Some SFMM 2018 Thoughts on National Rollercoaster Day

Since tomorrow is #NationalRollerCoasterDay & even though Six Flags doesn't announce until the 31st, I wanted to share some thoughts about my home park, Six Flags Magic Mountain. 

Update 8/23: Magic Mountain made a pretty big operational announcement today, scroll down to see how we feel this may impact 2018's announcement 

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Written by Gregg Condon

​The last time SFMM had so few rumors coming out about a new attraction was the year they got both X and Deja Vu.

Obviously two rides on that scale AREN'T happening, but last year we all knew they'd announce Justice League. Twisted Colossus wasn't a shock either. Full Throttle was in the works for almost 1 1/2 years and the signs were there for the Bugs Bunny World and DC Universe expansions.

​We aren't going to speculate "what" they are going to get, but just because there are no solid rumors doesn't mean it's going to be small.

​For us, there's a reason they didn't re-name Tidal Wave. Only thing that makes sense is the ride is on it's way out. ​While we don't think the park can afford to lose yet another water ride (they have too few now), a ride with a water feature could suffice.

​Or a collection of smaller rides to fit the DC/Metropolis theme (splash battle, Giant Frisbee) themed to Penguin and Suicide Squad.​ Which would be TOTALLY fine with us. More kinetic energy in that area of the park is a really good thing. And would help draw people to JL.

Anybody who's been to the park has seen the "lines" for JL, it's an AMAZING ride, but they spent too many years being the XTREME park. So people have this thought about SFMM as just a park for thrill seekers, which it is, but they have a chance to continue adding family rides to change that perspective. ​​Or they're going to double-down on the XTREME and go big.

 Realistically, the last "new" big coaster was Full Throttle, and that was in '13. Everything else has been an addition by subtraction except for Green Lantern (boo) and Justice League. 

The other thing that's a definite possibility (and MUCH needed) is a face-lift of Cyclone Bay. It's the last area of park to not get redone. ​All of the re-doing area's along with new rides began after Terminator/Apocalypse opened and it's been amazing for the park.

So it's possible Tidal Wave could survive another year and they concentrate on Cyclone Bay next year with a couple of flats. ​And maybe another re-theme of Apocalypse? That area could definitely be a "boardwalk" type area very easily.

What do you think? Is Six Flags Magic Mountain poised to add something big in 2018 or are we looking at some much needed smaller rides to fill in some of the gaps to their already amazing line-up of attractions? 

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Update 8/23: 

Today Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that in January the park would be open 365 days per year. Yes, even on Christmas. With their popular Holiday in the Park it's probably not that surprising. 

Some thoughts: 
I think it's safe to say that whatever SFMM is adding in 2018 it's going to be enough to justify them staying open every day of the year. Sure, they've got a great collection of coasters already, but even some of the days they are open now (weekdays in late April/May) are pretty empty. This is going to mean some prime coaster riding days a lot of the year. This also means planning those Southern California theme park trips is going to be easier now, since all of our theme parks are open daily now (with the exception of Knott's which is still closed on Christmas). 

So taking into account the above, I think we're looking at something in the back corner of the park to go along with Apocalypse, and a complete (and much needed) re-do of the area. It's probably not going to be a Giga or Dive Coaster or anything of that size, but a medium sized coaster along with a new flat ride is definitely not out of the question. 

Certainly can't see the park trying to bank a new operating schedule on a flat ride alone.

Of course, this could be strictly a corporate decision and have absolutely NOTHING to do with 2018. If that's the case, I'd anticipate Six Flags dumping some assets (parks) and using the year-round capability of SFMM to make up for it. 

So what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Related Updates: 

• Justice League Battle for Metropolis Media Night (Six Flags Magic Mountain) 
• Preview of Justice League Battle For Metropolis at Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Preview of Metro Park Pub at Six Flags Magic Mountain
• The Joker Media Day at Six Flags Great America 
• Justice League Battle for Metropolis Media Day (Six Flags Over Georgia) 

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