Shapiro affirms Six Flags Magic Mountain's future at press conference, promises coaster for 2009

^ Bingo, we have a winner!

I agree that the last thing the park needs is a coaster, but Shapiro has realized (and smartly so), that because of the nature of the market the park sits in, coasters and other E-ticket attractions are the only ones that will garner the park any attention. With the company's dire needs to bring people into the gate and NOW, his hands are pretty much tied. What he can do is add a flat/kiddie ride or two *along* with the big attractions to begin to balance out the park. He can also turn the park into a "well run" thrill park, and he's depending on Jay Thomas for that. They seem to have a good thing beginning at the Mountain. I look forward to seeing what happens over the next 3 or 4 years.

A coaster more his style huh. Well I hope that he's a big fan of Evel Knievel.

Thomas Town is going where the old granny grand prix was located

^^ Or El Toro. :)

My thoughts as well. kRaX.

Of those 2 types of coasters, which are both good choices, which one would cost less? I would see that being one of Shapiro's thought's as far as his style goes.

^Exactly.

What did El Toro cost? Like 20 mill?

Me thinks Shapiro would opt for the GG or GCI variety when it comes to woodies.

^ Agreed.

Unless he and Jay decide to go for a much smaller Intamin design. Whether 2009 or 2010, I suspect a family wooden coaster is on the drawing boards for SFMM. It's Shapiro's favorite type of coaster, along with the spinning mouse (which I suspect is also in the planing stages).

^^ El Toro cost approximately $12 million.

^O.K. even at 12 mill, it's still double what alot of GG and GCI coasters cost.

Who cares if Disney has more dark rides then anywhere else. It just means more thrill-seeking families are going to be driving by the park on their way to Anaheim. Give them a reason to stop. Build a dark ride, add some diversity, some depth to the list of attractions. If people think all that MM has to offer is roller coasters, then families aren't going to stop to watch their teens ride coasters all day.

It did not take much for Kings Island to redefine their list of attractions: Tomb Raider, some themed kiddie coasters. The best way to re-define the identity of the Magic Mountain is to build the unexpected, like investing in a large non-coaster attraction.

Why on earth advertise intentions to be different, more family friendly and then build the usual, another roller coaster? They need to stop worrying about their competition and market analysis; just make it a better park and the people will come.
*** This post was edited by rc-madness 2/26/2008 6:36:19 PM ***