Pros:
Privacy - If you can get a tee time at Magic Meadows, the course is yours for the day. There's nobody behind you, causing you to rush the round. Take your time, enjoy the views, and take advantage of the photo opportunities.
Creativity - Magic Meadows is one of the most creatively designed courses I have ever played. The most significant examples of this are pin placements and the use of rock out-croppings. The holes along the ridge are very unique, even for Colorado courses.
Variety - I honestly think that the variety at Magic Meadows is better than at it's neighbor, Phantom Falls. Magic Meadows has a little more variety of distance, shot shapes and obstacles.
Directionals / Pin Markers - Magic Meadows is easy to navigate and requires very little "scouting" as each blind tee shot is indicated by an arrow, visible from the basket, which points directly to the pin. It's an excellent system, that is great for players and took a lot of time and effort on Paulie's part. Given the amount of time needed to do this, you'll likely not see anything like it at most parks.
Cons:
Fairway Grass - the wild mountain grass can get high in some spots. Given that the land is leased, and Paulie is running other courses, it can be a problem on some of the holes. Plus we played during the "monsoon season" and the grass was wet after an afternoon shower. Tall, wet grass is not ideal.
Safety - You sign a waiver for a reason. Some of the hikes and bluffs are daunting. Watch your footing. You know how in horror movies, folks often end up deep in the woods where "noone can hear you scream". Think about Magic Meadows like that. If you're playing the holes along the ridge and you sprain your ankle, (or worse, your knee) you are relying on your buddies to get you down the bluffs...bercause noone can hear your cries of pain. I made this "con" as light-hearted as possible, but seriously, play with caution and use common sense.
Somewhat gimmicky - While some may like the novelty aspects of courses, and they're not all bad, some of the holes at Magic Meadows are gimmicky. You know, hanging baskets and baskets in the splits of trees, etc. Even though Magic Meadows is not a pitch and putt course, it sometimes felt like miniature golf. 'Over the first boulder, bounce off the second boulder on the right and you might land by the pin'...that kind of stuff.
Other Thoughts:
Magic Meadows is definitely a cool course and well worth playing when you're in Denver. With Phantom Falls, Beaver Ranch, Bailey and Bucksnort all within 14 miles, it's part of a great area of disc golf. There is something for EVERY disc golfer in these courses.
I honestly can't say enough good things about Paulie. That guy has his stuff together and he takes good care of the courses. The price is steep compared to the fees charged at other courses, but you can clearly see the proceeds going back into the course. Paulie gives a great tour, and a cheat sheet for each hole. He also informs you about dangerous spots on the course. Bottom line: Paulie cares about disc golf and growing the sport, which is an awesome thing in my book.
As for the course itself, contrary to popular belief, it's not a pitch and putt course though there are some short holes that would qualify as such. However, I found there to be lots of these holes in Colorado on my trip. Most every course I have played has a few holes where you tee of with a mid, and are easily birdied. It's unfair to classify an entire course as such based on a few holes. That being said, Magic Meadows is designed to be an "intermediate" course. The pros would not likely have a good time here. Nor would those players whose only disc-golf-related skill is throwing 450 feet. if you're a skilled player who doesn't solely rely on distance, you'll have an advantage. If you fall into the category of "power over skill", I would reccomend Magic Meadows or similar style courses, to refine your weaknesses.
The major thing to remember when playing Magic Meadows is to take your time and enjoy your surroundings. You'll have opportunities to look across the continental divide. very stunning views throughout the course.
I feel confident in rating Magic Meadows as an "Excellent" course. The variety and design are really good. The setting is amazing. All that being said, it's not quite on the "elite" level. But it is definitely worth playing, and I do believe that a vast majority of disc golfers would really enjoy the course.
Currently, they are only accepting 3 tee times per week at Magic Meadows. Contact Paulie and try to set something up if you're going to be in the area and would like to play. The hike is physically demanding. We hopped off a plane from Nashville and went straight to Magic Meadows...not a good idea. It takes your body a couple of days to adjust to the altitude. Bring lots of water or other fluids. I honestly would not suggest soda or beer, as they will dehydrate you even faster...but if you take them, take even more water than you think you'll need. Again, you'll be far from amenities once you're at the course.