History of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Timeline

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 209-acre amusement park located in Valencia, California, approximately 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The park originally opened on May 29, 1971, developed by the Newhall Land and Farming Company and Sea World Inc. In 1979, Six Flags acquired the park, adding the "Six Flags" prefix to its name.

1968: Theme park location search

In 1968, Sea World Inc. executives started searching for a location in Los Angeles County to build a theme park.

November 1969: Construction Begins

In November 1969, construction began on the 200-acre theme park in Valencia, as part of the partnership between Sea World Inc. and the Newhall Land and Farming Company.

May 1971: Construction Completion and park name origin

Construction was completed in May 1971. The park was named after the nearby Magic Mountain peak.

May 29, 1971: Park Opening

On May 29, 1971, Magic Mountain opened as a development of the Newhall Land and Farming Company and Sea World Inc. in Valencia, California.

1971: Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies characters permission

In 1971, Magic Mountain obtained permission from Warner Bros. to use Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies characters, but only for that first year.

1971: Opening Rides and Attractions

In 1971, at its opening, rides and attractions included Gold Rusher, Log Jammer, Sky Tower, Grand Prix, El Bumpo, a carousel, and the Funicular transportation ride to the peak, which was later renamed Orient Express, then Helpful Honda Express, and now Magic Mover.

1971: Park operations begin

In 1971, when the park opened, it had 500 employees, 33 attractions, and the admission price was $5 for adults and $3.50 for children. Greyhound bus service was available to and from the park.

December 31, 1972: End of contractor role

On December 31, 1972, Magic Mountain took on the role of providing entertainers for the troll characters, ending the contractor All King Productions' role.

1973: Addition of Mountain Express

In 1973, Magic Mountain added its second roller coaster, the Mountain Express, a compact Schwarzkopf Wildcat model steel coaster.

1974: Spinning Rides Complex

In 1974, Magic Mountain installed a new complex of spinning rides, including the Himalaya, Electric Rainbow, and Tumble Drum, in what would later be known as Back Street.

1975: Grand Centennial Railway Opening

In 1975, the Grand Centennial Railway opened in Back Street, taking riders on a train journey to Spillikin Corners and back, featuring a narrow gauge steam locomotive and conductors in old-fashioned Western suits.

1976: Great American Revolution Opening

In 1976, Magic Mountain opened the Great American Revolution, becoming the first park in the world to have a modern, 360-degree looping steel coaster. Universal filmed part of the movie Rollercoaster at Magic Mountain in late 1976, which featured the Revolution as its centerpiece during the film's climax.

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1976: Six Flags Great America Opening

In 1976, Six Flags Great America opened and has continuously used Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies characters since its opening.

1977: Revolution Featured in "Rollercoaster"

In 1977, the debut of Revolution was the focal point of the movie "Rollercoaster".

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1978: Colossus Opening

In 1978, Colossus opened at Magic Mountain. At the time it was the fastest and largest dual-tracked wooden coaster in the world.

1978: Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park Filmed at Magic Mountain

In 1978, the band Kiss filmed their acting debut in the made-for-TV movie "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park" at Magic Mountain, featuring the band members in the park and near Colossus.

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1979: Sale to Six Flags

In 1979, Magic Mountain was sold to Six Flags and became known as Six Flags Magic Mountain.

1979: Six Flags Purchase

In 1979, Six Flags purchased Magic Mountain and added "Six Flags" to the park's name.

1981: Roaring Rapids Introduction

In 1981, Six Flags Magic Mountain introduced Roaring Rapids, the first river rapids ride on the West Coast, and completed the midway near Spillikin Corners.

1982: Addition of Freefall

In 1982, the attraction Freefall was added to Magic Mountain. It was considered a cutting-edge drop tower ride.

1983: Magic Mountain as "Walley World" in "National Lampoon's Vacation"

In 1983, Magic Mountain was used as the fictional "Walley World" for "National Lampoon's Vacation", with scenes featuring Revolution and Colossus.

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September 1984: The Video Game Filmed at Magic Mountain

From September 1984, Magic Mountain's Showcase Theatre was the filming location for the video game-themed game show "The Video Game".

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1984: Sarajevo Bobsleds Erection

In 1984, Sarajevo Bobsleds was erected. Six Flags Great Adventure added a similar ride that same year.

September 1985: The Video Game Filmed at Magic Mountain

Until September 1985, Magic Mountain's Showcase Theatre was the filming location for the video game-themed game show "The Video Game".

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1985: Children's World Retheme

In 1985, Children's World was rethemed as Bugs Bunny World, and Michael Jackson visited the park.

1985: End of troll characters

The troll characters King Blop, Bleep, Bloop, and the Wizard were used until 1985.

1986: Shockwave Addition

In 1986, Magic Mountain added a steel stand-up looping roller coaster called Shockwave, located in the back of the park, replacing Sarajevo Bobsleds.

1986: Sarajevo Bobsleds Removal

In 1986, Sarajevo Bobsleds was removed from Magic Mountain and now operates at Six Flags Over Texas as La Vibora.

1987: Back Street Retheme

In 1987, the Back Street area of Magic Mountain was rethemed. Spinning flat rides were renamed Turbo, Subway, and Reactor, and the dance club was rethemed as After Hours.

1988: Shockwave Removal

At the end of 1988, the coaster Shockwave was removed as part of a ride rotation program.

1988: Ninja Opening

In 1988, Ninja, the first suspended swing roller coaster on the west coast, opened at Magic Mountain.

1989: Tidal Wave Opening

In 1989, Tidal Wave opened, a wet ride featuring a large boat that goes up an incline and drops into a large splashpool.

1990: "Ride the Roller Coaster" Filmed at Magic Mountain

In 1990, Magic Mountain was used as a filming site for the Kidsongs video, "Ride the Roller Coaster".

1990: Shockwave at Six Flags Great Adventure

In 1990, Shockwave was moved to Six Flags Great Adventure.

1990: Viper Opening

In 1990, Viper, a multiple-looping coaster designed by Arrow Dynamics, opened at Magic Mountain.

1990: Nickelodeon's Wild and Crazy Kids Features Colossus

In 1990, on Nickelodeon's Wild and Crazy Kids, the wooden roller coaster, Colossus, was featured as a game called "Wacky RollerCoaster Spill".

1991: Psyclone Addition

In 1991, Magic Mountain added Psyclone, a wooden coaster modeled after the Coney Island Cyclone, and rethemed the Spillikin Corners area of the park as Cyclone Bay.

1991: Colossus Camel Hump Change

In 1991, the camel hump before the last turn on Colossus was replaced by a block brake to allow three trains to run per side at a time.

1992: Shockwave Repainted

In 1992, Shockwave was removed from Six Flags Great Adventure, repainted white, and rethemed upon its removal to Six Flags Astroworld.

1992: Flashback Addition

In 1992, a new coaster from Intamin called Flashback was added to the park.

1993: Colossus Filmed as the Serpent in "My Life"

In 1993, Colossus was filmed as the Serpent in the movie "My Life".

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1993: Time Warner Era and New Ride

In 1993, Six Flags Magic Mountain entered the Time Warner era and added Yosemite Sam Sierra Falls, a water ride. The High Sierra Territory was opened and the Showcase Theatre became the Golden Bear Theater.

1993: End of Non-Christian Concerts

In 1993, live non-Christian themed concerts ended at Magic Mountain due to a riot that broke out as a result of an oversold TLC concert.

1994: Batman: The Ride added

In 1994, Magic Mountain introduced Batman: The Ride, an inverted looping roller coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard that was already present in two other Six Flags parks. The trains travel below the track, outside the loops, with riders' legs hanging freely.

1994: Psyclone Damage

In 1994, Psyclone's structure was damaged in the Northridge earthquake.

June 16, 1995: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Opened

On June 16, 1995, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a separately gated waterpark, opened. The 22-acre park featured body slides, tube slides, a kiddie water play area, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

1995: Colossus Used in Muppets Video

In 1995, Colossus was used for filming for the Muppets video, "Muppets on Wheels".

1995: "Here Comes A Roller Coaster" Filmed at Magic Mountain

In 1995, Magic Mountain was used as a filming site for the children's educational video series Real Wheels episode "Here Comes A Roller Coaster", with host Dave Hood.

June 1996: Superman: The Escape Opening Delayed

Originally slated to open in June 1996, the opening of the ride Superman: The Escape was delayed and pushed back to 1997 as problems with the LSM launch motors were found.

March 15, 1997: Superman: The Escape Debuted

On March 15, 1997, Superman: The Escape, a dual launch coaster, debuted at the park. The 30-second Intamin ride launches riders from 0 to 100 mph in seven seconds on a track that scales up a 41-story tower, making it the first roller coaster in the world to reach those speeds.

1998: Riddler's Revenge Opened & Six Flags Acquired

In 1998, Riddler's Revenge, a Bolliger & Mabillard stand-up roller coaster, opened as the tallest and fastest of its kind in the world. Later that year, Six Flags was acquired by Premier Parks.

2000: Goliath Opened

In 2000, Goliath, a steel hypercoaster manufactured by Giovanola, opened at the park.

2000: "Space Cowboys" Filmed at Magic Mountain

In the 2000 movie "Space Cowboys", Donald Sutherland is shown riding Viper at Magic Mountain and is portrayed as the designer.

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2001: Three New Roller Coasters Opened

In 2001, three new roller coasters opened, though only Goliath Jr., a kiddie steel coaster, opened on schedule. Déjà Vu and X suffered early mechanical issues. Déjà Vu opened late in 2001.

January 12, 2002: X Opened Briefly

On January 12, 2002, the ride X managed to open briefly, only to close due to more technical problems.

2002: X Opened

In 2002, X opened after mechanical issues in 2001. Designed by Arrow Dynamics, it was the world's first "fourth-dimensional" roller coaster and the only one in North America where riders experience going 360 degrees in their seats.

2002: Magic Mountain Recreated in RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

In 2002, a recreation of Magic Mountain was featured in the computer game RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, including both a blank version of the park and a version of the park as it stood at the game's release.

2003: Flashback Closure

In 2003, Flashback was closed due to the excessive noise it generated near Hurricane Harbor.

2003: Scream Added

In 2003, Scream, designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, was added. Six Flags Magic Mountain tied with Cedar Point for the park with the most roller coasters in the United States. Scream is a floorless roller coaster.

2003: World's tallest coaster

In 2003, the first roller coaster reached 400 ft (122 m), becoming the world's tallest coaster until that year.

2005: Attendance Numbers Lowered

Throughout the Six Flags chain, attendance in the second quarter of 2006 was 14 percent lower than it was in the second quarter of 2005.

2005: Astroworld Closure

When Astroworld closed in 2005, the Shockwave ride was put in storage at Six Flags Darien Lake.

June 22, 2006: Six Flags Exploring Options for Magic Mountain

On June 22, 2006, Six Flags, Inc. announced it was exploring options for six of its parks, including Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor. Rumors began that the park could be sold to real estate developers due to dwindling attendance from rowdy behavior and a desire to move Six Flags into more of a family park direction.

2006: Magic Mountain Remains for Sale

By the fall of 2006, Six Flags confirmed that Magic Mountain had remained for sale but would only be sold to a company that would continue to operate it as a park.

2006: Tatsu Added

In 2006, Tatsu, a Bolliger & Mabillard flying roller coaster, was added, causing a temporary closure of Revolution and Roaring Rapids to allow construction to take place. Tatsu has a suspended-track orientation featuring vehicles that recline passengers with their backs against the track and facing the ground.

January 2007: Magic Mountain No Longer for Sale

In January 2007, Six Flags announced that Magic Mountain was no longer for sale due to increasing sales and its value to the company.

2007: Psyclone Removal

In 2007, the Psyclone ride was eventually removed.

2007: X Closed For Transformation

In late 2007, X was closed for its transformation into X, adding new fourth-generation trains and special effects and being repainted.

2007: Removal of Flashback and Psyclone

With the removal of Flashback and Psyclone in 2007, Six Flags Magic Mountain lost its tie for the record of having the most roller coasters in a single park, giving the record back to Cedar Point. The park then turned its focus to family-oriented improvements.

May 24, 2008: X Reopened as X²

On May 24, 2008, X reopened as X², adding new fourth-generation trains and special effects and being repainted.

2008: Thomas Town Added

In 2008, Six Flags Magic Mountain added a new children's themed area called Thomas Town.

2008: X Rethemed into X²

In 2008, the ride X closed for a major refurbishment and retheme, transforming into X².

May 23, 2009: Terminator Salvation: The Ride Opened

On May 23, 2009, Terminator Salvation: The Ride, a wooden roller coaster, opened. It featured tunnels, spraying mist, and special effects.

May 29, 2010: Mr. Six's Splash Island Opened

On May 29, 2010, Mr. Six's Splash Island opened at the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park.

August 2010: Superman: The Escape Set to Undergo Redevelopment

In August 2010, it was announced that Superman: The Escape would undergo a major redevelopment before the 2011 season.

October 20, 2010: Plans for 2011 Officially Announced

On October 20, 2010, Six Flags Magic Mountain officially announced their full plans for 2011. In addition to opening Mr. Six's Dance Coaster under a new name and theme, Six Flags announced two other attractions.

November 4, 2010: Children's Roller Coaster Name Announced

On November 4, 2010, it was announced that the children's roller coaster would be called Road Runner Express and located in Bugs Bunny World.

2010: Magic Mountain to Install New Roller Coaster

In 2010, Magic Mountain had plans to install a new roller coaster for its season and would add a new themed area for children in 2011 called Wiggles World. Shapiro also stated that the adjacent Hurricane Harbor would receive an expansion.

2010: Six Flags Removing Non-Warner Bros Theming

In late 2010, Six Flags began removing non-Warner Bros. licensed theming from attractions, terminating licenses including Terminator and Thomas the Tank Engine.

January 8, 2011: Apocalypse Re-opened

Terminator Salvation: The Ride was renamed and rethemed into Apocalypse, which re-opened on January 8, 2011.

January 9, 2011: Terminator Salvation: The Ride Renamed

On January 9, 2011, Terminator Salvation: The Ride was renamed Apocalypse and given an appropriate theme that reflects an "end of the world" scenario.

January 18, 2011: Little Flash Renamed Road Runner Express

On January 18, 2011, the park renamed the Little Flash coaster to Road Runner Express. The Gotham City Backlot area was re-themed into DC Universe, Grinder Gearworks became "Wonder Woman: Lasso Of Truth", and Atom Smasher was renamed "The Flash: Speed Force".

March 19, 2011: Superman: Escape from Krypton Opened

In time for the 2011 season, Superman: The Escape was refurbished to Superman: Escape from Krypton and opened on March 19, 2011. The coaster featured new backwards launching cars and a new color scheme.

July 1, 2011: Green Lantern: First Flight Opened

On July 1, 2011, Green Lantern: First Flight opened as Magic Mountain's eighteenth roller coaster, reclaiming the world record for the highest number of roller coasters at a single theme park.

August 2011: Six Flags New England to Install Deja Vu

In August 2011, several media sources reported that Six Flags New England would install Six Flags Magic Mountain's Déjà Vu for the park's 2012 season.

September 1, 2011: Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom Announced

On September 1, 2011, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that they would be opening a new attraction for the 2012 season named Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. The free-fall drop attraction was integrated into both sides of the Superman: Escape from Krypton tower structure and ranks as the world's tallest drop tower.

September 2011: Déjà Vu Removal Confirmed

In September 2011, Six Flags Magic Mountain confirmed on Facebook that Déjà Vu would be removed from the park.

October 16, 2011: Déjà Vu Ride Closing Date

After some after-hours ride time for fans, Déjà Vu was set to be removed from the park after October 16, 2011.

October 31, 2011: Log Jammer Closed

On October 31, 2011, Log Jammer operated for the last time and was removed to make way for Full Throttle, which opened in 2013.

2011: Scream! If You Know the Answer Filmed at Magic Mountain

In 2011, Six Flags Magic Mountain was chosen as the setting for the Travel Channel's version of the quiz show "Scream! If You Know the Answer".

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2011: Superman: The Escape Tower Repainted

In 2011, the grayish white paint of the tower structure of Superman: The Escape, which had been there since the ride first opened, was changed.

2011: Mr. Six's Dance Coaster to Open Under New Theme

Mr. Six's Dance Coaster, which was scheduled to open on May 29, 2010, was delayed until 2011 when it would open under a new theme.

August 2012: Full Throttle Announced

In August 2012, Six Flags Magic Mountain confirmed rumors that a new roller coaster, Full Throttle, would open the following season. Full Throttle opened as the park's 18th roller coaster, featuring the world's tallest vertical loop.

2012: Glee Cast Visits the Park

In 2012, the Glee cast visited Six Flags Magic Mountain for their senior skip day in the "Big Brother" episode, where they ride Viper.

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2012: Six Flags New England to Install Deja Vu

In August 2011, several media sources reported that Six Flags New England would install Six Flags Magic Mountain's Déjà Vu for the park's 2012 season.

2012: Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom opening

June 2013: Full Throttle opening

In June 2013, with the opening of Full Throttle, Six Flags Magic Mountain achieved a world record for having the largest number of roller coasters in an amusement park.

August 2013: Batman and Colossus Running Backwards Announced

In August 2013, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that they would run both Batman: The Ride and Colossus backwards for a limited time of the 2014 season. They will also expand Bugs Bunny World with the addition of a new roller coaster.

2013: Toyota Camry Commercial Filmed at Magic Mountain

In 2013, a large section of the parking lot was blocked off at Six Flags Magic Mountain for a Toyota Camry commercial. The ride built for the commercial resembled Full Throttle.

2013: "Sam & Cat" Episode About "Mystic Mountain"

In 2013, the Nickelodeon TV show "Sam & Cat" featured an episode about the protagonists organizing a day at "Mystic Mountain", a parody of Magic Mountain.

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2013: Full Throttle opening

On October 31, 2011, Log Jammer operated for the last time and was removed to make way for Full Throttle, which opened in 2013.

April 8, 2014: Holiday in the Park Christmas Event Announced

On April 8, 2014, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that the park will host its first ever Holiday in the Park Christmas event in late 2014 and for future years after.

August 16, 2014: Colossus Closed

The closing of Colossus took place on August 16, 2014.

August 28, 2014: Twisted Colossus Announced

On August 28, 2014, Six Flags announced the Rocky Mountain Construction conversion of Colossus into Twisted Colossus.

May 23, 2015: Twisted Colossus Opened

Twisted Colossus opened on May 23, 2015.

September 2015: Revolution Renovation Announced

In September 2015, Six Flags announced the renovation of Revolution with a new paint scheme, upgraded lighting, and new train.

2015: Colossus Re-tracking

In 2015, the Colossus coaster was re-tracked with steel and inversions were added and it was rebranded "Twisted Colossus".

April 21, 2016: "The New Revolution" Reopened

Named "The New Revolution", the roller coaster reopened on April 21, 2016, with a new paint scheme, upgraded lighting, and new train eliminating the controversial over-the-shoulder restraints.

September 2016: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis Announced

In September 2016, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the addition of Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, a 4D shooting dark ride, to open in 2017.

2016: Goliath Used for Carpool Karaoke Segment

In 2016, Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain was used for a Carpool Karaoke segment with Selena Gomez.

July 12, 2017: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis Opens

On July 12, 2017, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis opened at Six Flags Magic Mountain. This 4D shooting dark ride is located in the Metropolis section near The Riddler's Revenge.

August 2017: CraZanity Announced

In August 2017, Six Flags announced the addition of CraZanity, a Zamperla Giga Discovery flat ride to be built in the Boardwalk Beach area near DC Universe. It is marketed as the "world's tallest pendulum ride".

2017: Katy Perry's "Chained to the Rhythm" Music Video Filmed at the Park

In 2017, Six Flags Magic Mountain and the Full Throttle ride were used in the filming of the music video for Katy Perry's "Chained to the Rhythm".

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2017: "Sandy Wexler" Filmed at Magic Mountain

In 2017, areas of Six Flags Magic Mountain were used in the filming of the Netflix comedy "Sandy Wexler" starring Adam Sandler.

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August 2018: West Coast Racers Announced

In August 2018, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the addition of West Coast Racers, a racing launch coaster from Premier Rides, along with the revamp of the old Cyclone Bay area into an urban Los Angeles themed area.

2018: Sale for Scrap

In 2018, Shockwave was finally sold for scrap, having remained in storage at Six Flags Darien Lake.

March 2019: Green Lantern: First Flight to Close

In March 2019, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that Green Lantern: First Flight would permanently close and be removed from the park.

2019: Attendance Ranking

In 2019, Six Flags Magic Mountain ranked fifteenth in attendance in North America with an estimated 3.61 million visitors.

January 2020: West Coast Racers Opens

In January 2020, the West Coast Racers opened to the public, becoming the 19th coaster at the park.

March 13, 2020: Park Closed Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 13, 2020, Six Flags Magic Mountain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Tidal Wave Closure

In 2020, the Tidal Wave attraction was closed to make room for Wonder Woman: Flight of Courage.

April 1, 2021: Park Reopens After COVID-19 Closure

On April 1, 2021, Six Flags Magic Mountain reopened after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members and Passholders were granted access on April 1 and 2, with the general public being admitted on April 3.

August 2021: Masks No Longer Required Outdoors

As of August 2021, visitors to Six Flags Magic Mountain are no longer required to wear masks outdoors.

October 2021: Wonder Woman Flight of Courage Announced

In October 2021, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the addition of Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, the world's tallest and fastest single rail coaster, to open in summer 2022.

2021: "Yes Day" Filmed at the Park

In 2021, some areas of Six Flags Magic Mountain were used in the filming of the Netflix comedy "Yes Day".

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November 1, 2022: Park Schedule Limited

Starting November 1, 2022, the 365-day schedule at Six Flags Magic Mountain, introduced in 2018, was limited to select weekends only during non-peak months.

2022: Most roller coasters in an amusement park

In 2022, Six Flags Magic Mountain held the record for having the most roller coasters in an amusement park, totaling nineteen.

2022: Wonder Woman: Flight of Courage Opening

In 2022, Wonder Woman: Flight of Courage opened, making Six Flags Magic Mountain the first amusement park to offer 20 roller coasters.

2023: Scream Break Debuts

In Spring 2023, Scream Break debuted at Magic Mountain, as well as Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags America, and Six Flags Great Adventure. The event lasted from March 18 to April 16 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays except for April 1–9.

2024: Gained electric cars

In 2024, Six Flags Magic Mountain added electric cars to its offerings.

2024: Demolition of Golden Bear Theater Begins

In early 2024, demolition work began on the Golden Bear Theater (formerly Showcase Theater) at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The theater had been largely dormant since an incident at a TLC concert in the 90s.