I was recently at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL and came up with a short list of 10 improvements that I could see them make for 2010.  While none of these are even rumors at this point, some of them are cheap enough and easy enough that it would be great to see them in place.  Keep reading for the list.

• Millennium Flyer Trains for Viper
  I’ve never ridden on Millennium Flyer’s myself, but I’ve heard nothing but good things.  Considering Viper is your old-school cyclone coaster, some modern old-school trains seem like they would make sense.  You could even put some on-board audio (seems like Six Flags favorite thing to do recently) and give Viper some upgraded theming (tunnel anyone?).
• Give Iron Wolf Some Love
  Iron Wolf is a classic and a landmark ride for B&M, so it really shouldn’t go anywhere.  It desperately needs some new paint and some new trains probably wouldn’t hurt either.  I’m willing to bet you could even put floorless trains on it and it would improve comfort.
• American Eagle Also Needs Love
  American Eagle gets retracked constantly like any good wooden coaster, but its time to rethink the helix.  Either it needs to be completely replaced or they need to discover a way to make it less abusive.  The ride up to and after the helix is all fun.  Also, I think it would be cool if they could get the technology that aligns Dueling Dragons on the lift hill and put it on this great racer.  Then you could race without one train getting a headstart.
• Batman Rides Updates
  I rode the Dark Knight coaster for the first time last week, and I knew what I was getting into so I didn’t expect much.  While it is awesome they were making an attempt at great theming, I think they dropped the ball in 1 main area. The Building is ugly.  The corrugated steel that actually holds the ride could easily have some buildings painted on the side to match the superman theme and blend in.  As for Batman: The Ride, how about updating the bat cave to include a bat suit that looks like the new one?  Maybe add some pre-ride theming/audio on the TVs that are already in the queue?  Finally, I think it would be awesome if they put the new bat mobile outside the entrance instead of the 90s one.
• Splashwater Falls Area
  Okay Six Flags, you took out the ride and you didn’t put anything there.  The moat and concrete is all still there, so what are you planning on doing w/ that land?  Please plant some grass or build us a new ride (might be a great place for a larger looping coaster).

Stay tuned for Part 2 which I will be writing soon!  Please leave some comments on these!

Six Flags (NYSE:SIX), the company that faced possible bankruptcy a few weeks ago appears to be ready to climb out of its hole.  The stock price has doubled in the last 2 weeks and continues to climb in early trading today.  This is a positive sign from investors that they believe in the company and that the company has a strong future.

Already signs from Six Flags parks in the south have been positive through the first few weeks of operation.  Reports show that parks are consistently crowded (at least on the weekends) and Six Flags Over Texas had the best spring break week that they have ever had.  Across the board the company seems to be setting company records in attendance and profit.

Six Flags is a company to stick with.  They plan to turn their current debt (stocks and bonds) into equity in the company, and this company is set to make huge profits in the coming years.  With the economy the way it is, families will especially need a place they can go with their kids to relax on the cheap.  Six Flags has positioned itself to be the best bang for your buck theme park all across the United States.  The new management has been a great success and I for one look forward to the rest of this year as a stock holder and a coaster enthusiast.

How will a potential Six Flags (NYSE: SIX) bankruptcy filing effect you and your fellow coaster enthusiasts?  Unless you are an investor, it probably won’t.  Six Flags is ever-committed to keeping its parks a safe and enjoyable family entertainment destination throughout its current financial woes.  It has over $200 million in cash to fund daily operations and continues to improve operations to provide your family with a fun, safe, affordable place to visit this summer.

While bankruptcy is not the end of the world (far from it), restructuring out of court has far more potential benefits.  The current plan would involve giving current bond holders an 85% stake in the company.  Current common-stock holders (shares traded under SIX) would recieve a 5% share and preferred stock (PIERS) holders would get a 10% stake.  I believe this to be a very attractive offer to any current investors because Six Flags has a bright future ahead of it.  Current management turned the first positive cashflow year ever last year despite the current economy.  Just imagine what they could do in an economic boom?

What happens if Six Flags does file Chapter 11 bankruptcy?  Current stock holders pretty much lose everything.  The parks will probably lose attendance numbers and the company will lose even more money and it will take longer for Six Flags to get back in the black.  Day-to-day operations will remain largely unaffected.  The parks will remain fully staffed.  Maintenance will remain top-notch.  You can feel safe bringing your children to any of the parks.  Just realize it will take longer for Six Flags to add that new roller coaster you wanted if they do go bankrupt.

What can you do to help Six Flags avoid bankruptcy?  Visit the parks!  Buy a season pass, buy an extra funnel cake, take the whole family, anything to show your support for the company.  Investors will be more willing to work with restructuring the debt out of court (ie NO bankruptcy) if they see strong visitor numbers for 2009.

Check out this New York Times Article for some more information.