The King of Coasters Reclaims Its Crown: Why Project 90011 Has Me Counting Down to 2027
If you are a roller coaster enthusiast living in Southern California—or honestly, anywhere in the world—you know that Six Flags Magic Mountain isn't just a theme park. It is the holy grail. It is the "Thrill Capital of the World." For years, we have watched other parks make headlines, but the recent teasers dropping for the new coaster in Valencia have officially sent my hype levels into the stratosphere.
We finally have concrete details on what is coming to the mountain, and let me tell you: this isn't just another loop-de-loop. This is a game-changer.
The "Thrill Glider" Concept
The most exciting part of this news is the hardware itself. According to the KTLA report, the new ride—codenamed Project 90011—is a suspended "Thrill Glider Coaster" designed by the Dutch manufacturer Vekoma.
For those who haven't been following industry trends, seeing the name "Vekoma" attached to a major 2027 project is thrilling. Decades ago, the company was known for rougher, "head-banging" rides. But in recent years, they have undergone a massive renaissance, producing some of the smoothest, most innovative, and comfortable coaster experiences on the planet. The fact that Magic Mountain is investing in this specific, modern suspended model suggests we are in for a ride that focuses on the sensation of flight—pure, glass-smooth gliding—rather than just brute force.
A Masterclass in Terrain Design
One of the things that sets Magic Mountain apart from flat "parking lot" amusement parks is, well, the mountain. The best rides in the park (think Tatsu or Revolution) utilize the unique topography to create thrills you can't replicate on flat ground.
That is exactly why I am obsessed with the location for this new project. The park has demolished the Golden Bear Theater to make room for the coaster. While it’s sad to lose a venue with such history (yes, including that legendary scene from This Is Spinal Tap), the trade-off is brilliant. The leaked plans suggest the coaster will use the theater’s hillside slope, weaving through the terrain.
Imagine ascending a lift hill that hugs the mountainous landscape, then dropping into a series of sweeping turns and inversions that dive in and out of the natural geography. The renderings from enthusiasts suggest the ride will incorporate the old cement seating area of the theater into the terrain, meaning we might be flying directly over the "ghosts" of concerts past. It’s a brilliant way to mix park history with modern thrills.
The Skyline Change
Six Flags teased us with the caption, "The skyline won't be the same," and they aren't kidding. The footage of the blue track spread out on the dirt lot is a tangible promise of what's to come. In a park already crowded with steel giants, adding a suspended coaster that interacts with the skyline in a new way is going to visually refresh the entire center of the park.
The Wait Will Be Worth It
We now know the opening has been pushed from 2026 to 2027. While a delay is usually a bummer, in this case, I’m taking it as a positive sign. It means they aren't rushing. It means they are taking the time to get this complex terrain interaction right. With Universal Studios Hollywood building their “Fast & Furious” coaster down the road, the pressure is on. Magic Mountain knows they have to deliver something spectacular to keep their crown.
This ride is being called one of the most ambitious projects the park has built in 20 years. That puts it in the same conversation as X2 or Tatsu. If Project 90011 delivers even half of what these plans promise, 2027 can't get here fast enough.