4D thrills on the X2 rollercoasterSanta Clarita, California
There are normal roller coasters, then there's the X2. This mechanical beast, which you can find by following the howl of deathly screams all the way to California's Six Flags Magic Mountain, is in a league of its own, so much so, it's considered the very first 4D coaster.
That means riders are placed in extra-wide 360-degree rotating seats that twist and flip independent of how the main train navigates the tracks. It also runs on four rails, instead of the usual two. Sound distressing? That's not the end of it. While you're spiralling through the air headfirst and facedown, the X2 is also accelerating to speeds of 122 kilometres an hour and climbing to an elevation of 60 metres. Oh, and your feet are dangling weightlessly in the air too, which any frequent ride-goer will know is a truly awful sensation.
Chuck in a couple of inversions (corkscrew-like manoeuvres), two ultra-rare raven turns (half loops that turn into sheer drops), a backflip and the added drama of a pair of flamethrowers, and you've got yourself one hell of a heart-thumping ride.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is 35 min north of Los Angeles, at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit off Interstate 5 in Valencia.
Any Day 1-Day Admission is US$92.99 for age 3 and up and US$59.99 for children under 48 inches. Children 2 years of age and younger are FREE. Specific day – 1-Day Admission is US$57.99-$92.99 for ages 3 and up, if purchased at least 24 hours in advance, depending on the date.
This ride is nor recommended if you have a heart condition.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
sixflags.com
Minimum height to ride is 48″ / 122cm