Six Flags Announces "Nation's Best VIP Program"

[PKI Jizzman]

Originally Posted by Yahoo Finance

Press Release

 

Six Flags Announces Nation's Best Theme Park VIP Program

Wednesday March 14, 9:00 am ET Hosted, Guided Park Experience Takes Six Flags Family Entertainment and Guest Service to an Unparalleled Level

 

NEW YORK, March 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Six Flags (NYSE: SIX - News) announced today that it will launch its new VIP Program at all its US-based theme parks for the 2007 season. This new program provides more concierge- level service and benefits than any other theme park program of its kind, and offers guests special opportunities in everything from parking to ride access, games, private character meet-and-greets, photos, meals and more.

 

The VIP Program is a full-service, first-class hosted and guided experience. Guests who reserve the VIP Program for themselves and their families will be contacted in advance by a specially-trained Six Flags VIP Host to ascertain their family's preferences and favorite rides, food, Looney Tunes and Justice League characters and shows, all of which will be incorporated as the host plans the guests' full day of fun and activities.

The VIP Host will be the guests' private tour guide for the day, escorting them throughout their visit to Six Flags. These hosts are knowledgeable about every aspect of their park; each was recruited to audition for a role in the VIP Program, and upon acceptance into the program completed an elite guest relations training program designed to deliver the highest-possible guest relations experience.

 

The Six Flags VIP Program includes:

* Preferred parking;

* Park admission;

* Front-of-the-line ride access;

* All meals;

* Snacks;

* Games;

* Reserved seating at shows;

* A private character meet-and-greet with guests' favorite Looney Tunes or Justice League character;

* A complimentary photograph with that character;

* A complimentary attraction.

 

The VIP Program will be customized to include safaris, animal attractions, standalone waterparks or adjacent waterparks for those Six Flags parks which have these elements.

 

"We designed the Six Flags VIP Program around a complete entertainment and guest service experience that no other theme park could match," said Brandon Holst, Six Flags Manager of Guest Programs and Special Services. "From first- class guest service to a full portfolio of activities and amenities that include the best family and thrill rides in the world, games, meals, shows and characters, the Six Flags VIP Program takes the concept of a guest-centric environment to a new level. Families can plan their ideal day in advance -- and then Six Flags will take the lead in turning all their dreams into reality."

 

For more information, or to arrange for the VIP Program, guests can visit sixflags.com/vip. The VIP Program is suggested for a minimum of four people. The price per person (plus tax) is $249.00 at Six Flags Great America in Chicago, IL; Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA; and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. The price per person (plus tax) is $199.00 at Six Flags America in Washington, DC; Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, TX; Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, KY; Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA; Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta, GA; Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, TX; Six Flags St. Louis in St. Louis, MO; and The Great Escape in Lake George, NY.

 

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. It is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: SIX - News) headquartered in New York City.

 

Source: Six Flags, Inc.

Sounds cool, I had looked into CP's VIP guest pass, but I never thought I could really do it. Six Flags is improving alot!

[Sir Clinksalot]

$249 for a day at SFMM???

 

No thanks. Were not even getting Season Passes this year.

[Jayjay719]

Sounds cool, but super expensive. I'll stick with my season pass to all Six Flags Parks.

[Corkscrewed]

Sounds stupid, actually. How many Six Flags parks have the quality to even make a VIP program worthwhile? What great food is there at SFMM anyway? And what shows?

 

I can see this working for maybe... what... two SF parks? I believe I consistently hear that like SFGAdv and SFGA are well-managed parks, but I can't remember whether it's those two, or whether there are two, or whether every park in the entire chain sucks, period, when it comes to service.

 

I said it on Westcoaster... fix your park first before offering incentives for things that don't quite exist yet.

[RollerC]

Sounds stupid, actually. How many Six Flags parks have the quality to even make a VIP program worthwhile? What great food is there at SFMM anyway? And what shows?

 

I can see this working for maybe... what... two SF parks? I believe I consistently hear that like SFGAdv and SFGA are well-managed parks, but I can't remember whether it's those two, or whether there are two, or whether every park in the entire chain sucks, period, when it comes to service.

 

I said it on Westcoaster... fix your park first before offering incentives for things that don't quite exist yet.

Actually, SFGA and SFFT seem to be the best run parks and would benfit them the most. SFKK? Yea right. Also, it seems really high price wise. $199 per person? You'd be spending almost $1000 bucks for you, your wife, and two kids.

[coaster05]

There are 2 major points that some seem to be missing from this offer.

 

1. There are enough really rich people that would have NO problem spending that in a day if it allowed them to get away from the general public for a day. If I was anywhere close to making big money (200,000 a year for my household) I would definately do it at one park per year. Heck what would be the retail cost of 4 tickets, four fast passes, parking, pictures and food?

 

2. They do not epect a lot of people to go for this option, so what are you really losing here if you are SF. Other then the "supposed" training this is a new offer that cost almost nothing to add. Say 1 family a day does it that is what 100,000 extra dollars per year, per park. No obviously who would probably do it at SFKK, but what image does it send if some parks are so "bad" you don't even offer the VIP package.

 

IMO it sounds like a great idea, that has no downside at all. Heck you can even "giveaway" the days for promotions.

 

At my current stage in life would I pay for it? Of course not. Do I wish I could? For sure.

[Golfie]

A plane ticket to florida, or a day with no lines?

[FLIPDUDE]

I didnt even read through the whole thing but $249?!?! Are you KIDDING me?! Thats a 5 star vacation in another country for me! I'll stick to the fastpass thank you very much

[ParkTrips]

Why is this being blasted when similar programs at Busch Gardens or Universal Orlando always get rave reviews...

 

oh yea, because its Six Flags doing it

 

::::

[FLIPDUDE]

^Actually its because Universal's is $50 and Six flags' is $200 more.

[ParkTrips]

^Actually its because Universal's is $50 and Six flags' is $200 more.

Universal's Express Pass is $50, their VIP tours are much more expensive - between $100 and $150, and that's only good for 5 or 7 hours whereas the SF deal is good all day.

 

The SF deal also includes 2 meals and 2 "snacks" (whatever that may entail) while the Universal deal merely gives a discount on food... oh yeah and IIRC the Universal tours don't include admission, Six Flags does.

 

There are reasons why they are calling it the industry's best package....

[Sir Clinksalot]

^ Yeah, but USH's backstage tour that is $150 offers WAY more than any Six Flags can offer. The chance to walk around on movie sets.

 

Personally I could care less. If people want to pay that much money ... fine.

 

But it's stupid. Anybody can come online, ask how to get the most out of their theme-park day at any Six Flags park and save ALOT of money.

 

Also, can you REALLY stay at any six flags park ALL DAY? I know I can't. I can't remember the last time I opened and closed a Six Flags park.

[savemagicmountain]

You guys are missing out on the main point here, its not for the hardcore enthusiast. But everyday citizens who as someone mentioned before if they make upwards of around 200,000 dollars a year (which you would be surprised how many there are) would do this in a heartbeat. It is more expensive then Universal Hollywood because beside the tram ride what else is worth getting in front of the line for (mummy, Jurassic Park). This also includes free food and on up charge ride which lets do the math here, we have a family of 4, for two meals that would be about 80dollers, 4 up charge rides would put you around $50, eight snacks, $30, and admission $200 dollars. That puts us at 360 dollars just for that. There are also character meet and great and a free photo. Am I saying that I will go out with my family of 4 and pay 800 dollars? No, but this will be successful and in my opinion is a good move for SFI.

[downunder]

How does Cedar Point's VIP program compare, isn't their one $250.00 as well with a guide etc?

 

I wish they had a front of line pass on it's own at Cedar Fair, I guess the Gold q-bot is close to that at Six Flags.

 

I'm always in the market for something to get on rides quicker because I have limited timecoming from a long way from the US, and if I can get done in one day what would take 3-4 days otherwise I have actually saved money when weighed up against the lessened accomodation and other expenses and I can cram more things into my itinerary.

[YoshiFan]

I have a problem with this at SF parks more than other parks because of Flashpass/Q-Bot. At CF parks or Hershey, they don't have a virtual queue system which slows down the lines at SF so the impact isn't as bad at other parks.

 

Standby lines are already made a lot worse with Flashpass at SF parks and this will just add to standby lines.

[griffon]

^ I have to agree with you on that about the Flash Pass/ QBot slowing everything down. These types of VIP tours won't have much of an impact on lines though, so I don't see why most people would care.

 

It seems like they're putting some emphasis on training these VIP tour guides... I would be more impressed if they put that effort into, I dunno, ride operators dispatching trains faster, or maintenance crews getting more than one train operational on the coasters.

[ECZenith]

New for 2007... EVEN LONGER waits for the blue collar family!

 

Yay!!!

 

I personally don't like this idea because I never respected the idea of q-bot (unless it's free ala Disney) and this just adds to that. More money for SF... more waiting times for the general public... I hope this debt is cleared up sooner than later, that just sucks for the people who are already waiting in line for 3+ hrs on tatsu and X etc...

[ParkTrips]

I never respected the idea of q-bot (unless it's free ala Disney)

Translation: I'm a cheap bastard and hate those willing to spend more money to make their day better

[YoshiFan]

But that person having a better day is having a better day at the expense of those who don't have the Q-Bot for whatever reason.

[ECZenith]

There was really no need to be rude...

 

Disney's system is fair because everyone who PAID to get in can CHOOSE to either use fastpass or the standby line without any extra fee. They can get all the rides done they came to see first w/o any extra price.

 

It was just never really "right" to begin with and now it's being made worse. If you don't like my opinion, that's fine, but there's no need to call me a cheap bastard. Fall back...

[ParkTrips]

... at the expense of those who don't have the Q-Bot for whatever reason.

meaning people who chose not to get a q-bot! the only time I could see someone being pissed is when they sell out of q-bots which isn't exactly a daily occurrence...

 

 

Disney's system is fair because everyone who PAID to get in can CHOOSE to either use fastpass or the standby line without any extra fee.

So its not fair that someone who gave the park extra money gets more benefits? Are you a communist?

[YoshiFan]

But why should someone have to pay extra in order to enjoy their day? I'm using my home SF park as Great Adventure as an example. I'm a non SP holder.

 

Admission is $45.99 printing out a ticket online, parking is $15 so it's $61 just to get in to the park (no more free safari this year so that's another $10 as well if someone wants to go to the safari). Then because SF can't run their rides at close to full capacity (1 train on Rolling Thunder when it can run 4, 2 out of 4 trains on Kingda Ka etc), someone is forced to spend another $40 - $60.

 

I know it can be argued that you aren't forced to get a Q-Bot but it seems neccessary. With Kingda Ka running 2 trains, I heard that 1 train was dedicated solely to flashpass users and on the non flash pass train, 2 rows were for the VIP program (similar to this new one but it was only for 4 hours in past years). That means someone without a flashpass is stuck waiting for a ride that is running less than 1 train for them.

[ECZenith]

I don't see how people think q-bot is a "good idea" just because it's a theme park.

 

If there was a system at McDonalds that allowed you to pay 2 bucks more to get your fat ass to your Big Mac faster while making all the other paying customers wait longer there would be riots in the streets... That's paying the same price for worse service.

 

It's funny how different we were raised... well not really.

[Corkscrewed]

Why is this being blasted when similar programs at Busch Gardens or Universal Orlando always get rave reviews...

 

oh yea, because its Six Flags doing it

 

::::

 

Well.... yeah.

 

What does Six Flags have to offer compared to the other two? It's one thing to have special perks to a high quality park, but Six Flags has all of about two of them.

 

Now, that said, I must admit that this move can't really hurt Six Flags, since it shouldn't really cost them anything. I just find it pointless.

 

I'm quite curious to see how many of these things they sell this year, though. Just to see if I'm right or wrong about whether or not people would want do this.

[coaster05]

I wonder if there will ever be a day when people get tired of blasting the SF chain. I mean I am sure anyone of you guys could solve all the chains problems in the amount of time it takes you to repeat something that has been said 10,000 times already on coaster sites. I get it they have problems, move on.

 

I agree 100% with Parktrips on this. I have no problem with them selling a system that allows you to get to the front of the line faster. I see no reason to be upset about that at all.

 

1. No one made you come into the park. If this system is so unfair to the blue collar family then go to another park. Even better go to a privately owned family park that people whine about everytime one of those close, but when pressed further said person always admits they have never been there. Maybe if all the SF bashers got off their lazy cans and drove to said family park and spent that amount of money they complain about spending at a SF park, the little park would still be here to enjoy.

 

2. With the McDonalds thing. A restaurant and an entertainment destination is so different. Don't you pay different prices to go to a sporting event? Heck my local zoo is going to let their members in early as a benefit to holding a season pass. Tell me again how a place like Sam's club work?

 

In closing what this boils down to is a bunch of coaster people who totally abuse their season pass (which is why we buy them) then complaining because they have to wait in longer lines, while others pay to avoid that hassle. I have never done the q bot system and have never felt the need to. If you have a season pass and you have to go to the park twice who cares. Theme park admissions, per hour, are easily one of the best entertainment values going.

 

If you hate SF so much, stop going and then you won't be in front of me in line.