The Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) Discussion Thread

[RCFreak]

My favorite seats are about the same as eevryone, but I think Tatsu in the front is way better then the back, and my favorite seat on terminator is actually row 6 or 7 on the right hand side.

[CreditCrazy]

 

I'd also like to say how much of a difference it makes riding X2 in the inside seats and the outside sides. I rode in the back row, inside seat for my first run. It was smooth and fun, and it was the same old X2 I know and love at my number 1 spot. Then I rode in the front row on the outside seat. That was the most brutal experience I've ever had on a coaster...

 

 

I agree. I've ridden X2 in the front on an outside seat before (only time on the outside) and it was horribly rough and unenjoyable. Some people seem to not notice a huge difference but for me...I have to make sure I get the inside every time I ride it or it just isn't worth the long wait it gets.

[GivenOneChance]

Haha I agree with a lot of people's reasonings for riding where they do.

 

I think it is best to ride Batman in the front, but I never have, only because I don't think it is worth waiting an additional couple of trains. So I usually take whatever has no one waiting in the particular row queue.

 

I like Riddlers at the front for similar reasons. I like to see what is ahead, rather than the seats in front of me. Unlike Batman, I have rode in the front multiple times though .

 

For Tatsu, I like the back because it feels like you get pulled more especially during the first drop. So it feels a lot more intense for me. I have rode both the back and front. B&M is right that it doesn't really matter as far as seeing things are concerned because everyone is looking down; but the only reason I have a preference for the back is because of what I previous mentioned.

 

Goliath - the back is good because you get pulled down the drop and the helix seems a lot more intense. However, at the front, it is nice to see the drop that's ahead of you while waiting for the back of the train to finish coming up the chain lift before you proceed forward, etc. Haha.

[ImpossiblyBrandon]

Hey guys I'm heading to Magic Mountain this weekend(Sunday) for my best friend's birthday so how do you think the crowds are going to be??? Also, what about the wait times because we aren't leaving until 9 ad the park opens at 10:30, so we'll probably get there around 11:00 ... are Termy and Tatsu gonna be packed by then?

[bhslhs]

Termy probably wont be, Deja Vu, Goliath, Riddler, Scream!, Batman and Superman probably wont be either. X2 will be. Tatsu can be a hit and miss but if its a miss, just head over to Termy.

[itnotfair]

It'll be Labor Day weekend, too, so there may be some mondo crowdage.

[GivenOneChance]

Tatsu has a really long line for some reason early in the morning. Being that so many people gravitate toward X, I guess after they ride that, they just move counterclockwise in the direction of Tatsu.

 

I went on a Sunday, back in August, and I got to the park before it opened and went to Terminator and Deja Vu. Of course, this is out of your question, but after riding both Terminator and Deja Vu, I went back to Tatsu and found around 90 minute waiting time for it (according to the sign).

 

Since you're arriving late, just go right....

[WFChris]

Somebody mentioned 'mondo crowdage' for this weekend, but I don't know if I can agree with that. Sure, its Labor Day weekend, but we are also dealing with the wildfire mess in that area. The news is reporting terrible air quality in that area. Also, sometimes the fear of large crowds can actually result in smaller crowds at the park. Does anybody here KNOW (please hold back on 'I thinks) if fires affect the size of crowds. There are fires every year in that area, and I'm sure some of us have been to the park in the summer, on a weekend, during a fire. Please share your experiences as I expect to be at the park this Sunday.

 

I guess the reason I ask is because I want to debate with myself as to whether or not a flashpass should be pre-purchased or just bought at the park the day of (that day being sunday).

 

Chris.

[GivenOneChance]

I guess the fires could have a significant impact on attendance. But I think by Sunday, a lot could be cleared up by then and the fires should be sufficiently contained. Hopefully for people whose houses are at stake, etc.

 

Though if there is fire, smoke in the air, people merely react differently. For some I guess it can exacerbate allergies, I dunno lol, though breathing air and smelling smoke would definitely serve as a great deterrence for many. People may refrain from outdoor activities and find themselves elsewhere this holiday, if the conditions remain to the degree they are now, I guess. So in your sake, attendance numbers could be down below the number they had the potential to be.

 

I wouldn't buy a flashpass regardless. But that's just me.

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

Wildfires DO very well affect this park's attendance. Last year's wildfire actually warranted closure of the park. Granted last years fire was alot (and I mean ALOT) closer, fires like this affect traffic, air quality and overall safety. (even though this fire is 0 threat to Six Flags, people may not know or understand this) so people usually tend to stay away from that area overall this time of year.

[WFChris]

^ Yeah that's what I'm hoping on. I just hope the news keeps showing that awful purple air quality color there in the SCV hahaha. The park is indeed in pretty much no danger this time around, but I'm counting on GP ignorance and hoping they just decide to hit up the mouse or Knotts instead.

 

Chris.

[CreditCrazy]

I remember when I tried going to the park last November, I had to turn around because of all the fires. Saw some smoke in the air, turned the radio on, found out that the freeways would be closed, and turned around...about half way there too. The park must have been dead that day. So, yes, fires must affect the park's attendance.

[ebl]

"...after they ride that [X2], they just move counterclockwise in the direction of Tatsu." (GivenOneChance)

 

If memory serves, Tatsu is clockwise from X2. Just for the sake of orientation.

 

At this time, I'm planning to be at SFMM on Friday with Diana and her cousin and uncle.

 

Eric

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

...the freeways would be closed...The park must have been dead that day

 

80% of the parks personnel either come from the San Fernando or Antelope Valleys. The Newhall pass was closed during the aforementioned fire, which resulted in employees (or guests for that matter) not being able to get to the park, which was why it did not open that day...talk about dead!

[ImpossiblyBrandon]

Wow these fires are pretty effective it seems like. At my school (where we lack the pleasure of a gym) I've gone inside for PE the last two days because of the ash in the air and it is visible on the ground! So hopefully you guys are right and I won't be faced with harsh crowds. X2 I know is gonna be crowded, but I'm wiling to stand in line for that its such a great ride, mind-blowing. Terminator will hopefully not be too crowded because I love that one two, same with Tatsu lol.

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

Yea...That I've noticed Tatsu has been a hit or miss this year...It's either a 10minute or hour wait...but I think it has more to do with dispatch intervals rather than crowds...just my observation though. I look at that ride through rose colored glasses so of course I'm gonna gripe about the crew...

[WFChris]

I wonder if the fire on X2 and terminator will be on or off? LOL

 

Chris.

[CreditCrazy]

The Newhall pass was closed during the aforementioned fire, which resulted in employees (or guests for that matter) not being able to get to the park, which was why it did not open that day...talk about dead!

 

Oh.

[cooksta77]

I wonder if the fire on X2 and terminator will be on or off? LOL

 

Chris.

Well if it's raining ash I'm sure Terminator will get its apocolyptic feel.

Andrew "Can't wait for the 11th" Iorio

[ZeroG001]

^^^The fire was on for both Terminator and X2 yesterday. I didn't really feel the heat from Terminator, so it was fine. But X2's fire sucked in the 100 degree weather. Especially since the mist wasn't on. I've been on it six times, and have only had the mist on for two of my rides. Both of those rides, though, the fire was off. So I don't think I've been on it when all the effects are working at the same time.

[itnotfair]

Somebody mentioned 'mondo crowdage' for this weekend, but I don't know if I can agree with that. Sure, its Labor Day weekend, but we are also dealing with the wildfire mess in that area.

 

That was me. Sorry for the outdated surfer lingo. You may well be right, and Labor Day weekend might not mean large crowds, especially with the air quality in the area. Still, it's something to consider, and I thought I'd bring it up. Anyway, here's hoping the air clears and the crowds remain small for everyone's weekend trips!

 

EDIT: More importantly, here's hoping our brave firefighters all come out of this shit storm okay.

[bhslhs]

How close are the fires to Magic Mountain?

[WFChris]

^ The fires are about 30 miles away. They are not going to become a danger to the park at all. The only issue is smoke.

 

Chris.

[metrock]

^ Well, except the fire right next to Terminator and X2.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

While smoke/air quality might be a reason some people may decide to cancel their SFMM plans, there is no aforementioned problems such as freeway closures that would affect SFMM's operating hours.

 

Unlike last year & recent years, there is no fire right next to SFMM or even within 30 miles. There is no fire threat, or fire-related road problems that would affect access to SFMM for guests or employees from any direction. As far as I know, even the fire's proximity to the 14 in Acton is rather remote & the 14 isn't imminently threatened as of now.