Debt-Laden Six Flags Sells Seven Parks as Regional Industry Faces Cost Surge and Labor Gaps

Overview

• Reports cite roughly $5.2 billion in debt at the merged Six Flags–Cedar Fair, constraining new investment and upkeep.
• Six Flags said it is selling seven regional parks for $331 million to EPR Properties as part of a portfolio shake-up.
• Analysts warn that specialist buyers such as Enchanted Parks Holdings could run acquired parks in managed decline focused on real estate value.
• Last season’s attendance at Six Flags parks fell about 13%, reinforcing a shift from volume deals to pricier, premium experiences.
• Rising add-on costs—parking, food and paid skip-the-line—now push many family visits into the $500–$600 range as staffing shortages and H‑2B visa denials strain operations, including at Dollywood’s parent Herschend.