They have never, in my memory, listed any reason for delays other than "waiting on a part." They would risk alienating their customer base with political inferences, which they don't need. As far as the bankruptcy, I personally don't see why in the world the federal government would take partial ownership in six flags as they did the two automotive companies.  Much much smaller industry and much less of a full time, benefited union type employment base. 

I wonder if Six Flags is avoiding listing tariffs as a secondary cause/scapegoat for project delays because they either 1) are euphemizing everything including tariffs, or 2) are hoping to get some kind of relief from the federal government if/when they declare bankruptcy (as companies like GM have in the past).

I was listening to the Disney Dish and they spoke about tariffs impacting Disney. Basically they said  it could delay or stop a ton of future plans if things have not already been purchased.    -company gives park a price -tariffs hit -company states the old price is off -company asks suppliers for all new prices  -company gets new cost and sends it to park -park approves then tariffs change again   basically they said everytime a tariff changes that process has to change as well. 

I would say to go with Door #1, renew and get a $99 Kings Island Gold Pass for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026 included. This is a low enough price point where two visits to any park would make the price worth it, and it allows you the choice of going/not going to Six Flags parks on your own terms. With an all-parks meal plan and standard drink plan that price goes up to about $300 total (after taxes and fees). Even that is a good deal considering the fact that Dollywood and other chains passes are up around $250-$300 without the dining plans. I wouldn't get Prestige unless you plan to go on days where crowds are normally lower because otherwise you'll be contending with all of the other new Prestige guests for access to Preferred Parking, the VIP lounges, and the Fast Lane lines.  Buying now for 2025/2026 would let you visit any parks that might soon be sold/closed by Six Flags. It might even make for a good series of on-site blog posts for you to write for themeparksbydon. If Six Flags ends up declaring bankruptcy or selling assets sooner than expected then you would also be able to document that.  You could wait until 2026 to see if (and when) this offer comes back out for 2026/2027, but then you would lose out on the pre-paid pass access to all of the Six Flags parks and not be able to go as spontaneously as you might want to.    If you'd like to continue the course you're currently on in regards to access to parks, dining plans, and other benefits: renew now. If you're fine with going to the parks less and paying for access each time, wait until 2026.

I wonder if that could have been caught and fixed while the ride was down, or if the water system is only able to be thoroughly tested while the ride is in operation.