For Veterans Day weekend, my family took me to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the first time. Of course, I was ecstatic but also terrified. Years of riding the roller coasters at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm led me to this moment: the Thrill Capital of the World. I immediately made a list of every coaster I wanted to ride, from the new Wonder Woman Flight of Courage to Twisted Colossus.  

Unsurprisingly, crowds were everywhere since it was Veterans Day when we got to Six Flags. We arrived at the gates early, and once they opened, we darted to the D.C Universe to ride Wonder Woman and Batman. Both rides were incredible, with quick, sharp twists and turns that weren’t painful.

As the lines grew longer, we had fewer options; a Flash Pass to cut the lines starts at $80 per person, and there isn’t even a guarantee to get to the front. Scream was the only coaster with a relatively short wait, and now that I have ridden it, I can understand why. Scream boasts seven inversions for about three minutes of ride time. It was one of the most jarring rides, if not the most jarring, I have ever been on. All the loops and turns are rough, knocking your head around in your seat. My head still hurts. Scream should be reserved for the most intense roller coaster riders. 

After riding the most taxing rides, we decided it was time for lunch. There were about five people in line for the Chicken Coupe restaurant, so I assumed it wouldn’t take too long. It took over half an hour to wait in line and pick up my food. The meal, chicken tenders, and fries were delicious, but the wait was too long. I didn’t expect the food wait to be longer than the ride lines. I gave Six Flags the benefit of the doubt – maybe they were busy that day. When we returned to the park the next day, however, the line for Dippin’ Dots was three people long, and it still took twenty minutes for us to get dessert.  

Unfortunately, Six Flags’ lack of preparedness also extends to its ride lines. When we joined the line for the ride, Tatsu, the posted wait time was forty minutes. Twenty minutes went by and we barely moved. We were too naive and assumed that it wouldn’t be much longer. Ultimately, we waited two and a half hours in line because it was too late to get out of line. When we got to the front of the line, the ride operators informed us that they only operated one coaster while they typically had two. This would have been nice to know an hour prior. Then, right before we got on, the ride broke down. 

Once I went home, I researched whether this happened because it was a holiday weekend. Apparently, Six Flags is infamous for terrible service but great rides. Twisted Colossus was the best ride I’ve ever been on, but management was the worst. Pick a lane. 

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience with my family; however, visitors need to be informed that it will take more than two days to experience all the park offers. At an average of four rides per day, it’s almost impossible to see everything. Despite the waits and endless wandering, the rides and atmosphere are unforgettable. You just have to know what you are getting yourself into.