SFGAdv From a Disney Fan's Eyes

Just caught this article on Jim Hill's site (and no, Jim didn't write it so it's safe to read ;) ).

The article is titled "Scoping the Competition: Six Flags Great Adventure" and runs with a summary that reads:

"JHM guest writer Chris Barry returns with an article about his recent trip to his local Six Flags park. Which -- thanks to that theme park chain's new management team -- is looking more & more like the Mouse's operations with each passing day."

I dunno. Between reliable folks like Moosh saying SFMM has really turned around and articles like this...well, I hate to say I told you so, but...

At any rate, it's nice to see a TR from someone who isn't a coaster enthusiast. This is much closer to how the GP sees these parks than any of us could ever convey.

EDIT - still learning to spell :)

*** Edited 5/24/2006 7:20:21 PM UTC by Lord Gonchar***

I'll see it when I believe it, but as I've always maintained, I think that Shapiro and Co. are on the right track. Disney parks are successful, Six Flags parks are not. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who to emulate!

I saw alot of it (i.e., the turnaround) at SFMM during WCB....then some more at SFoG during Spring Fling (but SFoG always runs a great event, so it wasn't as noticeable)...

Hearing more and more about cleanliness, friendliness, costumed characters....I'm basically cynical by nature, but I'm *beginning* to become convinced...

Oh, and Rob....it may not TAKE a genius to figure out who to emulate...but since some geniuses have figured it out anyway, why not take advantage of our efforts on behalf of SFI. ;)

It's better to copy the winner than be the loser because you wanted to do your own thing. I may have to raise my expectations by the time El Toro is finally completed!

I don't know that I'd say SFMM has turned around, it's just better than it has been in the past. That's not really saying much...

I don't know how GP this guy can be considered. He calls himself a "theme park nut," and his 7-year old is asking about "dark rides." I'm looking forward to a second chapter when he goes on a weekend in July or August and doesn't limit himself to the kiddie rides.

Yeah, I suppose. It's still a far cry from someone hitting the park and wanting only to ride the coasters then complaining about all the trains not running.

This is much closer to how the average schmoe sees the park.

My day at SFMM wasn't perfect by any means but it was by far the best experience I've had in about five years. There is light at the end of the tunnel but we're still a ways away from the exit.

Things seem to be on the up and up.

While SFGAm was already a great park before the takover, I have still seen the noticable changes even on opening day.

Characters everywhere, bathroom attendants(even a pic at the entrance of the bathroom of the attendant and his name), directional signs, designated smoking areas, daytime parade with nighttime parade and nightly fireworks starting May 27th.

The ride capacity and customer service was already good here so really no improvement there.

It has a Disney-esque touch to it. :) Heck, they were even selling Disney clothing in one of the shops I went into. Had to take check my eyeglasses when I saw a shirt with Mickey Mouse on it at an SF park. *** Edited 5/25/2006 3:15:26 AM UTC by Chitown***

But at least it's not a snoooooozefest, right?

If I ever choose a Six Flags park over Knoebels may I magically become straight! ;)

Somehow I don't see that statement becoming part of a marketing campaign for either place. :)

Knoebels - Family Fun at Family Prices while keeping the gay folks gay!

Yeah...you're right ;)

I'm sure that whenever I finally make it to Knoebel's that I'll have a gay old time, does that count?

Does it help my cause if I'm sucking on a fag?

...

and for anyone who doesn't know, fag is a slang term for cigarette in England

Oh my...what have we done with this thread? lol

You started it! :)

Moosh, I think Incidentalist called you old.

Moosh, I thought your hijacking of threads days were over. :)

Now he's so good, he can do it do it without even trying...;)

As Shapiro himself told me, realistically it's going to take them 5 years to turn things around, and to some it's going to seem very slow. But he's already adressing some of the major issues.

Now if he starts talking "ride restoration" at any point, I'll become gay... ;)

LOL DW! ;)