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A Day of Roller Coasters: Conquering Challenges at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Writer's picture: Naomi BrakerNaomi Braker

Updated: Jul 3, 2023

Ian and I were thrilled as we set out for an adventure at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Our mission: to conquer as many roller coasters as possible. We rode eight thrilling coasters, including Goliath, Tatsu, Twisted Colossus, Superman, Wonder Woman, SCREAM, X2, and Batman. Each ride left us with unforgettable memories and an adrenaline rush like no other.

Ian and Naomi at the Six Flags Sign

It was a grey, gloomy Saturday – which we were excited about; Six Flags can get quite hot on a bright, sunny day. The clouds helped keep the heat down and kept me from squinting all day. We stayed at Thousand Trails San Benito, which was about a forty-minute drive to Six Flags, and with our Camping Pass, was free. While not the nicest resort, it was close. Our biggest complaint - they were under a boil water advisory! We had to boil all our water before doing most things. More about that in another post, though!


It felt crowded, but most coasters seemed to be running at half capacity with only one car running. I’m not sure if Six Flags was trying to artificially make it seem crowded or if there was a maintenance reason. I was also a bit disappointed in the upkeep of the park. They’ve done a good job trying to hide it in apocalyptic themes, but the entire park looked like it needed a cleaning and a paint job. I’ve gotten pretty accustomed to the Disney park feel, and Six Flags definitely seemed like they were all about the rides and not about the look and feel. That being said, their rides are awesome, and despite the park condition, we’re still happy we went.


My experience at theme parks has changed significantly since I developed dysautonomia. In the past, I could ride every coaster and swiftly move on to the next. But now, I need to take breaks after each ride, eat more frequently, and stay hydrated. Coping with my symptoms has become a crucial part of enjoying the roller coasters I love.


Thankfully, Six Flags Magic Mountain offers a disability pass that was a game-changer for me. With the pass, I could skip the long lines that worsen my symptoms. Without the disability pass, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy the park as I did. Most lines had a wait time of over two hours, which would have made me feel terrible. Instead, we used the pass to access the exit lane and board the next available car. Although it didn't speed things up, it made the day possible for me. I found that I spent the same amount of time I would have in the line on the back end, recovering from the ride we went on. I know it sounds silly to put myself through that, but I really love roller coasters. The thrill of feeling the wind blow past my face, the adrenaline rush as you tip over the edge of the hill, and the gravity pulling you back down to Earth as you launch around a ring all evoke really strong, happy memories of childhood trips to our local Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.


Obtaining the disability pass was straightforward. Six Flags uses the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) to validate disabilities. I filled out a form at the park, had a phone call with a medical practitioner to discuss my limitations, and received a temporary 7-day IAC by email. They later reviewed my medical records and sent me a new one-year card. This ensured the validity of my disability. However, one inconvenient aspect was the need to stand in line at guest relations to receive a daily pass. It took about an hour, but luckily Ian stood in line for me while I rested nearby. It seems a bit ironic to wait in line for a pass that acknowledges my inability to stand in line. Six Flags should consider a more accessible process for individuals with disabilities. Nevertheless, we eventually obtained the pass, allowing us to make the most of our day.


We thought we were being smart and pre-ordered food at Wascals. Unfortunately, the experience was a huge disappointment and a waste of time. Despite receiving the notification that our food was ready, we ended up waiting in line for an hour. People going through the normal line were getting their food much faster than us. It was a frustrating experience that left us wishing for better management.


As the sun set on our adventure at Six Flags Magic Mountain, I couldn't help but reflect on the challenges we overcame. The roller coasters thrilled us, and the disability pass made it all possible for me. Despite the fatigue I felt at the end of the day and the next, I’d do it all again. It’s important to me to stretch my limits because each time, I’m able to stretch them a little further. It was a good reminder of the power of the human spirit.





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