Just got back from a tour of the "Show Me" state. (Not sure what that means.) While I was taking a video at the Superman Tower -- and what little I could see of Screamin Eagle -- I noticed a uniformed security guard standing inches away from me. He asked if I was videotaping my kids. (I have none.) I told him I take pictures of the coasters, I travel to all the parks, etc. He then said, "my boss has told me to tell you to refrain from taking any videos or photos of the rollercoasters or any other rides." I asked why, and he said that "he wasn't sure, but it probably has something to do with people possibly stealing our ideas." Is this something unique to 6Flags St Louis, or is this some new chain wide policy? I realize the new managements' emphasis is now on families, but does this mean that those of us without a wife and kids are not welcomed in their parks anymore? Are such people now viewed as some kid of suspicious characters or something? I know lots of people here complain about their parks. I've never had any real issues with the parks -- except for closed rides -- but if this is some new policy, I will think twice about going to another one of their parks! I don't appreciate having to walk around a park, looking over my shoulder, wondering if some security officer is going to confiscate my photo and video equipment! Also, in Hurricane Harbor, 2 lifeguards stopped me and told me that video taking was prohibited in the water park, but photos were allowed. Videos were only allowed to be taken at the theme park. (Wish these guy would get the policy straight!) I double checked the entrance signs and brochure, and found no mention of this. Anyone else have problems there? Could this be some kind of Missouri law? (2 days earlier, at W. O. F., I took a 10sec. video of a marching band. One of the members then came over to me and told me not to video them or any other performances in the park.) Overall, I enjoyed my trip -- and finally topped the 300-coaster mark in S. D. C.! -- but these incidences did leave a bit of a questionable impression of the "Show Me" state.
