Hadn't planned on going to SFMM last weekend, but we were in the area for other errands so I figured I'd run in to do a quick SFMM update. And by quick, I was in the park for 33 minutes. A new record. But that doesn't mean there isn't lots to show you for both Twisted Colossus and Fright Fest, which opened last Saturday. Twisted ColossusThe biggest change from the outside this week is that the entire first drop is gone. You can also see some new "supports" under the lift hill. Twisted ... So weird to see no first drop Inside the park, more track has been added to the pre-lift and a couple of extra surprise twists and hills. You can't see it very well, but there are quite a few little pops over here. Somebody sent The Coaster Guy some pics of it, looks awesome. Nothing really going on inside the station that we can see Fright FestSaturday was also the first night for Fright Fest, and from what we've heard the event was really great this year. We'll have our full Fright Fest review next week. Demon's Door scare zone Fright Feast is a great deal and Michael Turco puts on a great show. Even at about 1:00pm, the lines to get Wristbands was long Our advice, purchase your maze wristband online, the line was MUCH shorter. Because there are a few new maze locations this year, this is definitely needed. The gate to Red's Revenge, Vault 666 and Toyz of Terror 3D is closed until Fright Fest actually begins. Harvest Fest is back in Bugs Bunny World Witch Hazel is in Wonderful Pistachios Park It's amazing to me how many people don't heed this warning. I even saw a little girl who could have been no more than 5 at Halloween Horror Nights on Saturday. If you'd like to avoid the long Maze Pass line at the front, there are a few other locations in the park where you can get them, including Six Flags Kids. Zombie Xing Zombie bus that people were actually opening the door to and going in. See, this is why we can't have nice things. Total Darkness is back, looks like the entrance is in the same place. Our advice, get here early. Apparently this was the longest line on opening night. Also, we hear that the pen lights aren't being used this year which makes it even darker. Still the best scar zone Willoughby's Garden of Darkness is where Bite and Black Widow used to be They've actually got some great Fright Fest merchandise available this year. Pavement Repairs?Heading up to Samurai Summit we noticed some markings, looks like they are for some much needed pavement repair. Nice to see some more off-season work taking place other than "here's this new ride". Ooooh ... Ahhhh ... That's going to wrap it up for this week's Magic Mountain update, we'll be back at the park on Friday for Fright Fest media night so we'll have our full review of the event this weekend. If you've been following Park Journey since we started you'll know that Fright Fest last year was our first update ever, so it's kind of a special thing to see where we started and where we are now. In addition we'll have a small Universal Studios and Halloween Horror nights update tomorrow, and this Thursday we'll be at The Queen Mary Dark Harbor so we'll be bringing you a lot from that event later in the week. Have a great week everybody, happy haunting. 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 BackwardsBoth 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. As always, the old Psyclone trains are used for backwards operations on Colossus. The yellow and orange trains are in operation although I did see the red Psyclone train off to the side near the exit. Guessing the red train is being used for parts since these trains have now been in operation (in some form) since 1991. Riders leaving the station for their ride on Colossus. Ready for my ride Some pictures of the ride in action. 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. 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 refurbishmentNot a whole lot of change on the site of Speedy Gonzales although some survey markers have been added, presumably for footers. Announcements throughout the park now say that the new coaster will be opening "Summer 2014". No, this isn't a picture from our last update, both Pepe Lepew's Tea Party and Merrie Melodies Carousel look exactly the same. The other carrots at the Carrot Club theater have been painted 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. For some reason, Tweety's Escape still hasn't reopened. The electrical room/Granny's House has been completed and looks nice. Revolution ClosedRevolution just came back from a refurbishment in January but now it looks like it's closed again. Let the rumors begin!!! As seen from the exit, the rides trains are nowhere to be seen. As soon as we have any news we can share we'll pass it along. #THRILLCAPITALOFTHEWORLDLooks 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. It wasn't just on Goliath, but some signs on the fence around Speedy Gonzales also had the hashtag prominently displayed. 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 GrillConstruction continues on the new sports bar. Looks like most of the outside is done. Measure Once ... Cut Twice (or something like that). We need a volunteer to get that on the outside of the second story window!!! =) A look inside. It looks like a sports bar. New Jelly Belly Store!!!Lets take a look at the new Jelly Belly store that just opened replacing the M&M store. Pet Peeve: New Jelly Belly Store. Obviously recycled Jelly Belly entry rug. Nobody thought to get a carpet cleaner out first? Inside they have pretty much any flavor Jelly Belly you could want in a variety of sizes. Bags, Buckets, pre-sorted, make your own assortment. Around The ParkIt was an absolutely beautiful spring day to be outside. A perfect day to take some roller coaster pictures. Roaring Rapids is back open. We'll take a ride on it soon when we actually feel like being soaking wet. =) Jet Stream is still closed. 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? Vinyl still needs to be replaced on the DC Universe column More new ads. Made me want a Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bar so I guess job well done!! 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? Also not a picture from our last update. New Dippin Dots Flavors ... unfortunate looking picture on the "Sweet & Smooth" ad. Seriously, next time you are at the park, look at this sign from a distance. Hurricane HarborLastly, lets take a look at Hurricane Harbor construction. 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? Perhaps they are just replacing the rubber pads that slow down the rafts as they do before every season? 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). 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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