Yesterday I headed up to Six Flags Magic Mountain for their first day of daily operations in over a year. It was great to be back in the park, I saw some very encouraging things and overall had a really fun visit. 

In this update I'll share some of my thoughts on the park, covid protocols and what you can expect if you'll be visiting the park in the near future. 

I arrived about 10:10 for my 10:30 reservation. I wasn't hopeful when I saw this, but they opened parking about 10:15 and I was in the park by 10:30. 

I did a full walk around of the park and commentary on my day. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube channel. 

The queue for the temperature check and security. They ARE checking reservations. I saw somebody with a reservation for Sunday get turned away. So please, make sure you show up at your reserved time. 

Lots of signs around the park and even outside the park. I found the completely touch-less temperature check and security to be a breath of fresh air and I hope all of the parks go this route. Not only does it give people a great first impression, but it's so fast and easy. 

They currently have only 2 of the new security check devices, but you literally just walk through it. There was zero wait. 

We missed you too!! 

Lets head into the park

Absolutely zero wait at the gate. If you have a new pass they'll give you your pass card here. 

It felt great to walk through these gates. 

Lots of "rest" and food area's where you normally wouldn't see them. 

I headed for Revolution first, figured I needed to start on something "easy" after a year of no riding, plus I absolutely LOVE Revolution 

Social Distancing, cleaning and loading every-other row! 

About to ride my first coaster in over a year. Tell me you can't see a smile through a mask! 

It was a beautiful (and slightly warm) day

Heading over to Full Throttle. This was pretty much as empty as I saw the walkways all day. 

20 minutes after park opening, lots of cleaning already going on! 

A reminder, the stickers on the ground are there for a reason. Use them! 

Not even exaggerating, I must have seen 100 sanitizer bottles throughout the day. It's amazing to see. 

Social distancing FTW! 

After a nice back-seat ride on Full Throttle it was time to grab a bite to eat. 

I tried to do the mobile ordering at Wascals, but they were having some issues. No biggie, these are the kinds of things to expect after a year of the park not being open. 

I had to ride Road Runner Express because I was wearing a Vekoma hat. And it's the only Vekoma in the park. 

More seating locations where there aren't normally seating locations! 

DO THE SIX!! 

Batman was closed, it is apparently getting some new paint. 

All of the Green Lantern stuff is still here, will be shocked if the new coaster doesn't use this as the entry/station/queue. 

Don't see any panting yet 

Social distancing markers in the games area too! 

I know I sound like a broken record with all the dining area's, but seriously, it's impressive how prepared the park is. 

If rumors are true, Tidal Wave isn't going to be around much longer. 

I do think the park needs more than 2 water rides, so hopefully they'll get some kind of splash battle or something in the next couple of years. 

Some pics of Riddler's in action, because why not. Click to see larger views of each. 

Justice League was closed when I walked by, but apparently opened later in the day. 

More seating! 

Gold Rusher was also closed when I went by, but did open later. 

The Underground was definitely the most popular area when I was at the park. 

After a quick water/mask break I had to take a ride on West Coast Racers

From this angle I didn't think people were social distancing, but they actually were. So yay! 

The park has gone to 100% mobile/card payments, but you can actually convert cash to a card at kiosks around the park. Really great idea!! 

So overall I had a really great day at the park. There were some technical issues, but it's to be expected after the park has been closed over a year. I mean, you wouldn't try to start your car after a year and expect there to be no issues. Right? 

So just be prepared for ride down time and slower loading times due to cleaning and distancing. 

All that said, there are a few things I would like to see changed. Namely, more drink locations. Again, they are still re-staffing, but with the heat and masks it would have been nice to have more places to just get a drink vs having to wait in line. 

But that's small compared to all the good at the park. 

Kudos to Six Flags and the park staff for taking all the precautions they did. It's so great to have the park open and I can't wait to go back soon. 

​VALLEJO, Calif. — March 18, 2021 — Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the Thrill Capital of Northern California, today announced plans to open the park with the complement of world-class roller coasters, rides, and animals with a special exclusive preview for Members and Season Pass holders, April 1 and 2, then opening to the general public on April 3, 2021. For the first time since March of last year, the park will operate its renowned collection of thrilling rides in accordance with state, county and local government guidelines. The park has safely hosted guests for the animal-focused, Marine World Experience, since July of 2020. In accordance with state and county reopening guidelines for theme parks, Six Flags will operate at reduced attendance levels utilizing the existing reservation system. The park is also continuing the implementation of extensive safety measures including several new advanced technology systems to protect guests and employees. The plan, developed in consultation with infectious disease experts, sets standards for executing at the highest levels of hygiene and social distancing protocols. These procedures will be adjusted on an as-needed basis to ensure compliance with state and county recommendations

“Californians are ready to visit their favorite Six Flags theme park and have some fun,” said Senior Vice President of Park Operations Bonnie Weber. ”Last year, we set the standard for operating our parks safely and entertained nearly seven million guests in adherence to government and CDC health guidelines. We will follow those same stringent guidelines as we reopen our rides and attractions in our California parks.”

“We are very excited to be able to offer our full selection of rides and attractions for the first time in over a year,” said Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Park President Janine Durette. “Six Flags creates wonderful memories through the incredible experiences we provide guests of all ages. We are excited to welcome more guests to the park and to bring back more of our dedicated team members.”

Park reopening dates are subject to change based on local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19.  Hurricane Harbor Concord is expected to open at a future date based on current state guidance.
​
The park will continue to employ an online reservation system to manage attendance, schedule guests for entry by day, and to stagger arrival times to minimize proximity exposure. Other technologies used include:

• State-of-the-art thermal imaging for temperature checks;
• Advanced security screening technology for touchless bag checks; and
• Expanded mobile food ordering.

 
 
Protocols for the Safe Operation of Rides
·         Easy-to-identify distance markers have been added in all ride queue lines;
·         Handrails, ride units, and restraints will be regularly sanitized throughout the day;
·         Riders on all roller coasters, rides, and attractions will be physically distanced in accordance with local and state guidelines; and
·         Masks must remain on while experiencing a ride or attraction.
 
Safer, Faster Way to Pay
·         Six Flags will only accept card and mobile payments; and
·         Cash may be converted to a card at new kiosks located throughout the park;
 
Existing safety plans include:
Park Reservations System to Control Capacity and Guest Entry
Six Flags has established attendance caps that are in accordance with current local and state guidelines to allow for proper social distancing and to verify in-state residence. All Members, Season Pass holders and all guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Guests who need single day tickets will be able to reserve during the purchase process. The process will take 5-7 minutes, and guests will complete the following steps:

• Enter their online order number, ticket number or Membership/Season Pass number;
• Select the day and the approximate time they want to visit;
• Acknowledge their understanding of the company’s health policy;
• Acknowledge that they reside within the state of California, and thus are allowed entry into the park based on current state guidance;
• Order pre-paid parking, if they do not already have a parking pass; and
• Watch a brief video describing new social distancing and sanitization procedures.

 
Members and Season Pass Holders Get Exclusive Preview Days:

• All Members on April 1;
• All Members and Season Pass Holders on April 2; and
• The General Public on April 3.

Health Screenings for Guests and Team Members

• Contact-less IR thermal imaging will be used to screen temperatures of guests and employees prior to entry;
• Individuals will be required to acknowledge and abide by the company’s health policies, which prohibits park entry if guests have recently been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
• Following CDC guidelines, all guests over the age of two and all team members will be required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit/work day; and
• Masks will be available at the front gate for any guest without one.

Strictly Enforced Social Distancing
·         Easy to identify distance markers have been added in all park entry, restroom, retail locations, and dining queue lines;
·         Dining areas have been adjusted to allow ample space between seated parties;

• Six-foot viewing areas are marked for guests to observe animal exhibits as well as game play; arcade games have been reconfigured or deactivated to comply with social distancing requirements;

·         Capacity at indoor venues will be reduced to meet social distancing requirements; and
·         Guests viewing outdoor entertainment will be separated by at least six feet.
Extensive Sanitization and Disinfecting Protocols
·         Trained and dedicated cleaning teams have been put in place;
·         Increased sanitization and disinfecting of high touch points including all public seating, tabletops, counters, handrails, doors, and trash cans will occur frequently;
·         Restroom staff will be stationed to disinfect each stall and sink area on a frequent basis;
·         Multiple hand-washing and alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park; and
·         All team member work areas will be regularly sanitized and disinfected.
Sanitized Food Preparation and Service
·         Modified menus and implementation of mobile food ordering will help facilitate touchless transactions;
·         Self-service buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food; and
·         Condiments, self-serve cutlery, and napkins will be provided to guests with their meals as required;
Commercial-Grade Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
·         All employees will be issued Team Member Action Packs which will include: a safety face mask, safety glasses, and disposable gloves;
·         Low pressure backpack sprayers will be utilized for disinfecting large areas;
·         Abundant supplies of sanitizers and disinfectants will be available;
·         Microfiber cloths will be used to sanitize surfaces; and
·         Queue line supplies, fencing, and tents will be in place to promote safe social distancing.
Multi-Layered Guest and Team Member Communication
·         Frontline team members will go through extensive COVID-19 training;
·         Safety messaging and reminders on Six Flags’ website, newsletters, and in-park announcements;
·         Distance markers and physical distance indicators will be in place; and
·         Informational safety signage is posted throughout the park.
Virtual Hiring Fairs
As one of the largest seasonal employers in the country, Six Flags is rapidly hiring thousands of team members for the 2021 season. The safety of park guests, employees, and animals is always the company’s top priority, and applicants may now apply for jobs in a new completely virtual and contact-free environment where applicants can apply today and start working tomorrow. Applications may be completed online and interviews and training will all be done virtually; onboarding is contact-free. 
 
Named one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® by The National Association for Business Resources for five years in a row, Six Flags offers a wide variety of positions in a fun, fast-paced environment, along with paid internships for students. The company offers a myriad of benefits for team members including advancement opportunities, educational scholarships, reward and recognition programs, free park admission, and much more.
 
About Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Hurricane Harbor Concord
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the Thrill Capital of Northern California, is home to more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including 10 world-class roller coasters like Medusa and Batman: The Ride. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, Northern California’s Most Thrilling Waterpark, features more than 22 rides and attractions like Break Point Plunge and Splashwater Island. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Hurricane Harbor Concord are the premier destinations for thrilling, family fun.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 59 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
 
 Follow us on Twitter @sixflagsdk
 Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoverykingdom
 Follow us on Instagram @sixflagsdiscoverykingdom
 

VALENCIA, California — March 18, 2021 —Six Flags Magic Mountain announced plans to reopen the park to members and passholders on April 1 and 2, and to the general public on April 3, 2021. In accordance with state reopening guidelines for theme parks, Six Flags Magic Mountain will operate at reduced attendance levels utilizing a new reservation system. The park is also implementing extensive safety measures including several new advanced technology systems to protect guests and employees. The plan, developed in consultation with infectious disease experts, sets standards for executing at the highest levels of hygiene and social distancing protocols. These procedures will be adjusted on an as-needed basis to ensure compliance with state and county recommendations.

“Six Flags Magic Mountain is the undisputed Thrill Capital of the World, and we are excited to get our park open and our world-class collection of coasters running again”, said Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Park President Don McCoy. “Our team is eager to return to work and entertain our guests in a safe environment, providing the much-needed fun and escape we have all missed this past year. I am also looking forward to seeing guests come out and experience West Coast Racers, our newest racing coaster that was only open briefly in 2020.”

Los Angeles County will continue to operate a COVID-19 vaccination site in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s parking lot.

The park’s reopening date is subject to change based on local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19. Detailed reopening plans include:

Park Reservations System to Control Capacity
Six Flags Magic Mountain has established attendance caps that are in accordance with current state guidelines to allow for proper social distancing. All Members, Season Pass holders and all guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Guests who need single day tickets will be able to reserve during the purchase process.

Protocols for the safe operation of rides
• Easy-to-identify distance markers have been added in all ride queue lines;
• Handrails, ride units, and restraints will be regularly sanitized throughout the day;
• Riders on all roller coasters, rides, and attractions will be physically distanced in accordance with state guidelines; and
• Masks must remain on while experiencing a ride or attraction.

Health Screenings for Guests and Team Members
• Contactless IR thermal imaging will be used to screen temperatures of guests and employees prior to entry;
• Advanced security screening technology will allow for touchless bag checks;
• Individuals will be required to acknowledge and abide by the company’s health policies, which prohibits park entry if guests have recently been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
• Following CDC guidelines, all guests over the age of two and all team members will be required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit/work day; and
• Disposable masks will be available at Guest Relations, and reusable masks will be available for purchase at in-park retail locations.

Strictly Enforced Social Distancing
• Easy-to-identify distance markers have been added in all park entry, restroom, retail locations, and ride and dining queue lines;
• Dining areas have been adjusted to allow ample space between seated parties;
• Viewing areas are marked for guests to observe animal exhibits as well as game play, and arcade games have been reconfigured or deactivated to comply with social distancing requirements; and
• Guests viewing outdoor entertainment will be separated by a minimum of six feet.

Extensive Sanitization and Disinfecting Protocols
• Trained and dedicated cleaning teams have been put in place;
• Increased sanitization and disinfecting of high touch points including all public seating, tabletops, counters, handrails, doors, and trash cans will occur frequently;
• Restroom staff will be available to disinfect each stall and sink area on a frequent basis;
• Multiple alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park; and
• All work areas will be regularly sanitized and disinfected.

Sanitized Food Preparation and Service
• Modified menus and implementation of mobile food ordering will help facilitate touchless transactions;
• Self-service buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food;
• Condiments, self-serve cutlery, and napkins will be provided to guests with their meals as required; and
• Attendants will serve beverages, and guests will receive drink bottle refills in a paper cup each time they refill.

Commercial-Grade Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
• All employees will be issued Team Member Action Packs which will include: two reusable face masks, safety glasses, and disposable gloves;
• Low pressure backpack sprayers will be utilized for disinfecting large areas;
• Abundant supplies of sanitizers and disinfectants will be available;
• Microfiber cloths will be used to sanitize surfaces; and
• Queue line supplies, fencing, and tents will be in place to promote safe social distancing.

Multi-Layered Guest and Team Member Communication
• Frontline team members will go through extensive COVID-19 training;
 Safety messaging and reminders will be communicated on Six Flags’ website, newsletters, and in-park announcements;
• Distance markers and physical distance indicators will be in place; and
• Informational safety signage will be posted throughout the park.

Virtual Hiring Fairs
As one of the largest seasonal employers in the country, Six Flags Magic Mountain is currently hiring team members for the 2021 season. The safety of park guests and employees is always the company’s top priority, and applicants may now apply for jobs in a virtual and contact-free environment.

About Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain, known as the Thrill Capital of the World, is home to more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including world-class roller coasters like West Coast Racers, Twisted Colossus, Full Throttle, and X2.

Follow us on Twitter @SixFlags @sfmagicmountain Like us on Facebook @sixflags. @sixflagsmagicmountain Follow us on Instagram @sixflagsmagicmountain

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- March 5, 2021 — This Saturday, March 6 at noon, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Thrill Capital of South Texas, will debut Dare Devil Dive, the World’s Tallest Ride of Its Kind!  Riders will experience the thrills and sensations of weightlessness through aerial banks, loops and dives, all while seated in a retro four-seater steam punk flying machine!  Sharply turning right side up and upside down, riders will break from formation and maneuver into aerobatic dogfights during the barnstorming journey, all while soaring nearly 50 feet above Crackaxle Canyon.
 
“If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience all the breathtaking thrills of an expert stunt pilot, this ride is for you,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “Not only will riders travel through numerous barrel rolls upside down, but the first set of loops and dives occur from a height of nearly 50 feet in the air.  Being located in our Crackaxle Canyon area of the park, the steam punk theme adds a creatively themed visual complement to the western area.” ​

Yesterday we drove out to Magic Mountain to check out the Cruis’n The Park Car Show put on by West Coast Customs.

I remember as a kid going to car shows at Kevin’s Burgers in the San Fernando Valley and this brought back a lot of those vibes. It’s great fun if you’re a car lover or just want to drive through the park again.

We chose to go during the day since we’d already driven through the park at night for holiday in the park.

Enjoy!

Check out video of the event, pics are down below. 

The Cruis'n the park car show runs weekends through March 14th. You can see all of the details here. 

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