(Interview) Why Enchanted Parks eliminated dining plans at its former Six Flags parks
As Enchanted Parks works to establish its own identity following the acquisition of six former Six Flags parks, one of its most controversial decisions has been the elimination of legacy dining plans. The obvious reason for the decision is to save the company money, but Enchanted Parks CEO James Harhi explains there’s more to it than cost-cutting.
Speaking with Attractions Magazine as part of a broader conversation about the company’s first year under new ownership, CEO James Harhi acknowledged the change has been a difficult one for many longtime guests.
“The most complicated thing we’re doing, we got away from the dining plan,” Harhi said.
For years, dining plans had become a staple for many Six Flags visitors, allowing families to build meals into the cost of their season passes and visits. Harhi said he understands why some guests were disappointed to see them go.
“Some were budgeting it into their family budget,” he said. However, Harhi said Enchanted Parks inherited a system that no longer aligned with either the company’s technology infrastructure or its long-term philosophy.
“Technology and philosophically, [it was] not aligned,” he said. The decision also comes amid ongoing cost pressures affecting businesses across the country.
“I do not have a magic chicken tender tree,” Harhi said with a laugh.
While the comment drew a smile, it underscored a serious challenge facing regional parks: balancing affordability for guests while managing rising operating expenses. Harhi said the goal wasn’t simply to remove a popular benefit, but to rethink where the company directs its resources.
Courtesy of Enchanted Parks
No longer Six Flags
“We have to do things differently than Six Flags,” he said. “We cannot continue to do what Six Flags did because these parks are not Six Flags,” Harhi said. Enchanted Parks has focused on reducing menu prices where possible while prioritizing investments that directly impact the guest experience.
“We did price reductions by removing the dining plan,” he said. “We know it is painful. We feel long-term this is the right decision.”
Ultimately, Harhi said the company believes guests would rather see resources invested in the experiences that create lasting memories. “Let’s focus on rides and improvements, not chicken tenders,” he said.
Courtesy of Enchanted Parks
The comments offer a rare look at the difficult choices facing Enchanted Parks as it navigates its first season operating the six former Six Flags properties. While guests often notice the visible changes — new attractions, entertainment, and dining offerings — Harhi said many of the biggest decisions happening behind the scenes involve determining what traditions are worth preserving and what needs to evolve.
A balancing act
“I learned a long time ago that if I try to make everyone happy, I will not be productive,” Harhi said.
As Enchanted Parks continues its transition, Harhi acknowledged not every decision will be universally popular. But he remains confident the company is building toward a model it believes will better serve its parks and guests in the years ahead.
For now, he sees the transition as an ongoing process of continuous improvement — one focused not only on rides and revenue, but also on creating a sustainable business that supports employees and delivers the kind of experiences families will return to for generations.
The featured image of this article contains a photo from Getty Images.
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