SIX FLAGS’ HURRICANE HARBOR SPLASHTOWN PLANS MID-MAY OPENING

BY GABRIELLE


Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor Splashtown has announced it is planning to open in mid-May or “as soon as possible thereafter.”

The family waterpark near Houston, Texas, delayed the opening of its 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mike Spanos, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corp. spoke about the impending reopening: “The top priority at Six Flags is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members.

“We continue to monitor and follow the guidance of federal, state and local officials regarding COVID-19. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work through this challenging situation,” Spanos continued.

There are currently 22 Six Flags parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada that have temporarily closed or delayed opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SIX FLAGS DELAYS OPENING OF 2020 SEASON

 BY GABRIELLE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New York, alongside its Hurricane Harbour waterpark, have delayed opening for the 2020 season.

Six Flags plans to open Great Adventure on May 21, 2020, almost seven weeks later than the original opening date of April 4.  The Hurricane Harbor waterpark is also due to open in mid-May or soon afterwards.

In a press statement, Six Flags said: While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the property, the safety of our guests, team members, and animals is always our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation, and follow the most current guidance from federal, state, and local officials.”

A number of other theme parks have closed across the United States due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Florida Theme Park, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, and many more.

SIX FLAGS THEME PARKS GIVEN CERTIFIED AUTISM CENTRE STATUS

BY GABRIELLE

All of Six Flags’ 26 theme parks have become Certified Autism Centres (CAC), making Six Flags the first company to be awarded with CAC designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in all locations.

The CAC designation from IBCCES requires that at least 80% of staff that interact with visitors at a site have completed an autism training and certification programme.

Staff must also complete audits on site and undergo ongoing training centred on understanding autism and the best strategies for enhancing communication, safety and guest experience.

As Certified Autism Centres, Six Flags theme parks will provide a sensory guide for every attraction and ride, trained team members that can accommodate for the needs of visitors on the autism spectrum, special sensory spaces where guests can ‘take time out’ in a less stimulating environment, an updated Accessibility Guide and expanded culinary options to meet special dietary needs.

Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman, commented on the CAC designation: “So many families just need more communication and understanding from parks and other attractions, so they can make those memories together that we all cherish.

“In some cases, small changes can make a huge impact, and our certification program ensures each park is committed to long-term growth and understanding, not just a one-time training.”

Six Flags’ VP of safety, Jason Freeman, said: “We are proud to partner with IBCCES to ensure that guests on the autism spectrum have the best possible experience when visiting our parks.

“The certification process will equip our team members with the tools and training needed to better serve guests with special needs.

“We want them to know Six Flags stands ready to welcome them with open arms,” Freeman added.

DISCOVERY KINGDOM BECOMES WEST COAST’S FIRST SOLAR-POWERED THEME PARK

 BY GABRIELLE

Six Flags’ Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, has become the first theme park on the West Coast to be powered by renewable energy.

Working in partnership with Borrego Solar Systems and sPower, the official switch to solar power at Discovery Kingdom was made during a special event to mark the theme park’s 12th Holiday in the Park.

The annual Holiday in the Park features festive F&B and themed entertainment, as well as visitors being able to ride of Six Flags’ iconic rides, rollercoasters and attractions.

Bob Sampayan, mayor of Vallejo, turned on a giant switch at the event, which lit up millions of Christmas lights powered by solar energy.

80% of the theme park is now powered by a 7.5-megawatt solar carport, which is one of the largest solar carports in the United States. The solar carport installation will create 11.9 million kilowatt hours of energy every year, offsetting around 8,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Tom Iven, senior vice president of the US park operations, said: “We are thrilled to be introducing the nation’s first solar powered Holiday in the Park event.

“The marvellous wonder of this special time of year truly comes alive in our parks with a smorgasbord of seasonal delights to see and experience.”

Hurricane Harbour New Jersey expands with 100,000-gallon activity pool

BY GABRIELLE

Hurricane Harbour in New Jersey has undergone a significant expansion with the addition of Calypso Springs, which features a 100,000-gallon activity pool.

The Calypso Springs activity pool is home to an erupting geyser and obelisk-style fountain. The pool is Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbour’s biggest new attraction since the waterpark was launched at the Six Flags Great Adventure site in New Jersey in 2000.

The popular, family waterpark is already home to a lazy river that stretches for half a mile, a million-gallon wave pool, over 25 rides and two interactive playgrounds for children.

John Winkler, Six Flags Great Adventure president, spoke of the expansion.

“Hurricane Harbor is an industry leader with the biggest and best water slides and thrilling interactive family attractions.

“This is the perfect time to debut our largest new addition to date with Calypso Springs. Its enormous new pool, expansive lounge deck and dining area offer the best place in the region to cool off, play and relax Six Flags style with family and friends,” Winkler added.

SIX FLAGS TO RECEIVE $7.5 MILLION FROM DXB ENTERTAINMENTS

BY GABRIELLE

Six Flags, the US theme operator, is to be given $7.5 million from DXB Entertainment, the Dubai-based operator of leisure and entertainment destinations and experiences.

The pay-out has been arranged after DXB pulled out of plans for a Dubai Six Flags site due to financing for the project no longer being available. The decision was made during a meeting with shareholders in April this year.

DXB agreed to pay compensation to Six Flags for pulling out of the project, with DXB retaining first refusal rights for the use of Six Flags’ intellectual property in the UAE for five years.

In May 2019, DXB Entertainments revealed a $58.73 million loss on its operations.

Six Flags is planning for a project to go ahead in Saudi Arabia.