Mark Shapiro Interview & X2 Update

[robbalvey]

Today Theme Park Review was invited to come have a chat with Six Flags President and CEO Mark Shapiro as well as check out the first completed X2 train.

A lot of questions were asked, and I think you'll be very pleased with some of the answers! Be sure to listen to the interview. There is a link to it at the bottom of the update. It's in MP3 format and you can either stream it or download it once you click the link.

As for some of the bullet points that were discussed outside of the audio portion of the interview, here you go:

TPR: When asked about taking out older rides -
Mark Shaprio: "It's about taking out what's not working. The old philosophy would just let rides sit there and rot. We are going to go through our park and clean them out. We have a master plan. You might not see an immediate exchange, but in time we will fill out the park."

TPR: When asked about 2009 at Six Flags Magic Mountain -
Mark Shaprio: "We are looking into a new coaster for 2009. Can I say anymore? No. We're also looking into Wiggle's World. "

TPR: What kinds of rides do you like?
Mark Shaprio: "I like big drops, but I'll be honest, I don't like to go upside down. Goliath is my favorite ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain."

TPR: Thomas Town looks like it will be well themed, you are adding new theming to X2, can we expect this level of theming with up coming attractions?
Mark Shaprio: "Everything we launch will come with a storyline, it will come with a theme. That's a focus for Six Flags moving forward. Historically it's been 'put down a ride where ever we have room', I don't believe in that. We want to do something for both families and the thrill seekers. Will Six Flags Magic Mountain gain back the coaster capital status? In due time, absolutely."

TPR: When can we expect X2 and Thomas Town to open?
Mark Shaprio: "Memorial Day weekend, 2008."

I can also mention two things that have not been announced yet that Shapiro talked about today. First off, in the location of Circus Wheel will be a new high-energy, complex Midway game. It will be a "3 point challenge Basketball Game" that promises will be full of entertainment for the guests. Not only the ones playing, but for spectators as well. So how can they replace a ride with a game you ask? What about a new ride to replace it you might ask? Shapiro tells us "be patient...we WILL fill out the park...in due time."

Another new for 2008 announcement is that the Sky Tower will also be turned into the Sky Tower Museum. You'll see exhibits from past Magic Mountain rides on display and will give more reason to visit Sky Tower.

Anyway, onto the photos and onto the audio interview. There is quite a bit more covered in the audio portion of the interview - Fright Fest, attraction removals, where the park is headed in the next few years, etc and you can download the audio part of the interview HERE! (http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41974)

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro01_402.jpg
We arrive at the site of X2 where we will check out the first complete train and chat with Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro16_690.jpg
Here it is...the very first X2 train. Complete!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro15_126.jpg
This is the view that ride ops will see quite a bit. (with people...of course!)

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro17_474.jpg
Mark Shapiro, Jay Thomas, and Tim Burkhart tell us all about what's happening with Six Flags and Magic Mountain in the near future.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro20_157.jpg
To get some really cool photos, we got to walk the lift hill of X2.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro23_816.jpg
Ok, ok, so it's not totally complete...but it's close.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro24_373.jpg
The paint job is pretty much done, and it looks AWESOME.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro28_216.jpg
"Hey everyone! Me and my buddy Mr. Folder are having a good time on X2!"

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro36_336.jpg
Take one last look at all this old signage.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro30_213.jpg
It was time to take a look at some other improvements in the park. The old coffee shop will be turned into the "Cyber Cafe."

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro39_132.jpg
Oooh....blue prints. I wonder what they could be for? Hmmm....

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro29_118.jpg
During the mid-week off season huge sections of the park are being re-paved.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro38_856.jpg
A new sign went up for Thomas Town yesterday. There's even kid sized holes in the wall so they can peek into the construction.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro41_724.jpg
Quite a bit of work going on. We are told that vertical construction should be started by West Coast Bash.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro_cirus_116.jpg
In the area where Circus Wheel once stood will be a new "3 Point Challenge" basket ball game. It's kind of a midway game meets entertainment venue. From what we've seen it looks like it will have a lot of energy and be fun for spectators as well. So what about new rides you might ask? Shapiro tells us "be patient...we WILL fill out the park."

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro_skytower_129.jpg
Opening this summer in the Sky Tower will be the "Sky Tower Museum" and will feature many different pieces of Six Flags Magic Mountain's history.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmm_jobfair18_448.jpg
Some examples of what you might see in the new Sky Tower Museum.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/sfmmshapiro44_167.jpg
I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Tim Burkhart, Mark Shapiro, and Jay Thomas for having us out today! Thanks guys!

In case you missed it. To listen or download the audio portion of the Mark Shapiro interview click HERE! (http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41974)

Thanks for reading!

--Robb Alvey
www.themeparkreview.com (http://www.themeparkreview.com/)

ps. Come out and join us at Magic Mountain on March 9th for West Coast Bash!

[Nate]

One of the best updates to come out of an enthusiast site in years. Thanks for getting the great pictures and audio.

[CedarFair Kinda Guy!]

Great update X2 looks A-mazing!! I cant wait to go there for my B-Day and ACE day!! Awesome pics :thumbup2:

[robbalvey]

I cant wait to go there for my B-Day and ACE day!!
You should be coming for West Coast Bash! I can guarantee you we'll have some pretty amazing things going on. ;)

--Robb

[CedarFair Kinda Guy!]

You should be coming for West Coast Bash! I can guarantee you we'll have some pretty amazing things going on. ;)

--Robb

I so wish I could, but I am going to Solace, and my parents want let me do both... :glare: (Blah...) I will look forward to the pictures from the event!!

[robbalvey]

^ You chose poorly! :D

[R.C.]

So this is just a guess, but I assume SFMM's next coaster will either be Tony Hawk's Big Spin or The Dark Knight. I think either of these would be good edition to SFMM, just because of the theming involved with either attraction. Plus, they are small, family friendly coaster that can be built in several different possible locations in the park.

[CedarFair Kinda Guy!]

^^ I was suppose to go last year, but and old friend was a ride-op and we were suppose to go but his supervisor tolled him he had to work or not come, so we didn't go... (Blah!) So I have yet to go to a West Coast Bash. Next year when I drive, I will go to both Solace and WCB!! :w00t:

[Maxamillious]

That was a pretty beast update, Robb. It’s nice to hear Shaprio and the gang joke around with the enthusiast community and still maintain a serious focus about getting Six Flags back on track. :)

[Tom]

Awesome job Robb. Great interview. I hope the park continues to improve, and I think it is time my Shapiro bashing days end. He cares about the park, the enthusiasts, obviously, and that is good for me.

[Jake]

Great update! I knew I had faith in this guy for a reason, he has a good head on his shoulders and knows what he's doing.

I love where he says that he'd rather have a shade area then an un-opened ride, that's exactly what I've been saying.

Keep up the great work, Shapiro!

[The Storm Runner]

Wow, this has definitely changed around my views of Six Flags, definitely for the better. :smile: I think the whole chain will be continuing to improve from here on. I guess we're all just wanting things to happen fast, and that's why some things seem questionable to us. I have great faith in Six Flags now. :smile:

Thanks Robb!

[Dan]

Awesome updates. This sounds amazing...I can't wait to see Magic Mountain continue to revamp itself. "You have to be patient and understand it's a balancing act." Very, very true. And, it's good to know they're planning so far in advance. The new management knows what they're doing. Six Flags is turning around.

10% of attendance is during Fright Fest. I never thought it was that popular. "We can corner that Halloween market here in Los Angeles." Well -- they have a ways to go before they pass USH and Knott's.

Thanks TPR, and thanks Mark, for a great interview!

[robbalvey]

"We can corner that Halloween market here in Los Angeles." Well -- they have a ways to go before they pass USH and Knott's.
Yeah, that's what I thought too. Especially when they cut back on Fright Fest last year.

But then again, what is the CEO of the company supposed to say "Yeah, we'll never beat out Universal...."

--Robb

[Exceller]

Wow. Great Interview. I definately agree that Six Flags is turning around for the better and that management knows what they are doing. Thanks Robb!

[Jake]

But then again, what is the CEO of the company supposed to say "Yeah, we'll never beat out Universal...."

I came to the same conclusion.

To be honest I can see them beating out Knott's if they spend enough money on Fright Fest. People don't understand that Knott's isn't God of halloween events.. or close.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Thanks for the update/interview. I really think Shapiro has a good future in mind for SFMM.

[Mike T]

^^ Either that or you don't understand how much of a force Halloween events can be to contribute to the fiscal year of a park. Knotts understands that, which is why they pump so many dollars into their event each year.

[Jake]

^ What are you talking about? That has nothing to do with my post.. at all.

[Mike T]

Here, I'll quote you this time:


People don't understand that Knott's isn't God of halloween events.. or close.

Like I said before, Knotts understands how much of a power force their Halloween event is, and they use it to their advantage to spike attendance. Being one of the top rated events in the world, and drawing some of the largest crowds of the year, I don't see why it wouldn't be considered one of the best in the business. If Six Flags really wanted to take control of that market, they've got a lot of catching up to do. Universal has already started churning their wheels once again, and want to use their expertise to make one of the most over the top Halloween events in the area. Obviously the competition is there, but when you've got the caliber of haunt from both Knotts and Universal, you'd have to bring in some pretty spectacular things to out do either of them.

[Jake]

Like I said before, Knotts understands how much of a power force their Halloween event is, and they use it to their advantage to spike attendance. Being one of the top rated events in the world, and drawing some of the largest crowds of the year, I don't see why it wouldn't be considered one of the best in the business. If Six Flags really wanted to take control of that market, they've got a lot of catching up to do. Universal has already started churning their wheels once again, and want to use their expertise to make one of the most over the top Halloween events in the area. Obviously the competition is there, but when you've got the caliber of haunt from both Knotts and Universal, you'd have to bring in some pretty spectacular things to out do either of them.

Rated by the same people who think Magnum is a top ten ride.

I wont argue with you about the quality of Haunt, as you haven't been, and I have. Just because its rated highly by a bogus awards system, doesn't mean its any good.

[robbalvey]

I actually think that even if Six Flags put on a KICK *** Halloween event to the same calibur as Knott's or Universal, none of the parks would suffer in attendance.

I don't hear ANY rumblings that Knott's had a decrease in attendance because of Universal bringing back HHN the past two years. And after this past year's HHN, it was obvious that Universal was the CLEAR winner with the best So Cal Halloween event.

But you know what? I don't think it really matters. What matters is that people still showed up to BOTH events and packed the park.

If Six Flags really does end up getting a licensed Fright Fest maze like "Saw" then it will only help boost their attendance during that time of year. I don't think they really care to "take away" guests from those events, but they want to add more popularity to Fright Fest.

"Dominating" an event doesn't just mean in quality, but think about it, SFMM is by far a MUCH bigger park than both USH or KBF and they can hold more people. So if they can *pack* the park to capacity for Fright Fest, then it's conceivable that SFMM may do better 'numbers' than the other two events, especially considering that Fright Fest is "free."

And if they do that, they could possibly say they have the #1 highest attendance for any So Cal Halloween Event....even if it's not up to par as the other two.

That's what I think Shapiro was getting at.

--Robb

[Youhow2]

Now I am starting to have a little faith in Shapiro. I love what I am hearing, as long as he isint serious about putting wiggles world in the mountain too. That would be absolute torture.

But seriously, as far as I'm concerned the knotts halloween event isnt as great as people say it is. I went to this one independent haunted house at a christian college called "scaremare" that beat the pants off of anything I have ever seen at knotts or a sf park, and probally could've competed with USH, or USF for that matter.

[The Storm Runner]

I wonder what else around the chain will be painted. I believe that black paint for X2 was used before for Batman and Robin the Chiller.

http://www.rcdb.com/ig424.htm?picture=11

Do you think SF has a deal with the black paint (or all of the paints) for all over the chain?

[Dan]

Do you think SF has a deal with the black paint (or all of the paints) for all over the chain?I believe they do, yes.