November 4, 2013 - Post Fright Fest park update

This past weekend I headed up to Magic Mountain with my son for a few hours. They were having Passholder ERT (Exclusive Ride Time) on Full Throttle so we figured we could get a few rides in prior to the park opening. 
If you have yet to get your 2014 Gold Pass, it's an amazing deal. The current sale ended yesterday (11/3) but I anticipate there will be another deal announced in the next few days. I'll keep you updated. 

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It was an absolutely beautiful day to be out at the park. Despite there being a Cheerleading competition we were able to get in a few rides and didn't wait too long for anything. 
We got to enter the park about 30 minutes early thanks to the Passholder ERT on Full Throttle. 

The entry fountain, not a cloud in the sky. I think November is my favorite time in Southern California. Certainly is the iconic Magic Mountain shot. 

Once in the park we headed straight for Full Throttle. Apparently some of the Cheerleading people got in early to register but they were unable to get on any rides until 10:30. This meant we had to show our pass each time we wanted to ride Full Throttle. 
This was the line we had to wait in for our first ride. Our second ride had no line. Not bad. 

Still hoping that additional improvements are coming to the station during the Off-season. No indication of anything being done yet though. 

The ride sure is photogenic though. 

Superman Plaza is always a great place for some Full Throttle action shots. 

The park has done a pretty good job removing Fright Fest decorations. The only thing we saw was the facade for Willoughby's. They really should leave this up all year, it certainly looks better than the blank wall that's usually there. 

Nothing left at Black Widow. 

Heading down the hill, Apocalypse is back to running 2 trains. It was a little smoother than when we rode in September but not much (we were also sitting in the front row). 

Jet Stream is still having a delayed opening. Makes more sense in November than it does in July and August. 

The old Food Location near Colossus is still empty. I've heard a few rumors about what could be coming to this spot. Hopefully before Spring Break next year? 

Colossus is back to running forward although the backwards trains are still on the transfer track. I'm guessing they will remain since the ride will be running backwards (along with Batman: The Ride) next spring. 

Heading into High Sierra Territory I noticed that the sign looked new. Not sure if this is recent but it looked great. 

Still no indication where the new kiddie coaster is going to go, but my good buddy Kurt (The Coaster Guy) suggested that this spot between Road Runner Express and the Whislestop Train would be the most likely spot. After seeing the spot I agree, it would easily fit here. 
Makes you wonder if they will once again flip the entrance for Clown Coaster/Wile E Coyote/Goliath Jr/Percy's Railway/Magic Flyer so all three entrances would be close to each other. 

UPDATE: Just received confirmation from the park that the tree is being removed this week. The spray paint pictured below is from the company removing the tree. 

Not sure at this point what will be replacing the tree but there is an un-used seating area nearby. Could this be where the new kiddie coaster is going? 

The spray paint below is from the company that will be removing the tree. 

A quick look at the Cheerleaders who invaded the park. Be sure to keep up with the parks events page to see when big groups are likely to be at the park. 

On the way out I took a few more shots of Full Throttle. The entrance area with the sign and "Full Throttle" video looks great. 

The newly renovated restrooms between the parks are open and they look great. Hopefully the renovating of restrooms will continue after it slowed down the last couple of years. 

Doesn't look like any work has begun on the Bonzai Pipeline slides that are due to open at Hurricane Harbor next year. 

And lastly, the banners heading to the park are now promoting the Season Pass sale and new attractions for 2014. 

That's going to wrap it up for this update. I'm not anticipating too much activity going on at the park for the next couple of months. 

I'm still working on the permanent site which should be launching sometime in the next month or so but in the meantime you can click on the Facebook and Twitter pages I've created. The name of the new site will be Park Journeys and I'm hoping it will be more than just a "construction update" site but will share things beyond Theme Parks. 

Also hoping to get out to the Reagan Library to check out their new "Spy Exhibit" in the next few weeks. 

Please comment and share this update if you enjoyed it.


Gregg