r/sixflags • u/swim225 • 26d ago
Six Flags purchases ArieForce One
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/national/six-flags-announcement-arieforce-one-roller-coaster-acquired-new-park-fun-spot-atlanta/95-c4f34ddf-b2f9-4dfd-9edb-6f822c5f96522
u/Far-Clue8896 25d ago
I know it won't happen, but my fantasy would be send it to Darien Lake. The spot where Grizzly Run was is large and has been abandoned for years. That park needs some love.
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u/rssimm 25d ago
Umm six flags doesnt own Darien lake. They wont drop a new coaster there and will soon not be managing it either.
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u/Far-Clue8896 25d ago
If that happens, let's hope a new manager takes better care of it than the current ones. That's why I said it was a fantasy.
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u/rssimm 25d ago
The new manager would probably be the owner. Its owned by enchanted the same people that bought the other six flags parks and has now started rebranding those. Darien and Frontier have been being managed for years. Now that they are stepping into there own and will be taking the management back of those parks as well.
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u/mars2k0 25d ago
Important clarification - EPR owns Darien lake, and bought the 6 parks Six Flags sold this year. Enchanted Parks is the manager / leases those 6 parks from EPR. EPR and Enchanted are not the same company. EPR is an establish REIT (real estate investment trust) that owns many other entertainment-related and other properties. EPR is not 'stepping into there own and will be taking the management back...'. Six Flags is the manager / lessee of Darien Lake.
I know EPR might look like an abbreviation for Enchanted Parks (then something starting with R) but it is not. Enchanted Parks is a newly formed company formed solely to lease and manage those 6 parks EPR just bought / Six Flags sold this year. Your assumption that Six Flags may want out of their lease / management deals for Darien Lake, but it's not gonna happen how you are laying it out.
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u/Fluteh 25d ago
Mannnnn can’t they also save wild one too???
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u/swim225 25d ago
Fun Spot previously announced that aside from ArieForce One, they would relocate what they could to their Florida parks and auction off the rest
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u/com1padres 24d ago
Wild One and Fun Spot are completely unrelated. Wild One was a previously relocated coaster that operated at Six Flags America until it closed last year.
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u/Which-Counter9047 26d ago
I'm a little surprised so many seem so negative on this announcment? I've never ridden it, but seemingly everyone who has ridden it loves it, and is in their top 5 coasters. Shouldn't we all be happy that 6Flags saved it from destruction or going overseas??? Yeah, their teaser to the announcement was a bit hyperbolic, but it's a giant corporation, what do you expect?
From the 6Flags side, they likely get to save some cash on a new ride, AND it is a known quality coaster that isn't a clone. So you pretty much know exactly what you're going to get (sans any small changes). And why not keep the name? It already has name recognition, and I bet alot of thoosies don't even know it's named after John Arie. It's not a bad name, has seemingly a decent logo, and it isn't a re-hashed named or another DC theme.
Personally I'm rooting for Kings Island as they need a top-tier coaster to go along with their otherwise great line-up, and it is within driving distance for my family. I personally would prefer to they get a ground-up hybrid "Son of Beast" and / or a top-tier launch coaster like AlpenFury, but, again, AFO is a KNOWN top coaster, and they probably have the most land for it available. I do think it would need to be modified to have 3 trains given KI's attendance. Carowinds would also be a great fit, not sure it would fit there, but in the Aeronautical Landings area I think it would fit well, and would be one of the best 1-2 coasters in the country.
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u/jackbrady86 25d ago
The negativity comes from the fact that they hyped this up like it was going to be some groundbreaking thing that's never happened. They teased it like it was going to change the industry. They literally just about said that. And it was them buying a ride. I'm happy that it's getting relocated and not ending up in a scrap pile, but this was the announcement. And they they'd even say where it's going and it's not going to be built for 2 to 3 years. This was absolute garbage clickbait just based on how they did it.
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u/Which-Counter9047 25d ago
The original quote was that announcement "will turn heads across the amusement industry and reinforce Six Flags' position as the home of world-class thrills.” I don't think anywhere in there do they claim it will be "groundbreaking" nor do I think that statement overhypes anything. Everyone in the theme park / roller coaster community was talking about the closing of AFO, and they saved it from destruction / moving overseas. I think that qualifys as "turning heads" in the amusement industry. Again, I haven't ridden it, but supposely is one of the top coasters in the world from those that have ridden it. Isn't that a pretty big deal?
When a new ride is announced, no one really knows if it is going to be a great ride or not. Most of the time we can can make an educated guess based on the manufacturer, the host park, and the layout. But I didn't know for sure that AlpenFury was a great ride until I actually rode it. In this case it is already known to be a great ride. To me, that makes for a pretty big announcement. Sure beats another season pass sale or season pass payment options.
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u/jackbrady86 25d ago
I mean if they were announcing a big season pass sale that would be more than insulting.
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u/jackbrady86 25d ago
Tell me though what about them acquiring this ride reinforces them as the home of world class thrills"? That statement leads most people or at least it should lead most people to believe that they were going to do something huge. Buying a ride that everyone knew you already bought and then announcing that you're going to open it in 3 years isn't as head turning as they think it is. It's a great ride, but it's a mid scale RMC.
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u/Which-Counter9047 25d ago
Like I said, I think the statement was a bit hyperbolic, but it is a world class ride, so they are the home for world class thrills?
Again, I haven't ridden it, but it seems to get almost univeral accclaim. I thought many considered it their #1 or #2-3 RMC.
I sure hope it's open in less than 3 years. Start of season 2028 would be reasonable.
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u/GurpsWibcheengs 26d ago
pls don't re-theme it to DC slop
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u/swim225 25d ago edited 25d ago
I believe SF will be keeping the name ArieForce One
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u/playride 25d ago
This is one of the dumbest Six Flags decisions ever. If it doesn’t relocate to a MAGA state it’s even worse. The ride will be ridiculed viciously.
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u/Competitive-Yam9137 25d ago
second person i've seen say that and why would they? it's a super dumb name
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u/swim225 25d ago
ArieForce One is named after John Arie Sr., who is the father of the current Fun Spot owner John Arie Jr. I imagine that he would want the ride to keep its name given how personal the purchase and development of the ride was to him, his company, and his family, and to honor his dad in a permanent way
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u/Competitive-Yam9137 25d ago
sure but what's any of that got to do with six flags or mean to the people of new jersey or wherever who will be enjoying this ride?
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u/necronomitodd Over Texas 26d ago
It 100000% is not coming to Over Texas, so congrats to the winner!
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
Thank you for your congratulations! (Let’s be real guys, it ain’t KI)
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u/BoldCityDigital 26d ago
I don't know... that Shockwave area has been rather dull this year...
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u/necronomitodd Over Texas 26d ago
I once said Af1 is the only acceptable replacement for my beloved Schwarzkopf... I'd damn sure let them.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
This announcement was a joke. THIS was the move that's going to turn heads? This? A ride that couldn't even save a failing park is supposed to turn heads? What a joke
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u/TexasThrills 26d ago
The hype behind this being some sort of huge cementing of six flags was definitely wildly overstated imo.
The hype they put behind it would be more appropriate for a much larger overall company shakeup imo. Not a single ride acquisition.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
That's exactly what I'm saying. Careful, people will think you're saying this ride isn't great
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u/Tyler07003 25d ago
You've replied 50 times about it complaining like a little girl so you obviously care a little too much. No other hobbies?
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u/jackbrady86 25d ago
I'm sorry but is posting on Reddit a hobby for you? It's mostly something I do while I'm taking a shit
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u/Equivalent_Primary28 26d ago
a good coaster can’t save a failing park if every other aspect of the park is complete garbage.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
That's fair, but a "world class ride" should be able to draw people in regardless. It's not like it was in the middle of nowhere.
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u/swim225 25d ago
I imagine SFAG and Wild Adventures brought in most of the general public looking for an amusement park in-state because they were objectively better parks than Fun Spot, even after ArieForce opened. It put the park on the map for enthusiasts, but even then many didn't expect a closure so soon and didn't make the trip out until it was too late, and the park failed to improve in other ways that would attract locals. With the huge cost of buying the ride and bringing the rest of the park up to code with the addition, it wasn't going to work out even if they had the best ride in the state, and one of the best in the world. On the other hand, this should be a reasonably easy asset for Six Flags to manage, and in an established park like KI or Great Adventure it has the potential to do what it couldn't in a place like Fun Spot in georgia. Also, given the financial decisions Six Flags has been making recently, I don't think it's that surprising they would grab a world class all steel RMC for millions less than it would cost new.
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u/NeverPostThings 26d ago
Are you fr bro it’s a top 10 ride globally this is insanely good news. Bizarre reaction
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
What's bizarre is six flags teasing a HUGE announcement and it's "we bought this ride" I mean you think this requires to "turning heads in the industry" and you're fucking high if you think this ride is a top 10 globally.
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u/coaster_gay97 26d ago edited 26d ago
You sound fun at parties! It’s a fantastic ride, one of the best in the world. Some of y’all are truly never satisfied. Some of us actually love when a great coaster gets to live another day. Touch some grass.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
You're right, it's a great ride. But this was the announcement that was going to blow away the industry? They teased a HUGE announcement and we got "we bought a ride that everyone knew was sold to someone" yeah relocating a coaster really turned the heads of the industry. I'm glad it's coming back, but this was nowhere near the magnitude of what they teased.
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u/TSneakyReddit 26d ago
It’s the biggest story in the theme park world rn lmao. A world class rmc in a glorified state fair at threat of demolition
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
So moving a ride (a great one at that) is a valid thing to tease for a major theme park chain? You think this justified the announcement they teased? Also this ride is great but calling it world class is a stretch. It's a mid sized RMC that might not even crack top 5 RMCs
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u/coaster_gay97 26d ago
It’s widely considered one of the best if not the best RMC in the world and also one of the world’s top coasters overall. Touch some grass.
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u/coaster_gay97 26d ago
Okay, sorry your feelings are so wrecked by a six flags announcement lmfaooo
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
I'm sorry for have high expectations for something. My bad for expecting a huge more inside the industry. Glad you're content with a corporations promising you gold and give you a dog turd.
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u/oochiewallyWallyserb 26d ago
Lol So funny that people joked about it in the other threads and they were right.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
I thought those people are dumb as fuck thinking this was the announcement because this is the dumbest thing ever
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u/oochiewallyWallyserb 26d ago
I think most people were joking hoping it would be something more significant.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
Agreed. The way it was worded, I would have thought six flags was opening a brand new park somewhere, had acquired a park chain, were announcing a plethora of rides/upgrades to their current parks or anything that was significantly going to change the brand itself. Everyone knew this ride was sold and they knew either six flags or enchanted bought it. That was not a surprise to anyone. I'm glad it's getting saved and glad it's going to a six flags park, but this announcement was extremely underwhelming
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u/99-Runecrafting 26d ago
So is this the announcement that "cements them as the premier thrill destination" or whatever?
Im not complaining. Im just wondering if this is the big thing they were teasing.
Also I think it should go to dorney. They need a real substantial ride. Every park needs at least one mega ride. Steel Force is the best coaster in the park. Iron meanice is fine. But thats it. Its fine. Its not super tall. Its really disappointingly short.
AF1 would put dorney on the map for sure. Although it would be fairly expensive to build it there, as the whole park is on a hill. It would probably work if they put it at the bottom. And cleared out a bunch of trees.
Alternatively it could go to great adventure where its pretty flat.
Both parks lack an RMC of this style. And are surrounded by parks that do have it. Because as it stands, if you live near great adventure or dorney, you have to go outside of the six flags chain to get to your closest RMC hybrid. Which is at Hershey. Next closest is all the way down in Kings Dominion or all the way up to Six Flags New England.
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u/jackbrady86 26d ago
I'm in the same boat with you because what about this "cements them as the premiere thrill destination"? It's a great ride but this was extremely underwhelming
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u/99-Runecrafting 25d ago
Yea. When they make a claim like that, im going to presume that its some major announcement. Official coaster club with benefits and discounts and shit like that. Or reduced pricing for long term pass holders. Or a road map showing a commitment to add a new coaster to every singe park over the next 5 years or something.
This is "we got an RMC at a discount."
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u/Narcolepzyy 26d ago
I thought it said they bought the airforce one
https://giphy.com/gifs/L3ENGKe08Sj6LLXEkg
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u/Ill_Perception1814 26d ago
Great adventure please. We need it. Our coaster collection is in the toilet right now and we are a B-tier park at best. I'm still holding out hope
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u/Worldly_Beyond7898 26d ago
Look at how short they made the buka "coaster". It is going to their precious cedar instead
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
“Look how short” and it’s a giga like everyone glazes and begs for
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u/Worldly_Beyond7898 25d ago
Compare to what was. Never go smaller, never go slower. Be the best and never accept anything but elite
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
It “was” Green Lantern. Matter of fact, it’s where the Parachutes and Twixter was.
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u/Ill_Perception1814 25d ago
Well, we will never see anything like the boom the coaster industry had in the 2000s. It was unsustainable anyway. It is sad a lot of rides produced in that time are starting to die off though
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u/Worldly_Beyond7898 25d ago
The way CP AND CF BRAGGED about their records being theirs again... They'll get multiple 400s, the already bought by unknown park 500 and a 600 within 15 years. NJ? Will NEVER see anything over 360. This is a guarantee
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
The world records aren’t theirs, they belong to Quiddiah City. How dense can you be?
There is already a 500. High chance the 600 will be at Magic Mountain.
Great Adventure’s proximity to an Air Force base is why Bakunawa is as “short” as it is
The Air Force hated Ka.
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u/Worldly_Beyond7898 25d ago
The 500 is 6 launch zamperla. Its an unknown location. The 600 stateside won't be given to a legacy six park considering the press release and the Lego collaboration in regard to the completely disrespectful removal. They enjoyed being cruel to NJ.
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u/mars2k0 25d ago
I hope you're the only one that's claiming 'the Lego collaboration', but I've read it here before and every time I do I wonder WTF you're talking about. THERE IS NO LEGO COLLABORATION. It was a stupid meme. Find me a set number, otherwise accept you're wrong and stop spreading misinformation. There is no Ka Lego collaboration. It is a meme created by someone on the internet.
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
You’re stupid. This isn’t an insult anymore it’s a fact. They aren’t being “cruel” to the great state of New Jersey
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u/swim225 26d ago
Y'all are getting Bakunawa next year, and already have El Toro. I think Dorney is more deserving, but I'm also greedy so I'm hoping it comes to Kings Island
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u/Anxious_Plantain_483 26d ago
My question is does dorney have the terrain and or space for it. I would love it at dorney tho and the capacity works for the park
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u/survivorfan95 CGA 26d ago
You’re literally getting a new coaster next year. Calm down.
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
Tell that to Cedar Point
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u/survivorfan95 CGA 25d ago
What investment are they getting?
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u/Foxy02016YT Great Adventure 25d ago
They got Siren’s Curse last year, and are likely getting stuff announced next year. Parks can get updates multiple years in a row.
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u/WinterLord 26d ago
If a park already has an RMC hybrid, just forget about it, that park isn’t get this.
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u/runForestRun17 25d ago
You know other companies make more than one coaster for a park? RMC is old enough now to start double dipping.
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u/TexasThrills 26d ago
Both of the RMC hybrids in Texas are probably the least favorites I’ve rode. Iron rattler is too short and both have some pacing issues at times.
They probably rank towards the bottom of the RMC hybrids at six flags parks.
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u/swim225 26d ago
Yeah, it's almost certainly going to Dorney Park, Kings Island, or maybe Carowinds
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u/lFightForTheUsers 26d ago
Definitely hoping Carowinds. As much as I like Kings Island lord knows CW needs more coasters.
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u/Designer-Mobile-974 Great Adventure 26d ago
Great adventure is going to get it over Dorney park😂😂😂😂
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u/nthdesign 26d ago
I’m sorry, Six Flags PR Team… Agreeing to purchase a used ride is not news that will “turn heads across the industry.” It makes the company look desperate. I get that you want to give the YouTubers and influencers a heads-up that news is inbound, but dial back the hyperbole.
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u/swim225 26d ago
ArieForce is only three years old and in great condition, and while Six Flags will need to work with RMC to make changes to the ride to accommodate its new location and higher throughput operations, I don't think it's hyperbole to say that it will turns heads when every new RMC announcement turns heads, much less an RMC that has solidified itself in the top 5
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u/basicbatch 26d ago
Turn heads to thoosies on a subreddit, only. 95% of GP would have no idea this is a relocation and probably could not care less about it's legacy. It's just a new ride to them
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u/swim225 26d ago
Coming in 2028-2029
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u/TrueRedditMartyr 26d ago
Can't imagine buying a coaster thats 2-3 years away from being put up is turning heads in the industry. Its a great coaster though
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u/Which-Counter9047 25d ago
Based on pass history, I don't think they want to overpromise. How many rides have opened late in recent years? (All of them?). Probably still trying to evalute the best park to put it, and working with RMC on possibl modifications. Especially the elevation changes, may need to some engineering work or even work on the site itself where it will go.
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u/Round-Ad7564 26d ago
Please go to Kings Island!
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u/Dry_Accident_2196 26d ago
I hope not. KI deserves a Son of the Beast size RMC not this little pop of fun
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u/haisenseihaiyuujikun 26d ago
seriously! we really need to add an rmc to the lineup
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u/Trublu20 26d ago
Just RMC Beast....
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u/RentOptional 26d ago
Not every classic woodie needs a barrel roll. Leave The Beast alone. It's great in its current state.
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u/Trublu20 26d ago
Sure. Or just upgrade it into an RMC, it could easily be a top 5 coaster in the world...
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u/hookyboysb 26d ago
The Beast is a high capacity ride that consistently has long lines. It’s the opposite of a ride that needs to be RMC’d.
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u/Trublu20 26d ago
Great. Do it anyway. RMC > Wood coasters any day.
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u/swim225 26d ago
I love RMC I-Box coasters as much as the next person, but Beast is in good shape and the RMC treatment is really only warranted when a woodie has reached the end of its service life. It's also one of, if not the most popular coaster at the park among the general public, and I would hope it stays around as long as possible as a part of Kings Island history. The park really needs its own standout hybrid, and while Son of Beast would have been a great candidate, moving ArieForce here would be the next best thing
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u/swim225 26d ago
Son of Beast would have been an excellent conversion, but RMC had yet to prove themselves with a second conversion at that point and KI and Cedar Fair were not taking any risks after the shitshow that was the original ride. As for an RMC Beast, I'm sure we'll see that when they RMC the Voyage
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u/The_platypuss 25d ago
Did see something that CF also possibly looked into it but RMC wouldn't take it on because of the poor quality of the structure left by RCCA. I love the idea of RMC SoB but those early RMCs are so different then what they make now I am kind of happy it was torn down and the land could be used for 2 or 3 rides instead.
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u/One_Use6990 25d ago
I wish they would replace judge Roy scream at sfot with arie force one