Six Flags Magic Mountain is the roller coaster capital of the world
The world’s roller coaster capital is in the United States…for now.
CNN Travel reports that with 20 roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA has the most roller coasters than any other amusement park in the world. The park, whose slogan is “Thrill Capital of the World,” even has a mention in the Guiness Book of World Records for this feat.
Martin Lewison, an associate professor of business management at Farmingdale State College on Long Island, New York, is a fan of Magic Mountain’s coaster collection and is well-versed in what makes a good coaster. Lewison is also known as “Professor Roller Coaster” and, according to CNN Travel, has ridden 2,260 of them worldwide.
“I think there are a lot of great rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain.” Lewison told CNN Travel. He also spoke to Magic Mountain doing its best to be “a cutting-edge leader and pushing the envelope in terms of what kinds of coasters it builds. And it has a really good eclectic mix of rides. … I would say that it ticks both boxes, doing well in quantity and quality.”
Although Magic Mountain had to beat out theme parks around the world and in the U.S., including the other 26 Six Flags parks, Lewison notes that Magic Mountain’s location has helped it to develop in ways others parks haven’t yet.
“A large theme park is more likely to thrive in an area that’s highly economically developed. Right? And if you’re talking about Southern California, you’re talking about probably one of the most prosperous regional economies in the world,” Lewison said.
The roller coaster expert also noted that Southern California’s warm weather also helps it to have a longer season, which allows the park to earn more revenue.
Despite Magic Mountain being the reigning coaster capital, it’s possible it could lose its spot, though. As of 2022, Coasterpedia ranked Energylandia in Poland at number two with 19 roller coasters, while Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario comes in at number three with 17.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.
This story was originally published May 3, 2023 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Six Flags Magic Mountain is the roller coaster capital of the world."