Is Magic Mountain worth the trip??

[Coldeyes]

After going to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Disneyland and California Adventure (4-days), Universal Studios, Tar pit, Ripleys believe it or not, Hollywood walk of fame, Childrens Cove, and Aqaruim......
Would it be worth the trip to head a little further north to spend a day at Magic Mountian??
My children are 9 and 13..... planned a fun filled trip for them.....
Is Magic Mountain going to be too much after visiting all the other places??

TIA,
Coldeyes

P.S. Thanks to all the wonderful people on this board for sharing so much information.... ya'll made planning this first trip to Disneyland/ Southern California a pleasant experience for me and my children....

 

[Michelle]

Hi coldeyes!

I've lived in Southern California for 19 years and have never been to Magic Mountain, believe it or not. It does have some spectacular coasters but that's about it. It's QUITE a distance from Anaheim and is comparable to any of the other Six Flags parks in terms of crowd type, upkeep and food quality.

If your kids are major thrill ride fans then I might consider it, but if not, I'd honestly skip it. You've got a very full itinerary as it is and I don't think you'll be missing a thing if you skip Magic Mountain.

Have fun!

 

[Rita1965]

If your kids are into thrill rides, yes it is worth a trip. They also have several fun log rides. We went there last year, and I would like to go back because of the thrill rides.

One thing I should mention is the clientele of that park. We had to go through metal detectors to get into the park. Some of the other park patrons looked like they walked off the set of a movie about gang bangers. I should not judge people by their appearance, but living in Utah and then walk into a park full of "interestingly" dressed young adults was interesting. I did appreciate the metal detectors when I saw the other patrons. There was no trouble when we were there, but my kids had some questions about the people around us.

The park felt very hot. There was a lot of asphalt and not much shade, so try to go on a day that is a little cooler.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>We've been to Magic Mountain a few times (the company I work for has had our company picnic there w/return tickets for the past two years - this year it's Knotts ), and really enjoy it.

Just keep in mind that the security is not nearly as vigilant as at the other parks. It is still a safe park, however, I would not let my 13 yr old dd alone w/her friends there after dark - I have no problem w/my 14 yr old ds there w/his friends after dark.

Line cutting happens often - in groups - you can let it get to you, or shrug your shoulders & let it go - you're still going to get on the ride. Also, late at night, it's not uncommon to smell pot as it's passed around. The last time, it was really evident, and one of the ride operators got on the speaker and asked them to put it out. One time, in mid afternoon, some big guys lit up right by us (& my kids were about 9 & 10 then), & I went up to them and asked them to please have some consideration w/kids around - they said okay & put it out (of course, I was thinking - "oh, please, don't beat me up.") Although it's a bit of a "rougher" element than the Disney parks, we have never had any problem there, and my kids love to go - the rides are a lot of fun, and they are definitely 'white knucklers.'

Another note... please give yourselves a downtime day to sleep in, or go to the beach & relax. I'll never forget the year my cousins came out from Texas. We were around 13 at the time. My parents took us to all the theme parks, and we were up early in the morning & to bed late at night. We were on the go for a week, and I remember being at Marineland, and we were dragging, & my dad was yelling at us that we should be having fun.

 

[TheLionKing]

To put it simply, go for the multitude of roller coaster rides.

If roller coasters are not your family's thing, then it may not be worth it.

 

[Judy from Boise]

With a schedule like that I would vote for a day at the beach !

MM was about a 40 minute senic drive from where i grew up, we went 1 or 2 times each year. They have some KA coasters, and lots of teenagers AKA heaven if YOU are a teenager.
A little bit of trivia, we had a good friend that worked there, so when they needed some classic 50's cars to open their "Tidal Wave" attraction ( they did the press junket themed to a beach party ) we called our car club and got the cars for them. So, We all rode in the front of the car ( we brought out Ford 58 skyliner / hard top retractable ) and had the perfectly gorgeous dancers sitting in the back, who then did their dance number when we got to the end of the parade. We got to be in the third boat of people to go down the ride....and have the t-shirts to prove it !

 

[Bob O]

Im looking forward to going to Magic Mountain to ride their new coaster X and Goliath!!!
Do they do anything at all in regards to x-mas???? Is it true the park is only open on weekends in early Dec???? And if so how bad would sunday be compared to a Saturday??? I have heard alot of bad things on the internet regarding the behavior of some guests, that it drwas a rough crowd but would hope a Sunday would be better than a Saturday.

 

[the Legend]

... been to the Mountain on several occassions.

It is a coaster park first and foremost, although their are several attractions and shows that may keep children and families entertained, I would not recommend it if you and your family are not Coaster oriented.

The Mountain also prices guests by height and ALL persons over 48 inches pay ADULT. Most of the coasters have height requirements (54in for Batman and Riddlers) and I would check my party before going.

Another thing that catches most new visitors is the walking. You will have to walk the 'Mountain' at least once and queues especially on weekends are long so alot of time standing should be expected. Stout footwear is definitely required.

The temperature is always 10-15 degrees hotter than LA or Anaheim due to its location. All I can say is Water, Water, Water. Drink alot and drink often. If you plan to eat, do so outside the park. Their some nice food places near by and you can get a pass out for parking if you intend to leave the park for lunch/dinner.

Depending on when you visit, yes there will be what most people would term a gang element at the park especially on weekends. However I have had no problems with these people, line jumping or any other experiences like that. Common sense should prevail here.

After all that, I will add that I have never missed a chance to visit the Mountain or its sister Water park, Hurricane Harbour, which is right next door, whenever I can. This year I have made room to specifically to visit the Mountain to ride X, introduce my Brother to Goliath and ride Batman and Riddlers revenge. SFMM has some of my favourite coaster ANYWHERE! Also Knotts berry Farm will have their new coaster, Xcellerator, when we visit so that will be a must do as well.

I can understand your concern, especially where children are concerned. I didnt see Knotts Berry Farm on your list and maybe suggest you spend a day there instead of the Mountain if you feel uneasy. Knotts is very family oriented but has enough thrill rides (Ghostrider, Jaguar, Montezooma revenge (*** My first US rollercoaster ***) and the new Xcellerator) to keep the thrillriders happy. I would call it the no-mans land between DLR and SFMM.

Hope this helps and good luck with your decision!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Coldeyes,

I agree with Legend... for your family, you might enjoy Knotts more than Magic Mountain. They do have a couple of loop coasters, and they have the best wooden rollercoaster I've ridden - Ghost Rider (It's awesome!!). Also, Knotts is about 15-20 minutes away from Disneyland. However, if your family is a white-knuckle rider type family, then you'd enjoy MM.

BobO ~ We've been to Magic Mountain in December, and the lines weren't really long at all. I believe the park is open from 10am - 7pm (something like that). To my recollection, they don't really decorate for Christmas, but that doesn't take away from the fun. Also, keep in mind that you'll be in the low desert, and temps will drop come late afternoon. It got really chilly, but we were fine in our jackets.

I've ridden all the coasters several times, 'cept Dejavu - just once cuz it's new, and I haven't ridden Xtreme yet, cuz they just finally got it done. You'll love Goliath - it has a killer drop that is a lot of fun, and that is one smooth coaster ride.

I know I mentioned the rougher element. Despite that, we always have a lot of fun there, and personally haven't had any problems.

Oh, and if you go to either park (MM or KBF) be sure to try their funnel cakes - especially Knotts -- yummmmmmmy.

 

[ivanova]

Well, I've been in So. Calif. for 30+ years and never have set foot in Magic Mountain. Other family members LOVE the place because they are absolute coaster fanatics.

 

[Bob O]

Maryjo I ve seen Goliath on tv and its looks great. Im looking forward to the coaster shows coming up over memorial day weekend to see X!!! I have seen some things about on the internet with graphics showing how the ride will be but the reviews ive heard say its a great ride!!! What type of weather show we expect Nov 30 thru Dec 8???? Is their a big difference between day time and night-time at MM/Knotts/DL??? And thanks for all the very helpful info!!!!!

 

[ivanova]

In early December it will definitely be chilly to downright cold at night (well, by So. Calif. standards at least), although not bad enough to have snow on the ground.

I'd recommend long pants day or night, light top during the day with a sweatshirt or light jacket on hand if it gets cold.

 

[the Legend]

BobO: For the times Ive been to SFMM, the differences in temperature are significant enough for us to be prepared for both the hottest of days and the coldest of nights. On one visit (July 2000), Anahiem was between 85-90 but at the Mountain, it pushed 100+ most of the day then dropped to 70-75 by closing (1AM, we left just before Midnight).

There will be no noticable difference between Knotts and DLR as there is only 10-15 minutes distance between the two parks. Weatherwise, theyll be exactly the same. If you are talking about atmopshere at night, DLR wins but to see the Orange lights on Ghostrider and the plane warning lights on Supreme Scream will still amaze most visitors. I cant wait and see how Xcellerator is going to be lit. It should be awesome!

For me, X is the main reason I want to visit the Mountain this year. My brother has never been to the Mountain before and we will be doing this straight after two weeks in Orlando (WDW, USF, IOA, SWF and BGT) however they dont have mega steel like Goliath so I'll be keen to see his reaction once we get there!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Bob,

Expect dry weather

It usually doesn't rain till the 2nd or 3rd week of December, then dries up again until late Jan/Feb... but, our So Cal weather has changed over the past few years, so check of course, before coming....

At MM, the morning will be cool, and then you'll probably get warmish weather (low-mid 60's) during the day, and then dropping to the high 50's-low 60's in the afternoon (3pm'ish) and even cooler as night approaches...

Still - desert air is crisp & cool....

Like I said, Goliath is an awesome rush & very smooth - we usually ride this one before we go home - it's so much fun, especially @ night! There are other rides there that are a blast - Riddlers Revenge, Ninja (at night), Superman, even though it's very short. The only one I don't like because it gave me such a headache was a blue one - forget the name (hairpin or something like that).

DL/Knotts will also be cool in the evening, but nothing like MM. They also will be totally decorated for Christmas and are more "magical" that way.

You're coming out during my favorite season in So Cal - we can actually see the mountains during these "cleaner air" days.

 

[Bob O]

Im also looking forward to Ghostrider!!! I love wooden coaster's and from what ive heard it is one of the best around!!! Xcellerator also sounds like a great ride!!! Im glad to hear that it doesnt rain that much in early Dec.!!!! I cant wait to go but time is going by fast!!! I have never been to CA so it should be alot of fun!!! What kind of drive time are you looking at from Dl to MM on a sunday!!! We will leave early to be at the park before it opens.

 

[Party Teacher]

I happen to live 5 minutes from SFMM. On the topic of security...the head of security is a good friend of ours and I can guarantee you that they are totally top notch. Yes, some of the cliental are a bit shady...but security knows how to handle them and has shown so in the past.

X-treme the ride is absolutely incredible! I personally have not been on it (nor will you ever see me on it!) but the ride is located next to the entrance gate and we've parked there (when there's not a line) and watched it. For those total thrill seakers...you will NOT be disapponted! However, the lines even on the weekdays currently are at least 2 hours long.

My DS has had an AP for the last 3 years. He is now 15 and I have no hesitation at all sending him their with a buddy. They'll go for a couple hours on a minimum day from school and get all the major rides done. His personal favorite is Riddler's Revenge.

SFMM is quite a drive from the Anaheim area. I can make it to DL in about 2 hours in morning traffic, but the ride home in the evening is accomplished in about 1 hr. 15 min. If your children are into white nuckler thrill rides...MM will not dissapoint. There's definately a full day's worth
of attractions there.

Please feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any more questions.

Party Teacher

 

[Bob O]

Party teacher, going on a sunday should reduce the drive time, right??? Is traffic less on a sunday morning than it would be on week days??? And we love white knuckle rides!!!!!

 

[Party Teacher]

Hi Bob,

Yes, traffic should be considerably less on Sunday.

Just when are you coming out Bob? I can see what I can do about discount
tickets. I believe I heard something recently about a soda can discount.
I'll keep my ears open.

Party Teacher

 

[Bob O]

Party teacher-im a six flags annual pass holder from my local park so i get in free. But any cooupons for Knotts/Universal Hollywood would be good. Also if you go to SFMM often i wouldnt mind sending you a self addressed envelope to get a park brochure to make out our plan of attack prior to our arrival. And thanks for the info!!

 

[Party Teacher]

Hey Bob,

I have discount coupons here for Knott's. Adults are $22.95 June 10-Sept. 29 and kids are $12.95. I could mail one of those out to ya. There are always Uni discounts to be had here too. What dates are you coming out?

The next time my DS goes over to the park, I'll have him pick up a couple brochures. I'd be
more than happy to mail one to you.

Party Teacher