jedimaster1227

So, after over six years of waiting, I finally got back to California, this time for the next WDWCelebrations event, "Fifty-Five" in honor of Disneyland Park's 55th anniversary. In order to make sure I got to experience a little more, I came in five days early so that I could have time to enjoy Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood and the Disneyland Resort, all at my own pace. My first day was at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and started early at 10:00 am, ending at Midnight the same night. The park had me truly surprised by the end of the visit, not only because of its sheer size, but because of the great coasters it had and the unique atmosphere overall. To say that this has become my favorite Six Flags park would be an understatement, as it has become one of my favorite large parks that I've ever been to. The first coaster we hit was X2, which is the sole ride that had driven me to dream of visiting this park for years.While waiting in the 1.5 hour long line, I had the chance to think more and more about what I was about to do, which didn't help. For the first time in years, I was actually afraid of a ride, and by the time I sat in my seat on the outside of the back row, I was shaking with fear. What happened next could only be described as a minute or so of complete confusion, disbelief and joy as I was beaten, thrown, battered, shaken and flipped in so many ways, that I could not speak for a good 30 seconds after it ended. My ride photo (which I will upload onceI scan it in) shows my expression, exemplifying how screwed up this ride was, and the effect it had on me. I knew I would love X2 before I rode it, but I didn't know I would really enjoy it as much as I did! Next, we moved on to Viper, which is definitely one of the better Arrows I've been on. It is a great looking coaster (I think that shade of red really suits Arrow loopers well) and it rides pretty smoothly, save for a few jolts in the neck here or there. Not much more to say about this one. Further down the path was Gold Rusher, which was a surprisingly fun Arrow mine train, so much so that we rode it twice (that could also be credited to the fact that there was no line for the ride). Colussus, Batman: The Ride and Scream were all fine coasters, though nothing significant about any of them to really write about. Tatsu definitely took me by surprise as well, because of the sheer size of the thing. It straddles a fine line with that of Manta for the most intense B&M flyer I've been on, but I think I still prefer Manta (if only slightly). The ride still scared me a good deal, and the setting is truly fantastic. Revolution was a little underwhelming, but that was probably because I was expecting an experience similar to that of SooperDooperLooper at Hersheypark. I don't want to sound like I'm whining, because I'm not with the majority on this one, but the over the shoulder restraints definitely make the ride experience less enjoyable. They don't ruin the ride, just make it harder to enjoy--thats all. Terminator Salvation ended up being another pleasant surprise thanks to the great speed and layout that the ride sported. Since the audio had been down and the speakers were gone, my only gripe could really be that the ride is a little short for my liking, but with that aside, it is another great creation from GCI. Due to a long line, I skipped Deja Vu, as I had done the one at Six Flags over Georgia before it was removed, so I wasn't in any dire need to get this credit. Ridder's Revenge was probably the best standup coaster I've been on, as it was actually somewhat comfortable, very smooth, and very long in terms of the ride length. Goliath was also a great hyper as I had expected it to be. Having ridden Titan at Six Flags over Texas the year previous, I knew what to expect with this one, but it still delivered a great experience. The night ended with two rides on Ninja, which is actually one of my favorite rides in the park, and arguably my favorite Arrow Suspended coaster I've been on. I know I'm in a minority here, but I never thought that Big Bad Wolf was all that spectacular, and up until recently, Flight Deck (formerly Top Gun) at Kings Island was my favorite suspended coaster. Ninja was very smooth, fast and handled the turns very well without much of the shimmying that had bothered me on some of the similar coasters of the genre. Overall, my visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain was a fantastic one. Since getting out to West Coast Bash is not yet an option for me, being able to visit this park during my first California trip in years was really something special. I owe a special thanks to Stefanie and Wagner for driving me to and from the park, and for making sure I actually got to visit during my trip. The day was a great start to an incredible trip, but with nine more days to go, I had plenty ahead of me. Our morning started out in the [long] line for X2, which gives some great views of Viper. I'm gunna ride, thanks. Sorry New Jersians. You can't do this anymore. I seriously love the look of Tatsu and the Sky Tower on the mountain. Why is it that a tree is bigger than Sleeping Beauty Castle? Artsy for the index... Because when I think Viper, I think Axe Twist. Major props for Arrow on making a support collide with the lift hill. Edgy design equals edgy experience. Oh, I see. The "S" twists like a snake. So it fits. Not gunna lie, Tatsu scared the heck outta me. Assembly info is still visible on the track, which is kinda cool, in a Six Flags way. Thru the supports! This was about the moment where I realized I should have held on to my glasses, so I grabbed them off my face and held on tight. And it was right here where I started breathing again. Since the human eye can't look directly into the sun, my camera lens has done it for you. Tatsu really is great. I think I like Manta a little better, but it is incredible nonetheless. I actually like the look of this one. As you've probably guessed, I approve. Ditto. You know what they say all the time for Ninja? "Hai-yah!" Dear lord. Where is Terminator Salvation: The Bench located? Dancy-Dance Coaster construction. Where's DJ Lance when I need him? There is actually a good amount of space to expand with in the park. Once was enough, thank you. I feel for Lenora and her pain. She should've gone with Suntrust. Take the entrance!!! Take the partially-covered walkway!!! I've dreamed of this moment for far too long. Camo-fence really steals the show in terms of queue theming. Somebody's got a new "do" thanks to the tunnel. My vote goes for Pete Wentz, because he's the only one I think would survive Judgement Day. See? It fits. Superman didn't survive Judgement Day. Do you see what I see? Primitive post-Judgement Day Mickey drawings. At least that legacy survived. "I can't see it. Where in my contract does it say I should make reference to a theme park?" "I had to rap about a tunnel. You better say your lines or else I'll bring in Christian, and you know what he's like when he's angry." The Grannynators were taking a nap during our visit. A cool element, but man is it loud! Looks nice from here... I see four tracks. That means this old train has multiple routes. Which means it was used after Judgement Day. See? It fits. Excuse me for a second... I need a moment. I've got nothing. Probably the best stand-up I've been on yet. Probably the best looking I've seen too. I believe this is where Freefall used to sit. Two things closed in this picture. Both of them I wish I could have seen open. Batman was fun and intense, as I expected it to be. I would probably call it the most intense of all of the Batman: The Ride clones I've been on. It really is a parking lot coaster. What more can I say? Turn this into Bizarro already so we can move on. Goliath was fun, but I like Titan more. The extra helix makes all the difference. (I'm not serious.) "No more pokah-strokah. Opera Man cannot make jokah." A little late for me, but what can I do? Also closed during my visit. Shame, because I've never been on a funicular before. And that was my day at Six Flags Magic Mountain!

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gestureteks-revolutionary-3d-camera-tracking-and-multi-touch-systems-power-space-fantasy-ride-at-universal-studios-japan-99838239.html

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has sent us a new press release and photos of the latest additions to their animal family, baby flamingos!

Legoland Florida has sent us their latest press release, this time announcing the appointment of their new General Manager, Adrian Jones.

http://www.amusementtoday.com/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/first-look-artwork-for-mickey’s-soundsational-parade-coming-to-disneyland-park-in-2011/

I would personally be fine if this park never re-opens, in the hope that the rides like Round About, Iron Horse, Time Machine and even the ride system for Monstars of Rock get sent to needy parks around the world. Or they could just pick up the park & move it to Orlando. I'd be fine with that too.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/new-show-coming-to-disney-parks-this-fall/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/main-street-electrical-parade-extended-at-walt-disney-world/

^Haunted Castle is a part of the Boardwalk, so it can stay under the umbrella of this thread. Considering the fact that the ride is open, there shouldn't be too much news to discuss about it anymore. That isn't to say there won't be any, but there is nothing to warrant a separate thread just for the one ride. The purpose of the discussion thread is for all relative discussion to go on in here, but as is our rule elsewhere on the forum, don't post here just to post, or bump the thread just to keep it on the front page of the forum. If people want to talk about the park, they will. If they don't, then this thread will still be here when they decide that they do.

^I'm so bummed I won't be there to bless the ceremony myself!

^I was expecting something closer to $180 as well. My thought on the whole thing is that I'll be buying the Fear Pass Plus unless I know someone else that I'll be going with that also has Express on their pass (or has bought it for the night). I can justify it if I'm going to use Express more than once, but between the fact that I don't mind waiting in (reasonable) lines & the fact that I'll be going far too many times this year anyways, it doesn't bother me to save a good deal of money by sticking with the Express-free option.

http://www.wpxi.com/news/24398531/detail.html

http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20100721/1964/report-ghost-town-sky-takeover-deal-falls-through

^If TPR goes to Israel, I'll be in, rocking my yarmulka and talis. I can't even imagine what a TPR trip to Israel would be like!

I went ahead and update your thread's title to reflect Coaster Stock (as opposed to Coaster Sock). This is really a great TR! Way to represent Club TPR David! Sooner or later, I get back up to Savannah to visit you all!

^Is that really necessary? I think I'd join the Facebook group not in favor of adding rides to the park, just because its there... What does it really matter?

As always Eric, you've delivered another fantastic trip report. It is great to see so many familiar, friendly faces from the TPR trips, and truthfully, the report has only made my jealousy that you all did this trip even greater! But I guess there's always next time! Keep up the great work with this awesome report, and hopefully we'll catch up state side sooner or later!

http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=12860243

The Bryan and Adam's Excellent Adventure Show is already booked for the 2013 season of TPRLand... We would have debuted a year earlier, but Music Park Myrtle Beach (formerly Hard Rock Park, then Freestyle Music Park) had us booked for the season.

^I'm really surprised that they wouldn't at least try to salvage the coaster, rebuild it at another needy park (Six Flags Mexico comes to mind) or even sell it. Such a waste of viable steel.

You'd be surprised to know how many people don't.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/via-napoli-opens-next-month-at-epcot/

Parks & Resorts Scandinavia has sent us a press release about their newest acquisition.

I think its fair to say your logic is sound!