Magic Mountain

Erik Austin
Jun 21
2 min read

So yesterday I went to Magic Mountain for the first time in over 20 years — and WOW… what an experience.

First ride of the day? Full Throttle. Had I known what I was getting into, I would’ve NEVER gone on it. I don’t even know what was happening — it launches you from zero to oh my god in seconds, shoots you through a massive loop, stops ON TOP of the loop (yes, on top!)… then drops you backwards before flinging you forward again. Total chaos. I was screaming, laughing, panicking — all at once. My body is still processing it.

Next up, Sheila and I hit Batman, which was actually super fun — classic coaster energy — and then Wonder Woman, a single-track coaster that looked small and easy from the ground. LIES. This thing is just one giant looping spiral with no breaks. My necklace was literally beating me in the face the whole time, but I was way too terrified to let go and fix it. I think I may have blacked out on that one for a second. 😂

After that trauma, we toned it down with two “easy” ones — Gold Rush and Ninja — which were both pretty lame, but hey, at least I didn’t lose consciousness.

Then we went to meet up with Amber, Daniel, and their kids at Embassy Suites… because — and get this — they just happened to be at Hurricane Harbor right next door. What are the odds?! So weird.

On the drive back, Bells (Sheila’s daughter) called to say she was leaving her apartment and coming home — and as soon as we got back… I passed out.

Now it’s quiet here at 8:23 AM. I’ve been up since 5:30, walking around photographing all my old spots for the memoir… soaking in the nostalgia.

It’s gonna be a day.