For the Kids
- Magic Mountain will appeal to older kids and adults who like fast, exciting rides. However, the long lines are not for the impatient, and my 13- and 19-year-old companions complained of the lengthy waits even on a rainy winter day.
- If you are planning to visit more than one Los Angeles-area theme park on your vacation, think about the order you visit them in. Older coaster-cravers may find Disneyland or Universal Studios too tame after Magic Mountain, while Disneyland's Fast Pass system makes everyone wish all the parks had it to shorten their wait.
- If you have smaller children, avoid disappointment. Although there are a few rides that cater to smaller visitors, two thirds of the rides have height restrictions ranging from 36 inches to 54 inches, Measure your child's height before your visit and find out in advance which rides they can go on.
- A theme park is a great place for kids to learn how to navigate with a map. Let them find the way to the next attraction for you.
Managing the Wait
- Magic Mountain is the only Los Angeles area theme park that has metal detectors outside the entrance. You can speed up the process by dressing simply and being prepared. Don't try to carry food in - they'll confiscate it when they inspect your bag.
- Lines at Magic Mountain rides can be long, and kids are very anxious to ride when they first enter the park. Try to find something with a short line to ride first to take the edge off the excitement.
- Buy a FlashPass online with your tickets or at the entrance. For $20 to $25, depending on the day of the week, you get four priority boarding opportunities on the most popular rides (except X2 and Deja Vu). One person can use the FlashPass for four rides, a group of four can use them for one ride, and so on. A limited number of these passes are available each day.
- The wait for roller coasters is longer in the morning and the wait for water rides is longer in the afternoon. Plan your day in reverse order
- Try riding during normal meal times, 12:00 to 2:00 and 5:00 to 7:00.
- When the park first opens, everyone rushes to the newest rides or the ones nearest the gate. Head straight to the back of the park first.
- If you must ride the hottest new attraction, get there early and get in line right away. Lines build up and stay long all day.
- Bring something to amuse the kids (and maybe the adults, too) while you stand in line.
Stay Comfortable
- It always seems to feel hotter at Magic Mountain than what the thermometer says, and mid-70s can seem like a scorcher. WATERPROOF sunscreen, a hat with a brim and plenty of water can help.
- If anyone in your group is susceptible to motion sickness, bring your favorite remedies. If you forget to bring medication, you can buy it at several of the shops in the park, but they do not dispense it at First Aid.
- Go shopping at the end of your visit so you don't have to carry your purchases around all day. Try your skill at the arcade games late in the day, too. That cute stuffed toy becomes an annoyance once you've carried it around for a while.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and leave the dangling earrings and necklaces at home.
- Don't carry too much. You have to drag every ounce of it around with you all day, and some rides do not allow backpacks. Use the short-term lockers at Riddler's Revenge, Roaring Rapids, X2 and Deja Vu to keep your stuff dry and/or safe.
- Be sure to stow the glasses and hats before riding the fast roller coasters or they'll join the glasses I lost on Colossus.
- Bring warmer clothing for evening, even in summer.
Park Specifics
- Plan to spend all day at the park, particularly during busy times when lines may be long.
- In case you split up or someone gets misplaced, plan where to meet. Walk there together so everyone knows where it is.
