• Published on

    Themed Entertainment Association releases 2014 park attendance numbers

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    It's that time of year again folks, time for the TEA Park Attendance Figures, time for some to gloat that their favorite park is the best thing ever, others to show off that while their favorite park chain did nothing they are still #1.

    Us, we're going to show you the numbers and share a few comments. We'll leave the rest for you all. =)
    For the full TEA Press Release, click here. It's rather wordy. 
    Top 10 Theme Park Groups: 

    1. Walt Disney Attractions
    2. Merlin Entertainment Group
    3. Universal Parks and Resorts
    4. OCT Parks China
    5. Six Flags Inc
    6. Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
    7. Sea World Parks ad
    8. Parques Reunidos
    9. Chimelong Group (New)
    10. Songcheng Worldwide (New)
    % Change

    • 1.4%
    • 5.0%
    • 10.4%
    • 6.3%
    • -1.8%
    • -0.9%
    • -4.3%
    • -14.6%
    • 59.9%
    • 103.6%
    2014 Attendance

    • 134,330,000
    • 62,800,000
    • 40,152,000
    • 27,990,000
    • 25,638,000
    • 23,305,000
    • 22,399,000
    • 22,206,000
    • 18,659,000
    • 14,560,000
    So it should come as no surprise that Walt Disney Attractions is still in the number one spot. They are more than double their nearest competitor in terms of attendance despite having the smallest percentage of growth in the Top 4. 

    Universal Parks and Resorts continue to grow at a double digit rate due to the addition of quality attractions year after year. One has to wonder how long they can keep up their rate of addition when Disney seems to have figured out how to maintain it's attendance without adding anything of substance year after year. 

    This isn't a dig at Disney mind you, just an observation and really a testament to their loyal fanbase. 
    Below are the top 25 parks worldwide, their percentage of change and 2014 Attendance numbers. 
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    Top 25 Theme Parks (Worldwide)

    1. Magic Kindgdom
    2. Tokyo Disneyland
    3. Disneyland
    4. Tokyo Disney Sea
    5. Universal Studios Japan
    6. EPCOT
    7. Disney's Animal Kingdom
    8. Disney's Hollywood Studios
    9. Disneyland Paris
    10. Disney California Adventure
    11. Universal Studios Florida
    12. Islands of Adventure
    13. Ocean Park
    14. Lotte World
    15. Hong Kong Disneyland
    16. Everland
    17. Universal Studios Hollywood
    18. Songcheng Park
    19. Nagashima Spaland
    20. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
    21. Europa Park
    22. Seaworld FL
    23. Tivoli Gardens
    24. De Efteling
    25. Walt Disney Studios Paris
    % Change

    • 4.0%
    • 0.5%
    • 3.5%
    • 0.1%
    • 16.8%
    • 2.0%
    • 2.0%
    • 2.0%
    • -4.7%
    • 3.0%
    • 17.0%
    • 0.0%
    • 4.2%
    • 2.8%
    • 1.4%
    • 1.1%
    • 11.0%
    • 38.3%
    • -3.6%
    • N/A
    • 2.0%
    • -8.0%
    • 6.6%
    • 6.0%
    • -4.7%
    2014 Attendance

    • 19,332,000
    • 17,300,000
    • 16,769,000
    • 14,100,000
    • 11,800,000
    • 11,454,000
    • 10,402,000
    • 10,312,000
    • 9,940,000
    • 8,769,000
    • 8,263,000
    • 8,141,000
    • 7,792,000
    • 7,606,000
    • 7,500,000
    • 7,381,000
    • 6,824,000
    • 5,810,000
    • 5,630,000
    • 5,504,000
    • 5,000,000
    • 4,683,000
    • 4,478,000
    • 4,400,000
    • 4,260,000
    So again, no surprise that Magic Kingdom is on top, it's been the #1 park for years and the 4% increase can most likely be attributed to the New Fantasyland which completed it's multi-year transformation last year, while most of the other parks at WDW saw negligible increases at 2%. 

    Obviously the biggest jump was at Universal Studios Florida which added Diagon Alley last year and Songcheng Park which is growing at a crazy rate. 

    But the most interesting number IMO is Universal Studios Hollywood at 11%. This is just with adding Despicable Me last year. Their biggest addition is of course coming next year with Harry Potter. I don't think it's out of the question for them to move up in the top 12 at some point in the very near future. 

    Ok, enough numbers, below we're just going to run down some rankings of parks in different area's. If you want to see all of the numbers you can find them here
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    Top 20 North American Parks

    1. Magic Kingdom
    2. Disneyland
    3. EPCOT
    4. Disney's Animal Kingdom
    5. Disney's Hollywood Studios
    6. Disney's CA Adventure
    7. Universal Studios FL
    8. Islands of Adventure
    9. Universal Studios Hollywood
    10. Seaworld FL
    11. Seaworld San Diego
    12. Busch Gardens Tampa
    13. Knott's Berry Farm
    14. Canada's Wonderland
    15. Cedar Point
    16. Kings Island
    17. Hersheypark
    18. Six Flags Magic Mtn
    19. Six Flags Great Adventure
    20. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
    Top 20 Asian Theme/ Amusement Parks

    1. Tokyo Disneyland
    2. Tokyo DisneySea
    3. Universal Studios Japan
    4. Ocean Park
    5. Lotte World
    6. Hong Kong Disneyland
    7. Everland
    8. Songcheng Park
    9. Nagashima Spa Land
    10. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
    11. Universal Studios Singapore
    12. Oct East
    13. Changzhou Dinosaur Park
    14. Window of the World
    15. Chimelong Paradise
    16. Happy Valley (Beijing)
    17. Happy Valley (Shenzhen)
    18. Happy Valley (Chengdu)
    19. Happy Valley (Shanghai)
    20. Fantawild Adventure
    Top 20 European/Middle East Parks

    1. Disneyland Paris
    2. Europa Park
    3. Tivoli Gardens
    4. De Efteling
    5. Walt Disney Studios Paris
    6. Port Aventura
    7. Liseberg
    8. Gardaland
    9. Alton Towers
    10. Legoland Windsor
    11. Thorpe Park
    12. Legoland Billund
    13. Puy Du Fou
    14. Phantasialand
    15. Parc Asterix
    16. Futuroscope
    17. Chessington World of Adventures
    18. Gronalund
    19. Heide Park
    20. Parque Warner
    Once again, Disney dominates all three major continents where there are Amusement/Theme Parks with their parks taking the top spot in each. 

    Interesting enough, the 14-19 spots in North America are almost fully dominated by seasonal parks except for Magic Mountain which despite being year-round is behind some seasonal parks. 

    In Asia, the parks in China continue to grow at an amazing rate and in Europe we see the regular players year after year as they are all pretty consistent. One has to wonder if Universal Studios is ever going to make it's way to Europe, it seems to be the one market they could expand to and give the Disney parks the kick they need. 

    So what are your thoughts on these numbers? Any surprises here? Be sure to check out the full report and give us your thoughts. 
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  • Published on

    Wizarding World to open at Universal Studios Hollywood Spring 2016! 

    Video Announcement below!!! 
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    HOGWARTS IS COMING TO HOLLYWOOD!

    Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” Bringing the Most Anticipated Global Phenomenon to California in an Authentic Entertainment Experience, Beginning Spring 2016

    “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” Attraction, Located within Land’s Hogwarts Castle, Makes West Coast Debut in Hyper-Realistic 3D-HD with Guests Wearing Quidditch-Inspired Goggles

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    Hollywood, CA, June 2, 2015 – The countdown to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” begins today as Universal Studios HollywoodSM  announces the Spring 2016 arrival of the West Coast’s most anticipated entertainment experience and the introduction of the land’s signature attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” in hyper-realistic 3D-HD.

    More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the globe for decades to come.

    Visitors will be swept into a fully immersive themed land that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and precision. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.

    “Harry Potter is an exhilarating multi-generational global phenomenon that has captivated the world’s attention across every one of its mediums, from books and movies to exhilarating theme park adventures,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood.  “With its imminent arrival to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., Universal Studios Hollywood is thrilled to bring our guests a new, compelling experience of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as we embark on this next chapter in our storied history.”

    "The momentum behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is as strong as ever and we are incredibly excited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Fans around the world have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at Universal Studios Hollywood as we offer more fans a chance to step into this immersive environment."

    Like its counterparts, Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” where the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™" will take guests on a journey into many memorable scenes alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Traveling by Floo powder, guests will soar high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch match, narrowly escape a dragon attack and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow.

    “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is an achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology featuring a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects.  Sporting Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles, guests will venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

    At Universal Studios Hollywood, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will make its U.S. debut as a dynamic 3D-HD adventure designed to further immerse guests in an already captivating storyline.

    Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff will debut as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster.

    “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s epicurean world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three Broomsticks™ and Hog's Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

    A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail shops and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.

    As excitement builds for the Spring 2016 arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” in-park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood are able to experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside Universal Studios Hollywood’s main entry.

    To hear details of the Spring 2016 opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood, please click here.  The announcement video will be available beginning today, Tuesday, June 2, at 1PM ET / 10AM PT.

    Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood and for all the latest news, “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @UniStudios.

    Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.  World-class rides and attractions include the popular 3D Ultra-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride” and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride.” As part of its milestone 50th anniversary celebration in 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced a slate of dynamic new attractions, including the electrifying 3D-HD thrill ride, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” as the grand finale to the famed Studio Tour, “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour,” offering evening tours of the iconic movie backlot.

    Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms.  A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter and Instagram. Also, be sure to join our new Mailing List to receive our newsletter (will be sent out about every two weeks)

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  • Published on

    Special look at the Roller Coaster Model Museum

    Written by RD Sussman - Pictures courtesy of Randal Strong-Wallace/RCMM 
    My fascination with roller coasters & theme parks came with a curiosity towards their construction, operation - and how could I build them myself. While I always wanted to be the next Ron Toomer (yes, this was before I found Anton, and changed my sinful ways) I knew practically that building coasters wasn't going to be easy to do. That is, until CoasterCon XV, Kings Dominion & Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This was my first real group coaster outing, very memorable for a teenager who lived, breathed & sweat coasters. 
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    CoasterCon 15 Group photo - Photo by Marlon Scott

    It was there where I met Randal Strong-Wallace, a model builder who made miracles out of ordinary things - model coasters came to life easily, quickly, and more importantly - they worked with great ease. That summer I worked with what I learned in Randal's session at CoasterCon, building my own weird - and warped - paper track coasters. 

    Let's fast forward a bit. Through the modern miracle of Facebook & the Internet, I reconnected with Randal, and he showed me a few of his more modern achievements - and they were spectacular. Working models of existing & lost coasters including Worlds of Fun and their Orient Express & their Zambezi Zinger were astounding to behold. Any closer, and I'd be looking for a shrink ray to ride them! It was then that he told me about a project he'd been working on for a while... something that is about to finally come to fruition.
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    Introducing the Roller Coaster Model Museum. 

    Randal's vision started off with Project 31, which displayed the first five coasters of Worlds of Fun - in a history and memorabelia display in Kansas City. The project was a great success, and led to the same exhibition being displayed not only at Worlds of Fun, but also at Kansas City's Union Station. It is in these first displays that the idea for a model museum was born. 
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    Little Tykes Roller Coaster

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    Moving Day - to the Uhaul with the first load of models and toys

    Since 2011, many other models have been collected together, including many toy & kit coasters, but also Randal's own works, including what I consider his masterpiece, a fully working model of Six Flags Magic Mountain's centerpiece - Revolution. 
    I have to admit, the level of detail on this stunning model is far beyond what one would normally associate with a model coaster, down to such details as the plaement of the tunnel down to the terrain built into the model. As you can see in the video above, it is fully functioning - and looks as it appeared in the late 1970s. 
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    Close up of the Amusement Park Playset by Maxium Toys

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    One of the newly constructed dispaly tables in the Playtime area.

    Other models in the museum are toy & model coasters that appeared over the past few decades. Over time, I'm quite sure the collection will grow, change & evolve. As Randal said, "I was worried at first I wouldn't have enough for a museum, but I'm finding now, I almost have too much!" Additional shelving houses a lot of the display models.
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    Top - EXT Worlds of Fun, Middle (and original design) Fusion, and Silly Serpent also from Worlds of Fun

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    The Great American Revolution is 22 feet long and 8 feet wide!

    The Roller Coaster Model Museum wants to tell the story & the history of roller coaster models. Memorabelia that helps to tell the story of the rides themselves in addition to the models on display will also be featured. Some of Randal's own custom work will be displayed as well. (Having seen a few of his custom models - you will NOT be disappointed.) 
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    Run A Way Mine Train SFOT, and Zambezi Zinger, Worlds of Fun

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    Vintage roller coaster toys, including the very rare "Sky Ride" playset. There are believed to be only 3; the museum has 2.

    The Roller Coaster Model Museum: Thrills in Miniature! 

    About the RCMM:
    Website - www.rollercoastermodelmuseum.com
    Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/rollercoastermodelmuseum

    Location 
    11415 E. 23rd Street South, 
    Independence, Missouri 64152

    Getting there:
    From Kansas City, take I-435 North to Exit 61 - 23rd st. Go East on 23rd street approx. 2.8 miles, the museum is on the right. 

    Hours
    Regular Museum Hours, Through June 28th:
    CLOSED: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
    Thursday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm daily
    (Last Admission is at 4 pm daily)

    Summer Hours, Starting July 15th:
    CLOSED MONDAY'S
    Tuesday - Saturday
    10 am - 5 pm (Last Admission Daily at 4 pm)
    Sunday
    12 Noon - 5 pm (Last Admission Daily at 4 pm) 

    Tickets
    Age 13-59 - $8.00 plus tax
    Age 4-12 & 60+ $7.00 plus tax 



    Be sure to check their website for special ticket deals and other information. 

    Press Release

    Roller Coaster Model Museum to Open May 2, 2015 in Independence, Missouri

    NDEPENDENCE, Mo., March 23, 2014  – A new, one-of-a-kind museum is set to open in Independence. The Roller Coaster Model Museum will feature working and static scale model roller coasters in various scales, historic related memorabilia, and an opportunity to learn about the physics and mechanics of the roller coaster. The museum will be divided into several gallery areas.  Highlights include: 


    The Greatest Thrill Ride in History:
    • As you start your visit, you'll visit our own O-scale working model amusement park. You'll learn about the history of the roller coaster from it's earliest inceptions
     Technology Hall
    • Learn about the physics, dynamics and mechanics of the roller coaster through displays and a "hands on" roller coaster that demonstrates how coasters work and the importance of safety features
     Playtime: Roller Coaster Toys and Models:
    • Features over 55 vintage and contemporary roller coaster toys and models, including some rare vintage roller coaster toys.
     Screams of the Past. Present and Imagination:
    • Replicas of some of today's and yesterdays mind boggling rides along with some of our own original designs.
    Construction Zone:
    • See models as they are being built for display at the museum. 

    In addition, school groups and individuals can learn to make their own models in special "Build A Model" workshops offered throughout the year in the Coaster Lab.  School groups of all ages can also participate in our Coaster Lab that will demonstrate hands-on, the physics and mechanics of the roller coaster.

    Through April 21, 2015 visitors can get $5.00 admissions as a perk in the Museums Indiegogo Campaign. Various other Perks are available in the campaign as well, including Memberships and a Sneak Peak on April 30th. The Museum decided to go with a crowd funding campaign to raise additional funds to complete some additional cosmetic upgrades to the Museum. Additonal information about the Indiegogo Campaign is available at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/roller-coaster-model-museum/x/9946795

    Days of operation, hours and information on admission can be found at https://www.rollercoastermodelmuseum.com  

    About the Roller Coaster Model Museum

    Roller Coaster Model Museum, opening on May 2, 2015, will be located in Independence, Missouri, and  features a unique one-of-a-kind experience with working and static model roller coasters, historical memorabilia, and a collection of over 55 vintage and contemporary roller coaster toys and models.  Through the model roller coasters, visitors learn about the history, physics and mechanics of the rides.

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  • Published on

    Dive Bomber now open at Six Flags Whitewater

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    Dive Bomber is now open at Six Flags Whitewater in Georgia. 

    Below is all of the press info, some great pictures and the awesome News Capsule which contains even more info and videos. 
    Largest Water Park Slide Featuring 10-Story Plunge Opens at Six Flags White Water
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    Grand Opening of Capsule Slide with a Nearly 90-Degree Drop

    MARIETTA, Ga. — June 1, 2015 — Named one of the Top 10 Amusement and Water Parks in the country, Six Flags White Water celebrates the opening of Dive Bomber, an all-new 10-story tall electrifying capsule water slide. Dive Bomber thrills guests with a nearly 90-degree decent in less than 10 seconds at the South’s Most Thrilling Water Park. 

    “White Water’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and thrilling water parks lives up to the hype with Dive Bomber,” said Six Flags Atlanta Properties Park President Dale Kaetzel. “The anticipation of stepping into the capsule and not knowing when the floor underneath you will disappear, sends a jolt of adrenaline and makes this ride one that guests will want to experience again and again.”
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    The bravely tall water slide, Dive Bomber, features:

    • An enclosed, clear capsule with a trap door that releases riders for a zero-gravity experience;
    • A tower approximately 100 feet above the lush tree line of the park;
    • A nearly 90-degree drop;
    • Speeds of more than 40 miles per hour.
    Dive Bomber joins more than a dozen world-class water slides at Six Flags White Water including Typhoon Twister, which is now open for its third season. The park is now open daily for summer operation through August 2 and then will operate on weekends through September 13. For more information, please visit www.sixflags.com/whitewater

    2015 Season Passes are now on sale for the lowest price of the season and include unlimited admission to White Water. Combo Season passes also include unlimited visits to Six Flags Over Georgia this summer, as well as admission to the largest Fright Fest® event in park history this fall and the expanded Holiday in the Park® wintertime celebration, which begins in November.

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.2 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 54 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest®and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
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  • Published on

    Six Flags launches new App for Android and Apple devices

    Obviously, the first thing one must do is download the app and figure out where in the plethora of other apps you are going to put it. Luckily I have a folder dedicated to Theme Park apps. Yep, I'm a dork. =)

    (Click on any of the pictures below to see a larger version)
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    A new app has been released by Six Flags that has some pretty great capabilities so of course we took some time today to play around with it, gathered some screen shots and we'll review it for you below. 

    If you'd like to download it you can do so from the Android or Apple store. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
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    I did have some trouble finding the app in the Google Play store.

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    Do you have a theme park folder on your phone like this dork? =)

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    Coke Freestyle app totally deserves a place among Theme Park apps.

    Once you download the app you can either enter in your pass number or scan it. I had no problem scanning my pass and it came right up. 
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    The scanning was easy

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    I erased my # for obvious reasons. =)

    Perks and Conditions and where the pass is valid at. Your home park is also featured at the top by default. 

    You can also access your Rewards and Coupons to see what's already on your pass. Bonus!!! 
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    If you are visiting another park you can click the "Park Selection" and see hours, events and rides at any of the Six Flags parks. 
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    Parks are listed alphabetically (by state) and are easy to navigate through them. La Ronde and Six Flags Mexico are also included. 
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    Once you've selected your park the hours will display as well as options for buying tickets and a list of rides in alphabetical order. 
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    You can also filter the rides by Thrill Level and Height Requirement. 
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    Nice to see ALL rides listed.

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    Filter to fit your parties height/thrill level.

    Any special events are listed such as Season Pass ERT events and other events like the Coaster Challenge at Six Flags Great America. 
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    Most of the parks events looked like this, easy to see what they are, the dates and whether you want to take the chance of a park full of cheerleaders. =)
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    Private parties are listed

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    Not the actual Smashing Pumpkins. =)

    So that's about it for our review of the new app. Overall we think the App is a great improvement over any of the 3rd party apps out there. The ability to have your pass in your phone alleviates the need for an "oh crap" pass since most of us grab our phones before anything else prior to leaving the house. 

    Obviously the one thing missing from the app ... ride wait times. This is probably the #1 ask for all of these apps and probably the hardest thing for most parks to implement. Hopefully an easy solution will come one of these days. Maybe scanning your phone at the entrance and exit while using the app? Of course, most people won't remember to do the 2nd scan. 

    Have you downloaded the app yet? Let us know what you think. And Apple users, let us know if there are any differences on that app. We're interested to know. 
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  • Published on

    YOUR PARK DOESN'T NEED IT or WHY FANBOYS LACK ANY CLUE

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    RD is back today with an article that is sure to ruffle a few feathers so hold onto your butts. 

    As for me, this may be my favorite of RD's opinion pieces and I think if you stop yelling at your screen long enough, you'll see that he's got some great points. - Gregg
    Over the past few years, I've noticed a disturbing trend among many sites that I read about the world of theme parks. Notably, it is the obscene amount of people who say that their home park NEEDS some ride that another park has in it. Of this, the Fanboy community is truly the worst offender of this.

    • "WOW! Our park NEEDS an RMC makeover of (insert wooden coaster name here)." 
    • "WOW! Our park NEEDS an Intamin Megalite!!!" 
    • "WOW! Our park NEEDS a MACK Splash Battle!!!"
    • "WOW! Our park NEEDS a 5,000 ft. tall Star Flyer!"

    Let me say this: YOUR PARK DOESN'T NEED IT. 
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    Maybe instead of a 5,000 ft Starflyer, a 150ft version like at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom?

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    Splash Battles are indeed awesome, but despite what your park "NEEDS" it may not be the right fit.

    Realistically, your park doesn't need ANY of them. Your home park does just fine without them, and has for years now. In some cases, your park adds in things they think will be a success among the people paying the bills: The GENERAL PUBLIC. (No, not the fantastic Dave Wakeling band, either.) 

    So let's take a look at a few of the most commonly heard FANBOY-pushed coasters/parks, and WHY THEY DON'T NEED IT.

    The most commonly heard reference to the "OUR PARK NEEDS THIS!" I hear is Cedar Point. I s*** you not, of all the FANBOYS in this world, they are the single largest group of complainers. (Hands kleenex to the CP FANBOYS.) I mean that too - None of them are ever satisfied with what they get for rides, shows or attractions - and they are constantly screaming for more, more, more. "Cedar Point NEEDS an RMC makeover of Mean Streak, and it can be the biggest, tallest & fastest RMC EVAR, and have 26 inversions, and be 7 miles long, and it could wrap around the entry plaza and serve golden pellets of regurgitated quail eggs, and it NEEDS TO HAPPEN." 
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    Not the Tallest and Fastest, but still loved.

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    Also not tallest and fastest, not one complaint yet.

    No, CP does not NEED an RMC makeover of Mean Streak. It doesn't NEED anything - much less than another FANBOY delivered ultimatum. CP knows what they are doing - and have done so for over 100 years now, and without the throngs of FANBOYS crying over everything. If CP -wanted- an RMC makeover of Mean Streak, I bet you this: It would have happened - or will happen WHEN THE PARK WANTS IT. 

    "Busch Gardens Tampa NEEDS a B&M Gigacoaster! It can be 330 ft. tall, go through the safari part of the park, and then loop over the main gate and THEY NEED TO BUILD THIS!!!" 

    No, BGT does not NEED a B&M Gigacoaster. BGT's coasters have, for the most part, got every base covered in the park's arsenal, and if persistent rumors are correct, another one is coming in the very near future. But does the park NEED a B&M Gigacoaster? Not really. If you look at the arsenal of what they currently have in their works, they have almost every base already covered, from a dive coaster to a classic single-looping ride. And, if BGT wanted a B&M Gigacoaster... THEY WOULD HAVE ORDERED ONE! 
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    Hersheypark - Prime example of a park that builds what they want and it's all great.

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    Impulse - Not the tallest or fastest, but the perfect fit for Knoebels

    Editors Note: According to reports, BGT will be getting a Mack spinning coaster with a vertical lift hill. And it looks amazing. We'll find out for sure at some point today. 
    I think it can best be said in this: If a park wants to build a ride, and they have the money, they will build it. However, FANBOYS don't quite see it this way: They see some other park (not their own) getting something, and immediately soil their diapers, scream & cry, and then begin the "WE NEED THIS AT OUR PARK!" tantrums. And then they begin spreading rumors - and some real whoppers too: "OUR park is next to get an RMC coaster, and it will be the world's tallest, longest, fastest & most inversions in the history of EVAR on it. I know because I talked with (insert park manager/GM/operations manager's name her) and he/she told me it is coming." Or the 'other' FANBOY faerie tale: "Well, we're going to get the next 450ft tall B&M ubercoaster with 56 inversions & a 25 second long airtime hill. I saw the plans because (insert construction manager/operations manager's name here.)  Face it: If you hear those stories... dry them out & put them on the roses. You've got pure steer manure in your hands. 

    Now you're thinking this "How do you know this FANBOY isn't telling the truth?" Well, that's quite easy really: NO PARK IS GOING TO GIVE AWAY THE SECRET OF THEIR FUTURE RIDE. Parks spend uber-bucks on their latest & greatest attraction to do two things: Draw attention to the park, and to increase attendance - and all important ticket sales & park revenue. If you leak out what you are building before the official announcement, other parks see it, and begin a competitive response plan. These plans are made years into the future for many parks, with advance planning going as far as five to seven years out in some cases (longer if you're in a UK park - let's face it: Planning Councils SUCK!) In this industry, secrecy is of utmost importance, and that means that with very few exceptions, the new ride for 20XX is NOT known by anybody outside of the top level of management. And it would not surprise me if those people are signing confidentiality agreements at the same time. And ride builders are the same way - they tell NOTHING to ANYBODY about anything. (Really, if the USA wanted to keep their secrets safe, they should be handing them to park GMs & Ride manufacturers. They'd never lose them again.)
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    Sure Kong was the worst kept secret in the theme park industry before it was announced

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    But not 24 hours later that same theme park company shocked us all with the Nintendo Announcement

    So now the FANBOYS are saying "But, but, but, I could so SEE that in our park, we NEED to have it, our park sucks without it, our lives are RUINED without it." 

    OK, first, GET A FREAKIN' LIFE. 

    Second, not every park NEEDS to have these amazing new rides. Many parks have done very well without these attractions - and will continue to do so well into the future. Parks have a set idea for what draws them in, for what sells, and what people want. Let's look at Knott's Berry Farm for a second. 

    Knott's was taken over in 1997 by Cedar Fair, and began a multi-year long period where new attractions came fast & furious, and older rides were scrapped & replaced. Soap Box Racers was scrapped for a TOGO Looping Mouse (Windjammer- huge mistake) and for many ginormous attractions that later followed: Xcelerator, Supreme Scream, Ghostrider, Silver Bullet and Perilous Plunge to name a few. And these rides for the most part were/are good rides...but they didn't quite fit into what Knott's really needed. They were trying to compete with nearby Six Flags Magic Mountain - and it didn't work out as well as hoped. Cedar Fair realized this - and over the past six years has spent a small mint in redeeming the park, investing heavily in the classic attractions that KBF already had: Calico Mine & Log Flume. At the same time, Perlious Plunge was extracted & replaced by three smaller & more family friendly rides - and the public has eaten them up. KBF didn't NEED these big rides - and does just fine as a good, family park with some good thrills mixed in. 
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    Baaaaaaad ...

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    Gooooooooood ....

    Some parks are just not cut out for a gajillion foot tall ubercoaster - they won't look right and don't fit with a park's general atmosphere. I look at parks like Knoebel's in this case. Knoebel's has built a solid reputation on classic rides & a classic atmosphere where new-technology rides such as Impulse are welcomed. Impulse, which is new-generation technology from Zierer was intentionally built small, compact & thrilling, as to not overshadow the nearby greateness of Phoenix & Twister. It 'fits' the scale of the park perfectly, and will be a good strong contender well into the future. 

    And mind you this: A park does not NEED to add anything if they feel it doesn't fit. And if the FANBOYS start to throw tantrums over it, that's their fault. Show some pride in how your park already IS rather than what you feel it needs. That shows some integrity towards the park you are obsessed over. Parks like Six Flags Over Georgia are wonderful places with or without a 200 mile long mega monstrosity added to it. They work well without these beasts, have excellent balances of rides, shows & attractions, and do their finest to keep up with what they have. 

    In short: It is one thing to WANT something so badly you can taste it - it is another to look like toddlers with dirty diapers because your park doesn't HAVE it. 

    R.D. 
    5/28/15

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