As you drive towards the park, the enormous structure of Superman: The Escape is the first attraction in site.  The ride stands 415-feet in the air and towers above the Six Flags Magic Mountain skyline, surpassing the height of the 38-story skytower.  The ride is still the world's tallest thrill ride in existence. 

Superman: The Escape was Intamin AG's first roller coaster to feature a launch utilizing Linear Synchronous Motors.  This propulsion method is capable of launching the ride's vehicles from 0-100 MPH in 7 seconds.

But problems with the prototype launch system caused major delays to the ride's opening.  Although construction was completed in 1996,the ride did not open until March of 1997.  But despite the delays, the ride still opened to warm reviews.

Once passengers board the ride, the 15-passenger vehicles are launched out of the Fortress of Solitude.  The vehicles travel along a section of flat track, gaining speed, before heading up the 415-foot vertical tower.  At the top, riders experience 6.5 seconds of weightlessness.  The vehicle then plummets back down the tower, and returns to the Fortress of Solitude.

On the contrary to several other coasters, Superman: The Escape actually runs faster when the train is not loaded and it is cool outside.  During normal operating hours, the coaster usually runs around 90 MPH.

When both sides of this dual-tracked ride are open, it is actually against operating policy to race the vehicles due to power constraints and structural issues with the tower.

Although the ride does not run flawlessly, it offers a unique experience that several other roller coasters and thrill rides simply cannot match and is very popular among typical park guests and enthusiasts alike.