• Published on

    Spring Break update from Six Flags Magic Mountain

    2014 Attractions Holiday In The Park Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    Welcome to another update from Six Flags Magic Mountain. It's Spring Break time at the park although you wouldn't know it from the lack of crowds. Hours extend from a 6:00pm closing to a 9:00pm closing starting on Monday (April 14) so I'm guessing more local schools will be off starting next week.

    We'll show you the latest progress on Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers as well as a look around the park, which, if I'm being honest, didn't change much in the past two weeks. 

    The biggest news this week was the announcement of Holiday In The Park coming to the park starting in November. Despite the odd time of year to announce it we are genuinely excited for another park decked out in holiday lights. Click the link above to read all of the details from our update earlier this week. 

    Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers/Bugs Bunny World

    Not really a whole lot of difference since our last update. Some dirt has been moved around and you can start to see the layout of the new coaster. 
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    Given the lack of footers being dug I think it's safe to say the coaster is going to be the portable model of the Zamperla Family Coaster. 
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    Speedy Gonzales was out for pictures though and actually had a bit of a line (one of the few in the park). 
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    Everything else in Bugs Bunny World was exactly the same as our last update although Tweety's Escape was finally open. 
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    Merchandising, Merchandising, Merchandising 

    I decided to take a look in FLAGS to see what kind of Magic Mountain specific shirts were available this year, I actually liked a couple of the shirts available. 

    I didn't realize Kingda Ka was at SFMM though. ;)
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    Good deals on 2013 shirts if you'd like one
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    Sigh. I don't think this is a new shirt, but sigh anyway. 
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    Around The Park

    Signature Shot!!! 
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    Signature Shot!! 
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    Speaking of Full Throttle, the coaster is still only operating 1 train although half of the second train is sitting on the transfer track. Hopefully it will be back for this weekend? 
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    I did manage to get a picture of the #THRILLCAPITALOFTHEWORLD sign this time. I didn't see any additional signs other than the ones on Full Throttle, Goliath, Batman and Superman: Escape from Krypton. 
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    The "One Train Operation" sign was out front alerting guests and this was by far the longest line I saw in the park. 
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    Looks like the Full Throttle Stage is going to be up again soon and will be used for Grad Nite celebrations (see below).  
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    They've started working on Grad Nite preparations and are letting guests know this year. 
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    Six Flags is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt over Easter weekend. Click the link for details (thanks to reader Brian for alerting us to the information). 
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    The "Sports Bar" sign has been added to the Full Throttle Sports Bar. There are now tables and soda fountains inside and workers were in the building. I didn't want to disrupt them so didn't peek in for any pictures. 
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    I always ride at least one ride when I go to the park for updates. This week it was Colossus Backwards. 
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    The "Waterfront" area isn't so watery at the moment. With the extreme drought conditions in California I'm not sure if this will be filled anytime soon. 
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    I saw people in the Vegas booths for the first time EVER. 
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    Revolution is still closed although two of the trains were on the brake run. I'm guessing they were there for our last update and I wouldn't anticipate the ride reopening anytime soon. 
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    Lastly, there is indeed some work going on at the tower for the Family Raft Ride at Hurricane Harbor (that we missed on our last update). 
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    Not sure what that is, but it's definitely not a slide (no room in that spot). Looks like stacked buckets or something. Anybody know more? Maybe paint buckets? 
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    Also, I saw absolutely no change on the tower for the new Bonzai Pipelines and I'd be very surprised if they are open before Hurricane Harbor opens for the season on May 24th (Memorial Weekend). 

    Kind of wish the park opened earlier in the year like they used to, it's certainly warm enough to have opening weekend around Mothers Day. 

    That is going to wrap it up for this update. It may be a few weeks before we are back at the park unless we hear of some faster progress on the new coaster or new slides. 
    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

    Six Flags Opening Weekends

    2014 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Fiesta Texas Six Flags Great Adventure Six Flags Great America Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Six Flags Magic Mountain Six Flags New England Six Flags Over Georgia Six Flags Over Texas Six Flags St Louis
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    This weekend (April 12th) marks opening weekend for Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags New England. 







    Six Flags parks will be opening in the next couple of months and we will keep you updated on opening dates and any deals the parks may be having leading up to opening day. 


    Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom are open year-round on weekends. 

    Six Flags Great Adventure - Opens April 12th

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    Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari’s 40th year begins April 12 with the debut of three adorable lion cubs, new shows and special events, and a countdown to the opening of the world’s tallest drop ride, Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom.






    Guests can see the park’s three newest lion cubs, Kanu, Kondo and Kiume, on the Safari Off Road Adventure in Camp Aventura beginning April 12, weather permitting. The trio, born earlier this year, made news when the Six Flags Animal Care Team began hand-raising them after their mothers could not adequately care for them. The playful cubs will spend most of the season at Camp Aventura, and eventually be introduced to the lion pride in the Kingsland section.

    Early Season Shows & Events

    The Safari’s animal experts re-launch popular Safari education programs in 2014. Safari Off Road Education offers students K-6 a journey in learning with 1,200 animals from six continents in the 350-acre wildlife preserve. Biology Day targets high school students with a special focus on land and marine biology. These programs, reserved for schools, operate when the theme park is closed. Schools can contact njspecialevents@sixflags.com for more information.

    Entertainment abounds this season with Six Flags Street Party, We Got the Beat character show, and edu-tainment presentations featuring California sea lions and Asian small-clawed otters beginning April 12.  In mid-May, the Animal Training Team will debut Paw and Disorder – Animals on Patrol, a new show in the Safari Kids’ Adventure Theater.  Detectives of all ages can help solve this crazy caper while encountering hilarious hijinks along the way.  Dress rehearsals and early previews will be open to guests in early May.

    The park’s concert series kicks off with chart topper Jason Derulo on Easter Sunday, April 20, presented by Coca Cola. Derulo’s pop/R&B hits have earned him MTV Video Music Awards, Teen Choice and American Music awards since 2010, and most recently landed him on the Billboard Hot 100 with “The Other Side, “Marry Me” and “Dirty Talk.” The concert is free with park admission in the Plymouth Rock Assurance® Arena (formerly the Northern Star Arena) at 4 pm.

    The diverse special events series begins April 26 and 27 with a new event, the Fast Tracks and Food Trucks Festival.  Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines ranging from barbecue and tacos to hibachi and sliders, plus sweets including gourmet waffles and cupcakes. More than 20 trucks will be available from 12 to 7 pm, and seven award-winning New Jersey wineries will also be on hand from 1 to 6 pm for sampling and wine purchases. The festival is included with theme park admission; wine sampling and food requires an additional fee. Tickets may be purchased online with the promo code TRUCK.

    Dining & Season Pass News

    To expand the park’s everyday dining options, the new Garden State Grill opens April 12 in the Boardwalk section and feature specialty burgers, including turkey and veggie burgers and a variety of toppings. The Great Character Café goes “retro,” nearly returning to its original theme from 1974. Renamed the Yum Yum Café, the restaurant serves traditional fare plus ice cream.

    Six Flags Season Pass holders and Members will experience a new, expedited pass processing system featuring biometrics. When guests arrive at the front gate with their ticket voucher, a scanner processes an image of their finger and assigns a unique set of numbers that are used to validate the pass holder’s card. For return visits to the park, a guest simply scans their card and finger for a match to gain entry, which eliminates the need for the photo.

    The Season Pass Dining Program returns for a second season. This program offers incredible value, and includes up to two meals per day for unlimited days during the 2014 season in most of the park’s most popular dining locations for one low price.

    Counting Down to Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom

    Six Flags Great Adventure shatters the world record for tallest drop ride with the addition of the 41-story Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, slated for a Memorial Day Weekend opening.

    Connected to the iconic Kingda Ka roller coaster—the 456-foot monster that ranks as the world’s tallest coaster and fastest in North America—Zumanjaro will hoist riders 415 feet into the sky and rocket them back to Earth at 90 miles per hour while Kingda Ka trains launch right toward them at speeds of up to 128 miles per hour.

    "Thrillseekers around the world are counting down to the opening of Zumanjaro,” said John Fitzgerald, park president. “Zumanjaro solidifies Six Flags Great Adventure’s dominance as the Northeast’s thrill capital and is precisely the world-class, record-breaking attraction our guests have come to expect. With its extreme height and speed, Zumanjaro will bring out the ultimate thrillseekers and leave others watching in awe, planted firmly on the ground.”

    Three soaring Zumanjaro towers will be built on the face of the massive Kingda Ka coaster. Each drop tower will feature a gondola with eight riders. The gondolas will rise to the top of the tower in approximately 30 seconds. Riders will pause for a few terrifying moments, 41 stories in the air—even higher than London’s Big Ben and twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty—allowing them to catch a glimpse of the skyscrapers in Philadelphia 52 miles to the south before gravity plunges them back to ground level in less than 10 seconds.

    Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari opens for the 2014 season April 12. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.

    Six Flags New England - Opens April 12th

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    Be the first to ride Six Flags New England's legendary collection of world-class coasters and fan favorites on Opening Weekend, April 12-13.






    Everyone knows that Six Flags is the Thrill Capital of New England with the biggest, fastest, most utterly insane thrill rides on Earth – but are you brave enough to ride them? Grab a seat if you dare on the BATMAN: The Dark Knight or Mind Eraser and show these coasters who’s boss. We hear some of you enjoy rides that whirl and swirl while you zig and zag. Well hang on tight because Tomahawk and Pandemonium are ready to spin you till you have a laugh attack. Have some junior daredevils along for the ride? Your tykes will love our kids rides and family rides like the Teacups and Stampede Bumper Cars.

    There are some things in life that we all enjoy — like good times with friends, great food and of course funnel cakes! You only have to wait till Opening Weekend to treat your crew to all three… just save some room for cotton candy and Dippin' Dots. After you sample your favorite delectable theme park favorites, satisfy your hunger for great entertainment at Six Flags’ shows. 

    Take your friends and family on a adventure this spring they’ll never forget — mark your calendar because the fun all starts on Opening Weekend, April 12-13. What's the best part? The Six Flags New England 2014 Season Pass makes this "stay-cation" the ultimate deal. With unlimited visits all season, free tickets for friends on select days and hundreds of dollars worth of in-park savings, this is one sweet deal you can’t afford to miss.

    Six Flags St. Louis - Opens April 5th 

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    Six Flags St. Louis opens this weekend, check out this special offer for those visiting the park this weekend!!! 

    Six Flags St. Louis is celebrating the opening of the 2014 season on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 with the Go Big, Go Green, Go Six Flags for MDA campaign.

    The theme park is offering a special $20.14 ticket to guests who wear green on opening weekend, or purchase tickets online in advance with $1 being donated back to the local Muscular Dystrophy Association.

    Season pass holders will be introduced to a biometric entry system to make their experience faster and more convenient.



    Six Flags St. Louis is open for weekend operation only from April 5 through May 11. Hurricane Harbor opens for the season on May 24.

    Guests can enjoy a season of thrills and fun with a 2014 Season Pass. Guests who purchase and process four or more Season Passes by April 20 will receive one free season parking pass. A Season Pass offers the best value with unlimited visits to the theme park and water park, special eCoupon offers and admission to all Six Flags theme parks.

    To learn more, visit sixflags.com/stlouis.

    Six Flags America - Opens April 5th

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    Opening Day Fun! The park opens on April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to get here early on April 5 because you won't want to miss the Mardi Gras parade led by Eleanor Roosevelt High School's jazz band, Dixieland Combo! The new Gator King character will lead Dixieland Combo, with other Mardi Gras characters and guests, on a festive parade through the park and into the newly themed Mardi Gras area at approximately 11 a.m. As supplies last, we will be giving away lots of fun and festive beads, masks and even some yummy beignets right before the parade starts!
     
    What's New! Experience the debut of our two new attractions on Opening Weekend with the newly themed Mardi Gras section and French Quarter Flyers! This unique family-friendly attraction features eight individual flying cars. Each vehicle has a stationary rear wing and a moveable front wing and can travel at speeds up to 40 miles-per-hour! You will be the pilot and control your own riding destiny as you pump up the thrill for a more intense, wild flight, or simply sit back, take it easy, and enjoy the ride.
     
    Opening Weekend is your first opportunity to return to the park for all your favorite thrills, like Apocalypse and SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel. Enjoy delicious foods like cheese burgers, hot dogs, and funnel cakes plus plenty of healthier food options like grilled chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean salad, and glutton-free foods. Don’t forget the shows, the brand new Legends of the Arena: A Gladiator Stunt Show and LOL! a laugh out loud improve show. For both shows the audience determines the outcome of the actors! 
     
    Best Deal AroundExperience the thrills of Six Flags America all year with a 2014 Season Pass. A Season Pass offers unlimited visits and comes with in-park savings on food, games and souvenirs, free tickets for friends and access to exclusive events. You'll want to return again and again for hot summer thrills, Hurricane Harbor and Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS®. Or purchase a Membership and get all of the same benefits as a Season Pass for a low monthly price.

    Six Flags Over Texas - Opens March 1st 

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    Be the first to ride Six Flags Over Texas' legendary collection of world-class coasters and fan favorites on Opening Weekend Presented by JustGreen™. Everyone knows that Six Flags is the world headquarters for the biggest, fastest, most utterly insane thrill rides on Earth – but are you brave enough to ride them? Grab a seat if you dare on the epic Titan or BATMAN™: The Ride and show these coasters who’s boss. We hear some of you enjoy rides that whirl and swirl while you zig and zag. Well hang on tight because Pandemonium and Crazy Legs are ready to spin you till you have a laugh attack. Have some junior daredevils along for the ride? Your tykes will love our kids rides and Mini Mine Train.


    There are some things in life that we all enjoy — like good times with friends, great food and of course funnel cakes! You only have to wait till Opening Weekend to treat your crew to all three… just save some room for cotton candy and a Pink Thing. After you sample your favorite delectable theme park favorites, satisfy your hunger for great entertainment at Six Flags’ incredible live music shows and performances.

    Opening Weekend Special

    Take your friends and family on a adventure this spring they’ll never forget — mark your calendar because the fun all starts on Opening Weekend, March 1-2. And as part of our Opening Weekend celebration, you can purchase tickets online for the amazingly low price of JUST $19.99 each. This deal isn't available at the park so buy online now. Tickets may be used March 1 or 2.

    Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Opens March 1st 

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    Take your friends and family on a adventure this spring they’ll never forget — mark your calendar because the thrills start on Opening Weekend, March 1-2. The fun doesn't stop there! We are open daily for Spring Break, March 8-16. What's the best part? Extreme coasters and awesome rides for the entire family including our epic Iron Rattler!


    The Iron Rattler roller coaster is a unique technological marvel that combines classic wooden support structure with modern track and rails crafted of steel, allowing for unprecedented smooth and swift over-banked turns and inversions never before experienced on either a traditional steel or wooden coaster.

    Enjoy exhilarating park favorites such as SUPERMAN Krypton Coaster, Goliath and soaring thrills on SkyScreamer! Towering 200 feet above the ground, SkyScreamer surpasses the height of the park’s quarry walls. Thirty-two guests board the ride and sit two across in open air swings. Climb to the top of the SkyScreamer tower while spinning round and round. At full swing, you'll soar in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 40 mph with the rest of the park far below your dangling feet.

    There are some things in life that we all enjoy — like good times with friends, great food and of course funnel cakes! You only have to wait till Opening Weekend to treat your crew to all three…just save some room for cotton candy. After you sample your favorite delectable theme park favorites, satisfy your hunger for great entertainment at Six Flags Fiesta Texas' incredible live music shows and performances.

    Six Flags Over Georgia - Opens March 15th 

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    Be the first to ride Six Flags Over Georgia's legendary collection of world-class coasters and fan favorites. Everyone knows that Six Flags is the world headquarters for the biggest, fastest, most utterly insane thrill rides on Earth – but are you brave enough to ride them?

    Grab a seat if you dare on the epic Goliath, Georgia Scorcher or BATMAN: The Ride and show these coasters who’s boss. We hear some of you enjoy rides that whirl and swirl while you zig and zag. Well hang on tight because Dare Devil Dive and Gotham City Crime Wave are ready to take you for a spin till you have a laugh attack. Have some junior daredevils along for the ride? Your tykes will love our kids rides and Wile E. Coyote Canyon Blaster.

    There are some things in life that we all enjoy — like good times with friends, great food and of course funnel cakes! You only have to wait till Opening Weekend to treat your crew to all three… just save some room for cotton candy and Dippin' Dots. After you sample your favorite delectable theme park favorites, satisfy your hunger for great entertainment at Six Flags’ incredible live music shows and performances.

    Take your friends and family on a adventure this spring they’ll never forget — mark your calendar because the fun all starts on Opening Weekend, March 15-16. What's the best part? The Six Flags Over Georgia Season Pass makes this "stay-cation" the ultimate deal. With unlimited visits all season, free tickets for friends on select days and hundreds of dollars worth of in-park savings, this is one sweet deal you can’t afford to miss.

    MUST Ministries Opening Weekend Food Drive

    Celebrate opening weekend at Six Flags Over Georgia and give back to the community at the same time!

    Six Flags Over Georgia is once again partnering with MUST Ministries to host an Opening Weekend Food Drive to help the MUST Ministries food bank. Donate six or more non-perishable food items and you'll receive one coupon to get into the park for only $20.14 plus tax on March 15-16.

    The donation center will be located near Guest Relations so stop by with your food items to receive your discount coupon before heading to the ticket booths. Each guest will need six items to receive a $20.14 coupon.
    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. 
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    Universal Studios Hollywood announces Fast and Furious, Springfield, Nighttime Tram Tours for 2015

    2014 Attractions 2015 Attractions 2016 Attractions Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Fast And Furious: Supercharged Harry Potter Hogwarts Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World
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    Universal Studios finally announced it's new for 2015 tram attraction "Fast and Furious: Supercharged". 

    In more exciting news, the Springfield expansion was also officially announced as well as new nighttime tram tours with additional enhancements. 

    Update: Below is the full release and some more concept art that the park has sent us. 

    Be sure to check out our updates from earlier this year featuring pictures from the projects mentioned below: 

    Full Park Enhancement

    Universal Studios Hollywood Makes Unprecedented Investment in Epic Theme Park Transformation, Dramatically Altering Footprint to Reimagine Destination with Innovative Thrill Rides and Immersive Lands

    Project Represents Biggest Five-Year Line-Up of New Attractions in Universal Studios Hollywood History, Solidifying Theme Park’s Long-Term Commitment to Tourism and Economic Vitality in Los Angeles

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    Universal City, California, April 8, 2014 – Reaffirming its position as the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles with one of the most progressive and exciting theme park experiences anywhere, Universal Studios HollywoodSM, is making an unprecedented five-year investment in revolutionary new thrill rides and expansive themed environments that will radically alter the familiar footprint and landscape of The Entertainment Capital of L.A. SM

    This monumental transformation, the most significant undertaking in the theme park’s storied 50 year history, will have substantial impacts across all facets of L.A.’s economic spectrum from job creation to tourism.  Representing the single largest investment ever made, this sweeping makeover began in 2012 with the introduction of the award-winning mega-attraction, “Transformers:  The Ride—3D” and will culminate in 2016 with the much-anticipated Los Angeles debut of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.”
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    “This is a pivotal time in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood as we build upon our extraordinary success and expand our vision for the future of our world-class destination,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood.  “This broad investment in our five-year transformation will further strengthen Universal Studios Hollywood as an economic leader, significantly contributing to long-term employment opportunities and tourism throughout L.A.”

     “This amazing investment by Universal Studios Hollywood represents a dramatic boost for Los Angeles tourism, creating new world class entertainment that will add new jobs, stimulate hospitality revenues and contribute to the economic prosperity of our city,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

    From its humble beginnings 50 years ago, Universal Studios Hollywood has remained true to its roots of immersing guests in the awe-inspiring world of movie-making magic, providing remarkable access to movie sets on a real working studio lot.  Its once celebrated “Glamour Trams” have evolved to become the now world-famous Studio Tour and a hallmark attraction, bringing millions of guests onto areas of an authentic movie and television studio typically restricted to authorized movie production personnel and into that elusive world motivated by three compelling words:  lights, camera, action.

    The evolution of breakthrough, next-generation thrill rides has continued to revolutionize the theme park renowned for its innovative collaborations with top Hollywood filmmakers and the greatest creative minds in entertainment – Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Chris Meledandri – whose credibility contribute immensely to a ride’s authenticity.

    Working in collaboration with Universal Creative, the visionary design and development division of Universal Parks & Resorts, Universal Studios Hollywood has crafted an ambitious blueprint for the future of the theme park detailing its expansive redesign and mega-attraction introductions. 
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    “Transformers:  The Ride—3D” set the stage for this epic transformation in 2012 and raised the bar for immersive, technologically advanced entertainment offered at Universal Studios Hollywood or elsewhere.  Working in partnership with award-winning filmmaker Michael Bay and the technical luminaries at Industrial Light & Magic, the ride infused an adrenalized multi-level ride-track and visceral special effects with one of the most elaborate flight simulation ride systems ever created.  Housed within a newly built 60,000 square foot structure, the ride utilized the highest, most sophisticated resolution of 3D-HD technology available to virtually launch guests into the dynamic, action-packed robotic world of the Transformers.

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    In summer 2013, the interior focal point of the theme park profoundly changed with the installation of Universal Plaza, a visually aesthetic 37,000 square foot art deco styled piazza.  This impressive and versatile polygon-shaped entertainment venue sits at the heart of the theme park as a welcoming open air courtyard, architecturally reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour.  Featuring a soaring 70 foot tall tower emblazoned with the word Universal, the venue is large in scope, yet provides a warm and inviting environment to host an array of special events and entertainment.  

    Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

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    On April 12, 2014, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Based on Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award-nominated film franchise, and created in collaboration with Chris Meledandri, founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” will resonate with the same endearing qualities and characters that catapulted the franchise to international blockbuster fame.

    The footprint for “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land,” however, will serve as a crucial turning point for the theme park, as the adventure represents its first foray into fully expansive themed environments aimed at immersing visitors from the moment they enter the space.  From experiencing Gru’s neighborhood to Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls and the imaginative seaside carnival, this all-encompassing approach is a decisive departure from the park’s more commonly used vignette ride exteriors to create holistic experiences and transport guests to that imaginary place.  

    Springfield

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    2015 will be a momentous year for the theme park with two spectacular attractions debuting as part of the 50th anniversary.  “Springfield” an immersive land surrounding “The Simpsons Ride” will open in Spring 2015 and in Summer 2015, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” based on the blockbuster film series, will be introduced as the grand finale to the celebrated Studio Tour.
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    The former layout of the park will become unrecognizable when “Springfield” hometown of America’s favorite family, The Simpsons, breathes new life to the sprawling and vibrant space surrounding “The Simpsons Ride.” “Springfield” will capture the spirit of the town and engage visitors and fans of the show in the intensely absorbing and colorful world made famous throughout the series’ 25 seasons.

    “Springfield” is being designed to make guests feel as if they are being propelled through their television sets into the accurately depicted city, complete with signature eateries from Krusty Burger to Luigi’s Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat’s 5600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to iconic watering holes like Moe’s Tavern and Duff’s Brewery.  

    Fast & Furious: Supercharged

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    “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” will be a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled finale to the world-famous Studio Tour.  This technologically advanced thrill ride, will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars where they’ll join the cast in a harrowing escapade.   The ride will be situated within a newly constructed 50,000 square foot building on the legendary backlot and will reunite stars from the Fast & Furious series in a groundbreaking mega-attraction, conceived as a new installment to the dynamic film series that can only be experienced at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.  
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    The dynamic hydraulic-motion based ride will tell an original Fast & Furious story, incorporating hyper-realistic special effects and state-of-the-art 3D-HD imagery projected onto the world’s longest and most expansive 360-degree screen spanning nearly 400 feet in length to encircle Studio Tour guests in the Fast & Furious universe.

    Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    2016 will be a magical year for Universal Studios Hollywood as the theme park’s epic transformation becomes fully realized with the highly-anticipated arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
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    Inspired by the magical world created by J.K. Rowling and brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will be a fully immersive land designed for the entire family that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and authenticity.  Similar to the dynamic Universal Orlando Resort themed land that opened in 2010, the Hollywood experience will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle that will serve as the iconic focal point of the impressively themed environment.  “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is a collaboration between J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts. 

    This evolution of Universal Studios Hollywood will also include the addition of two newly constructed parking structures that, combined, will accommodate thousands of additional vehicles. Construction on the second parking structure will be completed in late 2015. 
    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

    Holiday In The Park coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain in 2014

    2014 Attractions Holiday In The Park Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    The popular "Holiday In The Park" event is finally making it's way to Six Flags Magic Mountain starting Thanksgiving weekend 2014. 

    The event will feature over one million lights, holiday entertainment, carolers and special food offerings. 

    All of the details are below. As the event approaches we will obviously bring you more on the events preparation. 
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    Six Flags Magic Mountain Lights Up the Season by Introducing HOLIDAY IN THE PARK® Event

    VALENCIA, Calif. — April 8, 2014 — Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” announced today that Six Flags Entertainment’s (NYSE:SIX) annual  holiday extravaganza — Holiday in the Park® — will debut at the Valencia theme park on November 28  and run through January 4, 2015. Several areas of the park will be transformed into spectacularly-lit winter wonderlands for guests to enjoy this holiday season.

    “We are thrilled to bring this magical experience to our Six Flags Magic Mountain guests during the holidays," said Bonnie Rabjohn, park president. "We are creating a winter spectacular that will support our thrill brand and be uniquely Six Flags Magic Mountain, complete with over one million lights, holiday entertainment, carolers, and seasonal treats. Holiday in the Park® will offer a special twist on favorite traditions that our guests will treasure for years to come."

    Several areas of the park will feature time-honored and unique holiday themes. While the visual look of the park will take on the distinct spirit of the holidays, guests will experience quaint and authentic touches that will remind adults of their fondest childhood memories, and create impressions for children that will last a lifetime.  
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    The Six Flags Plaza area will transform into a kaleidoscope of lights, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights on trees, buildings and attractions. An array of water and lights will create a one-of-a-kind, holiday tree in the fountain area while carolers welcome guests as they enter this magical scene. A holiday show featuring contemporary music and dancing will be spotlighted on the Full Throttle stage. Crafts and spiced-up holiday treats will be the focal point in the ‘Winter Wonderland” Mining Town area of the park and a classic Santa Claus visiting area will anchor this picture-perfect setting. DC UNIVERSE will feature a dazzling spectacle-of-lights show featuring contemporary holiday music set to one of the largest programmed light shows on the West coast with millions of lighting variations programmed using tens of thousands of lights.

    Park guests can enjoy all the wonderful aromas of the season while satisfying their appetite and quenching their thirst with hot chocolate, cider, custom fudge, holiday-inspired funnel cake flavors and many other traditional favorites.

    “We are taking a successful Six Flags branded event  which has been very popular at four of our other Six Flags parks, and creating the Southern California version, combining the traditions of the holidays with a unique twist, beautiful displays of lights, holiday magic and seasonal surprises,” said Rabjohn.  
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    Six Flags Magic Mountain 2014 Season Passes provide unlimited visits for the entire 2014 season and can be purchased online for a low monthly payment through the annual membership program. For a limited time, with the purchase of four or more Season Passes, guests will receive a free upgrade to Combo Season Passes which include with every pass, a free Hurricane Harbor Season Pass. Additional Season Pass perks include free tickets for friends and more. Offer expires April 27, 2014. Season Passes can be purchased at the main gate ticket booths or online.

    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 park opens daily at 10:30 a.m. For complete operating days and hours, and for more information call (661) 255-4111 or visit us online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

    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.
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  • Published on

    Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom Breaks World Record for Tallest Drop Ride at 41 Stories

    2014 Attractions Six Flags Six Flags Great Adventure
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    Final Track Piece Set April 1st, Ride to Debut Memorial Day Weekend
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    The press release is below, but before you read about the ride being topped off take a look at the video the park has provided. Looks like fun!!!! 
    JACKSON, NJ – April 1, 2014 – The final track piece of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom was placed today at approximately 1:30 pm today. This “topping off” officially breaks the world record for tallest drop ride, with Zumanjaro’s three towers completed at a staggering 41 stories tall. The mammoth drop ride is expected to open at Six Flags Great Adventure this Memorial Day weekend.

    Iron workers from Shamrock Construction, the ride’s erection company which is based in Matawan, New Jersey, signed the final orange piece of steel before it ascended to its final resting place atop Kingda Ka’s 45-story tower.
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    “Today is special because we not only broke the world record by topping off the world’s tallest drop ride, but also because we battled through some incredibly adverse weather conditions. We had the coldest and snowiest winter that any of us can remember,” said John Fitzgerald, park president at Six Flags Great Adventure. “We appreciate the hard work by Shamrock Construction and the rest of the construction team in overcoming those conditions and getting the job done,” he added. “You would not believe how windy it can get up there in a snow storm.”
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    Following the topping off, the construction, maintenance and engineering teams will focus on installing the lift mechanism (a winch and cable system),  adding the three gondolas that will whisk riders to the top of the tower and installing the ride controls, followed by extensive ride testing, inspections and certification before the first passengers board the ride later this spring.
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    Connected to the iconic Kingda Ka roller coaster—the 456-foot monster that ranks as the world’s tallest coaster and fastest in North America—Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom will hoist riders 41 stories into the sky and rocket them back to Earth at 90 miles per hour while Kingda Ka trains launch right toward them at speeds of up to 128 miles per hour. Riders will pause for a few terrifying moments 41 stories in the air—even higher than London’s Big Ben and twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty—allowing them to catch a glimpse of the skyscrapers in Philadelphia 52 miles to the south before gravity plunges them back to ground level in less than 10 seconds.
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  • Published on

    Colossus Backwards, Bugs Bunny World, Revolution Closed and more at SFMM

    2014 Attractions Bugs Bunny World Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain
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    We have a pretty big update from Six Flags Magic Mountain for you today. Both Colossus and Batman have opened to the public ... Backwards. Work continues to be done in Bugs Bunny World on the new coaster and the entire area make-over. 
    Revolution has also gone under another refurbishment. We'll also take a look at the rest of the park and the new Jelly Belly store. 

    Colossus Backwards

    Both Batman Backwards and Colossus Backwards opened to the public on April 22nd which was the official "opening day" for the park. We already brought you our media day coverage for Batman Backwards (click link for that report) so we'll concentrate mostly on Colossus. 
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    As always, the old Psyclone trains are used for backwards operations on Colossus. 
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    The yellow and orange trains are in operation although I did see the red Psyclone train off to the side near the exit.
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    Guessing the red train is being used for parts since these trains have now been in operation (in some form) since 1991. 
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    Riders leaving the station for their ride on Colossus. 
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    Ready for my ride
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    Some pictures of the ride in action. 
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    The regular trains are on the other track and are currently not in operation. Looking at the other track it doesn't appear like it would be ready for use anytime soon. One has to wonder if these trains have done their last circuit around the Colossus track. 
    Notice the logo removed from the black train. 
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    As soon as we hear ANYTHING about the long-rumored "Iron Colossus" makeover and possible closing dates for this iconic coaster we will let you know. 

    Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers and Bugs Bunny World refurbishment

    Not a whole lot of change on the site of Speedy Gonzales although some survey markers have been added, presumably for footers. 
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    Announcements throughout the park now say that the new coaster will be opening "Summer 2014". 
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    No, this isn't a picture from our last update, both Pepe Lepew's Tea Party and Merrie Melodies Carousel look exactly the same. 
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    The other carrots at the Carrot Club theater have been painted
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    The mural behind Road Runner Express has been removed. It was pretty faded but hopefully it's part of the area refurbishment and will be coming back. 
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    For some reason, Tweety's Escape still hasn't reopened. 
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    The electrical room/Granny's House has been completed and looks nice. 
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    Revolution Closed

    Revolution just came back from a refurbishment in January but now it looks like it's closed again. 

    Let the rumors begin!!! 
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    As seen from the exit, the rides trains are nowhere to be seen. 
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    As soon as we have any news we can share we'll pass it along. 

    #THRILLCAPITALOFTHEWORLD

    Looks like the park is starting a new hashtag campaign. This was the only one I saw on a ride and I'll be honest, I almost missed it so there could have been others throughout the park. 
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    It wasn't just on Goliath, but some signs on the fence around Speedy Gonzales also had the hashtag prominently displayed. 
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    While the hashtag itself might be a bit long (try tweeting and walking while using that hashtag ... no really, try, it's not easy) =) ... you have to applaud the marketing department for these fun signs that aren't too in your face. Taki's ad's anybody? 

    We'll look out for more signs on rides the next time we are at the park. Having the ride stats is kind of a nice touch as well. 

    Full Throttle Sports Bar and Grill

    Construction continues on the new sports bar. Looks like most of the outside is done. 
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    Measure Once ... Cut Twice (or something like that). 

    We need a volunteer to get that on the outside of the second story window!!! =)
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    A look inside. It looks like a sports bar. 
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    New Jelly Belly Store!!! 

    Lets take a look at the new Jelly Belly store that just opened replacing the M&M store. 
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    Pet Peeve: New Jelly Belly Store. Obviously recycled Jelly Belly entry rug. Nobody thought to get a carpet cleaner out first? 
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    Inside they have pretty much any flavor Jelly Belly you could want in a variety of sizes. 
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    Bags, Buckets, pre-sorted, make your own assortment. 
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    Around The Park

    It was an absolutely beautiful spring day to be outside. 
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    A perfect day to take some roller coaster pictures. 
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    Roaring Rapids is back open. We'll take a ride on it soon when we actually feel like being soaking wet. =)
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    Jet Stream is still closed. 
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    I'd have to look at some older pictures, but it looks like some work may have been done on this section of the flume? 
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    Vinyl still needs to be replaced on the DC Universe column
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    More new ads. Made me want a Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bar so I guess job well done!! 
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    Full Throttle was running 1 train. Other train was nowhere to be seen. No sign out front regarding "Annual Maintenance One Train Operation" (which would be odd just before Spring Break). 
    90 minute wait 30 minutes after the park opened when every other coaster we rode was a walk-on. 

    Oh and look, while proofreading the update I spotted another #THRILLCAPITALOFTHEWORLD sign. Can you see it? 
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    Also not a picture from our last update. 
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    New Dippin Dots Flavors ... unfortunate looking picture on the "Sweet & Smooth" ad. 
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    Seriously, next time you are at the park, look at this sign from a distance. 
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    Hurricane Harbor

    Lastly, lets take a look at Hurricane Harbor construction. 
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    We took a look at the family raft ride thanks to a tip from reader Ty on our Facebook page asking if we could see any work being done on it. 

    I couldn't but maybe somebody can notice something from these pictures? 
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    Perhaps they are just replacing the rubber pads that slow down the rafts as they do before every season? 
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    Absolutely no change on the tower for the new slides. Hurricane Harbor is scheduled to open in May (no date yet on the parks calendar). 
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    That's going to wrap it up for this update. Due to a few VERY busy weekends coming up we may not have a Magic Mountain update for a few weeks unless we can get up during the week. 

    Remember, the park is open for daily operation now and will be busy during Spring Break. If you can plan a weekday in early May to visit the park, those are typically the best days of the year to visit. 
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