Gurnee's Wild Ride: Opening Day at Six Flags Great America
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographySix Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, has long held its place as a cornerstone of Midwest amusement park culture. Each spring, thousands of eager guests return to the park, braving unpredictable weather, long lines, and the thrill of being among the first to experience the latest updates and attractions. The 2025 season opened with a burst of energy, color, and anticipation—setting the stage for what could become one of the park’s most dynamic and memorable years yet.
A Rocky Start at the Front Gate
As any longtime visitor knows, Opening Day is always a bit chaotic, and 2025 proved no different. We arrived early, hoping to beat the crowds, but ended up waiting around 45 minutes at the main gate, the line did grow up to a 90 minute wait at one point. Much of the delay was due to the usual backlog of season pass processing an annual ritual where guests snap photos, and collect their cards right at the entrance.
Adding to the tension, a few groups of pre-teens repeatedly cut the line, causing frustration among those who had been patiently waiting. This kind of behavior is hard to police without strong staff presence, and on a day that’s already high-pressure, it created a rough start for many. It’s one area where the park could certainly improve by deploying more team members or security early in the day to help manage lines more effectively.
First Impressions: Vibrancy and Energy
Once past the gates, however, the mood shifted quickly. The park looked vibrant, with fresh paint, blooming landscaping, and a renewed sense of excitement. The music pulsed, characters roamed for photo ops, and staff greeted guests with visible enthusiasm. The colors throughout the park felt brighter than usual, and everything from signage to scenery seemed refreshed and ready to welcome visitors for the season.
The crowds were significant, as expected, but there was an undeniable buzz in the air. Whether it was first-timers, annual passholders, or coaster fanatics, everyone was clearly thrilled to be back at Great America.
Ride Updates: Height Requirements and Skyline Changes
One of the first things we noticed was a change to height restrictions on several rides. In some cases, guests now need to be taller than in previous years to board, a decision likely tied to updated safety standards. While this change will be disappointing for some younger guests, it's a reminder of the park's ongoing commitment to safety.
Of course, the main attraction of the season is the new roller coaster: Wrath of Rakshasa. Although it wasn't open yet, the ride has already taken over the park’s skyline with its sleek design and striking theming. Earlier in the week, the ride underwent testing, and park officials have confirmed it will be ready for guests by Early Summer.
The towering structure and the dramatic angles of Wrath of Rakshasa have already made it a centerpiece, and based on what we've seen so far, it promises to deliver an intense and immersive experience once it opens.
Food, Drink, and New Systems
One of the biggest adjustments this year comes in the form of changes to the season dining and drink pass systems. For those who rely on these passes, a few things have changed:
The season-long dining pass now allows a meal every 4 hours, instead of the previous 3-hour interval.
The season drink bottles now operate on a 15-minute refill cooldown, which is tracked by the park’s new scanning system.
While these tweaks may seem minor on paper, they had a noticeable impact on guest routines throughout the day. Many people weren’t yet aware of the changes, leading to some confusion and frustration especially when being denied a refill just shy of the 15-minute mark. Hopefully, clearer signage and staff training will smooth this out as the season progresses.
Speaking of food, the lines were long, particularly during peak meal hours. Several employees appeared confused or overwhelmed, which is understandable given that many are likely new hires experiencing their first job. While this is expected early in the season, it's also where strong leadership and training make a big difference. There’s no doubt that operations will improve over time, but it was definitely a learning curve on Opening Day.
Park Staff and Operations
While food service struggled, the ride operators and guest services teams were more consistent. The park appeared well-staffed, and lines for most attractions moved at a respectable pace considering the crowd size. Ride attendants were generally friendly, helpful, and energetic exactly what you hope to see on a day where hundreds of guests are forming their first impressions of the season.
It’s also worth noting that park cleanliness was impressive. Despite the crowd, trash bins weren’t overflowing, and most restrooms we visited were well-maintained. For a park of this size and on such a busy day, that level of upkeep deserves recognition.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Season
The excitement surrounding Wrath of Rakshasa is tangible, and it’s already influencing the flow of the park. Guests are lingering near its entrance, speculating about ride elements, and snapping photos of the imposing track. When it opens in June, expect a huge surge in attendance. But if the park continues on its current operational trajectory with full staffing and improving systems it should be more than capable of handling it.
This year marks the 49th season of Six Flags Great America, and that milestone isn’t lost on fans of the park. You can feel the momentum building toward the big 50 next year, and the improvements made so far visual upgrades, new tech systems, ride safety enhancements, and the addition of a new headline attraction show a clear investment in the future.
Final Thoughts
Opening Day 2025 at Six Flags Great America was a mix of minor frustrations and major excitement. The long wait at the gate, the season pass processing delays, and some first-day staff confusion are par for the course. But once inside, the park delivered: a lively, refreshed atmosphere, operational coasters, visible improvements, and the looming shadow of what’s sure to be one of the most thrilling additions in years.
If the rest of the season continues in this direction, 2025 could go down as one of the best years yet for Great America. With the park looking more alive than ever, Wrath of Rakshasa on the horizon, and the golden 50th season just around the corner, there's no better time to be a fan of this iconic Illinois destination.
