Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Review: Six Flags Magic Mountain




Six Flags Magic Mountain is a park that most people should have heard of. It is not only one of California's most popular parks (following Disneyland), but it is the biggest of all the Six Flags. This year, Magic Mountain is tying the record (once again) for "roller coaster capital of the world", by adding its 17th coaster.



Magic Mountain is located right off of Highway 5 in Valencia, California. It is about 25 minutes north of Hollywood. It opened in 1971, and has held 11 different world records. Some of them include; the worlds first looping coaster (Revolution, 1976),  the worlds largest dual-track wooden coaster (Colossus, 1978),  the worlds tallest looping coaster and coaster with the most inversions (Viper, 1990), worlds tallest and fastest coaster (Superman, 1997), coaster with the longest drop (Goliath, 2000), and most recently, the worlds first 4th dimensional roller coaster (X2, 2008).


Magic Mountain is one of very few parks to stay open year round (weekends only during the off-season). One of its icons, the famous Sky Tower (384 feet tall), you can see from miles away. The park has 16 thrilling coasters, adding its 17th this year. During Octobers Fright Fest, the park has 4 haunted houses and fog surrounding Gotham City and the Sky Tower plaza, where gouls and goblins jump out and scare you. They run there coasters without any lights on at night, and if you want a real thrill you can ride Colossus; backwards.


The coasters aren't the only great part of Magic Mountain. For those hot, humid, L.A. summer days, the park offers some great water rides. There is a rapids ride, which you get drenched on, 2 log rides, and 1 boat ride. There are dozens of games, shops, and food venues. And if you want a nice sit down meal, you can dine at the Mooseburger Lodge, a restaurant offering half-pound burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a buffet.


So if you want to ride some of the worlds best coasters, or if you just want to see a great amusement park, be sure to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain. You can't do everything in one day, so if you are going to spend more than one day, the season pass is definitely the way to go (pays for it self in less than 2 visits). And if you go during the summer, be sure to check our Hurricane Harbor, a Six Flags water park located next to Magic Mountain.

Park Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Look for a Magic Mountain coaster review coming soon!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Six Flags Magic Mountain's 17th coaster on the way!

Six Flags Magic Mountain (in Valencia, CA) is adding its 17th coaster to the queue this year. The coaster is announced to be a "family" style coaster, and will open up in early summer. It will be titled Mr Six's Dance Coaster, named after Six Flags mascot, Mr Six. It will be located in the back of the park near last years addition, Terminator Salvation. With the addition of this coaster, Magic Mountain will be tied once again with Cedar Point (in Sandusky, OH), for "roller coaster capital of the world." Although it is not official, the coaster is rumored to be a refurbished ride from Six Flags New Orleans. The once Road Runner Express was shut down in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina caused damage to the park. It was then refurbished by an independent company, and is now relocated to Magic Mountain. The ride is 28 feet tall, and reaches a maximum speed of 21mph. This probably won't attract many coaster enthusiasts, but it's more-so intended to be a family-friendly addition to the park.