Park Duels: Six Flags Great Adventure vs. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Monday, February 28, 2022 - 02:12

Theming

Like events, theming doesn’t differ too much between these two parks. You’ll find some ride-based theming or DC Comics IP in queue lines and stations, but little else. Jersey Devil's folkloric theming is minimal but effective, and the West Coast Customs theming at West Coast Racers is lovely, even if it technically counts as a product placement. In the category of theming, I’m going to call a draw.

Atmosphere

The category of atmosphere is so vague and intangible, but possibly the most important aspect of a park. While the coasters bring me to new parks, the atmosphere keeps me coming back. Cedar Point, for example, has what's pretty widely accepted as the best coaster lineup in the world, and I'd venture to agree. Still, the thing that calls me back to Sandusky isn't just Steel Vengeance or Millennium Force--it's the music in the Wild West section, the contagious adrenaline by Top Thrill Dragster, the lakeside breeze at the front of the park.

When it comes to these two Six Flags parks, each has its own unique atmosphere. Magic Mountain's location in Valencia, California, surrounded by mountains, is picturesque to say the least. There's also a grandness to Magic Mountain, from its mountain-shaped welcome sign to its well-known status as a coaster destination. I'd call it a buzz, the feeling in your blood, the knowledge that you're somewhere record-breaking.

Batman at Six Flags Great Adventure — Image: Six Flags

Great Adventure also has quite the atmosphere of its own. This park is incredibly green, with gorgeous trees and a lakeside location. Six Flags Great Adventure's beauty is one of many reminders that New Jersey is so much more than a boardwalk or the airport you may fly into to get to Manhattan.

Due to the park's natural features and landscape, the atmosphere category has to go to Great Adventure.

The Verdict

Green Lantern, Six Flags — Image: Six Flags

There you have it! The final score comes down to 3-1 in favor of Six Flags Great Adventure. The disproportionality in coaster count between these two parks shows just how stellar and well-rounded Great Adventure is.

Do you agree that Six Flags Great Adventure comes out above Magic Mountain? Is there another Six Flags park you think can hold its own against Great Adventure? What Park Duels would you like to see in the future?

Peyton E. DerrickView Profile

Peyton is a writer and roller coaster enthusiast living just outside Orlando, Florida. She is currently seeking her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida, taking classes by day and hitting the theme parks by night. When she's not in the single rider line, you can find Peyton playing music or at the movies.