Cedar Point and other Six Flags parks are experiencing significant economic turbulence as parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced sweeping cost-cutting measures in response to declining attendance across its 42-park portfolio. The company reported a 9% drop in attendance during the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Six Flags has implemented a 10% reduction in corporate staff across all parks to save more than $16 million in costs. This comes after the company posted a significant loss of $99.6 million in the second quarter of 2025, a sharp contrast to the $55.6 million profit during the same period in 2024.
Capital Spending Reduced
The economic pressures have forced Six Flags to dramatically reduce investment in new attractions. While the company budgeted between $475 million and $500 million for capital improvements in 2025, it will cut that number to $400 million in 2026. This reduction means fewer new rides and attractions for Cedar Point, Kings Island, and other parks in the chain.
The spending cuts come as the merged company, created when Cedar Fair and Six Flags combined in July 2024, struggles with what executives describe as “ongoing economic volatility on the consumer.” Day passes at some Six Flags parks cost $45, a price point that families are increasingly hesitant to pay during economic uncertainty.
Operational Impact Visible to Visitors
Guests are already noticing the effects of staffing reductions. Social media reports indicate that attractions, restaurants, and amenities are frequently closed due to insufficient staffing at Cedar Point, Kings Island, Carowinds, Worlds of Fun, and Six Flags Great Adventure. Parks that previously maintained robust staffing levels during peak seasons now operate with limited hours and closures.
The staffing cuts have affected both corporate positions and park-level operations, leading to longer wait times and reduced services. Some parks have eliminated park presidents entirely, transitioning to regional management structures to further reduce costs.
New Ride Problems Compound Issues
Cedar Point’s marquee 2025 attraction, Siren’s Curse, has experienced multiple technical problems since opening in June. The $25 million tilt coaster has stalled at least four times, leaving riders stranded 160 feet in the air and requiring emergency evacuations. The frequent malfunctions have drawn negative national attention and raised questions about maintenance capabilities amid staff reductions.
Despite park officials describing the incidents as “minor technical delays,” the repeated failures of the new ride highlight operational challenges facing the merged company.
Park Closures Signal Broader Strategy
Six Flags has already announced the permanent closure of Six Flags America near Washington, D.C., at the end of the 2025 season as part of its “portfolio optimization” strategy. While CEO Richard Zimmerman stated the company has no immediate plans to close additional parks, the closure has raised concerns among enthusiasts about the future of other locations.
The company has also quietly removed several roller coasters from various parks without advance notice to guests, eliminating rides that were deemed cost-ineffective to maintain.
Industry-Wide Economic Pressure
The challenges facing Six Flags reflect broader economic headwinds affecting the amusement park industry. Rising operational costs, inflation, and reduced consumer discretionary spending have pressured theme park operators nationwide. The company noted “the risk of ongoing economic volatility on the consumer” in its revised fiscal 2025 outlook.
Despite the challenges, some metrics show modest improvement. Season pass sales increased 6%, and attendance for a five-week period ending August 3 was up 1% compared to 2024, attributed to better weather conditions and promotional efforts like the new $99 Gold Pass offering unlimited admission through 2026.
Leadership Changes
The economic pressures have led to significant leadership changes, with CEO Richard Zimmerman announcing his resignation by the end of 2025. Zimmerman, who led the Cedar Fair-Six Flags merger, will remain until a successor is found as the company searches for new leadership to navigate the challenging economic environment.
The combined company faces the complex task of integrating two different operational cultures while managing declining attendance and rising costs. Industry observers are watching closely to see whether the aggressive cost-cutting measures will stabilize the business or further impact guest experiences at flagship properties like Cedar Point.
See related article: Las Vegas Tourism Drops as Sin City Faces Economic Challenges
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