Six Flags St. Louis (SFStL) Discussion Thread

[Arrow Dynamics fan]

Can someone make a "how to ride The Boss guide". What train is the best and where to sit. My son only sits in the middle because he is scared of the front and back. If one of you experts gave some recommendations he might step out of his comfort zone.

 

We got rained out Friday afternoon but had a good afternoon today at HH. Noticed they raised preferred parking to $30 for $25. I think they pushed it to high, I have seen that lot fuller on a weekday.

Thanks.

My advise is ride as close to the front as possible (second row sometimes is available because many people think the long line is for it as well as the front just ask the people in the long line to be sure, it works for me). I have the best success with the yellow train. Have the restraints tight, but not too tight as they can squeeze you in the wrong area if you catch my drift. Try to lean forward a bit to where the vibrations on the ride is not experienced by your back which is where the head ache can come from on this ride.

[TNT]

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[TNT]

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[theymitbgi]

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!

[theymitbgi]

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.

[TNT]

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[Sf-Dad]

Thanks for The Boss tips.

 

Just thought of a great name for a new ride. The Times Beach Incinerator. Thought of that after noticing the abandoned ramp on 44 today.

[Woodie Warrior]

I just got back from a weeklong trip where I didn't have any electronics and I come home to find a thread full of whiny comments about SFSTL. Here are some of my thoughts about the park.

 

-For the user who said that Mr. Freeze was a horrible choice for the island inside Thunder River: Mr. Freeze is my favorite coaster at the park. It is smooth, intense, crazy, and thrilling every time. The GP absolutely LOVE it and many enthusiasts do as well. I don't see how this wasn't a great addition to the park.

 

-The additions in the past few years haven't been as bad as most of you make them out to be. In 2006, we got Superman, which was relocated from AstroWorld, but does it really even matter? We also got a refreshed kids area that still looks really nice and really helped revamp the center of the park. In 2007, we got Pandemonium. Sure, it's a clone, but it's a family coaster that the park needed and is still popular. In 2008, we got American Thunder. It is my favorite wooden coaster in the park, it isn't too intense but has lots of airtime and is a great family coaster. In 2009, we got Wahoo Racer and the Glow-in-the-Park Parade. The Glow-in-the-Park Parade, while short-lived, kept people in the park all the way until closing, and it really was an awesome parade. In 2011, we got SkyScreamer. The park definitely needed a new thrilling flat ride and this was a great choice. In 2012, we got Bonzai Pipelines, which I personally don't care for, but Hurricane Harbor did need a new set of thrilling water slides. In 2013, we got Boomerang. The ride experience was nothing unique at all. I think it did help make the Illinois area more vibrant. In 2014, we got Tsunami Soaker. It isn't the most exciting attraction but it looks great. I really did enjoy the wharf theme they added to the area around the attraction, and I think the ride as a whole was a great choice for the park.

 

-I think the park is working on different areas of the park at a time. From 2011 to 2013, Illinois got a reboot with the vibrant color schemes of the new SkyScreamer and Boomerang rides, the bright repaint of Tidal Wave, and the removal of the run-down bumper cars and Riverview Racer. Now focus seems to be headed towards the front of the park with the removal of the Hannibarrels, the addition of Tsunami Soaker, and the repaint of Batman.

 

-The park's landscaping is nothing amazing, but plenty of TLC has been given to numerous buildings and rides in the past few years. We've also gotten a few better food options, such as Macho Nacho Burritos and JB's Sports Bar.

[ZeroGravity55]

I hope whatever we get next that it is NOT the Iron Boss. While I like Outlaw Run and believe I will enjoy Goliath, NTAG did not impress me. I again stress that it does not make sense to transform the coaster that generally has the longest line into something different. It would be more effective to take a coaster that is older and not performing as well and transform it into something better. As much as I like it the way it is, why not a Chance mega lite transformation of the Ninja?

 

I don't see Iron Boss happening for a while. They just sunk a lot of money into rehabbing the purple train including painting the chassis. I can see some topper track possibly being tossed it's way soon but that is about all I see happing anytime soon.

 

Not to dispute what you've just said, but historically Six Flags has sunk a lot of money into most of the woodies that have made the conversion a season or two before the conversion happened. I believe Medusa received topper track about a year before the conversion, Iron Rattler received topper track two years before the conversion, and Cyclone at Six Flags New England has received topper track and will be closing down soon and is expected to get the conversion. I think it is also important to note that RMC has at least made repairs on each of the coasters that have eventually received the conversion, whether it's topper track or just traditional track work. According to RMC's website, Boss it one of those coasters they've made "repairs" too. Of course this is train work we're talking about, which sounds like it was done to help capacity. If I'm not mistaken, this sounds like it was done to keep you guys from having to send an empty train around the course when the line doesn't justify two trains? I imagine it gets a little difficult to explain to some close minded guests why you're having to send around an empty train.

 

For those working at the park or those visiting the park in the next few years, start looking at the structure of the ride. Apparently RMC comes in and marks the boards down to where the structure will be removed and so forth to create the new track design of the ride. This is what someone has said about being visible on Cyclone this year on Six Flags New England thread. This should be a tell tell sign of when it will eventually happen. You'll also notice new bracing being added to the structure as well.

Edited June 29, 2014 by ZeroGravity55

[Sf-Dad]

While we are kicking them for the landscaping I really noticed something today. All the grass is full of weeds. If a house in my neighborhood let their lawn go to crap like that they would shamed and ostracized. It really isn't that hard all it takes is some weed and feed a few times a year and an occasional aeration. A few of gallons of Round Up could fix the East St. Louis section of the parking lot.

[RCF]

Re-paving a parking lot cost quite a lot of money. For a lot the size of SFSTL it would be roughly 15 million. If they aren't dumping that kind of money on a new ride, you can easily see they wouldn't even think of putting it to the parking lot first.

 

EDIT: For them to RMC Boss which is an iconic ride for SFSTL would not work to me. American Thunder is new, so that wouldn't make sense, but Screaming Eagle is older, and has a layout that RMC could do wonders on. Besides, Boss is starting to turn into a classic like SE, and SE is not as iconic to the park anymore as Boss is. It would make sense to me to RMC Screaming Eagle, as I feel we will be seeing an RMC in every Six Flags park soon enough.

[parkjunkie]

About 1/2 to 2/3 of the parking lot HAS been repaved and restriped in the past few years, at least the spots that needed it the most, like this year they just got done repaving the worst lot, the second one behind HH. They have dropped about 2 million into the parking lot the past few years, but the "dirt" islands do need grass badly.

[ZeroGravity55]

EDIT: For them to RMC Boss which is an iconic ride for SFSTL would not work to me. American Thunder is new, so that wouldn't make sense, but Screaming Eagle is older, and has a layout that RMC could do wonders on. Besides, Boss is starting to turn into a classic like SE, and SE is not as iconic to the park anymore as Boss is. It would make sense to me to RMC Screaming Eagle, as I feel we will be seeing an RMC in every Six Flags park soon enough.

 

Iconic? Umm you're probably one of very few people that holds that sentiment about Boss, but that's your opinion.

 

Honestly I can't see them I-Boxing Screamin' Eagle. It is the one big roller coaster they have that has a 42' inch height requirement. When you think about it, that is actually very important to a family who has a kid or kids who are 44' inches tall, who think the rides they can ride suck, but they're not yet tall enough to ride the big rides with a 48' inch height requirement.

 

I also feel the need to kind of address what I've been complaining at in some of my previous posts as we do some very dedicated employee's who care about the park and give us some great insights. I can only imagine how they feel when they work their butts off all day and get on here and read are complaints about the park, which some of us probably don't have slightness clue to what is really going on. I have no problem with the park itself. From a park management standpoint, they probably should be at the top park in the Six Flags Chain, but they probably don't agree with corporate enough for that to happen. My problem lies with corporate. My belief is they have a corporate wide vision as I said before, that is geared toward attracting the 14-22 year old demographic. Instead of pushing this vision off on all your parks, I feel like they should approach it at a park by park basis. Each park should have it's own identity and be far different from one another. But if they're going to continue forward with this current vision, PLEASE give the park the money and rides it needs to make this vision profitable for SFStL.

[A.J.]

Honestly I can't see them I-Boxing Screamin' Eagle. It is the one big roller coaster they have that has a 42' inch height requirement. When you think about it, that is actually very important to a family who has a kid or kids who are 44' inches tall, who think the rides they can ride suck, but they're not yet tall enough to ride the big rides with a 48' inch height requirement.

Just because Rocky Mountain Construction comes in and reconstructs a coaster doesn't mean that the resulting coaster has to be super-crazy. If Six Flags wants Rocky Mountain to keep the 42" height requirement, they will absolutely do so if the price is right.

[parkjunkie]

They will NEVER do ANYTHING to change the Screamin Eagle nor should they. The Screamin Eagle was once the tallest, fastest, longest coaster in the world and is one of the last "CLASSICS", not to mention, John Allen's last creation They are too proud of the Screamin Eagle to do a conversion to it, not to mention, people would be furious if they would do so, me being one of them. I'm actually surprised and somewhat disappointed in them doing it to Colossus at SFMM. Colossus is a landmark, an icon, a world known loved classic wood coaster.

[prozach626]

They will NEVER do ANYTHING to change the Screamin Eagle nor should they. The Screamin Eagle was once the tallest, fastest, longest coaster in the world and is one of the last "CLASSICS", not to mention, John Allen's last creation They are too proud of the Screamin Eagle to do a conversion to it, not to mention, people would be furious if they would do so, me being one of them. I'm actually surprised and somewhat disappointed in them doing it to Colossus at SFMM. Colossus is a landmark, an icon, a world known loved classic wood coaster.

 

I agree with you. Screaming Eagle doesn't need to be changed. It's the same reason you don't buy a classic car and chop it to bits with modern modifications. Colossus was closed when I went to Magic Mountain (I think?), so I can't really voice an opinion on it. It would have been nice to see some big dollars dropped on TLC, but you know... it's six flags. The more I go to other parks the more I dislike Six Flags. Magic Mountain had to the biggest example of Six Flags'ism I've ever experienced. My wife and I couldn't wait to leave. Dear Magic Mountain: Thanks for the credits, I guess...

 

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.

 

You made a lot of other great points, but I think you're being a little too particular about this complaint... The long windy road to the toll booth doesn't hurt anything and I'm sure it may be needed at some point. It also may be mandated from Eurika or MoDOT. Although I kind of get your point, is that really where we want the park to spend their money? Roads aren't cheap, bro.

 

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.

 

Well... it worked for Dominos Pizza...?

 

 

-For the user who said that Mr. Freeze was a horrible choice for the island inside Thunder River: Mr. Freeze is my favorite coaster at the park. It is smooth, intense, crazy, and thrilling every time. The GP absolutely LOVE it and many enthusiasts do as well. I don't see how this wasn't a great addition to the park.

 

I couldn't agree more. I'd rather ride a good clone (Mr. Freeze & Batman) than a bad original coaster (The Boss). Although everyone knows how I feel about the backwards launch conversion, the GP digs it. It's more and more common knowledge that Batman is a clone, but 99% of your GP will never realize that rides like Mr. Freeze and American Thunder are clones. I also like how Mr. Freeze fits on the Island and it can be seen from most places in the park.

[ZeroGravity55]

Honestly I can't see them I-Boxing Screamin' Eagle. It is the one big roller coaster they have that has a 42' inch height requirement. When you think about it, that is actually very important to a family who has a kid or kids who are 44' inches tall, who think the rides they can ride suck, but they're not yet tall enough to ride the big rides with a 48' inch height requirement.

 

Just because Rocky Mountain Construction comes in and reconstructs a coaster doesn't mean that the resulting coaster has to be super-crazy. If Six Flags wants Rocky Mountain to keep the 42" height requirement, they will absolutely do so if the price is right.

 

I'm not against the conversion if this is the case.

[HWFan]

I also feel the need to kind of address what I've been complaining at in some of my previous posts as we do some very dedicated employee's who care about the park and give us some great insights. I can only imagine how they feel when they work their butts off all day and get on here and read are complaints about the park, which some of us probably don't have slightness clue to what is really going on. I have no problem with the park itself. From a park management standpoint, they probably should be at the top park in the Six Flags Chain, but they probably don't agree with corporate enough for that to happen.

Thank you. There are a huge percentage of employees who are dedicated to the park (including a lot of upper management), and we, more than most probably, see some of the shortcomings of our park. Working 40, 50, 60 hours a week to actually try to help the park, it is a little bit discouraging coming home from a 15 hour day to just seeing complaints. You all have every right to complain, but I think that not feeling any optimism about the park's future is crazy. For the most part, we're doing the best we can do with what we are given, and we'll just have to be patient unfortunately.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

I also feel the need to kind of address what I've been complaining at in some of my previous posts as we do some very dedicated employee's who care about the park and give us some great insights. I can only imagine how they feel when they work their butts off all day and get on here and read are complaints about the park, which some of us probably don't have slightness clue to what is really going on. I have no problem with the park itself. From a park management standpoint, they probably should be at the top park in the Six Flags Chain, but they probably don't agree with corporate enough for that to happen.

Thank you. There are a huge percentage of employees who are dedicated to the park (including a lot of upper management), and we, more than most probably, see some of the shortcomings of our park. Working 40, 50, 60 hours a week to actually try to help the park, it is a little bit discouraging coming home from a 15 hour day to just seeing complaints. You all have every right to complain, but I think that not feeling any optimism about the park's future is crazy. For the most part, we're doing the best we can do with what we are given, and we'll just have to be patient unfortunately.

Well, if it helps, our visit about a month ago was the best I've had in a long time. It was our first time back since near the end of the Premier era (might actually have been 2006, when current management ran the place but hadn't had time to fix it up yet). The focus on family rides has really changed things. I was really surprised by the number of rides we could all ride together, and Tsunami Soaker is absolutely incredible. We basically only went because we're planning to go to Great America this year, so we just got the Gold season passes so we could get free parking and try out St. Louis as well. You guys nailed it. We were there from 15 minutes before opening (great perk) until closing time, and didn't want to leave then. So as one of the (former) complainers--and there were many legitimate gripes--the park is truly making a great effort at improving. Mr Freeze Reverse Blast and Boomerang weren't enough to get me to come back, but Tsunami Soaker and Goliath together did it, and I'm really glad we went. We'll go at least once more this year, maybe twice.

[ZeroGravity55]

I also feel the need to kind of address what I've been complaining at in some of my previous posts as we do some very dedicated employee's who care about the park and give us some great insights. I can only imagine how they feel when they work their butts off all day and get on here and read are complaints about the park, which some of us probably don't have slightness clue to what is really going on. I have no problem with the park itself. From a park management standpoint, they probably should be at the top park in the Six Flags Chain, but they probably don't agree with corporate enough for that to happen.

Thank you. There are a huge percentage of employees who are dedicated to the park (including a lot of upper management), and we, more than most probably, see some of the shortcomings of our park. Working 40, 50, 60 hours a week to actually try to help the park, it is a little bit discouraging coming home from a 15 hour day to just seeing complaints. You all have every right to complain, but I think that not feeling any optimism about the park's future is crazy. For the most part, we're doing the best we can do with what we are given, and we'll just have to be patient unfortunately.

 

You're welcome. I completely understand what you guys are going through to some degree. I've been in a management position for about a year and half now at my job, and dealing with complaints from employees and customers is probably one of the hardest parts of my job. I feel for you guys.

[HARLEYGUYJB]

The park can't catch a break this year..another major power outage ( I believe this is the second one this year) that delayed the park from opening on time...Hurricane Harbor will open early afternoon. Does the water really drain out of Hurricane Harbor when they experience a power outage? That's what someone said on their Facebook page when SFSTL updated their Facebook status about the delayed opening.

[TNT]

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[Sf-Dad]

Wow, that is fascinating. That's a whole lot of water. Surely not the wave pool as well? Even lazy river? That would have to be one huge resevoir. Is the the implication here that all the attractions use one central filter/treatment facility?

 

Would be really intersted in learning more about how these systems function.

[TNT]

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[prozach626]

I also feel the need to kind of address what I've been complaining at in some of my previous posts as we do some very dedicated employee's who care about the park and give us some great insights. I can only imagine how they feel when they work their butts off all day and get on here and read are complaints about the park, which some of us probably don't have slightness clue to what is really going on. I have no problem with the park itself. From a park management standpoint, they probably should be at the top park in the Six Flags Chain, but they probably don't agree with corporate enough for that to happen.

Thank you. There are a huge percentage of employees who are dedicated to the park (including a lot of upper management), and we, more than most probably, see some of the shortcomings of our park. Working 40, 50, 60 hours a week to actually try to help the park, it is a little bit discouraging coming home from a 15 hour day to just seeing complaints. You all have every right to complain, but I think that not feeling any optimism about the park's future is crazy. For the most part, we're doing the best we can do with what we are given, and we'll just have to be patient unfortunately.

 

You're welcome. I completely understand what you guys are going through to some degree. I've been in a management position for about a year and half now at my job, and dealing with complaints from employees and customers is probably one of the hardest parts of my job. I feel for you guys.

 

Try being a cop. People complain when they think you aren't doing your job and they hate you even more when you do your job. You're either going somewhere too quick or you get there too late. People just hate us out of principle.