TTR Spreading to Six Flags

Everyone who doesn't think that Cedar Point is in forefront of the industry with it's TTR system should reconsider a little. FastPass/TTR like systems seem to be the wave of the future at amusement parks, with our favorite park being right on top of things, based on a quote from an article about Six Flags:

"Officials with Six Flags Inc. said they are researching a system similar to Disney's and the Cedar Fair park chain's method for moving lines along more quickly."

You can read the entire article at:

http://arlingtonnow.com/business/112545_16amnbzlines.html

These parks have very short memories.

Reservation systems have also been tried at (at least) AstroWorld and Kings Dominion. My understanding is that as of yet, none of the reservation systems other than Disney's FASTPASS has had the desired effect, and all of them...including FASTPASS...have managed to aggravate customers.

The only thing a park can do that will actually work is to keep the lines moving. Keep the intervals down, and that will keep the capacity up. Keep the capacity up, and the lines get short. It's that simple.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Or in Cedar Point's case, build more rides. I think that's the thing that the park has neglected to consider. The other rides have short lines not because everyone is in line for Millennium Force, but because with steady attendance the crowd is more spread out than it has ever been, and it'll get better and better with every year.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Guide to The Point
Millennium Force laps: 35

Well, I think I'm one of the few on the board who actually likes TTR, but I think the article hits the reservation system motive right on the head - it gets people to the food stands and gift shops. In CP's case, yes the other lines are shorter now, but they would still like to see all the MF riders in the park instead of in the queue. I'm sure the desire for customer service is a part of it, but giving people a greater opportunity to buy stuff must look very attractive to the parks also.

i was thinking the same thing jeff :)