The View From Space

There’s also that “other” Magical place, Six Flags Magic Mountain. Comparing it to the Magic Kingdom is like comparing night to day. The mountain is geared towards the “older kids” with many high thrill coasters (X2,Tatsu and Goliath were my personal favorites) and a waterpark. Although California Adventures has Screamin and the Magic Kingdom has the Matterhorn it just doesn’t compare. So if you’re into coasters Magic Mountain is the place for you.

However, if you’ve ever loved a Disney movie, regardless of your age the Magic Kingdom will definitely not disappoint you. Every ride is a trip through Walt Disney’s endless imagination. On a more practical note, Disney definitely wins the parking and people moving experience. From the moment you leave your parked car you’re immersed in the Disney experience, the tram ride to the main gate could almost pass as one of the theme park rides.

In this department Magic Mountain is sorely lacking. An open asphalt field with poorly marked tram stops and even poorer methods of crowd control make the long uphill walk from the parking lot to the gate more inviting than waiting for one of the two trams that run the route.

I did feel safer at Disneyland than at Magic Mountain. Maybe it was the (possibly perceived) reputation of the surrounding area or perhaps it was the metal detectors at the gate, either way it took away some of the “magic” of the experience.

All in all I personally enjoyed both parks. Disney definitely gets the nod for families with young children (including the young at heart) while Magic Mountain wins hands down in the thrill-seeker department.