theymitbgi

The park does have a capacity limit as in the past it has closed due to capacity issues on certain concert days, see a previous post. Most these days were long before HH even opened. I remember when I was much younger seemed like all rides had at least an hour wait except for maybe the mine train and kiddie rides. As far as capacity goes and lifeguard staffing. I used to be a lifeguard instructor for the Red Cross. Now that was 15-20 years ago and not dealing with waterparks. Most facilities have switched to a lifeguarding system call Ellis & Associates. When I was a guard/instructor, most facilities had a 25 or 30:1 guard to patron ratio. If you look at the wave pool, they normally have 8 guards on a busy day, which would be 240 swimmers. When we entered the wave pool on Sunday, there were much more than 240 patrons in the wave pool. Now times may have changed and ratios may have increased, but the wave pool IMO has always seemed understaffed except on the slowest days. Yes, I would be upset if I showed up at a park and it was closed because it was "full". Would you get more upset if you show up at a park and then have an awful time because the service was awful? I can deal with lines for rides if they are being operated efficiently, but not when only half of a ride is operating. I also hate waiting 15-20 minutes in a concession line when I'm overpaying for mediocre food/drink. Lastly, I have been an SFSL "apologist" for a long time, but my last 2-3 visits have been the worst I have had in the past 4 years since I started taking my kids to the park. It just wasn't this visit that makes me say, I'm not sure if I want to come back. Even after these experiences, I know I'll be back again.

However, the compliments/complaints that go through Guest Relations actually go through a system where not only departmental supervisors see them, but park directors see them as well. Did you know that Dave Roemer actually personally goes through every single compliment given, as well as a lot of complaints. Yea Six Flags is a corporation, but there are still real, good people who would take your feedback seriously. As soon as I saw the complaints I figured the park had more people show up than expected. Then you weren't staffed accordingly and I can totally relate to how much that sucks. You try the best you can, but nothing goes right. I wish people would understand and recognize when it happens. I clearly understood that is what happened is that they got a much larger crowd than expected and weren't staffed properly. My thought was why not close the park off at some point if it isn't staffed to handle say 15,000 people for the day. If you were expeceting 8-10,000 and got 15,000 you should expect problems. Wouldn't it be better to give 10,000 people the best experience possible than just take the money from 15,000 people and leave them with a very bad taste in their mouth. HWFAN, do you know if Dave reads these boards? Just curious Because I really haven't seen him in the park much this year, probably just because we haven't been as often as in years past.

Sounds like Six Flags has went all out on this one and I'm looking forward to getting out to the park and checking it out next year! I can't wait! I wonder if it'll be ready by opening day? Closing September 15th and be ready by opening day? Absolutely not! We'll be lucky for a late May-Mid June opening.

Also at the park today, I must say it was my worst visit of the year. First only 4 toll gates open with 8-10 cars each when we arrived at about 1:30. Went straight to Mooseburger to eat lunch. All 4 Freestyle machines out of ice. Customers told cashiers about ice, still no ice 5 minutes later. The kids decided to ride Joker and Ninja as they both had no lines, then we went to the water park. We were in the wave pool about 20 minutes until it was cleared for a safety break. My boys decided to ride the speed slides as that was the only waterpark ride with a short line. Head back to wave pool, it was still closed. Decide to get a drink refill at the ice cream stand, girl was helping people with refills then she abruptly told us to get drink refills at the burger place next door. Luckily one staff member was doing nothing but refills there. Take a quick smoke break and head back to wave pool, still closed. So we decided to go catch the Kidz Bop show. When we were exiting the line for HH was almost back into the park and I think they were only letting people in as others were exiting. Stop for another drink refill at the Funnel Cake stand. Took almost 15 minutes in a 5 person line to get a refill. Head to watch the Kidz Bop show that was pretty lame, my 12 year old and 15 year old were pretty bored with it, so we stopped by Collonnades for another refill, then my boys decided to hit Mr Freeze. I was getting another refill at JB's when I get a text from my boys saying MR Freeze would be a 2 hour wait. Luckily as they approached the queue building they opened the second track. The wait turned out to about an hour. After that they head over for a ride on Batman and might have had another lap on Ninja. At this point I was starting to feel ill from the hot weather and lack of drinks, so we decided to hit the road about 6:30 pm. All I can say about today is if the park is not staffed for this kind of capacity, which it seemed it wasn't they should cap how many people they allow in. They need more express drink refill stations, where you can just walk up and help yourself to a refill. At this point my last 2-3 visits this year have really got me thinking if I want to renew my passes for next year. We probably will renew passes, but without the food add-on for next year. It's just been a really disappointing season for me. Hopefully Fright Fest is more enjoyable. Remember this is coming from someone who just a couple of pages ago was trying to defend our park. With operations like this today that to me seem inexcusable, there's not much to defend. Did I stop and leave a comment at guest relations? Absolutely not, I was really starting to feel ill and another 30 minutes in the heat without a drink would have finished me off. What would we have gotten for that anyway, a form letter in the mail, that says we appreciate your feedback?

I'm still hoping they turn Scooby into a haunt for Fright Fest. It really wouldn't take too much work. It already has plenty of blacklight, it could be pretty awesome.

I get what you're saying, but "Time of their lives" in reference to most visitors is kind of a stretch, don't you think??? Maybe time of yor lives was a little over the top, but a good time or enjoyable visit would definitely be in order. I don't understand why some people can't realize this park will never be the star of the chain. We will at best be the 5th or 6th best in the chain. A chain which many don't have warm feelings towards to begin with. Some will never be happy with our park. I don't really want to say like it or leave it, but it is the only thing we have in the Saint Louis metro area. If you don't like our park great, go vist SDC, HW, SFGAM or wherever you want, it is a free country, but why bash a park that local management is trying to do the best they can with what they are given?

I thought someone posted a link awhile ago to the cost of some acts. There are some very decent acts that can be had at the 15-25k price range, not sure if they would draw more people to the park. http://variety.com/2014/music/news/degy-entertainment-breaks-down-artist-booking-fees-1201189498/ I am just impressed with the variety offered some years, country, christian, R+B, Oldies, Pop, Rock, comedians and more.

I'm not sure if it was Goliath or Raging Bull. Have you ever seen the key chains in the gift shop near Colussus that say "Raging Bull-Six Flags St. Louis". It may have been Goliath, but would have been named Raging Bull?

I know there is a little room behind The Boss for something, but where would the queue be? You would need a tram to get you to the station.

Scooby Doo Cheat-The sensor needing to be blocked is on the right? side of the front seat as you pass thru the entrance. It prevents the score from being reset.

Before Scooby closes, does anyone know of the "cheats" for the ride? I thought I remember reading on the old local site that there were 3 total, but I only of one. That is blocking the sensor to reset the score. Does anyone know of any others?

Tuesdays have worked out great for us lately. We've gotten in the habit of getting to the park about 1 or 2 pm and staying until close. From about 7pm-close most rides are walk ons. Unless you are really interested in the waterpark, I would wait till later in the day to arrive, just my opinion. Not much else to see, but make sure to take the train ride and you can get a look of some of the storage through the fence and also parts of the "terror Train" that are never put away.

Just got back from the park today, Scooby Doo is still OPEN, but that has already been confirmed. Does anyone have any idea of what we can expect from the rehab? Is this going to be a Disney quality attraction or something some carnies worked up in the backlot? This is going to have to be a world class-quality attraction to compete with the recent/future additions at SDC, HW, and SFGAM, if not this park may not have much life left. The new turbo-bungy area seems really pointless and some cement for the path was still curing today. Could we see the removal of the Gotham Park entrance to Batman and a smaller ride added or relocated there? Seems like a big hole in the front of the park for now. They really need to put a "WOW!" attraction up in this area as it seems to be pretty lifeless even with B:TR there. I had to direct a group to the entrance for Screaming Eagle today. They walked up to the big sign near/in the smoking area and just kept looking around. They really need to fix the entrance to this ride for what used to be the park's signature coaster. Superman only seemed to have 3 cars running. How can you have a ride run at 1/2 capacity? This seems totally unacceptable. The waterpark was packed today with BIg Kahuna having a line almost to the bottom of the tower, but the dry park side was absolutely deserted. Boomerang was waiting for riders to send out full trains, everything else was pretty much a walk on after 6 pm. Overall this was probably my second worst visit this year as it seems the mid-season doldrums have set in and many staff seemed unenthusiastic and just wanted to be anywhere else. Main problem was a cashier at Mooseburger chatting with an off duty employee while trying to ring me out and giving me incorrect chnge which I didn't notice until later in the day. Only off by a dollar, but it should be right.

This gives them about 6-1/2 months until opening day 2015 to have a "new" ride running. What's the chances it will still open in the end of June?

As said earlie, some people are better left alone as my safety and my family's safety is more imptortant than waiting a few extra minutes for a ride. I'm not saying, I'm a pushover all the time, but there is a time a place to pick your battles

Sorry for the double post, but what if, the queue for BTR was removed, taking out the long windy garden area? Take out turbo bungy, and added two small flats, carnival type rides? These rides run under 250k each, which would leave room for improvements. I' ve always wanted a tilt-a-whirl or wipeout, and then maybe a breakdance or a flying ride like CP's Eagles they just got. Just thinking of ways to add something but leaving money for much needed maintenance.

Just a couple quick comments regarding some of the posts, I wholeheartedly agree, that is would be in the park's best interest to "refresh" everything. This starts from the moment you exit for the park. How about a more exciting sign facing the highway, with a.nice lightup marquee, something that is more visibly eye-catching. Next road to toll plaza- does it really need to be that long and windy? I guess a couple times a year it may actually get all backed up, but doubtful. The parking lots- All parking lot needs 100% re-paving, including the overflow lot that has weeds grown through the asphalt. The islands in the parking.lot need to be maintained, either with grass or gravel, the current dustbowls are very unappealing.Metal detectors/ security- not sure what can be done here without a complete remodel of the entrance. I remember going as a kid and remember the giant fountain up front, but with HH on one side and security on the other, it is pretty much ignored. Maybe they could turn it into one.of the " dancing" type fountains, similiar to the casinos? This is where I would start as first impressions are everything. Could the park create a seperate "picnic grove" in the parking lot, near the ponds at the toll plaza, add a nice restroom, some bbq grills, could even add a concession stand selling sodas. Maybe a few electric outlets for radios, cell charging, etc? I personally find it disgusting when I see people sitting in the dirt islands eating lunch/ dinner. This should be kept in its own area and would help with landscaping on the islands. The question is would people drive a short distance to the picnic area, probably not. Then you would have people complaining they are forced to go there, as they should be. Biggest problem with all the upgrades is they are not marketable. How do you advertise " our newly paved parking lot" or freshly painted buildings"? This does not make for a good commercial. They would almost have to admit they let the park get " run down" to pull off merketing this. Lastly I believe preferred parking is $30 on weekends and $25 on weekdays, I've asked this before as somedays it was a $5 upcharge with a pass, other days it was $10. Normally we only used preferred when hitting the waterpark to avoid the hike take swim bag back to the truck. So much for being quick!

The wristbands are used in addition to the Qbot for platinum passes. The wristbands distinguish who can double ride. We purchased platinum passes for my two sons last year at Great America and were explained that V2 was one rid only, no doubles and at the time X flight you were only allowed two bookings. However we were able to book rides for my wife or I and one of my sons with the Qbot, just not allowed double rides. All this whining about flash passes is silly.

But if all three spinning coasters were named "Big Spin" would that then be overused also? I hate the overused argument for ride naming, there are only so many names that can be used even when going outside the English language for rides, it just seems trivial.

Does the name attachment really do anything for ridership or popularity? I would think it helps out when a ride is brand new, but after it's just the ride that attracts people to it not the name. Would people still ride Batman, Superman or Mr Freeze if the names were different? The name "Big Spin" on its own sounds like a TV game show or a washing machine.

Any "area" that was there is gone, but the building remains, it is the gray building in the left of this picture. The two times we've been so far, it has been a walk on, although everyone leaves with smiles on their faces. Also luckily the pumps were running for both sides of the flumes or they would have looked very bad. Not sure if these can be painted or what can be done. Thanks to everyone else for the comments.

Got back from a great day at the park today, took the camera and got a lot of pictures. 567 to be exact, but I don;t think I will post them all Many pictures of Tsunami Soaker as has been requested and some other photos that I hope you find interesting or enjoyable. It's really my first time doing this so please feel free to critique. I posted a wordy trip report a couple weeks ago, so not too much too add to that except the photos. Also I must commend those that do this regularly as it really is hard lugging a camera bag around, switching between lenses, and hoping/waiting for that perfect shot. Technical info for those that care: Camera: SONY SLT-A65V Lenses:SONY SAL 1855-3.5-5.6/18-55 SAM and TAMRON 70-300mm most shots at frame rate of 10 per second, picking the best shots. So here goes Batman doing it's thing! The Tommy G Robertson-SFSL's train Batman The Ride, tried getting sign, coaster and no people, this was the best I could do. Ninja-The Black Belt of Roller Coasters The Joker-Standard Swinging Ship. Anyone know it's previous two names? Tsunami Soaker Photos Tsunami Soaker Photos Tsunami Soaker Photos Tsunami Soaker Photos Tsunami Soaker Photos Tsunami Soaker Photos What pelican?? Oh, that pelican! signage exit through a git shop, of course. beautifully repurposed Hannibarrels signage My kids were thrilled with my picture taking, hey keep your arms in the train! Rush Street Flyer signage for this ride signage My kids upside down, they don't know Boomerangs are bad! Strange advertising There's this, can we call it folk art? Maybe? Those kids again on Screamin' Eagle. Should that wheel be touching the track? Hairtime! signage ghost train My kids like the Boss! Even give it a thumbs up! Tony Hawk's Big er.... Pandemonium? Quick, grab the hairspray! How does it feel? Sun setting through Colussus This is actually in a Six Flags park! This is actually in a Six Flags park! Mr. Freeze through the Trees! I'm a poet and didn't know it! signage and coaster, this took awhile to get as they were only running one train skloosh! Evel Kniev.. er.. American Thunder! A few more Tsunami Soaker A few more Tsunami Soaker A few more Tsunami Soaker A few more Tsunami Soaker A few more Tsunami Soaker starting to empty out Thunder River I'm Batman! Bugs! End of night show End of night show End of night show

Wow!! There are some amazing names on that concert list, Willie Nelson twice in a year, REO, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, many hot pop acts of the days, Stevie B., Technotronic, Tommy Page. I wish they would bring concerts like those in again. I understand the Christian concerts really pack them in, but wouldn't some current acts do the same. Is there a reason they cut the schedule back so much? Any problems in the past? Also the other concert of the year- Family Force Five is a borderline Christian/pop act, really fits with everything else booked. I almost forgot entirely about the Country Fair in September. Didn't they have Monster Trucks and demolition derbies? They removed Spring Breakout also, which seemed to keep the park full in the start of the season.

Heading to the park tomorrow, will definitely bring the camera and finally get some pictures of Tsunami Soaker and area on here for those asking. Any other requests?

Great weekend to skip this weekend, think we'll be heading out next Wednesday hopefully. Although, sometimes going during the concert, lines can be very short and most leave right after the concert, leaving about the last 2-3 hours of the day pretty slow.