TR: Six Flags Magic Mountain

[Hhappy]

Can we stop debating the lockers and their ONE dollar charge??

They are there and here's the choice..

Spent the money or travel light. (or have a non rider in your group be the baglady )

 

Look on the bright side, you got to ride a bunch of awesome coasters and lived to tell the tale

[HappyEisentrout]

I have a camera bag that is about the size of a waist pack and actually has a belt portion as well. I get upset when parks tell me I can't have that with me in line. I have never taken a picture on a ride and never will, it's not safe. But I do like to take pictures while waiting in line, it helps pass the time and you can get some good angles from in there. What needs to be done is to have cubbies, but also have lockers for those who are smarter. I guess I could start bringing a smaller camera for in the queues and the station.

[FeelTheFORCE]

^You've got Hershey Park near you so you should want for nothing.

 

Ha, I do have many great parks/rides close to me (CP, Kennywood, Darien Lake, Waldameer, etc.) but SFMM is definitely one-of-a-kind. Hershey is another park I haven't been to in a couple years and need to get back to. If not this summer then definitely in 2012 when their new ride is built.

[WFChris]

I read your entire report, and it seems to me that you go into things in life with a negative attitude, like, you actively LOOK for something to annoy you. I say that because you mention things like they are the end of the world, but then you say you enjoyed the ride. You even answered one of your own observations....first you mention that X2's loading process sucks, but then you say 'why have more not been built?' 2+2 = ....

 

Anyway, I am just curious if that is the case; because really, it does not sound like Magic Mountain provided that bad of a time for you, you just decided to not enjoy it.

[YoshiFan]

What needs to be done is to have cubbies, but also have fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo for those who are smarter. I guess I could start bringing a smaller camera for in the queues and the station.

 

It sounds like some of the SF parks are trying that (SFOT according to Screamscape) but others are still going to require them.

[KBrylczyk]

I read your entire report, and it seems to me that you go into things in life with a negative attitude, like, you actively LOOK for something to annoy you. I say that because you mention things like they are the end of the world, but then you say you enjoyed the ride. You even answered one of your own observations....first you mention that X2's loading process sucks, but then you say 'why have more not been built?' 2+2 = ....

 

Anyway, I am just curious if that is the case; because really, it does not sound like Magic Mountain provided that bad of a time for you, you just decided to not enjoy it.

 

That's not the case at all. I'm a very positive person, I just did not enjoy my day here at all. As I stated earlier, the park has a ton of potential, but it's squandered by horrible management. Even if every ride in the park blew my mind, I still would have had a crappy day. The rides do not make the park. The park makes the park, if that makes any sense.

 

Maybe the fact that the three days preceding the visit to Magic Mountain were spent at Disney and the San Diego Zoo had an effect, what with their incredible friendliness and well run parks. I had extremely high hopes for Magic Mountain when planning the trip and when we first got there, but both of us ended up hating the park.

[JJ728]

That's not the case at all. I'm a very positive person, I just did not enjoy my day here at all. As I stated earlier, the park has a ton of potential, but it's squandered by horrible management. Even if every ride in the park blew my mind, I still would have had a crappy day. The rides do not make the park. The park makes the park, if that makes any sense.

What you experienced is the bad side of smart management. The Tatsu and Apocalypse trains are being rehabbed now and not the summer. How would you have liked to experience one train operations in the hot summer when the park is four times as crowded? As people said before, there is not much to do about that then suffer through the ride maintenance. Every park receives this, with SFMM's being noticeable unlike other parks because of being open year round. It is the off season, with Colossus undergoing track work and Deja Vu getting a new lift cable. Superman still needs some kinks worked out (especially on the right side). The park will be in great shape for spring break, which I believe is the third week of April this year.

 

All in all, try it again. Go on a summer weekday and see 2 train ops on everything (except Goliath might have 3). The lockers will always be there, and spending $5 to $8 dollars is really not a lot. Buy your tickets online saves you $25. $15 parking is annoying, but its like that at all theme parks, zoos, convention centers, sporting arenas, etc.

[osm]

Foolproof strategy: zippered pockets. I agree that $1 for a ffbfwmag is stupid and annoying, but it's really not that big of a deal. Sorry about your visit, but it seems like you hit it on a bad day. It seems like you were able to get on most of the major rides even with the operations, so it couldn't have been that bad. I think it helps to have realistic expectations going in for a Six Flags park in the offseason. Better luck next time, I guess.

[coasternut]

I read this entire thread. Magic Mountain is my favorite park anywhere. I travel all over the U.S. for my job, so I see many different parks and rides. Agreed, I've noticed the ride-op's attitudes going down hill since the departure of their old VP Jay Thomas. He was an outgoing person that you always saw at the park smiling and talking to his guests. That attitude radiates from the top down. Since his departure, I do see a marked difference in employee attitudes towards customers and the cleanliness of the park.

 

That being said it's got a great compliment of rides and soon to have more rides than any other park. I was at the park on Sunday 3/13 too. I got in at opening 10:30 and stayed until close 6pm and got 31 quality rides that day! One other thing, this year the park has posted signs telling you of the 1 train operation because of maintenance. It's right at the entry of the rides with only 1 train.

 

As others have said quit bring all that crap to the park when you ride. I bring nothing that doesn't fit in my pant /shorts cargo pockets. Every park has it's challenges, but for me I like the Mountain....

[KBrylczyk]

As others have said quit bring all that crap to the park when you ride. I bring nothing that doesn't fit in my pant /shorts cargo pockets. Every park has it's challenges, but for me I like the Mountain....

 

Wow, this is something I've seen a lot of. I don't bring a lot with me. I brought my wallet, car keys, phone, and a camera. These are things I cannot afford to lose on a ride when I'm 2,500 miles from home. I'd rather them be kept safe rather than lose them going through a loop. The fact that the just had to nickel and dime us for this security ticked me off. The cubby holes at KBF were perfectly fine (and secure) and Disney never told us that we "absolutely must" remove all loose articles, so why SF can't extend the same common courtesy is beyond me.

[PAL]

I brought my wallet, car keys, phone, and a camera

 

I don't feel comfortable leaving ANY of those things in a cubby. Wallets can be lifted - *snap* - like that. We use inexpensive nylon travel wallets - they come with straps that fit around a belt loop, and can be worn like a necklace under a shirt. Works great.

[Fire2box]

As others have said quit bring all that crap to the park when you ride. I bring nothing that doesn't fit in my pant /shorts cargo pockets. Every park has it's challenges, but for me I like the Mountain....

 

Wow, this is something I've seen a lot of. I don't bring a lot with me. I brought my wallet, car keys, phone, and a camera. These are things I cannot afford to lose on a ride when I'm 2,500 miles from home. I'd rather them be kept safe rather than lose them going through a loop. The fact that the just had to nickel and dime us for this security ticked me off. The cubby holes at KBF were perfectly fine (and secure) and Disney never told us that we "absolutely must" remove all loose articles, so why SF can't extend the same common courtesy is beyond me.

 

I had all of that save for a phone on my 8 trips to SFDK and 2 trips to SFMM in 2010 and I never had to use a locker since I wore a shirt with pocket's. i din't even need cargo pants or anything either which is always a option.

 

Also last year at SFDK while waiting for Roar. A guy a head of me asked me to hold his backpack.. I did. He got back (one train operation) and I handed back his pack. If worst comes to worst you can put trust in a complete stranger and likely have it turn out to be a good experience. Well if it's a single train operation that is.

 

Anyways SFMM isn't ever going to be Disneyland quality in park management. Also SFMM isn't going to be a family friendly place honestly, in terms of the age/maturity of riders. Of course the food quality will always be laughable. but there's wendy's and even red lobster right down the road. Though the BBQ joint smelt great last june.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

As others have said quit bring all that crap to the park when you ride. I bring nothing that doesn't fit in my pant /shorts cargo pockets. Every park has it's challenges, but for me I like the Mountain....

 

Wow, this is something I've seen a lot of. I don't bring a lot with me. I brought my wallet, car keys, phone, and a camera. These are things I cannot afford to lose on a ride when I'm 2,500 miles from home. I'd rather them be kept safe rather than lose them going through a loop. The fact that the just had to nickel and dime us for this security ticked me off. The cubby holes at KBF were perfectly fine (and secure) and Disney never told us that we "absolutely must" remove all loose articles, so why SF can't extend the same common courtesy is beyond me.

 

I highly suggest obtaining multiple pairs of pants/shorts that have zippered pockets. Perfect for when you absolutely cannot lose important stuff on rides, but don't want to have to worry about what you can't lose while you're trying to have a great time.

[andyuk200523]

I agree with so many comments on here, I always have a pair of Cargo Shorts/Trousers that I wear at parks, they have about 4 zipped/buttoned pockets, these are perfect for wallet/cigarettes/phone/camera, I have no need for lockers, if there is a water ride however, I will use lockers for a £1 just to look after my non waterproof equipment!!!

[Philrad71]

I agree that cargo pants/shorts are definitely the way to go. And although I don't like the l-cker policy either, for certain rides like X2 & Tatsu, it just makes sense. Just ask my Dad when he lost his motor home keys on Manta. Talk about a horrible feeling when you know you are thousands of miles from home and lose your only set of keys and have to spend the rest of your day wondering if they will be found (in this case luckily, they were). Valuable lesson learned here.

 

RE: Your visit. While I wasn't impressed with Tatsu's loading time and X2's three hour wait during my first visit either, my West Coast Bash visit more than made up that. If you don't like to wait in lines, this would be your best option for any possible future visits. Believe me, you will NOT be disappointed and you will have plenty of time to ride all of the awesome coasters with little to no wait...in the day & at night!

 

And just speaking from experience here...I have seen horribly slow loading operations at just about every park I have ever visited (and I have been to a lot!), so it is something that you have to learn to deal with during any visit. It's not really fair to rip MM like they are the only park with slow dispatches & one train operations...it happens everywhere!

 

 

Regarding the park maps not being at Guest Services, I would suggest sending them an E-mail and mention that this would be a good thing to have on hand for guests arriving before the gates open. While it does seem like a given that they would have them, offering suggestions from a new set of eyes is often how a park can improve the guest experience.

 

When I have had complaints about a park (I think two), I have sent the park a non-punishing E-mail with my suggestions and for the most part, they respond nicely and thank me for sharing my concerns telling me that it will be addressed with management.

 

Don't let that one visit tarnish your vision of the park...it really is a beautiful park with some great coasters and rides. I definitely can't wait to get to another WCB someday!

[Fire2box]

I agree with so many comments on here, I always have a pair of Cargo Shorts/Trousers that I wear at parks, they have about 4 zipped/buttoned pockets, these are perfect for wallet/cigarettes/phone/camera, I have no need for fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo, if there is a water ride however, I will use fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo for a £1 just to look after my non waterproof equipment!!!

 

Dude, just use a ziplock bag or two. works like a charm for water rides.

 

 

I agree that cargo pants/shorts are definitely the way to go. And although I don't like the l-cker policy either, for certain rides like X2 & Tatsu, it just makes sense. Just ask my Dad when he lost his motor home keys on Manta. Talk about a horrible feeling when you know you are thousands of miles from home and lose your only set of keys and have to spend the rest of your day wondering if they will be found (in this case luckily, they were). Valuable lesson learned here.

 

You can use clips to hang keyring from your belt loop. Just make sure the clip is good and sturdy.

[Chrisrad]

You don't have to use a $1 l.ocker for each ride - use one at, say, Goliath, and go ride Scream, Batman, Colossus, and Riddler. Then come back and ride Goliath again.

 

Same for the rest of the park - use a $1 l.ocker at Tatsu - ride Tatsu, X2, Apoco, then Tatsu again.

 

I got through WCB by doing this most of the day.

 

Of course, I've also been to SFMM countless times and have not needed one l.ocker all day.

 

 

 

Comparing the policy to Knott's or Disneyland? Disneyland has one looping coaster - California Screamin' - there are little mesh bags on each train. Knott's has some decent rides, yes, but nothing as intense as SFMM - especially since SFMM has the most loops around (am I right, everyone?).

 

You need to take a backstage tour to see how much crap flies out of pockets - you can find cell phones, keys, money, etc. And if you think cubbies would be successful at SFMM, think of the clientele (for the most part) - teenagers. Who's to blame when your stuff goes missing? Or broken? Or if it's lost? They'd rather hear bitching about $1 l.ockers, instead of "My phone fell out of my pocket," "the restraint broke my phone's screen," "someone stole my stuff out of my cubby," "I dropped my so and so." "I lost my keys/wallet/etc."

 

If they have to go searching for something substantial (car keys/wallet/etc.), you're talking ride closures.

 

So really, plan ahead. Knowing that WCB was ALL day (8 am to midnight), I brought a backpack along - (snacks/jacket/etc.). But for a casual visit to the park, leave your phone in your car if it's that important.

 

 

 

 

Regardless, can anyone tell me why this bitch-fest has more hits/comments than my awesome TR?

[HappyEisentrout]

^ I agree 100%. As you can see from my signature, I have spent my fair share of time working coasters. We would do track walks on a mid day and nightly basis and would turn in a bag full of stuff every night. Not so much on Dragster because it has a strict loose article policy and usually whatever comes out flies into the lagoon. Zippered cargo pockets, zippered jacket/shirt pockets, waist pack, etc. These are the only ways besides the $1 box to keep your stuff safe.

 

This is my usual procedure. The only stuff that enters the park with me is my wallet, phone, keys, case for my glasses, and camera (with extra memory card, battery, or film if using my film camera). I always buy cargo shorts that have either a strong Velcro or zippers. I also bring my camera bag with me because I use a micro four thirds camera and it's a little too big for my pockets. It has a shoulder strap and belt strap. The pack zips shut and then has a Velcro flap over that. If going onto a restricted seating ride; B&M Flyers, Vekoma Flyers, Volares, some Intamin hypers, I will lock it up. I had a friend get his screen on his camera broken while riding Time Warp at Canada's Wonderland. If the station has bins, I try to make sure that the ride hosts are doing their jobs and switching them for every train. Sometimes I will even leave my stuff with friends and we just won't ride together.

 

Before going to a park, do a little research into their loose article policy. Every park should have something regarding their rules on the site. If not, they always have a way to contact them and they have employees that will tell you the rules.

 

And regarding the parent swap in the front row, at every park that I know of, Cedar Point included, if the one parent waits for the front, the other parent gets front as well. It's only fair.

[robbalvey]

Funny how the beginning part of your TR is about how crappy the park is ... yet from your description of the coasters it sounds like you enjoyed them and had a fun time.

I've only just read this report now, and yeah, I was waiting for the scathing review, but it actually sounded like you had a good day. Other than some rides running one train, which, unfortunately in California where the parks are year round, they don't have the luxury of an off-season to give everything a full re-hab so they either need to run some coasters with one train, or something might be closed. Colossus and Deja Vu are down right now, while Tatsu and Terminator are running one train each. The flip side of that would be to have all four coasters closed. And hearing that you only waited 30 minutes for Tatsu and a couple of trains on Terminator, that doesn't sounds too bad. You should have been there on WCB day when the line for Tatsu was over 2 hours! No thank you!

 

No excuse for GR not having park maps. That's just dumb.

 

As for the locker policy, well, remember that Cedar Fair does it, as does Busch parks. Not that I'm excusing it in any way, but IMO, it's just one of those things that if you're going to be theme park fan you either put up with it or shut up about it.

 

If you're going to complain about any price gouging, how about mentioning the $15 parking or the $6 sodas. But instead people (not just you) choose to complain about the $1 locker. Let me repeat that...it cost $1. One dollar. A dollar. 99 cents +1 penny. One Dollar. A buck. 100 pennies.

 

Seriously, if you're going to bitch about $1. Don't go to theme parks. Or a movie theater. Or a concert. Or a sporting event. Because I guarantee you, you'll get priced gouged even higher there. This isn't really directed at you, but at the people who continue to complain about the policy. I totally understand the complain, but I find there are other things more offending that should be bitched about before the $1 lockers.

 

Otherwise, nice report. Sounds like a pretty typical day at the Mountain.

 

--Robb "It's a park that shows better with a fun group!" Alvey

Edited March 27, 2011 by robbalvey