Six Flags Great America Theme Park in Gurnee

The best discount on next season's passes is during the "Labor Day Sale" online. But, be sure to consider the in-park "upgrade" price. For $29.99, you can upgrade any daily ticket to a season pass. The first weekends often sell daily tickets for $20, allowing you to get a season pass for $49.99. This trick applies to free tickets as well (such as the "Read to Succeed" tickets provided to area schools). It does not work on "bring a friend free" days, as there is no hard ticket to upgrade.

Buying food and drinks at the park can get pretty expensive, but you can save money by bringing your own cooler and eating in the parking lot. We always bring sandwiches or subs. Don't forget to grab a couple of camping chairs. If you plan ahead, you can even park by a tree to get some shade.

If you want to ride a coaster that the rest of your party doesn't, check to see if it has a single rider line available. These are usually located near the exit of the ride marked with a sandwich-style board (portable) sign. You usually enter the same line as the Flash Pass people. These lines are not run as efficiently as at Disney or Universal parks. You usually wait midway through the main line, and at some point enter the main line rather than actually filling single open spots.

In addition to a minimum height (54 inches), X-Flight also has a maximum height restriction (78 inches). The reason for this is the ride's harness system: it uses a flexible material that stretches over your shoulders and down your front to keep you strapped in. If you are anything over 6 feet tall, heavier or have broad shoulders, choose row 4 (fourth from the front). These are special seats that give people of these body types more room and a more comfortable ride.

Not only do you get 5% cash back at all purchases made at Six Flags (register on Discover's website first), but you get access to the Discover Entrance to the left of the main gates. This entrance is absolutely invaluable. Security waits at the main entrance run upwards to an hour (!) first thing in the morning. I have never waited more than a couple of minutes at the Discover Entrance. Look for the orange carpet.

On a visit many years ago, we thought we had to pay for a locker at each roller coaster to stow all our "loose items". What we know now is that EVERY RIDE has an area where you can store a bag (or hat or water bottle, whatever) for free. These areas are NOT secure, so we don't keep our phones and wallets there. However, if you can fit your valuables in your pockets, just bring a small bag for everything else. You can stow that for free on every ride loading platform while you are on the ride.