HWFan Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 4. In conclusion, overall the park is looking at a fantastic season coming up this year with tons of additions like expanded seating at JB's Smokehouse, very much improved admissions systems & front mall, and infrastructure overall. Ameren also replaced their old power line that caused the power outages last season, and even to be extra prepared, the park invested in a huge back-up generator for the water park. This means that in the event of a power outage, the filter/pump houses won't flood, which is why the water park took a lot longer to reopen after an outage compared to the rest of the park. Besides the great park management who has been behind all of this great stuff, Jim Reid-Anderson, the CEO of Six Flags, and his team deserve some credit for their focus on spending to refurbish & improve things in the park. . This brings me the most happiness lol, the bashing SFSTL was taking for Amerens bad transport plant on social media was crazy. I guess people truly believed six flags generates its own grid. I completely agree with you. Luckily I was on my way to CoasterMania at CP when the first one happened, but I was working double shifts for the other ones, including the small surge that caused Freeze to valley (I was on the SP deck watching it when it happened). Unfortunately, even if the power failure is not caused by the park, SF still has a lot of disappointed Guests who drove from all over to come to the park. We did our best, but I can definitely empathize with the frustration.
Iron Wolf 90-11 Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 So how is the Julstice League construction coming along? Sure we'll get a bunch of pictures from opening weekend of Justice Legaue and the park in general. That's what I'm hoping for.
SFZIP Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 (edited) The Hall of Justice facade is basically complete (not painted at all), it looks like the one at SFOT, the DC area is just a mess right now, the ride is still scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend (or in about 60 days). Edited March 27, 2015 by SFZIP
Iron Wolf 90-11 Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 The Hall of Justice facade is basically complete (not painted at all), it looks like the one at SFOT, the DC area is just a mess right now, it's still scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend (or in about 60 days). Any idea how the inside is looking and doing?
SFZIP Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 No real idea, the park would have to provide the inside photos/updates.
HWFan Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 The Hall of Justice facade is basically complete (not painted at all), it looks like the one at SFOT, the DC area is just a mess right now, it's still scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend (or in about 60 days). Any idea how the inside is looking and doing? I'm excited & hopeful that when we get to the first week of April, everything is still on track. Edit: But when I was there two weeks ago, all of the drywall, primer, ceiling/roof, projection screens, projector hookup/mounting equipment, and about half of the show lights were already installed and ready to go, with all of the bigger props in the building, waiting to be installed. So with that in mind, they're at least a pretty good amount farther with that. Although the station/queue area was enclosed but still just steel and completely unfinished as it will be easier.
Tuly Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 I am very glad everything is going good! Unfortunately I am going to the park 4 days before with a class field, I know very unlikely but maybe it will open before. I might have to wait till next season to get my first ride(convinced my parents to take us to Busch Gardens Tampa) because we won't have enough money to get a season pass. I'll just have to read the great reviews and watch all of the POV's!
Woodie Warrior Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 Anybody know where the new restaurant "Kickin' Chicken" is going to be in the park? It's listed on the 2015 dining pass guide.
HWFan Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 While I know you're probably tired of me posting by now, I wanted to ask, share, and just comment on a few things as we are only one week away from opening day! 1. First off, I wanted to give you a couple details regarding the boring old Guest Relations and related issues. One great thing is that in addition to entirely new computers & tech infrastructure, which is enough to make any team member or Guest who worked in/waited for GR last year to cry tears of joy (no? oh okay, just me then). Further, the building itself has been modified to add another window and interior reorganization to allow the team members that work in that tiny building (which was not built to handle even half of what it does today) to keep the line moving more quickly. Also, some of the programs used by the park, especially the main one that holds records of every single interaction you have with GR (going years and years back, the program is quite impressive, allowing staff at multiple parks to work on an issue, if necessary), are having their protocols changed. Once we get in the groove of things during the first few weeks of April, the longest it should take to receive a reply on any issue is 48 hours. The program has a backup that every extra day your issue stands without being addressed, it is bumped up the management ladder until day four, when you will receive personal correspondence from Dave Roemer. Hopefully this helps prevent the posts/jokes surrounding the slowness of GR from last season. Speaking of that, on a personal note, after that issue, I kinda became the unofficial GR liaison for TPR. Unfortunately, due to upgraded security & enforcement of justified policies, I will not be able to help you out as much this season from home. I will no longer be able to access the programs remotely and the 'loop-hole' has been closed that I used last year to spend a total of 4+ hours in August alone working on issues. While I genuinely enjoyed helping out and actually like answering questions, for any specific issue or detailed questions that are personal to your passes/account should be directed to Guest Relations where I may be the one helping you anyway. I, my boss, and my boss's boss could all get in a lot of trouble for having an employee technically working without being paid. However, if it is a general question or big problem that GR has not gotten back to you about yet, please feel free to post it or shoot me a PM (including your contact info if relevant) as I can at least jot it down and take care of it while I am on the clock. 2. Okay, so now onto the less boring stuff, I will be at the park for ten hours tomorrow and ten on Sunday, so if anyone has any particular areas (besides DC Comics plaza obviously) that they'd like pictures of, PM me and I'll try to get as many as possible. Also, would anyone be interested in a TPR forum meetup at the park? While I can't promise anything, if enough are interested, I'll see if Dave Roemer is up for a Q&A/Meet & Greet type deal at some point back in the catering grove (sans food) or something. If enough people are interested, I'll make one of those Google surveys so that everyone can say what dates work for them, their type of park admission (we could always do it on a SP bring-a-friend free day or something), and what they would like to see in a non-formal, free-of-charge, coaster meetup. We could even do something once a month during the season just for whoever can make it. (Again, this is completely non-formal or park-sanctioned at this point and just me doing some wishful thinking.) 3. One thing that was made clear to me is that this year, the park management is focused on adding or bringing back more and more little things that may not effect a huge population of our Guests but are special & can really enhance the visits of some Guests. I can't wait to bring you more information on those ideas as soon as they are implemented into the park, if you have any feedback regarding the following list of ideas, which are as of now not currently in full development for the park, or if you have any other ideas, I'm all ears! [*]The eventual inclusion of a model or two from the new Games-U-Ride product line by Skyline Attractions in the DC Comics/Metropolis area. They're so unique, and I think they could really be a cool addition in that area to complement the new ride. [*]Turning the empire theater into an air condition facility with a small little-kid playground (i.e. along the lines of what you might see in shopping malls), some clowns or other person making balloon animals, or any other kind of amenity that would give parents & their little ones a chance to get a break from the heat. [*]Large (approx. 15x7ft) billboard-type installments around the park that would each be a unique, themed to that specific area, 'Where's Waldo?' reminiscent game. Just something to entertain those who are waiting for the other members of their party to exit whatever ride. [*]'Play Money' wristband kiosks located around the park, similar to what Holiday World has. Most people don't know that they can get a wristband with whatever amount of money they'd like saved on it, allowing them to go cash-free in the park at Guest Relations but only at Guest Relations. [*]Improv-trained ambiance actors. These are common at places like Universal, but a coupe of examples would be actors hanging out of the windows above First Cone, especially in the morning before rope drop where large crowds tend to build. They would be dressed for and stay in character as though they were living in 1904 and going to the World's Fair in St. Louis. They could interact with the Guests and just add a touch of 'magic' to the day, while helping entertain those who are waiting to get going on the rides. They could also roam the DC Comics Plaza area and interact with Guests as though they are citizens of Metropolis. [*]Some type of game, like they are putting into a couple of the Disney parks, where you would collect clues, stamps, trinkets, or other little things as you made your way around the park. Ideally, it would be easy for the park to keep updating and changing, giving more reasons to keep coming back for multiple visits in a season. It would be mainly geared towards children 12 and under as a way to make sure the whole family could stick together as much as possible while all still having something to do. 4. Finally, those of you from the St. Louis area may be familiar with Heidi Glaus & her fun/silly/random segments and antics from segments such as Hey Heidi on News Channel 5 (KSDK), if all goes as planned, I'll have the honor of giving her a tour of some of the park's newest additions while also talking about the annual St. Louis Children's Hospital Day at Six Flags, which raises around $500,000 for the hospital every year. It's a very special event and the only event that Dave Roemer personally oversees each detail of as the sole contact between the SLCH Foundation & the park (his son is an outstanding nurse at the hospital as well). While the event is a bit pricey, it includes a catered meal, and over three hours of Exclusive Park Time where all games as well as drinks & snacks are free, besides the fact that there are no lines and you get 40% off of retail purchases. It's an event that I am proud to support and work on, so if you're interested, you can find more information herehttps://www.stlouischildrens.org/classes-events/st-louis-children-s-hospital-day-six-flags. 5. Just because you read this far, I wanted to share just a couple extra things that you'll notice when you visit the park. First, some of the giant planters at the front gate were removed over the off season, which will amaze you (or maybe not) by how much they really open up the front mall to help prevent confusion. Second, now this is super-duper-crazy-omg-'icanteven'-Fury325 level exciting, the official Six Flags logo has undergone a change that has resulted in one of the flags being a different color (I know, I know, Calm down. I know it's exciting). Moving on, the JLBM, in order to clear up any confusion, will have a final ride time of approximately 3 minutes and 25 seconds; this will be great as even if I have to wait a long time for a ride, if the ride has a good length and quality, you're less likely to be disappointed. Also, the exit of JLBM will go through, you guessed it, a gift shop! The gift shop that Shazam! has exited through for years has been stripped down to the bone and completely remodeled into one of the coolest gift shops you've ever seen. It has a great Heroes vs. Villains theme, and after seeing the concept art and hearing about how it looks, I think that weather you stay to shop or just pass through, it will be a nice store that's a fitting end of the experience. (The current Hall of Justice shop will also remain, and I hope you're ready to get your Coke Freestyle on as the park will be ready for you with more machines there to serve your soda-needs.) Well, that's enough excitement for me for a Friday night! Seriously though, I am really excited for this season & what it has in store for everyone, as there will be plenty of new stuff introduced as the season goes on that I'm sure you'll enjoy. I you happen to see me around the park (I'm the only wheelchair-bound....or handi-capable as I like to say...team member, especially with a name tag that reads Josh), make sure to stop me and say hi (I mean, only if you want to) as I was able to meet a couple of you last season. Also, if you see Dave, our Director of Operations (a middle-aged, on the shorter-side, whitish-haired, guy with a name tag that says Chris), or any other employee that looks to be part of our full-time management staff, feel free to say hi, let them know how your day is going, or ask them any questions, as I know that everyone I've talked to really likes hearing from the Guests. Thanks for reading and have a great rest of your final week before opening day! PM me or reply with any comments, questions, 'MOTHER OF PEARL PLEASE DON'T EVER MAKE A POST THIS LONG AGAIN' message, or whatever else you want to say 'cuz tha-tha-tha-tha-tha-tha-that's all folks!
ArizonaGuy Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 Thanks for the update and the time it took to provide this update. At least this gives people an idea of what goes into making changes around the park. It seems like all the Six Flags parks are doing something to up their image this year and it shows. Keep up the good work.
Woodie Warrior Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 ^^That improv character thing would be really cool to see at the park. SDC's employees are always very in character, so if it's anything like that it should be fun. The addition of GamesURide would be awesome as well. The StrikeUUp game looks like it would be a nice replacement for Super Slam back by the Justice League gift shop. The playground would be cool, but that means losing another theater. Does that mean the hypnotist guy is out? Are these just concepts or actual things that are going to happen this season? If so, this season could be the best one in a long time.
larrygator Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 HWFan - thanks for all the info and congrats on being assigned an " official" liaison by the park. Hopefully it helps further your career.
HWFan Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 ^ Unfortunately, my sleep deprived state made some of my wordings a bit confusing. I'm not the official liaison, but last summer, it started to seem that way. I do not speak for the park officially as the only Dave Roemer and Elizabeth Gotway can really do that. The playground would be cool, but that means losing another theater. Does that mean the hypnotist guy is out? Are these just concepts or actual things that are going to happen this season? If so, this season could be the best one in a long time. Besides the palace theater, there are two others: the one by Batman that is used for shows and the one by TS that is only used for Total Darkness/Voided Vision and maybe storage. It would not mean the loss of any actively used theater. The park's management throws around hundreds of ideas every year with less than five percent actually happening in the way they were originally conceived. Those were just a few concepts that I personally have pitched or put a lot of research into. Out of the probably five dozen ideas I suggested in 2013 and 2014, one or two actually came to fruition and another was actively discussed at the corporate level. I just wanted to get some opinions on those ideas. ------------ Well, I'm gonna finish my free lunch here in the catering grove before I'm back on the clock at 1:00. I have a ton of pics so far! Can't wait to show you all later this afternoon! (The palace looks incredible btw!)
bbmchl Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 Thanks again for the updates HWFan. Looking forward to opening weekend!
ZeroGravity55 Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 ^ Unfortunately, my sleep deprived state made some of my wordings a bit confusing. I'm not the official liaison, but last summer, it started to seem that way. I do not speak for the park officially as the only Dave Roemer and Elizabeth Gotway can really do that. You're really starting to become the unofficial Paula of SFStL on here and that is a compliment. Given your screen name, I hope you get what I mean. Every Six Flags could use more employee's like you (not to say there isn't any) who care about their job and care about the customers. Thanks for keeping us updated on all that is going on with the park. I wish you and everyone at SFStL the best of luck this season. Hopefully, one day, all of your guys hard work will be rewarded with a state of the art steel coaster (not to say JL isn't a state of the art ride, but honestly, no new ride matches a brand new roller coaster) and you won't have to get on here and read all of our comments complaining about it.
HWFan Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Good morning everyone! First, I want to apologize that I didn't get to put the pictures up last night. After getting home at 8:00 and being unable to sleep the previous night, I ended up falling asleep (with my finger on the 'a' key) typing a post saying that I'll get it up for you Sunday. Because I didn't get it up yet, I'm going to take a few more pics of the things I missed and post it all together tonight. I got some awesome pics of the facade from a few angles and a total of 50+ pics overall. I'm also going to get a chance to check out the inside of the ride today, so while I can't take pictures of that (per the Warner Bros contract), I'll be able to give a pretty good update. (Also, if I do get a chance to put the pictures so far up sooner, I will!)
HWFan Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Well, let's go ahead and check out some of the work that has been going on at SFSL this offseason. Unfortunately due to phone, wifi, and computer issues, I have to post five pictures at a time. (It's the best I can do after an hour of having other problems.) I have about 50 photos to share, so if you want to wait until I get them all uploaded before posting a response, that would keep them all together, although you're under no obligation to refrain from posting. Hopefully when I get back to my dorm tonight after 8:00, I'll be able to really add a lot of details regarding the work & other projects. But I have to leave at 2:45 to meet Dave Roemer to just check out this little addition called Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. But in the mean time, as I would say in the park announcements, "take a break from the heat, kick up your boots, and enjoy one of our great shows!" End of March Park Update starts now on Theme Park Review! One thing that is the subject of most of these pics is the "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Painting Crew" amount of paint that has gone into the park this year. It looks great! One thing that is the subject of most of these pics is the "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Painting Crew" amount of paint that has gone into the park this year. It looks great! One thing that is the subject of most of these pics is the "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Painting Crew" amount of paint that has gone into the park this year. It looks great! One thing that is the subject of most of these pics is the "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Painting Crew" amount of paint that has gone into the park this year. It looks great! One thing that is the subject of most of these pics is the "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Painting Crew" amount of paint that has gone into the park this year. It looks great! Yup. Mine train. Moving on... With the new scanners at the front gate, the park entry team members weren't covered by the awning very well. Especially as a lot of these team members are older, the park built a large extension to keep them dry/out of the sun. It looks great! As an Admissions lead in 2013, I was always exposed to the elements more due to my wheelchair's location while working the gate. This addition is small but shows that the park cares and takes employee suggestions seriously. The small turkey leg stand that was on the Guest Relations side of the front mall was removed in order to add a larger stand. Especially around closing time, both stands could get long lines, so this upgrade will help with that. This is the existing food location that sold drinks and snacks on the Batman side of the front mall.
HWFan Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Now I know you're thinking, "Josh (HWFan), the order of these pictures make no sense at all." You are correct. After trekking all over the park, this is just the order they were taken. Unfortunately, there was an up charge for 'logical photo arrangement' that I didn't want to pay for as I had my money locked up in the one-time-use $1 lockers. First Cone is another example of a facade that received some TLC (and no, not like Honey Boo Boo) over the winter. The great thing is that a lot of the buildings honestly didn't need it. However, the park wanted to go above and beyond, which is refreshing to see. First Cone is another example of a facade that received some TLC (and no, not like Honey Boo Boo) over the winter. The great thing is that a lot of the buildings honestly didn't need it. However, the park wanted to go above and beyond, which is refreshing to see. First Cone is another example of a facade that received some TLC (and no, not like Honey Boo Boo) over the winter. The great thing is that a lot of the buildings honestly didn't need it. However, the park wanted to go above and beyond, which is refreshing to see. First Cone is another example of a facade that received some TLC (and no, not like Honey Boo Boo) over the winter. The great thing is that a lot of the buildings honestly didn't need it. However, the park wanted to go above and beyond, which is refreshing to see. First Cone is another example of a facade that received some TLC (and no, not like Honey Boo Boo) over the winter. The great thing is that a lot of the buildings honestly didn't need it. However, the park wanted to go above and beyond, which is refreshing to see. The view as you quickly WALK (lol yea right...) to JLBM at rope drop. While it still isn't 100% finished, those who remember the rotting mess that was there the previous couple years will really be impressed. The new trim is actually made of vinyl rather than wood, so it will look great for years to come! One cool thing about the project is the addition of some color to the previous beige & white facade. The light blue looks great! It really makes the theater 'pop' (I think...idk I heard that word used on HGTV or something). This pic turned out bad, but the front of the Palace Theater is the current focus of the large (by size and price tag) renovation of the theater that will include a new roof, new windows, refurbished fixtures, trim replacements, etc.
HWFan Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 (edited) Oh! I forgot to mention that the new Palace Theater facade colors are part of our new Frozen Fantasy Faire: The Sing-Along-tastic-pair, Anna & Elsa, Team Up With Bugs Bunny to Save America Adventure! The reason I to mention it is that it doesn't exist. So, while you roll your eyes after that not-funny joke, I am gonna skip ahead to a Justice League picture, as this will be my last update before heading to the park. I'll post the rest later tonight. I gotta run...err roll..but here is your humble (or not so) correspondent as Clark Kent in front of some stuff. I'll post a few dozen more pics tonight, so in the mean time, if you have any questions/comments, don't hesitate to post 'em! Edited March 30, 2015 by HWFan
JaminOut 5273 Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Hey guys! I'm planning on visiting SFStL this upcoming weekend (Friday or Saturday) and I was wonder how long the waits would be for the rides. I haven't been to the park before, and I only have 3 hours on Friday or 4 on Saturday. I'm looking to ride all of the coasters except for Mine ride and looking at Superman and Xcalibur. Info on approx waits would be appreciated! Thanks, JaminOut 5273
Woodie Warrior Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Hey guys! I'm planning on visiting SFStL this upcoming weekend (Friday or Saturday) and I was wonder how long the waits would be for the rides. I haven't been to the park before, and I only have 3 hours on Friday or 4 on Saturday. I'm looking to ride all of the coasters except for Mine ride and looking at Superman and Xcalibur. Info on approx waits would be appreciated! Thanks, JaminOut 5273 Opening weekend is almost always a very busy weekend. The biggest problem will be trying to get into the parking lot. Lines getting in will be long. You should be able to ride everything though. Longest and slowest moving lines will be Pandemonium and Boomerang. American Thunder, Batman, and Mine Train should be short. Others will have moderate waits, like Mr. Freeze. However, if there are rain showers Friday it may scare away guests, which could mean walk ons at various rides.
coasterchitchat Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 I like the fact that all of the Six Flags parks are doing small improvements this year. Small things can make a visit go great!
Woodie Warrior Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 I like the fact that all of the Six Flags parks are doing small improvements this year. Small things can make a visit go great! Agreed. The park should look really nice this year with all of the fresh paint and renovations. Their hard work during the off-season is always noticeable.
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