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Confession, I haven't stepped foot in SDC the last two seasons even withbit being less than 2hrs from me. This will get me back one more time. The park overall has been on a slow slide to meh for me. But, I have been to theme parks on three continents. Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland this fall is booked.

The most unique thing about Thunderation was the gravity fed trip to the spiral. From the lift hill to the station has always been a letdown. The original artwork even showed a wooden tunnel that never happened.

SDC has had opportunities to  nail it. The new Fire in the Hole needed that drop track element at the burning bridge. Didn't happen. The new raft ride is meh. Time Traveler missed an opportunity at the second launch for a show building. Lots 80% effort, not 100% effort.

It's going to be a vekoma or B&M feet dangler.

My kids are now 23 and 22. Both day they liked the old Rapids and the old FITH better. SDC missed a golden opportunity to make FITH by adding a drop track to the burning bridge. Both think the new ending isn't as thrilling as the old. So, the last two ride projects were "misses".

On another subject, descendants of real a Real Baldknobber as making spirits in the Ozarks.

Who would have thought 5 years ago that Mr Bass Pro would build an Amp and host the Rolling Stones.

I hope a more thrilling vekoma/anyone is on the way.

It's quite wierd. You got Mr. Bass Pro going gangbusters south of Branson complete witha world class Amphitheater setting with massive names headlining. You know that SDC resorts will be off the chain and very successful. I only pray that they build a legit waterpark out that way. I don't believe the marketing hype about Whitewater. 77 just simply needs widened  if businesses have to go, they go.

I will say this. I find more Found North whiskey bottles at MacAdoodles in Branson than anywhere. That place has made me very very happy over the past couple of years. I snagged an 8 yr New Riff on Friday there. Very Happy indeed.

Folks need to engage more. Myself, included.

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

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.

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

Big industry news  in Other Parks

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.