"Tony Hawk" "Wiggles" and "Thomas" to leave Six Flags?

[GwaziBSRider1]

I'll agree that SFA could be the next park to go. In my opinion, Wild One and Joker's Jinx are the only good coasters, although I never did get to ride Batwing. I found my only visit there to be utterly disappointing.

[downunder]

Roller Coaster cuts always struck me as one of Six Flags stranger business decisions, rather than just plain illogical.

 

It's like this company has gangrene and they have to keep cutting pieces off, until there's nothing left. I think they should relocate all their best rides to Sydney and start a new park and then close all their other parks.

 

Our gay friends can confirm this, (I saw it discussed on chat) but there is apparently "Six Fags" gay porno series, perhaps there is a copyright/trademark infringement lawsuit which sould get them some money, or even a licensing deal.

[alilstronger]

I'll agree that SFA could be the next park to go. In my opinion, Wild One and Joker's Jinx are the only good coasters, although I never did get to ride Batwing. I found my only visit there to be utterly disappointing.

 

Totally agree. I have been going to the park since it was Adventure World. Back then they may not have had all the rides they have now but their customer service was so much better. Jokers Jinx and Roar are the only coasters I generally enjoy there. They have NO flats that are special to their park. Everything they have I can get on at local carnivals or other local parks. Six Flags is a lazy company I believe because when something gets too old or they do not feel like dealing with it anymore they just close it or take it out. I have never been to to a park where so many rides were closed ALL THE TIME at once with no real reason. There were times I would go one weekend and every ride would be running and then go the next and a lot would be down and the next all would be open. When ask why at customer service there was no real reason.

[GwaziBSRider1]

The customer service was definitely the worst i had ever experienced at SFA, especially with their summer employees. I have to say SFA hired the dumbest employees. When I visited, the employees didn't know what Dramamine was. I mean, come on, you work in an amusement park and you don't know what Dramamine is?

[printersdevil78]

Our gay friends can confirm this, (I saw it discussed on chat) but there is apparently "Six Fags" gay porno series, perhaps there is a copyright/trademark infringement lawsuit which sould get them some money, or even a licensing deal.

Robb introduced us to this fascinating DVD during the West Coast trip....

[socalMAN123]

^ Six Flags needs to jump on this NOW! Think of all the money possibilities

[mwm1444]

^^ My first ever night in TPR company, and I went to an adult video store in LA, then watched that in the lobby of the hotel...crazy times...

[SharkTums]

^That was probably the best "Welcome to a TPR Trip" we've ever had!

[CoasterGuy06]

The customer service was definitely the worst i had ever experienced at SFA, especially with their summer employees. I have to say SFA hired the dumbest employees. When I visited, the employees didn't know what Dramamine was. I mean, come on, you work in an amusement park and you don't know what Dramamine is?

 

Why should they have to know what Dramamine is? Other than the fact they should know where in the park medication is available for purchase, I don't see how knowing about different medications is relevant to their jobs.

[downunder]

Maybe if they're stuck with a replacement theme for all those Wiggles Worlds, maybe those zany fellas from Six Fags could step in. Will gay porn be Six Flags Inc salvation, only time will tell?

[palmerleeberry]

All I can say is "That I'm not surprised!"

 

Actually, I'm appalled at this annoucement that Thomas town is to leave Six Flags, especially after Six Flags America finally got a few more rides and a brand new area, AND NOW THEY HAVE TO RENAME AND RETHEME EVERYTHING? Plus, Six Flags America will not get the family coaster they were promise after they have spent some time cleaning out the old "Two Face" area?

 

Is it any wonder why I have decided to renew my Cedar Fair Platimun Pass and not my Six Flags Pass for next season?

 

"Hey, don't be mad. Just come to bed and lie your head upon me and you'll feel a lot better!"

[jps294]

The Great Escape drops Looney Tunes!!!!

 

http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/AllRides.aspx

 

New Ride Names.

 

Road Runner Express = Mine Train

 

Yosemite Sam Shore Patrol = Bucky’s Shore Patrol Timbertown

 

Tweety Treehouse = Hootie’s Treehouse Timbertown

 

Elmer Fudd Scenic Railway = Ranger Roy’s Railway Timbertown

 

Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots = Rocky’s Ranger Planes Timbertown

 

Speedy Gonzales Camptown Racers = Sheldon’s Speedway 36" Timbertown

 

Daffy Duck Wilderness Bus Tour = Spruce’s Wilderness Bus Tours Timbertown

 

Taz Twister = Honey Swings

[DiveMachine]

These changes are starting to scare me now

[Jerrykoala2112]

Curious as to why they would do this? I'm sure the other Six Flags will keep the Looney Tunes as they've been there forever (still a possibility!!) but does the Great Escape not like being associated with Six Flags or something? (Why don't they use Six Flags Great Escape?)

[downunder]

The Great Escape drops Looney Tunes!!!!

http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/rides/AllRides.aspx

New Ride Names.

Tweety Treehouse = Hootie’s Treehouse Timbertown

Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots = Rocky’s Ranger Planes Timbertown

Speedy Gonzales Camptown Racers = Sheldon’s Speedway 36" Timbertown

Taz Twister = Honey Swings

 

These names are absolutely horrifying, I didn't know the Cedar Fair naming dept was contracting out to other chains.

 

I have to admit though Hootie and the Blowfish had some good songs; Rocky was inspirational for at least 2.5 sequels; Sheldon is creepy but funny - maybe he can team up with the Six Fags guys for the The Gang Bang Theory; and "Honey Swings" - sounds like a girl I'd like to meet.

[SharkTums]

The Great Escape has always been a little weird and not a fully branded Six Flags but now this seems VERY interesting indeed...

[chadster]

They are also opening later next year.

 

The Great Escape is going to open later in 2011.

 

The theme park plans to open May 21, the weekend before Memorial Day. That's two weeks later than opening day this year and last.

 

The Great Escape says opening on May 21 eliminates the risk of spring weather issues. They say opening a little later still gives guests two full weekends before the traditional beginning of summer to enjoy the park.

 

 

News Article

 

More In Depth Article

[YoshiFan]

They are also closing at 4:00 some weekdays in June. I never heard of a major park closing that early unless it was because of a problem like weather.

[jps294]

Say goodbye to the Flash Pass at TGE. Flash Pass is now a Go Fast Pass...

 

http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/tickets/gofastpass.aspx

[PSiRockin]

^ I wonder if La Ronde will get the same, due to not being a Six Flags branded park.

[CoasterGuy06]

IIRC, when Premier extended the branding contracts with DC/Warner Brothers after purchasing SF from Time Warner they were only allowed to use them in branded parks. I wonder if SF wound up having to pay an extra fee when they started using the characters at The Great Escape? If so, this could just be them stripping any extras like Thomas and Wiggles instead of branding the park.

[QueerRudie]

Let's see:

 

Massive cuts to 'branded' rides, shows and attractions.

Closings of subsidiaries of the company

Reductions in overall operating capacity

Reductions in new ride investment at many of the parks

Parks that ARE getting expansion rides are getting smaller attractions...

 

I'm going to look into my 'crystal ball' on this one and say that parks are next to be sold off/closed...

 

Short list:

SFA: Bye bye bye... For years this park has languished under mis-management and neglect; it's showing serious problems operationally and internally, and has suffered at a total lack of investment in new rides. Hearing the repeated excuse that the park has been recieving funding for 'infrastructure' improvements, while still seeing many things unchanged doesn't sound like they're putting any real money where it needs to go. Infighting with Prince Georges county doesn't help the matter- not to mention they have been fighting them uphill for the better part of 20 years over expansion and additions (I can think back when Wild World was fighting to put up new rides on this one) and it hasn't changed one bit. Solution to SF? Sell off the land, move the rides, and close up shop, putting people out of work, and PG county losing a tax base.

 

Great Escape: SOLD to the highest bidder: I'm still pretty amazed this hasn't happened yet. The park is in good condition, and has a decent mix of rides that would make it attractive to another company for purchase.

 

La Ronde: SOLD to the Highest bidder: This park, although smaller than most, has also got a good mix of rides and attractions, and is generally well-kept. The problem is that the international aspects of the SF company aren't working- two parks do not an international chain make, and it just doesn't fit with the SF branding overall.

 

SF Mexico: SOLD to the Highest Bidder: Same as with La Ronde: It just doesn't fit under the banner of what a true SF park should be. Yes, there's a population base, but it's far removed from what SF is used to working with. It's an asset that can be unloaded I think with some effort.

 

The problem with selling off some of the parks will be getting a decent price in a saturated sales market and slumbering economy.This might make it more attractive to dump these parks when things turn around; unless a 'miracle' buyer is found. Either way, SF is showing their cards that all is not well in the new kingdom... and that they are making choices to preserve what they DO have in store for the future.

 

R.D.

[chadster]

Say goodbye to the Flash Pass at TGE. Flash Pass is now a Go Fast Pass...

 

http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/tickets/gofastpass.aspx

 

this is feeling more and more like they are getting the park ready for a transition, maybe Robb hit on something.

[CoasterGuy06]

Doesn't Six Flags operate LaRonde on a long term lease with the city of Montreal?

[DiveMachine]

Let's see:

SF Mexico: SOLD to the Highest Bidder: Same as with La Ronde: It just doesn't fit under the banner of what a true SF park should be. Yes, there's a population base, but it's far removed from what SF is used to working with. It's an asset that can be unloaded I think with some effort.

R.D.

I really can't see that happening. Its a park in a HUGE market that doesn't require that big of investment into it, and even when it does, the guests are happy to have it.