The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Parks' Greatest Rivalry: Six Flags vs. Cedar Fair

Universal versus Disney: The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Parks' Greatest Rivalry

by Sam Gennawey

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1718 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

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Six Flags and Cedar Fair are the two largest theme park chains in the United States, and they have been competing for decades for the title of best theme park. With dozens of parks between them, featuring hundreds of rides, attractions, and shows, Six Flags and Cedar Fair offer something for everyone. But which chain is truly the best? This article takes a look at the history of the rivalry, the different parks and attractions each chain offers, and the pros and cons of each chain. Ultimately, the decision of which chain is best is up to the individual guest, but this article provides all the information needed to make an informed decision.

The History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Six Flags and Cedar Fair began in the early 1960s, when both companies were founded. Six Flags opened its first park, Six Flags Over Texas, in 1961, and Cedar Fair opened its first park, Cedar Point, in 1964. In the years since, both companies have grown and expanded, and they now operate dozens of parks across the United States. Six Flags' parks are typically located in major metropolitan areas, while Cedar Fair's parks tend to be located in more rural areas.

Over the years, the rivalry between Six Flags and Cedar Fair has been marked by a number of milestones. In 1984, Six Flags acquired Great Adventure, which was home to the world's tallest roller coaster at the time, Kingda Ka. In 1995, Cedar Fair acquired Knott's Berry Farm, one of the most popular theme parks in California. In 2006, Six Flags acquired Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which was home to the world's first launched roller coaster, Iron Rattler. In 2012, Cedar Fair acquired Carowinds, which was home to the world's tallest giga roller coaster, Fury 325.

The Parks

Six Flags and Cedar Fair operate dozens of parks across the United States, and each park has its own unique attractions and offerings. Six Flags' parks are typically larger and more heavily themed than Cedar Fair's parks, but Cedar Fair's parks tend to be more family-friendly. Six Flags' parks also tend to be more expensive than Cedar Fair's parks.

Some of the most popular Six Flags parks include:

• Six Flags Magic Mountain (Los Angeles, CA)
• Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
• Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL)
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX)
• Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX)

Some of the most popular Cedar Fair parks include:

• Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)
• Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)
• Kings Island (Mason, OH)
• Carowinds (Charlotte, NC)
• Canada's Wonderland (Vaughan, ON)

The Attractions

Six Flags and Cedar Fair offer a wide variety of rides, attractions, and shows. Six Flags' parks are known for their large and intense roller coasters, while Cedar Fair's parks are known for their more family-friendly attractions. Six Flags also offers a number of water parks, while Cedar Fair offers a number of indoor theme parks.

Some of the most popular rides and attractions at Six Flags parks include:

• Kingda Ka (Six Flags Great Adventure)
• Leviathan (Six Flags Great America)
• Fury 325 (Carowinds)
• The Joker (Six Flags Six Flags Great Adventure
• Superman: Ride of Steel (Six Flags Magic Mountain)

Some of the most popular rides and attractions at Cedar Fair parks include:

• Steel Vengeance (Cedar Point)
• Top Thrill Dragster (Cedar Point)
• Magnum XL-200 (Cedar Point)
• Millennium Force (Cedar Point)
• The Beast (Kings Island)

The Pros and Cons

Six Flags and Cedar Fair both offer a great day out for families and thrill-seekers alike. However, there are some pros and cons to each chain that guests should be aware of before making a decision about where to go.

Six Flags' parks are typically larger and more heavily themed than Cedar Fair's parks. They also offer a wider variety of rides and attractions, including more roller coasters and water parks. However, Six Flags' parks are also typically more expensive than Cedar Fair's parks, and they can be more crowded, especially during peak season.

Cedar Fair's parks are typically more family-friendly than Six Flags' parks. They offer a wider variety of attractions for younger children, and they also tend to be less crowded. However, Cedar Fair's parks do not have as many roller coasters as Six Flags' parks, and they do not offer any water parks. Cedar Fair's parks are also typically less expensive than Six Flags' parks.

The Verdict

So, which chain is the best? Six Flags or Cedar Fair? Ultimately, the decision of which chain is best is up to the individual guest. Six Flags offers a wider variety of rides and attractions, but Cedar Fair offers a more family-friendly experience. Six Flags' parks are typically more expensive than Cedar Fair's parks, but Cedar Fair's parks are often less crowded. If you are looking for a thrilling day out with plenty of roller coasters and water slides, then Six Flags is the better choice. If you are looking for a more family-friendly day out with a wider variety of attractions for younger children, then Cedar Fair is the better choice.

Universal versus Disney: The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Parks' Greatest Rivalry

by Sam Gennawey

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1718 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

FREE