Any experiences with DL and Magic Mountain both?

[horseshowmom]

How far is Magic Mountain from DL, and how hard is it to get to (both distance and timewise)?

We're considering a 5day/4night trip and wonder if we can get both of them in (DD is crazy about roller coasters, and it sounds like MM has lots to choose from).

 

[LuvTigger]

I can't remember the exact distance (I would guess about 100 miles), but I do remember it took us about 1 1/2 hours to get there. It's very doable though, we've done it several times staying at hotels across Disney. And they do have some pretty great rollercoasters! Just keep in mind that it's not Disney, and over there it's more about thrills than theme. Also, it can be hot, and it's kind of hilly, not flat.

As far as difficulty getting there, it's pretty much freeway driving, and MM is in what I think of as a more desert-like area, and it's right off the freeway. Not difficult to get to at all, just slightly time-consuming.

 

[Marilyn]

We just came back from 2 days at Magic Mountain/Hurricane Harbor and 4 days at DL/DCA/ raging waters. MM is just off of I-5 and about 1 hour from DL which is also off I-5 depending on traffic of course. We enjoyed MM for the thrill rides but it is hilly and hot. When we were there it reached 110 degrees!! Don't eat anywhere except Mooseburger lodge, a very quiet,cool and relaxing sit-down restaurant with huge portions and good food. I have to say that we enjoyed day 2 of our stay even more when we went over to Hurricane Harbor. This is a water park on the same property as MM and very fun and tropical like. I agree with the above reply that you must remember this is NOT DISNEY. MM is not as clean or well organized as DL and even the people who attend are somewhat less cordial and courteous. Have fun!!
Marilyn

 

[Bork]

We did it 4 years ago, and it's not too bad of a drive, about an hour. One thing to consider is traffic. We went on a weekend to avoid traffic. The park is busier then, but not too bad since it was the offseason. So there is a trade off between busier traffic or busier park.

MM is great for coasters, so your DD will have a blast. Don't miss Superman!

Also, if you live near a Six Flags you may want to consider getting an Annual Pass. It's good at all Six Flags parks. If you go 2-3 times, it's paid for.

 

[Party Teacher]

Hi SbClifton,

I live 5 minutes from MM and travel south to DL at least once a month. Early morning traffic can be a nightmare going BOTH
directions. I find that if I leave at 8:30 a.m., (like I did on Friday), I can be at the park entrance at 10:00 a.m. If I leave an hour earlier, I still get there at 10:00! On the other hand, I can be home in an hour if I leave the park late at night (after 8:00.) One reminder about MM....they're only open on the weekends from October thru April, so you might want to keep that in mind.

Both DL and MM are off the 5 freeway and have they're very own offramps.

I have current park maps for both parks if you'd like them. Just e-mail me your snail mail address.

Party Teacher
smurfs@lacbbs.com

 

[hydster]

If your dd is very young I *personally* wouldnt waste the 2 hours to go to MM. It is a GREAT park but I wouldnt take a small child there if it were me. I would make sure that you check the height restrictions if your dd is very young. There is nothing worse than listening to your child cry because they cant ride THAT roller coaster!!! If she is younger or smaller you might think of Knotts Berry Farm! It is a great place as well and only about 10-15 min from DL.
Just my opinion but we wont even entertain the idea of MM with our kids until they are at least 10. It is hilly,hard to walk around and the food there STINKS to say the least!!!
X is worth it and if you go when it is really busy buy the fastpass option with your ticket at the very least! It is like the DL fastpass except it costs extra.

Heidi