Six Flags Magic Mountain- Green Lantern & DC Universe

On July 1^st Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia California, will be unveiling their newest themed area, DC Universe as well as opening their 18^th roller coaster, Green Lantern First Flight.  ThemeParkSource was cordially invited to attend the Press and Media Preview on June 30^thand we definitely showed up lock, loaded and ready to cover this epic event. The event began with the drop curtain unveiling of the newly themed area, DC UNIVERSE.  Upon curtain drop press was lead into DC UNIVERSE by Justice League super heroes . The new DC UNIVERSE features newly themed rides, branded merchandise and specialty food. As guests enter the grand portal, they’re greeted by a bright and colorful comic-book-inspired world, featuring WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth, where riders twirl high in the air plastered to the wall at a 45-degree angle;

THE FLASH Speed Force, a fast-spinning ride that sends you to the edge of your seat; and the popular BATMAN The Ride, where riders fly at intense speeds with nothing but air beneath their dangling feet. Super hero shoppers can find all their gear at the new DC UNIVERSE store and when park guests have worked up an appetite, they can enjoy hot, delicious pizza at Teen Titan Tower Pizza, fresh roasted corn at Kent Farms and frozen lemonade. The new facelift really brightens up this area and the new coaster addition GREEN LANTERN FIRST FLIGHT, ties the whole theme together perfectly.

The second unveiling was a preview of their newest roller coaster, Green Lantern First Flight.  Green Lantern ride is definitely the perfect centerpiece for the DC UNIVERSE themed area. Based on the popular DC comic book character and the recently released motion picture staring Ryan Reynolds, the opening of this ride could not have been more perfect for old time fans and newer fans of this DC Comic legend. First published by DC Comics in 1941, GREEN LANTERN currently appears in over 100 comic books distributed worldwide annually. GREEN LANTERN has also appeared in Warner Bros. animation, home videos and interactive games. Guardians of peace and justice, the GREEN LANTERN CORPS is an intergalactic police force charged with the protection of the universe. A GREEN LANTERN must be someone who has the ability and willpower to overcome great fear. Recognized as the greatest member of the GREEN LANTERN CORPS, HAL JORDAN was the first Earthman ever inducted into the corps and also became a founding member of the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. Green Lanterns are outfitted with a weapon unlike any other in existence: a ring that channels pure willpower in the form of solid green energy that can manifest any construct the bearer imagines.

The conference and ceremony was lead by Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President, Bonnie Rabjohn who was noticeably excited to present the parks record breaking 18^thCoaster just in time for the parks 40^thanniversary. One of the highlights of the conference was when Geoff Johns, Best selling Green Lantern comic book writer and Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, came up to speak. “GREEN LANTERN First Flight is truly a unique thrill. Not only is the coaster out of this world, but it brings the excitement of Green Lantern to life in new ways for everyone to enjoy,” Stated Johns. “For me personally, it’s the ultimate calling card to say there is a ride of this magnitude representing a character I’ve worked on and am so passionate about.” John’s speech was received with loud cheers and applause as he made his way off the stage. Bonnie returned to present the next guest speaker, Green Lantern himself who lead the attendees into recital of the Green Lantern oath. Everyone was directed to hold up their commemorative Green Lantern rings toward the very large green lantern statue in front of the ride. Along with Bonnie and Green Lantern the crowd recited from queue cards the oath to power up the lantern;

IN BRIGHTEST DAY, IN BLACKEST NIGHT, NO EVIL SHALL ESCAPE MY SIGHT. LET THOSE WHO WORSHIP EVILS MIGHT, BEWARE MY POWER GREEN LANTERNS LIGHT.

The lantern flashed and smoked then finally fireworks shot off to indicate it’s power up. Attendees were then welcomed into the ride as the Justice League waved them in and posed for photo ops. Before boarding, riders experience what it was like for Hal Jordan as they follow in his footsteps as a test pilot at Ferris Aircraft to being chosen as Green Lantern of sector 2814 to training on the planet Oa. Two unique pre-show rooms, produced exclusively for Six Flags, give anxious riders instructions on how to overcome their fears and become like a Green Lantern. Once you reach the boarding level of the ride you realize that the small and not so intimidating structure of the ride is quite misleading. You are about to board a vertical zigzagged pattern coaster track,  while sitting in eight-person vehicles, four abreast and back-to-back, each rotating independently. The thrill begins with riders going up the 107-foot lift hill before spinning their way down through 825-feet of twisted vertical track, featuring up to three, 360-degree, head-over-heel spins. The magnitude of the extreme coaster isn’t actually realized until you are on board and experiencing it for yourself. At the end of this extreme experience, you are left with the feeling of disorientation and shock only to be followed by excitement and the after effects of an adrenaline high that has you ready seconds.

Our official review of this coaster would produce a 9 out of 10 score. If you are not a fan of extreme rides we advise you proceed with caution. This is a very turbulent and fast coaster. The ride time is very quick and short. The nature of the ride does induce lots of jarring, abrupt spinning, sudden drops and at times feeling of weightlessness. The ride utilizes the over the shoulder restrains with bottom belt snaps that connect to harness. The harnesses are actually quite comfortable and fitting. The seats are snug and do offer the kind of support and security needed for such a ride. We only recognized one very uncomfortable point in this ride. The actual boarding process is somewhat challenging for those who are below average height. As riders we measured between 5’4 and 5’6 and we had to hop up very high while using our arms to hoist ourselves up into these very high seats. At 5’4 it took me 3 very embarrassing attempts. If I were asked what should change about the ride I would definitely suggest a boarding platform like the one utilized in the Batman Ride, which is perfect height to board then lowers upon launch sequence. Other than that we walked away from the experience with a very fulfilling adrenaline rush and we were ready for round two. This is definitely a ride you don’t want to miss on your next visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Green Lantern: First Flight

By the Numbers:

Speed                     * 35 mph

Height                     * 117 feet

Total Track Length * 825 feet

Ride Time               * 90 seconds

Capacity                 * 8 per vehicle

# of Vehicles          * 5

Minimum Required Height for riders: 52"

Safety State-of-the-art computer controlled and vehicles with padded over-the-shoulder

Systems: restraints ensure proper ride speed and rider comfort at all times

Manufacturer: Exclusively designed for Six Flags by Intamin, Zurich, Switzerland 

Flash Pass: Yes

ThemeParkSource would like to thank the Six Flags Magic Mountain staff and event planners for hosting this great event and supplying us with some extra goodies and information to supply our fans and readers with top-notch coverage of these new additions to the park. Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, in Valencia, north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. The Park is open daily. For park schedules, ride info and admission prices visit their website at sixflags.com.

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