Visiting theme parks has turn out to be one among America’s favourite pastimes, serving to propel a number of the world’s most iconic leisure firms, similar to Disney, Common, and Six Flags, into family names whereas giving rise to amusement parks which might be beloved by generations.
Although typically an costly pastime, it is the thrilling rides, indulgent meals, seasonal occasions, and must-have merchandise that proceed to attract tens of millions of holiday makers annually.
For a lot of households, theme parks are greater than only a trip vacation spot; they’re a cherished custom. Each attraction, irrespective of how small, contributes to creating lifelong recollections. So, when a whole park, and even a few of its rides, disappear, it might depart a long-lasting void, denying future generations the possibility to expertise it.
Six Flags Magic Mountain plans to demolish two rides
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif., has filed permits with the Los Angeles County to demolish two long-standing youngsters’s rides on December 17.
Whereas the permits solely checklist the points of interest by their identification numbers, #2208 and #2215, native information outlet KTLA studies that the rides slated for removing from the park are the Magic Flyer and Tweety’s Escape. In response to the filings, the mixed worth of the 2 points of interest is $20,000.
Opened in 1971, The Magic Flyer is a small curler coaster described on the Six Flags web site as a “beginner thrill ride for kids.” Situated inside Whistlestop Park, it carries a degree 1 thrill ranking and lasts roughly 30 seconds.
Tweety’s Escape, themed after the Looney Tunes character Tweety Hen, options suspended cages that sway in a round movement. In response to the Six Flags web site, the experience is positioned in Bugs Bunny World and can also be labeled as a degree 1 thrill attraction for kids.
Six Flags is demolishing two long-standing theme park rides.
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Current Six Flags closures and monetary pressures
Whereas Six Flags stays the most important regional amusement-resort operator in North America, with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and 9 resort properties throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the corporate has not been proof against industry-wide challenges.
Throughout the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Six Flags fell in need of its monetary expectations, primarily as a result of elevated promoting spending earlier within the 12 months geared toward boosting consciousness at underperforming parks.
“Our 2025 strategy has focused on investing ahead of attendance growth to lay the foundation for stronger guest satisfaction, which continues to improve across the portfolio,” mentioned Six Flags President and CEO Richard Zimmerman within the earnings report. “We are disciplined in our approach to capital allocation and prepared to prioritize investments in our highest return properties moving forward.”
The deliberate demolitions at Magic Mountain observe a number of high-profile closures throughout the corporate’s portfolio. In February 2025, Six Flags tore down Kingda Ka at Six Flags Nice Journey in Jackson, New Jersey.
The corporate additionally revealed the everlasting closure of Six Flags Nice America in California after the 2027 season, together with the shutdown of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, scheduled for November 2025, regardless of earlier denials of such plans.
Extra theme park closures:
- Common Studios Florida theme parks closing 4 fan-favorite rides
- Disney World including new land, closing traditional points of interest
- Common Studios Orlando demolishes complete theme park land
Whereas the 12 months proved difficult, Zimmerman famous that the corporate’s established parks proceed to carry out effectively, supported by latest investments in rides, points of interest, and facility upgrades which have helped enhance visitor satisfaction and visitation.
Within the quarter, Six Flags’ internet revenues declined 2% year-over-year to $1.32 billion, with in-park per capita spending down 4%, together with an 8% drop in admissions.
The broader theme park market
Whereas theme parks generate billions in annual income, they’re additionally extraordinarily expensive to function and keep. Competitors amongst main operators has intensified as firms race to outdo each other with new points of interest and immersive experiences to maintain company engaged.
5 main amusement park operators account for almost all of U.S. income, with Disney, Common, and Six Flags holding the highest three spots, in keeping with IBISWorld’s newest report. Their dominance makes it more and more tough for smaller or newer parks to compete.
High U.S. theme park firms by 2024 income
- The Walt Disney Firm (DIS): $34.1 billion (Supply: The Walt Disney Firm)
- Comcast (CMCSA) (Common Theme Parks): $8.6 billion (Supply: Comcast)
- Six Flags Leisure Company (FUN): $2.7 billion (Supply: Six Flags Leisure Company)
The worldwide theme park {industry} is projected to succeed in $82.73 billion by 2032, pushed by technological innovation, shifting shopper expectations, and a rising emphasis on personalised visitor experiences, in keeping with Curler’s 2024 Theme Park Trade Traits and Statistics report.
“Theme parks increasingly use sophisticated data analytics to transform visits into tailored adventures, ensuring every guest’s experience is unique,” mentioned Curler’s {industry} consultants. “This trend is about forging a deeper connection between the parks and their visitors, creating memories that are not only memorable but also deeply personal.”
Innovation has turn out to be important for survival in a extremely aggressive market, and parks that fail to adapt to fulfill evolving shopper preferences and technological developments danger falling behind.
“To remain relevant amid evolving audience expectations, theme parks and their business leaders must rethink how they deliver guest experiences,” mentioned EY Americas Consulting Chief Know-how Officer Jason Noel in an announcement. “Introducing minor changes is no longer sufficient; addressing challenges requires a transformative approach driven by advanced technology and strategic initiatives.”
Rising theme park ticket costs
The push for innovation comes at a price to customers. In 2025, single-day tickets on the 20 hottest theme parks in North America averaged round $105, a 37% enhance since 2015, barely outpacing the 36% nationwide inflation fee, in keeping with FinanceBuzz.
Single-day ticket worth will increase since 2015
- Disney: +69%
- Common: +49%
- Six Flags: +5.7%
As parks stability rising working prices with evolving visitor expectations, the lack of long-standing points of interest might turn out to be extra frequent throughout the {industry} in an effort to streamline operations, scale back bills, and proceed investing in the way forward for theme parks.
Associated: Common Orlando reopens rollercoaster that killed a person
