Did not think Six Flags Magic Mountain would be fun!

When I was back in Ohio and before I came to work at Disney, there were two things I said I would NEVER do, one was work for Disney, and the other was visit a Six Flags Park again. After having horrible experiences at SF Worlds of Adventure, and seeing what was happening to the park, as well as hearing certain things about the company, I decided that none of the parks were going to be nice, or even safe.
Let me just say I was wrong, dead wrong!

After being here in California for a while, I started hearing more and more about SFMM. I knew they had several household name thrill rides that anyone even remotely interested in coasters would know, but I was reluctant to go. It was not until my friend Greg convinced me to come with him, that I even considered it. So yesterday after making my "No Six Flags" Vow, I decided to give them one more chance.

Greg and I had a buy one get one coupon so it saved us about $60. The first bad experience we had was waiting out in the blazing sun for a half hour just to purchase a ticket. They had 2 people working on either end of the entrance, so four people total.

Once we finally got in however it was a much different story, the park looked relatively empty and we were wondering where everyone was. Assuming they were probably in line, and thinking there may be more to come, we headed over to the X2. *Note we arrived around 2:15 and got into the X2 line at about 2:40, so we had about 7 hours and 45 minutes to enjoy the park*

X2: 1 hour 25 minute wait
After waiting an hour, the only signs we saw for loose articles were closer to the loading platforms. Even the attendants who were splitting the groups up did not say anything about my hat or backpack. When I arrived at the loading zone, I was told to put my articles in a locker which cost $1 for 120 minutes. Enough about that though, X2 was one of the coolest, craziest coasters I have been on. I like describing it as something that can be experienced, but you probably will not find the same type of coaster anywhere else. 10/10

After X2 we headed toward some restrooms and were directed toward some near where we had entered. I was surprised there were not more near X2's area, especially seeing how crazy that ride is, people could become very ill on it. We walked all the way back by X2 just to ride Viper.

Viper: 1 train wait for back seat, walk-on front car second seat
Looking at the line for Viper I guessed that we would be waiting less than a half hour, but was shocked at how little we had to wait. Also I was surprised how long the trains on Viper, since I'm not used to seeing an Arrow coaster laid out that uniquely. For the back seat I had a bit of the common Arrow head banging, but definitely minimal. In the front there was a lot of force being placed on the body, and some of the elements thrust you up into the restraints, but overall it was a great coaster that I would ride over and over again. Definitely not like Corkscrew! 9.5/10

We decided to go on one more coaster before grabbing some grub, and just relaxing. That coaster was Tatsu, a flying coaster that even I was watching the construction for.

Tatsu: 45 minute wait (front seat)
The only other flying coaster I had to compare this to was X-Flight, and obviously there would be no comparison as Tatsu is a B&M. I love the load system, how you sit comfortable seats and it just lifts you up into place. There were so many G forces to be felt on this ride, I loved it. Definitely if I was not hungry, I would have waited again for the back! 10/10

We ate at Katy's Kettle, which was in a really cool old west part of the park. All the trees there reminded me a lot of being back in Ohio, so it was really nice. Loaded Park Fries, Double Sirlon Burger, and Large Drink $22.00, also the burger was not made with two slices of cheese like they advertised, so he gave us another one, so two for one!

After Katy's we headed toward Deja Vu, Ninja, Superman, Goliath, Scream, and Colassus. Found out that Deja was closed and were told it would be opening in a few hours.

Walked up Samuri Summit and headed toward Superman, expecting a long wait.

Superman: 15 minute, back seat
I really love the theming behind this coaster, and I love stepping into the cars. Sitting down inside I felt like I was in the most comfy coaster ever! I love the restraints as well, Intamin did an awesome job with this coaster. The only problem: It's too short, but the line was not long, so it was worth it. 9.5/10

Ninja: Walk On back seat
The ride ops were definitely having fun on this ride. The spiels would end with "Have a great ride on Ninja. Hi-yah!" It was funny if the guest responded the ride ops kept the Hi-yah's coming, and even let my friend Greg say on into the mike. I know not very professional, but hey the reason for these type of parks is for fun, and by golly we were all having fun. I love this coaster by the way. Definitely went above and beyond all expectations. 10/10

Walked down the summit and headed toward Riddler's Revenge.

Riddler's Revenge: 10 minutes back seat
Another one of those coasters where you are pretty much suckered into paying a dollar for a locker. When we arrived up on the platform, I noticed something I did not like at all. One of the employees had the look I expected all to have "since it is Six Flags", but he was the only one. No belt, sagging pants, not really paying attention, horsing around, letting people SIT on the seats, instead of standing like they're suppose to on this ride. However the ride op across from him was extremely professional and did a great job! Coaster was better than I expected since it was a stand-up. By far the best stand up I've been on! 10/10

Colossus: 1 train wait, front and back
They were running one side of this, but that's because that's all they needed. Rode the front of the red train, and back of the black train. I definitely think this coaster will replace the void I am feeling from missing my Raging Wolf Bobs. Has a lot of really fun elements, and is not rough, by any standards. 10/10

Scream: 1 train wait, front and back
Looking at the track, I could already tell this was a B&M floorless. The back seat really whips you around and I did not expect that little upside down roll right before going into the cobra roll. It was a unique experience that I really enjoyed. The ONLY way to ride a B&M is in both the front and back, unless time is a restriction. 10/10

Goliath: 5 minute wait, back seat
This ride is everything people said it was and more. The G forces I felt in the heartline curve and feeling I had equaled to what I felt going down Millennium Forces drop. It was insane! 10/10

Batman: 1 train wait back seat.
The last coaster of the night, and we were hoping to end with a bang. Which it was, but not the best bang I had hoped for. Throughout the ride there was a horrible screeching sound, and it seemed like at any minute the train would rattle itself apart. Definitely the type of ride I though ever coaster would be, "since it is Six Flags", however it was the only one I encountered. 7/10

Overall Experience:
Positive: Short lines, friendly employees, great food, good music, definitely make the atmosphere fun.
Negative: Some employee dress code problems, Batman, waiting for the tickets. 90/100 Definitely hope to go back!

Six Flags really seems to have stepped it up. Glad to know it's just not my own rose-colored glasses. More and more SF TR's with people saying the same thing - it's good!

Thanks for the TR. :)

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"E"Coster Gurl said:

Riddler's Revenge: Another one of those coasters where you are pretty much suckered into paying a dollar for a locker.

Overall Experience:
Positive: Short lines, friendly employees, great food, good music, definitely make the atmosphere fun.
. 90/100 Definitely hope to go back!

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You got Shapiro'd!

Say what you will about SF parks and their customer service, I had a blast at the park in March of 2003. Granted I went during the "off season" and there weren't any lines and I could see the potential of bad operations if the park was crowded. With that said, I'd like to see anyone else compare the roller coaster collection to any other park and it can't be rivaled (except for CP or Great Adventure). That was the big sell for me for the week I was in CA. Even with great customer service at the two Disney parks in Anaheim I still found SFMM as my favorite of the trip.

I'm in the minority of those who loves SFMM and cannot wait to go back. Glad you had a good time.

~Rob Willi

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Lord Gonchar said:
More and more SF TR's with people saying the same thing - it's good!

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Yup, lowered expectations will do that, I've found.

So will consistent improvement. ;)

Whichever it is - perception is reality, right?

A TR like this and Mamoosh STILL won't go there?!...WOW!!!

Nope. And I probably won't visit next year either despite the new GCI.

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Lord Gonchar said:
Whichever it is - perception is reality, right?

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Sure.

I mean my only trip to SFMM was in 2001 and I actually had a great time and wrote a very positive review saying so. I think even the worst parks (and I'm not saying SFMM is one of the worst parks, at all) will get some fine TR's regularly*. Is there a trend towards more positive SF reviews in general? It doesn't seem that way to me but I don't really pay close attention.

*SFA not included.

I was at the park yesterday with two friends and the only real change I saw from last year was the park was much, much cleaner and there's a lot more live entertainment around the park. Every restroom had an active attendant stationed there, so bathrooms were cleaner than what I'm used to (although the restrooms are in need of a face-lift and upgrade).

Every coaster was running more than one train yesterday (sans Superman, Deja Vu, and the two kiddies of course), but operations were still pretty awful. Tatsu was dispatching at an average interval of 5 minutes or more; and because only one station was in use, it kept stacking.

The new Thomas Town area of the park was really well done, but quite small. It was practically deserted when we checked it out. And for good reason too. I don't think anybody is aware that it exists. The park is pushing X2 but with absolutely no emphasis on the new childrens' area.

X2? Spectacular. Much better than its original form. The special effects and the on-board audio really add a lot to the ride. The ride is much smoother than it was before (it used to be incredibly violent) and the seats and headrests are a lot more comfortable. It never broke down once while I waited in line. The line still moves rather slow given its bizarre loading/unloading setup, but with the ride operating with at least two trains, it's tolerable.

In the grand scheme of things, the park has definitely improved by a large margin compared to last season. However, it is far from close to being perfect. If Jay Thomas and Tim Burkhardt can maintain the momentum of improvements they began last fall, I won't lose faith.

*** Edited 6/27/2008 8:47:01 PM UTC by kRaXLeRidAh***

^^And see, I thought it was more 2007 where the turnaround happened and when things got much better than 06 and 05, etc.

My first trip in 02 was nothing like my two trips last year, which were both perfect and more like your typical Cedar Point visit...so I thought last year was also good.

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tigellinus said:
My first trip in 02 was nothing like my two trips last year, which were both perfect and more like your typical Cedar Point visit...so I thought last year was also good.

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The sad part is I the more I keep hearing negative things about Cedar Point, is the more I keep hearing positive things about SFMM...

^Since when? I have yet to hear many negative things about CP lately. (Except from the Geauga Lake people who like to bash CP because they hate CF, which I think is unfair.)

Opinion across the board is that Cedar Point's customer service, especially in the food service area, is horrid.

Don't bother telling that to Parker17. He or she has got to be the biggest CP fanboy on this site.

Yes, I am CP's number one fan. You got a problem with that?

Only if your fanaticism blinds you to criticism, in which case you're not a fanboy...you're obsessed.

You didn't mention Revolution in your post. I'm just curious if it was running, and what you thought of it.

I have seen it in videos, and it was in two movies. (Rollercoaster and Vacation) So, I was just wondering if it was as fun as it looks. I know it's a pretty old coaster, but, if I were to go to magic mountain I would certainly want to ride it.

Not too excited about collosus since they put in the huge mid-course breaks. Taking out the double-dip just makes it seem like it wouldn't be as much fun.

Goliath doesn't look that exciting to me either, as it has more curves than hills. But, I'm sure I would like Scream, The Riddler, and Tatsu. And, X2 would be on my list for sure.

Unfortunately, I haven't ever been to California, nor do I think I ever will. But, If I could, I would go to Magic Mountain for sure. And probably Knotts, Great America, and California Adventure...probably not Disneyland. I have been to Disneyworld. Kind of Boring except for Space mountain.

Unfortunately I was unable to ride Revolution, but hopefully I'm going to be going back soon...

To Parker17, I love Cedar Point, I used to work there, and I'm one of those crazy obsessed fan people, but looking at it from a guests perspective rather than an employee, and even as a employee last summer, I have noticed the park is focusing more on quantity over quality.