SFOG 2006 - Early signs of hope

[ParkTrips]

I went to the park today, briefly, and held high expectations for what we've been hearing about for the past few months with the new manamgement - all I have to say is that they have met and exceeded my expectations. The park was alive to day unlike any visit in many many years. Last year was a big improvement over 2000-2004 in my mind, but this year, the park took a leap. The characters were a nice delight, and there were other costumed employees that helped to being back the "theme park" atmosphere that the park once kicked ass at providing. Staff was much frieldier than I ever remember, yes, the naysayers will say "it's early in the season" but I've been to the park early in the season pretty much every year of my life and they haven't been this friendly, helpful and nice as today. You could tell they wanted to be good, I'd say the new manamgement has really gone out of their way to motivate employees. Lots of fresh licks of paint, litte improvements here and there. Very good day, and I think this is a good sign for the chain in whole.

 

I know others went today, perhaps they can share some park photos and similar experiences, because I can't imagine someoen leaving the park today unpleased.

 

- Joe

[Homer]

Was the park cleaner than before? Is there still craptacular food service there?

 

<- Remembers waiting 1/2 hour in 2004 at Deejay's Diner and getting a mediocre chicken sandwhich.

[GeorgiaDawg278]

All that was very, very true. I also noticed a steep improvement. Waiting outside the gate prior to opening, we met all the super heroes, the friendly looney tunes, and a juggler who came and did some cool tricks. All of this added not only to the "atmosphere", but also made you forget that you were actually standing in line being bored!

[ParkTrips]

Yea did you see the magician too? I had seen him walking around but didn't realize what he wa suntil this afternoon!

 

Homer, 30 minutes isn't all that bad, I've waited longer at various parks. You can't fault the place too much for being busy. Deejays food does suck though, fortunately Snyder wants to kick out the crappy lessees and bring in some quality.

 

Just to run down some user comments found elsewhere

 

http://coasterenthusiast.com/viewjournal.cfm?userID=83

 

This was the best day at SFOG I have ever had.

 

After this visit, [[username]] felt fantastic.

 

 

http://www.sfog.net/forums/index.php?topic=748.0

 

Overall, I have a wonderful time. The highlights were the park staff. Everywhere you look, they were sweeping the paths, dumping trash, and greeting park customers all day. There were trash cans everywhere. There really were bathroom attendants at EVERY restroom. No more gum trees!!!!! Or gum signs.

 

If this is the future of our park, then the new price adjustments are justified in my opinion. Welcome to the "new" Six Flags over Georgia

 

 

http://www.sfog.net/forums/index.php?topic=746.0

 

happy employees, almost scary

cartoon characters everywhere

 

Wow...today was GREAT.

TONS of characters.

The employees were great. They were all happy and energetic and "Happy 45 anneversary"

I really like team, especially the old guy working Batman in the morning.

It was a good start to a good season.

 

This was the first time in years that I`ve actually felt welcome at the park.The employees were extremely kind and helpful and made me feel good about being there.It was also good to see all the characters there too.Batman was a really good addition,kids really love him and just flocked to him to have their pictures made.

[ParkTrips]

More:

 

WOW. That's about all I can say... WOW! This weekend was just

incredible. Opening day for any venue is bound to have snags, but

our staff at Six Flags Over Georgia was ready and pleased to

conclude Sunday with virtually no hitches. The media were here and

gave us great coverage on all the new things in the park. Guests

were delighted and so were employees. So, rather than giving you

our side of the story, I thought I would share a few quotes from

Guests taken this weekend.

 

_______________________________________

"The park was wonderful..the staff was professional and happy to

help!"

 

"Title of one of the e-mails...'A New Begnining for SFOG 2006'"

 

"Upon entering the park, you are now greeted by the Looney

Tunes...and when I say greeted, I mean the WHOLE gang is

there...pretty sweet, especially for the kids. The Justice League

characters greeted us in Gotham City...these were real people in

costume...awesome!"

 

"Overall, I had a wonderful time. The highlights were the park

staff. Everywhere you look, they were sweeping the paths, dumpng

trash and greeting park customers all day. There were trashcans

everywhere. There were bathroom attendants at EVERY restroom. If

this is the future of our park, then new price adjustments are

justified in my opinion. Welcome to the "new" Six Flags Over

Georgia"

 

"The park looks stellar this year...and the characters are a welcome

addition...we got off Canyon Blaster and Wile E. Coyote himself was

hanging out at the exit to his ride....makes perfect sense...a great

addition to the park experience."

 

"There were characters EVERYWHERE...big noticeable difference were

the employees, they did a good job today."

 

"Wow...today was great..I felt welcomed and the employees were

extremely kind and helpful and made me feel good about being there.

It was also good to see all the charcaters there too. Batman was a

really good addition...kids really love him and just flocked to him

to have their pictures made....most rides were a walk on which made

it that much better...keep up the good work SFOG! Nothing but

praise coming from here so far!!"

 

"At first, I thought that Mark Shapiro was out of his mind with his

vision of a better park on par with Disney. With today's visit, I

can safely say so that I was wrong and I can admit that. Today was

incredible. From the moment you see Goliath pull into view on I-20,

you know your day is going to truly be special. It goes without

saying, but Goliath is HUGE. [*wow*], what a beautiful coaster to

drool at."

 

"I liked how at the end of the day, all the employees lined up along

the entrance and wave/clapped and told everybody goodbye. Me and my

friend got in line with them...we started clapping with them. It

was so funny. Then we sang some kid happy birthday..."

 

"One thing I will never forget is "info Man"...wow...that was

hilarious, haha. He dressed up in like a work suit and glasses and

just suddenly runs into a phone booth and rips it all off to reveal

his costume...it was funny! (One of our ambassadors/streetmosphere

in the Superman area)"

_______________________________________

 

Thank you everyone for your visit this weekend. We enjoyed it just

as much as you did. Have a happy anniversary at Six Flags Over

Georgia and come back to see us soon!

[pvcoasterguy]

A person who posted a PTR of Six Flags Over Texas' opening day had the same comments- a significantly improved experience. I think that it is safe to say that the 'old' Six Flags is gone and the 'new' Six Flags is here to stay.

[Carnage]

"lot's of trash cans"

 

That doesn't mean as much to me anymore after being to Dorney.

[ECZenith]

I hope this trend continues at other SF parks. Some of the staff at SFA were just straight-up dicks when I was there a few years ago. We're talking about staff actually copping an attitude with guests not standing behind the yellow line. Yeah, it's obvious you should be behind th eline but damn, at least ACT like you're getting paid. I always feel like I'm going to be shot when I go there.

 

I see Snyder coming in as a good thing, great to see he kept his word on at least this issue. Hopefully it lasts throughout the season and in days to come.