Without thinking too much about it, I accepted my friend’s invite to Six Flags off the high from Disneyland and Universal Studios. I’m an amusement park girlie now, didn’t ya know? I went to bed binging POV videos on Youtube, slowly realising what I was getting myself into, wondering if I’d survive the day ahead.

The first time I ever went on an extreme roller coaster was a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey) during summer camp in middle school. I have no idea what my friend and I spent our time doing, because we were too scared of the big kid roller coasters. We probably just ate a lot of food and browsed the merch shops, but at some point, we figured we should probably go on at least one. Working up the courage for Bizarro (now Medusa), we promised to hold each other’s hand through the whole ride. As soon as we tottered on the first crest, it was every woman for herself. We immediately released each other to grip our own restraints.

It was time to put myself to the test again. I hoped my dear companion would have some limits to what she was willing to ride… But as luck would have it, it turns out she’s a roller coaster junkie AND she’s gone sky diving before, of course! Thank god Goliath was closed for maintenance.

For once, I welcomed waiting in long lines. Without that buffer between rides, I might have gone lightheaded! In line, I was completely at ease… right up until it was time to strap ourselves in. Then I would start shaking uncontrollably! I tried to play it off as nervous excitement, bouncing my legs and shaking out my arms in exaggeration. To my friend, I deliriously loud whispered: I’m literally shaking!!!!! But as soon as we hit the first drop, I’d have the time of my life.

Didn’t stop me from shaking before every ride though! My mantra of the day: Jesus, take the wheel. The trick is to relax your body and just let yourself flop around. From my own experience, that feeling in your stomach is stronger if your body is more rigid.

We rode Full Throttle, The New Revolution, Tatzu, Wonder Woman: Flight of Courage, Scream!, and Superman: Escape from Krypton. While waiting in line for the next ride, I’d debrief with my friend and ask her what part of the previous ride she thought was most fun and what part was most scary. She didn’t understand the concept of “scary” — it was all fun for her 💀 But her favourite ride was Superman, and mine was Wonder Woman. I liked all the loops!

It got dark before the park closed so we headed out early because it was super cold and our Californian selves were unprepared, but not before nabbing a cookies and cream thrillshake! We couldn’t resist something called a “thrillshake,” and the line for funnel cakes was too long. Dumb decision? Good decision? Who’s to say?

Next time, I’ll face Goliath. But Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom is a big no from me!! Never!!!

PS: Disneyland Christmas 2022, Universal Studios Christmas 2022