We headed up to Hurricane Harbor for a bit of family fun yesterday (Sunday) and while I wasn't specifically planning on doing a report I did take the waterproof camera with me again. If you missed our previous Hurricane Harbor report featuring the new slides and park improvements, click the link. 

I want to start off with saying that we had another GREAT day, but sadly our visit didn't come without a few head-scratching moments. 

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on running a theme park, I know a LOT of factors go into staffing, including funding, etc. 

What I am suggesting below are a few things that as a consumer and fan I think the park could be doing to make things easier not only on their park guests, but probably on them as well. 

The first issue we had was with the Gold Thrill Pass Early Entry. Let's start by the positive ... this is a GREAT incentive to get the Gold Pass. The early entry allows you to get in 10 minutes early, get your spot by the wave pool and probably ride a couple of slides rather quickly. 

The problem is that if they don't check passes when people get in the line (they weren't) then it's not an incentive at all. 

They had a survey taker going through the line, as he was scanning the passes it was clear that half of the people didn't have a Gold Pass, but they let them stay in the line, which before long stretched all the way to the gates of Magic Mountain. This meant that everybody going through the metal detectors had to go around the line or cut through the people standing in line. 

They did have some employees come and ask if everybody had a gold pass, but they took everybody's word for it. Once we got let in only about half of the people in the early entry line had the proper passes. Yet they let everybody in. It wouldn't take much to have somebody situated right where this sign is and have them check the passes before they get in this line. 

Once we got into the park at 10:20 our first stop (as always) was to Red Eye's Kitchen to get our refill bracelet for our 2014 Souvenir Bottles. Again, another GREAT incentive to get the bottles as you need them on hot days. 
Sadly, as guests were entering the park, there were no food places open. Employees were inside, waiting to open, but they couldn't process any transactions at the time. Again, if you are going to have guests in your park at 10:20 for early entry, and it's already 90 degrees outside, and you can't bring in your own water ... then you need to have places open to get something to drink. 

After getting our spot, we decided to ride the family raft ride (fun as always) and spend some time in the wave pool. Last time we were at the park we were VERY pleased to see cartoons playing on the big screen for the Dive In Movies as well as music in this area of the park. Yesterday, no such luck. 

Not sure if this was due to Lifeguard's being unable to hear but it was a great idea that we hope comes back. Consistency is key!! 

This was probably my favorite picture of the day, taken from under the water in the wave pool looking up at the sky. 

Next up ... this was the line for the all new Bonzai Pipelines and Black Snake Summit as of about 12:30 in the afternoon. they hold the line down here due to FlashPass ... which I have NO problem with. 

I also want to give them credit for getting one of the Black Snake Summit slides open for now as they work on their water pressure issues. 

The problem here, and it's not a new one, is that as I was watching people on the slides, the ratio of people riding the yellow slide (twisty) and the blue slide (Straight down) was about 3-1. Meaning that if you want to ride the blue slide, you must still wait in this long line and then once you get to the top they ask for people who want to ride the Blue slide. 
What is needed here is a separate line for the blue slide so that they can keep the line for that particular slide down and make sure they are getting maximum capacity. 
The same issue used to happen on Venom Drop as well. This would take little to no effort on the parks end. I'm hoping they just aren't aware of this discrepancy and it will be an easy fix. 

And lastly, a pretty glaring problem. Below is the Crow's Nest, which is the closest food/drink location to the wave pool ... the most popular part of any water park. 

This particular location has two walk-up windows and usually has 3-4 employees working inside and one specifically for drinks. What usually happens though is only 1 side is open for both food and drinks which means that even if you just want a drink or a refill, you are typically waiting 5-10 minutes as somebody waits for their food order. 
Easy fix, open the other window only for drinks. It's 95 degrees outside, refills are quick (no more than 30 seconds each transaction). As you can see from the line below (sorry for the water spot) is that most of the people in this line have a souvenir bottle and a couple have the wrist bands. But yet they have to wait in the line. 

Overall I know that this may sound like I'm being nit-picky or just trying to find something wrong. I assure you that this isn't the point of this. We love Hurricane Harbor, we go there more during the summer than Magic Mountain. It's basically our pool since we don't have one. And we ALWAYS have a great time and this visit was no exception. These are just small things I think they can do to make the park even better. 

One thing I didn't notice last time were some new table's near the Crow's Nest for people to use. Didn't look like many people were taking advantage of them (Maybe because of no shade?) but more seating is a good thing. 

What do you think? Have you visited Hurricane Harbor this year? Have you experienced any similar issues? Do you have any other suggestions that can make this fun park even better? 

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Today was media day for Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Great Adventure. So Chris, Bill, Nicole and Jeff headed out to the park today to partake in all of the media day activities. 
About 5:50am (Pacific time) I happened to be up and got an email from the park that due to issues with the state signing off on the ride, media day was to be cancelled. I quickly got on the phone with park reps to make sure our four representatives could still get into the park for the day and they were MORE than accommodating. Thanks guys!!! 

The park actually allowed us to get lots of great pictures, see the ride up close, and do pretty much everything we would have done on a typical media day, except riding the ride of course. They took what was a bad situation that was out of their control and still managed to give our reporters a fun day. So thanks again for that!!! 

Below is the press release regarding the delay: 

JACKSON, NJ―July 2, 2014―The press preview of Six Flags Great Adventure’s Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom has been delayed. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Carnival-Amusement Ride Safety Unit has not yet granted the operating permit. Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom is a very complex, innovative ride, and the state’s review of documentation is still underway.

All testing and inspection by Six Flags engineers, maintenance and operations teams have been completed. The ride is fully operational and in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Six Flags respects the function and responsibility of the Carnival-Amusement Ride Safety Unit of the DCA and looks forward to their completed inspection soon.

Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom stands a staggering 41 stories tall. Connected to the iconic Kingda Ka roller coaster—the 45-story monster that ranks as the world’s tallest and fastest coaster—Zumanjaro hoists riders 415 feet into the sky and plummets them back to Earth at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.

Three soaring Zumanjaro towers stand on the face of the massive Kingda Ka coaster. The trio of gondolas rises to the top of the tower in approximately 30 seconds. Riders pause for a few terrifying moments 41 stories in the air—even higher than London’s Big Ben and twice as tall as Lady Liberty—allowing them to catch a glimpse of the skyscrapers in Philadelphia 52 miles to the southwest before gravity plunges them back to ground level in less than 10 seconds.

Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom was recently named the No. 3 most thrilling ride in the U.S. according to USA Today.

Let's get to the pictures and Chris' review media day.  

Chris: After we got your call this morning we were already there. We spent an hour or so nerding out with me talking to the production team. We were pretty much the first media people there except for a couple satellite trucks. We followed signs to the media stuff, went through security..

After we were the only people inside the gates the made an internal announcement about it being canceled.

So once they did that.. we left and just left that area and rode stuff for a few hours since we were already in the park.

Heading into the Press Preview entrance. 

A plethora of satellite trucks were on site

The rides entry area, looks like it's pretty close to that awesome coaster. 

Chris: The queue has no theming and barely any shade.

A comment from our Facebook page that probably fits pretty good here: 
"You know what would have provided a lot of shade for the queue ... Rolling Thunder"

Heading into the loading area

Chris: They legally couldn't allow anyone to ride.

Chris: Even though we couldn't ride, they were really cool with letting me take photos and videos and selphies (blah) on the ride

Picture of the selfie thanks to Bill. 

Some pictures for all you camera rigging nerds. You know who you are. =)

Doing some filming 

Caution: Intamin Nerd Porn Ahead!!! 

A look at the rest of the queue

Hopefully something will be added here

Walking back towards the park

I only got to ride Rolling Thunder once, but I think this was part of it? Forgive me if I'm wrong. (Gregg)

A few shots of the ride provided by the park as well as some great B-Roll footage.  

That's going to wrap it up for our "Media Day" coverage. If/When the park ever sets up another Media Day we'll try to be there so we can get some reverse POV and our review of the ride. 

Thanks again to Chris, Bill, Nicole and Jeff for going to the park to cover this. I'm glad that you managed to still have a great day. And thanks again to the park for doing everything they could. We really do appreciate it. 

And because we didn't get to ride Zumanjaro today, we made up for it by riding the ride pictured below. So look for more on that early next week. 

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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!!! 

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). 

First order of the day, opening up Bugs Bunny World, and what better way to do that than with Bugs and his pals. 

Speedy is all like "Open up this part so I can get on my new coaster"!!! 

P-P-P-Porky P-P-P-Pig is holding tight to the ribbon for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. 

His girlfriend Petunia Pig is on the other side. Great seeing this rarely seen character out and about. 

And with a quick cut from some over-sized scissors, Bugs Bunny World is officially re-opened. 

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). 

Sue Carpenter, Speedy Gonzales and some new friends officially open up the new coaster!! 

And of course, what's a new coaster opening without confetti. Lots and lots of confetti. 

Daffy and Marvin hanging out. Sadly, my personal favorite character the Road Runner wasn't out today. =(

Since Marvin doesn't have his own ride he's just going to claim this one in the name of Mars!! 

Wile-E was kind of bored since he didn't have anyone to chase. Does look like he's up to something though. 

"Aren't I cute, won't you come ride my new coaster". 

Sylvester and K-9. Apparently Earthling Cats and Martian Dogs get along. 

Petunia, she's just excited to be here. 

Let's take a look at the new ride

Some of the parks leadership team in front of the new coaster

Is this Bugs Bunny's "Bugs Bunny World" Bus? 

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. 

There's not one part of the area that hasn't received some TLC. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

In addition to the ride signs, landscaping and theater, all of the buildings in the area are fresh and look great!! 

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. 

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!!! 

Another new sign over by Wascals. A bit smaller, but it's a nice touch and fits in the area. 

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. 

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!!! 

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. 

Looks a bit odd (but cool) to see purple trains on the blue track. 

Signature Shot!! 

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.

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!!! 

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. =)

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.