What would you, given half a chance, change to further enhance the themed sections at Six Flags Great America? I'm not talking about rides or attractions. Those have been talked to death. I am talking about ACTUAL theming. Music, the buildings, heck, even the names of the rides that are already there can add to the theming. Tell me, what would you do to enhance it.
The following is what I would do:
1. Carousel Plaza: I think it's fine the way it is. It's a nice entry into the park, as it should be. Nothing to really clutter it up.
2. Orleans Place: One of the few sections in the park that still has music themed to it's theme. I like that a lot. I would cut out the end part by Superman and TDK and make that into a seperate area, similar to the DC Comics Plaza. I wouldn't change much of the rest. The wrought iron, the building facades, honestly, do just scream Orleans from the old days.
3. Mardi Gras: I think it's fine. I think the area by where they are adding the new Johnny Rockets is under-utilized, but I can see why that would be, since there isn't much room to manuver over there anyway, what with the parade route going through there anyway.
4. Yankee Harbor: I agree that the theme does get lost in here, with all the Batman junk visible. I think they should remove the Batmobile to the interior of the ride, maybe put it in a section of the wait line. Sitting right out front next to the Whirligig makes it seems somewhat misplaced. I just don't like it there. I think the restuarants in that area are themed decently to the section, with Angelo's Pasta, Jack's Snacks, and the other ones, as well as the old time photo shop in the middle. Most of the buildings are fine, just the Batman area throws it off. I would get rid of the Gotham City Arcade and alter the building. Keep it an arcade, but change the look and feel of it so that it looks more to the theme of Yankee Harbor. I don't see why they don't add another lighthouse to the area. There's places for it, even if they are a little off the beaten path. Put it right in that area behind the photo building, next to Yankee Clipper. I think it would look kind of nice there, admidst the shore and the other theming they have there. Some netting maybe and rope would really enhance the theme as well. I would also return it to it's original themed music.
5. Yukon Territory: This section is supposed to be symbolic of the Yukon during the Gold Rush era. I think it does well in portraying that, just in a more exagerated version. The buildings are all well themed, the ride to the section, the only one really in that section, Loggers Run, is aptly themed and titled. It's not supposed to be as wildernessy as people assume it is. It's supposed to be Gold Rushy. If you look at it that way, you'll see what I mean. I think it's one of the better themed sections in the park. Bring back the original themed music.
6. County Fair: County Fair has some spots in it that are going good for it. You have the funnel cake barn, the Farmers Market, Revolution, Fiddler's Fling, Great America Raceway, American Eagle and the Games Gallery. I think the theme can get kind of lost in parts of it though. Around near Iron Wolf it's a little off, but not terrible. With the removal of Deja Vu and Splashwater Falls, I would add a Ferris Wheel and a petting zoo to add to the theming of the County Fair. I think with those small changes, things would be looking better. Bring back the original themed music.
7. Hometown Square: Is not bad at all. Supposed to resemble a small town of early Americana, I think it accomplishes that. You have small homes and businesses lined up there along the "main street" and you have the big ol' Grand Music Hall to accompany it. That main section is perfect. I especially love the picture on the side of the building with that lady saying about how she loves candy or something. The part where the theme gets kind of lost is near the bridge going into County Fair and Southwest Territory. There just isn't much there at all. They call that section Hometown Park and all. I would maybe add a small out of the way childrens playground. A swingset and stuff like that. Something small and non-intrusive, that stayed with the theme of it all. I would also remove that big ol' games booth from the middle and add a fountain or floral arrangement. Also, bring back the old theme music.
8. Southwest Territory: The best themed section of the park. Honestly, nothing really needs to be changed here.
9. Hurricane Harbor: While getting away from the America theme a bit, it still has a lot of American influence to it, to the point where it feels like you could be walking along the beachfront in Miami and possibly come across a section similar to it. Very touristy, but similar.
Overall, I would add shows to the sections that are suitable to their area. I would NOT put an 80's show in County Fair. I just don't see how that fits. I liked the Country Rocks show in Southwest, but I don't think I'd like it in Yukon. It makes no sense. I would also utilize the Wilderness Theatre and Southwest Amphitheater more, and not just for concerts and special events once in a while. Do something to get more of a draw to the smaller stages as well. Manny B. and Karaoke are awesome and fun. Build them up. I would also add streetmosphere characters to each section of the park. I am not talking about the regular costume Bugs Bunny and all them, but like they had last year, with Six Flags characters like the jesters and scarecrows walking around the park in their appropriate sections. I think that would all add to the theme of the park. I would also put a sort of best of the oldies show in Grand Music Hall. Not like...the bad oldies, but the songs everyone still knows and loves, you know? Something, besides Dick Clark.
Anyway, those are my ideas. What are yours? I'm interested to hear what your opinions are on all of this, and I'm sure the park would be too. A theme park is nothing without the appropriate theming. Well, and I admit, the rides are kind of a draw as well.
