of the $12 million project: Shockwave […]
Boardwalk submits plans for new rides
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has submitted plans to the city to add two new rides for its main entrance project, which is currently under construction. Known as “Shockwave” and “Typhoon,” the rides stand at 65 feet tall and 60 feet tall, respectively, taller than the allowed 40-foot height restriction. The Santa Cruz Planning Commission […]
Surf’s Up Undertow! – April 5, 2014
Greetings, ACE members! On Saturday, April 5th, 2014, our annual ACE Day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will take place. Entitled Surf’s Up, Undertow!, the event includes: ONE-HOUR ERT session on Undertow, Mini Golf and VAULT: Laser Maze tournaments with prizes, Boxed lunch in the Coconut Grove, QA session with a special Boardwalk employee – TBA, […]
UNDERTOW On-ride POV is now posted!
We just filmed the first-ever mounted POV on the new Undertow at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on 1/18/2014. Check out video of the awesome ride below. An official grand opening of the coaster is expected in the spring of 2014. Built by Maurer Söhne to replace the aging HURRICANE that operated from 1992-2012. Prior […]