You’ve probably heard the rumors floating around the midways or seen the panicked threads on Reddit. It’s true. The dust from the massive $8 billion merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair hasn't just settled; it’s started to bury some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Honestly, it’s a weird time to be a coaster fan or a park employee. We’re seeing a total overhaul of how our favorite SoCal hangouts operate.
Back in mid-2024, the two giants officially became one, creating a behemoth with 42 parks under its wing. But that kind of scale comes with a price. By May 2025, the new leadership—led by CEO Richard Zimmerman—pulled the trigger on a "Great Reset."
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The most jarring news? The Six Flags Knott's Magic Mountain layoffs weren't just about front-line staff or seasonal help. They went straight for the top.
The Empty Corner Offices in Valencia and Buena Park
If you think your job is safe, imagine being the president of a world-renowned theme park. On May 23, 2025, the Orange County Register broke the news that sent shockwaves through the enthusiast community: Jon Storbeck, the president of Knott’s Berry Farm, and Jeff Harris, the president of Six Flags Magic Mountain, were both out.
It wasn't just them, though.
The company basically deleted the "Park President" role from its entire vocabulary. All 27 amusement parks in the U.S. saw their top-level leadership positions dissolved. Why? Because the corporate suits decided a "regional operating structure" was the way of the future. Instead of each park having its own big boss, they’ve centralized everything.
Think about that for a second.
Magic Mountain is the "Thrill Capital of the World." Knott’s is a historic landmark with a very specific, home-grown vibe. Now, they're being managed like cogs in a larger regional machine. A spokesperson for Six Flags told the Santa Clarita Valley Signal that this was all about "sharpening the parks' focus on execution."
That sounds a lot like corporate-speak for "we need to save money."
By the Numbers: 135 Jobs on the Line
While the executives made the headlines, the real pain is felt deeper down the org chart. In California alone, 135 full-time positions at Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Discovery Kingdom, and Great America were either cut entirely or "re-classified" as part-time.
- Total Headcount Reduction: Just over 10% of the company's full-time staff nationwide.
- The Goal: Saving roughly $120 million in "cost synergies" that were promised to investors when the merger happened.
- The Timeline: Most of these cuts were wrapped up by the end of June 2025.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. One day you’re a full-time lead with benefits, and the next, you’re being offered a "separation package" or a part-time gig with no guarantees. Former Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet even took to LinkedIn to say he retired before the merger because he didn't want to watch "talented colleagues being asked to exit" just to make the math work.
Why This Matters for Your Next Visit
You might be wondering, "Why should I care if the president of Magic Mountain is gone?"
Well, it’s about the soul of the park. When you centralize leadership, you risk losing the local touch. Knott’s fans are already complaining on social media about the apps merging and the loss of that "independent" feel. If there isn't a dedicated president fighting for the specific needs of their park, do the flowers still get planted? Does the Ghost Town woodworker keep his job? Or does every park eventually just look like a generic template?
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There’s also the practical side.
In May 2025, Six Flags reported a $220 million net loss for the first quarter. They blamed bad weather and a shaky economy. When a company is losing that much cash and cutting 10% of its workforce, maintenance and staffing usually take a hit. We’ve already seen reports of attractions and food stands staying closed because there simply isn't anyone to run them.
What’s Coming in 2026?
We’re now into early 2026, and the "Enchanted Parks" trademark filings have people worried about even more changes. There’s talk of selling off parks that don't "contribute to growth." We already saw Six Flags America in Maryland get the axe (closing at the end of the 2025 season).
Could more be on the chopping block?
The company is prioritizing parks with the highest returns. Magic Mountain and Knott’s are likely safe from closure because they make too much money, but the "experience" is definitely in a state of flux.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Employees
If you’re a regular at these parks or an employee navigating this mess, here’s the reality:
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- For Employees: If you’re still there, document everything. The shift to a regional structure means your "boss" might not even be in the same city. If you were laid off, check the WARN Act requirements—companies have to give 60 days' notice for mass layoffs, and sometimes they cut corners.
- For Passholders: Watch the "per-cap" spending. The merger was designed to squeeze more money out of every guest through dynamic pricing and "premium add-ons." If you feel like you're being nickel-and-dimed more than usual, it’s not your imagination.
- For Enthusiasts: Keep an eye on ride maintenance. With fewer full-time staff, the turnaround on broken coasters might slow down. Use apps like Queue-Times to track closures before you pay for a ticket.
The era of the "local" park leader is over. It’s all about the spreadsheet now. Whether that leads to better rides or just more expensive parking remains to be seen.
Next Steps:
Keep a close watch on the 2026 seasonal pass benefits. The company is currently integrating the two legacy systems, and many users have reported issues with the new unified Six Flags app not recognizing old Knott's credentials. Verify your pass status before heading to the gate to avoid long lines at Guest Relations.