Opening day 2013 report

Opening day was certainly busy with plenty of hiccups. But what do you expect from the first day of the season?

We got there around 9:10, hoping to score a free Gold Striker cup. But everyone else had the same idea!

First, the good: Gold Striker looks amazing in person, pictures really don't do it justice.

Gold Striker's trains revealed

Gold Striker's trains recently arrived at the park, and CGA showed off one car on its Facebook:

Via Facebook.

Gold Striker first rider auction is now live

Gold Striker's first rider auction is live, and on the tentative date of May 1, riders will be able to take their first spin on the coaster.

The ride is expected to open to the general public soon after, CGA said.

The auction is open through April 28, and the seats will be auctioned off to the highest bidders.

Proceeds will go to the San Francisco 49ers foundation.

New additions and improvements for 2013 season

A group of media were invited to a special event Saturday to witness all the new additions and improvements CGA will have for 2013. Among them:

• Three new Haunt mazes, with one being in a new structure and the other two replacing older mazes.
• New show in Action Theater, but what it will be has not been announced. They did say that it won't be a white water rafting movie.
• Kidzville River Adventure will be removed.
• Parking lot is getting a makeover
• Three new shows: Pop Fusion, On Broadway and Team Charlie Brown. Happiness is Snoopy will return.
• Many buildings/rides being repainted
• Different areas will now have their own special music. No more Lady Gaga blasting across all areas.
• Themeing will be huge on Gold Striker.

For pictures, see the reports on Theme Park Review.