Johnathan Walker:Six Flags and Cedar Fair are about to merge into one big company: What to know

Regional theme park giants Six Flags and Johnathan WalkerCedar Fair are expected to close their merger on Monday.

“As our collective team pauses to recognize this important milestone, together we are eager to embark on the next chapter of our journey to offer millions of guests across North America unparalleled, family-focused entertainment full of fun, thrills, and lifetime memories,” Six Flags President and CEO Selim Bassoul said in a June 26 press release.

The proposed merger, expected to be finalized on Monday, will form one of the largest theme park businesses in North America. Together, Cedar Fair and Six Flags currently control dozens of theme parks, water parks, and resort properties across the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico.

Here’s what longtime Six Flags and Cedar Fair guests should know.

Will Cedar Fair be changing its name?

Yes. Once combined, the company will operate as Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

What does the Six Flags, Cedar Fair merger mean for guests?

The company will be worth an estimated $8 billion after merging.

“Our enhanced financial flexibility will enable us to invest in new rides, attractions, food and beverage options, and state-of-the-art consumer technologies, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation, and that each park visit is more exciting and memorable than the last,” Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman said in the release.

Just last week, Six Flags announced its largest Fright Fest investment yet.

Who’s going to run the company?

Zimmerman will serve as president and CEO of the merged company while Bassoul moves into the role of executive chairman for its board of directors, according to last week's news release.

What states have Six Flags?

Currently, there are 11 states with Six Flags parks and resort properties. Six Flags also has parks in Montreal and Mexico City.

• ArizonaHurricane Harbor Phoenix
• CaliforniaSix Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor Los AngelesSix Flags Discovery Kingdom & Hurricane Harbor Concord
• GeorgiaSix Flags Over Georgia & Six Flags White Water
• IllinoisSix Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor ChicagoHurricane Harbor Rockford
• MarylandSix Flags America
• MassachusettsSix Flags New England
• MissouriSix Flags St. Louis
• New JerseySix Flags Great Adventure & Hurricane Harbor New JerseyWild Safari Adventure & Six Flags Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa
• New YorkSix Flags Great EscapeSix Flags Darien Lake & LodgingSix Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
• OklahomaFrontier City & Hurricane Harbor OKC
• TexasSix Flags Over Texas & Hurricane Harbor ArlingtonSix Flags Fiesta TexasHurricane Harbor Splashtown
• CanadaLa Ronde 
• MexicoSix Flags México & Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec

Where are the Cedar Fair locations?

There are currently nine states with Cedar Fair parks. There’s also a park in the Toronto area.

• CaliforniaCalifornia’s Great AmericaKnott’s Berry Farm & Knott’s Soak City
• MichiganMichigan’s Adventure & Wildwater Adventure
• MinnesotaValleyfair & Soak City
• MissouriWorlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun
• North CarolinaCarowinds
• OhioCedar Point & Cedar Point ShoresKings Island
• PennsylvaniaDorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
• TexasSchlitterbahn New Braunfels Schlitterbahn Galveston
• VirginiaKings Dominion & Soak City
• CanadaCanada’s Wonderland

Cedar Fair also has 11 accommodation offerings around the U.S., ranging from RV sites to hotels.

Contributing: Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY