Review of the Hybrid Wooden-Steel Ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Introduction to Twisted Colossus

When Walt Disney tinkered with his attractions at Disneyland to improve them and give visitors something new to experience, he called it “plussing.” In 2015, Six Flags Magic Mountain plussed its classic Colossus roller coaster—big time.

The ride was the world’s tallest and fastest wooden coaster when it opened in 1978 and became a beloved fixture at the park. In recent years, however, it had become excessively rough and was, ahem, coasting on its reputation. Six Flags transformed it into a steel-wood hybrid coaster, made significant changes to its layout, and rebranded it: Twisted Colossus. The outcome? There are only a handful of coasters that merit a top rating of five stars, and Twisted Colossus now proudly joins this elite group.

• Type of coaster: Hybrid wooden-steel
• Twin drops: 128 feet
• Angle of descent: 80°
• Track length: About 5000 ft.
• Ride time: Nearly 4 minutes
• Ride manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction

The Ride Experience

GoTravelDaily Rating: Five Stars (out of Five)

What makes the ride so captivating? A truly great coaster should deliver exhilarating pops of airtime, that intense out-of-your seat sensation. Twisted Colossus provides a relentless onslaught of airtime, launching riders skyward with joyous fervor.

Moreover, a necessary criterion for a coaster deserving a five-star rating is a predominantly smooth ride. This can be a challenging feat for a coaster designed to navigate a convoluted course at high speeds, and many fail to meet the mark. Twisted Colossus, however, stands out as one of the smoothest coasters we’ve ever experienced. Spanning almost 5,000 feet of track, it offers nearly four minutes of wild entertainment with nary a hiccup, defying the logic of its whimsical layout.

Further enhancing its appeal, a top-notch coaster features an impressive first drop (assuming it incorporates traditional lift hills). Twisted Colossus effectively delivers on this front with two striking drops. Each stands at a satisfying 128 feet with an exhilarating 80-degree angle of descent—just 10 degrees shy of straight down. It’s a spectacular way to kick off a ride. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; TC introduces another drop midway through its course. Double the thrills means double the fun!

An exceptional coaster must also feature a layout that seamlessly interweaves a compelling array of elements, with pacing akin to a great musical composition. Twisted Colossus has achieved that perfect balance.

Key Features of the Coaster

Beginning with a gradual ascent up the lift hill, riders are soon met with a heart-stopping initial drop followed by astonishing bouts of airtime. A zero-G roll then sends passengers spinning 360 degrees, a thrilling inversion made possible by the coaster’s innovative steel track and redesigned trains.

After the exhilarating first half, Twisted Colossus levels off temporarily before ascending the second lift hill, only to unleash another series of electrifying airtime moments. Approximately halfway through this second phase, riders experience the “Top Gun Stall,” wherein the train flips upside down for thrilling seconds that seem to last an eternity. Ultimately, four minutes after embarking on this breathtaking journey, blissful passengers glide back to the station.

Design Innovations

One characteristic of Twisted Colossus that raises questions is its approach to racing. The original Colossus functioned as a twin-track racing coaster. In contrast, Twisted Colossus operates on a single, lengthy track, designed to emulate a racing-like interactive experience. In theory, as one train approaches the second lift hill, a second train should dispatch from the station and scale the side-by-side lift hills concurrently. The system is designed to synchronize the two trains.

Furthermore, when both trains operate in sync, an incredible visual awaits as one train inverts over the other during the Top Gun Stall, creating a thrilling “eye-popping” experience for riders. Unfortunately, during preview rides, we did not witness any synchronized racing trains, which might be a challenge for ride operations.

Despite these potential challenges, if the racing aspect does not come to fruition, can that affect its five-star rating significantly? Perhaps, but even without the racing features, Twisted Colossus remains an extraordinary ride.

Final Thoughts

To summarize the evaluation, this ride checks all the boxes: a smooth ride? Check. Excellent layout and pacing? Check. A thrilling first drop? Definitely check. Airtime? Absolutely major check. These attributes place Twisted Colossus in the upper echelon of coasters.

Additionally, its status as a next-generation iteration of a classic ride solidifies its place in amusement park history. The original Colossus secured its reputation partly due to its cameo in the first National Lampoon’s Vacation film. By saving Colossus from demolition and breathing new life into it, Six Flags has honored this beloved ride, ensuring its legacy lives on. Longtime enthusiasts will appreciate that the essence of the original remains, but in a revitalized form that integrates cutting-edge features.

Contrasting the nostalgia associated with timeless rides and modern attractions, Twisted Colossus embodies this blend. It stands as an old favorite that evokes cherished memories while simultaneously offering innovative experiences that excite and delight. It is a monumental achievement in coaster design.