*Interesting trip report from a economist

[Bob O]

http://seekingalpha.com/article/83869-s ... -at-a-buck.

Not everyone is happy about there visit. or costs involved.

[cowboy1192]

As much as I hate to say this, he was so right.

My trip to SFGAM is canceled next monday because of gas prices. Im am so pissed I can even like put it into words...

On the topic "Will gas prices affect your park trips?" I said that they wont... Gosh I sure was wrong...

And its not just gas, the price of a ticket to SFGAM is not bad, but parking and food (even outside of the park), and everything else... OMG Its ridiculous!!!


I hate to say this, but, I hope Cedar Fair buys SFGAM... Mainly because SF is in soooo much debt and everything...

[onyxhotel08]

On June 24th I spend $80 for a flash pass for me and my brother. 2 2008 sports bottles so almost another 30. I had a season pass so that saved me some money. All in all not bad $110. Still ridiculous but I know without those passes I wouldn't get on SUF 3 times which I was never on before. I waited about 5 minutes for Dark Knight. I agree the prices need to come down for the park to make any real money. Flash passes should be brought down to 60 for 2 and 30 for one for gold. 15 regular for one and 30 for two. That will drive demand. Sports bottles should come down to $9.99 instead of $12.99. Offer better sizes for food and more options. 7 bucks for a tiny pizza slice is the stupidest thing ever. Get rid of rides with upkeep problems Parking should be $10 for backlot and $20 for frontgate. A can of soda should not be $3.50 at most $1.75. More people would be buying since a lot just drink from the fountains, split one between friends or get one or two a day instead of every time one feels thirsty. Lower the season pass by $5-$10. I seriously think only the major parks should be kept and they should sell the others.

Keep:
Magic Mountain
Great Adventure
Great America
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Texas
Kentucky Kingdom

[coasterkid94]

I understand that SFGAm is very expensive (and quite over priced), but I think that this man could have saved a ton of money if he didn't spend it on many things that were not necessary. For starters, I go to GAm normally with myself, two 11 year olds, one 13 year old, and an 8 year old. We always park in the back lot, and we fair just fine, so that man could have saved $10 there.
I admit that dinner can be very expensive, but I find it much better just to pack a lunch. You'll save a lot of money and the process of exiting and reentering the park is very streamlined and easy.
On top of all the other money he spent, he wasted more money on games, drawings, snacks, and water bottles (did I mention that there are drinking fountains at SFGAm) which again are unnecessary items.

Let me finish by saying that SFGAm is very costly, but you definetely can save a lot of money simply by making smart decisions and doing your research.

[saylorman47]

^Good point.

I never drink from the fountains though, they are kind of green, but if you walk up to any food place that serves drinks, they will give you a free cup of water.

[bobbinbop20]

i always get the free cup of water

[Stoogie]

Tell ya what. I havn't been to the gurnee park or any other Six Flags park for a couple of years. We go to Holiday world and IB twice a year. Now Those Parks are bargains, especially Holiday World! I just can't see giving a park any of my money that charges sooooo much damn money for everything in the 1st place. Six Flags needs to get a grip on what families can really afford and not try to rob working famlies. It sucks.

[acm21]

Preferred Parking is for dorks, I'm sorry that's the only way I can describe it. OK why would your kid complain about walking an extra 200 feet at the beginning of the day, and if they complain about how much their feet hurt at the end, if they are light piggy backs always work, if they are fat they need the exercise.

[onyxhotel08]

It really isn't that bad to park in the back I think. I'm surprised parking went up $10 this year. I would think $5 at most. Yeah, this guy spend money on so much stuff he didn't need to. I would have rather done the flash pass gold or regular than those drawings which are cool for like a day or two then you forget why you got it in the first place. Save money by eating once a day and getting one big order even the $39.99 one if you are going with a few people. Don't get any candy or gifts. Use the water fountains. They are not that bad. Actually, I can manage a whole day drinking most towards the end. It saves you those trips to the bathroom.

[forddude1416]

This just in, whiny old wiener complains that he willingly spent too much of his own money.

[cowboy1192]

I understand that SFGAm is very expensive (and quite over priced), but I think that this man could have saved a ton of money if he didn't spend it on many things that were not necessary. For starters, I go to GAm normally with myself, two 11 year olds, one 13 year old, and an 8 year old. We always park in the back lot, and we fair just fine, so that man could have saved $10 there.
I admit that dinner can be very expensive, but I find it much better just to pack a lunch. You'll save a lot of money and the process of exiting and reentering the park is very streamlined and easy.
On top of all the other money he spent, he wasted more money on games, drawings, snacks, and water bottles (did I mention that there are drinking fountains at SFGAm) which again are unnecessary items.

Let me finish by saying that SFGAm is very costly, but you definetely can save a lot of money simply by making smart decisions and doing your research.

Your totally right, besides, walking from the back of the park to the gates isnt that bad... Besides, you get excersise!!! He spent alot of money that he didnt have to. But I still think everything (except the water lol) is wayyyy overpriced at SF.

[bigb7965]

This just in, whiny old wiener complains that he willingly spent too much of his own money.

totally true