Will Six Flags close parks?
We have the week's financial news, plus several insightful new essays on themed entertainment and some new ticket deals.
We start this week on the business beat, but at the end of this week's email we also have links to some new ticket deals, including a big sale tomorrow on Disney and Universal theme park tickets in Asia.
Six Flags sets new long-term financial goals: Park closures appear to be on the table now as the new Six Flags Entertainment Corp. files its first quarterly financial report since the merger of the former Cedar Fair and Six Flags chains.
Attendance dips at United Parks, but share buybacks continue: Attendance dipped at the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks this summer, due in part to hurricanes in the U.S. southeast. But that's not stopping continues increases in per capita spending... and the company buying back millions of dollars in its own stock.
Great reads
Looking for some original insight on themed entertainment? We have three new "spotlight" essays for you this week.
The audacity of creating: You might be familiar chocolatier Amaury Guichon, who crafts amazing chocolate sculptures in wildly popular online videos. In a new video this week, Guichon crafts an orchard crate from chocolate and then fills it with small illusion cakes shaped to look like apples. The cakes are made from apples, which raises the question - why would anyone use a real apple to make a fake apple? The answer to that question is the answer to why I - and millions of other people - love theme parks.
LA's Tiki Mirage offers a master class in storytelling: Created by a team that includes a former Disney Imagineer, Tiki Mirage offers a pop-up narrative experience that evokes the immersive spirit of old-time tiki bars while avoiding some of their cultural pitfalls.
Universal Beijing takes its biggest stab at Halloween: Universal Beijing's tactful implementation of Universal's trademark horror events for a Chinese market succeeds in what it sets out to do. The resort diplomatically manages to navigate any potential cultural clashes, while still bringing the essence of Halloween fun to a new, eager audience.
Next up
Europa-Park plans new ride, parade for 50th anniversary: Germany's Europa-Park prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday next year with new attractions, including an interactive dark ride starring the park's mascots.
Knott's sets the table for the return of Merry Farm: The annual Knott's Merry Farm holiday celebration will kick off on November 22 this year and continue through January 5, 2025. Here's what to expect.
Disney plans a new world of gingerbread for holiday fans: Walt Disney World has revealed its holiday plans for the new CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Who's ready for a gingerbread Spaceship Earth?
Here is how to get on Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland
Spotlight: Top 10 things to eat at Disneyland
Discussion: Universal Horror Unleashed
B1G1 sale on Disney and Universal tickets
We have access for you to a big sale this week - including buy one, get one free deals - on tickets to Disney and Universal theme parks in Asia. It starts 10pm ET Friday and supplies are limited, so log in then for your best chance at the deals.
Hong Kong Disneyland Park Tickets Use promo code: 10THHKDL119B1G1
Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass Use promo code: 10THUSJ1111B1G19
Shanghai Disneyland Park Ticket Use promo code: 10THB1G1DB119
Universal Studios Beijing Ticket Use promo code: 10THUBRDB119
Prices go up at Hong Kong Disneyland after November 28, so book now for the lowest prices. Our partner also is offering access to the World of Frozen character breakfast as well. And our partner also has exclusive discounts on Early Bird tickets to Shanghai Disneyland and Universal Studios Beijing. Follow the links above for details and to see all the available deals for each destination.
If you're a Harry Potter fans, there's also a sale starting that same time on Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter. Use promo code: 10T11HWBTKYB1G19
You also can get great deals while supporting Theme Park Insider by booking your theme park visits and vacations through our other sponsors and partners:
Thank you, as always, for your readership and support. If you like what you see on Theme Park Insider, please forward this email to any interested friends and colleagues and invite them to subscribe.
Best wishes,
Robert Niles