Even though we are approaching a year since our California trip, I still have a few more posts to share! As a roller coaster fan, there was no way that I would miss Six Flags Magic Mountain during our visit to California, despite it being a bit of a drive from Disneyland.
However, Magic Mountain also had a lot for me to appreciate as a fan of amusement park history, with many neglected remnants from its earlier years. To begin with, how old-school is this entrance sign?!
The day we visited was accompanied by extremely low crowd levels, with many roller coasters having little to no wait.
“Pistachio Park” is a laughable replacement for the old Swiss Twist Bayern Kurve ride. It’s actually pretty hilarious how bad these faded graphics are… edutainment at its best.
I noticed this old castle structure hiding in the back of the Looney Tunes area, and I wonder if it dates back to an earlier kiddie area when Magic Mountain still used the trolls as its mascots.
The funicular up the mountain recently had its Honda branding removed, and it now has a retro “Magic Mover” sign. This is the lone transportation ride remaining at Magic Mountain!
It is crazy that you can still see parts of the Metro Monorail even though it closed more than 20 years ago. Things like this are perfect examples of how Six Flags always pinches pennies, but at least it means we can see leftover layers of theme park history at Magic Mountain.
Although the Sky Tower has been closed off for years, it is exciting that the park has recently begun to explore the option of reopening it to the public. I’m sure the views and photo opportunities from the top were incredible.
One ride that did not disappoint me in the slightest was X2. Magic Mountain is the only place where you can ride a coaster like this in the Western Hemisphere, and it blew me away with its uber-intense forces. It's basically what would happen if you put the cages from a Zipper ride onto a roller coaster track. Although the on-ride audio wasn't working, this--along with Twisted Colossus--was one of the most memorable rides of the day for both me and my dad.
The park is in a very scenic location overall, and its atmosphere is unique. It really feels like you're in the desert, as many of the rides are faded by the sun. The yellow-and-red coaster is the new Wonder Woman Flight of Courage "single rail" ride, which was not yet open during our visit.
You can tell that there used to be an attraction here, that being the old Magic Pagoda walkthrough. It looks like it’s used for a haunted house now, but can you imagine Disney leaving a building in a state like this? I wish that there was better documentation of the Magic Pagoda from when it was open.
I like how you can still tell where the old Dragon funicular turntable used to be in the Ninja station, even though Ninja has now been open longer than the Dragon was itself. However, this station has obviously not aged very well.
Down at the bottom of the hill, I can’t believe that the lower station for the park’s other funicular has sat abandoned and unused for decades! But once again, it's cool to spot for people who enjoy this stuff like me.
As we were leaving the park at about 8:00, I experienced a beautiful, cloudless Southern California sunset for the first time.
Compared to Disneyland and Knott’s, Magic Mountain actually felt more relaxed because of all the short lines. It was a substantial drop in quality from those other two parks, but I expected that. At the end of the day, Magic Mountain was very high on my bucket list, and I’m happy that I got to check off almost every coaster at the park with the most roller coasters in the world. While it is somewhat sad to see so many abandoned non-coaster rides, I know that the park has been entirely focused on roller coasters for decades now, and they will never go back to a time when you could take the Eagle’s Flight sky ride to the Metro Monorail station. But at least those who experienced those attractions will always have their memories.
The day we visited was accompanied by extremely low crowd levels, with many roller coasters having little to no wait.
“Pistachio Park” is a laughable replacement for the old Swiss Twist Bayern Kurve ride. It’s actually pretty hilarious how bad these faded graphics are… edutainment at its best.
I noticed this old castle structure hiding in the back of the Looney Tunes area, and I wonder if it dates back to an earlier kiddie area when Magic Mountain still used the trolls as its mascots.
But we can still see at least one troll over at the bumper cars! This sign should stay here forever.
The funicular up the mountain recently had its Honda branding removed, and it now has a retro “Magic Mover” sign. This is the lone transportation ride remaining at Magic Mountain!
Tatsu was recently fully repainted for the first time since it was built in 2006, and that required difficult acrobatics around the surrounding attractions like the Magic Mover.
Although the Sky Tower has been closed off for years, it is exciting that the park has recently begun to explore the option of reopening it to the public. I’m sure the views and photo opportunities from the top were incredible.
Viper is the last remaining "mega looper" coaster built by Arrow Dynamics, and it is rough and tumble. I expect that this ride is on borrowed time, so I'm happy I got to experience it; it's a similar ride to Kennywood's old Steel Phantom.
Samurai Summit, the area of the park on top of the mountain itself, is in quite a sad state overall.
You can tell that there used to be an attraction here, that being the old Magic Pagoda walkthrough. It looks like it’s used for a haunted house now, but can you imagine Disney leaving a building in a state like this? I wish that there was better documentation of the Magic Pagoda from when it was open.
Ninja turned out to be my 200th roller coaster!
I like how you can still tell where the old Dragon funicular turntable used to be in the Ninja station, even though Ninja has now been open longer than the Dragon was itself. However, this station has obviously not aged very well.
Down at the bottom of the hill, I can’t believe that the lower station for the park’s other funicular has sat abandoned and unused for decades! But once again, it's cool to spot for people who enjoy this stuff like me.
Though the Dragon is gone, luckily we still have the Magic Mover!
Goliath was one of the most intense roller coasters I've ever ridden, not really in a good way--I greyed out on the double helixes near the end of the ride.
On the other hand, the Revolution was one of my favorite rides because of all of the history behind it. And it was also a great, lengthy ride that I’m glad still provides a trip back to the 1970s!
Although the Revolution vertical loop is now overshadowed by Tatsu, it is still one of the most iconic roller coaster elements for its history alone.
On the other hand, the Revolution was one of my favorite rides because of all of the history behind it. And it was also a great, lengthy ride that I’m glad still provides a trip back to the 1970s!
Although the Revolution vertical loop is now overshadowed by Tatsu, it is still one of the most iconic roller coaster elements for its history alone.
The "Grand American" carousel has some really ugly, anachronistic murals (e.g. one of a hot dog), but its pavilion is well-lit at least. It's also a historic ride that came from Connecticut, which is pretty neat.
The plaza in front of Revolution is by far the best area of Magic Mountain, one of the only parts of the park that does not feel barren or run-down.
Compared to Disneyland and Knott’s, Magic Mountain actually felt more relaxed because of all the short lines. It was a substantial drop in quality from those other two parks, but I expected that. At the end of the day, Magic Mountain was very high on my bucket list, and I’m happy that I got to check off almost every coaster at the park with the most roller coasters in the world. While it is somewhat sad to see so many abandoned non-coaster rides, I know that the park has been entirely focused on roller coasters for decades now, and they will never go back to a time when you could take the Eagle’s Flight sky ride to the Metro Monorail station. But at least those who experienced those attractions will always have their memories.
22 comments:
Andrew-
Poor Magic Mountain - a shadow of its former self. How truly sad. For many years, I lived close-enough to it, to just pop-in there during the evening hours and enjoy it. The Revolution was a favorite of mine, and with the exception of the loop, was able to 'stand up' for the balance of the journey. It was pure bliss. (And no, no one ever called me out on it, strange as that seems - as I did so a countless number of times).
Thanks for capturing these images - especially what seems to be an ever-growing ghost town of abandoned attractions, etc.
Nanook, what you said couldn't be more true. After visiting Disneyland and Knott's, it was honestly a shock to visit Magic Mountain with so many rundown and abandoned rides. I applaud you for standing up on Revolution. Such a simpler time...
Magic Mountain in the 1970's was great, but then that's what I think of all theme parks. They were best in in the 1970's when it came to the theming. After the great coaster arms race, theming seemed secondary. It seems to be coming back though with Cedar Fair. Recent efforts at Carowinds with Aeronautic Landing and Blue Ridge Junction, Kings Island's with the new Adventure Port & Area 72, and Kings Dominion's Jungle X-pedition. I like the direction. It's not Disney level, but it does create a sense of place. Also, the revitalized Fiesta Village at Knott's looks great. Glad to see the efforts in theming lately. Six Flags has a way to go.
I love The Revolution and it is a historic roller coaster but was never a fan of the original Colossus. Bad design. I'm sure Twisted Colossus is an improvement.
I always greyed out on the double helixes of Goliath. Not a pleasant experience. I don't mind intense rides, but not when they affect my body like that.
Last time I went to SFMM, Riddler's Revenge was my favorite coaster at the park. I loved the sweeping loops and curves.
I like how the marquee says "Classic Revolution". At one time it was called "New Revolution". Just like Coke. When it opened it was "The Great American Revolution". Whatever it is called it is a true classic and an enjoyable ride.
I agree with you about Viper. It's on borrowed time. I also wonder if Anaconda at Kings Dominion is on borrowed time. The Arrow custom looper I'd hate to see go is The Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. That would bum me out. It was bad enough losing Vortex at Kings Island.
I also love that the "Sand Blaster" sign with the Troll is still there. I hope it stays forever too. I guess the bumper cars changed names to "Jammin' Bumpers". So many name changes to the rides over the years.
And Magic Mountain on a quiet day. That was a WIN for you!
Nice post! Thanks, Andrew!
Ken
They removed a Bayern Kurve ride (your ride!) and 'replaced' it with a pistachio textbook?!?! Wow.
Seeing that castle doorway roped off like that makes me think that, at one time, kids were allowed to climb around on the structure, like a fun house. Maybe not.
I wonder how trolls, a Norwegian/Scandinavian thing, came to be mascots at Magic Mountain?
I love the shot of X2! Between the red track, the supports, the blue sky, and the palm trees, it makes a beautiful and interesting composition. I guess that's a jet going overhead above the track? Or maybe you caught a glimpse of a UFO!
I also love the Ninja photo with the cars swinging to and fro.
Seeing all the disused structures that are still standing is, indeed, enjoyable for park historian-types (like yourself). But man, it would be sooo much better if these rides and structures were still in use! Makes me think of Disneyland's Skyway Chalet and PeopleMover track sitting there, unused, for ages.
Thanks for another great trip report, Andrew. Will there be other postings in the near future?
K. Martinez, I agree that the regional theme park was at its height during the boom of the 1970s, and that’s not you just looking back with nostalgia-tinted glasses. Cedar Fair is definitely setting a great example by creating new detailed areas that do not rely on any IP. I hope the other chains like Six Flags begin taking cues from Cedar Fair.
Although I understand that it was rough, I still would have loved to have ridden the original Colossus, especially before the Morgan or PTC trains!
Riddler’s Revenge is underrated. My ride on it wasn’t rough or painful at all, especially for a stand-up coaster. I am so happy that Revolution had its original lap bar-only trains restored, as I’m sure it makes all the difference for the ride experience.
Viper may not have a lot of time left, but I think Anaconda got another lease on life after Kings Dominion had to unexpectedly close Volcano. I am confident that the Loch Ness Monster will not be going anywhere, given the recent investment in new trains by the park. Thanks for the comment!
JB, at this point, nothing that Six Flags does surprises me… whether that be a weird pistachio info sign or leaving a ride abandoned for decades. Hopefully TokyoMagic! knows what the castle structure used to be used for. I have no idea how trolls came to be the Magic Mountain mascots, but I would love to know. Although the Peoplemover track sitting abandoned is exactly like what you can see at Magic Mountain, at least it is the lone example at Disneyland compared to so many at Magic Mountain. This is the only Magic Mountain post I have, but there will be a couple more from California still to come!
Andrew, I like that first pic taken from the highway (off-ramp?). Seeing the Sky Tower's observation deck above that modern building makes it look like it's a part of it, like maybe a rotating restaurant....or something.
I'm old-school, too, because I remember when that entrance archway was new. I don't know the exact year, but I remember a Magic Mountain trip in the early eighties, when it was "new" to me. That's kind of the same look as the temporary entrances built for the various 1984 Olympic events. And also similar to the Fantasyland Train Station, which was built along with Videopolis, in 1985.
When I think about how many "flat rides" that have been removed from Magic Mountain, it makes me sad. I loved the Swiss Twist, as well as the Crazy Barrels, Jolly Monster (octopus), Spin Out, Circus Wheel (Trabant), and Enterprise. At least they still have their Himalaya and Round Up rides. They do still have those, don't they?
That Castle is a remnant from the Wizard's Village. The Wizard was a character that was added to the troll line-up of mascots, probably around 1977. I'm guessing that year, because Revolution was new in '76, and Colossus was new in '78, the same year as my first visit. And I remember them making a big deal on TV when the "Wizard's Village" brand new, but I had not yet been to the park at that point. Anyway, the castle can be seen in this video, at the 0:19 mark. It kind of appears before that, too, but the Wizard's large head it blocking most of the structure. From what I remember, the suspension bridge shown in the commercial, lead up to that doorway that is now roped off, even though they don't show what's on the other side of the bridge, in the commercial. I believe those large posts in front of the roped off doorway held up one end of the bridge. The Wizard's Village eventually became "Bug's Bunny World," but I can't remember if the castle was still used for a while after that or not. I didn't even realize that the castle was still standing. That's some really good investigating on your part, Andrew!
Here's the link to that vintage commercial for the new Wizard's Village:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9myNVugNLE
I thought I better break up my comment, before I got a warning from Blogger saying that it was "too long."
I don't know why Magic Mountain chose "trolls" to be the mascots. And I'm not sure if they were there on opening day. As a kid, we had a magazine that showed the Loony Toons characters being there the first or second year. That was even before Six Flags took over. From what I remember reading somewhere online, the Loony Tunes characters were used in the early years, then disappeared for a while, and then returned after Six Flags took over. I'm just not sure of the exact timeline, or how the trolls fit into that timeline. I think the characters all co-existed, even if for just a short time.
I'm glad to see that the Funicular is still there. That's what the official name used to be for it. I didn't know they changed it to "Magic Mover," but that name works, I guess. I remember riding the Dragon Car and the Metro monorail, too. I remember for years, not only were the Dragon Car stations still there, but you could see the concrete pathway on the hill, between the two stations. I think they did remove the track from the concrete, though. I wonder if that concrete pathway is still there? Those kind of remnants not only remind me of Disney leaving the old Fantasyland Skyway stations in both DL and WDW, but also how they left the Carousel theater there for 10 years, after America Sings closed. At least they did keep up the maintenance on that building, since it was so visible, and I think they did the same with the Skyway station at WDW, but the station at DL did have faded paint and rotting wood, as they let the trees around it grow and partially block the view. Still, it could be seen and it was a shameful thing for Disney to do. Shame on you, Disney! I won't say shame on Six Flags, just because they have a longer history of doing those kind of things, so it is almost expected of them.
I didn't realize they were trying to get the Sky Tower open. I really hope that they do that! Gee, that Magic Pagoda remnant really looks bad. Doesn't rain blow into that huge opening in the side of the building? Not to mention leaves and dirt? Okay, for that I will say, shame on you, Six Flags! That really is "bad show!"
I'm glad that Revolution is still there. I hope that they never get rid of that! Do they still have the virtual reality goggles for riders to wear? My last visit was in 2014, and the goggles came after that, but I haven't heard anyone mention the VR part of the ride lately. That was always my favorite coaster at the park, and I guess it still is. Although, I really liked Goliath. And I didn't "grey out" on it! However, I do skip some of the coasters now. There was a time when I would never skip anything at that park, but you know, age.....and something. As for Viper, I remember that being pretty rough, even when it was brand new.
Thanks for the Magic Mountain trip report, Andrew!
This is my last comment on this post, I swear. For tonight, anyway.
I found the info for the timeline of characters at Magic Mountain. It appears that they had a deal with Warner Bros., to use the Loony Tunes characters in the very first year of operation (1971). But by the second year, they dropped them and came up with their own characters, the Trolls, so that they wouldn't have to pay the royalty fees to Warner Bros. Thirteen years later, in 1985, the Loony Tunes characters returned and the Trolls went away. Here is a more complete history of the characters at the park, and Warner or Time/Warner's involvement with the ownership of the park:
https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/sr9615.htm
And here is that 1971 magazine I was talking about, which shows the Loony Tunes characters at the park, that opening year. The giant books in the background were in the children's area, but before it was remodeled into the "Wizard's Village":
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3jV5FcVqpE8/SjsG1XxEXqI/AAAAAAAAIlM/TyFdWidJkn4/s1600-h/magazine_1.jpg
TokyoMagic!, of course you remember when the entrance arch was new! I think that is called a “space frame” structure. It also reminds me of Epcot’s Journey Into Imagination pavilion and the fountain in front of it. Sorry to disappoint you, but the Himalaya was recently removed for the new Wonder Woman coaster. Basically all they have left in terms of flat rides is the Scrambler, Round Up, swing ride, and Buccaneer swinging ship ride. That is a cool old commercial! Geez, that net with the kids dangling above the water looks like it would cause a lot of wet shoes! It’s also good to know that a bridge did connect to that opening on the castle. The castle is buried in the back of the children’s area, so you have to almost be looking for it.
Yes, I was also aware that the Looney Tunes characters predated the trolls, but I can’t recall the specifics. (Looking ahead, I see that you did the research!) I had to look on Google Maps, but part of the Dragon pathway is still there, just bisected by the Ninja’s last lift hill. That is really cool and surprising! I am sad that the Fantasyland Skyway station was neglected for so long, but in the end, they probably knew it was going to eventually be demolished all along. The VR goggles are gone on Revolution, as that was kind of a mid to late-2010s trend at amusement parks. That’s when it was renamed “New Revolution” for a little bit. Kennywood bought about 100 headsets for their Sky Rocket coaster, yet they never used them and now they sit neglected in a back room. What a waste!
Thanks for the extra info about the Magic Mountain mascots! It really all comes full circle.
Oh, man! Not the Himalayan, too! Geez, nothing is sacred! I meant to ask about the Scrambler, so I'm glad you mentioned it. I just couldn't remember if it was there in 2014. I went with friends to "Auto Club Night," so I only saw the front part of the park with the sun still up, and the rest of the park only at night. There are things that can escape you in the dark, like whether or not any part of the Dragon Car's track was still there. I use Google's aerial view and "street view" all the time, but for some reason, I didn't think to use it to check out Magic Mountain. I just did that, and I saw the concrete remnants of the Dragon Car's tracks that you were talking about. It's just how I remember it from many years ago, with a section missing in the middle.
I didn't think I would be able to find the old Wizard's Village castle in the aerial view, but I did! And from the "street view," I can see that it's behind that Tweety and Sylvester kiddie ride. Abandoned stuff like that looks kind of creepy, but also fascinating at the same time! And I saw that pretty lame "Pistachio Park." And I also saw the circular spot of dirt, with a fence around it, where "Spin Out" used to sit. Sad! If they aren't even going to replace something with a new ride, then why get rid of it? I suppose they would say it's because of the maintenance costs, or staffing the ride....or both.
I looked up "Revolution" and it appears that the VR thing was added in 2016, and gone by 2018. Supposedly the glasses were moved over to the Lex Luther "drop" ride, but I wonder if they are still using them today? Knott's also invested in VR glasses for one of their 2016 Haunt mazes called, "FearVR: 5150." People complained about the maze and it's name being offensive to people with mental illness, so Cedar Fair closed the maze only six days after it opened. I never saw it, but I would think that the entire Haunt event, including every single maze they've ever done, would be VERY offensive to some people. It kind of surprised me that they never tried to bring back the VR glasses for use in another maze of some sort, but it's been 7 years now, and they haven't done it yet. Maybe they returned them to the manufacturer, since they were only used for six days?
Here's a four-minute video on Magic Mountain in 1978 from the CBS 8 San Diego throwback vault.
It even has brief glimpses of Spillikin Corners and Grand Centennial Railroad as well as the Enterprise, Electric Rainbow (Round-Up) and Himalaya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu2GZyCy45w
Ken
TokyoMaqgic!, From the Southern California Holiday magazine, I love the Nautical storybook theme on Magic Mountain's Sail Boat Ride in Children's World. Back when Magic Mountain was new.
Thanks for the link to the Wizard's Village video. LOVE that! Always enjoy vintage video of theme parks in the 1960's & 70's.
For me, the VR thing is a waste. I ride roller coasters because I love them as they are. There's something about going from point A to point B and experiencing the heights and terrain of a coaster layout. Don't need or want the VR experience when riding on a roller coaster which provides exciting views on its own. Just my opinion.
Ken, I like those oversized books, too. They make me think of Universal Studios' "Prop Plaza." Unfortunately, those books were already gone by the first time I visited Magic Mountain. But the Sailboat Ride was still there.
Thanks for that link. The park really had a better "balance" of both thrill rides and "family" rides, back in the day. Not only do I miss all of the rides they have removed, but I miss things like Spilikin Corners. I remember someone in the candy shop giving a demonstration on candy making, and then offering everyone in the crowd a sample! I also remember another shop where people could make their own candles. Sadly, those days are long gone! Maybe it would be more popular today, to have guests make their own light saber-shaped candle, and charge them $250 for it.
Andrew, I’m glad you had a chance to see Magic Mountain, though it is a bummer to see how poorly maintained the place is. I used to go fairly regularly with my niece and nephew, they would come to visit for Spring Break, and it was fun. While there were rides that were not operating, I don’t remember things looking quite as bad as they do in some of your photos. Maybe I just wasn’t that observant (probably).
Love the low crowds - Spring Break was always super crowded. I wish I could convince my friend to go with me on a random day, but many of them either don’t like roller coasters or just don’t want to go to MM no matter what.
“Pistachio Park”, it’s so lame that it’s like a Simpson’s joke.
No idea about that castle thing, I don’t ever remember seeing it before! I love that you spotted the last surviving troll on the bumper cars sign, so awesome.
I’m super glad that they still have the funicular, frankly it’s stunning that it has not closed, though I suppose a hilly park like MM needs something to help people up the inclines.
Not long after my last visit to MM, one of the swinging cars on Tatsu hit a tree. Not sure how it happened; I hope the people in the car were OK.
Gosh, in my memory, Viper was pretty smooth, it was one we always wanted to do. Was the “Gold Rusher” still operating? That’s a very old classic, maybe it’s closed now. I love the way they designed it to hug the hills, but you still got a great roller coaster experience.
Yes, X2 is very intense! I remember that it kind of freaked me out. I like Goliath, but that first lift hill and drop are incredible. My nephew couldn’t quite get himself to ride it, and I can’t say that I blame him much.
The Magic Pagoda was a favorite attraction for us kids, it was trippy and odd, I’ve never seen anything like it. I remember some indoor waterfalls, and Chinese dragons “flying” overhead, and some Pepper’s Ghost effects. I was very sad when it closed.
I have no doubt that the Revolution will eventually be removed, but I’m so glad it’s still there!
Wow, that photo with the sunset and the full moon is really pretty!
THANKS ANDREW
TokyoMagic!, of course the Dragon Car track is still there just as you remembered it! Why pay money to rip it out when there would be no return on investment?! ;-) I love searching for theme park remnants on Google Maps. It’s cool to think that right behind the Wizard’s Village castle is where the Metro trains were stored. I didn’t realize that you could still see the former Spin Out ride plot, but that is pretty cool. My dad and I rode the drop tower, and there was no VR, just a terrifying 400-foot plunge! I know that Cedar Fair used VR on at least one roller coaster (at Cedar Point), but Six Flags used it way more.
K. Martinez, that is a great video! With the troll mascots and ride names like the “Electric Rainbow,” the original Magic Mountain was a direct product of the 70s for sure! I agree that VR on coasters seems like a gimmick and nothing more, but I would have liked to have experienced it on one coaster just to try it.
TokyoMagic!, can you imagine the Magic Mountain of today having something like Spillikin Corners? Fueled by the “Little House” craze and 100% unique!
Major, you can look past anything with a faded coat of paint if you’re visiting the park with someone who is having fun! If your friends don’t like roller coasters, then they probably wouldn’t enjoy Magic Mountain… maybe they would if they brought back the Spillikin Corners “craft village.” :-) I’m happy that they kept the troll sign even after redoing the bumper cars a few years ago when that section of the park was refurbished. I’m sure the funicular does not take a lot of maintenance… our much longer inclines in Pittsburgh have been running since the 1870s. After the incident on Ninja where the car hit a tree, they sadly removed most of the trees around the coaster’s layout, which is probably an overreaction. The Gold Rusher is still open, and we really enjoyed the funky Arrow Dynamics-designed layout scaling the terrain. Oh, I wish there were interior pictures of the Magic Pagoda so we could see what you’re describing. :-( I am confident that the Revolution still has several more decades left of operation given the recent investment in completely new trains! Thanks for the great comment!
Oh yeah, it was Ninja that hit a tree. I knew I should have looked it up!
Magic Mountain was the SoCal park we never went to, even during the two years I lived down there. I wish I had seen it back when we were visiting every year in the mid ‘70s. Thanks for showing the remnants of its ‘70s glory here.
Ken, “The Great Coaster Arms Race” - that is a perfect description! It took the “theme” out of “regional theme park.” I am hopeful with some of the trends out in the industry today, but Six Flags isn’t getting the memo. Or maybe they got it but can’t afford to do anything about it…or just aren’t willing to make the investment.
TM!, thanks for your always informative recollections of Magic Mountain.
Major, the only people who look things up before posting are obsessed fools. I should know.
Chuck, that is too bad you never visited Magic Mountain. But honestly you’re not missing anything considering the state it’s in today.
It took the “theme” out of “regional theme park.” I couldn’t agree with this more! I recently read the book Imagineering an American Dreamscape, which is all about the forgotten history of America’s regional theme parks. I think you might enjoy it.
Post a Comment