Six Flags Magic Mountain has a lot of stuff to do.  I’m sure the food is great.  There are undoubtedly some fun shows.  There are probably some lazy, enjoyable rides.

But when I think about SFMM, I think about one thing…  Nearly urinating my pants and/or vomiting as I’m hurled through time and space, playing nearly impossible games with gravity while locked into a SERIOUS roller coaster.  Magic Mountain boasts no fewer than 16 roller coasters that rate either a “moderate” or “max” thrill factor.

If you can stomach the coasters, you can get into Six Flags on the cheap.  This LA entertainment tradition does a great job of providing cut-rate ways for families to get into the complex.

Although the printable Six Flags Magic Mountain coupons offered by the State of California last year have expired, you shouldn’t have much problem finding new ones.  I wouldn’t be surprised in Arnold didn’t have the state print up another batch for this year.  Until the Governator gets his act together, however, I’d recommend starting with a look-see at the Magic Mountain site.  They often have some great specials and coupons.  It’s pretty common to find “two for one deals” there.

If that doesn’t do the trick, you might want to consider a cool, refreshing Coca Cola.  Quenching your thirst can save you some big money, as Magic Mountain coupons frequently appear right on the good ol’ 12 oz. can.  SFMM and Coke have a nice little summer vacation symbiosis thing happening, and these offers usually aren’t too hard to find if you’re in the LA area.  (Note:  The above-referenced link verifies the Coke ads, but it also recommends the old “lick your hand” and share the admission stamp scheme.  We don’t advocate sneaking in or entering under false premises here.  We’re all about saving money, but we do draw the line before we stray into the realm of criminal activity).

Coke isn’t the only coaster sponsor and Six Flags Magic Mountain coupons also appear at area grocery stores like Ralph’s and at big-name fast food joints like Burger King and McDonalds.  All three are worth a look if you’re motivated to get into Magic Mountain on the cheap.

Finding online sources for these coupons isn’t as easy as you might think, however.  Even usually reliable sources for great coupons and discounts like CouponMountain can offer little more than a link back to Magic Mountain’s own website.  Online coupons do show up occasionally (like the State of CA offering), but not nearly as much as do traditional “hard” coupons.

You can also check for SFMM cupons on eBay.  The auction monster is usually overflowing with sales on Six Flags Magic Mountain coupons and discounts.  It may cost you a little bit of money this way, but you’ll still be able to net huge savings.  Take a good look at the coupons and examine the expiration dates before making a buy, though.

If you’re looking for a summer trip that involves feeling as if you’re strapped to a get engine on rails, don’t pay full price.  You might need to work a little harder to find Magic Mountain coupons than you would to save a quarter on a box of Wheaties, but the potential savings are worth the effort.  Entertainment is rarely cheap and theme park entertainment has NEVER been cheap.  That’s not going to change this summer.

Oh, and if you’re planning to ride The Viper, you might want to consider scheduling your ride before you have a meal.  It’s that awesome.