Credit: CarowindsIt’s been less than a month since Six Flags and Cedar Fair agreed to merge to form one of the largest theme park companies in the World, and already, the combined company has seen some significant changes.
Related: Just Weeks After Merger, Six Flags and Cedar Fair are Already Starting to Fray
Six Flags Entertainment has already instituted a new chaperone policy for every amusement park, requiring anyone under the age of 15 to be accompanied by an adult. The company also instituted new guidelines for theme park content creators, which require approval from the amusement park and restrict what can be said and published on social media.
The new combined company has also agreed to offer a separate season pass for Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks until next summer. At some point in the future, the new company plans to release a season pass allowing pass holders to access all 42 parks.
However, a far more disturbing trend has emerged from the merger. Some of the new theme parks under Six Flags have seen a shortage of employees, which has caused ride closures and merchandise and restaurant closures.
On a busy Saturday, the baby care center and the on ride Photo Booth for Woodstock Express is closed. So people can’t purchase pictures of them riding with their kids for the first time. The baby care center has been closed pretty much all season.
And this is just one piece of… pic.twitter.com/jcoDsFmZuL— Theme Park Recommendations 🎢 (@TP_Guides) July 27, 2024
Related: Post Merger, Six Flags Adds Restrictive New Policy, Altering Guest Experience
One social media user took to X (formerly Twitter) to complain about closures at Carowinds Amusement Park in North Carolina.
The tweet read:
On a busy Saturday, the baby care center and the on ride Photo Booth for Woodstock Express is closed. So people can’t purchase pictures of them riding with their kids for the first time. The baby care center has been closed pretty much all season. And this is just one piece of how #Carowinds has been operated this year.
Other users complained about photo booths and ride closures throughout the summer. Many guests complained about the North Carolina park arbitrarily closing down due to weather threats.
Point proven. Copperhead Photo Booth is closed. And one of the best beer stands is closed as well. Smh pic.twitter.com/I3vbJndKra
— Theme Park Recommendations 🎢 (@TP_Guides) July 27, 2024
Related: Six Flags’ Cryptic Tweet Sends Fans Scrambling for Answers
Some guests commented that the North Carolina park may have trouble finding employees during the summer months. However, other social media users complained that those who did come to work were rude to park guests.
Carowinds is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was owned by Cedar Fair before the merger. Now, the amusement park is under the Six Flags Entertainment banner.
Yeah @Carowinds has been ran so badly the last few years. I refuse to visit until they change. Sad bc I love me some Fury. But guests can tell. It’s not just me
— CoasterGuy2022 (@Always_Be_Real1) July 27, 2024
Now that the merger is complete, amusement park fans hope big things are ahead for the Six Flags theme parks. Hopefully, these issues at Carowinds are just part of the transition as the two theme park giants find their way.
However, if it is a sign of things to come, it could be a bad omen for theme park fans.
What has your experience been like this summer at Carowinds?