• Published on

    Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers and new Bugs Bunny World open at Magic Mountain

    Image description
    Six Flags Magic Mountain invited us out for the media event for the all new Speedy Gonzales: Hot Rod Racers as well as the fully refurbished Bugs Bunny World. 
    We've been following this project for a few months and I must say, the results are great. The entire area is opened up and is easily accessible from the main walkway. I'm not sure if it's because today was the media event, but I hadn't seen Bugs Bunny World so full of life (and people) for quite awhile. It will be interesting to see if the crowds continue. I think they will. 


    First thing is always checking in. Today we received some great Jelly Bellies and a race flag!!! 
    Picture
    UPDATE June 26: 
    The park provided us with the worlds cutest B-Roll. These kids look to be having such a great time!! 
    In addition to the new sign near the old General Sam Tree, there is now a HUGE sign and walk-way right in the middle of Bugs Bunny World. This is between Speedy Gonzales and where the old patio area was (that nobody ever used). 
    Picture
    First order of the day, opening up Bugs Bunny World, and what better way to do that than with Bugs and his pals. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Speedy is all like "Open up this part so I can get on my new coaster"!!! 
    Picture
    P-P-P-Porky P-P-P-Pig is holding tight to the ribbon for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. 
    Picture
    His girlfriend Petunia Pig is on the other side. Great seeing this rarely seen character out and about. 
    Picture
    Picture
    And with a quick cut from some over-sized scissors, Bugs Bunny World is officially re-opened. 
    Picture
    We'll take a look at the refurbished Bugs Bunny World, but first there's another opening ceremony for the new coaster, the parks 19th (Most of any park in the world). 
    Picture
    Sue Carpenter, Speedy Gonzales and some new friends officially open up the new coaster!! 
    Picture
    And of course, what's a new coaster opening without confetti. Lots and lots of confetti. 
    Picture
    Daffy and Marvin hanging out. Sadly, my personal favorite character the Road Runner wasn't out today. =(
    Picture
    Since Marvin doesn't have his own ride he's just going to claim this one in the name of Mars!! 
    Picture
    Wile-E was kind of bored since he didn't have anyone to chase. Does look like he's up to something though. 
    Picture
    "Aren't I cute, won't you come ride my new coaster". 
    Picture
    Sylvester and K-9. Apparently Earthling Cats and Martian Dogs get along. 
    Picture
    Petunia, she's just excited to be here. 
    Picture
    Let's take a look at the new ride
    Picture
    Some of the parks leadership team in front of the new coaster
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Is this Bugs Bunny's "Bugs Bunny World" Bus? 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    The rest of Bugs Bunny World has received an extensive rehab, we've covered most of it during the past few months but let's see what they've done anyway. 
    Picture
    Picture
    There's not one part of the area that hasn't received some TLC. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Every single ride sign in the area has been updated or replaced and many of the rides received extensive refurbishments over the past few months. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    I'm pretty sure the entrance to Merrie Melodies Carousel has moved, but I'm not 100% sure. It's pretty close to Speedy Gonzales opposite from the entrance to Yosemite Sam's Flight School. 
    Picture
    Picture
    The Carrot Club Theater also received a lot of work and a new show for 2014. I didn't catch the show today, but I'm going to make it a point to bring our twin 6 year-old Niece and Nephew to the park soon so they can have some fun, and we'll see the show then. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    In addition to the ride signs, landscaping and theater, all of the buildings in the area are fresh and look great!! 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Gone is the patio seating area that nobody ever used and in it's place is a nice wide-open seating area that parents can use while the kids ride. From this one area parents can easily see the entire land and where their kids are. Really well done. 
    Picture
    Still holding out hope that Sierra Falls will reopen someday soon!!! =) (We like to have some fun with the park about this one). 
    If you ever do take this sign down, we call dibs!!! 
    Picture
    Another new sign over by Wascals. A bit smaller, but it's a nice touch and fits in the area. 
    Picture
    That's it for our look at the all new Bugs Bunny World. What do you think? Is this going to get you back to the park with your younger kids that may be too small for the "bigger" rides? It finally seems like there's enough to do in Bugs Bunny World to fill up a few hours at least. 
    Picture
    Part of me is kind of sad that our kids are well beyond the age where Bugs Bunny World is a draw. Kind of, but not really. =)

    Scroll down for a quick general park update after the press release!!! 
    Six Flags Magic Mountain Opens NewSpeedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers and Bugs Bunny World
    VALENCIA, Calif. — June 25, 2014 / PR Newswire / — Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” today launched its record-setting 19th coaster with the official debut of Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers in the revitalized Bugs Bunny World.Anchoring the newly refurbished children’s area, Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers features an action-packed adventure with plenty of drops and thrills that kids and parents can enjoy together. With trains designed as race cars, riders will experience the exhilaration of racing to the checkered-flag finish line. The Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers coaster addition brings the total number of coasters in the children’s area to four, more than any other theme park in the U.S.

    The new Looney Tunes Kids Club show also made its debut in the Carrot Club Theater. Featuring “Club President” Bugs Bunny, this audience participatory game show is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages.

    “We are excited to showcase our newest coaster and newly revitalized children’s area this year,” said Bonnie Rabjohn, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor park president. “We are staying true to our thrill promise by adding yet another coaster to our collection – this time a fun adventure for our littlest thrill seekers. No doubt we will be creating lots of magical memories at the ‘Thrill Capital of the World’.”

    With the addition of Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers, the “Thrill Capital of the World” will boast a world-record 19 roller coasters, including the new Full Throttle, which debuted in June 2013 as the world’s tallest and fastest looping coaster; X2, the world’s first 5th dimensional coaster; Tatsu, the world’s tallest and fastest flying coaster; Goliath, the giant among giants; and Viper.

    Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, in Valencia, north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. The theme park is open daily. For complete operating days and hours, and for more information call (661) 255-4111 or visit us online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.
    Batman Forwards is back open ... but if you look closely you'll notice these aren't Magic Mountain's trains. They are actually the trains from Six Flags Over Texas. They just swapped because Batman Backwards is now going to be happening at SFOT. 
    Picture
    Looks a bit odd (but cool) to see purple trains on the blue track. 
    Picture
    Signature Shot!! 
    Picture
    Apocalypse is down to one train for it's annual rehab. With 19 coasters in the park and the fact that the park is year-round, I'd expect we'll start seeing more summer-time rehabs.
    Picture
    Picture
    There is some land clearing going on behind the wall, what was left of Deja Vu's station is gone. No word on what will be coming here or when it will be coming. Let's cross our fingers for a flat ride or two!!! 
    Picture
    Lastly, because we got to park in the Valet lot today I took a couple of X2 pictures. The ride appeared to be down and they were cycling the train ... or it was just full of ghosts. You make the call. =)
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    That's going to wrap it up for this update. We hope you enjoyed this look at the all new Speedy Gonzales: Hot Rod Racers and the new Bugs Bunny World. 

    If you have any comments please share them below, and please share the update with your friends and family!!! 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

    If you have any comments, please share them below. 
  • Published on

    Magic Mountain sending Colossus off in style

    Image description
    We were invited up to Magic Mountain to get some camera mounted reverse POV footage yesterday. It was also our first chance to look at what the park is doing to send Colossus off with a bang. 

    Unlike the closure of Log Jammer which upset some fans due to getting no notice, the park is more than making up for it with Colossus. Fans have PLENTY of notice and the park is having a little fun with the history of the ride in the process. 

    While we don't have all of the specific plans for the rides last weekend of operation (August 15 and 16) we are sure it's going to be great. 
    Just a few pictures of the ride today as well as our video featuring reverse POV and a full POV in Maintenance Mode (no slow down on the lift hill and no Mid-Course Brakes). Enjoy!!
    Colossus in action as seen from the parking lot. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Banners at the front of the park announcing rides closure
    Picture
    Once inside the park there are a couple of photo op's that should feel pretty nostalgic for most of you. 

    One of the moose's from Mooseburger has been re-purposed as Marty Moose from the first Vacation movie. 
    Picture
    Not the actual Family Truckster (due to licensing reasons). But it does get the message across and is a nice touch. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Take a picture as the Griswolds
    Picture
    A list of all of the Movies and TV Shows Colossus has been a part of
    Picture
    Another photo op is near the old Colossus Cookery/Ben and Jerry's location
    Picture
    Picture
    Even the ride entry sign has joined in on the fun
    Picture
    That's it for this short update. Make sure you get up to the park to ride Colossus before it closes on August 16. All rumors point to the rides replacement/enhancement being announced on August 28. We should also hopefully have the closing weekend schedule for you soon. 

    We'll be back at the park tomorrow for the opening of Speedy Gonzales: Hot Rod Racers as well as the rest of the Bugs Bunny World improvements. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

    If you have any comments, please share them below. 
  • Published on

    Cliff and Stephen invade Six Flags Mexico

    Image description
    Great friends of the site Cliff and Stephen headed down to Mexico City this week to check out the park and get some rides on the all new Medusa Steel Coaster. 

    Unfortunately for their first day at the park Medusa was having some lift hill issues, but hopefully it will reopen before they head home. 

    * All Pictures by Clifford Lake and Stephen Harrington
    Picture
    Cliff and Stephen are ready for Six Flags Mexico! 
    Picture
    Heading into the park
    Picture
    Picture
    Unfortunately Medusa never opened during their trip, but we have lots of pictures to share anyway. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Park employees were keeping their fingers crossed but unfortunately it didn't work for this visit
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    That doesn't mean there isn't a lot more to enjoy at the park. 

    Stephen hanging out with El Batman
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    What's up Discovery Kingdom fans!! 
    Picture
    Nice looking boomerang
    Picture
    Picture
    The park has a great Morgan hyper. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    The sign of quality ... 
    Picture
    With $3 beers it makes it easy to drown your tears for a not open coaster or that you rode an SLC. =)
    Picture
    Picture
    Just make sure you care and respect the urine facilities. (I think I got that translation right)
    Picture
    Six Flags Mexico Magic Mountain? 
    Picture
    Maybe they got the Dolphin Show from Magic Mountain and the shirt came with it? 
    Picture
    So we know that Six Flags Mexico is going to be a popular destination for awhile due to Medusa, Cliff and Stephen were kind enough to pass on their hotel information for anybody interested in heading down and looking for a place to stay. 

    http://www.aztic.mx/index.php/es/ 

    A little review: 
    The Aztic Hotel is set up for couples or singles, not families. Small but exquisite rooms. The double rooms are bland but cheap. So there is something for everyone. It's a start-up hotel within a business district, and is within walking distance to the park. 

    Cafe just off the lobby
    Picture
    Picture
    Inside the rooms
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Outside Balcony that you can actually see the park from. Bonus!! 
    Picture
    Picture
    Thanks so much to Cliff and Stephen for sending us these pictures and the review of the hotel, it's greatly appreciated. We owe you both one of those barrels of Corona ... or just a few. =)
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

    If you have any comments, please share them below. 
  • Published on

    Select Magic Mountain rides open early for Honda Drivers on Friday's this summer

    Image description
    Colossus Opens Early to Honda Drivers, Friday, June 27th for #HelpfulFridays at Six Flags Magic Mountain!

    Honda drivers will get a chance to ride Colossus before the park opens this Friday to enjoy a final ride before the coaster officially closes in August.
    Fridays have been extra helpful at Six Flags Magic Mountain for the past couple weeks, thanks to SoCal Honda’s #HelpfulFridays! Since the beginning of June, Honda drivers have enjoyed an early admission time at 9:30am before the park opens to the general public to enjoy two select rides before the lines start.  This Friday, June 27th, Honda drivers will get to enjoy an early ride time for Colossus, Six Flag’s classic 8,650 foot* wooden roller coaster.  As the oldest, and arguably most iconic, of its coasters, Colossus has thrilled Six Flags guests for 36 years, and is set to officially close this summer, with its final run scheduled for this August 16th, 2014.  The lines to ride this classic coaster one last time will undoubtedly be long in its final months, and the Guys in Blue are giving Honda drivers a chance to beat the lines and get their final ride in! 

    In addition to an early ride time for Colossus, Honda drivers will also be able to enjoy Scream before the park opens this Friday.  The Guys in Blue will be at Six Flags with the usual #HelpfulFriday perks, such as free parking and complimentary lockers for the first 50 Honda drivers.  They will also be in the park with helpfulness for all thrill-seekers with helpful essentials like misters to help beat the heat, Bugs Bunny Bucks to help guests save money in the park, and more!  Need help finding the restrooms or a directions on how to get to Colossus, taking a family photo, or have a dead cell phone that needs a charge from one of the Helpful Honda charging stations?  The Guys in Blue have you covered; just look out for the blue shirts!  Six Flags guests will be able to enjoy helpfulness from the SoCal Honda Dealers every Friday all summer until August 29th, for both Honda drivers and all thrill-seekers.  Why? Because it’s their job to be helpful!

    To find out more about #HelpfulFridays at Six Flags, or for more information on the SoCal Honda Dealers, follow us on Twitter at @HelpfulHonda, and like us on Faceboook at facebook.com/socalhondadealers to make sure you don’t miss a beat of our summer of helpfulness!

    Full list of coasters open early this summer: 
    • June 27 – Scream and Colossus
    • July 4 – Full Throttle and Revolution
    • July 11 – Goliath and Lex Luthor
    • July 18 – X2 and Viper
    • July 25 – Ninja and Superman (w/ Orient Express)
    • August 1 – Scream and Colossus
    • August 8 – Full Throttle and Revolution
    • August 15 – Goliath and Lex Luthor
    • August 22 – X2 and Viper
    • August 29 – Ninja and Superman (w/ Orient Express)
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

    If you have any comments, please share them below. 
  • Published on

    Goliath opens at Six Flags Great America

    Image description
    The much anticipated Goliath finally opened at Six Flags Great America this week. The park provided us a great B-Roll and some pictures from the opening of this ride. 

    If you missed our report on the park earlier this month you can click here


    Picture
    The park provided some GREAT footage that we put together for you. 
    Picture
    The press release for the ride is below: 
    Picture
    Record Breaking Roller Coaster, Goliath, Now Open at Six Flags Great America
    Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster with Tallest and Steepest Drop on the PlanetGurnee, Ill., June 19, 2014 / PRNewswire / — 


    The new GIANT in the world of wooden roller coasters makes its debut today! Six Flags Great America presents Goliath, the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world featuring the world’s tallest and steepest drop. All total, this wooden marvel touts three world records and goes upside down twice making it the most extreme coaster of its kind on the planet!“Goliath is innovation at its best and will forever change the skyline of Six Flags Great America,” said Hank Salemi, park president. “This park provides the most thrills for all ages at any park in the country and we are committed to bringing new and innovative rides, shows and attractions to our guests every year.”

    Record Breaking Facts:

    • Fastest wooden roller coaster – 72 miles-per-hour
    • Tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster – 180 feet
    • Steepest drop on a roller coaster – 85 degrees
    • Two upside down turns through two separate maneuvers

    The addition of Goliath makes Six Flags Great America home to the most wooden roller coaster track of any theme park in the world. Goliath resides in the County Fair section of the park.

    About Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor 
    Two great parks, one destination! Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Six Flags Great America offers endless adventures for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a 20-acre water park, spectacular shows, three children's themed areas with over 30 rides and a nighttime parade.

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation 
    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with $1.1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 53 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

    Follow us at twitter.com/SFGreat_America 
    Like us at facebook.com/SFGreatAmerica 
    #Goliath
    I'd like to thank my friend of 25 years Sebastian Ciceri for allowing us to use his music for the video. For more information about his music you can check out http://satanscharm.wordpress.com/ or http://scbassplayer.wordpress.com/
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

    If you have any comments, please share them below. 
  • Published on

    Amazing Baseball exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library

    Image description
    When we started this site last year it was always our hope to bring you stories beyond the world of Theme Parks. At the beginning we did a pretty good job of that because we were just looking to get enjoyable content for you all to read. 
    Over the past few months since it's been crazy busy with Theme Parks we've slipped on that a bit, hopefully this report will begin to fix that. 
    if you are a baseball fan in any way, shape or form, you need to make sure you get up to the Reagan Library to check out this amazing exhibit. 

    We have a LOT of pictures to get to today, so let's get started ... or shall I say PLAY BALL!!! 

    The front of the Reagan Library, we are just going to be looking at the Baseball exhibit today, we'll take a look at the entire library in a future article. 
    Picture
    Baseball is the Great American Pastime despite not being the most popular sport anymore. I mean, when is the last time you heard of somebody taking a road trip to visit all NBA arena's? 
    Picture
    President Reagan was a sports announcer long before he was an actor, Governor or President. This is touched on a bit more in the main museum. 
    Picture
    "Atta Boy" arcade figure
    Picture
    Picture
    Like any Baseball exhibit, a large number or baseballs are on display. Even Pete Rose is represented. 
    Picture
    Some great world series baseballs. I do have to apologize for some of the blurriness in some of the photo's, the museum doesn't have the best light for picture taking (understandably). 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Baseball bats for the President and First Lady. Wonder how many times Ronnie wanted to hit Oliver North over the head with this one? (Google it kids)
    Picture
    Picture
    Some Hank Aaron memorabilia, still the rightful Home Run King. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    The main exhibit is in the National Treasures Gallery. if you are familiar with the library, this is the same location that the Lincoln and Disney exhibits were held in. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    When I first saw this I thought it was a pitching machine, turns out it's a Peanut cart. 
    Picture
    Picture
    "Temple Cup" lithograph
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Lots of cigarette and cigar ads on display. Not something you'll see today. 
    Picture
    Picture
    The Grand Pavilion 
    Picture
    Picture
    The original Major League Ballparks
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    "Angels In The Outfield"
    Picture
    Picture
    No surprise there was a lot of Babe Ruth memoribilia
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Hank Aaron Jersey and signed baseball (below)
    Picture
    Picture
    *The "All Time Home Run Leader" (is that asterisk big enough?)
    Picture
    Babe Ruth game used bat
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    The Babe's fur coat
    Picture
    Picture
    Being that the exhibit is in Southern California, a huge part of the exhibit was dedicated to the Dodgers
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Leo Durocher's Blue Satin Coach's Uniform. Pretty flashy for the 1940's. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Lots of Dodgers Jersey's and Jacket's 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    They even had some cool Negro Leagues memorabilia. It's an equally amazing/sad part of the history of Baseball and our country. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    There is also a tent set up (where the spy exhibit was) that houses much more of the exhibit. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Not sure why these banners are up, completely random other than them all being current or former NL teams (The Astros are now in the AL). 
    Picture
    Picture
    More Babe Ruth
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    The exhibit features some FANTASTIC Jackie Robinson pieces
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    #42 now officially retired among all MLB teams after Mariano Rivera's retirement last year. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Some great tributes on how #42 paved the way for other players. If you were too young to experience "Fernando Mania" I apologize. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Jersey's from some other all-time-great Dodgers
    Picture
    Picture
    Luggage boxes
    Picture
    Some great scale models of classic stadiums. Fenway Park
    Picture
    Yankee Stadium (the good one)
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    No other sport has inspired more off the field entertainment than baseball
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Baseball in the movies
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    I was kind of disappointed to see no references to Field of Dreams or The Sandlot, which I consider to be two of the greatest baseball movies ever made. 
    Picture
    Picture
    That's going to wrap it up for this update. We hope you enjoyed this look at this amazing exhibit. This is by no means all that the exhibit has to offer but hopefully enough to satisfy our readers. You could easily spend a couple of hours just in this one exhibit. 

    The Baseball Exhibit is open now through September 4th, so make sure you take some time to learn more about the boys of summer this summer. 

    Click the link for more information on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

    If you have any comments, please share them below.