RCCGB FORUM Message Board for Members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain to discuss club events and all things theme park related.    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Join! (free) >   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  Six flags consider more cuts.          RCCGB FORUM Forum Index -> Worldwide Park News View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message coastergraham Strata Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 440 Location: Bolton Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:29 pm    Post subject: Six flags consider more cuts. According to reports in a St Louis business paper the deeply troubled six flags chain are looking into selling more parks and making more cuts. It has to be said the future at this moment in time looks very grim for a very major player in the theme park business. http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2008/01/28/daily1.html _________________ Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 6:21 pm    Post subject: I don't think things are that bad for them in the current climate, just bad decisions were made by the previous management that are still being resolved. Plus I gather they are working on projects outside the US, so this might be a time for them to sell off some parks that are either not performing as well as others or will generate the biggest net profit from being sold or can't be developed further, thus they have more disposable funds with which to plough in to these newer and more exciting projects. If a particular park has reached its saturation in terms of size, attendance and therefore revenue then there is no point keeping it. They may as well sell it off and invest that money in to a new project that can expand and see a profit growth. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top bluea61 Moderator Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 571 Location: Portsmouth, Hants Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:02 pm    Post subject: I did hear they had the best quarter for many years just recently. Also the new projects were rumoured to be Dubai? _________________ Steve RCCGB - 2355 Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:35 pm    Post subject: bluea61 wrote: I did hear they had the best quarter for many years just recently. Also the new projects were rumoured to be Dubai? Amongst others, yes. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top krusty_the_clown Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 156 Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:53 pm    Post subject: from Amusement Trade newsletter Six Flags plans fuel bankruptcy speculation Company executives for Six Flags Inc have further fuelled speculation that the US theme park operator is on the verge of bankruptcy by filing plans with the US Securities and Exchange Commission calling for "huge spending cuts". The plan, which includes the possible sale of more parks, is to cut operating expenses by as much as $60 million in 2008 by slashing media spend and personnel. Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:23 pm    Post subject: Magic wrote: I don't think things are that bad for them in the current climate, just bad decisions were made by the previous management that are still being resolved. Plus I gather they are working on projects outside the US, so this might be a time for them to sell off some parks that are either not performing as well as others or will generate the biggest net profit from being sold or can't be developed further, thus they have more disposable funds with which to plough in to these newer and more exciting projects. If a particular park has reached its saturation in terms of size, attendance and therefore revenue then there is no point keeping it. They may as well sell it off and invest that money in to a new project that can expand and see a profit growth. I'm sure if all the 6 Flags parks would invest in decent woodies like the "RATTLER" they would have no worries at all.   _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:18 am    Post subject: Rough Rider wrote: I'm sure if all the 6 Flags parks would invest in decent woodies like the "RATTLER" they would have no worries at all.   The only worries they wouldn't have is maintenance costs, as no one would want to ride such a hideous, rough, obscene piece of firewood, therefore it wouldn't get any wear and tear to need maintaining. Of course they could also reduce their heating bills by burning said oversized bonfire. Oh how I've missed our friendly banter in which you pretend that Rattler is a half descent coaster. At least they seem to be building Renegade style woodies, like Cedar Fair. Now they are woodies worth riding. But we could do with them building a few more Balders. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:45 pm    Post subject: Magic wrote: Rough Rider wrote: I'm sure if all the 6 Flags parks would invest in decent woodies like the "RATTLER" they would have no worries at all.   The only worries they wouldn't have is maintenance costs, as no one would want to ride such a hideous, rough, obscene piece of firewood, therefore it wouldn't get any wear and tear to need maintaining. Of course they could also reduce their heating bills by burning said oversized bonfire. Oh how I've missed our friendly banter in which you pretend that Rattler is a half descent coaster. At least they seem to be building Renegade style woodies, like Cedar Fair. Now they are woodies worth riding. But we could do with them building a few more Balders. Wow just had a thought Just imagine a new woodie built with all the elements of Rattler and Voyage rolled into one.....................Ah!! HELL MODERATOR EDITED: Clearly Rough Rider mistyped and used the word HEAVEN, to save his embarrassment I've kindly gone in and corrected it to use the word HELL instead.     _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:02 pm    Post subject: Yes Ryan you're quite correct that combination would be hell, so glad we agree.   _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:45 pm    Post subject: Magic wrote: Yes Ryan you're quite correct that combination would be hell, so glad we agree.   Opps! Should have read Ah! Heaven!   _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top c anderson Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 121 Location: Ashford Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:11 pm    Post subject: I have always suspected that Ryan could not tell the difference between heaven & hell. After all he likes the Rattler but not Son of Beast, but they are both terrible so why the difference. Colin _________________ Regards C Anderson Back to top USfriends Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 109 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:32 am    Post subject: Yea !! Its the return of the Rattler thread! _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:21 am    Post subject: c anderson wrote: I have always suspected that Ryan could not tell the difference between heaven & hell. After all he likes the Rattler but not Son of Beast, but they are both terrible so why the difference. Colin Well "Son of Beast" initials backwards is B.O.S. and you know what that means. But never let it be said of the glorious Rattler _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:36 am    Post subject: See there's the mad thing, S.O.B. was fun and thrilling and not even that rough. It's got high speed, banked turns and it use to have a loop which made it that bit more exciting. Meanwhile Rattler is slow, sluggish, incredibly dull especially on that carousel section sat up on the cliff face and one of the roughest wooden coasters on the planet. One ride gave me a migraine that put me out of action for most of the morning. Rattler is to woodies what Gouderix is to steelies. Six Flags need to celebrate 4th July in style with the Worlds Largest Bonfire. They'd get massive media attention and pull in the crowds all around as they come to watch the pile of firewood called Rattler burn down. Heck I'd even consider doing the firework display for them for free just to be a part of such an historic event. The only draw back might be that Nurofen would see their profits fall as less painkillers would be sold after the demise of Rattler. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top krusty_the_clown Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 156 Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:55 pm    Post subject: Magic, you are a misery guts at times lol! I assuming that I am the club member who went on this historic fabulous ride last! i was out there in June and can only say that like a fine wine this coaster has improved fantasticly with age! It is now the benchmark that all coasters should be set by. other Coasters can only dream of being half as good! Anyway better check back into the ayslum!   Barry Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:33 pm    Post subject: krusty_the_clown wrote: Magic, you are a misery guts at times lol! I assuming that I am the club member who went on this historic fabulous ride last! i was out there in June and can only say that like a fine wine this coaster has improved fantasticly with age! It is now the benchmark that all coasters should be set by. other Coasters can only dream of being half as good! Anyway better check back into the ayslum!   Barry _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:12 am    Post subject: Ryan you've clearly ridden Rattler too many times because your last post is merely a quote of Krusty, you've not written any of your own words.   _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:21 am    Post subject: Magic wrote: Ryan you've clearly ridden Rattler too many times because your last post is merely a quote of Krusty, you've not written any of your own words.   I know _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:24 am    Post subject: Rough Rider wrote: krusty_the_clown wrote: Magic, you are a misery guts at times lol! I assuming that I am the club member who went on this historic fabulous ride last! i was out there in June and can only say that like a fine wine this coaster has improved fantasticly with age! It is now the benchmark that all coasters should be set by. other Coasters can only dream of being half as good! Anyway better check back into the ayslum!   Barry Crusty.......I was hanging on every word till I read the last line I actually thought there was another RATTLER fan out there besides me _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:30 am    Post subject: Rough Rider wrote: Crusty.......I was hanging on every word till I read the last line I actually thought there was another RATTLER fan out there besides me Come on you didn't seriously think such a hideous monstrosity would have more than 1 fan did you. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top krusty_the_clown Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 156 Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 11:48 am    Post subject: I serioulsy think that the Rattler is a very unique ride but not as bad as Magic makes out! sure some of it is very very rough (noticable the bit between the top of the lift hill and the brake run) but in all seriousness the rest of the ride is a delight! Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:19 pm    Post subject: Krusty it's been less than 12 months since you rode it, clearly you are still suffering the effects from that experience for your positive comments to be taken in to account. Your negative comments can be. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Coaster Police Hyper Poster Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 229 Location: Poole Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:19 pm    Post subject: Well i've not scratched The Rattler yet ! So however good or bad it may be, noone can burn it until it's been done !   _________________ Matt Coaster Police RCCGB : 2163 My Coaster Pics Site:- http://mdw.fotopic.net/ Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:19 pm    Post subject: krusty_the_clown wrote: I serioulsy think that the Rattler is a very unique ride but not as bad as Magic makes out! sure some of it is very very rough (noticable the bit between the top of the lift hill and the brake run) but in all seriousness the rest of the ride is a delight! Again....I was hanging on every word Baz ,,,,,,,Till the last line "STICKS & STONES". Anyhow, Matt you have got a fantastic experience awaiting you when you finally ride this "WORLD CLASS WOODIE" Just keep thinking about what element was taken out of the S.O.B Hmm!! Let me think.........was it made of steel   _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top krusty_the_clown Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 156 Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:11 pm    Post subject: Im all seriousness I dont think the rattler is a bad as Magic makes out. I just love the banter between you two! I do look at the ride as more of an endurance test than a roller coaster though! lol Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:12 pm    Post subject: Rough Rider wrote: Just keep thinking about what element was taken out of the S.O.B Hmm!! Let me think.........was it made of steel   That's right they removed the smooth highly re-rideable bit. Sadly Rattler doesn't have an inch of re-rideable track. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:48 pm    Post subject: Magic wrote: Rough Rider wrote: Just keep thinking about what element was taken out of the S.O.B Hmm!! Let me think.........was it made of steel   That's right they removed the smooth highly re-rideable bit. Sadly Rattler doesn't have an inch of re-rideable track. Hmm!! just had a thought.... Just ask Mike Conklin (USA side trip organiser and ex coach driver) what he thinks of the RATTLER? He rode it with me at least 10 times on the trott "SAY NO MORE   OOOOPPPPSSSS!!! Just realised! At the time his lapbar was jammed, and I asked the ride operator not to let him free Hilarious.............at the time Ah well, there must be someone else to back me up? HELP!!!.......................NEV, where are you? _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top USfriends Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 109 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 3:01 pm    Post subject: Yea , the Rattler was great until they removed a crucial bit........ I can't see the letters F  U  N   anywhere in the Rattler!   _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Hampshire Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 5:04 pm    Post subject: See Ryan, the dislike of Rattler is truly an international one. Pete and Lisa appear ashamed to have such a painful monstrosity residing in their country. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 385 Location: Birmingham Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 5:15 pm    Post subject: USfriends wrote: Yea , the Rattler was great until they removed a crucial bit........ I can't see the letters F  U  N   anywhere in the Rattler!   Are you sure Pete??? I'm sure you can see the letters F U N if you study the following closely : r a F t t U l e N r Marvellous bit of wood the rattler!!!   _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:46 am    Post subject: USfriends wrote: Yea , the Rattler was great until they removed a crucial bit........ I can't see the letters F  U  N   anywhere in the Rattler!   The problem here is .....Pete and Lisa more than likely have ridden the "RATTLER" sooooo! many times they have forgotten how wonderfull the ride is with all its smooth elements (but not too smooth as Rough Riders Dont Do Smooth ) "Rough Riders Unite" Hi Pete & Lisa _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 215 Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 7:27 pm    Post subject: nemesis scribe wrote: USfriends wrote: Yea , the Rattler was great until they removed a crucial bit........ I can't see the letters F  U  N   anywhere in the Rattler!   Are you sure Pete??? I'm sure you can see the letters F U N if you study the following closely : r a F t t U l e N r Marvellous bit of wood the rattler!!!   Nice one N.S. Pete & lisa have obviously been spoilt in the USA with having one of the best woodies in their country. Oh how I wish Paddy is reading this and contimplating putting a "RATTLER" in good old Oak ..."WOOD" _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top c anderson Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 121 Location: Ashford Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 7:50 pm    Post subject: