Themed Section-What Would You Add/Change

[blastedmonkey]

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.

[viper1988]

WOW great post!

Even though we have had this conversation many times in the past your right on many points!

I'm not going to chime in on every point but I really feel Yankee Harbor does needs rethemeing, add sailboats back to the harbors, netting, buoys, and the light house back. Rename East River Crawler back to Lobster and repaint it. Why not call V2 tidal force or tidal wave 2 or something...hey I know I know but I just really don't want this section to become Superhero themed calling V2 Mr Freeze.

Yukon: Wilderness Theater needs a show! Camp has long outlived its usefulness and BBNP is too large! There could be another thrilling flat in there somewhere!

County Fair: Is a huge mess and it will be straightened out in the next couple years so I'm cool with it for now! Other than Iron Wolf just change the name and paint job and I would be cool with it...its on the wrong side of the bridge!

Ok lastly I love the Hometown Park Idea! One of my friends mentioned once that Triple Play should be torn out and relocated for a kiddie play area, but I didn't like that idea. Why not just keep Triple Play but put the Kids Play Area it in the area over by the little red school house theres plenty of room and it would all be very low cost!

This topic might get locked because we have covered this idea many times in the past but I really enjoyed some of your ideas!

[ttd rox]

I have to agree with many things you've already said viper. Yankee definately needs more themeing like you're actually at a old harbor. V2 could be called Tidal Blade which is a cool name. I don't know if it really goes with the theme but anyways, Iron Wolf should be considered Yukon becuase the only coaster Yukon has is SSR which is a kids coaster. Iron Wolf is on the Yukon side so it should be considered Yukon not CF. YT needs a (painful) thrill like wolf anyways. Logger's Run though has a pretty intense drop though I must admit!

[blastedmonkey]

I totally agree. V2 should be renamed to something like Tidal Wave. It should get a paint job too. Some blues or something would be nice. I also agree that Iron Wolf is on the completely wrong side of the bridge between Yukon and County Fair. I'd say they could move the bridge and, thusly, move the division, but the bridge is kind of neccessary where it is, since there is a service road that goes directly beneath it. Plus, I still feel Fiddler's Fling, as a Tilt-a-Whirl ride, is very in keeping with the County Fair theme. Change the name at least, or, better yet, tear the darned thing down. I dislike this ride with a passion. I remember when it wasn't so...what's the words I'm looking for...wanting me dead. Heck, if they did tear it down, I'd say stick the Ferris Wheel right where it used to be. That would also allow some more room for a possible expansion of Yukon or the Picnic Grove. I wouldn't change the picnic grove though. No one hardly goes back there, except for a special event. I would focus more on the general public and giving them something they want. I agree with the Wilderness Theatre as well. Stick an animal show or something back there. Serpent Safari would have not really fit all that well, but it would have made some sense. I kind of liked it on the Mission Stage in Southwest though...you know...the southwest...the heat...the reptiles sunning themselves in said heat....Stick a mountain lion or heck, even trained squirrels(not the sinister ones that run around the park normally)back there. Something.

[blastedmonkey]

Oops. Sorry. But I also agree that Bugs Bunny National Park is too big. There's so much unused space in there. I am assuming it's so the parents can see their children at all times, but honestly, it's overkill. You could trim that back and have room for something else there as well. You know...add something to bring people to this section of the park. I disagree, however, on Camp Cartoon. It's a childrens section, yeah, but it's a childrens section that the park has had that is almost always full. More so, honestly, than BBNP. Camp Cartoon should stay where it is and how it is, but that's just my opinion. I realize that lynching will probably be in order for me sticking up for a children's section on these boards. I just think it's something that the park has in it's favor.

[cycamps]

I'd be happy with any upgrade to the themeing...

[demon boy]

In my opinion, it wont be big drastic changes that will be most beneficial. It will be the smaller things like paint touch ups and replacing tiles. THings that Marriott would really make sure were done right. If you go into any building, you'll see chipped anything, jsut make everything look nice. That is what will make the park better.

[Colonel Mustard]

Why does everyone assume that Marriot was so great? The park looks ten times better now then it ever did under Marriott Management. There's always a core group of people saying "What would Marriot do" especially when It comes to theming but, if you recall, marriott had no idea what they were doing and they sold the parks they built!

[Chitown]

^Are you kidding?

Marriott at that time created the best themed parks that money could buy back in the mid 70's.

10 times better today?

Not even close.

[blastedmonkey]

I see a problem, like demon boy was referring to of the chipping away of certain things and some minor damages. Those things happen, even at Disney. There's nothing to really be done about them. Six Flags, honestly, I see it a bit more. They should really consider making things out of more durable materials. I mean, you have the wear-and-tear of thousands of people rummaging through the park every day, most who probably don't care what kind of shape they leave it in or whether or not they break a sign or something, because in the end, they don't care about the consequences and feel that it's not their problem, because it's not theirs to begin with. People are, generally, inconsiderate. Unless Six Flags says "You break it, you buy it" with all of their scenery, theming, and whatever else, then people will continue to do it. Or, they can go the route of spending a bit more for longer lasting items for the park. This honestly has nothing to do with theming, and the subject has gotten kind of off track. So...like I had said, what would you do to help the THEMING of the park?

[Mr. D.T.]

I have to agree with you blastedmonkey. Ever since they gutted the original soundtracks of many of the sections the sections really lost their touch. Especially Yukon. But with Daniel Snyder as our president and In-Park Media entering into all 21 Six Flags Parks, I don't know if the original theme music will return. But if we looked on the bright side, they may play songs that do fit in with the section. The article said the sections will play thematic soundtracks. I don't know if we'll find the original theme music anytime soon, but you never know. I myself am one of those who are gonna miss the Marriott soundtracks. My signature said so.

[superflybri]

I like this park, other six flags parks are in need of help. This one is ok, but can maybe use a little something.. PLUS, I really, really, really, like HH.. It's sooo tropical

[Demon_07]

I say have a live steel drum band in HH. THAT, would be nice

[DominatorDude05]

I agree! Or in the front of the park have mini marching band, like GL had in 06. EVERYone enjoyed their show. It was a pretty nifty idea . Great PR, and other stuff

[ttd rox]

I think it would be neat (if they had room) to add even at least a small or any sized mini putting section. But before any of that, HAVE A FERRIS WHEEL!

[Demon_07]

^
If they were to do that, it would either go near the go-carts or possibly in DV's spot. As for the marching band idea, I'd love to see it.
Very Marriott-like

[ttd rox]

marching bands and maybe even a few more parades..... with marching bands in them .......

[Colonel Mustard]

If we're on the subject of parades, let's take our night parade and make it into our day parade with Show Stops. I would suggest using the Six Flags Party Song, as it's recyclable and catchy. It would feature dancers, Stilt Walkers on the Marvin Unit, Jugglers in Front of Foghorn's Unit, Gymnists in Front of Wile E.'s Unit, And other dancers (Wiggles, Hanna Barbara Characters, and the Stick and Move Dance Crew) Thoughout the route. We also need a batmobile!

And for the night parade, I would honesty scrap the pyro, maybe a little on the end of songs and whatnot, but not even on the level it is now. And spend money on some technological floats that would feature looney tunes, superheros, Villains, Hanna Barbara Characters, Thomas Characters, Wiggles and Others. My idea is to incorporate LED screens into the floats, maybe as backlighting devies, and gives the ability to do things like have the roadrunner paint a tunnel on the wall (via the screens) and have Wile E. Run into it, but it turns out it's solid! Or to Show the evolution of Bugs, Daffy and Other Characters as their most current form dances in front of it. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else but me, but I think it would be cool.

Yeah...I've thought a bit too much about this.

[blastedmonkey]

There were occassional marching bands over the summer. I agree though, especially in County Fair, that a marching band would be neat. There were a few that stopped in that section to play songs last year. I don't see why they don't do a program like I know Disney and Universal do, where they put out an invitation to all the local and not-so-local marching bands to raise money and have them come into the park and do a show. Even if it's just for the afternoon parade or something, you know? Then the kids in the marching bands can have the rest of the day in the park to frolick. It's honestly a good way to have a fun and interesting show in the park and to raise a little bit of money for the park at the same time. I mean, it works well for the other theme parks.

[LAFFfan4lyfe]

^^ on that note, why don't they have the bands for music in the parks perform in the park rather than at a high school some odd miles away? That would work.

[Demon_07]

If we're on the subject of parades, let's take our night parade and make it into our day parade with Show Stops. I would suggest using the Six Flags Party Song, as it's recyclable and catchy. It would feature dancers, Stilt Walkers on the Marvin Unit, Jugglers in Front of Foghorn's Unit, Gymnists in Front of Wile E.'s Unit, And other dancers (Wiggles, Hanna Barbara Characters, and the Stick and Move Dance Crew) Thoughout the route. We also need a batmobile!

And for the night parade, I would honesty scrap the pyro, maybe a little on the end of songs and whatnot, but not even on the level it is now. And spend money on some technological floats that would feature looney tunes, superheros, Villains, Hanna Barbara Characters, Thomas Characters, Wiggles and Others. My idea is to incorporate LED screens into the floats, maybe as backlighting devies, and gives the ability to do things like have the roadrunner paint a tunnel on the wall (via the screens) and have Wile E. Run into it, but it turns out it's solid! Or to Show the evolution of Bugs, Daffy and Other Characters as their most current form dances in front of it. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else but me, but I think it would be cool.

Yeah...I've thought a bit too much about this.

Yup, the dancin' in the streets song was getting pretttty old

[Colonel Mustard]

I actually really love the dancin in the streets/Get up and Dance Medley but we've had the parade for, what ten years? It's time for a new one.

[Demon_07]

No matter how hard they try, they'll never beat the disney parades.

[Colonel Mustard]

We could if we, say, had a creative department...

[Demon_07]

^ Pfftt...