http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/column..._N.htm?csp=N008

Hmm, I think investors are in for a ride but if the new board gets to where they want to be in the next 3 years there could be quite a reward for investors during this transition period.

Six Flags aside the whole theme park industry seems to be having a rough time. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?

a. high gasoline prices

b. ridiculous food pricing at Cedar Fair (note that Six Flags admissions and per caps are both UP)

c. bad weather, especially in Texas where it rained during almost all of July (and this heat wave will help waterparks but hurt dry parks more)

d. a spate of accidents and the resulting publicity

and, though some on this board won't like this one:

e. the results of too long an emphasis on thrill rides to the near exclusion of entertainment, treating employees well, customer service and infrastructure upkeep.

The crushing debt load at both Flags and now Cedar Fair isn't a help, either. Both companies acquired too many parks for too much money, and now the chickens have come home to roost.

a. high gasoline prices

b. ridiculous food pricing at Cedar Fair (note that Six Flags admissions and per caps are both UP)

c. bad weather, especially in Texas where it rained during almost all of July (and this heat wave will help waterparks but hurt dry parks more)

d. a spate of accidents and the resulting publicity

and, though some on this board won't like this one:

e. the results of too long an emphasis on thrill rides to the near exclusion of entertainment, treating employees well, customer service and infrastructure upkeep.

The crushing debt load at both Flags and now Cedar Fair isn't a help, either. Both companies acquired too many parks for too much money, and now the chickens have come home to roost.

I don't think the board at SF would mind hearing e. That is their big emphasis to focus more on family, park cleanliness, customer service etc. However, after reading some of the posts about CF customer service it appears they haven't reached the same state of nirvana SF has.