teacherkim

I know the answers to most of your questions BUT I will let Bert speak for himself! However, on the age issue; I am 57 my son is 22. We started riding big stuff together as soon as he was tall enough so around 7 for him and 42 for me. I hadn't ridden much in my 30's and it was kind of a rediscovering of a love for theme parks and such. Needless to say the first few trips took some getting used to it all again and I found myself bracing and holding on too hard, that was exactly the wrong thing to do and made me sore as hell. As soon as I started riding more like a drunk person and just allowed my body to move around more naturally I stopped having issues. Now that goes along with some good judgement, I don't really ride SLC's (or hang and bangs as a fellow older enthusiast lovingly calls them) or things that wack me in the ear (looking at you Ninja at SFSTl), or super spinny that I know will make me sick (some motion sickness issues have gotten worse as I aged). In other words as you age you will also know your tolerances and body limits better and better and learn it's beneficial to skip this or that so that you can enjoy almost everything else. Also, needless to say the better shape you stay in and the healthier lifestyle you lead the better your body handles it all. I mean my son and I did a two week Europe theme park trip with ACE last summer for his 21st birthday; 14 parks in 14 days and I was fine without taking daily pain meds like some people there. BUT I also didn't try to ride every single coaster like he did and took breaks when I needed too.

Yeah, I don't care that much about merch discount or bring a friend free either, I often don't even use all the bff that I have. Which is why the food was possibly the tipping point for me. I guess I just need to sit down and do the math and calculate the differential between buying food or not and see what the difference is likely to be and if it's worth it. Of course this means I have to do math I think also a little part of me is reluctant to give up the memberships just because I've had them for soooo long and I know once I do there's no going back. On the other hand that's a very first world problem and probably not worth all the consideration I'm giving it, lol.

I also assumed the sale will get extended which is why I'm not that fussed about taking a chance and waiting. If we get everything on our membership at all parks, it's a pretty great deal for what I pay. Of course I have that because I kept paying it all through the Covid lockdowns so ...........!

I'm pretty sure that the skip the line thing will revert to just one since they are getting rid of the old SF fastpass system and using the CF system chain wide. Although, since that works on a wristband and not digitally I'm not sure what a one time will look like. May just be a paper pass. Also, I think one mug will work and I've been told that SF parks will start putting in drink stations where you can just get a paper cup versus carrying around the plastic jug all day which we greatly prefer. Will see how long that takes to implement and if they do it at all parks. But there still seems to be a LOT of internal confusion regarding how this is all working. The person I spoke to at my home park, SFSTL, was very sympathetic and flat out told me they had simply not been given all the information yet and were themselves trying to sort out all the answers. Of course we knew there would be merging pains but still frustrating. I will be at SFSTL for an ACE event on Sept 6th and if I haven't gotten an answer yet will literally corner the higher ups and enact mild Karen mode (just an expression I'll be nice, firm but nice) until I get said answer. Of course that will be after the "sale" deadline on new passes so if advantageous to switch over I might regret waiting.

So, back to my post from several days ago. Do you know if this includes the legacy SF Diamond Elite VIP membership inclusions? For 2025, when the all park passport was added on it only included parking and admission for legacy CF parks. The meals, drinks, etc, etc continued to work at all legacy SF parks. The recent email gave a list of things that would now be included at ALL parks (mostly things already on there) and mentioned drinks but not meals. Although I haven't given up trying to get an answer from some actual live human that works for the new mega corp!

Hey as Bert said that's pretty good for a non-enthusiast. I ride almost everything with my son but I'm the one that got him involved in the first place so Kudos to Mom's everywhere. We've been to CP many times but my son was there on Monday 7/28 which turned out to be the recent and already infamous flood day. He was at a weekend event in Columbus with some non-enthusiast but willing friends so they went up just for the day. However, unlike good old Mom here they were late getting going not understanding his pleas to get there early and be first in line to get in and beat the rope drop crowd to at least one of the new coasters. They took so much time getting in, doing SC and TT2, and grabbing food that was all they had done when the storm hit and they were then trapped in Millie's station for 4 hours. Only had about 2 hours after that so just got on a couple other rides. Although good on the park for opening up anything at that point I guess. His opinion is SC was great but as a huge fan of the original TTD he was not at all enthused about TT2...............thought it was horribly slow and declared no need to every wait in a line for it. Said if it was basically a walk on then sure he would ride again but won't cry if it's a one and done for him. Just reporting, don't kill the messenger, lol.

Agreed! I particularly love the people that complain about it but then state that they aren't ever going back to Disney because it's too woke or too expensive or too much stress to plan now or forces to much phone time............ok, then like why do you care? We're going mostly to Universal at the very end of Sept but spending just about a day and half at Disney first. Going to hit MNSSHP and pick up our credit on Tron which we don't yet have.

Yeah, that's my dilemma; what to do? On the other hand what is the worst I am risking by waiting to see what happens? Just the sale price, probably not that big a deal in the long run.

So for anyone who wants to know: 1) Called corporate. Waited on hold for about 15 minutes before it forced me to leave a message with the promise of a call back. Doubtful that will happen but hopefully, I will be wrong. 2) Called SFSTL where I had a conversation with a truly very nice and helpful guest relations woman. She was sympathetic but stated that they themselves have not been told about the food issue and as far as she knows SF has not decided on that issue yet for the memberships. She suggested that I use the chat feature on web site because then she would get a record of it and be able to pursue it with corporate. So, 3) I did that. Twice but was never able to connect to a live human despite being on hold on the chat waiting for one for 45 minutes. Although I did get an email from the same person I spoke to yesterday this morning. So I wrote a response that she can hopefully then pass up the line about how basically it is bs that they are announcing the changes without knowing all the changes, etc, etc This may all be completely for naught but as a troublemaking former social studies teacher that has more time on her hands than ever before I will continue to fight the man until I get an answer of die from exhaustion. Stay tuned. I'm double posting this on SFSTL thread since it's my home park and the SF corporate thread for maximum audience in case anyone else finds out anything.

So for anyone who wants to know: 1) Called corporate. Waited on hold for about 15 minutes before it forced me to leave a message with the promise of a call back. Doubtful that will happen but hopefully, I will be wrong. 2) Called SFSTL where I had a conversation with a truly very nice and helpful guest relations woman. She was sympathetic but stated that they themselves have not been told about the food issue and as far as she knows SF has not decided on that issue yet for the memberships. She suggested that I use the chat feature on web site because then she would get a record of it and be able to pursue it with corporate. So, 3) I did that. Twice but was never able to connect to a live human despite being on hold on the chat waiting for one for 45 minutes. Although I did get an email from the same person I spoke to yesterday this morning. So I wrote a response that she can hopefully then pass up the line about how basically it is bs that they are announcing the changes without knowing all the changes, etc, etc This may all be completely for naught but as a troublemaking former social studies teacher that has more time on her hands than ever before I will continue to fight the man until I get an answer of die from exhaustion. Stay tuned. I'm double posting this on SFSTL thread since it's my home park and the SF corporate thread for maximum audience in case anyone else finds out anything.

I agree about the communication problem; it's why I am definitely not looking forward to a customer service call but I'll give it a go anyway. Would actually be nice if multiple people called so we can see if there is any consistency on this issue. It has been announced that Zimmerman is stepping down at the end of 2025. Whether that was planned after the merger was set or strictly a result of the worse than expected earnings report or a combination of the two I really don't know. Perhaps someone on here has more information. No worries about stealing my thunder, I think we all have enough hot air to hash out several different topics at once

And actually upon a little more investigation, it appears they haven't even updated the member portal in 3 years. Great.

I'll report back if I get a coherent answer!

I'm thinking that may be correct because their have been several changes to the dining plans over the last 5 years and it has never affected our memberships. In fact some employees are a little surprised we have 2 meals and a snack. I've even wondered a couple times if it was maybe supposed to change but slipped under the radar since it is often the case that the left and right hands don't know the other exists. I think I need to talk to someone at the park to sort it out but God only knows if I will get a correct answer, I'm really not sure if it is badly worded or purposefully ambiguous.

Not that I can see. If I log into my membership account there are no add-ons available at all. Unfortunately, I think this is going to necessitate a call to customer service to confirm or I might just run by the park one day.......probably easier in the long run. Then pending the answers I will have to decide what is the better deal. Preferred seating at the waterpark I don't care about and frankly I don't buy enough merch at this stage to feel like that discount is worthy of consideration. Preferred parking is nice but hardly a dealbreaker and the drinks package if we have to do separately is really not that expensive. I guess it comes down to the food and whether we get that or not and if not is it worth it to keep the memberships. I'm not sure if it is just badly worded or they are being purposefully ambiguous.

Posted this on the SF corporate thread but I'm not sure how much traffic that is getting so thought I would get the opinion of the regulars on this thread: So we are still Diamond Elite VIP blah blah members. I've kept it because it was locked in for such a good deal. Received this email today. It doesn't mention dining at all, we currently get 2 meals and a snack. Does this mean they are simply doing away with dining for the memberships? Or am I reading that incorrectly? Just trying to decide if we hold onto them for now or are better off switching to the new passes. To Our Diamond and Diamond Elite VIP Members, We are pleased to inform you that, starting Jan. 1, 2026, your Pass will grant you access to all legacy Cedar Fair parks. You will no longer need to purchase the All Park Passport. Combined with your access to all legacy Six Flags parks, this means you can visit more than 40 parks throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This new benefit joins a growing list of incredible benefits you receive as a Diamond or Diamond Elite VIP member. You also receive: Major discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise Free Bring-A-Friend Tickets on select days - Free Preferred Parking (at participating parks) Skip-the-Line passes - Haunted Attractions Pass each visit Waterpark Exclusive Seating And much more! Plus, you will receive a free All Season Drink Bottle to fill up with your favorite beverages whenever you visit! We’re excited to see you, Your friends, and family at the park!

I too was kind of expecting Ninja to be on the chopping block, I mean it's just about always a walk on (which I know strictly from observing the line while on Mine Train, lol, I'm never getting on that thing again) so clearly isn't much of a crowd pleaser. Maybe it will still get removed sooner rather than later but delayed a year until they are willing to fund a replacement?

So we are still Diamond Elite VIP blah blah members. I've kept it because it was locked in for such a good deal. Received this email today. It doesn't mention dining at all, we currently get 2 meals and a snack. Does this mean they are simply doing away with dining for the memberships? Or am I reading that incorrectly? Just trying to decide if we hold onto them for now or are better off switching to the new passes. To Our Diamond and Diamond Elite VIP Members, We are pleased to inform you that, starting Jan. 1, 2026, your Pass will grant you access to all legacy Cedar Fair parks. You will no longer need to purchase the All Park Passport. Combined with your access to all legacy Six Flags parks, this means you can visit more than 40 parks throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This new benefit joins a growing list of incredible benefits you receive as a Diamond or Diamond Elite VIP member. You also receive: Major discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise Free Bring-A-Friend Tickets on select days - Free Preferred Parking (at participating parks) Skip-the-Line passes - Haunted Attractions Pass each visit Waterpark Exclusive Seating And much more! Plus, you will receive a free All Season Drink Bottle to fill up with your favorite beverages whenever you visit! We’re excited to see you, Your friends, and family at the park!

Agreed. I'm in STL and for at least the last 10 years I know they have gone to daily ops by Memorial Day. In the mid-west almost all schools are out by then.

He has expressed disdain for enthusiasts and this hobby repeatedly and yet he spends a lot of time on here communicating with said enthusiasts; a classic bully. Don't waste the time, he isn't worth it. Instead lets celebrate you! Congrats on doing what makes you happy and achieving a goal, doesn't matter a wink what others think. As a parent and teacher I want to congratulate you personally for advocating for yourself! I know from first hand experience that is often a difficult thing for someone on the spectrum to do. So, live the life that makes you happy, be kind, be accepting, and focus on the things and people that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Good luck!!

It looks great! I have some friends that are equestrians more than theme park people that cannot wait to come and check it out. ACE Heart of America region shared this post on fb and I replied that I was a bit surprised they re-opened it so quietly. Elizabeth Gotway responded (for those that don't know she has been the marketing director for the park for a long time, although she did not respond with her official title or as a park employee, just her name) that this was just the phase 1 opening and that they would do a big celebration for the phase 2 opening. I have absolutely no idea what the heck that means but thought I would share

Careful...................them's fighting words, you'll restart the very divisive "corporate hates us" argument again

I agree that they have definitely put some time, effort and money into the park; as previously discussed just not so much on the ride front but on infrastructure. Not sexy but necessary and would lead you to believe there are plans to keep the park profitable and working well for the future. I don't think an RMC conversion of the Boss is likely now since they put the money into doing the titan track section, hopefully they add to that. IF we do get a major new attraction I think a small footprint coaster is much more likely. As I said I don't think they made the SDC/SFSTL Coaster Con pick because they know something new will be coming BUT if the park had plans they might be more motivated to have it ready to go by then. Clearly all speculation, maybe nothing will happen, time will tell. P.S. - There is an ACE event on Sept 6 and a group ride on the carousel is in the printed itinerary. While those schedules are never concrete it does indicate the park has a fair amount of confidence that it will be operational by then. P.P.S - Shell bought out the company that originally put in the EV chargers so they are no longer free. Still totally worth it for those traveling from further away that need to charge while in the park. Locals no more free juice but you really didn't need it anyway, lol.

Will be fun to see what, if anything, happens with the area in question. It has been announced that ACE CoasterCon in 2027 will be at SDC and SFSTL. Now some people assume that this means something new will be put in place by then. That is not necessarily true. ACE doesn't get secret phone calls about future plans, on the other hand it would be nice timing. I am sure the bigger draw for this pick is SDC which will have the new hotel and possibly a new water park, or some other attraction ready to go by then. They also take into consideration other area enhancements and the two new Vekoma coasters at Lake of the Ozarks will be good to go by then which will give attendees from far away a chance to ride them while traveling between the two parks.

That's so bizarre to me because every time I've ridden it this season I thought it's been running really well. I do almost always sit in a non-wheel seat, usually front row or second to last row. I know some people will poo poo that as nonsense but you can tell a difference. Just ask Bert about front row Voyage versus second row Voyage, lol. I do agree that they need to do some work on it for the 50th, at least a good paint job for God's sake, and maybe some special merch?