Missing Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain wants to sell their amusement park. It's unknown if a new buyer would keep the park open or develop the land into new homes. The land has become so valuable that the greatest profit, at least short term, would come from razing the park for houses.

I would hate to see that happen. The park opened when I was 15 and every boyfriend I've ever had has taken me there. My parents used to joke that it was a deal-breaker for me if a boyfriend wouldn't ride the coasters.

At first the rides were modest, not much better than carnival rides, but the park was built on vast acres of rolling land. I liked the park just for the landscaping, before the good rides were built. With time, the world-class rides appeared. Magic Mountain's reputation is based upon having the tallest, fastest, twistiest, puke-inducing rides.

As the rides have become more challenging to ride, I've grown older and less able to withstand the assault. Boney prominences will be banged up, bruises are likely and skin tears a possibility. While on the rides, I feel no pain. That comes later. I pre-medicate with anti-inflammatories, but that has its limitations. On the older rides with the less advanced restraint systems, my neck and/or back will likely be injured. The G forces on one ride once caused me to briefly faint, but I was securely strapped in and just rode limply.

So, what's the pay-off? One hell of an adrenaline rush and an escape from my troubles. It's not everyday that you get to soar upside down, with your feet dangling in the air, down a track so steep that it feels like free-fall. A few minor injuries are a small price to pay for the rush.

Magic Mountain wants to sell because they say they wanted a family amusement park, but mostly what they get are teenagers. The teens can be unruly, I suppose, but their security guards do a good job of keeping things under control. It's been at least 10 years since anyone was stabbed to death there. The last riot that originated at the park must have been about 20 years ago. It's safer than the rest of LA, certainly no worse.

And why are they surprised that mostly teens visit the park? Killer coasters don't attract families. If they wanted families, then they should have built Disneyland-style couch potato rides.

Magic Mountain is not hurting for business. The place is always jammed to capacity. I don't believe the "wrong kind of crowd" excuse for selling the park. They got exactly the kind of crowd that their rides are aimed for. I think that they just want to make a small fortune by selling the land.

I need to hurry up and get another visit under my belt while I still can. Are you game, Scott?