Recently, Brady from the great LA Times Funland Blog got to ride the upgraded Superman The Escape coaster (now Superman Escape from Krypton) at Six Flags Magic Mountain during a preview.
The once record-setting launched shuttle coaster opened in 1997. It featured two tracks that launched cars from zero to 100 mph down a straight track and then up into a 415′ tall pike. As the cars reached the top, riders experienced a moment of weightlessness before plummeting back to the earth and racing back to the station backwards.
For the 2011 upgrade, Superman Escape now features cars turned backwards. Here’s a bit from Brady’s full review of the new ride:
During the ultra-smooth magnetic launch, my body pressed against the new over-the-shoulder restraints as I rocketed backward at 100 mph. Hurtling along the 600-foot-long stretch of flat track, I was never sure when to expect the vertical ascent.
The further we climbed, the more my jaw drew open until my gaping maw turned into a maniacal grin.
Read the full article: Review: Ride reboot at Six Flags Magic Mountain makes Superman coaster twice as good
Also, watch this Superman Escape from Krypton POV video on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Facebook page. The coaster will officially open on March 19th.
It sounds like this is another successful upgrade for a Six Flags coaster. Although, I do think it might have been better to leave one car facing forward. That way, people would still have an option to ride it either way. Unfortunately, Superman Escape broke down as I was about to ride it when I visited SFMM. So, I’ll never have the chance to experience it in its original form.
What’s Your Take?
Are you excited about this revamped coaster? Leave a comment below.