I read a comment on a forum this evening that got me thinking. The poster was commenting on the fact that Terminator’s on board audio computer (SOBAT for short, I believe) is exposed as the last car on the train, same as with X2. However with rides like California Screamin’ or Space Mountain the SOBAT is completely integrated into the train, and he was wondering why. One word: Money, moolah, the green stuff, etc.

Now here’s what got me thinking. I have read countless posts (heck, I know I’ve been guilty of making comments like this) that read something like “Well, it’s not Disney, but it’s decent.” in regards to theming, whether it was done by Six Flags, Cedar Fair, or what have you.

After thinking about it.. No crap! Take a look at how much places like Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain are only charging forty bucks a ticket (approximately)! Where-as a park like Disneyland or Universal Studios is charging well over sixty dollars for one ticket… And if you want a park hopper at the Disneyland Resort you’re looking at over eighty dollars for one day. 

So, why on earth would we expect better than – or even equal thematics, ride quality, food quality, staff quality, landscaping at a Six Flags park as compared to a Disney park? 

There’s an old saying, “You get what you pay for” but this saying seems to be completely disregarded when theme parks are in question, which I find very interesting. 

So, where do you stand? Are you happy to pay much less at the gate for an experience that’s not up to a Disney or Universal level (But still a lot of fun)? Or would you rather spring for the more expensive Disney ticket for a (at least in my opinion) better experience?

You know where I stand, what do you guys think?