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SFMM Trip Report. Opening Day, April 1st, 2021. TLDR: I had a very six flags day (but it was awesome) After over four years, I finally returned to my home park and self-proclaimed "coaster capitol of the world", Six Flags Magic Mountain. This was my first ever trip to the park alone, and I was ready for anything and everything that could happen. My reservation was for 1:45pm but I arrived in Valencia at 11:30. I stopped at the Subway off The Old Road which I highly recommend doing if you don't have a meal plan. The lines looked long, though there is an app ordering system. I was finishing class via Zoom on my phone so that killed some time and then I decided to head over to the park. I got in the parking lot line at 12:00 on the dot. The line took just under 10 minutes which was not too bad. The parking attendant was very nice about it being the first day and did not make me pay for parking (thank you if you see this!!!) He said next time I would either need to pay standard fee or upgrade my pass and I was on my way. Parking was super fast and easy. I was guided into the first section of parking and got a pretty amazing spot. As I walked towards the entrance anticipation was quickly building. Seeing Twisted Colossus, Scream, Goliath, Superman, and even the waterslides for the first time gain got me so excited and grateful to be back at magic mountain. I walked through the covid screening which was super easy, walked through security without even stopping, and walked through the gates in a matter of minutes. For the first time I had no plan. I had about 13 roller coasters I wanted to ride first. Ultimately, I decided to head to X2, even though it was stuck when I entered the park. To no surprise, it’s gate was locked and the bridge was closed. I past above Revolution next and that was also broken down. A train was stuck on the break run with riders. So I decided to head up to Tatsu, and that was broken down as well with a very long line. But like destiny had it written, I headed to WCR for my first ride back and my first ride ever on the park’s latest attraction. I got in line for West Coast Racers at 12:40. The outdoor queue was filled and the line stretched decently far back. The indoor queue was not being used for idle standing like all the other rides (until it strikes 6…but more on that later) As you can see, not a whole lot of distancing here. At 1:10, just as I hit the entrance for the shaded outdoor switchback, the ride breaks down. 5 minutes later it was testing. Five more minutes the ride was back to full operation. This awful photo does not do this area justice. the ride has an enormous presence here and it's the center of attention at all times, even when it's not cycling it's just a piece of art. It’s worth noting however the capacity on WCR is terrible right now. Only rows 1,3,5 are open and it’s low capacity ride as is. Finally, after 90 minutes of waiting I got to ride the brand new West Coast Racers. First off, the theme was much better executed than I expected. The West Coast Customs collab is a huge success in my opinion. The coaster itself is just pure fun. That first high five element on the white side is absolutely nuts. Best element on the ride for sure. I preferred the white side a lot more on first ride but they were both excellent. It’s a family thrill coaster for sure but that’s exactly what the park needed. I thought these trains were stunning in person. The red one (not pictured) was especially cool. You absolutely fly out of your seat when you hit the break run on the yellow side. Hello old friend...another time (did not make today's priority list) First time seeing the new paint job and it looks great. I headed to TC and it’s line was full and out the queue. 3 train ops with major stackage. Got in line at 2:25. Waited for about 10 minutes until the ride broke down. Yep, that’s 4 straight (but we’re not done yet!) I was the last person in line they allowed to stay so that was great. Bought a blue Powerade and took a seat in the shade. A much needed break on this nearly 90 degree day outdoors. After about 15ish minutes the ride was fully operational. After another 30 minutes, I was on the ride. They let you choose your row now (which I feel like is not always the case?) and of course I went to the back seat. Like most the other rides, it was every other row. That was one of the most insane rides I have ever had on TC. It was absolutely hauling and I was literally screaming over the airtime hills and first drop. Headed to Full Throttle next. 2 train ops. It looked to have a much shorter wait than when I entered so I got line at 3:25. A few trains before I get on, someone throws up off the train just as the train hit the brake run, but the employees didn’t see and I guess there was no mess (I hope?) well as luck would have it I did have that train but like TC, the employee as nice and let me choose my row, so I went for the back, far far away from the yak. Only waited 30 minutes for this one which was by far the fastest of the day for the major coasters. No break down either! shoutout to the ride op on here too he was very entertaining. Next, X2. The beast was re-opened and it was my top priority. 1 Train operation. Got in line at 4:00 and the ride broke down at 4:20. It was a short line for X2 but the breakdown took a pretty long time. Even with most people leaving, I waited another 40 minutes before boarding. I opted for the front row since im just not ready for the back again yet lol. The speakers are on!!!! And it is glorious. Ah yes, ketchup and mustard the ride! 2! Another angle of the yellow lift stairs from FT. I personally think it is gross, but up close it's kind of cool and on the ride it's grey since it's only on the edge of each stair. So it's really not too bad but it's gross long distance and I will die on that mountain. Almost like X is trying to peek it's head out. Also this screen is in very desperate need of an upgrade. Notice the big black L in the top right corner One train ops woot woot! much better. It's very cool having Viper so close to the X2 line. Arrow heaven. After an exhilarating ride on X2, I headed to Viper for a quick walk on ride since I had time. Opted for the back row and it was extremely forceful. Greyed out a little bit on the turn after the first loop…people hate on this beast too much it has its moments. Idc what coaster i'm riding, if this is the wait i'm smiling. Update: still smiling but shoulders have been shattered. also employees cleaning the train In the station. Finally, I got in line for my beloved Tatsu at 530. 1 train operation. Neither Tatsu nor X2 alternated rows since the design allowed for it, but it was still one part per row. When 6 hit and the park “closed”, the employee enforcing the distancing (stopping people from going to station and letting people go in very small batches so there is no station wait)…yeah he just packed his bags and dipped so the entire line became a literal mosh. After SUCH a good day of covid precautions it was sad to see. First day though. Got on Tatsu at 6:25. Back row ride and it was fantastic. God I missed that pretzel loop. Tatsu really taunts you as you approach the station. Always hear people contemplating backing out here. Getting out of the park was also incredibly easy, and it took literally seconds to leave once I got in my car. Overall, it was a 9/10 day at the park. I had realistic expectations and it payed off. Other notables: Batman was closed. Lines can be deceiving. DO NOT LEAVE THE QUEUE when a ride breaks. Pretty much all the breakdowns were quick and the line shrunk a ton so all in all the wait for TC and X2 was *maybe* shorter with the breakdown...maybe. Also what is up with the new six flags coaster safety videos?? they played in a lot of the queues. so strange if you ask me. Anyway, this is my first real trip report on here, at least in many many years, and I hope it was not too terrible. If you have any questions ask away!

Quick search online to find more food locker designs, and this is what Wingstop is doing for their mobile orders which this setup I could really seeing working at a amusement park:

Great report. It is so wonderful to see the park operating again. I believe the final count was 384 days of closure... Given how quickly the park turned around and reopened after the Governor released new guidelines, they should be applauded. I'm sure things will only get smoother from here on out.

From 10-11:30 the ride lines in the back of the park were non existent today in the morning but it picked up pretty quickly after that. Toro (which opened up late today) had no line when I went a little later on, and Ka was a "walk on and wait" because they had 3 trains going but they were waiting to fill trains up and allowing re-riding. We requested the front but since they needed to fill the vehicles they wouldn't let us wait. We did second row and last row. Damn it's shakey and hurts the front of my shoulders even with my arms down (well.. holding on to my mask) -- 2 rides was enough despite the fact we could have stayed riding over and over. Superman surprisingly had no wait at 12. You can always look at queue times to get an idea of crowds. https://queue-times.com/parks/37/queue_times One other random thing, at the gate they were handing out cards to fill out a survey online. For participating you get a barcode coupon on your phone for $5.00 off just about anything in the park. It literally took about 90 seconds. It was strictly demographic questions. I activated it at SFA yesterday.

I hope none of us have problems getting tickets tomorrow. Particularly since I talked Bert into it!! My second hour class will just have to work on their own for about 15 minutes while I secure tickets, thankfully since this is my last year teaching no one is watching me at this point anyway

^ sounds like a lot of folks are excited about it. . . we shall see if able to get a ticket tomorrow EDIT: and . . done. Ticket bought, hotel booked. Now just have to get time off work, get flight/car, and I'll be able to knock Kings Island / the Beast off my bucket list!

It's totally worth it if you've never done an event at KI or did one a while ago. Going under Diamondback, back by the Beast, Banshee, in FoF are always a fun time and I'm sure there will be some cool new access to Orion. Maybe they'll use the old Dino alive path.

Awesome! You won't be disappointed. Kings Isand is legit.

^ Well, that'll be a fun, cozy, crowded time at the park. But if you're an RV Freek ....GO FOR IT! (I used to go to the RV shows here in Vancouver, when I was younger. I loved them!)

That honestly would be an awesome thing for Six Flags to add, though in the world of Covid, I wonder how well they would keep that clean. I also think its a lack of communication between the staff manning the counter, and the kitchen. All the kitchen sees is order after order popping up on there screens, there was no real communication between the two either verbally or digitally. For example, when we were shouting order numbers down the line, the supervisor started with the oldest first which was a 2 HOUR order that was still sitting in the heat window and of course that person was long gone. One order of 4 boxes of chicken tenders was thrown straight into the trash can because that person left.

I still believe Six Flags needs to install a food locker system for mobile orders. The bottleneck seems to be customer-facing staff, not the kitchens. If anyone has been to a Little Cesar's recently they have their Pizza Portals that keep your food warm and they unlock with a QR code and/or PIN code sent to your phone. The kitchen is able to just make food and toss it into these things.

The park got out a drone and shot some really neat areal footage of Stunt Pilot! I just screenshotted the highlights but you can see the whole thing on the parks socials here: https://www.facebook.com/silverwoodthemepark/videos/786719738613646/ I can swear that ferris wheel looks red...and if it is... (I really hope they didn't paint it that color...) RMC was working on the dive loop while they were filming. Oh...and the park is copying CGA and calling it a "Raven Turn"... It looks like they have almost all the lower track in place aside from the final turn, brake run, and the entrance and exit from the dive loop. At the rate they seem to be going, my guess is it will be topped off in the next week or so! Other things I noticed: -The iconic Roller Coaster Alley sign/photo-op has been demolished. This was expected and the park said previously that it will return in a new location when Stunt Pilot opens! It looks like it's old location is being replaced with the entrance/exit/gift shop building, and it kinda looks like they might be trying to build something of an entrance plaza there as well. -I didn't realize how tightly it fits in there, literally coming up to both the main Coaster Alley sign, and the Thunder Canyon exit path. It makes me worry a little about bottlenecks on the RCA path. -Tremors is having most of it's warped helix replaced, from the end of the first Topper Track section to when you exit the helix and enter the first set of airtime hills. It's tough to tell from a distance (you can see it in the 3rd picture), but my guess is it's not being replaced with more Topper Track. No visible work on Timber Terror, although the parks earlier pictures showed them working on the final helix, which is what needed the help last year. -The log flume water cannon deck seems to have held on for dear life!! Here's to hoping it stays that way! I love that water cannon... -It's tough to tell but we might have lost some trees by the log flume, by where the old pizza stand was across from Corkscrew. As a side not it looks like we will be able to get personal pizzas from the new stand under Corkscrew's first corkscrew. I think that's a pretty neat location! -I'm really starting to like this coaster construction update thing! No wonder the SFMM and CP threads are so active! Even better! It's only 28 days till opening day!!! Whoo yeah!!! Edit: This photo showed up randomly (probably user error) in this spot. Enjoy!

Yes, I do remember when the queue for Pandemonium was a dolphin show and then a diving show. That whole depressed area was a giant pool. Hopefully, they are making the shift to the station partitions and loading every row. That was what they are doing at SFOT, we were there a couple weeks ago. However, the ride op that lives in my house did not know a thing about it yet. Although he did report that they are indeed not requiring lockers and that MT now has cubbies ala Eagle in the station. As far as the carousel, you won't see much while they are working. Most of the refurb is taking place backstage. We saw a presentation on it last fall. They aren't going to put it all back together until they are about ready to open in up, hopefully next year. They never planned on having it done before 2022. They one completed horse that is on display is in a climate controlled display case. I think there will be several areas of the park that are in a kind of dead zone until next year when operations are back 100% and the chain has had a year to recover a bit from the Covid set back.

Fantasyland Forest Theatre is now open in Tokyo Disneyland! https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/treasure/tdl2020/en/foresttheatre/ Map and (fuzzy) image, by Disney.

I love Six Flags mobile ordering and I'll use it exclusively from now on. It's not as good as Disney's obviously and sometimes they ignore it and don't make it until you walk up and show it to them at the end of your window but it avoids so many headaches, especially if you have a dining plan AND it saves time. I don't want to paint with a broad brush because Six Flags has some great employees but sometimes the app is just smarter (or at least more experienced) than the person working the register. It can easily add lunch credits / snack credits / dinner credits or whatever however you want and make modifications and put it all in their system for them so the people at the register have no opportunity to mess it up (which they do... a lot). It's great. I'm totally sold on it.

Actually, it's already constructed, but this thread was trying to compete with the Worlds of Fun thread for inactivity. Way to ruin it.

^ LOL! Now which theme park was this taken, at? Thanks, Bert. I was trying to be more, uh...."low key" this time 'round, what with Covid all last year, etc. So I brought up the B-Day in other threads, heh.

^Lets be real...if you really wanna follow those guidelines you wouldn’t even be going to amusement parks.

While I agree with this sentiment and yes, of course all guests should follow the park rules, we’ve all been dealing with this for a year now, and it should come as no surprise to anyone that compliance and enforcement of mask policies is going to be hit or miss. We see it at the grocery store, the gym, the mall, hell even on airplanes where rule following is traditionally excellent. It’ll only get worse this summer as more and more people get vaccinated and cases/deaths drop, because I’m sure masks and distancing will be with us at all parks for the entire 2021 season. So if anyone here is the type of person to get bent out of shape over a mask being worn under a nose, or a 16 year old kid park employee not telling a grown man to wear their mask properly, or if you insist on telling the group behind you to please stand on their blue dot, maybe you should rethink your park plans this summer as well. - Me, who just wore his mask properly outdoors walking through downtown Seattle to the gym even though no one would have said anything had I not, and who’s had his vaccine. *None of that was directed toward u4icmusic specifically, just a blanket statement for all 2021 parkgoers.

Not only that but if you book on SW you can simply change flights without even losing early bird if you have paid for that. But either way I have cancelled and rebooked like 5 times with them between Covid and Texas snowstorms

Only 2 things really come to mind: 1. During my European funfair/theme park tour in Sep-Oct. 2015, I took the train too late to get to this fair in western France, and by the time I got there the fair had just closed (like 10 minutes earlier). There was a rare flat ride there called Stargate I wanted to ride. The operators were still there, and I remember asking through the fence if I could ride (hey, it was worth a shot). Nope. Here are videos of it: Offride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Y_t7nALAM Onride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B60Od57FPXw 2. Not visiting Cedar Point, Knoebels, Magic Mountain, SF Great Adventure, etc. before Covid hit. Of course in 2019 I had no idea Covid was coming, so it was easy to put these parks off "until 2020 or 2021." Um....I mean, you could still visit these parks in 2020 or 2021 (well, not Magic Mountain in 2020), but it won't be nearly the same as 2019 or earlier. I already kind of appreciated this pre-Covid, but Covid has made me appreciate more that you need to tick every box on your "bucket list" ASAP. You never know what will happen in the world (pandemics - natural or manmade, world war, world-changing natural disaster, governments restricting freedoms, etc.) or how much time you have left on this earth.