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Tatsu
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Tatsu
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Tatsu
Tatsu's terrain layout
Six Flags Magic Mountain
LocationSix Flags Magic Mountain
Park sectionSamurai Summit
Coordinates34°25′19″N 118°35′51″W / 34.42194°N 118.59750°W / 34.42194; -118.59750
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 13, 2006 (2006-05-13)
Cost$21 million
General statistics
TypeSteel – Flying
ManufacturerBolliger & Mabillard
ModelFlying Coaster
Track layoutTerrain
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height170 ft (52 m)
Drop111 ft (34 m)
Length3,602 ft (1,098 m)
Speed62 mph (100 km/h)
Inversions4
Capacity1,600 riders per hour
Height restriction54 in (137 cm)
Trains3 trains with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.
Fast Lane available
Must transfer from wheelchair
Tatsu at RCDB

Tatsu is a flying roller coaster designed by Bolliger & Mabillard at the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park located in Valencia, California, United States. Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, it opened as the tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster in the world on May 13, 2006. It became the park's seventeenth coaster, featuring a height of 170 feet (52 m), a track length of 3,602 feet (1,098 m), and a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). Tatsu also features the world's tallest pretzel loop and the only zero-gravity roll inversion on a flying coaster model. Nearly a decade later, The Flying Dinosaur opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2016, breaking Tatsu's length record and matching its speed. In its debut season, Tatsu was ranked 40th among steel coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards from Amusement Today, peaking with a rank of 28 in 2012.

History

[edit]

Land clearing began in mid-2005 around the Samurai Summit area of the park with track for the new roller coaster arriving soon thereafter.[1] Construction permits filed by Six Flags Magic Mountain and a trademark for the name Tatsu (filed on August 23, 2005) were later found by the public.[2] Tatsu was officially announced to the public on November 17, 2005.[3][4] Both Revolution and Roaring Rapids were temporarily closed in order for the roller coaster to be built.[1] After construction and testing was complete, Tatsu opened to the general public on May 13, 2006.[5]

Tatsu broke several records upon opening, becoming the world's tallest, fastest, and longest flying roller coaster. It held these records until The Flying Dinosaur opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2016, which broke Tatsu's length record and matched the coaster's top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). Tatsu still remains the tallest, and it also features the tallest pretzel loop in the world, which stands 124 feet (38 m). Its zero-gravity roll is the only one featured on a flying coaster model.[6][7][8][9][10]

Ride experience

[edit]

After riders board the train situated in a vertical, standing position, each car then pivots its seats backward 90 degrees, transitioning riders into a horizontal flying position.[11][4]

The train then dispatches from the station, makes a slight s-bend turn toward the 170-foot (52 m) chain lift hill. After reaching the top, riders descend 111 feet (34 m) through a downward right turn reaching a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). This is followed by an upward right turn into the first inversion, a 103-foot-tall (31 m) corkscrew. This leads into a downward left turn immediately followed by an upward left turn, and then the train enters a 96-foot (29 m) zero-gravity roll. Riders then experience a sharp drop followed by an 80-foot (24 m) horseshoe element. The train makes a left turn and enters a record-breaking 124-foot (38 m) pretzel loop. This is followed by a slight left turn leading into an inline twist and a 135-degree downward right turn. The train rises back up slightly, leveling out and entering a mid-course brake run. Another series of turns follows, with the train veering downward and then upward to the left, ending at the final brake run and returning to the station.[4][11]

One cycle of the ride lasts approximately two minutes.[12]

Characteristics

[edit]

Trains

[edit]

Tatsu operates with three steel and fiberglass trains. Each train has eight cars that can seat four riders in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.[5] Each seat has its own over-the-shoulder-restraint and a pair of ankle restraints to hold the riders' feet in place.[13] The trains are painted green, yellow, orange, and red.[14]

In the station, the trains are oriented in a vertical position in order to allow riders to board. Once the restraints are locked, the train seats are rotated forward 90 degrees into a horizontal position and the train is then dispatched from the station. When the train returns to the station, the seats rotate back down and the riders disembark for the next guests.[11][4]

Track

[edit]

The steel track of Tatsu is 3,602 feet (1,098 m) long and reaches its maximum height on the lift hill at 170 feet (52 m). To slow the train, air brakes are utilized in both brake runs.[13] The track was fabricated by Clermont Steel Fabricators in Batavia, Ohio, which manufactures Bolliger & Mabillard's roller coasters.[15][16][17] The coaster opened with red and yellow track with orange supports; it was later repainted to have orange track with green supports.[5]

  • Seats are boarded normally, then rotate 90 degrees into flying position once engaged
    Seats are boarded normally, then rotate 90 degrees into flying position once engaged
  • Tatsu's 124-foot-tall pretzel loop
    Tatsu's 124-foot-tall pretzel loop

Reception

[edit]

Joel Bullock from The Coaster Critic rated Tatsu a nine out of ten for its close-to-the-ground approaches and intense pretzel loop at the bottom of the element.[18] Justice from Park Thoughts also rated the roller coaster a nine out of ten, stating, "The lift hill is one of the most suspenseful I have ever experienced."[19] Both praised the ride's g-forces.[18][19] In 2006, Discovery Channel's Mega Builders aired an episode which followed the construction of Tatsu. The episode showed how the coaster was assembled and the problems construction crews had to overcome.[20]

In Tatsu's opening year, it was named the 40th best steel roller coaster in the world in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards; tied with Talon at Dorney Park.[21] It peaked at 28th place in 2012.[22]

Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year 1998 1999
Ranking – –
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Ranking – – – – – – 40[21] 41[23] 36[24] 32[25]
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Ranking 40[26] 39[27] 28[22] 50[28] 34[29] – – – – 49 (tie)[30]
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Ranking N/A – – – – –

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Tatsu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tatsu is a steel flying roller coaster at amusement park in , , where riders are positioned face-down in a prone flying position throughout the experience. The ride's name derives from the Japanese term tatsu (龍 or 竜), meaning "," reflecting its thematic inspiration from , in which dragons are powerful, serpentine water deities associated with control over rain, rivers, and seas. Positioned at the summit of the park's Samurai Summit area, Tatsu features a striking orange track with green supports, evoking the image of a soaring mythical beast, and was constructed at a cost of approximately $21 million. Opened to the public on May 13, 2006, Tatsu holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest flying , with a structural height of 170 feet (52 meters) and an elevation change of 263 feet when accounting for the mountainous terrain. The coaster propels passengers to a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) along a 3,602-foot (1,098-meter) track, navigating four inversions—a 103-foot , a 96-foot zero-g roll, an 80-foot horseshoe roll, and a 124-foot pretzel loop—over a duration of about two minutes. This layout delivers intense aerial maneuvers, including a signature 111-foot drop that provides a direct "stare-down" with the ground, making Tatsu a signature thrill attraction known for its smooth operation and immersive sense of flight.

History

Development and announcement

Rumors of a new flying coaster at began circulating among enthusiasts in the summer of 2004, fueled by speculation about expansions in the park's Samurai Summit area. On November 17, 2005, officially announced Tatsu, positioning it as the tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster in the world upon completion. The reveal emphasized the ride's innovative prone rider position and multiple inversions, intended to enhance the park's reputation for thrill innovations. The project, costing $21 million, marked one of the park's largest capital investments in recent years and selected as the manufacturer for their established expertise in designing smooth, high-capacity flying coasters. Tatsu was planned as the park's 17th , further solidifying Magic Mountain's status as a premier destination for extreme rides.

Construction and opening

Construction of Tatsu commenced in mid-2005, with initial site preparation involving land clearing in the Summit area of . Track components began arriving from the manufacturer in shortly thereafter, and onsite erection was managed by Valley Iron Works. Following the ride's announcement in November 2005, construction progressed swiftly through the winter months, incorporating the custom flying coaster design by . Tatsu debuted to the public on May 13, 2006, marked by a grand that featured media previews, overnight by eager fans, and dragon-themed promotions reflecting the ride's mythical beast motif. At its launch, Tatsu established multiple world records for flying coasters: the tallest at 170 feet (52 m), the highest top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h), the longest track length of 3,602 feet (1,098 m), and the tallest pretzel loop inversion at 124 feet (38 m). These distinctions held until March 2016, when at eclipsed the length record at 3,688 feet (1,124 m) and matched the speed, while also achieving the tallest drop among flying coasters.

Design and engineering

Track layout and elements

Tatsu features a track layout measuring 3,602 feet (1,098 m) in length, with a maximum of 170 feet (52 m), a first drop of 111 feet (34 m), and a total of four inversions. The ride's terrain-hugging design integrates the natural contours of Magic Mountain's hills, enhancing gravitational forces and providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape during the course. The layout begins with a 170-foot (52 m) lift hill, followed by a 111-foot (34 m) twisting first drop into a 104-foot (32 m) , then a 96-foot (29 m) zero-g roll. Subsequent elements include an 80-foot (24 m) horseshoe roll and a 124-foot (38 m) pretzel loop—the tallest of its kind. The track is constructed from tubing with a gauge of 9 feet 10 inches (3.00 ), following Bolliger & Mabillard's standard for flying coasters to support the prone rider position. In 2021, the track was repainted from its original red rails with yellow spine and orange supports to dark orange rails with green supports, as part of routine to protect against corrosion and improve aesthetics. The entire ride cycle lasts approximately 2 minutes.

Trains and restraints

Tatsu operates with three trains, each consisting of eight cars that accommodate 32 riders in a 4-across, single-row configuration. The trains feature vibrant color schemes incorporating green, yellow, orange, and red accents, enhancing the ride's thematic dragon motif. This setup enables a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,600 riders, supporting efficient throughput during peak operations. The restraint system on Tatsu is designed specifically for its flying coaster layout, utilizing over-the-shoulder harnesses (one per row) combined with dual ankle restraints to secure riders in the prone, face-down position and prevent leg movement during inversions. These mechanisms ensure safety across the ride's four inversions by maintaining rider posture against high forces, with the harnesses engaging automatically after boarding. Prior to ascending the lift hill, each pauses on the pre-lift run, where the seats pivot 90 degrees from an upright boarding position to the horizontal flying orientation, locking riders into place once restraints are secured. This transition is a hallmark of Bolliger & Mabillard's flying coaster design, allowing for a seamless shift to the aerial experience. Rider eligibility requires a minimum height of 54 inches (137 cm), and a strict no loose articles policy is enforced to mitigate risks from the open flying configuration, with storage options available in the station.

Ride experience

Loading and launch

Riders approach Tatsu through the queue in the Samurai Summit area, featuring a switchback design that enhances throughput for the ride's high capacity of up to 1,600 guests per hour. The queue incorporates Japanese garden elements such as stone lanterns and water features, alongside dragon motifs that evoke the coaster's mythical theme. Boarding occurs in a seated position directly on the station platform, where attendants conduct thorough safety checks on the over-the-shoulder restraints to ensure secure fit before the train is dispatched. The 32-rider configuration facilitates efficient loading, helping to manage wait times during peak operations. After dispatch, the train advances forward along a short pre-lift section and pauses at transfer brakes, at which point hydraulic pivots activate to rotate the seats 90 degrees, positioning riders face-down in the flying orientation. This transition prepares guests for the immersive prone experience unique to flying coasters. The train then ascends the chain to a height of 170 feet (52 meters) at a steady pace, offering sweeping views of and the surrounding landscape to heighten anticipation.

Course progression

Upon release from the 170-foot (52-meter) chain , riders, positioned face-down in flying restraints, experience a 111-foot drop incorporating an initial 96-foot inversion, accelerating to a top speed of 62 mph while offering an unobstructed view of the below. This descent builds immediate intensity through the twisting motion and gravitational pull, setting a high pace for the circuit. The ride then progresses into an 80-foot zero-gravity roll, inducing a sensation of as riders float freely in their , mimicking a maneuver. This is followed by an 80-foot horseshoe roll, which twists the train through a sharp 180-degree turn while maintaining the flying sensation with lateral forces. Next, the train enters the signature 124-foot pretzel loop, a massive inversion that generates intense lateral forces, with riders' backs skimming close to the ground amid peak g-forces that elicit widespread screams. An subsequent in-line twist at approximately 77 feet adds spinning disorientation, rotating the train 360 degrees for further rotational thrill. The circuit continues with sweeping banked turns and airtime hills that contour the natural terrain of Samurai Summit, providing moments of ejection-like float and panoramic vistas of the surrounding . The overall pacing escalates from the exhilarating drop to a climax in the pretzel loop's ferocity, then eases into resolving twists and airy undulations that emphasize the flying sensation. Finally, the train enters the brake run, where magnetic brakes decelerate the vehicles smoothly before returning to the unload station, at which point the restraints pivot riders back to a seated position for disembarkation.

Theme and theming

Etymology and concept

The name "Tatsu" is derived from the Japanese word for "," specifically a kun'yomi reading of the kanji 竜 or 龍, evoking the mythical flying creatures central to and symbolizing power, grace, and aerial prowess. This linguistic choice aligns with the ride's flying coaster design, where riders are positioned horizontally in a prone stance to replicate the sensation of soaring through the air like a dragon. The conceptual intent behind Tatsu was to immerse riders in the experience of flight, drawing inspiration from Japanese mythological depictions of dragons as benevolent yet formidable beings capable of commanding the skies. The layout incorporates inversions and high-speed elements intended to mimic aerial maneuvers, such as twisting dives and loops, enhancing the thematic illusion of mythical navigation. Tatsu's marketing reinforced this folklore-inspired theme with the tagline "Fly at the speed of fear," linking the thrill of rapid and inversion to the awe-inspiring terror of encountering a dragon in flight. This conceptual framework not only differentiated the attraction within the genre but also integrated it into the park's Summit area, evoking broader elements of Japanese without relying on overt narrative storytelling.

Theming elements

Tatsu's theming is centered on a motif, reflecting its name meaning "" in Japanese, with visual elements designed to evoke the sensation of flight as a mythical beast. The station and queue are embedded in the area, featuring extensive rockwork that simulates a mountain lair, complete with statues guarding the entrance and Japanese pagoda-style that blends seamlessly with the park's terrain. The ride structure incorporates faux rock formations encasing the lift hill and initial drop, creating the illusion of emerging from a rocky peak. A 2021 repaint transformed the supports and track into vibrant green and orange hues, further emphasizing the scaly texture and enhancing the overall dragon-like appearance. Audio elements contribute to the immersive atmosphere, with queue music featuring taiko drums and ambient nature sounds to evoke a mystical Japanese landscape. On-board, riders experience amplified wind sounds during high-speed sections. The ride integrates with the surrounding park via a themed pathway that connects to nearby attractions like , lined with signage proclaiming the "dragon's flight" to guide guests through the Samurai Summit zone.

Reception

Awards and rankings

Upon its opening in , Tatsu set several world records for flying roller coasters, including the tallest at 170 feet (52 m), the fastest at 62 mph (100 km/h), the longest track at 3,602 feet (1,098 m), and the tallest pretzel loop at 124 feet (38 m). The length record was surpassed in 2016 by at , which matched the speed of 62 mph (100 km/h), though Tatsu retains the height and pretzel loop records to date. In the annual Golden Ticket Awards presented by , Tatsu debuted at 40th among the world's top steel roller coasters in 2006, reached its peak ranking of 28th in 2012, and appeared in lower positions through 2019, including 45th in 2015 and 50th in 2018. It has not placed in the top 50 since 2020. As of 2025, Tatsu retains its height record and is frequently cited in enthusiast rankings as a top flying coaster. In enthusiast polls, Tatsu ranked in the top 50 steel coasters through 2010, reflecting its strong appeal to international riders. Post-2019, Tatsu has not received major new awards but continues to be regarded as an iconic flying coaster, often highlighted in industry retrospectives for its enduring influence on the genre.

Critical and rider reviews

Tatsu has received widespread acclaim from both critics and riders for its innovative flying coaster , which provides a unique sensation of flight through smooth transitions and terrain-hugging elements. The ride's layout is often described as elegant and graceful, with the zero-g roll and heroic spiral praised for delivering floaty, immersive moments that simulate soaring like a dragon. Aggregate rider ratings on enthusiast platforms average 4.8 out of 5 from over 700 reviews, highlighting the coaster's intensity and visual appeal from its elevated position above the park. Critics have ranked Tatsu highly among Magic Mountain's attractions, placing it second overall for its ability to ramp up from gentle drops to exhilarating dives, culminating in a pretzel loop that generates intense positive g-forces. One review awards it a 9.0 out of 10, noting it as the smoothest flying coaster experienced, with unparalleled screams during the 50-foot-taller-than-average pretzel loop. Riders frequently commend the pretzel loop as the ride's standout element, delivering 5 Gs of thrill in a burst of intensity that many find unforgettable. The corkscrew and heartline spin are also appreciated for their graceful, airtime-enhanced maneuvers, evoking comparisons to other flyers while emphasizing Tatsu's superior pacing. However, some riders report discomfort from the prone seating position and restraints, particularly during prolonged inversions, which can feel restrictive for larger guests. The pretzel loop, while a highlight for many, draws criticism for its extreme forces that occasionally overwhelm riders, leading to or post-ride. Operational issues, such as occasional downtime or brake run delays, have frustrated visitors, though these are attributed more to park maintenance than the coaster's . Despite these drawbacks, an 8 out of 10 rating from detailed enthusiast analyses underscores Tatsu's overall appeal as a must-ride for thrill-seekers, with brief airtime moments adding to its floaty character without dominating the experience.

References

  1. https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/attractions/tatsu
  2. https://yokai.com/tatsu/
  3. https://rcdb.com/3305.htm
  4. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/85501-tallest-roller-coaster-flying-design
  5. https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/2310-six-flags-magic-mountain-tatsu-flying-coaster/
  6. https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/six-flags-magic-mountain-announces-tatsu
  7. https://www.dailynews.com/2005/11/17/new-thrill-ride-to-speed-swoop-in-sky-2/
  8. https://newsfeed.time.com/2013/06/21/taller-faster-loopier-7-of-the-worlds-craziest-roller-coasters/slide/tatsu/
  9. https://www.ocregister.com/2005/11/18/six-flags-riders-will-soon-try-to-slay-new-dragon-like-coaster/
  10. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Tatsu
  11. http://www.themeparkreview.com/tatsumediaday/tatsumediaday1.htm
  12. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/81215-longest-roller-coaster-flying-design
  13. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/85497-fastest-roller-coaster-flying-design
  14. https://www.pce-international.com/roller-coaster-ride-restoration/
  15. https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/tatsu
  16. https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201407/4145/
  17. https://www.bolliger-mabillard.com/product/flying-coaster
  18. https://coastercritic.com/2009/02/15/tatsu-six-flags-magic-mountain-coaster-reviews/
  19. https://www.facebook.com/VisitCaliforniaCanada/videos/tatsu-at-six-flags-magic-mountain/3261472434163130/
  20. https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/10498-the-six-flags-magic-mountain-sfmm-discussion-thread/page/608/
  21. http://www.coaster-net.com/news/tatsu-to-fly-into-magic-mountain
  22. https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20051117_01-a.shtml
  23. https://www.parkjourney.com/six-flags/six-flags-magic-mountain-update-tatsu-paint-and-wonder-woman-flight-of-courage-update-5
  24. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Flying_Dinosaur
  25. https://goldenticketawards.com/past-gta-winners/
  26. https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/21509-mitch-hawkers-2007-steel-coaster-poll-results/
  27. https://www.latimes.com/travel/list/every-thrill-ride-six-flags-magic-mountain-ranked
  28. https://www.incrediblecoasters.com/TatsuPhotos.html
  29. https://captaincoaster.com/en/coasters/314/tatsu-six-flags-magic-mountain
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