amusement and theme parks
Get revvved up in 2024! Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch coaster
“Get ready for the ultimate thrill ride as Cedar Point unveils Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch coaster!”
Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Get revved up for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other in 2024! Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®, has just announced the arrival of Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch coaster. This groundbreaking roller coaster will take riders on a heart-stopping journey that will leave them breathless and craving for more.
Building on the success of their pioneering strata coaster, Cedar Point will introduce not one, but two towering track towers, each standing at a jaw-dropping height of 420 feet. Buckle up and join the CP Racing Team as you step into one of the sleek high-performance racing vehicles. With open-air seating, you’ll have a front-row view of the action on the world’s first and only dual-tower vertical speedway.
The adventure begins with a lightning-fast launch using an innovative linear synchronous motor (LSM) system, propelling you down the straightaway at a blazing speed of 74 mph. As you race towards the sky on the first 420-foot-tall tower, get ready for the exhilarating “rollback” moment, where the train reverses direction, creating a weightless sensation that coaster enthusiasts adore. Then, brace yourself for the second launch, reaching an astounding speed of 101 mph.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Prepare to see Cedar Point from a whole new perspective as you climb backward at a 90-degree angle on the second 420-foot-tall tower. Experience another moment of weightlessness before the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third and final launch, reaching a mind-boggling top speed of 120 mph.
As you cross over the top hat tower, hold on tight as the train dives into a 270-degree spiral, delivering a thrilling finale before crossing the finish line. Top Thrill 2 promises to be the boldest and most advanced roller coaster ever introduced at Cedar Point, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of coaster innovation.
Partnering with Zamperla Rides, Cedar Point has incorporated their cutting-edge “Lightning” trains, designed for high-speed aerodynamics and rider comfort. The ride also features a state-of-the-art LSM launch system, providing smooth acceleration and a rush of motorsport racing.
Cedar Point’s legacy of roller coaster excellence continues with Top Thrill 2, adding to their impressive lineup of record-breaking rides. From the Magnum XL-200 to the Millennium Force and the former Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Point has consistently pushed the limits of height and speed. Now, with Top Thrill 2’s three launches, increased ride time, and second vertical tower, Cedar Point will once again redefine the iconic skyline and solidify its status as the ultimate destination for coaster enthusiasts.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of Top Thrill 2. Secure your spot with a 2024 Gold Pass, available for a limited time at the discounted price of $99. This pass not only grants you access to Top Thrill 2 but also includes admission to Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, and HalloWeekends for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024. Plus, enjoy free parking, in-park discounts, and more.
Get ready to rev up your excitement and make 2024 a year to remember at Cedar Point. For more information or to purchase your 2024 Gold Pass, visit cedarpoint.com or follow Cedar Point on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates on this record-breaking scream machine.
More information about the ride: https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/media-center/get-revvved-up-in-2024
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/amusement-and-theme-parks/
amusement and theme parks
Six Flags and Travis Kelce Kick Off 2027 Season Pass Sales With Lowest Prices Through Sept. 7
Six Flags launches 2027 Season Pass sales at its lowest price through Sept. 7, with unlimited visits now through 2027, parking perks, and regional access.
Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.
The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.
What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes
Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.
Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.
Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits
The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:
- Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
- Free general parking (restrictions apply)
- Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
- Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
- Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
- One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7
Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access
For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:
- Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
- Preferred parking at many parks
- Complimentary fountain beverages
- VIP entrance access at participating parks
- Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
- One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
- A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7
Memberships: month-to-month flexibility
Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.
Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.
Why Six Flags is making a big push now
The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.
Highlights announced so far include:
- East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
- Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
- Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
- West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.
Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.
You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming
Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:
- Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
- Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
- Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
- Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
- Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
- Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
- Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
- A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)
And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.
The deadline to know
If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.
For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.
Source: Six Flags
📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!
💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.
📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!
💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.
Stay connected with STM Daily News!Stay connected with STM Daily News!
amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Unleashes Its Biggest-Ever Halloween Lineup for 2026
Six Flags is raising the fear factor for Halloween 2026 with new haunted mazes inspired by Jason Voorhees, Diablo, Final Destination and The Blair Witch Project.
Jason Voorhees, Diablo, Final Destination and The Blair Witch Project headline an expanded season of haunted mazes, scare zones and nighttime thrills
Six Flags is turning up the fear factor for Halloween 2026 with its largest collection of licensed horror attractions to date.
The amusement park operator announced 11 new haunted mazes inspired by major film and gaming franchises, including Friday the 13th, Final Destination, The Blair Witch Project and Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo. Returning attractions will feature characters and settings from The Conjuring Universe, SAW, Army of the Dead, The Strangersand Trick ’r Treat.
Altogether, Six Flags says its parks will offer 448 Halloween-themed experiences across North America, including 29 new and returning licensed haunted attractions, 196 scare zones and live shows, nighttime rides and 141 family-friendly daytime activities.
“We’re taking Halloween to an entirely new level in 2026,” Kelly Daugherty, Six Flags’ director of entertainment, said in the company’s announcement. “Guests won’t just watch these stories unfold—they’ll step inside them.”
New nightmares arrive at Six Flags
One of the biggest additions is JASON: Blood Reign, an attraction inspired by Jason Voorhees and the Friday the 13thfranchise. Guests will enter the dark woods surrounding the slasher’s legendary summer camp while retracing the events that transformed Jason into one of horror cinema’s most recognizable villains.
The maze is scheduled to appear at SCarowinds, Kings Island and Six Flags Great Adventure.
Fans of elaborate cinematic accidents can enter Final Destination: Death’s Playground, where death itself serves as the villain. Inspired by New Line Cinema’s Final Destination films, the attraction will place guests inside a chain of seemingly calculated disasters.
The maze is coming to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California.
At Six Flags Great America and Dorney Park, Blair Witch: No Signal will send visitors into a dark recreation of the Black Hills Forest. The experience will include abandoned camps, ritual sites, winding trails and the infamous Rustin Parr house.
Video game fans will also get their chance to enter the underworld. DIABLO: The Infernal Path will bring Blizzard Entertainment’s gothic franchise to Kings Dominion and Cedar Point. Guests will encounter characters including Diablo, Lilith, Mephisto and Baal while traveling through cursed cathedrals and scenes inspired by ancient rituals.
Familiar horror franchises return
Several previously featured horror properties will return following what Six Flags described as strong guest demand.
The Conjuring: Beyond Fear will appear at Canada’s Wonderland, SCarowinds, Cedar Point and Kings Island. The attraction casts visitors as paranormal investigators attempting to contain cursed artifacts and supernatural entities, including Annabelle.
A separate Conjuring Universe attraction will return to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Great America and Six Flags Over Georgia.
Other returning experiences include:
- SAW: Legacy of Terror, featuring scenes inspired by Jigsaw’s traps
- The Strangers: No Escape at Six Flags Over Texas
- Trick ’r Treat at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Army of the Dead at Six Flags Great Adventure
Knott’s Berry Farm will once again stage Knott’s Scary Farm, the long-running Southern California Halloween event. Six Flags Mexico will also present Festival del Terror, with additional licensed attractions expected to be announced.
More than haunted mazes
The 2026 Halloween season will extend beyond indoor attractions. Six Flags parks will feature themed scare zones filled with roaming performers, elaborate sets, fog, lighting effects and unexpected encounters.
Six Flags Over Texas will introduce Varnum’s Traveling Pit Show of Oddities, described as a premium scare-zone experience combining immersive horror, themed offerings and live entertainment.
Halloween programming across the company’s parks will also include monster bands, musical productions, stunt performances, parades and nighttime spectaculars. Roller coasters and other thrill rides will continue operating after dark at participating locations, with fog, lighting and sound effects altering the experience.
Scare zones, live entertainment and most nighttime rides will be included with regular park admission. However, admission to the haunted mazes will generally require a separate Haunted Attractions Pass in addition to a valid park ticket, season pass or membership.
Knott’s Scary Farm operates under a different system as a separately ticketed event, with its haunted mazes and entertainment included in the event admission.
Halloween fun for younger visitors
Not every seasonal attraction will be designed to terrify guests.
Before the nighttime scares begin, participating parks will offer daytime activities for families and younger children. Programs such as Kids Boo Fest, Tricks and Treats and Camp Spooky will feature trick-or-treating, pumpkin-themed activities and interactive entertainment.
Select parks will also hold Oktoberfest celebrations featuring seasonal food, beverages and live entertainment.
The family-friendly activities will generally be included with daytime park admission.
Dates and ticket details are still coming
Operating dates, attraction availability and ticket prices will vary by park. Six Flags said individual parks will release their complete Halloween schedules and ticketing information between mid-August and early September.
Guests should also review each attraction’s age recommendations, health warnings and accessibility guidelines before purchasing tickets. Haunted mazes may include darkness, fog, loud sounds, flashing lights and intense imagery that may not be suitable for every visitor.
With iconic slashers, supernatural villains, video game demons and hundreds of seasonal attractions, Six Flags is betting that horror fans will be eager to spend part of Halloween 2026 inside their favorite nightmares.
For park-specific schedules and ticket information, visit Six Flags.
Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation press release. Attraction schedules and availability are subject to change.
Source
- Six Flags Raises the Fear Factor in 2026 — Original Six Flags Entertainment Corporation press release.
Related Links
- Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest — Details about the Southern California event, including Final Destination, The Conjuring Universe and Trick ’r Treat. The 2026 event runs on select nights from September 18 through November 1.
- Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest — Official information for the New Jersey event, featuring haunted mazes, shows and nighttime attractions.
- Knott’s Scary Farm — Official information for the separately ticketed Halloween event, scheduled for select nights from September 17 through October 31, 2026.
- Knott’s Spooky Farm — Family-friendly daytime Halloween activities offered on select days from September 24 through October 31, 2026.
- Six Flags Great America Fright Fest — Official details for the Illinois event, including haunted attractions and scare zones.
- Six Flags Great Adventure Seasonal Events — Calendar of Fright Fest, Oktoberfest and other seasonal events at the park.
📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!
💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.
Stay connected with STM Daily News!
Entertainment
The End of an Era: Six Flags Magic Mountain Says Goodbye to an Original Piece of Park History
Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
For millions of Southern Californians, a visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain meant more than just riding roller coasters. It was a rite of passage—a place where families spent summer vacations, teenagers celebrated graduations, and thrill seekers chased ever-faster rides.
Now, one of the last remaining reminders of the park’s opening days is preparing to disappear.
According to KTLA, Los Angeles County has approved demolition permits for the former Laughing Dragon Restaurant, an iconic structure perched atop Samurai Summit that has overlooked Magic Mountain for more than five decades.
Although the building has been vacant since 2008, its demolition marks the end of another chapter in one of California’s most famous amusement parks.
A Restaurant with Deep Roots
When Magic Mountain welcomed its first guests in 1971, the building opened as the elegant Four Winds Steakhouse.
Unlike the quick-service restaurants common in today’s theme parks, Four Winds offered guests a sit-down dining experience high above the park, complete with sweeping views of the surrounding Santa Clarita Valley.
In 1988, after the opening of the park’s suspended roller coaster Ninja, the restaurant was renamed The Laughing Dragon, embracing the area’s Asian-inspired theme.
For years, it became a familiar landmark for guests making the climb to Samurai Summit.
Eventually, changing guest habits and the park’s evolving dining strategy led to the steakhouse’s closure in 2006. The building briefly operated as a Papa John’s Pizza location before closing permanently in 2008.
Since then, it has quietly watched generations of visitors pass by.
More Than an Empty Building
To younger guests, the vacant structure may have seemed like little more than an abandoned restaurant.
To longtime visitors, however, it represented something much larger.
Magic Mountain has transformed dramatically since its opening more than 50 years ago. Wooden roller coasters gave way to towering steel giants. New technology replaced classic attractions. Entire themed areas evolved with each generation.
Yet the former Laughing Dragon remained—a silent reminder of what the park looked like during its earliest years.
For many fans, it was one of those familiar landmarks that helped connect today’s park with its past.
Samurai Summit Continues to Change
The demolition comes during a period of significant change for the Samurai Summit section of the park.
Nearby, Superman: Escape from Krypton closed in 2024 after decades of launching riders nearly 400 feet into the air. Meanwhile, Tatsu continues to dominate the skyline with one of the world’s most celebrated flying roller coasters.
Construction is also underway on Magic Mountain’s newest attraction—a Vekoma Thrill Glider Roller Coaster, expected to debut in 2027. While the park has not announced what will replace the Laughing Dragon site, many enthusiasts believe the area could become part of future expansion plans.
The Challenge of Preserving Theme Park History
Unlike museums or historic landmarks, amusement parks are constantly reinventing themselves.
Older attractions are removed to make room for larger, faster, and more technologically advanced experiences. Restaurants close as guest preferences change. Buildings that once bustled with activity can quickly become obsolete.
From a business standpoint, redevelopment makes sense.
But every demolition also removes another tangible connection to the park’s history.
Many Disney attractions have been preserved through photographs, documentaries, and archives. Regional parks like Magic Mountain often receive far less historical attention, making the loss of original structures even more significant for longtime fans.
Looking Ahead
Magic Mountain has not revealed what, if anything, will replace the Laughing Dragon building.
Whether the site becomes part of a new attraction, additional guest amenities, or another expansion remains to be seen.
What is certain is that another piece of the park’s 1971 identity is about to disappear.
For those who grew up visiting Magic Mountain, it’s another reminder that while roller coasters continue to evolve, nostalgia often rides alongside progress.
Did You Know?
- 🎢 Magic Mountain opened on May 29, 1971.
- 🥩 The building originally housed the Four Winds Steakhouse.
- 🐉 It became The Laughing Dragon after Ninja opened in 1988.
- 🍕 It briefly served as a Papa John’s before closing permanently in 2008.
- 🏗️ The building sat vacant for nearly 18 years before demolition plans were approved.
STM Daily News Perspective
As someone who grew up in Southern California, I know that Magic Mountain wasn’t just another amusement park—it was part of the Southern California experience. While the biggest headlines usually focus on new roller coasters, it’s often the quieter stories, like the loss of a familiar restaurant overlooking the park, that resonate most with longtime visitors. Places like the Laughing Dragon became part of family traditions, first dates, school trips, and summer vacations. Its demolition is a reminder that every park evolves, but each change also closes another chapter of its history.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever eaten at the Four Winds or the Laughing Dragon? Do you have memories of visiting Magic Mountain in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, or early 2000s?
Share your favorite Magic Mountain memories in the comments below, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more stories celebrating Southern California history, attractions, and the places that shaped our communities.
Related Links
