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Hopefully this year's return of Grand Carnivale will also bring back the tasting cards. My favorite part of Carnivale 2023 was the tasting card for 10 items, especially since I could use it over multiple visits! I miss Hot Summer Nights/Royal Rhythms from 2019 and 2021, or just having a live band on Bandstand for that matter. Few moments beat getting to join the conga line as they played "Hot Hot Hot"! I agree that I-Street needs the orchestral music back (NOT the covers that played 2020-21). The jazz was cool but my KD visit last April revealed just how much I miss hearing those beautiful orchestral pieces on our I-Street. This is a long shot at this point, but I still have a tiny shred of hope for Eiffel Tower and WindSeeker to be able to stay open for the fireworks again, sometime in the future. I understand the lasers and drones prohibit their operation during recent shows and that would require a significant change, but I dearly miss being able to watch the fireworks from nearly 300 feet up. Not to mention that unique opportunity had set KI's fireworks experience apart from the others. From my personal experience, WindSeeker fireworks rides are a core memory from when Vortex was still here, and I loved still getting to experience them after Vortex left...at least through 2021. Chalk it up to nostalgia, but I really want those fireworks rides back...

Hopefully if there is a new Bandstand show it is more like Royal Rhythms, and of course a live band would be nice. I appreciated the jazz for not being the pop music or orchestral covers but I would certainly welcome a loop like Kings Dominion.

Yes. A quick Google search yields dozens of articles about Six Flags and other chains implementing systems like this. It takes a fair amount of planning to utilize this program. The program requires getting the pass and having a doctor’s note. You can’t just register at Guest Services. Not putting this out there as early as possible is a huge disservice to guests who are affected by different abilities. Many will be disappointed who do not have this new policy properly communicated to them and get turned away from the needed accommodations.

Yes, I mentioned it in my post lol

Per Marcus LeShock on Facebook: JUST IN: The Village of Gurnee Zoning Board has approved a request from Six Flags Great America to build solar shade structures in their parking lot. These 6.4 megawatt solar systems would help lower Great America’s electric bill and provide shade for vehicles parked underneath. These structures would also have security cameras installed, along with LED lighting for nighttime hours. They are designed by a company called Solar Optimum, who also installed these carports at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. This project now moves to the Gurnee Village Board for full approval. It’s unclear when the carports would be constructed and installed on the parking lot. I wonder if the former Cedar Fair parks will see solar panels down the road?

Four took the money and ran before it is run into the ground https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250310666469/en/Six-Flags-Announces-Nomination-of-Four-New-Independent-Directors#:~:text=CHARLOTTE%2C N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE,its Board of Directors at

Yes, Kings Island used to send out advisories to the media and provided statements when asked about new policies. https://www.wlwt.com/article/kings-island-enacts-new-ride-policy-for-disabled-guests/3532362 Here's a statement that was provided to the media in 2013 when asked about a policy change: In an effort to provide all of our guests with equal opportunity and access, Kings Island offers a uniform boarding pass with an anticipated wait time for riders with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and mobility impairments. We are proud of our reputation for accommodating guests with all types of disabilities through our Ride Admissions Policy. As referenced in our Guest Assistance Guide, we offer a Boarding Pass to allow our guests with ASD and mobility impairments use of an alternate access to board our attractions with up to three companions. The boarding pass will allow a guest to receive a boarding time at attractions, which is equal to the anticipated wait time of a particular ride. By using a Boarding Pass, guests with ASD and mobility impairments are able to enjoy our attractions without having to wait in line.

huh. im not promoting anything just sharing a video.

Honestly I'm not sure what part of the ride was supposed to be 3-D. It just made me dizzy and kind of made the glasses worthless.

It's already there, the prices for a chicken tender meal without a meal plan!

Not sure if this still counts because it doesn't apply to KI, but somebody asked me the other day if Kingda Ka's implosion was on purpose. I said, "yeah, no it was definitely an accident" and I think they believed me. So then I had to tell him that "no, it was on purpose and roller coasters don't just fall down from the sky"

I feel Carnivale is here to stay just because it's an International themed festival and KI and KD have International Street. I think Carnivale will return to KD in 26 as just like KI in 22 they're taking a year off to celebrate their 50th. I'd be okay with it as long as they expand on it and keep adding to the event and not cutting back like they've done the last few years. One way to do that is to bring back a Carnivale themed bandstand show (ie Royal Rhythms) and not just have Retrospect as the show. It just didn't have that "International Festival" feel to it. I'm glad they chose to keep Food and Wine as it has a lot of potential to be a staple at the park. It also really works well in that Tower Gardens/Eiffel Tower base area. However, I really wish instead of late May through June, they did it in late April through May. Have it be that springtime early season event instead of Summer. Now my main wish (obviously like we saw with Food and Wine last year where they added it last minute) is we see some type of Soak City event. That's literally where your new capital for 2025 is. Take advantage of it! Do some late ERT on the new attractions as part of like a "glow nite" event like you used to do. It felt like a major missed opportunity to not do some sort of "kids event" in Camp Snoopy last year to help promote Camp Snoopy and no the showing a new "camp snoopy" movie in Beagle Scout Acres doesn't count. I also would keep our eyes on Timberwolf this year. With Skyflyer being removed and Spirit Song mysteriously going silent last year after coming back one year post Covid (2023) with no signs of it coming back as well as no signs of KI hosting anymore concerts after the 2022 concert series flop, I feel like the time to pull the plug on it would be now especially if Congo, Invertigo, Drop Tower, and The Bat are all potentially on the chopping block. That would open up a large plot of land at the front of the park for something massive! Now that's the conversation of another thread lol. As for live shows this year, I'm willing to place a bet that Trailblazers Xtreme and Country Crossroads are returning. I'm about 50/50 on the gazillion bubble show as it looks like KD is potentially getting it, but they show at multiple parks so KI could still get it, but honestly I could also see KI getting Brad Ross as he did a 2 year stint at Carowinds and he was very popular there. The main question is about the bandstand show. Usually KI runs their shows for 2 years. Retrospect has ran for 2 years. However, Off the Charts ran there for several years. However, I really hope they do a live band show there again or at least change up the songs. Finally, not really live entertainment/special event related, but please please please PLEASE NO MORE JAZZ ON I-STREET!!! I know I sound like a broken record here, but the jazz has been playing for 3 seasons now and imo just does not fit International Street. Now, I could get behind the jazz during food/wine fest and Carnivale as it fits those events well, but outside of when those events are going on, I want to see orchestral music playing again! International Street is meant to be grand and revealing not laid back jazzy!

"Back in my day, amusement parks used to announce closures before they actually closed, not after" "your crazy pops, why on Earth would they do that?"

Looks like KI is the only park doing Grand Carnivale this year. Fingers crossed they are able to pour more money into it this year as they have more resources with the other past Carnivale parks not doing it. Please please please KI and Corporate bring back the 2019 version!!!

Some interesting info. Didn't they claim initially that the merger would result in $200M in savings synergies... "We successfully achieved more than $50 million in gross cost synergies and drove meaningful improvement in guest satisfaction scores and higher guest demand.... We are making progress toward realizing the remaining $70 million in anticipated cost synergies from the merger, representing a targeted 4% reduction in operating costs and expenses, while advancing strategic initiatives to drive attendance and guest spending levels higher." Q4 saw a 4.9 million-visit increase in attendance included a 5.0-million-visit increase resulting from attendance at the legacy Six Flags parks during the fourth quarter of 2024, offset slightly by 115,000 fewer visits at the legacy Cedar Fair parks. The decrease in fourth quarter attendance at the legacy Cedar Fair parks was entirely due to the fiscal calendar shift and fewer operating days in the quarter, which resulted in 576,000 fewer visits in the 2024 fourth quarter. We have completed our initial review having identified properties that are less strategic and critical to our long term growth objectives, properties that we would consider divesting under the right circumstances. These include some of the smaller noncore parks as well as excess undeveloped land that isn't critical to future expansion plans. As an example, we are currently in the process of marketing undeveloped land adjacent to our park in Richmond, Virginia. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250227928301/en/Six-Flags-Entertainment-Corporation-Reports-2024-Fourth-Quarter-Results-Provides-Adjusted-EBITDA-Guidance-for-2025#:~:text=Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights&text=The net loss attributable to,income margin was negative 38.4%.

Executives always thrive. The hardworking employees remain increasingly crushed, hopeless.

Appreciate you sharing this. Great interview! Seems like the general consensus is that a revival of the ride is well overdue.

Swapping billboards out on Backlot Stunt Coaster (grainy, but a worker is carrying one back to trucks):

We have such a beautiful park and are so lucky to have people that are passionated about the park in high ranking positions.

I think a change to some of the things guests regularly use may come in the near future as well. Things like maps, apps, websites, drink bottles (as seen above), branding on cups/plate covers, etc. could be subject to look different sooner rather than later. We've already seen the restructuring of Six Flags passes to match the Cedar Fair model as a start. For example, why use 3-4 different park guide/map design companies (CF physical map style, CF mobile app map style, SF physical map style, and maybe SF mobile app map style) when everything could be done through 2 (physical & mobile app maps)? Different map styles shown below. Kings Island summer 2024 park map Kings Island 2024 mobile app map preview (maps created by MapLayr) https://attractions.io/learn/cedar-fair-maplayr-partnership Six Flags Over Texas summer 2024 park map

Six Flags says it has no plans to close any parks, despite media reports (live5news.com)

Well everyone knows that looney tunes has an "interesting" history to say the least. In a world that we can't have br'er rabbit, br'er fox, br'er bear and zipidy do da day I'm shocked that we can have kids areas themed to Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, and Bugs Bunny. I know the newer looney tunes are a lot more politically correct in terms of their style of humor but I'd be curious if the chain is looking to retire the looney tunes IP...???

Hmmm curious if a lack of mention on Looney Tunes was intentional. But definitely wanted to include DC it seems. I think from a child's perspective IP's used can help the child relate and feel connected with the area. Also can give fun and exciting mascots to meet and spend time with. Nonetheless, will be very interesting to see how the next couple years shake down! Sent from my SM-S928U1 using Tapatalk

Here are some graphics from their presentation when talking about long term goals and objectives

I just filled out a survey for Cedar Point that asked about the importance of having an IP used for theming at the parks. DC comics was mentioned alongside Peanuts:

From Q3 report 2024: "Six Flags today also announced the core objectives of its new long-range plan designed to deliver on the full growth potential of the Combined Company. In many cases, the new objectives represent the natural extension and evolution of strategic initiatives that contributed to the success of legacy Cedar Fair. Enhance the guest experience to deliver a stronger price-value proposition and drive demand . Identify incremental operating efficiencies that generate cost synergies and help drive margin expansion . Maintain a disciplined approach to the prioritization and activation of capital investments to realize the full market potential of each park, while maximizing free cash flow efficiency . Integrate technology stacks with a focus on harmonizing systems, eliminating redundancies, and enhancing the guest-facing digital experience. Review the park portfolio over time, to optimize the asset base , narrow management’s focus, and help reduce net leverage." (italics by me to point out the obvious) My take on this: They want to maximize attendance at all parks. The opportunity will be at legacy Six Flags parks as there is much opportunity there. However, look for a diminished experience at Six Flags parks that had high attendance prior to the merger and historically well attended Cedar Fair parks like KI and CP. Legacy Six Flags parks will need investments in hardware (more high capacity rides and perhaps more trains per coaster) and People. If they achieve higher attendance without enhancing guest experience, long term growth may suffer, or they may continue to attract crowds with a diluted experience with cheap passes, like we see at KI. As they attempt this, parks that fail to step up will be divested as they review the portfolio. Also, well performing parks may be sold off for a quick cash grab.

Like I said for the other Cedar Fair parks, I don't expect the general public to notice any significant changes to Kings Island under the new Six Flags chain other than having Six Flags parks added to the all-park passport. However, this is only based on my observation of the new chain from less than a single season of operation, so we'll need more time to accurately gauge the effects of the merger. I think the merger would be more obvious to people if we started seeing stuff like Looney Tunes or DC come to the park, or the park literally rebranding itself as a Six Flags park. I don't think either of these are very likely to happen, but crazier things have happened in the amusement industry.

What about for KI park goers?

I would agree with that! They are just now getting into the restructuring of positions. Next season we will start seeing the results of those changes.

I think it’s still too early to tell. However, I will say the park experiences I have had this season is better than last.

I missed the anniversary, but the merger was announced just over a year ago today. How we feelin'?

I think it depends on the parks they're from. It seems new Six Flags is going in a more Cedar Fair-centric direction when it comes to things like passes, add-ons, food, maintenance, additions, etc. so I don't expect the former Cedar Fair parks to change all that much post-merger unless we begin seeing DC or Looney Tunes IP introduced to those parks. I think the most notable changes will come from the former Six Flags parks, especially larger parks like Magic Mountain, Great America and Great Adventure. I believe those parks will change a lot for better or worse if they begin adopting Cedar Fair's method of running their parks and the general public will notice the changes greatly. Other than that, I think the most obvious difference for people throughout both of the chains is that the all-park passport can be used to go to both former Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks. For people who have Kings Island as their home park and want to buy the all-park passport for Cedar Point since it's nearby, they will also gain access to Great America as well. Likewise, people who have Great America as their home park will now be able to visit Kings Island and Cedar Point if they get the all-park passport.

I’m sitting here, wondering what is going to be the most obvious change that non-enthusiasts will see from this merger in the coming years.

And here I was hoping they’d eliminate them completely.

It looks like the 2025 Cedar Fair style bottles will be used throughout the whole chain next year!

Looks like pass options for 2025 are up for legacy SF parks and its...gold pass, prestige pass, and all park passport, matching Cedar Fairs options. As well as all season flash pass and a "two meal" dining plan.

Imagine showing this to someone from a year ago with parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point on the Six Flags website.

Update, it's now redirecting to sixflags.com

Well now the site seems to be functioning again, so I'm not sure what they were doing. Maybe some testing.

www.cedarfair.com now redirects to the six flags website if it works at all.

Let us have a moment of silence

Just like that, www.cedarfair.com is down.

I've been scouring the national sites of Cedar Fair and Six Flags since the merger. Today, the LCF parks were added to the park selection section of the Six Flags national site.

There have never been separate all park, and home park only drink plans. They have just always been chain wide and it’s unlikely anything is changing.

Cedar Point started selling their 2025 passes this morning - I assume Kings Island's offer, presumably going on sale Thursday when the water park announcement is made, will be similar. Gold stayed the same at $99 from last year at this time, Prestige saw an increase of $15 to $340, from $325. Summer pass looks to be discontinued. Renewals get 1 free bring a friend ticket to be used today through 10/27, Saturdays excluded, and 1 free single use Fast Lane during the 2025 season and must be used before 9/1/25 - for the free Single Use Fast Lane, must purchase before 9/2) Unlimited visits on Gold and Prestige remainder of 2024 plus all of 2025. Dining plans (both home and All Park), drink plans, and season long Fast Lane (both home and All Park) get remainder of 2024 for free in addition to 2025. Cedar Point's All Park Fast Lane for 2025 remains at $999, the same price it was for 2024 Their website doesn't outright specify if the All Park Passport would be free for the remainder of the 2024 season if renewing for 2025 and it didn't appear that an "All Park" option exists for the drink plan. I just got off the phone with someone from Guest Relations up at Cedar Point - they stated that the All Park Passport would include the rest of 2024 and that the drink plan, with wristband, applies to all of the legacy parks

Actually most of rhe parks were allowing next year's adds ons . It was primarily the ohio parks that wouldn't allow adds on to work till the following year. Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

Kings Dominion’s website is advertising add ons good for the rest of 2024 as well as 2025 . That’s the first time I have seen that.