SFA Fright Fest TR (Starting 10/7/05)

What I saw on screamscape about a dark ride might fit,but then again SFMM & FC don't have a dark ride that I know of...just SFFT.

The only other thing I saw was the rumored pandemonium clone at SFNE but Coastergut's hint of "hold your horses" might be a clue.....a new carousel is certainly something the park is in need of.

There was a hearing regarding the HH expansion. Probably one of the reasons why some of the attractions opened later than the rest of the water park.

And no.... "Hold your horses" isn't a clue. It isn't anything big but something much needed should be what your focusing on. *** Edited 10/17/2005 2:07:12 AM UTC by coasterguts***

God I'd love a new carousel... the one from Astroworld was just restored this year and would look SO good at SFA, but no, that's not what we're talking about, though I wish it was. However, if they don't sell it, ya think SFA could get it? What other SF parks could use an old, classic carousel?

As for the hints, seriously, don't hurt yourself trying to figure this out. Even coasterguts "much needed" part is questionable, though I'm sure the park figures there's a good reason for doing it. It's nothing to lose sleep over or anything, and honestly, you'll probably NEVER guess what it is based on the hints, and I'm serious about that, no hints in there, seriously. (notice the lack of winkie face to show how serious I am). It's probably not even anything they'll anounce as new next year, just something you'll have to notice for yourself opening day.

As for the second major addition for 2006/2007... something that was added to the SFA official site in the last two weeks that COULD be interpreted as a clue, but it's not obvious. It could be a clue because it fits the rumor I heard, or it could just be coincident...

In other news, they are REALLY pushing the 2006 season pass sales. They have a big banner above Main Street, they have advertisements on all the boards around the park, they have a special FF park map this year and a third of the back of the map is an advert for season passes, it's ALL over the website, and they were even saying a short promo for the season passes before the shows the night I went. It's rather suspicios considering some other SF parks arn't even offering 2006 season passes yet (ie SFMM and SFOT). Would be interesting to see the level of advertising for Season Passes around the rest of the chain.

http://www.mncppc.org/pgco/planning/pdf/06-23-5/18maps.pdf

I've heard that this maybe comming to SFA...I MEAN THEY "NEED" IT!!! READ ON.....

SIX FLAGS INTRODUCES COMPUTERIZED VIRTUAL QUEUE TECHNOLOGY AT NINE U.S. THEME PARKS FOR 2002 SEASON February 6, 2002

OKLAHOMA CITY - Six Flags, Inc. (NYSE:PKS) is expanding an innovative, one-of-a-kind virtual queue system to nine of its theme parks in the United States for the upcoming 2002 season, the company announced today.

Six Flags virtual queue program, called Lo-Q, is the theme park company's newest guest service improvement that provides visitors with an alternative to waiting in line to experience popular attractions at Six Flags parks.

"We are always striving to raise the bar and set new standards when it comes to guest service," said John Bement, Six Flags executive vice president. "Quite simply, our Lo-Q system is the ultimate line management technology, giving guests maximum time and optimum flexibility to experience all the fun Six Flags has to offer."

Successfully tested last year at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta, the Six Flags Lo-Q system is unique within the theme park industry. Created by Lo-Q, a software innovator specializing in low power radio and tagging technologies, the paperless system replaces the long wait in a traditional queue line by holding guests queue positions in a computerized virtual queue line. Six Flags Lo-Q program is the only true virtual ride reservation system in the world.

"When guests are in queue lines, they're not visiting our retail and food outlets or enjoying many of our park's other attributes," Bement said. "Our Lo-Q system boosts guest satisfaction and enhances in-park revenue because guests are able to do two things at once--like have lunch while they're waiting in a virtual queue line."

The key to the system is the Q-Bot, a pager-type messaging and locator device. One Q-Bot can serve a group of six guests. Guests secure a time to ride a particular attraction by pointing their Q-Bot at the Lo-Q reservation point. Within a second, Q-Bot beeps and displays a message confirming the ride time. Once booked, the Q-Bot displays the ride name and the time at which the group can join the ride. The Q-Bot reminds guests when it is time to start toward the ride. Guests enter the ride through a specific Lo-Q entrance.

Guests rent the Q-Bot devices, making Six Flags Lo-Q program a revenue source for the park, which renders dual benefits for guests and the park. Guests enjoy more rides per visit and special offers at food and retail outlets in the park. The park benefits from higher guest satisfaction, efficient line traffic management and increased revenue. A child locator feature will be added to the system in the future.

"We were pleased with the overwhelming positive response to our Lo-Q program from our guests at Six Flags Over Georgia last year," Bement reported. "Our Lo-Q program has already proven effective at improving the overall guest experience by producing more quality time for guests to enjoy all our parks have to offer during their visit."

In addition to Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Lo-Q virtual queue system is being introduced this year at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Astro World, Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, Six Flags New England, Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Six Flags Marine World. Six Flags Great America and Six Flags Magic Mountain are scheduled to add to the system in 2003.

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with a total of 38 parks in North America, Europe and Latin America. Six Flags parks serve 40 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The parks annually host more than 50 million guests worldwide. Six Flags is a publicly held corporation with corporate offices in New York City and Oklahoma City. The Company's stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol: PKS. American Online keyword: Six Flags.

SFA would not announce this (like on TV), but maybe on their website!.....LETS hope they finally get them! *** Edited 10/17/2005 4:08:42 AM UTC by SFAmerica***

SFAmerica, could be, but not what I was talking about. Q-bot (by the company Lo-Q) has done wonders at the parks it is in. Every park with Q-bot has made over $1 million in revenue from Q-bots this year and according to Lo-Q's website, they are up 50% on profits from this year to last. Lo-Q has also come up with several new innovations for the product, including better radio communication, water-proof units, and the ability to use them for reserving special seats for shows. (it's all on the website). As Lo-Q is easy money for Six Flags, I could easily see them installing it at several SF parks in the next few years, SFMM, SFGAm, and SFA included. The greatest cost is the initial investment for the units and Lo-Q boxes, after that payoff, it's all profit.

SFA already has three rides set up for Q-bot (Batwing, TSC, and PBR) which each have seperate entrances for the handicaped other than the exit which helps a lot for Lo-Q, and the rest guests would just use the exit like they do at SFGAdv. I'd really like to see them do what SFNE has and have a seperate entrance on ALL the rides for Q-bot/handicaped riders, but that would be an extra cost.

However, after going to SFNE, I've fond that I HATE Q-bot. At SFNE, Lo-Q riders clog up all of the lines and make those waiting in the regular line wait significantly longer. Plus, it's expensive, and as a regular park goer, I just can't afford it. If SFA did get Q-bot, and it did get popular, you might regret it later...

It's gotta be a pathe connecting CC with GC,or it could be LO-Q but from what I heard LO-Q was never implimented at SFA & SFMM because the company went out of business or something like that.

Let's stick with what we know might be a sure bet & that is a new slide/pool area in HH,personally I think it'll come in 07 becasue SFA has been on an every other year schedule for new attractions lately.

Funny how TR's always seem to turn into a "what is SFA getting" thread....we should sit tight til the announcement to learn more & instead focus on the overall TR's & park conditions during FF for now.

This coming from someone who, until recently, wants to start looking for what the park is adding next the second they open the gates.

Maybe CoasterLover has, but I haven't heard anything about a new path to Gotham City from CC or LO-Q coming to SFA. *** Edited 10/17/2005 5:15:44 PM UTC by coasterguts***

Well tell us this hint then.

Is this thing we're supposed to be looking for next season gonna be a ride/attraction or some improvement to guest services?I'm leaning away from it being a ride of any kind myself.

I've heard nothing about Lo-Q coming to SFA or a path from GC to CC. I do know that, depending on where the path would go, it would face one or more of several problems: there's a FEMA flood plain that goes up in that area of the park, there are protected wetlands in that floodplain area, and there are restrictions on removing trees in that area. It's much more complicated than just driving an asphalt laying machine from Gotham City to Coyote Creek. If anything, what they could end up doing is just using the maintenence pathway that curls back under and around Batwing, then travels parallel to Superman going through Superman under the second and third hills, then goes back towards Renegade Rapids and comes out under Mind Eraser, but doesn't actually connect to the main path. But here lots of problems exist. Currently, while most of that path is rarely used during the day, it does go right next to the boneyard next to ROAR. Also, connecting the path undre Mind Eraser to the main path in Coyote Creek is a tricky task considering the low clearances and closly placed footers. It can be done, and I'm sure they're thinking about doing it eventually, but I personally haven't heard anything about it.

As for Lo-Q, that company is alive and kicking. They may have floundered after the initial implament of the system, but now that it is firmly in place, it's expanding like there's no tomorrow. ALL the parks that have Q-bot have all added the system to all the major new attractions they have built, so that should be proof alone. Check out their website and notice that there are several recent updates (within the last few months):
http://www.lo-q.com/

As for your question BatwingFan, I'll reiterate that they are being shipped to the park and should arrive in November. If, by chance, you think you might know what I'm talking about, give me a buzz and I'll let you know if you're right or not. Otherwise you'll just have one of two options, just keep driving by the park through the month of November and watch for the trucks to pull in, or just wait till opening day. I'm sure you could find someone in charge at the park who might tell you as well, but seriously (and in all honesty), you probably won't get too excited when you find out what the delivery is...

I just like messing with you all, even if it is over such a small little thing. It's one of those deals where I'm pretty sure I'm in the know but don't want to say straight out in case I'm not. But, the hints have been given (in this post as well if you know what to look for), and enough is enough. Shame there isn't another website to post on where rumors and topics like this is becoming are more accepted. I was noticing that same fact as you Batwing Fan about SFA TR's turning into rumor mills. Ohh well, less people read the TRs anyways, so it's better we keep it alive here than in the GB area.

If you look at the Document SFAmerica posted, it says that the date is February 6, 2002.

:/

Went to SFA sat and bottom line it sucked. Ride ops in the station rapping and swearing, ride ops taking their times loading and unloading the station (there should not be a 6 minute load/unload time for twoface w/ no one in the station...), employees with faded red/pinkish shirts (that makes mangement look bad from my standpoint, they should provide the employees w/ enough shirts so that will never happen), every ride, except superman, going down multiple times during the day, ride ops just sitting down on the brick wall screaming the ride is down, people in the station smoking with the ride ops carrying conversation with them.

I dont think I need to go on...the park sucks! I tried to give the park another go but I just cant deal with it anymore. I cant ride another coaster and get hit in the face w/ another hat because the ride op didnt event tell the person to take the hat off. And fright fest...lol lol more like fright fooled ya! How can only 2 haunted houses and of which one you have to pay extra for, consitute a halloween event. And that building code violation show "zorbana of the amazon" was a decent try at a haunted attraction...psst zorbana everyone saw you crawling thru the monkey's legs lol lol. I think people were more frighten with the fact that the building was hot and very small for the amount of people that was crammed in it.

I honestly think the park will never change because its doing what its suppose to do...bring the money in. But it will forever be a regional park because no one who has been to several parks will deal w/ the ghetto known as six flags america!

good coasters, bad everything else.

When did you go? I went the same day and had a great time, fast ops and all.

Or are you just a Six Flags America hater like lots of people? :p

*** Edited 10/17/2005 7:57:21 PM UTC by Colin Fisher***

I went this saturday...the 15th. Im not a six flags hater its just that I have been to enough parks to realize that the park can do a whole lot better than it does. I love the park and the coasters however everything else needs to get better.

For instance for someone who has only been to SFA they will think SFA is good because they have improved the load/unload time from 9 minutes to 6 minutes which is still horrible. I dont know if you have been to other parks yet but judgeing by your age im not sure. I use to think carowinds was the best park in the world until I got out more...not saying carowinds is good because I love it, its my home park, but I know there are better parks out there.

I've been to over 15 different amusment parks in the US and I think they did an excellent job on Saturday. Dunno what happened with you.

I don't know about you but SFA was doing quite well loading two face when last I was there & on my last two visits the wild one crew was just fantastic by giving us back to back laps at closing time.

My only gripe is with the ops at supes,they did a horrid job loading the trains last time I went in addition to the usual "whole train of fastlaners" bit thus making our wait longer in the process,also Batwing has done a bit better lately when it comes to at least operating two trains as the season has progresed so far.

Now what I don't get is why they can't at least try to retain & train the HH staff & TSC staff so as to have them at Batwing so both stations can be open after HH & TSC close for the season? it would make for much faster loads & in turn happier guests IMO....BTW have they fixed the broken airgate in station one/row one on Batwing yet?

I work Batwing and I highly doubt that airgate is getting fixed before the season's out. I don't want to go into much detail but I will say that at least at Batwing, we try to do the best with what we've got. Neither train has all 24 seats up and running, and you can speculate all you want as to why, but if it makes you feel any better, I hate having to remember which train has which seats down. We do, however, run 2 stations the second we can because we know how long that line can get and how slowly it moves if we've only got 1 train. Also, towards the end of the night, we'll really kick it into high gear and use both stations if possible, line or no line.

I'm sorry, coasterbruh, that you had a bad time this Saturday. I hope you do decide to visit again, and I can understand your frustration. I hate, I repeat, HATE slow dispatch times, so you can bet I do my best to crank those Batwing trains out of there in nothing flat. As for Two Face, I've had my fair share of slow dispatches as a guest and find them completely unacceptable. Take all that how you want to, but remember that at least one of us really cares about giving you the best experience possible.

Oh, and Coaster Lover, as soon as I saw your jacket when we e-boxed you out of that train on that rainy Friday night, I thought, "Oh shoot. I'm gonna be reading about this one on Coasterbuzz." Man, I thought you were furious. You had that "I'm gonna kill the first crew member I get my hands on" look, lol. Oh, lastly, Batwing did reopen. There just weren't any riders.*** Edited 10/18/2005 12:05:15 AM UTC by sirloindude*** *** Edited 10/18/2005 12:07:22 AM UTC by sirloindude***

Sirloindude I think you can see Coasterbruh's experience wasn't representative of the majority of others on Saturday.

Oh, I know. I had a rather good day on Saturday, but that my be due to the fact that I was at Dorney, lol. Still, and I'm biting my tongue for another 2 weeks until the season ends, I've experienced the same frustration, so I am in no way upset by his (or her) rant other than it upsets me that we didn't do our best.

LOL sirloindude, it's all good. A few years ago, I always wanted a chance to be on a coaster when it broke down and they had to e-box me out. Now, Batwing has done that for me twice, once about a year or two ago at this time and again this year. I guess it's just the rush of doing something most people in the general public never get to do. Funny part is, before I tried to go on Batwing that day, I had been on Superman and they couldn't get the other train to dispatch so I waited about 5 minutes on the brakes. They even sent one of the ride ops out to tell me what was going on. I still have the hopes of getting to walk down the stairs on the lift of a coaster or being on a coaster when it vallies, think you could hook me up with either of those events? ;)

Anyways, it was all good. The problem was solved in an orderly fashion. I just wish I would have known it was going to reopen. Like I said, I had avoided the ride most of the year because the line was too long or it appeared to be down, so I've been making up for it this Fright Fest while lines have ben shorter.

As for coasterbruh, I was at the park all day Saturday and each of the seven times I rode Superman throughout the day, on average, the train on the brakes only waited about a minute or less with the longer waits when someone was either too big to ride or when someone was having trouble with the restraints. I've been to 32 different parks, including essentially all of the top 20 (attendance wise) parks in the US, and that night, speed wise, SFA was doing just fine if not better than most of those other parks.