But Viper is NOT a clone. Close, but not a clone. Batman is the only clone at SFMM.
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IMHO, Six Flags is looking at a primarily local market for each park; therefore, standardization maximizes profits, minimizes costs, and doesn't hurt the gate. It misses the fact that not all of its market is local; there are a lot of us "travel wherever and visit all the parks possible" people out there. For us, standardization is not advisable, as there are quite a few of us who will skip the third (or fifth or whatever) Six Flags clone park if there is any other alternative -- just to get something different.
IMHO, Six Flags would do better to concentrate on the idea of diversity within standardization, and use standardization (perhaps) in training, facilities, management, marketing, etc., but keep the distinct and different flavor of each individual park in terms of theming, rides, merchandising, etc. This would not hurt the local market (and perhaps help, by adapting to it instead of vice-versa), and would certainly increase its popularity within the "avid fan" group.
Sorry 1badgmc!!!!(Britain was in the original plans and still are parts of SFOG and SFSTL so I got the parks mixed up)
And great Post I very much agree with you.
I just wish people would quit complaining about Six Flags So much.
Give premier time they have expanded greatly and continue to add what we all really want(Coasters)at all of the parks. And if you want to complain do so when you are at the park as is they are the ones that can do something about it. And when they don't add a coaster because they spend money on keeping the park clean and paying more people and refurbishing the park don't ask why!!!
But I will still say that SF is the greatest park chain. No other chain even comes close to it by numbers.
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#1 Steel-Incredible Hulk
#1 Wood--Timber Wolf
SFOG is an awful park. The ride ops are horrible. The staff doesn't seem to care about the GP. They regularly only run one train on major coasters even when they should be running more. Of course, there are more than enough people for the shops and food stands. Also, they will have multiple rides closed down. SFA is not much better. There ride ops are more intersted in talking to each other than running the rides. Also, SFA has almost no water fountains. Which has to be the most cheap tactic I have ever seen in a park.
Merri:
I dont think that having unique rides at all the SF parks would help SFI as company at all. The small group of park nuts (self included) that would go to more than one SF park, will have a season pass therefore, no extra gate revenue would be generated. Also, we will likely just stay at our home park and spend the money on concessions there. The only people that really lose money on the similarity of SF rides are the hotels and restaurants near the parks. Remember, both of Marriott's Great Americas were big successes and they had EXACTLY the same rides, themeing, and layout. SF only wants SOME of the parks to be nationwide draws (mainly SFMM, GAdv, GAm & maybe SFO). But I only think that these parks have standout rides because they are located near major tourist draws. SF isnt the reason most ppl go to these areas, but if SF can steal some business, then it makes sense to them to put a little more effort in those areas. Really, Denver, Atlanta (besides the Olympics), Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio are not HUGE tourist markets. Those parks serve those who are local, no more, no less.
Simcoaster Im going to have to correct you. Batman at SFMM is not a clone. It is the origonal very first inverted coaster ever.All the other batmans the rides are the clones of it.
I have just one thing to say:
Crappy repeditive themeing is better than no themeing, and more fun than bad themeing (CP).
No, the very first inverted Batman is at SF Great America...
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What's life if you never get to the Point?
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