Ah shit lol, had no idea. In that case I hope they go to Michigan’s Adventure, if they ain’t gonna get a new coaster they might as well slightly improve one of the ones they have.
News Cedar Fair Merges with Six Flags
- Thread starter horsesboy
- Start date
I will repost an observation I made in the SFA closing thread about the bizarre cognitive dissonance regarding the merger. Many people express an open dislike of the merger believing it is highly detrimental to the industry and to most of the parks in the once two separate chains. Yet despite these negative views of the merger, some engage in doublethink being optimistic about the future for some of the parks such as for example GAdv despite evidence to the contrary. Yes CF has performed some long overdue maintenance and upkeep and improved the appearance of some areas of this park. However, this is negated by the massive ride removals, removals of iconic rides, a butcherd skyline, worse ride operations, and declining value.
While GAdv certainly had many problems a few years ago, at least it had more rides and better operations than now. I rather put up with an ugly park with many good rides and better operations than a debatable slightly preitter park with fewer rides and worse operations. Frankly, CF's minor beautification projects are just putting lipstick on a quadruple amputation pig. Moreover, the gaslighting form CF that new coats of paint on snack stands and gift shops is somehow worth the sacrifice of 18% of a park's attractions is patronizing and insulting to one's intelligence. This gaslighting also includes the attempt to paint anyone who disapproves of the combined company's current handling of its parks with blanket labeling such as ungrateful brats, this reeks of reverse trolling.
While GAdv certainly had many problems a few years ago, at least it had more rides and better operations than now. I rather put up with an ugly park with many good rides and better operations than a debatable slightly preitter park with fewer rides and worse operations. Frankly, CF's minor beautification projects are just putting lipstick on a quadruple amputation pig. Moreover, the gaslighting form CF that new coats of paint on snack stands and gift shops is somehow worth the sacrifice of 18% of a park's attractions is patronizing and insulting to one's intelligence. This gaslighting also includes the attempt to paint anyone who disapproves of the combined company's current handling of its parks with blanket labeling such as ungrateful brats, this reeks of reverse trolling.
I'm going to attempt to play both sides here (which ironically may not be looked upon with favor by anybody who falls staunchly on either side of the fence); with my home park perhaps being in second place out of 42 parks with respect to magnitude of merger impact to this point, there are a lot of thoughts I keep coming back to.
First, the good. Six Flags/Cedar would have to be comprised solely of bumbling idiots to not take full advantage of a property that lies almost directly between Philadelphia and NYC. Great Adventure could be seeing a ton of resources funneled to it for both rides and general upkeep. The park has always been a pretty major draw and it's capable of a whole lot more if the right decisions are made.
I do like a lot of the unanticipated and/or unadvertised improvements (Dark Knight Coaster effects returning, executive chef, building renovations, etc.) that have been made this year.
It may be on account of being used to Six Flags for so long, but I've always personally prioritized ride experience over theming. I'm more than happy to ride a coaster (think Rolling Thunder, Great American Scream Machine, and for a more current example, something like AireForce One) in an open field of nothingness as long as the ride itself is enjoyable. That said, I'll almost definitely get more on board the concept of immersive theming as the park gets more of it, and Cedar Fair has traditionally been very good in this respect. They have the potential to do a lot here - very exciting stuff.
However, I also can't fault anyone for pessimism. Speaking purely for myself, prior to joining this site, I lived in a bubble and bordered on zero familiarity with the way CF conducted their operations. Even with the positive discoveries I've made giving me hope, ideas for the future are just words until their actual execution. Judging solely by the actions of the merged corporation to this point, I believe it's justifiable to have a negative reaction. They eviscerated Great Adventure. No matter the overarching consensus as to the merits of some of the rides that were removed, they were comprised of crowd eaters (GL, Twister), spectacles (Dare Devil Dive, Parachutes), unique builds (even if ill-conceived; looking at you Cyborg), and classics (Skyway). Granted, the Sky Ride, Parachutes, and Cyborg had their issues and would have been necessary removals anyway. But the others, not to mention our crown jewels in Ka and Zumanjaro, were in fair to good working order when they were unceremoniously added to the chopping block. Regardless of anyone's opinion on the actual ride experience, Kingda Ka gave New Jersey objective bragging rights (which we don't often get) - everyone in the state knew about it, and it was a prime talking point of the safari guides while providing an extremely impressive sight even for non-riders. That's a drum I'll beat ad nauseum. I know plenty of friends who are opting to take their business to other parks this year, and while that's obviously not something I'm doing, I don't blame others for being angry at corporate for shitting in their porridge.
Implementation of new ride procedures has also changed the experience. Unless there's some element of it I'm completely oblivious to, I find the IROC policy of getting only one re-ride before having to get back in line (even when trains are all but empty) completely asinine. It seems unnecessary. I'm sure plenty of employees have been questioned regarding it, and I hope they haven't been catching too much heat just for doing their jobs as intended; unfortunately, that's probably happened a fair amount of times.
I'll fully admit to being more open minded about CF's intentions now than I was originally, but I still retain a fair amount of trepidation because Great Adventure is near (figuratively and literally) and dear to me. Stand Ups, Skycoasters, Intamin drop towers, and Stratas existing elsewhere provide minimal comfort to me. All of these things, my favorite versions of them, were once close to my backyard; I didn't have to make any intricate plans to go and experience them. That's not the case anymore. Having to travel across the country for these things just isn't the same.
TL;DR: fingers crossed for a bright future.
First, the good. Six Flags/Cedar would have to be comprised solely of bumbling idiots to not take full advantage of a property that lies almost directly between Philadelphia and NYC. Great Adventure could be seeing a ton of resources funneled to it for both rides and general upkeep. The park has always been a pretty major draw and it's capable of a whole lot more if the right decisions are made.
I do like a lot of the unanticipated and/or unadvertised improvements (Dark Knight Coaster effects returning, executive chef, building renovations, etc.) that have been made this year.
It may be on account of being used to Six Flags for so long, but I've always personally prioritized ride experience over theming. I'm more than happy to ride a coaster (think Rolling Thunder, Great American Scream Machine, and for a more current example, something like AireForce One) in an open field of nothingness as long as the ride itself is enjoyable. That said, I'll almost definitely get more on board the concept of immersive theming as the park gets more of it, and Cedar Fair has traditionally been very good in this respect. They have the potential to do a lot here - very exciting stuff.
However, I also can't fault anyone for pessimism. Speaking purely for myself, prior to joining this site, I lived in a bubble and bordered on zero familiarity with the way CF conducted their operations. Even with the positive discoveries I've made giving me hope, ideas for the future are just words until their actual execution. Judging solely by the actions of the merged corporation to this point, I believe it's justifiable to have a negative reaction. They eviscerated Great Adventure. No matter the overarching consensus as to the merits of some of the rides that were removed, they were comprised of crowd eaters (GL, Twister), spectacles (Dare Devil Dive, Parachutes), unique builds (even if ill-conceived; looking at you Cyborg), and classics (Skyway). Granted, the Sky Ride, Parachutes, and Cyborg had their issues and would have been necessary removals anyway. But the others, not to mention our crown jewels in Ka and Zumanjaro, were in fair to good working order when they were unceremoniously added to the chopping block. Regardless of anyone's opinion on the actual ride experience, Kingda Ka gave New Jersey objective bragging rights (which we don't often get) - everyone in the state knew about it, and it was a prime talking point of the safari guides while providing an extremely impressive sight even for non-riders. That's a drum I'll beat ad nauseum. I know plenty of friends who are opting to take their business to other parks this year, and while that's obviously not something I'm doing, I don't blame others for being angry at corporate for shitting in their porridge.
Implementation of new ride procedures has also changed the experience. Unless there's some element of it I'm completely oblivious to, I find the IROC policy of getting only one re-ride before having to get back in line (even when trains are all but empty) completely asinine. It seems unnecessary. I'm sure plenty of employees have been questioned regarding it, and I hope they haven't been catching too much heat just for doing their jobs as intended; unfortunately, that's probably happened a fair amount of times.
I'll fully admit to being more open minded about CF's intentions now than I was originally, but I still retain a fair amount of trepidation because Great Adventure is near (figuratively and literally) and dear to me. Stand Ups, Skycoasters, Intamin drop towers, and Stratas existing elsewhere provide minimal comfort to me. All of these things, my favorite versions of them, were once close to my backyard; I didn't have to make any intricate plans to go and experience them. That's not the case anymore. Having to travel across the country for these things just isn't the same.
TL;DR: fingers crossed for a bright future.
SweetBabyJames
Conservative Coaster Connoisseur
Thanks for the post. My question to you is regarding the metaphorical fence. Is that fence by chance a "railing" and is that "railing" fancy with fresh paint? Or is it just an average "inconsequential" fence with peeling paint?
Members who recently read the Six Flags America closing thread and the above message from @The Master will know what I'm referencing.
Apologies if this has already been addressed, but I think all that this means is that there are no more plans to close parks SFA-style. However, I could easily see them announcing on Tuesday that certain parks in the mega chain will be put up for sale.
IROC hate is unfathomably based. Fuck IROC.
I think "plans ... at this time" is operative here. I'm confident there have been discussions and I don't think this statement precludes them from turning around to announce another closure a few months from now. I don't anticipate this happening for the record, but I don't put much weight into the statement above either.
Never been truer! Let us reride more than once instead of walking around
Nothing was worse than having to tell people to go do a lap out the exit and back in when it is 9:50 and no one else was in the station. If anyone is crazy enough to lap White water canyon 8 times right before close, I say we let them.
paintervision
Coasters: 653 🎢
La Ronde is one I look at as being similar to SFA. La Ronde has an odd lineup - a lot of (aging) cloned coasters, and has only gotten a few flats in the past decade. Even though it's the second largest park in Canada, it doesn't have a great reputation either.
It's market is sandwiched between two larger parks with higher priorities in the chain (Canada's Wonderland and SFNE), and two mid-tier parks (Six Flags Great Escape and Darien Lake). Park has a short season; May-Oct (for 2025 July is the only full month the park is open without any weekday closures on the calendar; maybe the shortest season in the chain rivaling some of the waterparks that are only open Memorial Day to Labor Day?). No Spring Break or Christmas event days. I could see Six Flags opting out of the contract to run this park if they don't see much of a future for it.
From the screenshot below, they really want to test the waters with pushing the locals of Montreal towards Wonderland. Maybe a trial balloon to see who is willing to travel if they're not going for the All-Park Passport?
Edit: I should mention if you buy a Canada's Wonderland pass there is an offer to get a single day ticket to La Ronde as well through May 26th, but it does have some blockout dates. I don't know of any other parks doing this in the chain, and not for parks that are physically much closer than the 350 miles apart Wonderland and La Ronde are. Trying to read between the lines here, that's all.
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Thanks for the post. My question to you is regarding the metaphorical fence. Is that fence by chance a "railing" and is that "railing" fancy with fresh paint? Or is it just an average "inconsequential" fence with peeling paint?
I envisioned something more along these lines!
(This fence has since been covered with privacy screening - can we consider that to be another visual improvement expenditure?
)
SweetBabyJames
Conservative Coaster Connoisseur
Ahh yes, the GP and enthusiasts alike will agree that this fence is a crown jewel and should be held as the new highest standard for fencing. I look forward to many more fencing improvements like this one.I envisioned something more along these lines!
View attachment 37739
(This fence has since been covered with privacy screening - can we consider that to be another visual improvement expenditure?
I don't think the one reride policy is IROC. First saw it at BGW around 2009-2011. First couple years of I305 they didn't allow rerides, said it was Intamin rule, and for a very brief period some attendants on other rides were also saying no rerides. When they did start allowing rerides on '305, they started going to one reride on everything, and it continues to spread. It's long gone from BGW, although that may have been because they were even more restrictive for a while, can't remember for sure.
What does seem to be an IROC policy is about 20 seconds minimum every cycle where it appears absolutely nothing is happening.
What does seem to be an IROC policy is about 20 seconds minimum every cycle where it appears absolutely nothing is happening.
I disagree with a lot of your sentiments, but this statement here captures what I think is the biggest flaw in your argument: you’re treating “CF’s minor beautification projects” like they’re all that management has planned for the park. We already know that there’s at least one record-breaking coaster going in next year, and who knows what other future rides they have in the works for SFGAdv.
If you’re waving off a new 400-foot coaster as a “minor beautification project,” I don’t think you should be surprised that many people find your stance to sound a bit entitled. My more charitable interpretation of your argument is that you’re referring to the “minor beautification projects” this year only (less than one year after the merger), but that raises a different question: why get this upset about a single off-year when it’s clear that new ride plans are actively in development?
Interesting! For as far back as I can remember, unlimited re-rides had been permitted on every attraction at Great Adventure, including the bigger stuff from Intamin (I used to get Toro rides by the dozen on rainy days). Since the single extra ride limitation coincided with IROC going into effect, I assumed the two were directly related. I wonder what the rationale behind the policy is if IROC is not responsible.
The dispatch delays you mentioned absolutely appear to be an IROC byproduct either way, which certainly doesn't help matters!
It's not a single year off it's two in a row. Last year was a laughable disaster and it is part of a 20 plus year decline for the park. We lost 8 rides in.one season, 4 of which were icons and maybe getting one new ride that they promise will be great but over the last two years they have done nothing to earn that trust just more removals and worsening operations. But at least the icee stands look purdy.
This is why I can't take many of you defenders seriously as many of you ignore or hand wave the major issues plaguing the park, some of which are caused or magnified by CF's actions while gushing over new bathroom railings. The park was a mess last year and it's a bigger mess this year and the CF defenders are pissing on our head telling us it's raining. Even your post is just another example of gaslighting.
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I sincerely hope you’re not counting Parachuter’s Perch in this, considering the ride had been dead for 2 years when it was imploded, but I can’t fathom what the 4th “icon” would be otherwise.
This is the biggest thing I can’t wrap my head around for those who want to complain about the strata spinner. Shuttle or not, Ka was the last strata built, this should be an exciting time, but it almost feels like some don’t WANT the park to improve.
SweetBabyJames
Conservative Coaster Connoisseur
Yes, many rides were removed, some much more notable than others, however that is done. It's in the past and won't be reversed. I think it's time we move on from 2024 and start looking ahead to the future of Great Adventure. Hopefully in a positive light.
On a more general note, most of us do not work for theme parks and are not actual decision makers when it comes to what rides and attractions are added to parks, myself included. That being said we can and do have fun speculating what may be added to parks based on trends we see, possibly some inside sources etc. This is why I joined the forum and would bet why most of you did as well; it's a hobby and a passion. I must say, I am disappointed by and see no reason for @The Master to continue to share thoughts with such negativity. You've made your point, its time to move forward. My question to @The Master is, "why must you insist on being negative when you could be positive? You have the same influence on actual park decisions either way; zero." The negativity just brings the mood of the forum down which dampens what is a fun hobby for most of us. Hope inspires life and joy, negativity breeds more negativity.
I'm not a therapist, but my hope for you, @The Master, is that you can work on whatever has wounded you, whether theme park related or not, and be inspired to write some things you are grateful for that have happened in theme parks over the years. I have only good intensions while writing this and mean to inflict no harm. Thanks for hearing me out!
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It really just sounds like you need to cancel your pass and quit going to the park altogether. You're clearly not a fan of the direction the park is going in, so why bother going back if it makes you that unhappy? There are plenty of other non Six Flags/Cedar Fair parks in the area for you to patronize. If I felt the same way about my home park, I would never go back.