6F Reports Second Quarter Results

[The Interpreter]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070726/nyth118.html?.v=101

Among things to come out during the conference call:

* Next year, Six Flags Video and Six Flags Radio comes to the parks, with plasma screens in waiting lines.

* Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO, commented: "Although our peak business period occurs in the third quarter, we witnessed encouraging results for the first six months, especially when you consider 4% fewer operating days and unprecedented rain in the state of Texas. The fact that in-park spending and guest satisfaction scores are at an all-time high indicates both the return of families to Six Flags and their approval of the makeover. We are in position for the long-term turnaround we envisioned for our shareholders."

* At least one show in at least some of the parks will be replaced by videos of Best of award shows via Dick Clark Productions, thus reducing operating expenses (and they think people in a theme park will be happy watching videoes? Mr. Shapiro indicated many show watchers only want an air conditioned space to get out of the weather, rest and perhaps eat a snack before returning to the park)

* Guest satisfaction is at an all time high, with teens being particularly happy with the direction the parks are taking, while older people are taking a wait and see attitude, remembering the thrill centric focus of prior management.

* Keeping all rides operational, getting lines moving fast, excellent customer service and clean, safe parks are major areas of emphasis.

* The incident at Kentucky Kingdom has affected attendance and spending in the parks. Mr. Shapiro referred to it as a freak accident.

* Mr. Shapiro characterized Cedar Fair as a great operator of parks who operates in less metropolitan areas with lower costs, particularly for labor.

* Part of the lower earnings this time is due to buying back debt and refinancing some of the debt.

The archived conference call can be found at:

http://biz.yahoo.com/cc/0/82720.html

[CoastersRZ]

Granted, some of Cedar Fair`s parks are not in major metropolitan areas, there are several that draw from large population pools. Kings Island in Cincinnati, Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Kings Dominion in Richmond, Carowinds in Charlotte, and even Canda`s Wonderland draws from a large city in Toronto.

Kings Island tried the video approach to a live show several years ago. Remember how well the "Magic of the Movies" show was received in the renovated Paramount Theater? Guests thought it was rather absurd and a waster of their time.

[neo8820]

* At least one show in at least some of the parks will be replaced by videos of Best of award shows via Dick Clark Productions, thus reducing operating expenses (and they think people in a theme park will be happy watching videoes? Mr. Shapiro indicated many show watchers only want an air conditioned space to get out of the weather, rest and perhaps eat a snack before returning to the park)

Huh? So at SFKK where they have no shows what would they replace? Perhaps Superman Tower of Power

[The Interpreter]

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom has shows.

Whatever are you talking about?

http://www.sixflags.com/kentuckyKingdom/en...ertainment.aspx

[neo8820]

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom has shows.

Whatever are you talking about?

http://www.sixflags.com/kentuckyKingdom/en...ertainment.aspx

I'm embarrased I forgot about that considering SFKK is my home park. If I remember correctly they are all in the outdoor theater so the theory of escaping the weather doesn't really hold true.