Arlington, Texas -- The Six Flags Over Texas amusement park should see thousands of guests when it opens for the season despite the recession, the park's general manager says.

Park General Manager Steve Martindale predicts that thanks to discount offerings made popular last year, the amusement park in Arlington, Texas, should remain a popular attraction when its gates officially open next weekend, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported Sunday.

"We were kind of ahead of the game last year when we came out with 'everybody pays kids' price,' kind of ahead of the major part of the recession," Martindale said. "We really think that people that took advantage of it before are probably going back to their friends and telling them that's the way to do it because it is such a good value."

Martindale assured Six Flags Over Texas fans last year's promotion would continue once the site opens for business next Saturday.

The park official also informed the Star-Telegram that Six Flags visitors should expect a more friendly experience this year.

"There is a noticeably greater degree of enthusiasm by the staff than I've seen in quite a few years," Martindale said.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.