SFMM Travel Recommendations

[MNCoasterlover]

I am going to Six Flags Magic Mountain later this month. What this forum is about is favorite coasters, long lined rides, good food, and any other recommendations.

 

 

Thanks,

MNCoasterlover

 

P.S. Keep posting after my trip so this can help everyone, not just me.

Edited March 7, 2013 by MNCoasterlover

[willthethrill]

I'd recommend posting SFMM related things in this forum: helpful SFMM thread is helpful

[XYZ]

SFMM is my home park and here are my recommendations:

 

Roller Coasters

 

Apocalypse: Must Do. Apocalypse usually has a 5 minute wait and is definitely worth it. I would ride it multiple times since it is a very good coaster (my 2nd favorite at SFMM)

 

Batman: Must Do. Batman also usually has a 5 minute wait and is another very good coaster. I would ride Batman in the middle rows since the front and back can wear you down.

 

Colossus: I think this is a solid wooden coaster that is smooth. I would ride in the front car as there are small pops of airtime. Colossus usually has a 10 – 15 minute wait.

 

Gold Rusher: I would go on this as Gold Rusher is almost always a walk on and is a fun coaster. It’s worth the time to go ride it.

 

Goliath: Many first timers to SFMM would put this as a must do from being the tallest complete circuit coaster at SFMM. I personally am not a very big fan of a coaster but it’s still a lot of fun. In the offseason, it can be a walk on in the middle rows and is usually a 20 – 30 minute wait in peak season. Usually, operations are very good on Goliath and rarely has stacking with 2 train operation.

 

Green Lantern: I personally don’t like this coaster as it can be painful with the OTSRs pressing against your shoulders and head banging. Green Lantern usually has 20 – 60 minute waits since GL is a low capacity coaster, the lines can lengthen quickly.

 

Ninja: It’s a nice fun coaster that isn’t that much of a deal. Though, it usually is a walk on with two train operation. If it’s a walk on, I would do it, but if there is a long line, don’t do it.

 

Revolution: I personally like this coaster and while the OTSRs are terrible, if you do the Vekoma grasp of death, you’ll be fine. Revolution usually has a 5 – 15 minute wait.

 

Riddler: It’s a good coaster at SFMM and doesn’t have that much head banging, but it can get long waits of over an hour long. Also, don’t wait for the front seat, the 2nd and 3rd row are better in my opinion and have a shorter wait.

 

Scream!: I don’t like this coaster as has a bad case of the B&M rattle, but it usually a walk on. Some like it, so I would try it.

 

Superman: Must Do: I really like this coaster, though it does sometimes have long waits. If you see the line coming out of the entrance, I would go on it later as Superman can reach 90 minute waits.

 

Tatsu: Must Do: I’m not a big fan at all of the flying coaster, but the coaster itself is really good. Tatsu’s line can either be really short or really long. Some weekends, it has a 2 hour wait and some weekends, it is a walk on.

 

Viper: I don’t like Viper that much since it has terrible OTSRs that press against the shoulders. I would try it if there is no line, though it can reach a 20 minute wait even if the line looks short.

 

X2: Must Do: This is my favorite coaster at SFMM, though I think it is a little over rated. I would sit in the first few rows in the inside seat. X2 sometimes can be very smooth and sometimes can have a good amount of head banging. X2 has long lines almost all the time. It usually is a 20 – 90 minute wait.

 

 

Thrill Rides:

 

Lex Luthor: Must Do: I’m a fan of drop towers and I recommend for everyone to try it out. Lex Luthor can be a walk on or have a 60 minute wait depending on the crowds.

 

Upcharge Attractions: I wouldn’t do these as there are tons of other rides that will take up the whole day, you won’t even have time for the upcharges.

 

 

Family Rides:

 

Buccaneer & Swashbuckler: I wouldn’t do these if you don’t have much time as they are just a standard pirate ship and swings. Though, they usually are a walk on.

 

Jet Stream: I would go on Jet Stream on a hot day to cool off as it usually doesn’t have that long of a line. The ride doesn’t really get you wet too much.

 

Roaring Rapids: Usually, if there is hot weather, the rapids can get a LONG wait. If you like rapids, I would go on it as I believe it is the 2nd rapids ride built in the world.

 

Sandblasters: These are some fun bumper cars that usually have a 5 minute wait.

 

Scrambler: This scrambler has a pretty good program and usually has a 5 minute wait.

 

Sky Tower: Must Do: This tower has a very good view and usually has no wait. It may seem that it is closed, but that is because of its low popularity, sadly.

 

Orient Express: Do this to get up the hill. You do not want to walk up the back of the hill.

 

Tidal Wave: You don’t get wet on this ride unless one of those sprayers gets you. If you want to get wet, just stand on the bridge.

 

Flash & Wonder Woman: I don’t like round ups & music expresses, so I haven’t been on these. I would get a review of these two rides from someone else. (Yes, Wonder Woman is a thrill ride, but the description is the same as Flash)

 

So, this is my recommendations. Use it well.

[XYZ]

Well this is really nice to have this as it will really help you to get the best deal with it.

SFMM park is really huge to visit in one day and to joy the all the adveteourous park.

Try to stay here at least three days.

 

Honestly, SFMM can be all acheived in one day.

[XII]

3 Hints to make the most of a day @ SFMM.

 

1. Take advantages of the Single Riders Lines on Lex Luthor, Riddlers Revenge, and Green Lantern.

2. Do the back of the park first. Most people are at the front of the park at this time and lines for rides like Goliath, Scream, Batman, & Apocalypse are shortest then.

3. X2 has a sweet spot where the line tends to shrink around 3:00.

 

Hope this helps.

[MNCoasterlover]

Is the Flash Pass worth it? Really want to get on the rides more then once (my top 5 probably) instead of the "never coming back get on everything you can" rush. Are Gold and Platinum worth it?

[SharkTums]

^If you're going during Spring Break it can be VERY busy and they're not up to their high summer staffing levels. If you don't get out to the park a lot, want to ride things multiple times, I would certainly grab at least the Gold Flash Pass.

[Coaster Curt]

What they all said, and nice Wild Thing profile pic

[DBJ]

The flash passes are worth it on a busy day. If you are hitting the park on a weekend during spring break, I would allow room in the budget to go for the gold flash pass just in case. If you have the option to be at the park during the a weekday in March, that is a better option than say Saturday. Luckily, you do not have to buy them upon entering the park, so you can be a bit flexible in when or if you purchase it based on crowd levels.

 

Looks like the coasters question was covered pretty well. I would not expect Superman to be open in March though, be great if it was, but with Yolo being built, one never knows.

 

If you are traveling with a Discover card, that shaves off 5'% of the all the prices (parking, food, etc.), and there is a Discover card member's entrance, to get you in earlier. This being SFMM, not sure how well they operate the discover card member entrance consistently however.

 

Food wise, well, SFMM isn't really known for great food. I would eat a better breakfast in the a.m., and snack at SFMM at best, and then eat a later dinner. But, if you have to eat a full meal at the park, Panda Express is similar to the food court staple that people know and love. JB's and Johhny Rockets are "ok" choices, a tad high priced at JB's for what you get. The only sit-down with any ambience is Mooseburger Lodge. I would pass on all the pizza in the park, have yet to experience any of them that was good. Cold Stone is a good ice cream option. The funnel cakes, well, better make sure you get one freshly made. I did get served on that was pre-done, and it was not good. I chose not to risk my life on trying the sushi, but there is a station for it in Food Etc. If you can find it, the Dole Whips are pretty good.

[MNCoasterlover]

^If you're going during Spring Break it can be VERY busy and they're not up to their high summer staffing levels. If you don't get out to the park a lot, want to ride things multiple times, I would certainly grab at least the Gold Flash Pass.

 

 

Yep, going smack dab in the middle of Spring Break. BTW, will try to get some Full Throttle construction pics.

[MNCoasterlover]

What they all said, and nice Wild Thing profile pic

Thank you! Very surprised you recognized it, must be a Minnesotan

[MNCoasterlover]

The flash passes are worth it on a busy day. If you are hitting the park on a weekend during spring break, I would allow room in the budget to go for the gold flash pass just in case. If you have the option to be at the park during the a weekday in March, that is a better option than say Saturday. Luckily, you do not have to buy them upon entering the park, so you can be a bit flexible in when or if you purchase it based on crowd levels.

 

Looks like the coasters question was covered pretty well. I would not expect Superman to be open in March though, be great if it was, but with Yolo being built, one never knows.

 

If you are traveling with a Discover card, that shaves off 5'% of the all the prices (parking, food, etc.), and there is a Discover card member's entrance, to get you in earlier. This being SFMM, not sure how well they operate the discover card member entrance consistently however.

 

Food wise, well, SFMM isn't really known for great food. I would eat a better breakfast in the a.m., and snack at SFMM at best, and then eat a later dinner. But, if you have to eat a full meal at the park, Panda Express is similar to the food court staple that people know and love. JB's and Johhny Rockets are "ok" choices, a tad high priced at JB's for what you get. The only sit-down with any ambience is Mooseburger Lodge. I would pass on all the pizza in the park, have yet to experience any of them that was good. Cold Stone is a good ice cream option. The funnel cakes, well, better make sure you get one freshly made. I did get served on that was pre-done, and it was not good. I chose not to risk my life on trying the sushi, but there is a station for it in Food Etc. If you can find it, the Dole Whips are pretty good.

WHAT! No Superman!

[MNCoasterlover]

Not to get ahead of myself, but a trip to Great America is not out of the running as it's fairly close and I am overdue (read: WAITED A LONG, LONG, Time) to ride X-Flight.

[MNCoasterlover]

Not to get ahead of myself, but a trip to Great America is not out of the running as it's fairly close and I am overdue (read: WAITED A LONG, LONG, Time) to ride X-Flight.

this summer, forgot to mention that. Dang,as usual, I am over posting and should let the senior(er) members of TPR let me bask in their knowledge of thrill rides and theme parks.

[Coaster Curt]

What they all said, and nice Wild Thing profile pic

Thank you! Very surprised you recognized it, must be a Minnesotan

 

 

I am, have stood in that spot many a time looking up. You live in Minny as well?

[cmullin]

I would run to X2 first or go around 3 in the afternoon, when the line usually shrinks down a bit. I would definitely ride Apocalypse at least a few times. It never has much of a line and it is one of my favorites there. Also, Goliath is really good, but depending on the day it could have a really long line or a very short one. I would go to Goliath, X2, or Riddler first. And last, Tatsu can have a fairly long line, but it will usually move pretty quickly. Hope you can get some YOLOcoaster pics while you are down there!

[Angry_Gumball]

I don't mean to thread jack but I'll be down that way on April 18th (after doing a couple days at Disney, and a day at Knotts)...considering it's a week day, I'm crossing my fingers that it won't be so bad. I could be wrong but I think many of the schools are out the prior weeks leading up to my trip, thus we chose to go later in April. Of course I know to jam over to X2 first and get that credit out of the way.

[singemfrc]

I would run to X2 first or go around 3 in the afternoon, when the line usually shrinks down a bit. I would definitely ride Apocalypse at least a few times. It never has much of a line and it is one of my favorites there. Also, Goliath is really good, but depending on the day it could have a really long line or a very short one. I would go to Goliath, X2, or Riddler first. And last, Tatsu can have a fairly long line, but it will usually move pretty quickly. Hope you can get some YOLOcoaster pics while you are down there!

If you have more than one or two people I would definitely say to hit Riddlers first. X2 and Goliath tend to have shorter lines late in the day because most people run there first and get it out of the way, and since those two rides usually have the most efficient operations, the line gets shorter later on. Riddlers is definitely the worst operations in the park. They only have one train, the ride ops are usually slow, and the GP always seems to be confused by the restraints. Dispatch times on this ride are horrific. So the line is just almost always long even when the rest of the park is a walkon. If youre by yourself or dont mind riding by yourself you can use the single rider line, if you want to ride together with others, do this one first. It's actually a pretty good ride, definitely the best standup out there IMO.

[coasterbill]

We went to the park for the first time in 11 years this past Saturday and even with the Platinum Fast Pass and the upgrades for X2 and Drop of Doom (which aren't included in the standard Flash Pass at any level) it was hard to ride everything in a day. We did it though, and had 2 hours left to re-ride our favorite rides (Apocalypse, Tatsu, and Ninja). The only non coasters we rode were Drop of Doom and the flume (because we're from New York and the fact that we could ride a flume in the winter blew our minds).

 

The reason it was so difficult to ride everything was the one train operation (and slow moving station waits) on Scream, Apocalypse and Riddler and the ridiculously slow loading time on Green Lantern (which is a terrible, terrible ride by the way). There's no way we could have rode everything without the Flash Pass. For the price difference, just go with the Platinum so you can re-ride.

[singemfrc]

To the OP, the newsletter just came out saying there will be ERT at 10am on 3/17 on Riddler's if you have a Six Flags Season Pass...this would solve one problem line for you if you happen to be there that day.

[MNCoasterlover]

To the OP, the newsletter just came out saying there will be ERT at 10am on 3/17 on Riddler's if you have a Six Flags Season Pass...this would solve one problem line for you if you happen to be there that day.

Alas, no Six Flags anywhere near, no season pass, but I've heard varied reviews from "lines are short" to "barely had time" so I will make haste!

[Angle O. Descent]

For accommodations, I recommend staying at the Best Western Valencia. It's a 20 minute walk from MM, (so no parking lot madness to deal with) and there's a Wendy's and convenience store on the way there

[Angry_Gumball]

Actually we've been doing motel research in the area, the BW looks like a place to stay away from even if its close. According to some reviews it looks like there's a number of issues including but not limited to prostitution, bugs, poorly maintained rooms, and so on. We're looking at staying at La Quinta inn which appears to be a little cleaner though Sfmm isn't quite in walking distance.

 

That is assuming the reviews are legit and not just GP rants.

[singemfrc]

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn its basically across the street and was pretty nice for the price. Definitely walking distance. There's also a Holiday Inn Express that I stayed at several years ago, also walkable.

[cmullin]

When I visit I always stay at the Courtyard Marriott, it is only 2 miles from the park if I'm not mistaken, or the Hilton Garden Inn is also nice and fairly close as well. Either of those would be my recommendation.