Six Flags and Cedar Fair Merge in $8B Deal, Becoming Largest US Amusement Park Operator

Last week, Six Flags and competitor Cedar Fair, who collectively run 42 amusement and water parks in 17 U.S. states, sealed an $8 billion deal to join forces to establish the biggest amusement park owner in the nation.

The future of these amusement parks relies on the success of the collaboration, with rollercoaster enthusiasts keeping a close eye on developments. While some people hope for improvements in the quality of Six Flags’ parks, others fear that admission prices might rise at their favorite destinations.

Amusement park fans, who meticulously track every detail of park design and history, are closely monitoring the merger. While under the new company, each park will maintain its current branding and name, there is apprehension among fans that a standardized corporate identity could gradually shed cherished nostalgic elements.

Bill Kneass, who has been a Six Flags season passholder on and off for three decades, said, “There’s apprehension.”

Kneass frequently visits the park with his sons and friends, but he also enjoys solo visits. Each of his trips includes a special moment where he visits an engraved brick he purchased on a park pathway to mark the 50th anniversary of Six Flags.

He said, “If the new Six Flags can find a way to honor the history of their parks and bring in new attractions for all types of enthusiasts, they’re poised for success.”

YouTuber Chris Miller said, “I am hopeful that joining forces will help bring a variety of different new rides to parks that don’t normally see updates.” However, he is also “worried that the cost of an all-park season pass will be super expensive” because of its competitive advantage in the market.

He also has concerns that the “beautiful” Cedar Fair parks will lose their unique image and become more like Six Flags. He stated, “I hope they keep the parks as they are.”

According to spokesperson Gary Rhodes, Six Flags Entertainment Corp., the newly formed company, does not foresee implementing significant changes at the individual park level. He added that fans should not anticipate any immediate adjustments to prices, ticket options, or season passes.

He said, “We expect this combination will enable us to deliver even more engaging and entertaining experiences to guests.”