Traveling the Globe for the Best Coasters and Theme Parks
In Part 4 we looked at the construction and eventual transformation of California’s tallest wooden coaster, Colossus. Today’s lost coaster resided at the same park. This story includes a natural disaster, a young Swiss ride manufacturer, and the unfortunate death of a coaster design icon.
Continue reading “Lost Coasters of California – Part 5: Psyclone”
When a park sets out to build the biggest, fastest, and baddest coaster around the problem always arises that its records and stature will eventually be surpassed. For Magic Mountain’s Colossus this was not a problem for much of its life. From its construction in 1978 until the construction of Viper in 1990 it was the tallest full circuit coaster in all of California. After Viper Colossus reigned as the king of the California wooden coasters until it’s RMC conversion in 2014, passing the crown to the nearby GhostRider.
Continue reading “Lost Coasters of California – Part 4: Colossus”
Cruis’n the Park Car Show
World’s first drive-thru auto show inside Six Flags Magic Mountain, presented by West Coast Customs.
Continue reading ““Cruis’n the Park Car Show” Coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain”
I’ve had the distinct privilege of traveling around the world and riding all three of the large Arrow/S&S 4D Coasters. Having lived next to Magic Mountain for many years, I’m very familiar with X2‘s distinct last Raven Turn, but how do the other two compare? Eejanaika and Dinoconda look similar but deliver vastly different ride experiences. Join me as I take a look at all three 4D Coasters, their differences, ride experiences, and learn which one is my favorite.
Continue reading “X2 vs. Eejanaika vs. Dinoconda”
For about as long as Six Flags Magic Mountain has been in operation, nearby Hollywood has frequently mined the park for on-location filming of amusement park scenes for feature films, television, advertisements, and more. Classic sequences, like National Lampoon’s Vacation at “Walley World”, remain cultural iconography.
In 1990 the opening of Viper (and the advent of a professional camera rig that could be mounted to the nose of the train) catapulted Magic Mountain even further into Hollywood notoriety, with major productions now having utilized the enormous Arrow Looper countless times over the last 3 decades. Let’s take a look at some, shall we?
Continue reading “Viper: Hollywood’s Favorite Coaster”
Earlier this year documents were uncovered on the LA County permitting website that show plans for a new roller coaster for Six Flags Magic Mountain! The proposed ride, an RMC Raptor/single rail coaster would re-use the former Green Lantern station and use some of the area currently occupied by Tidal Wave. New permits show that Six Flags Magic Mountain has been granted approval for $1.3M of foundations for the coaster’s supports.
Continue reading “Six Flags Magic Mountain Gets Approval to Lay Foundations of New RMC Coaster”
It’s been 2 years since our last comprehensive countdown of California coasters, so for 2020 we bring you now a Top 20 for the Golden State. Things in California have changed a LOT in 2 years, and the landscape and hierarchy of its coasters is no exception. Continue reading “Coaster Kings’ California TOP 20 – 2020”
Following the launch of our Twenty-Year Top 20: The Best Coasters of 1999, we immediately decided to make it an annual thing – Here’s what we think are the 20 best coasters that turned 20 in 2020!
Continue reading “Twenty-Year Top 20: The Best Coasters of 2000”
In 1981 Dutch fantasy park Efteling decided to add their first roller coaster. Already a well established theme-park they chose to make an investment that would make a big impact on the European market. Working with Dutch manufacturer Vekoma they unveiled the largest roller coaster in all of Europe, Python. Although a copy of the existing Arrow Huss Carolina Cyclone, this 4 inversion monster was unlike anything in the region. It was only 2 years after Blackpool Pleasure Beach had unveiled Europe’s first modern looping coaster and the first time modern inversions appeared in continental Europe. Efteling had built something loopier, larger, and unlike anything else that Europe had seen and it became a phenomenon. Python has been featured in numerous Dutch TV programs, was used by Porsche to film a television commercial, and continues to be one of the most popular attractions in the park. So beloved is this ride that in 2018 the park spent an estimated 4.5 Million Euro ($5.3 Million USD) to re-track the majority of the ride and ensure it continues to run for future generations. Continue reading “5 of America’s National Coaster Icons”
Holiday festivities have begun here in Southern California. And while it does seem quite a bit different compared to what it was in years past, we are still trying to soak in every single moment. The first park we visited this year for the holidays is Six Flags Magic Mountain. Because the park is currently not allowed to be open for normal operation, they have adjusted Holiday in the Park to make it a drive-thru experience. In this review, we’ll share some basic information on the event along with our review. Continue reading “Holiday in the Park Drive-thru Experience Review – Six Flags Magic Mountain”
After months on top of months of waiting, California theme parks finally received reopening guidelines yesterday during the state’s weekly COVID-19 briefing. Governor Gavin Newsom along with other high-level representatives from the Golden State have decided to split up theme parks into “larger theme parks” and “smaller theme parks”. The placement of a theme park is based on its capacity. The state says it will allow smaller theme parks to reopen at 25% capacity (or 500 people, whichever is fewer) once the county the park resides in is placed into the orange tier. Reservations will be required, all park guests must live in the same county the park is in, and only outdoor attractions will be allowed to operate. For larger theme parks, the restrictions are even more suffocating, with the guidelines stating that the county the park resides in must be in the yellow tier in order to reopen. Like the smaller parks, reservations will also be required and the park capacity will have to be 25%. Continue reading “California Theme Parks – Where Do We Go From Here?”
Neal Thurman, known to many for his work with Six Flags as Park President of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Great Adventure, and most recently Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, has left the Six Flags Corporation and is joining SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SEAS) as Park President for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Continue reading “Neal Thurman Leaves Six Flags Magic Mountain to Join Busch Gardens Tampa Bay”
Documents have been uncovered on the LA County permitting website that show plans for a new roller coaster for Six Flags Magic Mountain! The proposed ride, an RMC Raptor/single rail coaster would re-use the former Green Lantern station and use some of the area currently occupied by Tidal Wave. Read on to take a closer look!
Continue reading “Permit Shows New Coaster Planned for Six Flags Magic Mountain”
Sean: This Holiday Season, like most, brings heavy crowds to some of our favorite SoCal parks. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s parking lot reached capacity at 4pm and the crowds inside the park confirm the craziness! Let’s take a look at some of the wild crowds, wait times and lines at Six Flags Magic Mountain on December 29th. Continue reading “Crazy Holiday Crowds at Six Flags Magic Mountain”
Derek: The eagerly anticipated Premier Rides Inc. roller coaster, West Coast Racers, is having an action packed week at Six Flags Magic Mountain! After testing throughout the past month, the new CEO of Six Flags got to experience the brand new attraction on Wednesday, December 18th. Mike Spanos, along with other Six Flags execs, broke in the new ride with a team member party following on Friday night. Continue reading “West Coast Racers at Six Flags Magic Mountain: Our First Thoughts!”
Visit Six Flags Magic Mountain just before Christmas for an Exclusive Preview on West Coast Racers! Below find the dates and times for each of the pass and membership types!
Continue reading “BREAKING: Pass Holder Previews to be Offered on West Coast Racers!”
Preston: This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to attend Magic Mountain’s media event for Holiday in the Park. We were able to sample some of the new foods and treats they have available during the season for their holiday food festival. And, we took a lap around the park to take in all the beautiful Holiday decorations. And as a special Christmas present, we have some photos of West Coast Racers testing! Let’s dive in and check out all the offerings this year!
Derek: Holiday in the Park kicked off the season at Six Flags Magic Mountain and runs daily until January 5th. Many returning favorites are featured around the park along with some tweaks and new additions. A large Christmas tree now stands tall next to Santa’s Cottage and Coca-cola polar bear photo ops are positioned in a few locations including across from Food Etc. and next to Studio 6F.
Continue reading “Six Flags Magic Mountain Update – Holiday in the Park 2019”
Derrion: With almost a month between our last update, I was super excited to get back to the park and get coverage for you all! The Fright Fest season will sadly be ending soon, but we have some neat tricks that will give you a treat on your next visit. Most importantly West Coast Racers is taking shape and we have an awesome update to follow. Let’s jump in!
Continue reading “Six Flags Magic Mountain / West Coast Racers Update 10/25/19”
Derrion: We had the pleasure of attending this years media event at Fright Fest! As always, Fright Fest does not disappoint and is sure to be a great season. Continue reading for an update on the continued success of Fright Fest and catch some of the spooky new additions to the park.
Continue reading “Fright Fest 2019 Review – Six Flags Magic Mountain”