Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Last time I visited Six Flags Magic Mountain, it was somewhere around 1999 -- certainly pre-9/11 and they had metal detectors and were searching purses. For guns. I visited Magic Mountain the first year it was open. Charming. Clean. Family-friendly. As soon as they all started the 'coaster wars' it was just a matter of time. But let's get real. Magic Mountain has been pretty seedy since probably 1985. And Great America in NoCal -- it's also in a sad state last time I visited around 2005 or so.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 Ceder Point in Sandusky Ohio. was a great deal for 2 days and it was clean. But haven't been since 2004 . It's not WDW. But it was fun real good fun for 2 days. I would go again!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Cedar Point has got it figured out - was there in 1985 and then 2005 -- clean, well-kept and some great rides.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I remember going to Cedar Point as a kid. I don't remember much about it though. We went to theme parks pretty much every summer, so it's hard to tell them apart in my head. Hershey, King Dominion, Kennywood, Cedar Point, Bush Gardens. Anymore over in that area I'm forgetting?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I've been to SF in Georgia (2003), Gurnee (2009), and Magic Mountain (2010), and each one seemed a little seedier than the last, though none were as bad as their reputation. They appeared reasonably maintained (with a couple notable exceptions at Magic Mountain, where there was some very obvious dry rot), and the crowds didn't seem too bad, but I believe I visited each one on a weekday. However, none of them come close to a Disney experience. They're hardly even comparable to other 'local' parks like Cedar Point, King's Dominion, or Carowinds, but they're pretty cheap so it all seems in line. They have their place in my heart (a random day trip once every 4-5 years), but in general I have very little desire to seek out or revisit their parks
Originally Posted By phruby At SFMM, the gang members don't show up until at least 1pm. They like to sleep in. Of course, none of the rides are working until at least 2.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>>WDW is skies beyond in pure experience and pleasure. I'll take every WDW paint blemish and clogged toilet with a smile and a song.<<< I guess that makes TDR planetary systems above 6-Flags.. since TDR is already Skies above WDW, where clogged toilets, bad maintenance, and grossly out of shape CMs don't ever exist
Originally Posted By sjhym333 The shame about the Six Flags parks is that at one time they were well run, kept clean and offered great thrill rides. The last couple of times I have been to one I have found them a little scary. Because it is cheap entertainment, groups of teens and young adults use it as a hang out place on a regular basis, which gives it a different feel for those who are a one time visitor
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>Because it is cheap entertainment, groups of teens and young adults use it as a hang out place on a regular basis, which gives it a different feel for those who are a one time visitor<< Other than the price, this sounds exactly like DLR. Now that I'm an infrequent out-of-town visitor, I can really see just how much of an impact the APers have on the resort, and it leaves a really negative impression on my visit. I still enjoy the parks very much (and also enjoyed having them in my backyard for a few years), but the way they're treated, it feels a lot less special. It's definitely one of the reasons that I've been enjoying my recent WDW trips so much; it truly feels like an escape to somewhere special (even if there are some management issues)
