Six Flags St. Louis (SFStL) Discussion Thread

[castaway_kid]

I was really impressed by SFStL last season. I had my first visit this season this past Sunday and in the 20 years I've been going to this park I had the worst visit I've ever had. The park was packed and Mr. Freeze, American Thunder and Screamin Eagle were all running one train causing unnecessary hour plus lines! The ride ops were all moving at a snails pace! The park just looked drab. The bathrooms were gross. I encountered four adult employees the whole day. I saw so much unprofessionalism from countless employees. One ride op for Screamin Eagle was wearing shoes about two sizes too big with long shoe strings that were untied! I was just appalled. I usually can still find good things to say about the park amongst the typical negative criticism but not this time. It was just bad. I have a season pass and I'm only expecting to go twice more this year, once for FF and once for HITP.

 

I'm sorry for the negative post. I usually try not to post like this. This was just an unusually awful visit. I cant help but feel a lot of it had to do with the absence of Dave Roemer.

You are 100% correct! Dave really brought up the moral of the employees and always had the attitude of lets do whatever is needed to make the guests have a great day. Once Pete took over the park lost that family feeling. He cares only about numbers and saving labor, that's why things sometimes run at reduced capacities and dining locations close early. He also does not have that personal touch that the employees adored Dave for. We went from a family run park feeling to a corporate run park that no longer puts guests first.

[Danrarbc]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

[Vonni]

^ I'm thinking of getting a CF pass for 2017. I haven't been to WOF in 10 years, so a change would be nice.

[Thread Killer]

So what happened to Dave, any story there? Sad to hear things are sliding back again after inching forward for a few years.

 

The bathrooms were one thing I had been really impressed with up through my last season in 2014. Staffing on the towers in HH was horrible under Dave I can only imagine what it must be like now if Vonni's experience is typical.

 

I was considering getting passes for next season as my boys miss the park and maybe hitting some on the east coast parks next summer, but I may just stick to the CF parks and get passports instead for CW.

 

How has The Boss been this year? I loved that coaster even if I had take some Vitamin-I afterwards.

[Vonni]

^ Dave retired.

 

The Boss wasn't bad. A few rough spots, but still enjoyable. But, opinions of The Boss are incredibly subjective. What I found bumpy fun others would find rough hell lol!

[Mad Hatter]

^ Dave retired.

 

The Boss wasn't bad. A few rough spots, but still enjoyable. But, opinions of The Boss are incredibly subjective. What I found bumpy fun others would find rough hell lol!

 

Put me in the "rough as hell crowd"! I rode in once this year only because my visiting nephew wanted to ride it. He got off it and was like "WTF, that hurt!"

[coasterbill]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

I always get a laugh out of this threat. A membership is less than $6 a month. You know you're not cancelling it. That's why they get away with the things they get away with.

[DILinator]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

It sounds to me like a similar situation to what we have here in Michigan. Even if you live closer to Michigan's Adventure, you're often much more likely to go to Cedar Point, or even Great America, than you are there. Now, if they were to get that Hyper that SFStl wants...

[WOF_Fan]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

It sounds to me like a similar situation to what we have here in Michigan. Even if you live closer to Michigan's Adventure, you're often much more likely to go to Cedar Point, or even Great America, than you are there. Now, if they were to get that Hyper that SFStl wants...

 

Michigan's Adventure was a fun little park. I had Platinum passes this year, so after a trip to Chicago, visited MA, before making trips to Cedar Point and King's Island. I know you all would love a new coaster, but I just don't see the park having the capacity for one. Everything was walk on the day I was there. But was nice to see all the coasters running multiple trains, even with it being slow.

[DILinator]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

It sounds to me like a similar situation to what we have here in Michigan. Even if you live closer to Michigan's Adventure, you're often much more likely to go to Cedar Point, or even Great America, than you are there. Now, if they were to get that Hyper that SFStl wants...

 

Michigan's Adventure was a fun little park. I had Platinum passes this year, so after a trip to Chicago, visited MA, before making trips to Cedar Point and King's Island. I know you all would love a new coaster, but I just don't see the park having the capacity for one. Everything was walk on the day I was there. But was nice to see all the coasters running multiple trains, even with it being slow.

 

Sure, it's a "fun little park", and if that's all it ever is, so be it. I don't buy the capacity argument for a second though, and Holiday World (and Knoebels) debunk that notion quite nicely, actually. If it were still an independently owned park, it'd actually have a lot more to do. The potential is there. But it's exactly what CF wants it to be, so...

 

Regardless, my point wasn't that it's not a nice little family park. It's that it pales in comparison to another park (or two) nearby, which is the situation that SFStL finds itself in regarding Holiday World.

[prozach626]

It's messed up to think that 10 years ago SFSTL seemed like it still had a pretty good edge on Holiday World, to the point where I didn't even know Holiday World existed. Now, a relatively short time later, it's pretty much unanimous that Holiday World is a far superior park to the point where too many people choose to drive three hours away for only four roller coaster offerings. This is what happens when you make the decision to ignore your competition. Sucks to hear the park has gone down hill... again. I'm missing our posts from Josh to at least keep our hopes up.

 

 

^ I'm thinking of getting a CF pass for 2017. I haven't been to WOF in 10 years, so a change would be nice.

We went earlier this year. You're not missing much. Your money is better spend elsewhere at Silver Dollar City or Holiday World, unless you plan to visit Cedar Fair's other gems, specifically Fury 325 and whatever park it's in. On that note, If given the option, I would scrap our entire park from Screaming Eagle to Justice League for a clone of Fury 325, a beer stand, and a porta potty. You can even sell off the rest of the acreage to be used for the worst smelling landfill in the country and I would still visit at least once a year, as opposed to the current park.

Edited August 4, 2016 by prozach626

[DILinator]

On that note, If given the option, I would scrap our entire park from Screaming Eagle to Justice League for a clone of Fury 325, a beer stand, and a porta potty. You can sell off the rest of the acreage off to be used for the worst smelling landfill in the country and I would still visit at least once a year, as opposed to the current park.

 

See, that's the thing with my comparison with MiA earlier... At least it's still worth it to pop by there once or twice a year just to ride Shivering Timbers a ton! I haven't ridden American Thunder, but nothing else at SFStL is remotely close to ST, at least in my opinion.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

It's messed up to think that 10 years ago SFSTL seemed like it still had a pretty good edge on Holiday World, to the point where I didn't even know Holiday World existed. Now, a relatively short time later, it's pretty much unanimous that Holiday World is a far superior park to the point where too many people choose to drive three hours away for only four roller coaster offerings. This is what happens when you make the decision to ignore your competition. Sucks to hear the park has gone down hill... again. I'm missing our posts from Josh to at least keep our hopes up.

 

 

^ I'm thinking of getting a CF pass for 2017. I haven't been to WOF in 10 years, so a change would be nice.

We went earlier this year. You're not missing much. Your money is better spend elsewhere at Silver Dollar City or Holiday World, unless you plan to visit Cedar Fair's other gems, specifically Fury 325 and whatever park it's in. On that note, If given the option, I would scrap our entire park from Screaming Eagle to Justice League for a clone of Fury 325, a beer stand, and a porta potty. You can even sell off the rest of the acreage to be used for the worst smelling landfill in the country and I would still visit at least once a year, as opposed to the current park.

Tell us how you really feel.

 

But seriously, I pretty much agree with all of this. We swore it off after 2007 due to a series of terrible visits, where they just simply couldn't get their sh*t together. I'm not one to require that everything be to my liking to enjoy a park, but when every little thing from the entrance to food service to the state of the rides is just that bad, a park I loved on the 90s had just become no longer fun. I'm sure experiences like mine were part of the reason for the 2010 bankruptcy.

 

We gave it another chance in 2014, since gold SFStL passes were the same price as one day at SFGAm (weird Six Flags pricing), and I really wanted to experience Goliath. I was very impressed with the improvements to SFStL, and we kept the membership for last year and had a good time.

 

This year we opted for Worlds of Fun with their new children's rides, and everyone has agreed it's been a far more pleasant experience. Their dining plan is headache free, and I never could say that about Six Flags. We paid about twice all told for the Worlds of Fun season pass than we did for Six Flags, but we've also used it about twice as much too. For us, both places are about 3 hours away, so the choice is clear.

[SixFlagsAstroworld]

A little off topic from what's being discussed but,

When is Six Flags announcing 2017 rides?

[Baelfael]

A little off topic from what's being discussed but,

When is Six Flags announcing 2017 rides?

 

How dare you interrupt our 3 page cycle of "we don't have a hyper" "holiday world is eating our lunch" "all is lost smoke em if you got em"

 

Last year they did the company-wide announcement on Labor Day weekend. I think it was the same time in 2014 as well, but I'm too lazy to check the thread to double check. We don't have a firm date for this year, but Labor Day weekend feels likely. They'll tease the announcement on the website for a bit beforehand.

[Danrarbc]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

I always get a laugh out of this threat. A membership is less than $6 a month. You know you're not cancelling it. That's why they get away with the things they get away with.

I'm paying for 5. I'd cancel all.

 

PS: In the park today. Freeze line is over 40 minutes because they're running one side. Thanks Pete.

[jynx242]

Pretty sad that SF Mexico is more attractive to visit than SFStL, which was an original SF Park.

 

#ThinkingOutLoud

 

After my most recent visit to the park I think any Six Flags park is more attractive to visit than SFStL.

 

I don't think you completely understand how terrible La Ronde is. Don't look at the ride lineup online, don't watch POV's... you really have to experience it to understand.

 

^THIS!!

 

Even with a Hyper, that place is just a hot mess. 45 minute wait for an SLC....WITH A GOLD Q-BOT.

[HARLEYGUYJB]

I really wish there was another option for theme park besides SFSTL that isn't 3 hrs away. I only live 45 min from the park, so were stuck here for a home park.

[WOF_Fan]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

It sounds to me like a similar situation to what we have here in Michigan. Even if you live closer to Michigan's Adventure, you're often much more likely to go to Cedar Point, or even Great America, than you are there. Now, if they were to get that Hyper that SFStl wants...

 

Michigan's Adventure was a fun little park. I had Platinum passes this year, so after a trip to Chicago, visited MA, before making trips to Cedar Point and King's Island. I know you all would love a new coaster, but I just don't see the park having the capacity for one. Everything was walk on the day I was there. But was nice to see all the coasters running multiple trains, even with it being slow.

 

Sure, it's a "fun little park", and if that's all it ever is, so be it. I don't buy the capacity argument for a second though, and Holiday World (and Knoebels) debunk that notion quite nicely, actually. If it were still an independently owned park, it'd actually have a lot more to do. The potential is there. But it's exactly what CF wants it to be, so...

 

Regardless, my point wasn't that it's not a nice little family park. It's that it pales in comparison to another park (or two) nearby, which is the situation that SFStL finds itself in regarding Holiday World.

 

I was just meaning that with their attendance, it doesn't justify adding a big new coasters. I know it is almost a catch-22, attendance low because of ride selection...need new coaster but attendance is too low.

[WOF_Fan]

It's messed up to think that 10 years ago SFSTL seemed like it still had a pretty good edge on Holiday World, to the point where I didn't even know Holiday World existed. Now, a relatively short time later, it's pretty much unanimous that Holiday World is a far superior park to the point where too many people choose to drive three hours away for only four roller coaster offerings. This is what happens when you make the decision to ignore your competition. Sucks to hear the park has gone down hill... again. I'm missing our posts from Josh to at least keep our hopes up.

 

 

^ I'm thinking of getting a CF pass for 2017. I haven't been to WOF in 10 years, so a change would be nice.

We went earlier this year. You're not missing much. Your money is better spend elsewhere at Silver Dollar City or Holiday World, unless you plan to visit Cedar Fair's other gems, specifically Fury 325 and whatever park it's in. On that note, If given the option, I would scrap our entire park from Screaming Eagle to Justice League for a clone of Fury 325, a beer stand, and a porta potty. You can even sell off the rest of the acreage to be used for the worst smelling landfill in the country and I would still visit at least once a year, as opposed to the current park.

Tell us how you really feel.

 

But seriously, I pretty much agree with all of this. We swore it off after 2007 due to a series of terrible visits, where they just simply couldn't get their sh*t together. I'm not one to require that everything be to my liking to enjoy a park, but when every little thing from the entrance to food service to the state of the rides is just that bad, a park I loved on the 90s had just become no longer fun. I'm sure experiences like mine were part of the reason for the 2010 bankruptcy.

 

We gave it another chance in 2014, since gold SFStL passes were the same price as one day at SFGAm (weird Six Flags pricing), and I really wanted to experience Goliath. I was very impressed with the improvements to SFStL, and we kept the membership for last year and had a good time.

 

This year we opted for Worlds of Fun with their new children's rides, and everyone has agreed it's been a far more pleasant experience. Their dining plan is headache free, and I never could say that about Six Flags. We paid about twice all told for the Worlds of Fun season pass than we did for Six Flags, but we've also used it about twice as much too. For us, both places are about 3 hours away, so the choice is clear.

 

I agree. I live in Central Missouri, so equally close to all 3 MO parks. The last several years, we haven't even visited SFStL. But have rotated season passes with SDC and WOF.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

If they get a new coaster now, they'll only boost attendance temporarily. Those who come back will only be pissed off at the poor food operations and lack of shade and not return. Then you'll have a park with ten roller coasters that still sucks. They need to fix what's wrong with this park, and the roller coaster collection is not what's wrong.

[SFStl Fan]

It's messed up to think that 10 years ago SFSTL seemed like it still had a pretty good edge on Holiday World, to the point where I didn't even know Holiday World existed. Now, a relatively short time later, it's pretty much unanimous that Holiday World is a far superior park to the point where too many people choose to drive three hours away for only four roller coaster offerings. This is what happens when you make the decision to ignore your competition. Sucks to hear the park has gone down hill... again. I'm missing our posts from Josh to at least keep our hopes up..

 

It is looking more and more worth it to stop messing with Six Flags season passes, save the money and take a few trips to Holiday World instead. Josh's optimism and wisdom on this board is truly missed. Did he retire along with Dave? Speaking of, the park does seem different without him. If we visited the park 10 times during the season, we would see Dave at least 7.

 

Fright Fest is coming up and for some reason Six Flags St Louis can not seem to figure out how to duplicate and offer Six Flags Great America's Season Haunt Pass. My family and I head there now instead of St Louis just for that reason.

[DILinator]

I think that confirms it. Probably canceling my membership and will be taking multiple trips to Holiday World next year. This park has nothing if they don't have great service.

 

It sounds to me like a similar situation to what we have here in Michigan. Even if you live closer to Michigan's Adventure, you're often much more likely to go to Cedar Point, or even Great America, than you are there. Now, if they were to get that Hyper that SFStl wants...

 

Michigan's Adventure was a fun little park. I had Platinum passes this year, so after a trip to Chicago, visited MA, before making trips to Cedar Point and King's Island. I know you all would love a new coaster, but I just don't see the park having the capacity for one. Everything was walk on the day I was there. But was nice to see all the coasters running multiple trains, even with it being slow.

 

Sure, it's a "fun little park", and if that's all it ever is, so be it. I don't buy the capacity argument for a second though, and Holiday World (and Knoebels) debunk that notion quite nicely, actually. If it were still an independently owned park, it'd actually have a lot more to do. The potential is there. But it's exactly what CF wants it to be, so...

 

Regardless, my point wasn't that it's not a nice little family park. It's that it pales in comparison to another park (or two) nearby, which is the situation that SFStL finds itself in regarding Holiday World.

 

I was just meaning that with their attendance, it doesn't justify adding a big new coasters. I know it is almost a catch-22, attendance low because of ride selection...need new coaster but attendance is too low.

 

Yeah, I find the excuse about attendance to be just that. Back in the late 90's, the attendance at Holiday World was no better than MiA's, and their park was worse. But they added thrilling coasters, and other reasons to come to the park, and now look at it! Talking about attendance, and ROI, sounds plausible when a park's PR guy is trying to justify the lack of attention given to a park. But everybody knows, if they're willing to admit it, that attendance increases when investments increase. When even a park like Adventureland can add an amazing coaster like Monster, there is really no excuse for MiA not getting something similar (or WoF, for that matter.) The only reason they don't is because CF has no intention of them being any more attractive to the Michigan base than they are right now. The park is turning a nice profit, and it IS a decent little family park, so that's how they leave it. It's just hard for those of us who grew up through the 80's and especially 90's with the park when it received regular investment, to see all of its potential go to waste now. But I digress... This isn't the MiA thread after all!

[TNT]

Deleted 

[Vonni]

Tidal Wave is closed and drained