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Messages - chittlins

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1
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2023 Crowds / Trip Reports
« on: March 18, 2024, 07:48:27 AM »
As for the highway stories, I think that the road changes on 76 have had a huge impact. We were there Monday and Wednesday this week, and Thanksgiving night and never hit traffic. We were really surprised.

Overall, we thought operations were great last night. It wasn't super packed, but very busy. We did enter through the side gate that goes down by the cave and enters the park by the candy shop. Lines looked long for food, but they all seemed to move quickly.

We've been down about 5 times so far for An Old Time Christmas and haven't had a bad experience! I tend to just post on Facebook and Instagram... never thinking to post a report here.

I always come via Kimberling City, often find allocated hooch at Harter House, lol

2
I’m not convinced it will get past anti trust regulations. It might but it’s combining #1 and #2 in terms of number of properties. Many states that had 2 park companies will only have 1(or like Missouri will go from 3 companies to 2)…. That’s the type of consolidation that usually gets deals reversed by the feds.

This.is amusement parks we are talking about. It'll get barely a glance by the feds.

3
Construction/Rumors / Six Flags/Cedar Fair Merger and it's effects on SDC
« on: November 02, 2023, 08:41:57 AM »
If they keep the Six Flags pricing to be able to visit other parks, SDC will be competing with a combined SFSL and WOF with a Frontierland thrown in as a bonus

4
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: November 02, 2023, 08:39:14 AM »
Big industry news  in Other Parks

5
Other Parks / Six Flags/Cedar Fair Merge
« on: November 02, 2023, 08:38:20 AM »
Six Flags and Cedar Fair have entered into an agreement to merge into a unified company under the "Six Flags" brand, comprised of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and 9 resort properties across 17 states, Canada and Mexico. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following receipt of Six Flags shareholder approval, regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

https://investors.sixflags.com/news-and-events/press-releases/2023/11-02-2023-100020810

ScreenShot2023-11-02at6_55_37AM.thumb.jpg.8c6917d2312e48cbd3955c1e82d5e5c5.jpg

Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine in a merger of equals transaction. The combined company, with a pro forma enterprise value of approximately $8 billion based on both companies’ debt and equity values as of October 31, 2023, will be a leading amusement park operator in the highly competitive leisure space with an expanded and diversified footprint, a more robust operating model and a strong revenue and cash flow generation profile.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Cedar Fair unitholders will receive one share of common stock in the new combined company for each unit owned, and Six Flags shareholders will receive 0.5800 (the “Six Flags Exchange Ratio”) shares of common stock in the new combined company for each share owned. Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair unitholders will own approximately 51.2%, and Six Flags shareholders will own approximately 48.8%, of the combined company’s fully diluted share capital on a pro forma basis. One business day prior to the close of the transaction, Six Flags will declare a special cash dividend composed of: (i) a fixed amount of $1.00 per outstanding Six Flags share, totaling approximately $85 million in the aggregate, plus, (ii) an amount per outstanding Six Flags share equal to (a) the aggregate per unit distributions declared or paid by Cedar Fair to unitholders with a record date following today’s date and prior to the close of the transaction, multiplied by (b) the Six Flags Exchange Ratio, which special dividend will be payable to Six Flags shareholders of record as of one business day prior to the close of the transaction, contingent on the closing of the transaction.

“Our merger with Six Flags will bring together two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies to establish a highly diversified footprint and a more robust operating model to enhance park offerings and performance,” said Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair. “Together, we will have an expanded and complementary portfolio of attractive assets and intellectual property to deliver engaging entertainment experiences for guests. The combination also creates an enhanced financial profile with strong cash flow generation to accelerate investments in our parks to delight our guests, driving increased levels of demand and in-park value and spending. I have great respect for the Six Flags team and look forward to joining forces as we embark on this next chapter together.”

“The combination of Six Flags and Cedar Fair will redefine our guests’ amusement park experience as we combine the best of both companies,” added Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags. “Six Flags and Cedar Fair share a strong cultural alignment, operating philosophy, and steadfast commitment to providing consumers with thrilling experiences. By combining our operational models and technology platforms, we expect to accelerate our transformation activities and unlock new potential for our parks. We are excited to unite the Cedar Fair and Six Flags teams to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities and operational efficiencies of our combined platform for the benefit of our guests, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders.”

Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits

A Successful Amusement Park Operator with Complementary Portfolio of Attractive Assets: The combined company will operate a portfolio of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and 9 resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company’s complementary portfolio will include some of the most iconic parks in North America with significant brand equity and loyal, recurring guest bases within the highly competitive leisure space. The combined company will also have entertainment partnerships and a portfolio of beloved IP such as Looney Tunes, DC Comics and PEANUTS to develop engaging new attractions enabled by compelling characters, environments, and storytelling.
Diversified Footprint and Guest Experiences: Cedar Fair and Six Flags have minimal market overlap of park operations, and the combined company’s complementary geographic footprint is expected to mitigate the impact of seasonality and reduce earnings volatility through a more balanced presence in year-round operating climates. The portfolio will include diversified experiences for guests including safaris and animal experiences, campgrounds, sports facilities and luxury lounges, enabling the combined company to better meet rising consumer demand for varied and engaging entertainment options.
Enhanced Operating Platform to Improve Guest Experiences: By uniting Cedar Fair and Six Flags’ complementary operating capabilities, the combined company will benefit from a more robust operating platform for improved park offerings and more efficient systemwide performance. The companies expect to leverage Cedar Fair’s recent park investment experience to accelerate the transformation underway across Six Flags’ portfolio. Cedar Fair and Six Flags will seek to create a more engaging and immersive guest experience. The combined company will also offer expanded park access to season pass holders along with an enhanced, combined loyalty program featuring additional perks.
Experienced and Proven Leadership Team: The senior leadership teams of Six Flags and Cedar Fair bring different and complementary skillsets and experience to the combined company, including decades of park operating experience as well as significant expertise integrating businesses and achieving synergy targets.
Significant Cost Savings and Revenue Uplift Opportunity: Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair and Six Flags expect the combined company will benefit from the significant value created by total anticipated annual synergies of $200 million. Approximately $120 million of these synergies are expected to be related to identified administrative and operational cost savings, which the companies anticipate realizing within two years following transaction close. The companies also expect to leverage their complementary operating capabilities to deliver additional revenue uplift, generating approximately $80 million of incremental EBITDA that the companies anticipate realizing within three years of transaction close.
Strong Financial Profile: Over the last 12 months, through the third quarter of fiscal 2023, Six Flags and Cedar Fair collectively entertained 48 million guests, and, as a combined company, would generate pro forma $3.4 billion1 in revenue, $1.2 billion1 in Adjusted EBITDA2, and $826 million1,3 of free cash flow4, reflecting run rate cost savings of $120 million and revenue uplift resulting in $80 million of incremental EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share for Cedar Fair unitholders and Six Flags shareholders within the first 12 months following transaction close. The combined company is also expected to have a pro forma leverage ratio of approximately 3.7x net debt to Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of synergies, with a path to reduce the leverage ratio to approximately 3.0x within two years of transaction close.
Significant Free Cash Flow Generation and Enhanced Financial Flexibility: The combined company’s increased free cash flow will provide it with greater flexibility to invest in new rides and attractions, broader food and beverage selections, additional in-park offerings, and cross-park initiatives, such as consumer technology and enhanced guest services. The combined company’s resources are expected to be strategically deployed to grow attendance, increase per capita spending, and improve profitability, all while enhancing guests’ value and experience across the park portfolio. The combined company is committed to allocating capital to maximize shareholder returns once the company achieves its targeted net leverage ratio.
Leadership, Corporate Governance and Headquarters

The combined company will be led by a proven management team that reflects the strengths and capabilities of both organizations. Upon closing of the transaction, Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags, will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company’s Board of Directors. Brian Witherow, Chief Financial Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company and Gary Mick, CFO of Six Flags, will serve as Chief Integration Officer of the combined company.

Following closing of the transaction, the newly formed Board of Directors of the combined company will consist of 12 directors, six from the Cedar Fair Board and six from the Six Flags Board.

Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate under the name Six Flags and trade under the ticker symbol FUN on the NYSE and will be structured as a C Corporation. The combined company will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio.

Approvals and Closing

The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following receipt of Six Flags shareholder approval, regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Approval by Cedar Fair unitholders is not required. Six Flags’ largest shareholder, which owns approximately 13.6% of Six Flags’ shares outstanding, has signed a voting and support agreement to vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is not expected to trigger any change of control provision under Cedar Fair’s and Six Flags’ respective outstanding Notes. The companies expect to refinance their respective revolving credit facilities, and Six Flags expects to refinance the Six Flags Term Loan, ahead of transaction close.

Cedar Fair and Six Flags Third Quarter 2023 Results

In separate press releases today, Cedar Fair and Six Flags reported results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Cedar Fair release is available at https://ir.cedarfair.com and the Six Flags release can be found at https://investors.sixflags.com.

Advisors

Perella Weinberg Partners is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP are serving as legal counsel to Cedar Fair. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Six Flags.

Conference Call and Additional Materials

Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss the pending merger and review both companies’ third quarter 2023 results. Participants on the call will include Six Flags President and CEO Selim Bassoul, Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman, Cedar Fair Executive Vice President and CFO Brian Witherow, and Six Flags CFO Gary Mick.

Investors and all other interested parties can access a live, listen-only audio webcast of the call on the Cedar Fair and Six Flags websites. Those unable to listen to the live webcast can access a recorded version of the call on either company’s investor website Past Events, shortly after the live call’s conclusion.

A replay of the call will also be available by phone starting at approximately noon ET on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, until noon ET, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. To access the phone replay, please dial (866) 813-9403 or (929) 458-6194, followed by the Conference ID: 830378.

About Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. Cedar Fair’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.

6
Random Talk / Re: Your Travels Thread for 2023
« on: September 13, 2023, 11:14:04 AM »

Whats for sure is a 10 day New England foilage drive the last week of Sept/first week of Oct. Got the flight and rooms booked for that already.

Still on the Books, I have managed to pencil in Lake Compounce and a session with Bolder Dash, lol. Depending on the timings of the living history tour at the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, I may squeeze in Quassy and Wooden Warrior before heading  to Compounce as well.  None of the SIx Flags parks made the cut.

Still a go in spite of Hurrican Lee. Flying out Sat Sept. 30th. Flying back on Oct 11th. Got a lobster boat excursion, a hot air balloon ride, and plane trip over Acadia booked.

Had a friend offer up his lake house on the Maine/New Hapmshire border for the entire trip. Most all day trips based from that location till the last 3 days.

Other notable stops Freedom Trail, Minuteman Historical Park, Fort Ticoderoaga, Saratoga Historical Park Acadia NP, Mark Twain House, Norman Rockwell Museum.

7
Random Talk / Re: Your Travels Thread for 2023
« on: September 13, 2023, 11:07:48 AM »
Spur of the moment trip a week before my New England Hurricane Damage Tour.

Just me and the two young adults grabbed some cheap flights on Breeze from XNA and headed to Universal Orlando next Wed nite through Sat.  Thursday we'll do Islands of Adventure and the two new to us coasters before hoping on Hogwarts Express over to Studios to get in the Stay and Scream holding area for HHN. If the young adults want to spring for the after 11:30pm express passes, that's on them. I'm paying for the hotel . Friday, will be Disney studios mid day cause the oldest has never done Galaxy Edge.  If they want to leave and go to SEA World's event, that's up to them. Sat Morning we are tinkering with going to Epcot at opening to try and snag a ride on Guardians and do Soaring of course but maybe not. May just hit one of the Fun Spots or a Water Park . Our flight isn't till late afternoon.

8
Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)
« on: August 28, 2023, 07:05:39 PM »
I agree with cloning the beginning into the helix, and then doing a latched section or two without a lift hill. My only issue with Taron is the height requirement at 51". I would really like to see them keep it at 42" or even get it down to 39".

I'm didn't realize it was 51. That coaster is a blast. No inversions, a spaghetti noodle ball of fun. It was hands down the favorite coaster of our crew that included parks Port Aventura, Europa Park, Disneyland, Efteling  Disneyland and Tivoli besides Phantasialand.

9
Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)
« on: August 28, 2023, 03:23:18 PM »
As lond as they keep the gravity start into that helix, they can do whatever they want, that feature makes TNT, everything after is a letdown. Keep the current start into the helix and "Taron" everything after. Another OMH coast that I got to ride in Europe. My kids rode that thing over and over.

10
Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma
« on: August 28, 2023, 08:24:06 AM »
Their representative lost me right off the bat when he referred to Disneyland as California Disney and said that it costs a family 10s of thousands of dollar to visit Disney. Yes, you can spend that much, but you can for sure visit for much less. We've never gotten close to that on our trips.

After watching more of it, the issue seems to be with how much the town is trying to annex. I didn't realize how far from the town the actual property is. The tow is trying to do fence line annexation where there are strips of land that are annexed along roads to connect the town with the property. They seem to be doing it along multiple roads and that is the main complaint.  Will be interesting to see where it goes.

Two days for a family of 4 at Disneyland/DCA will cost nearly 1k in tickets alone. 3nights at a near by hotel will nearly run 1k for a #$%@'n Best Western. Airfare? Allegiant will run 1k from XNA, American...$1,300 at least with baggage fees.  Couple hundred bucks for a car rental.  Insane prices for food. 10s of thousands??? No, but it could creep into the 5k range easy. Especially if you get into the whole Genie Plus add on stuff.

I'm kinda over Disney and apparently lots of others are as well.

12
^ Is that the building across from the Pottery Shop?

Sales office for the new Silver Dollar City timeshare resort to be announced 8)

13
Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma
« on: July 31, 2023, 08:15:21 AM »
2B is a LOT of money for a attraction that is not a usual "destination" place. The question is will it be enough of a standalone draw to cover its expenses and infrastructure costs. Aside from the nearby lake and Tulsa an hour away, will it be a place people will want to return to time and again?. does it survive 3-5 years aftr opening.

I am a freak and I drive 3 hours one way several times a year to SDC.  Most people aren't that loyal.  This will not be a park you visit one day when going to the area. Maybe if you visit Tulsa.

The Amusement park industry is filled with "gonna be" projects that never go very far. Everything fits on paper and your imagination.. reality costs 10-20% more at least and 10-15% longer to do. I wish them luck, they will need it...

my two cents

Kevin

Don't forget the burgeoning metro of NWA that's projected to near 1 million in 20 years(currently 600k)

Now, if this was a Tribe and it had a casino attached to it, I'd be more inclined to believe that some of it sees daylight.

I would have shot for the US 69/I 40 area. Why, major roads centered between Dallas/OKC/Tulsa/River Valley/NWA

14
Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma
« on: July 23, 2023, 12:05:15 PM »
Anybody remember Grand Texas?

This is 2.0 if it's lucky

https://bigriverswaterpark.com/

15
Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma
« on: July 20, 2023, 08:30:13 AM »
Pie in the sky.  For scaling up to this size it need to be closer to a major airport. TUL is 1 hr away and XNA is 1 1/2 hrs away.

That said, after having been to Puy du Fou in France and it's rather remote location, who knows? I have always thought a very similar park that developed major shows and attractions in and around American History could be successful.  I would love for Sight and Sound to develop a new theater based on US history stories similar to their biblical based.

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