The Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) Discussion Thread

[FeelTheFORCE]

Yeah, I was referring to the "big attraction" that every Six Flags is supposed to receive for their 50th anniversary in 2011. I'd bet on the 2010 coaster being a Tony Hawk or Dark Knight.

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

I don't think we'll see TDK out west. The two in 2008 weren't flops, but weren't a success in the same sense that EK or THBS was, so I expect to see a moderate coaster, but something still big enough to market. I'm hoping the 2010 coaster is something along the lines of Sierra Sidwinder @ Knotts, but obviously longer.

[atem122]

Yeah, but as people have said about sfmm getting an S&S drop tower: there'd be comparable things just down the road if they got a THBS or other spinning coaster, but I do think sfmm needs a moderate kiddie coaster, the only gentle one they have is Goldrusher, and it hurts quite a bit

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

^What about Ninja?

[FitchCoaster]

I haven't ridden Ninja in a while, but from what I can remember, it was pretty intense. I think while still pretty tame compared to other coasters in the park, it's kind of too intense to be a moderate kiddie coaster.

But that's just my opinion.

[atem122]

^ I think it's easy enough for kids, although the ostr's might scare some away. I think if they want to achieve family goals (even though I'd rather see something awesome) they'd build something around Jaugar!'s size

[CreditCrazy]

I haven't ridden Ninja in a while, but from what I can remember, it was pretty intense. I think while still pretty tame compared to other coasters in the park, it's kind of too intense to be a moderate kiddie coaster.

But that's just my opinion.

 

Ninja has a 42 inch height requirement and attracts a lot of kids. It is a nice little intense ride, but I still think it could pass for a moderate family coaster.

 

Revolution can also be added IMO, with it's low thrill-level and moderate layout.

 

Besides these (and Percy, Canyon Blaster, and Gold Rusher of course), SFMM has nothing coaster-related for kids and families. A new family coaster is needed badly.

[robbalvey]

^ And Ninja is the only "adult sized" coaster with a 42" height restriction. Both Gold Rusher and Revolution are 48". IMO, they *need* another coaster for the 42" group. A Tony Hawk coaster has proven to be perfect for that age group.

 

I also still think they need to figure out a way to lower Gold Rusher and perhaps Colossus to 42", but that's a discussion for another time...

 

--Robb

[rcroques]

"Now, 2011 is the company's 50th and the parks 30th anniversaries" (rcroques)

 

Just a clarification, 2011 is actually SFMM's 40th anniversary, being that it opened in 1971. 2009 marks 30 years since Six Flags bought the park.

 

Eric

 

Whoops. Flubbed that one a bit.

 

Have to remember that math was my worst subject in school... I was too busy trying to come up with new coaster and park ideas.

 

Sincerely,

R.C.

[ebl]

It would be great if Revolution could be restored to its original 42" height limit. That can be done, even with the required OTSRs, but it would require new trains, too. We know the OTSRs have to stay, but a vertically adjustable type could accommodate shorter riders.

 

About Ninja, I find it interesting that its OTSRs are more or less identical to the ones on Viper (they're both Arrow coasters), but Viper's height limit is a foot higher. Also, don't some Arrow mine trains have a 42" limit? I've not traveled enough to know, but I could swear I've seen that in brochures from other parks with those rides.

 

Is it possible that height limits are set not so much for the need to be that height, but as a means of keeping shorter (read: younger) riders off because of a "fear factor?" Just an observation.

 

Eric

[Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess]

It would be great if Revolution could be restored to its original 42" height limit. That can be done, even with the required OTSRs, but it would require new trains, too. We know the OTSRs have to stay, but a vertically adjustable type could accommodate shorter riders.

 

About Ninja, I find it interesting that its OTSRs are more or less identical to the ones on Viper (they're both Arrow coasters), but Viper's height limit is a foot higher. Also, don't some Arrow mine trains have a 42" limit? I've not traveled enough to know, but I could swear I've seen that in brochures from other parks with those rides.

 

Is it possible that height limits are set not so much for the need to be that height, but as a means of keeping shorter (read: younger) riders off because of a "fear factor?" Just an observation.

 

Eric

 

Vertically adjustable type like on B&M standups or X2 (arrow 4th dimension trains)?

 

Yes, arrow mine trains have a 42' limit, As far as I remember.

 

Yes, it's "assumed" that younger riders are more afraid of the big scary rides. Although this may not be the case as when I was at SFOT last week with our family friend, her 8 year old daughter rode alot of the what you'd say are "bigger" rides.

 

~ Jess "Is not rollercoaster scardy" Chan

[ebl]

"Vertically adjustable type like on B&M standups or X2" (Jess)

 

I like the OTSRs on X2. Those are ideal for any coaster with inversions. Actually, Schwarzkopf made trains with such restraints (like on the Mindbender in Edmonton). But since Schwarzkopf is out of business, some third party would have to design the trains.

 

And, of course, we already know that Six Flags is not going to spend money on an old ride that won't generate an increase in attendance. Something like this would be part of a "capital improvement program" during an off-year between adding major attractions.

 

Eric

[Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess]

I like the OTSRs on X2. Those are ideal for any coaster with inversions. Actually, Schwarzkopf made trains with such restraints (like on the Mindbender in Edmonton). But since Schwarzkopf is out of business, some third party would have to design the trains.

 

And, of course, we already know that Six Flags is not going to spend money on an old ride that won't generate an increase in attendance. Something like this would be part of a "capital improvement program" during an off-year between adding major attractions.

 

Eric

 

Well think about B&M standups or Arrow 4D trains, the complex mechanisms! To lock the height and all that! If you think X2 is already plagued with enough technical problems, imagine all the other coasters being that unreliable. If you noticed on B&M standups when it gets locked too low and the person is literally standing with their knees bent. They have to open the entire row, and once the person fixes it, re lock the entire row and recheck the entire row. *cough* De-lay-Ja Vu *cough*

 

I thought X2 had abit of headbanging at first. Dunno what solved it. Schwartzkopfs trains like the ones on Mindbender can be abit painful for some people over 6 feet I hear. Thank goodness I'm short!

 

Six Flags does tend to go the "cheap" way for alot of things I've noticed...

[ebl]

Anyone here at TPR who's ridden Mindbender or any other Schwarzkopf coaster with the adjustable OTSRs would know first hand whether they're a problem. I've not heard any complaints, but with relatively few such coasters out there, perhaps not very many people have said anything.

 

I think even some TOGO rides had restraints like that---I recall Manhattan Express in Las Vegas being one of them.

 

Anyway, as I said, I wouldn't sit and wait for any improvements on Revolution in this regard. Fixing an old ride just doesn't have top priority.

 

Eric

[themeparkman25]

Yes, Manhattan express has otsr's that are adjustable by height. A decent picture can be found at rcdb where you can see the two otsr's and the track they slide in.

[AviatorCoaster]

Though I understand the need for more family friendly attractions, one of the reasons why I love this park in the first place is the fact that it is made for the older crowd.

 

IMO, SFMM could do without Bug's Bunny World. (though I love Looney Tunes)

But only if it could sustain its level of visitation.

[ebl]

^ Actually, SFMM needs Bugs Bunny World, but it could stand some updates. They just got Thomas Town last year, and supposedly a Wiggles World is coming within a few years, so all of the little kids should have plenty to do.

 

There's a long list of things that park management wants to get done, but it's going to take awhile. In my opinion, they're doing a good job.

 

Eric

[Guest]

I was really dissapointed with SFMM's Thomas Town, theres barely anything there and can literally be done in less than 10 minutes. I cant see see any parents with small kids actually going to SFMM for that, SFNE's on the other hand I thought was great (they have by far the best Wiggles World also).

[Calicoasters]

^I've always thought of it as an extension to Bugs Bunny World. The audience the ride is targeted for is very big on rerides! I took my 6 year old niece to Knott's a couple weeks ago and we had to ride Hat Dance in ever car!

[Mechanic]

While I've been very impressed with many positive changes at SFMM, I've got to agree that they whiffed with Thomas Town. I've seen several PTRs since Thomas Town was completed and most show it empty, or nearly empty. It was all but empty when we visited on the week of 4th of July last summer as well.

 

Not that I care about the popularity of Thomas Town per se, it's just that I like the park heading in a more family friendly direction. I hope the kiddie areas they add are successful for that reason. I think a couple more attractions, like a Bertie Bus and Harold Helicopter, would help to fill out the area and make it more popular. I can't imagine those cost too much either.

[ghost007jas]

I think it would be foolhardy to assume that one new kiddie area would "bring the families by the thousands" but it certainly gives the park a more balanced portfolio. I've come to realize that it's going to take a LOT to get past the park's very not family image, and a couple kiddie areas.. just won't cut it.

 

The park is indeed moving in the right direction, but it will inevitably take some time to get there.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

I was really dissapointed with SFMM's Thomas Town, theres barely anything there and can literally be done in less than 10 minutes. I cant see see any parents with small kids actually going to SFMM for that

 

Well I'll be doing a little case study with this very phenomenon as my sister is bringing her 4 kids (ages 6, 4, 3, 2) to SFMM on Friday for Thomas Town and more.

 

What I've told her, and what I tell anyone who says SFMM is not for families is that the thinking that Bugs Bunny World & Thomas Town (and Wiggles World when/if it gets there) are the only kid-friendly places in the entire park is all wrong. SFMM is totally for kids! Kids who are 48" tall, but not 54" tall are excluded from 6 attractions out of the entire park. That's it!

 

SFMM Kid-Friendly Offerings

• Candymaking demonstration - Coaster Candy Company
  
• Games - 3 arcades, paintball, and 4 skill game areas in the park
  
• Critter Canyon Petting Zoo
  
• Mooseburger Lodge - Singing & dancing moose join the dining environment (ask inside)
  
• WB Kids' Club - Daily through September 7, 2009
  
• Looney Tunes Beach Bash Parade - Select days 3/28-9/7 (route from Gotham City to Golden Bear Theater)
  
• Matt Hoffman's Stunt Show - 5/23-9/7 (former Batman theatre)
  
• CSI Live! - Magic Moments Theater (Starting 6/12)
  
• Kids Karaoke - Carrot Club Theater in Bugs Bunny World (Select days 5/23-9/7)
  
• DDR Challenge - Six Flags Plaza (Select days 5/23-9/7)
  
• Magic of the Mountain Museum @ The Sky Tower - Only if your kids (and you) would like seeing the park from about 400ft. high!
  
• CHARACTERS - Found in Colossus County Fair, Gotham City, High Sierra Territory, Movie District, Goliath Plaza, Six Flags Plaza & Thomas Town
  
• FOOD - Johnny Rockets, Katy's Kettle, Mooseburger Lodge, & Wascal's all offer kid's meals
  
• COASTERS - Yes, some of them are very kid-friendly! Ninja, Gold Rusher, Roaring Rapids, Sierra Falls, Jet Stream, and Log Jammer are all big hits with the 48" and shorter crowd. If kid feels daring, Colossus, Revolution, and even Goliath & X2 all sport a 48" height requirement.

 

What SFMM needs to do is more of its own marketing, and include some of the family-friendly stats. Corporate wants every bloody marketing dollar spent on big bad X2, but the only way people will ever *get it* that there is a lot for families is by hearing about that from SFMM itself! And wouldn't that be a real big surprise to hear!

[ChrisZer0]

Seeing all the "Family Friendly" listings, one stuck out to me:

 

CSI Live! - Magic Moments Theater (Starting 6/12)

 

It got me thinking that they're getting the CSI Vegas gang together, Brady Kids style, and having a stage show that involves murder investigation and song/dance numbers. Who are you indeed

[Wes]

What I've told her, and what I tell anyone who says SFMM is not for families is that the thinking that Bugs Bunny World & Thomas Town (and Wiggles World when/if it gets there) are the only kid-friendly places in the entire park is all wrong. SFMM is totally for kids! Kids who are 48" tall, but not 54" tall are excluded from 6 attractions out of the entire park. That's it!

 

SFMM Kid-Friendly Offerings

• Candymaking demonstration - Coaster Candy Company
  
• Games - 3 arcades, paintball, and 4 skill game areas in the park
  
• Critter Canyon Petting Zoo
  
• Mooseburger Lodge - Singing & dancing moose join the dining environment (ask inside)
  
• WB Kids' Club - Daily through September 7, 2009
  
• Looney Tunes Beach Bash Parade - Select days 3/28-9/7 (route from Gotham City to Golden Bear Theater)
  
• Matt Hoffman's Stunt Show - 5/23-9/7 (former Batman theatre)
  
• CSI Live! - Magic Moments Theater (Starting 6/12)
  
• Kids Karaoke - Carrot Club Theater in Bugs Bunny World (Select days 5/23-9/7)
  
• DDR Challenge - Six Flags Plaza (Select days 5/23-9/7)
  
• Magic of the Mountain Museum @ The Sky Tower - Only if your kids (and you) would like seeing the park from about 400ft. high!
  
• CHARACTERS - Found in Colossus County Fair, Gotham City, High Sierra Territory, Movie District, Goliath Plaza, Six Flags Plaza & Thomas Town
  
• FOOD - Johnny Rockets, Katy's Kettle, Mooseburger Lodge, & Wascal's all offer kid's meals
  
• COASTERS - Yes, some of them are very kid-friendly! Ninja, Gold Rusher, Roaring Rapids, Sierra Falls, Jet Stream, and Log Jammer are all big hits with the 48" and shorter crowd. If kid feels daring, Colossus, Revolution, and even Goliath & X2 all sport a 48" height requirement.

 

What are you spamming for the parks now? Jeez man.

[FirstDropJ]

Anyone here at TPR who's ridden Mindbender or any other Schwarzkopf coaster with the adjustable OTSRs would know first hand whether they're a problem. I've not heard any complaints, but with relatively few such coasters out there, perhaps not very many people have said anything.

 

I think even some TOGO rides had restraints like that---I recall Manhattan Express in Las Vegas being one of them.

 

Anyway, as I said, I wouldn't sit and wait for any improvements on Revolution in this regard. Fixing an old ride just doesn't have top priority.

 

Eric

 

Don't the new trains for the S&S El Loco coasters have adjustable OTSR's?