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Author Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro Interview & X2 Update
robbalvey
Posts: 111
Registered: 10/19/2000

Rank: Bronze Critic
2/22/2008 3:10:29 AM
Today Theme Park Review was invited to come have a chat with Six Flags President and CEO Mark Shapiro as well as check out the first completed X2 train.

A lot of questions were asked, and I think you'll be very pleased with some of the answers! Be sure to listen to the interview. There is a link to it at the bottom of the update. It's in MP3 format and you can either stream it or download it once you click the link.

As for some of the bullet points that were discussed outside of the audio portion of the interview, here you go:

TPR: When asked about taking out older rides -
Mark Shaprio: "It's about taking out what's not working. The old philosophy would just let rides sit there and rot. We are going to go through our park and clean them out. We have a master plan. You might not see an immediate exchange, but in time we will fill out the park."

TPR: When asked about 2009 at Six Flags Magic Mountain -
Mark Shaprio: "We are looking into a new coaster for 2009. Can I say anymore? No. We're also looking into Wiggle's World. "

TPR: What kinds of rides do you like?
Mark Shaprio: "I like big drops, but I'll be honest, I don't like to go upside down. Goliath is my favorite ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain."

TPR: Thomas Town looks like it will be well themed, you are adding new theming to X2, can we expect this level of theming with up coming attractions?
Mark Shaprio: "Everything we launch will come with a storyline, it will come with a theme. That's a focus for Six Flags moving forward. Historically it's been 'put down a ride where ever we have room', I don't believe in that. We want to do something for both families and the thrill seekers. Will Six Flags Magic Mountain gain back the coaster capital status? In due time, absolutely."

TPR: When can we expect X2 and Thomas Town to open?
Mark Shaprio: "Memorial Day weekend, 2008."

I can also mention two things that have not been announced yet that Shapiro talked about today. First off, in the location of Circus Wheel will be a new high-energy, complex Midway game. It will be a "3 point challenge Basketball Game" that promises will be full of entertainment for the guests. Not only the ones playing, but for spectators as well. So how can they replace a ride with a game you ask? What about a new ride to replace it you might ask? Shapiro tells us "be patient...we WILL fill out the park...in due time."

Another new for 2008 announcement is that the Sky Tower will also be turned into the Sky Tower Museum. You'll see exhibits from past Magic Mountain rides on display and will give more reason to visit Sky Tower.

Anyway, onto the photos and onto the audio interview. There is quite a bit more covered in the audio portion of the interview - Fright Fest, attraction removals, where the park is headed in the next few years, etc and you can download the audio part of the interview HERE!


We arrive at the site of X2 where we will check out the first complete train and chat with Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro.


Here it is...the very first X2 train. Complete!


This is the view that ride ops will see quite a bit. (with people...of course!)


Mark Shapiro, Jay Thomas, and Tim Burkhart tell us all about what's happening with Six Flags and Magic Mountain in the near future.


To get some really cool photos, we got to walk the lift hill of X2.


Ok, ok, so it's not totally complete...but it's close.

[img]http://www
Message updated 2/22/2008 3:13:31 AM by robbalvey
larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002

Rank: Platinum Critic
2/22/2008 11:45:43 AM
Whatever anyone's thoughts are on Theme Park review it is a very good interview and provides insights into Shapiro's thinking.

People question why rides are removed from parks - and this interview provides an honest assessment.

I really hope Shapiro can help turn these parks profitable in the future for the sake of the industry and my stock portfolio.
taylorb251
Posts: 1181
Registered: 3/8/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
2/22/2008 1:14:48 PM
I agree this is a good interview into six flags thinking. I would like to think rob for posting it here. I also enjoyed the pics.
Timberman
Posts: 845
Registered: 9/21/2004

Rank: Gold Critic
2/22/2008 9:18:56 PM
Thanks, Robb. It's not often you get that kind of candor from a guy in a suit. Interesting stuff indeed....

My question for Shapiro: Given the tremendous success and nearly universal acclaim of El Toro, why haven't we seen more Intamin Plug-n-Play wooden coasters? True, we can't expect Six Flags to target their rides toward serious heads anymore, but everyone seems to love that ride. Why aren't the other locations in the chain jumping on the bandwagon? How about one at Six Flags America in Largo, MD?
Message updated 2/22/2008 9:37:32 PM by Timberman
robbalvey
Posts: 111
Registered: 10/19/2000

Rank: Bronze Critic
2/24/2008 3:59:17 AM
Glad you guys liked the interview! I wanted to make sure I posted as much of it as I could here so it did't look like just another "site plug."

I hear what you are saying about why parks aren't getting any more El Toro's and I agree.

It's weird how they never got any more S:ROS's either after they seem to take such high ranking spots.

Personally, it does seem that with the more 'family focus' I have a feeling we'll be seeing more spinners, mice, and family woodies like GCI's.

And I'd be just fine with that for right now!

--Robb
Scott
Posts: 2766
Registered: 11/7/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
2/24/2008 12:49:18 PM
Great interview.

Shapiro always struck me as very down to earth. He has some great plans for the chain.

Canobie Coaster
Posts: 2694
Registered: 7/26/2005

Rank: Platinum Critic
2/29/2008 8:32:20 PM
Very cool interview. I agree that Shapiro's plans are great and very encouraging for all the Six Flags parks.
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