Six Flags Magic Mountain | Unknown | Vekoma Thrill Glider | 2026

[TPoseOnTantrum]

I wonder why they’ve grown more flexible with their project timelines recently?

I'd imagine it's all on a case by case basis. Give parks/projects the time they actually need to get done and commissioned. Quantum was fully in their control though because Intamin offered to certify the ride as it was for a 2026 opening but corporate refused to open something they knew might be faulty.

In Six Flags Magic Mountain's case they've failed the grading plan five times. Working on terrain like that is a huge and very expensive job, and local planners have been unsatisfied with info provided up to this date. They finally greenlit some retaining wall designs early last month (thrown below because why not), but actual construction hasn't been cleared to begin. The fact that track has been arriving before supports even went into the ground says a lot.

SFMM's pet project in the meantime is a huge postcard-style overall of their current kid's area into Looney Tunes Land, which is essentially just cleaning house into a nicer kids area with non-essential rides going (including two coasters), some reskins, and an emphasis on chill spaces and theming (everything it isn't right now). Nobody talks about how they just transformed their dated by-the-numbers Hurricane Harbor into an exceptionally and beautifully presented waterpark without adding new attractions, the kids area redo is arguably a NEED more than the Thrill Glider (WANT) as Cedar Fair execs clean up the park.

 

[rideguy70]

You are right about Hurricane Harbor... they surprisingly did a unexpectedly good job with that. Still a few problems, and they do desperately need a new ride there (it's been over 13 years). But in terms of refreshes, it was very well done.

I also agree that we all have to remember that this new ride is not just going on a flat, level patch of ground. It's going all over the park, and primarily on a very hilly section that likely hasn't seen much maintenance to it in decades. Not surprised there's been lots of issues.

 

[cookie]

Sounds like an announcement is imminent.

 

[Hyde]

Great! Because I definitely haven’t forgotten what ride type this is supposed to be, nor would I find an official announcement hugely helpful to recall.