Six Flags Magic Mountain!

My eye looks so excited to be riding this roller coaster!

 I made the cross-country drive from California to Florida for the holidays, I decided to have one last hoorah with some friends by going to Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. This was my second trip to Six Flags – I had gone for the first time maybe two months ago after purchasing a fantastic Labor Day (I think?) Gold membership deal that included the rest of the year plus all of 2015 as well as VIP Parking (and with $20 minimum for parking, that was a HUGE bonus!). The last trip was fun but we only went on 4 rides before my sister wasn't feeling too well. Being a huge fan of roller coasters, I have been looking forward to going back so when my friend Luke invited me to go, I jumped at the chance.

My friends and I all arrived at the park bright and early around 9:30am. Unfortunately, the park didn't open until 10:30. On that particular day, however, they were letting Season Pass holders in half an hour early to ride the popular X2 roller coaster. My friend Kyle and I were the only pass holders and as much as we love our friends, we couldn’t say no to the early access. Unfortunately, X2 was closed due to the wind that day, so we instead got to ride Full Throttle which is the world’s highest vertical loop roller coaster. Since there was barely a line, we got to sit in the very front – something I always want to but rarely do because of the extra long wait – not an issue this time! In short, Full Throttle was AWESOME!

NO LINES!! Why can't rides always look like this?

Front row with Kyle on Full Throttle!

Afterwards, Kyle and I went to check on X2 but it was still closed and didn’t look like it was going to be running anytime soon (it did not run the entire day). Since we liked Full Throttle so much, once our other friends were let in, we decided to ride it again with them. The second time, I decided to ride it from the very back. Once again, it was awesome (although front row is definitely the way to go).

Next up was Superman. You are accelerated in reverse from 0 to 100+mph in seven seconds and climb nearly 41 stories into the air before plunging back down. This is a ride that Kyle, our Six Flags and roller coaster connoisseur has never ridden for one reason or another. Last trip, it was down for maintenance. This time around, not only did we get to ride it, but the wait time was the shortest out of all the rides we went on that day (minus the early access Full Throttle). Despite the short duration time, it was still quite the thrill. Little piece of advice though if you ever go on it yourself - try to sit in one of the inside seats. I was on the outside and your outer arm is closed off so you can’t lift it or move it much and it feels very awkward. I wanted to raise my hands up during the ride (like I do on most roller coasters) but could not all while feeling very uncomfortable.

Everyone (Kyle, Kaleb, Sammy, Chelsea, me, and Luke) in front of the Superman ride

Goliath was next on the list. This was the only roller coaster from the day that I had been on from my first trip. It features an opening drop of 255 feet into a underground tunnel and multiple steep banking turns. I'm glad I got to go on it again as I feel this was probably favorite ride of the day because it felt the longest and also seemed to have the most variety. Luke and I made it our goal to try and look as bored as possible when the camera took our picture during the ride. Since I had never ridden this coaster before, I didn’t know where the camera would be. I had a split second to make a face and I think my bored face came off more as disgust. I quite like it. I also like how peaceful Luke looks. I had to be sneaky about taking a picture of the screen so sorry for the terrible quality.

Luke and mine's "bored" faces

After Goliath, we were ready to tackle Tatsu. It is known as the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster, the only flying roller coaster to feature a zero-gravity roll, and has the world’s highest pretzel loop. So lots of accolades. Impressive. I have never been on a "flying" roller coaster. Apparently, this is a type of roller coaster that is meant to simulate flight by harnessing you into a prone position with your back parallel to the track. Interesting. We waited in line for about two hours before we finally made it to the front of the line. There were only three people ahead of me so we were up next. Then, the announcement we all dread hearing was made. The ride was shut down for maintenance. NOOOOO. We waited a bit before giving up and deciding to have lunch.

While I had packed a few snacks, I didn’t have any “real” food so I dished out $12 for some overpriced Panda Express – something I’ve only had once before. Luckily, I was able to get two meals out of it later so that helped justify the cost in my head somewhat. Not really.

It had been getting colder and windier as the day progressed. Most rides seemed to be closed – we actually had quite a difficult time trying to find one that was open. We finally saw Apocalypse, currently Six Flags only wooden roller coaster, was running.  While there were no crazy loops, it was still a very intense and aggressive ride that I really enjoyed - perhaps helped by the fact that I was once again in my favorite spot, the front!

 

All of us waiting in line for the Apocalypse ride

After Apocolypse, we circled the park again looking for more rides that were actually open. Tatsu by that time was back up and running. Alright, Take Two. We waited another hour and a half, but we eventually did make it! I have to say this was definitely the scariest out of all the roller coasters I've ever ridden. Since the cars are suspended below the track, you have no idea where you're going or what’s coming next on the coaster which was scary and thrilling at the same time. It was dark so a little difficult to see, but they fly you over trees which are really beautiful and since there’s no track you can see in front of you, just whatever is below you and open air, it almost feels like you’re flying through a forest.

How GORGEOUS was this sky?

With the park closing in an hour or so, we were debating whether or not to squeeze in one more ride. Chelsea and her boyfriend, Sammy, were done for the day and decided to get funnel cake – not a bad decision, but the rest of us decided to head to Batman. The wait was relatively short as was the ride (although it wasn’t Superman short). There were some intense corkscrew spins and I’m not sure if it was the wind or the ride itself, but there were some parts of the ride where the pressure was so much I couldn’t even raise up my arms.

With that, our day at Six Flags was over and it was time for me to go back to my place, finish packing, and start my insane road trip back home to Florida! Thank goodness, I did not have to worry about driving, just managing the Spotify playlist - which if you don't know about yet, there is a 99 cent for 3 months premium deal for first time users that is an absolute STEAL. As I post this, I am currently in Louisiana, just another 11 hours or so from home!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

WB VIP Tour

For the past couple of months, my younger sister has been working as a tour guide on the WB VIP Tour. It wasn't until my parents came to visit that I finally saw her in action on one of her tours.  Needless to say, she was absolutely wonderful - super knowledgeable about the various shows and sets, providing us lots of fun and interesting facts; extremely accommodating to the whole group, making sure everyone got a chance to see what they wanted, ask any questions, and take lots of pictures; and of course very friendly, patient, and funny - loved some of her little jokes. My sister has always been a little shy around strangers so it was amazing to see her so comfortable leading a whole group of them!

Even though this was the first time having my sister as a guide, this was my second time doing the tour. I knew going into it that the guide asks you what are some of your favorite WB shows and then tries to cater the tour around what the group likes. 

One of my favorite shows/guilty pleasures is Hart of Dixie which I believe is the only CW show shot at the studio. My sister tells me very few people on her tours watch the show or even have heard it! As a result, she doesn't often get a chance to show the sets since as I said the tours are catered towards the group's tastes. With shooting starting for the show's third season, we were both very excited to see the sets! My sister was somehow able to show our group not just one Hart of Dixie set but two!! If you watch the show too, I'll try to not to spoil too much - but the sets have definitely changed! I can't wait to see what this next season has in store!

The other sets we got to walk through was The Big Bang Theory and Pretty Little Liars. It was so interesting to see how a sitcom is shot with a live audience. I can't believe they actually will shoot an entire episode in chronological order with the audience there for 6-10 or however many hours it takes. Compared to how it looks like on TV, the sets seem so SMALL! Also everything was covered up because at the time, contract negotiations were still going on and they hadn't started shooting anything so there wasn't too much to see but the main sets (Leonard and Sheldon's apartment, the stairway, etc) were recognizable. They also still had up the burned down comic book store from last season. Oh what I would give to be able to participate in one of these tapings! Sure they might be long, but at least they feed you (whoo pizza!) and you get to a chance to see TWO episodes before they air (not only the show being taped that day, but the previous shot episode as well so you have an idea of what's going on in the storyline)!

Hour long drama shows like Hart of Dixie and Pretty Little Liars are shot sooo differently! I don't watch PLL but it was still really neat to walk around the various school and character bedroom sets! Unfortunately, you can't take any pictures of the sets BUT you can take all the pictures you want of the outside lots. The above photo is the exterior of the Rosewood High School in Pretty Little Liars.

This blue house is used as Zoe Hart's (Rachel Bilson) medical practice in Hart of Dixie, Sookie's house in Gilmore Girls, James Dean's house in East of Eden, Boss Hog's house in the original Dukes of Hazzard series, and Jill's sorority house in Chuck. <-- thanks to my sister for refreshing me on these and many other facts while I wrote this post <3

The above is what they call a "tromploy" (not sure about that spelling...) but it's French for "to fool the eye" - our eyes see in 3D but the camera sees in 2D, therefore, if they paint a wall to look 3D then it'll actually look real on camera especially if it's in the background. Just thought that was pretty neat.

The above right is where the iconic upside-down Spiderman kiss was filmed. The above left shows the full alley which is called Tenement Alley. It's been used for several musical numbers such as "It's A Hard Knock Life" in Annie, "Sante Fe" in The Newsies with Christian Bale, and the "I Should Tell You" duet in the snow from Rent. That doorway with the red sign next to it the Alibi Room alley entrance from the TV show Shameless.

A highlight for many people is being able to see the original Central Perk set from Friends - you'll be shocked at how small it is! Not only do you get to see it, but you can take pictures sitting on the couch with your family and friends! Of course, we did this-- here are individual pics of me with my mom and dad. I know I have one with my sister too but can't seem to find it :(

If you happen to be in the LA area, I highly recommend you checking out this tour!

What are some of your favorite WB shows?

Santa Monica + Outfit(s) of the Night

Last Friday, I went out to Santa Monica with my sister and friends and had a really amazing time at the Pier and Promenade! While out, I thought it'd be fun to do a quick little Outfit of the Day/Night and everyone was more than happy to participate (I really thought the guys would take some convincing, but they were great haha)! This is the first video I've done with my sister, but I'm sure there will be a lot more since we now live in the same city. Hope you all enjoy the video and don't forget to show some love on my Youtube channel!

I finally went to Umami Burger in LA! I've been to the one that recently opened in NYC, but this was my first one on the west coast. The truffle burger was just as delicious as I remembered it. I devoured it so quickly, if it weren't $12 a burger, I would've ordered a second (and I NEVER do that with burgers). I also got their super yummy sweet potato fries and a Mexican Coke (LOVE!). The Umami was connected (I think) to a Fred Segal store so it was sort of a "mini" restaurant that wasn't the biggest or most impressive - especially when compared to the NYC location which almost feels like a high-end lounge with its decor and full size bar - but it was a good experience nonetheless, and I can't wait to go back!

After dinner, we walked over to the Pier where my sister got to ride her first ferris wheel! The view was incredible and it was really neat to see the city and beach all around us.

Don't we all look so dapper? Don't forget to watch the video to see what we're all wearing!

Have you ever been to Santa Monica?