Six Flags Magic Mountain - Quick TR from 5/22/09

[gad198]

Overview:

I was heading to LA for a salsa dance festival they hold every year, and decided to work in a quick trip to Magic Mountain this past Friday. I had been to the park before six years ago, and I must admit the place was MUCH better this time around. Operations were much better and the staff was much more friendly. It might have been the 85 degree and sunny weather, too, but I had a great, albeit it brief, time at the park, as we were only there four hours. The park itself offers some of the best panoramas of any park I've been to thus far; the mountainous setting provides absolutely gorgeous views.

When we arrived at the parking gate I asked the attendant if it was busy. He quickly responded "yes", and I'm thinking, particularly with such a short amount of time that we'd probably have to do a Flash Pass. I'm glad we didn't, as most of the rides didn't have any appreciable waits, sans two or three rides.

Rides:

Goliath (walk-on to last row): this ride really makes me appreciate all that Diamondback has to offer. The first hill, while taller, doesn't provide the same thrill as DB. It's not as steep, and even sitting in the very back row we didn't get the effect we were looking for. There's only one real "airtime" hill on the ride (although, to it's credit it does provide some nice floater, particularly in the front), and for a ride of this height I never did quite understand that. The helix is as advertised, as it pulls some nice force. I liked the speed, I liked the drops, and I liked the helix, but we both agreed DB was much better and much more re-rideable. Grade: B-

Scream (walk-on to last row): your typical B&M floorless over your typical parking lot. I like this ride, a lot actually (it's an almost mirror version of Medusa at Great Adventure), but I never could understand why they simply tear up the asphalt and put some landscaping in! It would probably be one of the most photogenic rides in the country if they'd do it (the mountains behind are absolutely gorgeous), but alas what's done is done, and when money is tight that's the last thing they'll concern themselves with. I've seen elsewhere that the ride was getting a little rough but we didn't feel that on our ride. The zero-g roll delivered yet again. The ride itself is an B+, but the parking lot setting is a complete fail. Overall grade: B-

Tatsu (35 minutes, third to last row): I believe that the Interpreter mentioned that he drove four hours one way just to ride this some time ago, and now I understand why. This coaster has everything a good flyer should: height, good speed and even better pacing, and plenty of force! Unlike the Superman: Ultimate Flight coasters the best part is saved for last, the MONSTROUS pretzel loop. We can usually handle a lot force on any coaster, and normally I'll go directly to the back of any S:UF ride because the pretzel loop is the only element worth noting and you get the most force there. Even in the third to last row I nearly blacked out at the bottom of Tatsu's loop due to the force, something I have not even come close to doing on any other coaster. I can only imagine what the last row would be like! The three in-line twists were also spot on. This is the king of flying coasters! I'll definitely need to check out Manta after having ridden this. This easily cracks my top 10. Grade: A

X2 (1 hour, last row): this was the most popular ride when we first visited the park in 03 and it's still the case now. My first two rides on the original X were less than stellar, as the headbanging precluded me from enjoying the ride. The train redesign really made a big difference in the ride quality, and I enjoyed my ride. I didn't remember the ride being as short as it was, which may be the only real strike against it. The first drop as you're heading face down vertically is just awesome. The ride itself is so unique you can't really compare it to anything else. The fire and mist effects weren't working, but the on-board audio was a nice touch. It's a really good ride but not a great ride, but definitely worth the hour we waited. If the ride were ten seconds longer this would get an A without question, but since it's not: Grade: B+

Since we visited on the day before Terminator Salvation opened there's obviously no ride review for that, unfortunately. The ride itself looks great and I'm sure will ride well seeing as it's a GCI with those fabulous MF trains. It does look very short, though, and if there are any complaints about the ride by the enthusiast community I'd imagine that may be at the top of the list. Should definitely be a must ride coaster on my next visit.

I can't stress enough how big the strides they've taken to improve the park have been. They were running all trains on all the coasters even if the waits may not have necessitated that they do that. The only thing about the park I didn't care for is that their flat ride collection is lacking, so we'll see how/if they address that in the future. We'll definitely be back (no pun intended). On a side note, to those of you who have been to an In-N-Out burger, what are your thoughts? Thanks for reading!

[The Interpreter]

What are my thoughts about In-N-Out? Simply outstanding. Made fresh, made right by good employers who treat their people well who then treat the customers well. I love In-N-Out!

[IndyGuy4KI]

What are my thoughts about In-N-Out? Simply outstanding. Made fresh, made right by good employers who treat their people well who then treat the customers well. I love In-N-Out!

I agree with Terpy. Great food and seem to be friendy. At least the 4 times I have eaten there.

[westcoaster]

Love in and out, its fresh and good, only in 4 states now nevada, utah, california arizona, with that magic mountain tr I might have to run there soon...

Fat burger is a close 2nd