Major Disney World rival is demolishing two iconic theme park rides

Visiting theme parks has become one of America's favorite pastimes, helping propel some of the world's most iconic entertainment companies, such as Disney, Universal, and Six Flags, into household names while giving rise to amusement parks that are beloved by generations.Though often an expensive hobby, it's the thrilling rides, indulgent food, seasonal events, and must-have merchandise that continue to draw millions of visitors each year.For many families, theme parks are more than just a vacation destination; they are a cherished tradition. Every attraction, no matter how small, contributes to creating lifelong memories. So, when an entire park, or even some of its rides, disappear, it can leave a lasting void, denying future generations the chance to experience it.Six Flags Magic Mountain plans to demolish two ridesSix Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif., has filed permits with the Los Angeles County to demolish two long-standing children's rides on December 17.While the permits only list the attractions by their identification numbers, #2208 and #2215, local news outlet KTLA reports that the rides slated for removal from the park are the Magic Flyer and Tweety's Escape. According to the filings, the combined value of the two attractions is $20,000.Opened in 1971, The Magic Flyer is a small roller coaster described on the Six Flags website as a "beginner thrill ride for kids." Located inside Whistlestop Park, it carries a level 1 thrill rating and lasts approximately 30 seconds.Tweety's Escape, themed after the Looney Tunes character Tweety Bird, features suspended cages that sway in a circular motion. According to the Six Flags website, the ride is located in Bugs Bunny World and is also classified as a level 1 thrill attraction for children. Six Flags is demolishing two long-standing theme park rides.Shutterstock Recent Six Flags closures and financial pressuresWhile Six Flags remains the largest regional amusement-resort operator in North America, with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the company has not been immune to industry-wide challenges. During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Six Flags fell short of its financial expectations, primarily due to increased advertising spending earlier in the year aimed at boosting awareness at underperforming parks."Our 2025 strategy has focused on investing ahead of attendance growth to lay the foundation for stronger guest satisfaction, which continues to improve across the portfolio," said Six Flags President and CEO Richard Zimmerman in the earnings report. "We are disciplined in our approach to capital allocation and prepared to prioritize investments in our highest return properties moving forward."The planned demolitions at Magic Mountain follow several high-profile closures across the company's portfolio. In February 2025, Six Flags tore down Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.The company also revealed the permanent closure of Six Flags Great America in California after the 2027 season, along with the shutdown of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, scheduled for November 2025, despite earlier denials of such plans.More theme park closures:Universal Studios Florida theme parks closing 4 fan-favorite ridesDisney World adding new land, closing classic attractionsUniversal Studios Orlando demolishes entire theme park landWhile the year proved challenging, Zimmerman noted that the company's established parks continue to perform well, supported by recent investments in rides, attractions, and facility upgrades that have helped improve guest satisfaction and visitation.In the quarter, Six Flags' net revenues declined 2% year-over-year to $1.32 billion, with in-park per capita spending down 4%, including an 8% drop in admissions.The broader theme park marketWhile theme parks generate billions in annual revenue, they are also extremely costly to operate and maintain. Competition among major operators has intensified as companies race to outdo one another with new attractions and immersive experiences to keep guests engaged.Five major amusement park operators account for the majority of U.S. revenue, with Disney, Universal, and Six Flags holding the top three spots, according to IBISWorld's latest report. Their dominance makes it increasingly difficult for smaller or newer parks to compete.Top U.S. theme park companies by 2024 revenueThe Walt Disney Company (DIS): $34.1 billion (Source: The Walt Disney Company) Comcast (CMCSA) (Universal Theme Parks): $8.6 billion (Source: Comcast) Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (FUN): $2.7 billion (Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation)The global theme park industry is projected to reach $82.73 billion by 2032, driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer expectations, and a growing emphasis on personalized guest experiences, according to Roller's 2024 Theme Park Industry Trends and Statistics report. "Theme parks increasingly use sophisticated data analytics to transform visits into tailored adventures, ensuring every guest's experience is unique," said Roller's industry experts. "This trend is about forging a deeper connection between the parks and their visitors, creating memories that are not only memorable but also deeply personal."Innovation has become essential for survival in a highly competitive market, and parks that fail to adapt to meet evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements risk falling behind. "To remain relevant amid evolving audience expectations, theme parks and their business leaders must rethink how they deliver guest experiences," said EY Americas Consulting Chief Technology Officer Jason Noel in a statement. "Introducing minor changes is no longer sufficient; addressing challenges requires a transformative approach driven by advanced technology and strategic initiatives."Rising theme park ticket pricesThe push for innovation comes at a cost to consumers. In 2025, single-day tickets at the 20 most popular theme parks in North America averaged around $105, a 37% increase since 2015, slightly outpacing the 36% national inflation rate, according to FinanceBuzz.Single-day ticket price increases since 2015Disney: +69%Universal: +49%Six Flags: +5.7%As parks balance rising operating costs with evolving guest expectations, the loss of long-standing attractions may become more common across the industry in an effort to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and continue investing in the future of theme parks.Related: Universal Orlando reopens rollercoaster that killed a man