A major US theme park has announced plans to permanently shut down one of its landmark thrill rides.
Following almost two decades of operation in Southern California, the decision by Six Flags Magic Mountain to close X2 brings an end to a high-profile attraction that has drawn coaster enthusiasts from around the world since its debut.
In an operational update addressed to the park community, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Brian Oerding confirmed that the coaster will be permanently retired. Originally opened in 2008, the fifth-dimension roller coaster has welcomed more than 16 million riders during its operating lifespan. Since then, the X2 coaster has been centre of injury allegations from some guests resulting in lawsuits for the park to deal with, as reported by the BBC.
Addressing the reasons behind the decision, Brian Oerding stated: “While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously.”
He expressed gratitude to the team members who operated and maintained the coaster throughout its run, acknowledging the special place the attraction holds within the coaster community.
Technical specs
Located in the Baja Ridge section of the park, X2 gained global recognition for its unconventional engineering configuration, devised by defunct rollercoaster manufacturer Arrow Dynamics. As a 4th-dimension model, it features 360-degree rotating seats extending on wings far off the track, allowing riders to rotate independently of the train’s trajectory.
Reaching a top speed of 76 mph and rising to an elevation of 20 stories (200 feet), the 3,610-foot steel coaster incorporates head-first, face-down drops and two rare raven turns, which transition from half loops into vertical drops. The attraction, which requires a minimum rider height of 48 inches and accommodates 28 passengers per train, also featured integrated sensory elements including synchronised music, sound effects, and flame effects designed to heighten sensory engagement.
Safety framework and inspection protocols
Six Flags noted that the closure reflects its wider commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards across its parks. According to official park documentation, attraction operations are subject to multi-layered evaluation procedures that extend beyond daily on-site inspections.
The operator’s safety framework includes independent evaluations by third-party ride inspection firms, state ride inspectors, insurance inspectors, and corporate engineering and safety specialists from Six Flags. Additionally, ride operators and maintenance technicians receive extensive training covering attraction operations, emergency procedures, and guest communication, supported by certifications from International Ride Training.
The park operator emphasised that modern attraction safety relies on continuous technical monitoring, advanced restraint technologies, and redundant control systems. When operational questions arise, park procedures prioritise caution and detailed technical evaluation prior to returning any attraction to service.
Six Flags Magic Mountain will be opening a new roller coaster, Thrill Rider, in 2027.
