Six Flags President speaks out

L.A. Times' Daily Travel & Deal Blog writer Brady MacDonald recently spoke with Six Flags President and Chief Executive Mark Shapiro about the future of Six Flags Inc. following the New York Times story that asked, "Will parents let their children ride a roller coaster owned by a bankrupt company?"

Shapiro remains confident that Six Flags parks will remain at the top of the list of parents' vacation hotlist. He confirmed that safety remains one of Six Flags' primary focuses and, with $200 million on hand, plans to increase hiring and expand park maintenance in 2009.

“The guest won’t see a difference this summer,” Shapiro told L.A. Times.

Shapiro also commented on the company's still-in-production Six Flags Dubailand project. The park is still deep in the development stages and could see its 2012 premiere delayed by as much as a year. The park will boast two "world-class coasters" - one wood and the other steel - at opening.

He also confirmed that Six Flags is still committed to the recently announced Qatar project that, while still in the conceptual stage, is said to focus on water rides to compensate for the region's crushing desert heat.

In addition to the already-announced projects, Shapiro also said the company is is in discussions to construct an amusement park, water park, and hotel combo project outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. He also said a similar project for South Korea is "close to fruition."

Turning back to the U.S. parks, Shapiro noted that Six Flags Magic Mountain just ended one of its best seasons ever, stating,"Magic Mountain is highly profitable... and we intend to keep it that way."

Shapiro confirmed that Magic Mountain will see the installation of a new roller coaster in 2010 and a "Wiggles World" play-land for children by 2011. He also said the neighboring Hurricane Harbor water park will have a new attraction in 2010.