Six Flags really has improved

I'm pleased to report that my visit to Six Flags Great America backs up my recent experiences with Six Flags Over Georgia. SFGA also had plenty of live bands and singers dotted around the providing entertainment in some of the busiest areas of the park. There were also plenty of costume characters dotted throughout the park again boosting the family vibe, and scaring those less fond of furries.

The staff were on the whole very happy and pleasant. I was even shocked when one staff member saw me studying the map and came across to offer assistance with directions. I expect this at Disney World but at Six Flags?

Oh and the park closed with a night time illuminated parade, Bugs Bunny’s Starlight Spectacular. Sure it wasn't quite up to Spectromagic standards BUT the fact is the park made an effort and should be applauded for it.

If all this is as a result of the influence of Mark Shapiro then he deserves a big pat on the back. Six Flags genuinely looks like it's making a turn for the good.

My only real gripe still with Six Flags is the high prices for drinks and food. If smaller parks can charge prices at nearly 50% less then surely Six Flags could afford even a 25% price drop. To be really family friendly lets see food and drinks at a more family affordable price. Or why not take a leaf out of Magic Springs, Kiddie Land and Holiday Worlds book and add a couple of dollars on entry and offer free soft drinks.
Holiday World have shown that rather than loose money they now make more on food and beverage than before as in park spending has acutally increased. So this could prove a real winner for Six Flags, in one brave move they could further bolster the family appeal and increase their profits. Go on Mark lets see if you've got the bottle.

No More Six Flags Moments??

While I've not been to Six Flags Over Georgia before I'm guessing that Mark Shapiro has had some influence on the park. On my recent visit I found myself questioning whether it was indeed a Six Flags park. As a veteran Six Flags guest visiting their parks throughout the US and previously in Europe I've always found the parks to be sterile, full of over the top rules and disinterested employees.

I found SFGA to be picturesque and full of happy people, guests and employees. I was impressed with the number of costume characters throughout the park and with the large amount of live entertainment on offer. It seemed where ever large numbers of guests accumulated, Goliath queue, Superman queue and eating areas there was a live band performing. All of this lead to a wonderful family atmosphere throughout the park.

I know when he took over control Mark Shapiro had named SFGA as a flagship park by which all other parks should strive to be like but I can't help thinking that some of what I experienced was a result of his leadership. I guess I'll find out in a week when I visit Six Flags Great America.

At this rate we won't be able to use the phrase “Had a Six Flags moment” when referring to a bad experience in a park. Although a replacement has already been thought of after experiencing some OTT rules, 1 that is impossible to obey at a couple of parks run by the same chain.