Are Six Flags' newest TV commercials hitting their mark?

August 7, 2007, 10:28 AM · You might remember this being brought up back in June. I'm close enough that Magic Mountain's TV commericals show up in the TV markets here, and have been taking note of them with regards to Six Flags' attempt at being more family-oriented.

The most recent one I've seen was last week, and was decidedly not family-oriented. It had a main concept along the lines of "there's a lot of great [new?] stuff here" or something like that, and seemed to be targeting a young-adult demographic. Of note, the line "I'm glad they're not closing", and no "Mr. Six" and associated theme this time. But, Roaring Rapids and the pirate ship--obviously not "new stuff"--were the only rides depicted apart from the big coasters which took up at least half the commercial time.

I was hoping for a look at the Justice League parade (is this even at SFMM?) and maybe new entertainment; I don't remember seeing any shots of these.

What are your thoughts on Six Flags' recent TV and radio advertising in your market? Leave a comment using the link below. - Editor

Replies (16)

August 7, 2007 at 1:17 PM · Shrug Shoulders………
August 7, 2007 at 1:30 PM · Well as a CA native. The thought of MM closing was a big one. My partner even said tht he would leave CA if that ever happened since its really the only venue for supercoasters in CA.

Thank goodness it aint happenin. There was so much buzz about it closing it's probably good that they voice the non closure in ads. However, they miss out on those that would go for one last hurrah, its probably better to hold the confidence as one still going forward & strong.
No one likes to attend & ride sonmewhere where they think everything from concessions to ride safety is forgotten about.
(AKA out trip to the Santa Clara County Fair this weekend). Rusty rides, tired food & livestock...so sad, & after their second year losing $ we see an end to another era I think).
Anyway, thank god no more mr 6, I hated that song. The venga bus is coming, I wonder how much that group got paid for that horrible song!

August 7, 2007 at 2:16 PM · Its a bit of a Lie IMO!

They are highlighting all the wrong things at SFGA and saying they are great. Operation Spygirl has got to be the worst stunt show I have ever seen!

August 7, 2007 at 3:47 PM · The regional commercials for SFOG in Atlanta have "family testimonials" in them saying things like
"I can't believe how clean the park is!" and "Everyone was so friendly, we felt like family!" etc...
I cannot attest to whether this is actually the case (as I haven't been there in about 3 years, though I never noticed any particularly rude staff or dwindling park conditions previously) but that's what the commercials are touting.
August 7, 2007 at 6:21 PM · Chris, those are the same commercials they are showing here in New England. Doesn't make me want to run there.
August 7, 2007 at 7:02 PM · Most of SF Great Adventure commercials are still highlighting the roller coasters (and they're actually really good commercials). Then again, I think that's one of the few SF parks that is doing well. I do see an occasional commercial advertising the Wiggles World though. I'm quite glad I don't have to suffer through anymore Mr. Six commercials.
August 7, 2007 at 8:17 PM · Interesting. So can I infer that Six Flags is running different themes in different markets: coasters and thrill rides in some and family testimonials in others? (These are the moments I need satellite TV!)
August 7, 2007 at 8:21 PM · The commericals airing here in the Maryland area are the same ones that Chris mentioned. The ones where they have the comments from the various families. But I rarely pay these commericals much attention? And I actually like that Six Flags song.
August 7, 2007 at 9:15 PM · No Six Flags commercials in Ohio....perhaps a waste of time?
August 7, 2007 at 10:15 PM · I don't care how many commercials they infest the airwaves with. I don't think you could pay me enough to so much as enter the parking lot of any Sick Flags park ever again.
August 8, 2007 at 3:43 AM · Strange - very shortly after I posted my first comment, a testimonial commercial came one, even most of the testimonials were still "Wow! What a great roller coaster!" with a single Wiggles World reference, I believe.
August 8, 2007 at 4:50 AM · I also thought the recent commercial was far and away better than past ones, but I really seriously wanted to see some cool new stuff that I would be attracted to. (I hope to catch it again actually, but it's on local TV and I mostly watch soccer and Discovery/etc.) I last went to SFMM about a year ago but since then haven't learned about anything that'd give me any real desire to go back; I'm afraid I'd get bored after a few hours.
August 9, 2007 at 8:40 AM · To answer your question Robert, it seems so!

The SFGA commercials are pretty much Hurricane Harbor is great and they claim takes a whole day to do. However, this is not true because Wet n Wild, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon make this place look like a swimming pool.


They also advert. the amount of kids stuff there since this park actually has like 10 roller coasters. They also tend to push how you can save with Coke Cans or buying the ticket at the Supermarket and stuff like that. In fact, as a Season Pass holder, they give us a ton of coupons to use on your friends and family for a free entry.

I do not know about the other parks, but the Gurnee one is actually pretty good. Its clean, safe, great theming and various attractions. Granted its not Disney or Universal, but its still a great time!

August 9, 2007 at 1:42 PM · Mr. Six was cool and the music made me happy.
August 11, 2007 at 6:33 PM · Out here in eastern Washington State, we don't get any of the commercials out here. My husband, our son and his cousin (both age 10) went to SFMM in June for the first time ever. I have to say, from reading other people's opinion of the parks that I was a little nervous and made to believe that I would need to stand in line and keep their ears covered. It was so not like that. In line for Tatsu, I noticed staff at the entrance of the line, midway through the lines and many staff where you actually load onto the rides. People were not rude, trying to take cuts or anything of the sort. The person standing at the entrance also handed out tickets to people as they got in line and you had to turn them in towards the end. If you didn't have the ticket, you didn't get on, AND your ticket number had to be in order of the group you're with. We had a blast and can't wait to go back some day. Knotts Berry Farm, on the other hand, was bad. The attractions were okay but it was so hot they had a lot of their water rides closed. All this to say that I would go back to SFMM in a heart beat and feel comfortable (and safe) taking the family back. Knotts Berry Farm, with the cursing/making out/rude kids (middle school age), not so much.
August 13, 2007 at 10:06 AM · I think the billboards are hitting it right on the money more than the T.V. commercials. The billboards are more family looking than the ones on T.V. Overall I am still glad Magic Mountain is not closing. It sure would have been very devistating to us coasters junkies who live on the west coast to see the home of so many incredible coasters, come to an end. Hurray for Six Flags. Good move.

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive