Six Flags capital plans for 2010: $105 million; 2011: $110

Chris L · #1 06-17-2009, 10:52 PM

Despite bankruptcy, allocated funds for capital expenditure for season 2010 is $105 million and for the 2011 season, $110 million. This information was previously deemed confidential.

So speculate away!

Avenue Capital Discloses Previously Confidential Six Flags Information

BatwingFan SFA · #2 06-17-2009, 11:00 PM

My guess is the same old song & dance we've seen for years with the same three parks getting coasters & the rest getting shows or kiddie sections.

Racer · #3 06-18-2009, 12:09 AM

2011 is rumored to be additions in every SF park for the 50th anniversary of Six Flags.

Chris L · #4 06-18-2009, 12:56 AM

Interesting Mark Shapiro quote highlights from a NewsPlusNotes Blog interview.

Quote:

"This restructuring process will not in any way slow down or hamper our capital plans," Mark assured us. And yes, that includes the previously announced plans to do it up big for the chain's 50th anniversary celebration in 2011. But he stressed that the nature of Six Flags' capital expenditures will vary from park to park and from year to year, with the primary criteria being the specific needs of each park in the family. Thus, in some cases big new attractions will take a backseat to much needed deferred maintenance.

Quote:

He cited the deferred maintenance "hole" left by the previous management team as one of Six Flags' greatest challenges, and stressed that it will take time to fully rectify the situation. But you can rest assured that the current management team is under no illusions in that department, and they will continue to work hard to bring all parks in the chain back up to the Six Flags standards of old.

Quote:

That being said, Mark also stressed that Six Flags strives to bring a new and exciting attraction of some form to all of the parks each year. Whether it be something as significant as Terminator Salvation or a more entertainment-focused attraction such as the Glow in the Park parade, the goal is to always have something new and different for families to enjoy. He saw this as being particularly important in today's economy, where many of Six Flags' competitors are scaling back. "We saw that as an opportunity," he told us, noting that they hope to see many more families come out to "sample" the new Six Flags this year.

Quote:

In what was perhaps one of the most interesting discussion topics of the call (to me, anyway), Mark opened up and spoke very frankly about the financial impact of installing blockbuster new roller coasters as well as his own personal take on these thrill machines. "I don't want anyone to mistake this. When you talk about my favorite rides, they are rides like El Toro and Nitro at Great Adventure and Goliath out at Magic Mountain," he said, adding that he's very grateful to the past management team for bringing these high-caliber rides to Six Flags. "It's easy for me to say 'We don't have the money to put those in' because I already have them, and I don't forget that."

But according to Mark, the "harsh reality" is that today's industry can no longer afford such rides, particulary if you are a regional park operator with a seasonal business. He illustrated his point by breaking down a mock budget for us using Six Flags' $100 million target, which he believes is the maximum figure a chain can support while still remaining healthy. If Six Flags were to install a $25 million coaster at one park and then proceed to spend $25-30 million on deferred maintenance across the chain, that leaves only $50 million of marketable capital at best for ALL other parks. Looking at it this way, it's easy to see why many parks--including Six Flags--are forgoing the gigacoasters these days. Mark also noted that the ROI just isn't there for such rides, and that the parks which continue to install them will most likely never see a full return on their investment.

Read the entire piece here: NewsPlusNotes

**Leo C** · #5 06-18-2009, 03:22 AM

What Batwing generally spoke of sounds like it included the range of this and the past year regarding just how many parks got additions. With those projected numbers I expect the same. We just have to hope certain parks get the roll of the dice of something big.

PANTSFREE · #6 06-18-2009, 11:30 AM

So SFA is still getting Thomas Town?

SWEET!!! haha

**Wes** · #7 06-18-2009, 12:23 PM

Sounds like Six Flags is facing what Cedar Fair is in more ways that one.

Paramount (at least at Carowinds) had let the wooden coasters go to pot, but Cedar Fair has been spending a lot of money on Carowinds woodies.

I for one think Shapiro is going the right direction, hopefully their efforts will work out for good.

Maybe they can lower the parking at SFOG back to $10 from the awful $15.

Andrew W · #8 06-18-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANTSFREE

So SFA is still getting Thomas Town?

SWEET!!! haha

Yes! And from the sounds of the below article, it should be a pretty big Thomas Town at that!

Despite Bankruptcy, Six Flags CEO not Coasting

Quote:

The restructuring will not hamper the company's plans to invest about $100 million annually in the parks. Shapiro said that Six Flags America will be getting a new Thomas the Tank Engine land with ten new rides in 2010. And, he said, the chain is gearing up for a big 50th anniversary celebration in 2011.

Ten new rides would easily make it the biggest Thomas Town in the chain...

Chris L · #9 06-18-2009, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew W

Ten new rides would easily make it the biggest Thomas Town in the chain...

BY FAR!

Just to make a comparison...Magic Mountain's Thomas Town only has two rides. And one of them being a revamped kiddie coaster that was already at the park. 10 new rides in a new kids area is HUGE!

**Leo C** · #10 06-19-2009, 12:30 AM

It would possibly kill Drayton Manor's Thomas Town. I heard that's the epic original one. I believe I read they had to add additional Thomas trains to their loop.

A big Thomas Town at SFA would be a great bypass around a Wiggles' World. Wouldn't that be a favor for SFA? I think it should be an offshoot off Gotham City, between Joker's Jinx and Wild One.

GAmFanboy · #11 06-19-2009, 02:34 AM

Lets See:

1- Kids Coaster
2- Train Ride
3- Helicopter Ride
4- Crazy Bus Style Ride
5- Family Play Area
6- Fountain
7- Rock N Tug with a Bertie Car

Thats all I Can Think Of

ElBarto · #12 06-19-2009, 04:17 AM

I don't get how the refurb to Bizarro cost the company 7 Million dollars? And Terminator only cost $11 Million?

Talk about money down the tube...

**Wes** · #13 06-19-2009, 09:04 AM

^ Sounds like Carowinds saying Cobra cost $4 Million. I think they were going out to dinner every night on the company or something.

The Toader · #14 06-19-2009, 10:46 AM

^But didn't get new trains, repainted track, PLUS all the shipping costs. And then the loading station and queue lines and whatnot.

^^^You forgot a frog hop type ride.

neil_n_ky · #15 06-19-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes

Sounds like Six Flags is facing what Cedar Fair is in more ways that one.

Paramount (at least at Carowinds) had let the wooden coasters go to pot, but Cedar Fair has been spending a lot of money on Carowinds woodies.

I for one think Shapiro is going the right direction, hopefully their efforts will work out for good.

Maybe they can lower the parking at SFOG back to $10 from the awful $15.

Amen to that, $15 is ridiculous. Its only $8 at Dollywood and you get a trolley ride to the gate! Plus they just finished a parking expansion! $15 is over the top. It makes me want to stay at the hotel where I can just walk over.

Chris L · #16 06-19-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBarto

I don't get how the refurb to Bizarro cost the company 7 Million dollars?

- Completely repainted ride, queue, station.
- Revamped trains (new restraints, brand new audio system).
- Flame thrower and corresponding equipment.
- Queue and loading platform story board elements.
- Large scale integrated ride theme props (faux building, Bizarro mock-up at the bottom of first drop)
- New misting system and corresponding equipment.
- Viral marketing campaign costs.
- New lighting and electrical systems.

$7 million sounds about right.

medieval · #17 06-19-2009, 03:30 PM

I also believe it was between both parks, so it would be $3.5 each.

Racer · #18 06-19-2009, 07:13 PM

I heard this today at SFOG from a coworker; the Drive In Theater will be torn down and a new ride named Vortex will be put in its place. I really don't want to see the Drive In go because it has had some great shows held in it. If it were to go, I hope we get a Huss Giant Frisbee. There may be some truth to this rumor since the Drive In Theater has recently been closed due to recent heavy rains severely damaging the roof. I also see GASM's years being numbered unless it gets some major rehab. GASM has gotten very rough over the years, and as long as I've been working at SFOG, I've seen GASM having alot of downtime due to mechanical problems. If GASM were to go, I see SFOG getting a new B&M Floorless with a similar footprint. On a side note, S:UF has been having problems too, but I don't see it going anywhere.

**Wes** · #19 06-19-2009, 08:57 PM

^ Carowinds is selling you Vortex! Yes! Now you can have dueling standups!

The drive in has been there from the start I think, or its always been there ever since I can remember in 1990 when I really started paying attention to things in that park. Maybe Z-Force brought me under submission that year or something.

GASM and Cyclone both need to be ripped apart and put back together. Cyclone used to be in my top 10 wooden list, but it's been so unbelievably rough the past few years I've been down there.

Racer · #20 06-20-2009, 12:55 AM

The Drive In has been there since the beginning, just under several different names. I think that Cyclone is a lot smoother than GASM.

There's an idea. Bring back Z-Force! Put it next to Ninja, which BTW doesn't box you in the ears anymore since they replaced the OTSR's.

GAmFanboy · #21 06-20-2009, 05:48 PM

Z Force got Scrapped, Dude.

**Leo C** · #22 06-20-2009, 07:18 PM

Racer showed me from Goliath where the roof damage on the Drive In Theater was. Does SFOG have a Troika ride? Then again the Shake Rattle and Roll Scrambler is next door indoors. I'm disappointed if Racer is right and SFOG has our SFGADV former Centrifuge Scrambler.

Racer · #23 06-20-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAmFanboy

Z Force got Scrapped, Dude.

I know. I just want B&M to come up with a new space diver concept since they did help Intamin/Giovanola with Z-Force.

As far as the Drive In goes, the damage on the roof does look fixable, but I'm not sure what kind of damage is on the inside. Then again, I'm not a contractor.

GAmFanboy · #24 06-21-2009, 03:48 AM

WARNING!!! I have Never been to SFOG in my Life!!!

My Guess is an Indoor Coaster in the Building. Maybe something similar to Europa Parks Coasters. With the Spiral Lift and Family Style.

Eurosat (Europa Park)

Not exactly the size but maybe something on a Similar Level. OR maybe they're going to make a Vekoma-Illusion Coaster 2.0 (Chaos at Opryland)

Michael C · #25 06-22-2009, 02:10 AM

SFOG dose not have a Troika. Too bad about the drive in it was a nice theater.

SFGAdv scrambler was installed in either SFOG or SFOT.

They can plan to spend all this money but A judge will have to approve it. i would expect addition for 2009 to be canceled unless they are on the cheap side. for example water slides or family lever flats.

Racer · #26 09-08-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer

I heard this today at SFOG from a coworker; the Drive In Theater will be torn down and a new ride named Vortex will be put in its place. I really don't want to see the Drive In go because it has had some great shows held in it. If it were to go, I hope we get a Huss Giant Frisbee. There may be some truth to this rumor since the Drive In Theater has recently been closed due to recent heavy rains severely damaging the roof. I also see GASM's years being numbered unless it gets some major rehab. GASM has gotten very rough over the years, and as long as I've been working at SFOG, I've seen GASM having alot of downtime due to mechanical problems. If GASM were to go, I see SFOG getting a new B&M Floorless with a similar footprint. On a side note, S:UF has been having problems too, but I don't see it going anywhere.

Quoting myself on this one. I've been looking at satellite images of SFOG, as I often do, and noticed something, as I often do. If parts of this this rumor are true; I wonder, if the Drive In were to come down, if Deja Vu might fit in the spot where FreeFall was and extend into where the Drive In is now. It will be a tight fit, but I think there's enough room. I'm not so sure about the name Vortex, though.

EDIT: The attatched picture shows how it would fit. Please note that both satellite images were at the same scale. A perfect fit.

**Leo C** · #27 09-17-2009, 12:53 AM

SFGADV used to have an idle Lakefront theater until the War on Lines in 1999. The Zierer Blackbeard Treasure Train debuted on that demolished theater site. That rides gets much more uses out of me now.

Looking at that satellite photo work you did I think Vortex would work as a name on a return of Deja Vu just in a new site. It would be above the flood plain too I think. If Chang is going to leave and go to SFGAM why couldn't Deja Vu return if they want to refurbish it as they reinstall it.

**Leo C** · #28 09-19-2009, 07:27 PM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVF2LlOx6Z...c/s320/W1a.JPG Racer, this ride opened at Waldameer this year. A mega Disko named Mega Vortex.

Racer · #29 09-19-2009, 09:42 PM

Would SFOG really get a Disko since they already have Rockin' Tug? I guess it's possible. Personally, I hope for a particular coaster (or possibly two) to make a well deserved return. I'm also still hoping for a Huss Giant Frisbee.

**Leo C** · #30 09-19-2009, 11:46 PM

A Huss Giant Frisbee would shut me up if they could squeeze it through for a 2011 gift for SFGADV.

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