Time for the new Six Flags
It's a new era in the American theme park business, as two major chains have combined to become the largest theme and amusement park operator in North America.
It's a new era in the American theme park business, as two major chains have combined to become the largest theme and amusement park operator in North America.
Say goodbye to the old Cedar Fair and Six Flags: Sunday was the final official day of operation for two of America's largest theme and amusement park companies - Six Flags and Cedar Fair. Now the two companies have combined, even though their parks continue to operate as separate chains as far as guests are concerned.
Minnesota flooding closes rides at Valleyfair: One park in the new Six Flags wasn’t exactly celebrating this week, however. Historic flooding in Minnesota has affected much of the state, including the Valleyfair theme park, which had to close its parking lot and some notable thrill rides. [With video]
This week's attraction openings
Knott's invites families back to Camp Snoopy: Knott's Berry Farm late last week reopened its Camp Snoopy, following the latest refresh of this trend-setting, 41-year-old children's land. But not everything was ready. [With video]
Penguin Trek opens at SeaWorld Orlando: The new Penguin Trek is a worthy addition to the SeaWorld coaster lineup - one that fits perfectly in the Antarctica realm and the new direction of the chain to increase the thrills for all of its guests. [With on-ride video]
Orlando theme park tries a 'no re-entry' policy: The day after showing off Penguin Trek to the press, SeaWorld introduced something else - a "no re-entry" policy. Is that a deal-killer for you when considering a theme park visit? We've got a reader poll.
Halloween news
Six Flags Fright Fest makes an 'extreme' gamble on IP: Six Flags wants to tackle branded horror in Universal Studios’ backyard. Will this gamble play out for the company? Meanwhile, at Universal:
Disney making waves
This week also brought a several new reveals from Disney Cruise Line, which is set to launch three new ships in the next year and a half.
Disney offers new Treasure for 'Aristocats' and 'Coco' fans
Disney reveals more plans for its biggest-ever cruise ship
More theme park news
Why Silver Dollar City deserves to be part of your summer vacation: It's July - the heart of the summer vacation season across the United States. So we here at Theme Park Insider are declaring July as the Great American Theme Park Month. Our first park in the spotlight this month is Silver Dollar City.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure now open officially at Walt Disney World: Next up, Disneyland. Still waiting on an opening date for that, though.
Universal theme park could mean billions to Britain: A new Universal theme park in the United Kingdom could mean tens of billions of pounds in economic benefits to the country, a new study suggests.
Universal salutes its shortest-serving team member: Congratulations on your new job, Officer George. Just don't bite off more than you can chew, okay? (Seriously, though, no theme park does sarcasm and dark humor better than Universal, so I am absolutely eating up - pun very much intended - this content from Universal's social media team.)
Blue Man Group plans Orlando return: The popular performance art trio last performed at Universal Orlando Resort before the pandemic and will return to a new theater now under development at ICON Park on International Drive.
As always, deals!
Look here for discounts on Universal, Disneyland, and SeaWorld tickets: It's officially summer now, and many of America's top theme parks are offering ticket deals to entice you to visit. Our ticket partners have free-day and deep discount deals for most of the country's most-visited parks. Start shopping here.
Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read and share our links on Theme Park Insider. Best wishes to everyone celebrating another instance of the world’s most popular holiday this week - independence from Great Britain! (Hey, we love you, UK readers. But you gotta admit that your country has, uh, inspired more independence day holidays than any other nation in history.)
Have a good one,
Robert