Re: Six Flags Magic Mountain | "Full Throttle" | multi launc
I was out at the park today for media day. Things got off to a bit of a rocky start when the park had to await the final permit from Sacramento before they could do the initial launch. But after a brief delay, the opening ceremony ended up being quite nice and energetic. It reminded me of the opening of Goliath years ago. The park seems really happy with all the work done to get Full Throttle open.
So how is the ride? My God it sucks! Just awful. No one seemed happy coming off the ride. It's the worst possible coaster SFMM could have added. :x
Seriously, this ride is fun. Nothing earth shattering, but I think the park has a winner when this opens to the public. Smooth as silk, middle tier launch (reminded me of Stormrunner), and imo, the best vertical/inversion loop in existance. The hang time in that loop is just amazing, and the star element of the ride. I can't wait to get more rides in next week.
I talked a few minutes with Tim (director of operations) who told me a few interesting tidbits about the ride:
1) The idea was to create a ride that appeals to all ages, not just hardcore riders.
2) This was the toughest ride they've ever built in terms of the land prep.
3) The ride was green lighted after the decision to move Deja Vu and was initially slated for that area until cutbacks made it impossible to continue to operate the energy hogging Log Jammer.
4) The budget for Full Throttle was tight, so there was no way to make the coaster longer or more sprawling.