In a move that underscores the power of consumer feedback, Six Flags has announced the elimination of the surcharge fee on food, beverages, and retail purchases at its Texas parks. This decision comes after months of criticism from park-goers who felt the additional cost was an unwelcome burden during their visits.

Six Flags Surcharge Fee

Initially implemented earlier this year, the surcharge of $1.30 was added to every transaction involving in-park food and merchandise, clearly itemized as a separate line on receipts. The fee was introduced in response to rising labor and supply costs, which had been exacerbated by the economic challenges posed by inflation. However, as many families and thrill-seekers flocked to Six Flags for a day of fun, the new surcharge quickly became a point of contention.

Guests at theme parks often budget for a day filled with rides, games, and meals, and the addition of any unexpected fees can significantly impact their experience. While some parks, such as Disney World, allow guests to bring in outside food to mitigate high dining costs, Six Flags maintains a strict policy against outside food and drinks unless a guest has a documented food allergy. This left many visitors with no choice but to purchase food within the park, which was further complicated by the surcharge.

Tim Fisher, the Chief Operating Officer of Six Flags, acknowledged the concerns raised by guests in a recent news release. “We always welcome feedback from our guests on how we can improve their experience at our parks,” he said. “The surcharge fee at the legacy Six Flags parks was a frequent target for criticism, and we are committed to listening to our customers.”

The decision to remove the surcharge fee is a clear indication that Six Flags is willing to adapt based on customer sentiment. In an era where consumers are increasingly vocal about their experiences, this reversal showcases the importance of listening to feedback and the impact it can have on business practices.

As the parks gear up for another busy season, the removal of the surcharge fee is expected to enhance the overall experience for visitors, allowing them to enjoy their favorite rides and attractions without the added concern of unexpected costs. It remains to be seen how this change will affect customer satisfaction and park attendance, but one thing is certain: Six Flags is taking steps to ensure that its guests feel valued and heard.

So for those planning a trip to one of Texas’ Six Flags parks, it’s time to celebrate the return of a more transparent pricing model—one that aims to make your day of fun just a little bit more enjoyable!

https://investors.sixflags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Six-Flags-Eliminates-Guest-Surcharge-Fee-at-Participating-Legacy-Six-Flags-Parks/default.aspx

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Premier Family-Friendly Entertainment Destination on Track to Open 10 Units by End of Year

DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, announced today the remarkable growth the brand has experienced since the start of the year. With a focus on providing family-friendly entertainment, Altitude has proven itself as an attractive investment opportunity for franchisees, with six signed development agreements that will bring 13 new locations to target markets nationwide. Since the start of 2024, Altitude has opened four locations in Spring Hill, Florida; Austell, Georgia; North Versailles, Pennsylvania; and Webster, Texas, and currently has eight units leased and under construction. Altitude is continuing this momentum, with its franchise agreements to bring locations to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, among other states.

“Our growth in 2024 has been phenomenal. Dedicated to providing family friendly-fun, we are committed to expanding nationwide to make our parks accessible to everyone,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “It’s amazing to see several of our existing franchisees expanding their footprint while also welcoming new franchisees into our system. As our growth continues, exciting plans are in store that will continue to make Altitude a worthwhile investment for franchisees and a top destination for all families.”

Altitude is continuing its growth, with eight units currently under construction. These units will be located in:

• San Jose, California – Owned by Tim Kurtz
• Coral Springs, Florida – Owned by Raj Chopra
• Milpitas, California – Owned by Guru Kamar and partners
• Folsom, California – Owned by Guru Kamar and partners
• San Dimas, California – Owned by Guru Kamar and partners
• Birmingham, Alabama – Owned by Shafiq Samji
• Chicago, Illinois – Owned by Kevin Kolb
• Schaumburg, Illinois – Owned by Shahista Jiwani

Also in 2024, Altitude expanded its leadership team, welcoming new hires, including Chris Kuehn as Chief Operating Officer, Mike Stout as Vice President of Franchise Development, and Mike D’Arezzo, Director of Franchise Development. As Altitude continues to grow, the brand is dedicated to developing its leadership team with industry veterans to strengthen the brand’s operations and franchise development initiatives.

The brand’s commitment to providing an outstanding customer experience has resulted in an impressive systemwide sales increase of 3% since the start of 2024. This positive momentum showcases Altitude’s ability to attract new customers while also retaining its loyal fanbase.

Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. This year, Indoor Active Brands launched its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant, bar, and yard games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees.

For the remainder of the year, Altitude on track to open six new locations. These locations will bolster the brand’s presence in key markets and offer more families the chance to enjoy the excitement and joy of its state-of-the-art entertainment.

The brand is actively seeking qualified candidates to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S. in Kansas City, MO, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Denver, CO, among others. To learn more about franchise opportunities and upcoming store openings, contact Mike Stout at Mike.Stout@ATPHQ.COM or visit www.altitudefranchise.com.

About Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier indoor adventure park offering cutting edge trampolines, games, programs, and celebrations for all ages. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brands successful $10 Endless Jumps pass, is where members get the max. Guests can, Jump Happy! with unlimited use of trampolines, soft play, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more providing a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 2023. More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.

SOURCE Altitude Trampoline Park

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GENEVA /PRNewswire/ — MSC World America, the latest World Class ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, will redefine family cruising with new activities and never-before-seen spaces, including new programs and facilities developed in partnership with the LEGO Group.

The ultramodern new flagship will feature seven distinct districts when it enters service in April 2025, each bringing together a range of tailored experiences, with Family Aventura becoming the go-to destination for kids and family fun around the clock.

As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises is known for its award-winning kid’s offerings, tailored to deliver unforgettable cruise experiences for children of all ages. MSC World America will take everything to a new level with the company’s largest and most technologically advanced kids area yet. Spanning more than 10,000 square feet across seven different rooms designed for guests in various age ranges from 0 to 17, families can expect a new range of concepts, taking vacations on board to new heights.

Steve Leatham, Head of Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: “We set ourselves the goal to create the most exceptional kids and family offering at sea with MSC World America. Our aim is to give our younger guests the freedom to express their creativity, play, socialize and explore with amazing spaces and programs that have to be seen to be believed.”

Matteo Mancini, Senior Manager of Youth Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: “We specifically listened to our young guests from North America to design our kids and family offering. We are bringing a variety of extraordinary facilities and new experiences never seen before!”

Activities waiting to be discovered include:

NEW LEGO^® PARADE: For the first time in the cruise industry, MSC World America will host a LEGO^® parade with LEGO^® characters designed to entertain children of all ages. The parade will march through the ship from Family Aventura to the World Promenade once per cruise.

NEW: LEGO^® FAMILY ZONE: Family Aventura will include a brand-new area for master builders and bricks enthusiasts called LEGO^® Family Zone. Parents and children will be able to play together, and LEGO^® fans of all ages can unleash their creativity from morning to evening.

NEW: LEGO^® GAME SHOW: MSC World America will offer a LEGO^® Family Game Show for the first time in the cruise industry. During each cruise, families will have the opportunity to come together for an exhilarating team challenge in which parents and children compete as true Master Builders on board. The competition will feature timed challenges, colorful bricks and unexpected twists, all culminating in determining the ultimate winner. LEGO^® fans of all ages won’t want to miss this exciting activity.

NEW: BOXES FAMILY GAME SHOW: Families will get the chance to compete in “Boxes”, a new fun-filled family game show where each mystery box will contain a blind challenge to beat in order to win prizes.

NEW: DOREMIX FAMILY DISCO: For dance competition fans, a new version of the Doremix Family Disco will arrive for the first time with new technology and must-see visuals. Parents and children will dance together to hit music and original MSC Cruises songs for children, all vying for the title of best dancers of the night.

NEW: HIGH-TECH EXPERIENCES: Specifically created for teenagers, Star Shooters is an adventure course in the Sportplex with targets for participants to hit and rack up points for a win. Virtual Reality at Luna Park will give guests access to the latest VR technology experiences, transporting them to other worlds from MSC World America.

NEW: LARGEST EVER DOREMILAND: MSC World America will feature the largest, most action-packed Doremiland kids’ area in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, spanning more than 10,000 square feet. Home to seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old, it will also be the most technologically advanced kids area of the fleet with the latest tech consoles on the market, and stunning light and sound effects. Baby services are offered in collaboration with Chicco^® – the leading global baby brand and a long-term MSC Cruises partner. Exclusively on MSC World America, the popular Kids’ Clubs will be open all day, from 9am until midnight, for the duration of each voyage.

NEW: THE HABOUR: At the heart of the Family Aventura district lies The Harbour, a revolutionary new outdoor park where families can come together to engage in activities, indulge in delicious bites and soak up the sun. The Harbour offers an exhilarating high ropes course, a thrilling new state-of-the-art Cliffhanger attraction, a family dwelling area and a playground modelled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. More details of The Harbour will be revealed soon.

Popular MSC Cruises favorites returning to MSC World America include:

SPORTPLEX: In the Sportplex, guests will find a spacious and dynamic gaming space equipped with everything from basketball and tennis courts to interactive game shows, bumper cars and roller skating. A dedicated sports program includes Football, Basketball, Zorb ball sessions, Pickleball, and Hoverboards. Here, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy The Drone Academy – a lively and high-tech drone relay race that will come to life at night through light effects and glowing drones.

Guinness World Record Family Quiz: Families can try to bet on the world’s most incredible records and try to top them, creating memories to last a lifetime.

MasterChef at Sea Juniors: A new generation of cooks will have the opportunity to compete in a kids’ cooking competition, where the most talented and creative will win.

For more information about MSC World America, visit here.

About MSC World America

MSC World America will create an eye-catching silhouette against the Miami skyline when she enters service in April 2025. The ship’s blend of American comfort and European design will provide guests with a truly memorable cruise experience, whether they’re searching for a relaxing tropical escape or an action-packed holiday.

The ship will feature seven distinct districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences waiting to be explored. The districts allow guests of all ages to choose their own adventure and get the most out of their time on board. From a dedicated family area or tranquil zen area to a lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars—a world of options awaits.

The new World Class ship’s signature plumb bow will rise vertically from the waterline and her Y-shaped aft will open onto the impressive outdoor World Promenade. Overall, MSC World America will span 22 decks, measure more than 150 feet wide, feature 2,614 staterooms, contain more than 420,000 square feet of public space, and offer top-of-the-line features and facilities, including:

• A re-imagined outdoor World Promenade, where unique dining, lounging and entertainment options are paired with stunning ocean views and unmatched LED light shows
• The indoor World Galleria—lined with bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques—topped with a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling
• 13 restaurants:
  • Six specialty restaurants, featuring two NEW concepts alongside guest favorites like Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos and Cantina
  • Four main restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine and familiar American favorites
  • Two buffets offering ample choices for casual dining
  • Luna Park Pizza & Burger: Complimentary casual fast-food spot located next to Luna Park in the World Galleria offering quick snacks around the clock
• 20 bars and lounges, including:
  • NEW! Sports Bar: New for MSC World America, this warm and inviting venue combines sports memorabilia, technology, and entertainment in a space where guests of all ages will feel welcome. Guests can grab a beer or soft drink and watch the game on one of the many screens while enjoying popular bar food like wings and sliders. Games like darts and foosball will be available, too.
  • NEW! Comedy Club: New to MSC Cruises, the Comedy Club is a place where guests can come to kick back, let loose, and take life a little less seriously. Evenings begin with an interactive and comical dueling pianos experience that friends of all ages can enjoy. The laughter will continue with sets from amazing comedians that will rival some of the best shows in NYC & Chicago.
  • The Gin Project: Offering an extensive choice of craft gins with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders.
  • Elixir – Mixology Bar: Expert mixologists creating handcrafted concoctions, featuring an outdoor terrace to enjoy pre- and post-meal cocktails while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
  • Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub comes complete with a full-scale micro-brewery making MSC Signature beers on board.
  • Coffee Emporium: A sleek and modern coffee house that is any coffee connoisseur’s dream, offering some of the world’s best coffee beans and a selection of brewing and serving styles including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan.
  • Jean-Phillipe Chocolate shop and Café: Offering custom chocolates, coffee and other treats in a relaxed café atmosphere.
  • More NEW concepts on the way!

• A striking 11-deck-high dry slide made of stainless steel, giving guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style.
• A state-of-the-art, Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, towering 50m above the ocean
• Six pools and 14 hot tubs, including a spacious indoor pool with retractable roof and twin adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship.
• Expansive water park with water slides that include a VR experience.
• Kids Clubs featuring dedicated facilities for age groups ranging from infants to 17 years old.
• Three entertainment venues with all-new live entertainment and theater shows.
• Stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, including Infinite Ocean View cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms.
• The MSC Yacht Club, featuring spacious suites, dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service as well as spacious, luxurious suites.

About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a strong and growing presence in North America and the Far East.

The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

The Company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.

MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050.

For more information, click here.

SOURCE MSC Cruises