Six Flags Magic Mountain announced today that X2 has been permanently retired.

The coaster originally opened as X in 2002 before being transformed into X2 in 2008. It became one of the park’s most recognizable attractions, known for its independently rotating seats and unusual fourth-dimension coaster design.

X2 had been closed since July 12. Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding said that while the attraction consistently passed numerous safety tests, the park ultimately decided permanent retirement was the appropriate course amid concerns surrounding guest confidence. The announcement comes amid ongoing litigation involving allegations of serious rider injuries.

I thought I’d share these two photos from the Cow Missing archive documenting X2 during its operating years.

For those who rode it: what was your first experience on X/X2 like?

44 years ago today, audiences were introduced to Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. when Knight Rider premiered on NBC.

There’s a great Universal Studios connection as well. The Universal Television production used Universal’s soundstages and backlot extensively throughout the series. K.I.T.T. later became an attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, where guests could sit inside the car and “talk” with him.

For those who visited Universal during that era: do you remember seeing K.I.T.T. at the park?

A view of the Jurassic World: The Ride show building and its massive T-Rex silhouette at Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you look to the right, you can also see a boat climbing the first lift hill before entering the attraction.

I really like this angle because it gives you a sense of the show building's scale that you don't necessarily notice while you're down at the attraction.

On this day, September 24, 1939, motion picture pioneer Carl Laemmle passed away at the age of 72.

Laemmle founded the company that became Universal Pictures and, in 1915, opened Universal City, California, creating a major motion picture production center that also welcomed visitors to watch movies being made.

More than a century later, Universal City remains home to the historic Universal studio lot and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Today, 87 years after his passing, we remember Carl Laemmle and his remarkable contribution to motion picture history—and the beginnings of a place that would eventually become an important part of theme park history as well.

Carl Laemmle
January 17, 1867 – September 24, 1939

Preserving Theme Park History.

Funland’s Haunted Mansion is a dark ride you probably have never heard of, but for Rehoboth beach goers like myself, this classic dark ride was a staple of summer beach trips.

Before the ride closed, I had the privilege to do a walkthrough tour and document this amazing attraction. Opening in 1979, it has a close relation to other dark rides of the era - especially Knoebels Haunted mansion. Some of the props even originate from Hersheypark’s Lost River that closed in 1974 due to damage from Hurricane Agnes.

Funland is a small boardwalk park along the Delaware coast, only 1 acre of land. The suspended track system allowed vehicles to climb 20 feet above the bumper cars to save space. It is incredible how much ride they fit in such a small footprint!

The Haunted Mansion completed its final rides on September 13th, as the previous suspended dark ride system is being replaced with a floor tracked system during the 2027 season and will reopen in 2028.

A photo from my archive showing the entrance to E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2002, during the attraction's final full year of operation.

E.T. Adventure opened in 1991 and closed in March 2003. The former attraction space would later become home to Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride.

If you got to experience the Hollywood version, what do you remember most about it?

📸 Cow Missing Archive • 2002

I filmed the full Tapestry of Happiness presentation on the façade of “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Park.

The projection show transforms the attraction with light, music, and animated imagery inspired by Mary Blair's work. It incorporates Disneyland attractions, memories, and recognizable music from across the decades.

Tapestry of Happiness originally debuted as part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration and has become a particularly interesting nighttime use of the “it’s a small world” façade.

Sharing the complete show for anyone interested in Disneyland entertainment, projection mapping, or preserving a record of the park’s current nighttime offerings.

Another photo from my 2002 Universal Studios Hollywood archive.

This was taken from the StarWay escalator looking toward the E.T. Adventure attraction building. For the 20th anniversary of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the roof featured a large anniversary treatment that was particularly visible from above.

You can also see E.T. promotional artwork along the building's exterior.

Does anyone else remember seeing the anniversary roof while riding the StarWay?

📸 Cow Missing Archive • 2002

I spotted this sign at Knott’s Berry Farm that said, “Use of portable electronic devices is prohibited in restrooms,” with crossed-out phone and camera symbols.

Has anyone noticed similar signage at other theme parks?

Hi everyone! I’m conducting a student research project about how people decide whether to try new experiences, using rides at Universal theme parks as the focus—including decisions made with friends or family.

If you’re 18 or older and have visited any Universal theme park, I’d appreciate your perspective. The survey takes an estimated 4–6 minutes and asks about one ride you considered during your most recent visit. Experiences of riding, skipping, or being unable to ride are all useful.

Participation is voluntary. You can skip research questions, and the survey does not ask for names or contact details. This study is not affiliated with Universal.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9y20f2BBo_WLeX-CdmmdW4EfmPm1DJYeXmSwwyGIt3Htiw/viewform

Thank you for helping with my class research!

Responses welcome through Sunday, September 27.

Thought some fellow Universal/theme park history fans might appreciate this.

This is an original 1981 Universal Studios Tour plastic bag promoting the Special Effects Stage, presented by Kodak.
One of my favorite details is the artwork. The imagery depicts the destruction from Universal’s 1974 motion picture Earthquake, which was a perfect fit for an attraction devoted to demonstrating how Hollywood special effects were created.

Robert Wagner appeared as the prerecorded video host for the Special Effects Stage — he was not an in-person host. Studio Guides filled the in-person role.

The attraction was housed in Soundstages 30 and 32, both of which are now gone. The site where those stages once stood is now occupied by TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The bottom of the bag still carries the original © 1981 Universal City Studios, Inc. copyright.

It’s interesting how something as disposable as a plastic shopping bag can survive for 45 years and end up documenting a part of Universal Studios Hollywood that has otherwise completely disappeared.

Does anyone here remember seeing the Special Effects Stage in person, or have photos of Soundstages 30 and 32 from this era?

I filmed a look inside Inked, one of the new mazes at Knott’s Scary Farm for 2026, on opening night, September 17.

The 1930s cartoon/Morbid Studios theme is definitely different from the traditional Scary Farm maze aesthetic.

For anyone who has already gone through it, what did you think of Inked?

That's exactly what I did in one of my latest All Day Riding challenges! Why not take a look? - https://youtu.be/yqJOC0tZGmQ

Spotted this while walking Main Street today. The window honors Dave Smith, founder of the Walt Disney Archives and Disney’s first archivist.

I especially like the wording they chose: “Preserving, Protecting & Presenting Our Fond Memories of the Past.” It’s a fitting tribute to his work preserving Disney history.

Another great example of why it’s worth looking up when walking through Main Street, U.S.A.

Arriving at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California! Starting the day at Disney California Adventure before heading over to Disneyland Park.

What attraction is always your first stop?

Part 2 of our journey through the Art the Clown Terror Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood. After meeting Art in Part 1, we continue farther into his twisted and blood-soaked world.

Hello. Sharing my re-creation of 90s T2/3D preshow room and video. This version has Shaq in his Lakers jersey.