FAMILY TRAVEL | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SoCal staycation: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Overview
There are few places in the world where it's not only normal but also desirable to laugh uncontrollably and scream like a maniac. Magic Mountain, which generates more than 3,000 jobs for Southern California, is one of them. The theme here is Warner Bros., so you'll see Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd everywhere amid the whooshing rides, entertainment venues and festive atmosphere.
What's happening this weekend?
If you don't feel like putting on a
Age appropriate
Historically, Magic Mountain has best been known for its intense roller coasters - which meant that kids under a certain height couldn't get on many attractions. Although the emphasis is still on stomach-flipping thrills, Six Flags, under new management, is pushing to return its parks to their former glory as family-friendly destinations. 2008 will bring the addition of Thomas Town, a train-themed kids' play area. Tot-friendly Bugs Bunny World, which has been around for many years, still delights little ones with agreeable rides such as Elmer's Weather Balloons.
Too much fun
Colossus, big and white, was the world's tallest coaster when it made its debut in 1978. It's still a blast, with drops deeper than 100 feet and the genuine click-clack sound of an old-time wooden ride.
Best adventure, or the attraction
Magic Mountain's signature features are its maximum-intensity rides. The newest one, dragon-themed Tatsu, simulates flight. Riders get strapped into a car standing up; once the car leaves the station, it tilts 90 degrees forward so that riders "fly" around the track
Keep 'em happy / No museums, Dad!
Younger kids will especially enjoy the Warner Bros. Kids Club game show, presented in a small outdoor theater with chances for up-close-and-personal interaction with plushy Looney Tunes characters.
Timing is everything
Check Magic Mountain's website for upcoming events ( www.sixflags.com/magicmountain), and when you arrive, pick up an entertainment schedule at Guest Relations.
Avoid the crowds
It's almost impossible to avoid crowds at a theme park, but crowds will be lightest in winter or on a summer weekday. To avoid über-long lines, start your day at attractions farthest from the main entrance, and visit food vendors when they're not having their lunch and dinner rushes.
Can't miss
On a hot day, you can't miss the water rides. Crowds of chill seekers line up for Jet Stream, Log Jammer, which carries passengers down a steep flue, and Roaring Rapids, which, in 1983, was the park's largest, most expensive ride. It's still great fun to careen down an artificial white-water river in sturdy rafts and see who gets the wettest. (Hint: Put your wallet in a front pocket to save it from complete immersion and use the free, convenient lockers for cameras and cellphones.)
Bargain lodging/dining
The lodgings at Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch, three miles from the park, are reasonably priced and have bedrooms with doors that close off to the living room; the living room's pullout couches allow a family of four a comfortably stay. The new Embassy Suites
Food options at the park are almost limitless. Choose from recognizable chains such as Johnny Rockets, Panda Express or Papa John's, or oblige your kids by dining with superheroes during the weekends-only Justice League Feast. Dessert, of course, has to be funnel cake.
Inside track
The park is in the suburb of Valencia, which is in the
-- Avital Binshtock and Los Angeles Times staff writers
 The shop stands alone a cobblestone street in a neighborhood that used to be way busier. |
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