Okay, theme park fanatics, pull up a seat. We’ve just gotten a peek behind the velvet rope at Six Flags’ financial statements for 2025, and let’s just say it’s been less ‘thrilling’ and more ‘slow climb up the lift hill on a rickety coaster.’ The numbers are a bit of a head-scratcher, and they have some real implications for how you plan your next visit.
First off, attendance took a hit. A 13% drop in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the year before. Even with fewer operating days, daily attendance was still down a noticeable 2%. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: people actually *spent more* per visit—an 8% bump! You’d think that’d be good news, right? But somehow, total revenue *still* dipped by 5% in that same quarter, and the company stacked up a hefty $1.5 billion net loss for the year. My fellow park veteran, Russell, pointed out that their per-guest spending average is a pretty ‘pathetic’ $61.90. Think about that: food, drinks, souvenirs, games… barely cracking sixty bucks a head. It tells you a lot about what guests are (or aren’t) buying once they’re inside.
Why the attendance drop? A big part of it, and something I’ve personally noticed, is the scaling back or outright cancellation of those beloved holiday events. Remember how Six Flags was really starting to lean into Halloween Horror Nights-style scares or dazzling winter festivals? Many of those were either pared down or vanished in 2025. And honestly, for us season pass holders, those events are a huge draw. They give you a reason to keep coming back, to justify that pass beyond summer. If there’s no Fright Fest or Holiday in the Park, that season pass starts looking a lot less appealing. It’s like buying a multi-course meal and only getting the appetizer.
Enter new President and CEO John Reilly. He’s talking a good game: ‘strengthened the foundation,’ ‘invest heavily in exciting family-oriented attractions,’ ‘record-breaking roller coasters,’ and improving food and beverage. All great words. But with $5.1 billion in debt hanging over them, it makes you wonder how much ‘heavy investment’ can truly happen without feeling it elsewhere. They’re refining ‘revenue management and marketing,’ which often translates to ‘we’re trying to get more money out of you without scaring you off.’ It’s a tightrope walk, for sure.
So, what’s a savvy park-goer to do? Don’t write Six Flags off entirely, especially if you love their coasters. But go in with eyes wide open:
1. **Check that calendar:** More than ever, double-check operating days and *especially* seasonal event schedules. Don’t assume Fright Fest is happening at your park or that it’ll be as robust as it once was. They’ve been sending out surveys, so maybe the feedback will bring some of those events back, but for now, verify!
2. **Manage Food Expectations:** With that low per-capita spend, don’t expect gourmet dining. Stick to the classic park grub, or better yet, plan to eat outside the park if your budget and schedule allow. Consider bringing your own approved snacks and drinks.
3. **Season Pass Value:** A Six Flags season pass can still be a steal if you plan to visit multiple times and truly utilize the benefits. But weigh it against the reduced seasonal offerings. Is it worth paying for year-round access if the park is only *really* open for a few months of full operation?
4. **Coaster Focus:** If you’re there for the thrills, Six Flags still delivers on that front. Just be prepared for potential operational hiccups or fewer ‘extras’ that might elevate the experience at other parks.
Six Flags is in a fascinating, albeit challenging, position. They’re trying to find that sweet spot between affordability and experience, all while digging out of a mountain of debt. For us, the guests, it means being a bit more strategic. You can still have a blast, chase those coaster credits, and make some great memories. Just know that the magic might feel a little more DIY than you’re used to, and that’s okay, as long as you know it going in.