A Very Useful Attraction

Jack eagerly dressed himself in all things Thomas the Tank Engine for the media preview of the new Thomas Town attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain on June 5. Sir Topham Hatt was on hand to greet little Thomasophiles who stared up in awe at the costumed character as well as the other fanfare. 

Kids can catch a ride on Percy, who comes to life in a small kid-only roller coaster. The brief Thomas train ride circles the Island of Sodor and then dumps you right into the gift shop. But for that quick trek, kids are transported to a really useful place with characters who work out their conflicts in a pace that sends most reasonable adults to the napping couch.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the small area and minimal attractions but was more impressed by how the park has worked to clean up its reputation and aim for younger families and kids. Bugs Bunny World (whom Jack referred to as "Little Bunny Foo-Foo") is tailor-made for the toddler and preschool set, and the rides are "mild" on the park's "thrill-rating" scale.

Although Thomas was the main attraction that day, Jack's favorite moment was bumping into the real-live Batman near the entrance to the park. He made me promise to come back for a photo op with the Caped Crusader – and some time with Little Bunny Foo-Foo.