Six Flags Magic Mountain

[Southerncoasterer]

Let’s not forget what has managed to be done at Fiesta Texas, even with the limited resources of the old regime. It takes creativity and boldness, at park level. Some Park Presidents are content with doing to bare minimum to keep the lights on. We’ve seen SFMM suffer from this since forever.

I had heard great things about Jeff Harris, and in my brief interactions, he’s got a good head on his shoulders. But he’s also realistic. There is a culture of laziness and lack of focus at SFMM. It’s a HUGE undertaking to change the culture at this park and it can be tiring and defeating, with most people either giving up or leaving.

But he seems committed to turning things around, which is why he was chosen. Not all at once, which is impossible. But beat by beat, over several years.

Change will be slow but steady. There will be set backs and mistakes made. But eventually we won’t recognize the park we see today if he’s allowed to stay and isn’t snatched up by Disney or Sea World (which always happens when we get a good one).

 

[Rideguy70]

I get that but being only open 4 days a week?

That tells me your business needs a HUGE restructure to make real money your losing out on profits every day your not open.

I went on many Tues, Wed, and Thurs back when SFMM was open 365. And there was nobody, I mean nobody there. From the guest point of view it was amazing, but I cannot believe it made them any money. I think being open 4 days a week is just fine for SFMM.

Let's not forget that Disneyland wasn't open daily for many, many years. I think the idea of parks needing to be open 365 is a uniquely SoCal concept. Anywhere else in the country, as well the world, that isn't really the case. The vast majority of parks have long off-seasons and weekend only operations. Parks that are open daily--in the entire world--could probably be counted on one hand (outside of Disney/Universal parks).

 

[Wesker69]

I think the idea of parks needing to be open 365 is a uniquely SoCal concept. Anywhere else in the country, as well the world, that isn't really the case. The vast majority of parks have long off-seasons and weekend only operations.

Let's not forget the key factor of why most U.S. parks are closed/weekend only operations outside of Summer (+Spring/Fall minimally):

 

[Jerroddragon]

I went on many Tues, Wed, and Thurs back when SFMM was open 365. And there was nobody, I mean nobody there. From the guest point of view it was amazing, but I cannot believe it made them any money. I think being open 4 days a week is just fine for SFMM.

Let's not forget that Disneyland wasn't open daily for many, many years. I think the idea of parks needing to be open 365 is a uniquely SoCal concept. Anywhere else in the country, as well the world, that isn't really the case. The vast majority of parks have long off-seasons and weekend only operations. Parks that are open daily--in the entire world--could probably be counted on one hand (outside of Disney/Universal parks).

Fair enough

Which is why I talk about bringing in things for people to do besides Teens, at least try to draw more people with entertainment and a updated Kids area. Maybe it can't be open 24/7 like Disneyland but right now they aren't even trying on the basic things. TM traning and cleaning up the park these really don't cost too much compared to like Disneyland redoing the HM Q.

But like most the bathrooms are "clean" but most need to be redone or repainted it just...doesn't live up to modern day bathrooms experiences Along with getting the TMs to get people on rides and gone...like I know it would be hard to be as fast as Disney but right now its why I avoid rides unless its empty the ops can be just painful

Also some more food events wont hurt....like no idea how Sea World has the funds to do Lunar New years but Six Flags and USH are like...we can't do that. I mean Sea World literally has two weeks where not only does it do lunar new years but Mardi Gras as well and I just respect them for trying heck one of the Sea World shows was literally what seemed to be a like foundation that promotes the arts and had kids it in....Six Flags can't find something like that use the big stage in the front have some music and fun shows...then some food booths with unique offering?

I'm fine with them working there way up again but...they need to start the coaster is a band aid you need to find a way to make money more offend then just when a ride opens and also they need to partner with more social media people. Like it was insane I went to Fright fest and literally....no waits on most things besides like Saw and that was because they waited a minute or two before sending the next group in but the park was empty most the times I went for the last few events...and makes no sense not to partner with the bigger Vloggers to draw people in

I love these parks and understand they are here to make money but some of them are missing out on huge paydays by just cutting everything...sure its safe and you know what the basic returns are but imagine if they could get people coming to fright fest like HHN? I mean that could really improve how much your making on because the goal isn't just to get people in the parks but make them spend more and to do so you need to spend a little extra as well sometimes

 

[chris.g]

They honestly don't need a new kids area, they just need to spread out the attractions for younger folks so it just ISN'T Bugs Bunny World. Isolating children and younger crowds to that area isnt enticing to families visiting when they can go to "The underground" and ride West Coast Racers and see there's nothing else to do with their kids once they exit the queue. So why bother wasting a visit that will confine them to one specific section?

 

[coaster31]

 

[Wesker69]

More flat rides.... classic & high thrill variety is STILL very much needed. Whether it's family or thrill seeker targeted

Just don't make the Knotts mistake of adding a new "family" flat ride that ONLY allows 4 adults total to ride. Yea I'm looking at you Sally Swingalong!

Also, kiddie coaster related, again, don't make the Knotts mistake of having trains that even short skinny adults struggle to fit! If you've got a kid that requires someone above ___ height to ride, they need to be able to fit. /End rant

 

[Jerroddragon]

This video has lots of cool details about the park, thought you would all enjoy this

 

[Southerncoasterer]

^ I make a cameo appearance in this video, although i won’t say who because the park doesn’t know I post here haha.

 

[Viator]

 

[BillM]

^ I make a cameo appearance in this video, although i won’t say who because the park doesn’t know I post here haha.

What does your posting here have anything to do with MM?

 

[Wesker69]

View attachment 24917

Other than nostalgia... I'm still struggling to understand why this was priority over the dilapidated theme park hellbent on deforestation & eternal concrete

 

[GAcoaster]

Other than nostalgia... I'm still struggling to understand why this was priority over the dilapidated theme park hellbent on deforestation & eternal concrete

I'd assume it was a case of something that needed to be fixed and they took advantage to begin the re-branding/transformation process.

 

[Jerroddragon]

Other than nostalgia... I'm still struggling to understand why this was priority over the dilapidated theme park hellbent on deforestation & eternal concrete

Rebranding...over literally doing things to draw more people in

Its what corporate does.

I'm not against the new sign...I just wish the park was getting some love as they rebranded

 

[Southerncoasterer]

Other than nostalgia... I'm still struggling to understand why this was priority over the dilapidated theme park hellbent on deforestation & eternal concrete

The same company that painted Goliath are also refurbishing the sign. Simple case of two birds, one stone.

 

[JaySalahi]

It also looks like like it might use the same paint as the Tornado slide repaint in Hurricane Harbor. Might as well use it.

 

[Viator]

The same company that painted Goliath are also refurbishing the sign. Simple case of two birds, one stone.

It also looks like like it might use the same paint as the Tornado slide repaint in Hurricane Harbor. Might as well use it.

Multiple birds--one large meteor-sized stone.

I think they're doing paint work across the majority of HH, because of the transformation it's getting for the 30th anniversary. Speaking of, I wonder when they talk about that of the 30th anniversary, that they then acknowledge Magic Mountain's "Rebranding" project.

 

[chris.g]

I also fail to see how the sign isn’t a priority. It’s a major first impression for guests passing by the 5!

 

[Viator]

I also fail to see how the sign isn’t a priority. It’s a major first impression for guests passing by the 5!

I think with the advent of wanting to promote individuality; having the means to differentiate that of yourself with the sign feels like a no brainer to modernize.

It represents a new identity and a new focus going forward; and I think that's unironically going to be important if things go down the road that forces them to think on the prospect of individuality.

 

[Jake S]

i’m not sure I get what you mean. how is this promoting individuality and what is the advent of it that you’re talking about?