SF hidden agenda?

Because i worked in the industry for over ten years and have talked to people at all levels in several different parks/companies. I don't know that i would claim the title of expert in the field of amusement parks, but my opinions are based on experience and knowledge obtained from working in the environment many of which have come to fruition in the past year or so. I would go as far as to claim an extpert title on GLP through the end of the ninties and through the end of SFI in Ohio. But i'm certainly not the only one in that catagory. Point is that i lived with Premier for six years and probably have a good understanding of how the company works.

And i still stand behind the fact that the policy held by HW is a bad one for the park. And Paula never denied that people actually operating the program hate it (not that i know anyone there personally, but when you know enough people around you can get the info on anything). It's working for them now...

As for the libel, i guess it could be. But then it was stated as an opinion (but i still haven't heard a good reason why they could be so inept for so long). I think they have bigger problems than little old me.

So why is the policy held by HW is a bad one fore the park? Is HW giving their guests free parking, soft drinks and suncreen (something that most corporate theme parks like SF gouges customers for) a bad policy? HW also maintain their rides MUCH better than SF, smart enough to HATE trim brakes, and tries their hardest to minimize the wait. SFI OTOH kepts rides closed and reduce most opened coasters to ONE train on BUSY days to induce people to buy Lo-Q, another way to gouge people. HW does NONE of these! Making a profit is fine but trying to make too much money by ripping people off by overcharging is GREED and the public see that so they won't return. Why do you think HW keeps getting increased attendence while SF loses out because HW gives people a great value and treats you like a guest instead of looking for way to gouge people like SFI? *** Edited 9/5/2004 6:11:56 AM UTC by Pink Floyd Fanatic***

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meangene said:
but my opinions are based

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That says it all right there...

What Premier did is not that different from what a lot of corporations do. Once a product or service is maxxed out in the market the corp. looks for other ways to increase revenue and which drives up the stock price making shareholders happy.

So, they put in a plan that calls for a 15% or 20% growth a year and the easiest way to achieve that is through aquisitions. They aquire a company, pulling in all of its capital and resouces and call it growth.

Now Premier did it to the extreme, hoping that they could grow themselves out of debt. Instead, lot's of factors came into play, most being poor decesion making and the cost cutting came into effect. The debt dominoed out of control and thats where we stand.

The plan can work and does work if done right. Unfortunatly I worked for a company that had the same type of plan and after a few years of consolidating aquisitions, it just didn't work out and I was handed my walking papers in January. (After 9 years with the company)

So I have no idea what happens now with Six Flags Inc. They do need a better plan to get a handle on the debt, either through re-structuring or bankruptcy.

And as far as Holiday Worlds free soda, yes, they are giving up profits but not losing much money as soda's are one of the biggest mark up items that a park sells. But that's what you get when you have a family run business who cares about the customer experience as much as turning a profit. And I don't think Holiday World is going broke giving out free soda or sun screen. I am sure the cost has been included in the admission making it inclusive and not free. Big Difference.

Well I'd pay an extra $3-4 admission if I know that parking, soda and suncreen is free. HW still charges at least $10 less than corporate parks and are starting to play with the big boys for expansion. I don't expect a hyper anytime soon but anothe BIG woodie may be very possible within the next few years or a small steelie like an SLC or Boomerang is possible. People are getting smart enough to see that HW is offering a very good deal and that is why they had BIG increases in attendence. The only reason I haven't been there for a few years is because I live WAY TOO FAR AWAY form HW to go every year! If HW ever tries to outdo Hades and fill it up full of airtime than I will move as close to the park as possible!

Ha.

HW's big attendance boost from the waterslides, not your beloved lumber.

Don't think so? They'll tell you themselves.

-'Playa

I know the waterpark is their biggest draw but it is the idea that HW goes out of their way to make sure your park experieince is a good valued one. People will come back to a park if they know they got a good deal! I've said it is possible for another big woodie to come to the park not anything definate. I have heard rumors about a TGG woodie in the future but for all we know this may not happen either.

Its part of the reason I want to do Holiday World next year. As long as I can focus on the coasters and not the themeing;) (If ya don't get it, PM me, I'll let ya know...), and the water park, I think I'll have a lot of fun:).

Beast Buzz 2005-Tekno's Waterpark Rampage, 2 days of coasters and slides.