Magic Moutain in Half a Day?

[CamdenLab]

We're driving right by Magic Mountain on our way home. We have found that the kids LOVE rollercoasters -- going upside down, the whole nine yards. We'd love to take them and the cost is not prohibitive. The only issue is that we have a long drive in front of us and want the kids back to school on Monday. So, if we make it to Magic Mountain around 11 AM on Saturday, now long do we realistically need to stay to enjoy the park?

Thanks!

 

[perlster]

I'd have to answer: as long as possible, such that you will arrive home at a "decent" time.

SFMM is famous for its roller coasters, but some of the most popular happen to have especially long lines because they are slow loaders. Since the park opens at 10 this Saturday, when you arrive there will substantial waits for the rides your kids are interested in.

Check the web site for visitor information and ticket options.
If you can afford it, you may want to buy "flash passes" for those who want to go on Tatsu, X2, etc. A much more expensive option is a "thrill pass", which also gets you buffet privileges.

 

[darrendman]

all the times i've been to MM, i've done everything in a half day. I for sure think its possible. Just head for X first.

 

[hurleysweety]

I've only been to SFMM three times, but I've found that a whole day can sometimes be too much.

That said, I've gone as a leader with church kids on one of those trips and by 7 or 8 pm, we're just wandering around the park because we've done and rode all that we want to do. I believe last year when we went, (early November, on a Saturday) we rode Viper three times and Batman twice, and the lines were only bad from about 12-3 (bad meaning a 30 min wait). Plus we spent a lot of time just wandering around the carnival games area and just hanging out.

So I'd say that in half a day, you can hit most of the coasters you want to do. I would recommend some research and pick out the coasters your kids would like best and stick to those really fun new ones, as opposed to the older ones. Hope this helps!