Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the parent company of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, announced this week that 2014 was its fifth consecutive year of growth and record financial performance as it posted a company-high $1.2 billion in revenue, an increase of $66 million or 6 percent over 2013.
“I have never been more confident in our strategy and the long-term prospects for our company than I am today,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO. “Guest satisfaction scores have reached another all-time high and employee morale is better than ever. We are extremely well-positioned as we enter the 2015 season with a 25 percent gain in our Active Pass Base, and we remain laser-focused on delivering our next long-term financial target of $600 million of Modified EBITDA by 2017.”
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Communications Manager Nancy Chan said the local park is expecting another great year as well.
“We are currently open on weekends and holidays year round. We’re preparing for our newest addition, Dare Devil Chaos Coaster, opening this Spring, in addition to all new shows and special events, such as Spring Break when the park is open daily from March 28 through April 12,” she said. “Dare Devil Chaos Coaster marks the park’s ninth roller coaster and takes riders seated face to face on unexpected 360 degree revolutions with an equally unexpected inverted hang time.”
The company’s strong revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 was primarily driven by a 3 percent increase in guest spending and a 15 percent increase in attendance as the company expanded both its highly-popular Fright Fest Halloween event and its family-favorite Holiday in the Park event, the company said
Despite a higher mix of season pass visitation during the fourth quarter, total guest spending per capita increased $0.96 or 3 percent to $38.95, which included a 6 percent or $1.20 increase in admissions per capita and a 1 percent or $0.24 decline in in-park revenue per capita.
Total attendance for the year was 25.6 million guests, which represented a 2 percent decline that was primarily due to extended school calendars in the first half of 2014 relating to the harsh 2013/2014 winter.
The company generated 4 percent attendance growth in the second half of 2014 and a 15 percent increase in attendance in the fourth quarter. The combined season pass and membership attendance mix increased from 48 percent in 2013 to 50 percent in 2014.