Six Flags and Cedar Fair Merger? Who is Controlling Who?

The merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair scares many. In reality the Cedar Fair we all know and love will be living on under the name "Six Flags" while the Six Flags we have all loved to hate for the last 20 years is coming to a graceful end and will only live on in name.
Sources: ir.cedarfair.com/news/news-de...
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Music used under license from Epidemic Sound, songs listed in order: Rebellious Way (Instrumental Version) - Basixx
See Me Through - Wai
Who's Gonna Stop Me - oomiee

[@clownfromclowntown]

All I can hope is that cedar fair takes the charge in moving six flags towards their standard, and not let their parks slip down to six flag's quality. The fact that Cedar fair makes almost the same amount with 13 LESS parks than six flags just shows that six flags isn't being properly run

[@stephenmarseille5425]

Amen. Neither of these companies are Disney, but Cedar Parks has the higher standard when it comes to experience and amenities. As a Chicago local, Great America has just felt skeevy for decades. I for one believe they are missing out on revenue as a result.

[@grobble8954]

Cedar Fair doesn't male the same amount they make way more. SF and CF were always about even pre pandemic. Post pandemic Cedar Fair has been setting records..FY2022 1.82B revenue and 308M in net income, while the same year Six Flags had 1.35B revenue(same level as 2017) and 109M net income. FY 2023 thru Q3 Cedar Fair is essentially matching the records of 2022 and Six Flags matching their poor 2022 results. Cedar Fair is running circles around Six Flags

[@Skye3979_]

My biggest concern with this merger is the potential for typical Cedar Fair price points becoming the standard for the combined company. I'm a college student with not too much disposable income with SFOT as my home park. I know a lot of enthusiasts look down on Six Flags, and I will admit it is definitely a discount chain, but the lower pricing at my home park is very nice on my limited college student budget. I hope the pricing to get into my home park doesn't go up an absurd amount under Cedar Fair management.

[@theweakestlink2278]

If they're going to charge Cedar Fair prices to get into a Six Flags park, they better be delivering a Cedar Fair type of experience!

[@sirbossk]

I doubt the prices will increase immediately. If they do, it will be AFTER the Six Flags parks get some Cedar Fair care breathed into them, not before. They won't make that mistake again, as Selim Bassoul tried this exact thing and the earnings reports in 2022 were horrendous.

[@LordRayken]

Cedar Fair quality will go down. Mark my words, the discount aspect of Six Flags, including the accidents and deaths, will slowly infect Cedar Fair.

[@stephenmarseille5425]

I hear you - but also know this is a transient problem. You'll be a college student for what - a few years? Tiny slice of your life overall. Yes, an affordable option for teens and students is appropriate. But amenity and ride quality is going to matter as much (nay, more) over the course of your amusement park life experience (your own, your future family (should you choose to have one)), etc.

[@stephenmarseille5425]

@@LordRayken I hope you're wrong and it's the opposite. Not saying I have any basis to argue the opposite outcome. EXCEPT that I don't see what Cedar Fair has to gain by going that route.

[@ThemeParkCrazy]

I think that a lot of people are afraid to be optimistic because of how many mergers have went south. They look at what happened with Activision Blizzard, Warner Discovery, and the Ski Resort merger (can't remember the company names because I'm a Jerry). But I do think there is the potential for many benefits. Not all mergers are alike, and someone pointed out the positive merger between Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's. This doesn't mean ignoring the risks, but I'm glad you took a balanced approach with this video.

[@AnthonyClauser]

ABK happened 2 weeks ago. What are you talking about?

[@justinc.5591]

@@AnthonyClauserThey probably meant when Activision merged with Blizzard.

[@AnthonyClauser]

@@justinc.5591 Perhaps.

[@Nitrolord]

Ngl I'm generally glad that this is happening but the villainous-ass phrase "paving the way into the future for the new collective" sent shivers down my spine lol

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I kind of knew that Cedar Fair would be in a much better position with this merger. The fact that Richard Zimmerman is still holding the CEO position in this merger is a good thing, and that Cedar Fair is still using their business and management tactics to run all operations. I just like Cedar Fair’s business mindset a whole lot more, and it shows. I love Cedar Fair’s more conservative approach to ensure that they take good opportunities when right.

[@stephenmarseille5425]

I agree - this is described as a merger of equals, but it SOUNDS like (and I hope the reality IS this) that the Cedar Fair ethos is what prevails. I love me some Six Flags parks. But it always has a certain "well what do you expect?" energy, like a supersized traveling carnival. Cedar Parks (esp Cedar Point) tries to do more. Not even close to Disney levels of immersion and quality (let's be real), but good amenities, fewer overflowing dumpsters, etc. A commitment to the form, as well as the function.

[@C0ldIron]

Seems like we had the same perspective on this. Cedar Fair brings management while 6 flags brings in a bunch of parks that can run year round. Just hope they don’t change my home park to 6 flags over the Carolinas or something.

[@khai2]

it has to stay carowinds man

[@Sir1188]

The thing is six flags branding is pretty powerful, there's a reason why cedar fair's branding is effectively ending while six flag's brand will carry on. The gp might not know what a carowinds is but if you slap six flags in front of it and informally refer to it as six flags charolotte you might get someone intrested in going there quicker. I'm not saying this is a good idea per say or will even happen but buinesses love having a good recognizable brand. Plus it is easy to forget as enthusiast that people generally aren't too keen on remembering the names of amusement parks across the country that isn't disney or universal, but they do know what a six flags is.

[@LordRayken]

Hope you're ready for Six Flags of Carolina, and Superman replacing Fury 325.

[@bserpas]

​@LordRayken Superman's Fury 325 doesn't sound bad lol

[@grobble8954]

What SF parks run year round ? This is a false assumption Sf has a bunch of year round parks. They failed at year round ops at Magic Mtn while every other park in SoCal does it. A few run weekends only and are ghost towns. The only successful year round park in the combined chain has been Knotts. Also, SiX Flags killed of Holiday in the park at 5 parks b/c it was a disaster with nobody showing up.

[@Coyotek4]

IMO the big losers are the independent (or independent-adjacent) parks that now have to contend with this two-headed behemoth. I live in the PA 'Burbs, and I have eschewed going to either SFGA or Dorney with my family, in favor of Knoebels (and, maybe at some point, Hersheypark). The idea of a single season pass to attend both SFGA and Dorney makes that option a lot more tempting, which in turn makes it less tempting to go elsewhere. We'll see how this turns out in the end, but I wouldn't be shocked to hear about more smaller parks banding together in some way shape or form.

[@michaelbianco32]

This was a very well thought-out video and probably my favorite of those posted so far on this topic. Such a great description of the benefits Cedar Fair and Six Flags each will be receiving from this deal. Looking forward to my local SFOG hopefully seeing quality improvements in operations, maintenance funding, appearances, food, and overall guest experience.

[@mitchellries256]

I think this was a good move for both companies. We've seen similar success in 2017 when Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela's, and I think Six Flags can learn a lot from Cedar Fair, such as better operations, improvements in cleanliness and atmosphere, and less ride closures.

[@Doofles]

Very detailed video! Lots of facts and no speculation. Thanks for the insight!

[@elehcarykztorban0360]

It is very clear the SIx Flags doesn't really know how to fully run parks properly. Just looking at all of the accidents they've had vs Cedar Fair, and most importanly, who was at fault in most of them. Also the fact that Cedar Fair out earned them with less parks and most of those not being year round is really telling. As long as Cedar Fair people stay in charge of those aspects everyhting should be ok. Cedar Fair is an old company whose name garners a lot of respect, I would hate for this mangificent company to be destroyed by people who so far have, by public opinion at least, shown they cannot be trusted.

[@LordRayken]

Also look at most Six Flags parks. They are concrete jungles with rollercoasters in parking lots and lots of blacktop and empty areas. They are ugly parks. If you go to Carowinds or Kings Dominion they are literally JAW DROPPING in terms of beauty. I am terrified Six Flags will infect the Cedar Fair parks.

[@zack9777]

Six Flags accidents were freak accidents something along the line of 2020 being a major issue

[@elehcarykztorban0360]

@@zack9777 freak accidents caused 90% of the time by employee error or lack of maintenance

[@zack9777]

@@elehcarykztorban0360 3 six flags parks where accidents occurred are in Heavy regulated states and El Toro was missed by Intamin and the State of New Jersey because it was a freak accident 90% is just plain wrong

[@SleepySquib]

This still baffles me! But it gives me hope as a SFGA (Six Flags Great America) regular, especially with the fact that it and CFGA (Californias Great America) share older rides like Demon, which the downtime of which was mentioned here! It’s had issues for years and gotten super rough, so it gives me hope that a collective could share ride parts too! Also crazy to see those two parks finally under technically one company again since splitting after Marriot sold them off! Not to mention it could pave the way for CF and SF to possibly start working with Initimin and Gerstlaur (im sorry my spelling is probably so botched) respectively again, or the opposite effect, both park chains cease future work with both companies for safety, I'm excited to see how this season pans out having both a separate Hurricane Harbor near me, and SFGA only a few hours away!

[@loganmcgrew2822]

Remember the video that Sammy Quinn made about her restraint popping up? She wasn't talking about El Toro, she was talking about Runaway Mine Train. She said it in her latest video that she was riding Runaway Mine Train when her restraint popped up.

[@1goofydude]

I live in Carowinds marketing area and had no clue they were trying be year round.

[@endlessloop993]

Hopefully, Cedar Fair can bring order to Six Flags. My past visits to my Six Flags location have been disappointing. There were always coasters down for some reason. Kingda Ka seemed to be a hot ride for malfunction just about every time I took a trip to Six Flags. Other coasters were a hit or miss every time, too. I'd place bets on which coaster wouldn't be running on that particular day. For trips to the Cedar Fair location near me, however, I'd see minimal ride downtime. Yes, I know, I can practically taste the replies to this comment as I'm writing it. My experiences may not align with the experiences of others. That's OK, there's nothing wrong with that. I'm merely hoping Cedar Fair can improve Six Flags for the better.

[@CoasterCollege]

I have to agree, I much preferred my recent visits to Dorney Park over SF Great Adventure. Even though great adventure is a much better park on paper.

[@paulfabre6058]

Don't even begin to under estimate how much giving Six Flags access to Cedar Fair's (KNOTT'S ) Halloween Haunt trademark means to SF. Not only can mazes be transplanted to MANY more parks on a round robin basis, but SF gains a deep and highly experienced network that has vast knowledge in what is the most lucrative time of the year for Cedar Fair Parks.

[@kyleolson9152]

There are a few issues with your statistics. Notably comparing the attendance of water parks included in the 27 six flags parks to the mainline cedar fair parks. That's severely hits six flags stats in this comparison and allows for rampid speculation.

[@VinceHere98]

This is honestly something I don’t think any of us saw coming. Two of the biggest rivals in the Amusement park industry in North America merging into one. While I am excited to see what the future will hold for this big new mega corporation, I’m kinda worried that some potential projects like an RMC conversion of Boss or any new coasters from Intamin may not become reality. However, it could potentially pave the way for new exciting projects, like Kingda Ka getting the Zamperla-TT2 treatment, or maybe a new B&M Giga at Six Flags Great America. Regardless, I’m still interested to see what my home park Great Adventure will get under this new management.

[@goodusernamesareoverrated]

Maybe we’ll see great adventure finally get the transformation into a destination park that it needs and deserves. (I hope so as it’s my home park too)

[@BladeGirl92]

It should be interesting to see how this goes.

[@grafzeppelin4069]

On the evening of November 1, 2023, Reuters was operating normally. Wait.

[@AG7-MTM]

I think this move is great. Though I am a little relieved I likely won't be returning to work at Canada's Wonderland during this event... (and 2 seasons is already enough for me)

[@kennethlorino9214]

what this boils down to is parks like six flags st louis the only owned and operated park by six flags may end up being shut down and risk tearing down classics like screamin eagle

[@Zsullivan27]

I can just imagine dominator getting renamed back to Batman night flight 😂

[@frontiercitythrills586]

Don`t forget, Frontier City can operate for about 10- 11 months. OKC metro weather is not much of a change than the D/FW metro weather. Yes, we would be the smallest in size of acreage wise (113 in total) and can be expanded (45 + acres) to increase attendance. Six Flags mentioned that along with Atlanta in a statement on their SEC Filings. Six Flags signed an 18 year lease agreement with EPR Properties for 5 parks (FC, Darien Lake and 3 water parks) in 2018. The name would more than likely be like we`ve got "Frontier City A Six Flags Theme Park". Plus, American Heartland Theme Park And Resort (1700 acres) is about 2 hours away from Frontier City and it`s already broken ground along with OKANA Indoor Water Park (140+ acres) in OKC is under construction and it too is a year round resort.

[@randywest5149]

Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger End Up with Like Geauga Lake EST. 1887-2007 in Aurora, Ohio USA 🇺🇲 42 Parks in the Future of the Chain of Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger.

[@CottonCandySweetTart]

As long as someone buffe up sfne ride wise. Also maybe the water park?? I dont know if it was better in the past summer but in 22 it was half closed and kind of... Mid? Like mostly because you climb the stairs and then at the top look at the dingy, unused half of the water park *I will say sfne stays in nice shape generally; not much trash, grass always trimmed, most buildings are in great condition and don't look bad. But i think that its been such a long time since theyve had something wowing to advertise

[@alaeriia01]

So, qhat does this mean for my grandfathered Diamond Elite membership?

[@Wolfpup748]

I’m so glad Selim is no longer the CEO of Six Flags because it was his stupid decision to make Magic Mountain back to only opened select days then letting it remain open year round

[@coasterdroidgaming3699]

Can you make a video and explain how the merger affects the employees/ ex employees for the Six Flags/ Cedar Fair and if they'll be able to go back to a park that they use to work at/ want to go back to work for again?

[@CoasterCollege]

There's not really any info on that and I think it's logical to assume that previous employees of both chains will still have jobs.

[@coasterdroidgaming3699]

What if I were to say I got fired from SFSL and want to go back to work for Six Flags again, would I be able too or is that more of a question for HR?

[@CoasterCollege]

@@coasterdroidgaming3699 Contact your park/s

[@coasterdroidgaming3699]

@@CoasterCollege ok

[@josiahsimmons9866]

I think that it'd be a hilarious April Fools joke if Tony Clark posted an "announcement" that Millie changed its name to Superman, or something like that

[@timothykaczmarek5871]

Tony Clark IS an APRIL FOOL, and I HOPE THEY FINALLY GET RID OF THAT IDIOT.

[@awesomespecs2140]

You may know this because you work at Cedar Point, but will the 2023-2024 all parks passport I got still be honored at former Cedar Fair parks?

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

I don't think anything will change next year, 2025 is when we will see changes

[@definingimage]

Sounds more like an Areiw Dynamics and Vakoma deal. Six flags being Vakoma

[@CRAZY_KID13]

I would love cedar fair to own six flags. Everyone that I know talks about only SFOG and they only know about rollercoasters like Goliath and Mind Bender. There would be more enthusiasts and cedar fair could help with making better rides, management, and a cleaner park. Also I just love cedar fair and I would love to see it expand for more people to see.

[@andrewtaylor940]

If Cedar Faire Management comes out on top, as they look poised to do. This will be a Golden Era for parks. If Salim Basool is given any meaningful role or power, they are completely screwed.

[@CrazyMan_Engineer]

It will be a beast.

[@MalrusOSC]

Fr tho Cedar Flags would be an awesome name

[@randywest5149]

One Year at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Aurora, Ohio USA 🇺🇲 Have a Power Outage and Lost Power All Over The Park and Randy West Bad Time at Six Flags Park and Merger Have Bad Memorial with Six Flags.

[@benbreeck3363]

There is the issue of competition between parks in close proximity. Consider: Carrowinds vs. Over Georgia King's Dominion and Dorney Park vs. America and Great Adventure Canada's Wonderland vs. La Ronde Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure vs. Great America Worlds O'Fun vs. Saint Louis and Frontier City Knott's Berry Farm vs. Magic Mountain. A cynical part of me deeply suspects that that is the reason Cedar Fair is winding down California's Great America. Also, this is goring to shake up relationships with Roller Coaster manufacturers something fierce. Six Flags has beter relationships with Intamin, Vekoma, and S&S/Sansei, while Cedar Fair has better relationships with Bolliger and Mabilliard, Gerstlauer, Mack, and GCI.

[@CoasterCollege]

Kindly and in the nicest way possible, it's not that deep.

[@rbassassin99]

Cedar Fair has the what people will call the popular brand so they can made their own rides out of it. The other braids six flag has is harder to make good rides out of. If you play games like planet coaster you know that non-popular company coaster are harder because of the way the coaster trains are made. Like B&M, Giga coaster, Hypercoaster are easier and better to customize.

[@randywest5149]

Cedar Fair President and CEO Blames and Blamed and Blame and Blaming For Merger Don't Work in the Future with Six Flags Entertainment Corporate and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company it's Now Six Flags Entertainment Company in USA 🇺🇲 and Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽.

[@urbex_coasters]

I'm actually rooting for Millenium Force to become Superman. The memes will be glorious!

[@randywest5149]

Randy West Think Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger a Bad Idea.

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

The title is confusing. Anyway I hope Twisted Timbers is safe

[@LordRayken]

It's going to become Riddler's Twisted Ride

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

@@LordRaykenAs long as the layout is still intact I don’t care what they call it

[@MrKsanders1985]

I think its Cedar Fair thats dead not Six Flags. Im not happy about any of this. i hate Six Flags.

[@therock238360]

Cedar Fair CEO will be the CEO of the new company, but it will assume the Six Flags name. Six Flags CEO will be the Chairman of the Board of the new company. Make of these how you will

[@LordRayken]

@@therock238360 The Cedar Fair CEO isn't a god. He can't resist all the venom and poison from Six Flags, the parks that literally have more accidents than any Cedar Fair park and they have the worst designed layouts with concrete and blacktop everywhere.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

​@@therock238360CEO is a much more powerful position than Chairman

[@therock238360]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv exactly my point, I don’t think OP has too much to worry about. Sounds like CF management will have final say while SF management will simply have input

[@rbassassin99]

@@therock238360 plus OP might not know what a typical CEO position is.

[@theworstisover1323]

Of course Millennium Force won't become Goliath or Superman. It'll be Bizarro 😂😂

[@bullresay]

i dont want my home park go a way i relly like it six flages grate amerca

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

It won't but the Great America in California will

[@bullresay]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv one in IL

[@Ihatethoosies]

I still do not understand why so many people act like Cedar Fair is better quality then Six Flags it's just not. Whenever I go to Magic Mountain I'm able to ride 30-40 rides. Your lucky to get more then 10 rides at Cedar point without slow and unenergetic the ops are. They aren't fun like Six Flags ops. they just mumble and say ride on. Cedar Fair also doesn't know how to do anything that isn't generic. At least Six Flags can do themeing and has fun characters like dc. Most kids have no idea what snoopy is.

[@CoasterCollege]

I'd have to completely disagree, I have never seen a six flags ride get over 1000 guests an hour. Cedar Point is also a destination park rather than a regional one, meaning it gets more skip the line users and more guests in general. Coasters are just one aspect of the park experience and as far as everything else that goes into making a park good Cedar Fair does significantly better. Just look at the live entertainment for example.

[@Ihatethoosies]

@CoasterCollege Magic Mountain is also a destination park. I've never seen any entertainment at Cedar Point and if it's there it's really low quality. The fact Cedar Point has zero dark rides Is a joke and proves Cedar Fair can't do anything that isn't a generic coaster. Magic Mountain actually themes most of their coasters unlike Cedar Point.

[@CoasterCollege]

@@Ihatethoosies come see about me, lusty lils lilibration, Summerbration!, echos from the brimstone club, and Wake the dead. Just a few examples of some fantastic CP shows from the last 3 years, many of which won IAAPA awards.

[@Ihatethoosies]

@CoasterCollege not wasting my time going back to Cedar Point untill they train their ops better like the ones at Six Flags Magic Mountain. They treat ada horribly at Cedar Point and do a much better job for me at six flags also definitely not going back untill they add a trackless dark ride. I'm heading to Australia soon and then Europe again. There are so many better parks out there then Cedar Point.

[@CoasterCollege]

@@Ihatethoosies okay, you didn't address my point.

[@RhetoricalThrill]

I hope you're right to be optimistic, but man, I don't even want the Six Flags name anywhere near Cedar Point.

[@Colind8]

As a Texan, I'm glad they're keeping the Six Flags name.

[@Mista4oewun4oe]

I'm fine with the merger it's the fanboyism I don't care for. What I'm getting from the comments and the video in some respects is Six Flags bad Ceder Fair good. When both companies are in debt and neither company was perfect in how they were ran and both needed each other.

[@CoasterCollege]

Most companies are in debt, it's not a sign of good or bad management on its own.

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

Everyone crapping on Six Flags "quality content", well Cedar Fair isn't much better, they're just better at pretending it's not there..

[@rbassassin99]

have you even been to any CF park. Lots of special events they spending lots of money into it. Even with new rides that build in 2019 there still a huge buzz for it. even for some park they spending 1 a year new things. Like I live near Canada Wonderland but since the post pendamic they add new things 1 a year use to be a flat ride and one kids ride now a new water slide what next not sure yet. Plus places similar to Wonderland size CF spend money on custume for the halloween haunt scare people so you say is garbage, i like their custome

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

@@rbassassin99 I've never lived more than half an hour from a Cedar Fair park, essentially grew up at one, and worked at the largest one for several years. Seeing as you couldn't even bother writing a whole comment tho, I'm not going to bother reading the rest of it

[@rbassassin99]

@@TS_Mind_Swept lol im telling you what is the difference and what should SF have done better to get more people in. Like invest in special events or things like that but maybe not or invest in rides not slap the same name and same type of rides across the park. Like CF may have the same ride across the park but each one is unique to this own park. It seem you don't border to read mean you don't even care for other opinion i find you very ignorance.

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

@@rbassassin99 kind of ironic to call someone ignorant with the words "I find you very ignorance" SoonerLater

[@NoahGragsonFan629]

Crazy for Ceder Flags creation 😮

[@markdebruyn1212]

To be fair not a bad name 😄

[@timothykaczmarek5871]

Yes it is horrible name

[@alaeriia01]

Cedar Flags is probably panicking right now

[@dindog22]

I don't like it. I feel like the Cedar Fair parks will get dragged down. this is the end of civilization

[@rbassassin99]

if you know what a CEO position is then you know CF will not be drag down

[@sonic23233]

Is Cedar Point going to be renamed to Six Flags Ohio?

[@lamaripiazza5226]

No

[@amanor409]

Six Flags is a better known name. Many people never knew the Cedar Fair parks were part of a chain.

[@LordRayken]

This is like McDonalds buying Cedar Fair to me. I don't like Six Flags and they have the most accidents out of any theme park operator on record. I have always championed Cedar Fair for being a cut above Six Flags and this news is really quite devastating. Less options, less choice, less competition, and all wrapped up with generic Superman and Batman coasters coming to Cedar Fair parks is really a nightmare scenario.

[@CoasterCollege]

That's not what's happening at all though

[@LordRayken]

@@CoasterCollege It really is. They put the Six Flags guy over the CEO of Cedar Fair. It also sounds like they are rebranding to Six Flags.

[@dylandog518]

​@@LordRaykenselim is not the ceo

[@lamaripiazza5226]

@@LordRaykenThe ceo of Cedar fair is running the new company

[@LordRayken]

@@lamaripiazza5226 Executive Chairman sits above the CEO.

[@princeerick11]

SixFlags❤

[@BoyRoy18]

@brightsunfims i see a bankruped appisode in the making....

[@rbassassin99]

the bankruped was coming to SF due to they even remove lots of things off season pass or there not even a 1 day pass things like CF do. Even if i do plan to go SF, they don't offer 1 day pass as most SF is far away from nearby food place. There add-on season pass is also sad not much only food pass or fast lane. CF has a lot of things. I find on a busy day, CF offer a lots of things even photo on rides.