The Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) Discussion Thread

[AllenA07]

^I agree that Revolution has one of the most forceful vertical loops out there, however at the same time lap bars and OTSR's are not needed. The lap bars are likely only there now because they were there to begin with and there was no real reason to take them off. While I strongly doubt that Revolution will ever run without the OTSR system again, the ride is in desperate need of a new train with some more comfortable restraints.

[Jew]

To me it seems like the OTSR's are a little too high up to be the only restraint.

[CoasterComet]

^horsepoop.

 

yes, the Revolution has high forces entering and exiting the loop. Mind you, the ride ran with just a lap bar and NO headrests even, for a few years.

 

Yes, the ride could benefit from a reprofile. It would be expensive, etc. but it is possible.

[dunkfan9]

I learned the hard way that you can't hold your hands up while riding revolution

[Jew]

One thing to remember is that times have changed A LOT since 1976. It's not a fair comparison to say "but they did it back then...they can do it again now!" Magic has to protect themselves in a sue happy society. Plus any changes have to be approved by the manufacturer, inspected by the state, etc. Not to mention the target audience has changed a whole lot as well.

 

Another issue could be their insurance company: rumor has it they want the OTSR's because of all the claims filed from people being flung forward. That is just a rumor though.

 

If I'm Jay Thomas, Revolution is at the bottom of my list. Perhaps in 2016 they will retrofit it and use its anniversary as a marketing gimmick, but until then...there are much better ways to spend money. It's just not a sound business decision right now.

[ebl]

If you ask me, the OTSRs a LOT high. A vertically adjustable system would be ideal. Some Schwarzkopf trains have such a thing. But we'll never see those here.

 

Eric

[nagro5]

^^I agree, I don't think that changing Revolution is a necessity right now, but in years to come I think that they might need to fix some problems. By the way, I like the idea of renovating it for its anniversary.

[AllenA07]

Revolution does have very high OTSR, I think it's a result of them being added to the train after the fact, those trains are not really designed to have them, or headrests for that matter.

[coasterjunkie91350]

^^^

"rant warning"

In all due respect to pure dude you need to know where you cross the line dude.

Ive read all your posts and it does sound like your saying

"Die SFMM Die" !

myself and alot of the mods in here work there and care about our jobs we are whats helping bring the park back to the top so next time you post a anti sfmm post think hard and long about what you say

[arrowfanman]

Hey everybody!

 

I know it’s been like, forever-and-a-half since my last park update, but I feel like Robb’s and William’s updates have been perfect coverage of the park so far this year!

 

At this point, Magic Mountain is nearly prepared to enter its summer season. The park faced a real reality-check the past few weeks with Spring Break crowds pouring through the turnstiles. After all, a large part of the guest experience this summer will be on the shoulders of not only the new attractions and new paint, but the park operations themselves. How the park is able to move people while the park is crowded will be a big determining factor on how the guest’s day unravels. I think it’s safe to say that the park was thrown off and took somewhat of a beating during some of these recent crowded days! So the effort is to now regroup and prepare for the summer season, which looms ahead.

 

Until then, let’s cover some of the things going on inside of the park.

 

 

The New Kids on the Block

 

 

Before we get into what’s going on in the park in the present, let’s cover what I’m sure most of you are curious about—what’s being prepared for the future. Both Thomas Town and X2 are progressing ahead getting ready for their opening dates within a couple of months. Let’s start with Thomas Town, shall we?

 

A chunk of wall has been removed for more construction access.

 

If you look closely at that photo, you can see Goliath Jr. turned around 180 degrees.

 

 

Being coaster enthusiasts more familiar with coaster construction, I think a lot of people had the impression that Thomas Town was falling behind schedule as no “vertical construction” had begun by West Coast Bash. Sure enough, a few weeks later and nearly the entire thing has been built!

 

OMG! Railroad tracks!

 

 

About 85% of the track has already been laid, the station foundations have been poured, and scenic pieces have already begun to show up on site. The whole “town” is really coming alive faster than I ever though it would.

 

The station track still needs to be completed, but the station house foundation itself is almost ready to be poured.

 

One more super-zoomed in shot of railroad track! I’m very excited that SFMM’s getting a train once again.

 

Even if it just goes in a circle twice.

 

In the scenic department, the old Animal Farm building was repainted and looks very nice.

 

Set pieces for Cranky the Crane have been temporarily parked under Scream, awaiting installation.

 

 

 

Though Thomas Town is progressing along at a now-visible rate, with all the paint sloshed up, it’s hard to tell exactly how far X2 is progressing along. I understand that this has been the topic of discussion in the past few days. As far as I understand, the project is still on schedule.

 

The new X2 logo, up on the park website. I wonder why the fire theme?

 

 

Though at this point, it’s evident that the tunnels have been ditched, I keep being told that X2 will still be an “audio and visually toned experience. With what? Unfortunately we’ll have to wait and find out! As far as the trains go, the park now has two full NEW X trains, along with one old one. They haven’t tested the second train yet but are expected to very soon.

 

Basically, my understanding of the train shipments is that SFMM tested the first train while the other two were still in Utah at S&S. Why? They tested it, analyzing it for any problems that may come up and what not. That way the concerns and practical modifications could be directly addressed at S&S, rather than shipping in different parts and whatnot. The park now has the second train (which was assembled far more quickly than the first), and is expected to test it, again relaying any concerns to S&S. When the train passes the park’s standards, the final train will be shipped.

 

That’s my understanding at least. The whole theme is to practically address the redesign so that fewer problems will be encountered once the ride is operational. Makes sense to me.

 

 

 

Rides Now Operating, a Ride Now Closed, and a Rides Policy Change!

 

Well, before we get to the bad news, let’s start with the good news! After months of refurbishment, both Roarin’ Rapids and Jet Stream have reopened at Magic Mountain, effectively doubling the parks water ride selection just in time for the summer. Both rides received extensive work on aging components with the hope of reducing downtime and whatnot. They both even feel cleaner, in my opinion.

 

The lift and station belts have been completely replaced at Roaring Rapids, as well as a lot of the hardware that supports them.

 

An unnecessary close-up of the replaced components.

 

 

Over at Jet Stream, the work was mostly refurbishing the spinning station and the bottom of the drop, as well as fixing up the lift and welding throughout the ride. Also interestingly enough, one new operational feature to Jet Stream would be the new ride panel—

 

Joey just about exploded.

 

For those who didn’t get that, the new Jet Stream panel is one of the old Freefall panels. In fact if you look closely on the top left at the empty gray space, you can see the Freefall “track layout”, where the lights would mark the position of the units.

 

Anyway, just thought that was interesting. As a ride, it doesn’t really feel any different. Still bumps you around and tosses you side to side more than any other flume ride I’ve ever been on!

 

Anyway, this was all of the good news. What about the bad news, you may be asking?

 

 

 

Holy broken lift hills Batman, it’s a closed Riddler’s!!

 

 

That’s right, the Riddler’s Revenge is unexpectedly closed. Over a week ago, the ride’s lift hill made a strange noise and then broke down with a train stuck near the top of the lift. The call was made to evacuate the riders and sure enough, the problem would seem very serious.

 

The train still stuck on top of the lift hill—one and a half weeks after the incident.

 

…that’s how bad it is! Basically, similar to X months ago, a major lift component was broken. Now fortunately enough, unlike a very large prototype which needs to be manufactured over the span of months and subjected to a lengthy installation, B&M parts are much easier to come by (in a park with 4 of them!) and the park maintenance is hoping to have the ride fixed by this weekend. It's just sad that the ride had to be in this condition for its 10th birthday this week!

 

 

And now let’s get to a ride policy change.

 

…they’re back.

 

 

Many of you are probably familiar with lockers that have been in place at rides over the past few years—Tatsu, Riddler’s, Scream, and a few others all have had lockers to safely hold onto loose articles. Being cheap coaster enthusiasts, I’m sure you’ve all bypassed these, knowing that you can just place your articles on the other side of the station.

 

Not anymore.

 

Don’t get in that Tatsu line until all of your bags are in a locker—or with a non-riding member!

 

Basically, loose articles cause far too many problems at many major rides. Not only do they irritably slow down the ride operation itself (a ride like Riddler’s or Tatsu can result in up to 45 seconds lost to rider’s placing their loose articles across the station), but I’m pretty sure the park is tired of getting accused of being responsible for lost/stolen items, when it has always clearly stated otherwise. So now, a select few rides no longer allow loose articles (defined as articles that can not be safely taken on the ride with you in your pocket) into the ride stations.

 

Just a quick tip—DO NOT place your articles into a locker that has been left open! You must pay first and the computer will assign you one. Failure to do this could result in your articles getting stuck!

 

These rides are Tatsu, the Riddler’s Revenge, Scream, and X2 (when it opens, obviously). And the park is serious about this. So much so, in fact, that there is now a crew dedicated entirely to “lockers”, whose purpose it so ensure that bags do not make it up into the station but rather safely into a locker or left with a non-riding member.

 

I highly recommend planning ahead when going to the park. Place your items into an all-day locker near the entrance of the park, rather than renting a single-use locker as you get to each ride. Or simply don’t bring large and excessive bags to a theme park!

 

 

 

All of the Random Crap!

 

 

Well, there’s really no need for excessive narration here. Might as well jump into this!...

 

I’m almost tempted to buy and ad and have it say something stupid, like “Hey—you’re taking a pee.

 

The new Looney Tunes Celebration parade appears to be a success! Feels like it has a lick of Block Party Bash in it, if you ask me.

 

Johnny Rockets: Shakes and Fries opened up rather quickly and is a great idea for snacking.

 

I’m not saying it.

 

Ugh! I cant drink or eat ANYTHING without spilling!

 

Hmmm….interesting.

 

The geese are back in town. PLEASE let them be and don’t bother them. Not only can you get ejected from the park for doing so, but you don’t want them to kick your ass—because they CAN!

 

Ninja has a new maintenance catwalk…

 

…which sort of obstructs the Jet Stream drop! Boo!

 

The ACE plaque at Revolution is MIA!

 

Apparently there’s a new Revolution train under that tarp!

 

Before you get excited, this train still has OTSRs. But apparently the bogies have been modified and it will be interesting to see what kind of ride it produces.

 

 

And finally to give Hurricane Harbor some love, it would appear that Tornado is getting a new hat...well, at least a new canopy to give you a bit of shade before plummeting to your doom!

 

 

Anyway guys, that should be it. The actual things to update on are slowing down as the park enters its summer season. The focus during the summer will be on the park operations themselves, and it will be interesting to see how the park stands. The plan is still to be running at the highest capacity possible, with three trains on all of the major rides! (Hell—Ninja may even be running three trains by the summer!!! *gasp*) So let’s all sit back, enjoy the ride, and see how the *new* Magic Mountain is able to move people.

 

Thanks for reading folks!

 

-Jahan (arrowfanman@yahoo.com)

[Wes]

So I'm going to read between the lines a little bit from what Jahan said and something Jay very very very very vaguely hinted at, and go with a wild guess that X2 might have fire effects?

 

Regardless, good update Jahan! This thread needs to stay positive.

[trcg721]

A really Great update Jahan. This summer should be really interesting.

[Mr Stratosphere]

Thanks for the update Jahan! I cannot wait to get back to the mountain this year!!

It's great to see how everything is progressing at the park!

It is sad to hear about Riddler but looking forward to it reopening and taking a spin on it!

 

John

[PURE]

Thanks for the Update Jahan. Good to see Valencia Falls are running like they told us they'd be!

 

I believe as soon as they retrofitted Revolution to have OTSR's, they changed the ride's future from that point on. From all the laws I've read from links and posts about the ride over the years (on here and on other sites(because believe it or not this is not a new topic LOL)), I think the law has something to do with once you put OTSR's on the ride, you can't take them off. Partly because of the age of the ride. And that's OSHA standards.

 

So because of how old it is, Revolution will always have OTSR's. Which is a shame because it was my first looping coaster, and I don't ride it anymore, specifically because of the restraints.

 

In reference to all the hate mail:

 

I don't get why all of you think I hate MM. Its like some big misunderstanding or communication problem or something, and if some of you get pissed off at me, imagine how I feel. Its even more frustrating for me because I'M the one getting reamed for it. From everyone. All the time.

 

I do know one thing, and its that I'm very cynical and pessimistic about pretty much everything (I was raised that way). But that doesn't mean I don't know how to appreciate the better things in life, or how to enjoy things, or how to have a good time. I love life and the world and the opportunities I've been given, just being alive on this planet.

 

I think part of the problem is that some of you are confusing my criticality of MM for hate, maybe it's because I neglect to kiss the parks asses in every post?

 

If I were a moderator/admin here I would have probably been tempted to suspend or ban you because your only contributions are to:

 

A) Piss on Magic Mountain and any improvement someone might point out.

B) Remind everyone that you worked there.

 

Again, pretty unbiased viewpoint here

 

Lets see here, I'm going to scroll through the last 5 pages of posts that I've made and not one of them mentions anything about me working there. In fact, I don't think I've made a reference to working there for probably well over 100 posts. So MrSkyWhirl I don't see any evidence backing your claim on that one. Neither do I see the reason for Robb bringing it up in another post either.

 

Again, I'm going to scroll through the last 5 pages of my posts that I've made (which is available for anyone to do) and look to see how many of them I've used to "piss on Magic Mountain."

 

Oh lets see here, I’ve got a post that says

 

^Man an Intamin Pre-fab at MM would so boost the parks already great group of rides-much more than any steel IMHO.

 

As much as I'd love to give another park the greatest arsenal of coasters because it would be something to look forward to whenever I'd make a trip, I've been to Cedar Point enough times to know that when it comes to just coasters, there's really no comparison, MM takes the cake.

 

and one that says

 

And I'll take a head-first X over a over-hyped giga-coaster any day. You can see that same view from Power Tower or the Ferris Wheel.

 

It really doesn't matter, I like going to both parks reguardless.

 

There’s even posts where I say I prefer MM’s Bugs Bunny World theming over the kids play theming of other parks.

 

The thing is my posts are long enough as it is, imagine how they'd be if I had to say something positive about MM every time...

 

As a big fan of the park, I have high standards for MM, mostly because I know the park has the potential to meet them. You're only as strong as your weakest link, I say. If knowing the park has amazing potential to meet high standards is not showing love for the park, I don't know what is.

 

For example, wouldn't it be amazing to see X with 3 train operation on opening day? A little bit of "icing" on the cake if you will? I can tell you one thing I'd be f**kin amped if I ever saw that happen, because it's never been done. Now, is it better to think "2 trains is good enough." Or is it better to push the bar and think "We can have 2 trains no problem, let's see if we can have 3!" I personally think it's better to go with the second option, and push yourself to do better, all the time.

 

I don't know if he remembers and I'm not going to bring up his name because I don't wanna embarrass him by associating him with me (because apparently I'm the asshole here) but I sat with a fellow member of TPR for like 20 minutes eating Johnny Rockets at WCB right before nighttime ERT. We talked about MM, about life in general, and I even told him that Magic Mountain was my probably my favorite place in the world--thing was, he said it right back to me too, with almost no hesitation.

 

I'm sorry if don't know "computer lingo" or "language", or how to post or something without having a crappy negative attitude. I have no problems communicating with people when they're standing right in front of me, in fact people don't ever want to leave me alone because of how friendly I am in person (I don't judge anyone).

 

Maybe at the top of every post I'll write "Sorry if I come off as a complete dick in this post, but I'm not trying to be" and we can avoid this problem from here on out.

 

However I'd like to mention that when I go to events and bring a girl or friend, they've always felt like we stick out like a sore thumb. Meaning, there definitely is a culture clash when it comes to us and mostly all of you, and I don't know what it is.

 

And it's not just me that sees it, its my friends and anyone I've ever brought to an event. They're always like "What on earth is wrong with these people?" And I tell them "Nothing, they're just all into coasters, and they're all nice people." SEE! I DON'T EVEN KNOW MOST OF YOU AND STILL, I'VE STOOD UP FOR YOU to my own friends because regardless, we all share the same appreciation for coasters and theme parks.

 

So I guess if I'm really that bad I should be banned because I'm not a big ol shining ray of positivity. But beyond that and this ridiculously long post, I really don't know what else to say. Apparently I just don't understand any of you. And none of you seem to understand me either.

[robbalvey]

Thanks for the Update Jahan. Good to see Valencia Falls are running like they told us they'd be!

This is the kind of comment we are all talking about. First off, no one "told" anyone that the falls would be open by a specific date. In fact, if I remember right, at the Q&A session they purposely dodged Guy's question because they were trying to keep it under wraps. Yes, it has taken longer to get it going again, but that doesn't mean they have stopped all effort to get it going.

 

Jay told us later privately that they were working on it and he asked us to keep it on the down loaw. Once again, you've proved that you're on your little crusade of doing nothing but bashing the park by trying to throw this in their faces. Maybe next time Jay WON'T tell us things they are working on if this is the response he's going to see on the site.

 

Honestly, no one cares to hear your rebuttal about your rude comments. You've been a prick. Several people agree. Deal with it. Nothing you can say to back pedal your actions is going to hold water with me.

 

Enjoy your 24 hour ban for being a total douche bag.

 

Can we please get this back on track focusing on Jahan's update?

 

Thanks.

 

--Robb

[Mr Stratosphere]

I've only been on Roarin' Rapids once. And I can honestly say its the most drenched I've even been on a water ride. (I haven't been on perilous plunge yet, its been closed every time I've been to Knott's.) But to me it is one of the best rapids I've been on. Does anyone have any ideas on how to stay dry? I ruined a pair of sneakers on that ride LOL. It sucks walking around the park all day with squishy shoes! Next time I go I'm going to take a change of clothes. But anyways I love to TLC going on at the park!

 

Also when it comes to lockers, These have been some of the most user friendly lockers I've used at any park. Aside from those that you put coins in and take the key. But I found these really easy to use.

 

John

[cosmic hearse]

Great update. I can't wait to go on Jet Stream, for some odd reason I really enjoy that ride. If X2 does end up with fire effects hopefully they're different than the Scenic Railway's 'fire effects' last week.

[dammie16@vt.edu]

I hate you all...

 

 

because I have never been to this park and I reeeeeeeallly want to go, but alas I live in NY and or Blacksburg, VA when at school and am just a poor college kid. I will be making money this summer but will only have time to go to local parks around my internship.

 

Sorry off topicness!!! Great update Jahan, I haven't commented on this thread before but I have been watching it in hopes that will somehow magically whisk me to the park!

[Erik Johnson]

Is the Revolution ACE sign out for cleaning? Or did something really bad happen to it?

[Bucket]

New Revolution trains?? Really? That's such good news! It seems with every update, SFMM seems to be improving more and more. At least, in terms of rides being re-painted, minor details being focused on. Great pics btw!

[TexTitan01]

Ugh! I cant drink or eat ANYTHING without spilling!

 

Ok Jahan, we ALL know you just wanted to take a picture of yourself and put it on here!

 

I really hope that SFMM manages to pull out of its little hole (if there is one...). With its superb ride collection and great thrillseeker environment, if they could up operations and mix more family fun in they would be a smash hit again.

[almightyfire]

Again, I dont see anything wrong with Revolution. I just have a place in my heart for this ride. I am not a person who forgets our old faithfuls. I guess I am old skool. I dont see anything wrong with Revolution except for the paint needs to be redone and new trains will be fine, but I dont see anything wrong with the ride, hell my favorite coaster there is actually GOLDRUSHER and the Log Jammer is my favorite log ride.

[Jayjay719]

Great update Jahan! Funny thing, when I went to urinate in one of the bathrooms at Six Flags Great Adventure, I looked up and saw a Geico ad. It read: Sorry to disturb you, I'm here to save you money on car insurance. I thought that was funny, and disturbing to look up and see a lizard watch me pee. Anyway, it's awesome how Magic Mountain is looking, and I'm looking forward to my visit next year!

[FeelTheFORCE]

Awesome update Jahan! Since my visit two summers ago, I really like seeing the improvements they are making, and just pictures of the park in general. I also really like the angles you can now get of Goliath from Thomas Town! Great to see how this park has so vastly improved from only two years ago. Keep it up MM!

[DRACHEN_FIRE_FAN-BOY]

great job Jahan!

 

I hope the new revolution train is more comfortable, it's near impossible with those shoulder restraints.....

 

I feel sorry for Riddler's Revenge..... that kinda sucks big time, but it is B&M it should be fixed rather soon

 

Hopefully I'll be out there on my birthday ( w00t July second ^_^ )