Tidal Wave is a Shoot-the-Chutes water ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The ride is located in the Metropolis portion of the park. The ride's theme is related to a tropical environment featuring several palms and trees. The entrance to the ride is next to The Riddler's Revenge which is near to JB's Smokehouse BBQ. The ride is open from the spring season to late September. The ride temporarily closes in early October for Magic Mountain's annual Fright Fest event; the ride's line is used for a maze. During the winter months, the ride is closed to drain the water and clean the ride along with the splash area. The entrance to the Flash Pass is located at the right side exit of the ride. The ride has two large boats which seat a maximum of 20 riders. Both of the boats are typically used every day.
History
Tidal Wave opened in 1989 after there was demand for another water ride in the north section of the park. The park's first log flume, the Log Jammer, opened in 1971 near the entrance of the park. One year later, Jet Stream, a water flume ride featuring a drop opened near Goldrusher's entrance. While Six Flags Magic Mountain already had two flume rides, the park was missing a shoot-the-chutes ride. Construction began after the tracks of Granny Gran Prix were removed in order to make room for the new water ride. When Tidal Wave opened in 1989, it drew a lot of crowds into the Movie District area. Ever since the ride opened in 1989, the ride has undergone no changes.In 1990, the ride made an appearance in the Kidsongs episode Ride the Roller Coaster. In 2017, Tidal Wave closed for maintenance so a new entrance could be added. The ride reopened along with on June 12, 2017.
Ride
Tidal Wave features one drop which ends in a large body of water which creates a large splash. The 20-seat boat is dispatched from the station and it proceeds by going up a conveyor belt. As the boat ascends up, many riders enjoy seeing the right side of Tidal Wave to see the overall track of. Once at the top of the lift hill, the boat begins turning left 180 degrees. During this stage, the boat gains some speed in order to prepare for the drop. Once the boat is at this point, it begins dropping down the drop. One of the unique features of Tidal Wave's drop is that it is not completely straight down. The drop features a small bump which gives the boat more speed and creates more thrill to the riders. Once the boat approaches the large body of water, the boat produces of wave water over. The boat then proceeds moving slowly along the flume and turns 180 degrees to the left to enter the station.
Height requirements
In order for guests to ride Tidal Wave, riders must be at least. Guest who are less than cannot ride due to safety reasons. The boats feature a lap bar restraint for each row. Six Flags Magic Mountain labels the ride as a family friendly ride.
