Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

We celebrate the 9th Anniversary of the show with our 300th Episode! We also get into a juicy discussion on the rumored new 2015 attraction at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. We also have a Live Trip Report about welcome changes at Six Flags Magic Mountain and our first ever "Listener Talkback" Segment. Plus, Mike tells us about his trip to Las Vegas including rides on El Loco and the High Roller. FInally, in honor of the annivesary, the guysreveal several "mysteries" of CoasterRadio.com!

THIS WEEK: * Kevin and Jon come to us from the Media Event for Banshee at Kings Island. They give us a full review of their rides from every row on the Banshee train! They also interview Kings Island General Manager Greg Scheid and Cedar Fair's Corporate Vice President of Planning & Design, Rob Decker. Plus, they tell us about the new additions to the Action Zone area, including some fun theming. and where Banshee ranks among the other coasters at Kings Island.

This week, the guys take a look at attractions that are featured at both Disneyland and The Magic Kingdom and decide which versions are best.

This week, Jonathan interviews Leidy Arévalo, PR Rep at Knotts Berry Farm. Dan the T-Shirt Guy delivers four "Live Trip Reports" from Sin City. Rollercoaster Tycoon 4 Underwhelms... and it hasn't even been released yet! Tradition returns to Kings Dominion and we remember "How I Met Your Mother." Plus, a whole lot more!

This week, we check out the early reviews of Firechaser Express at Dollywood. The ride looks cool... but has a few quirks. Also, EB tells us about his family's Spring Break Trip to Florida. While he was there, he was a star of a stage show at the Nick Hotel. Plus, Mike's Office Party is going to be in an interesting place! Wait until you hear where he'll be. And, we interview Brandon Bruce from Six Flags Great America about Goliath! Plus, a Live Trip Report from Disneyland and whole lot more!

This week, we answer more Listener Questions about theme parks and other fun topics! Questions like: Will Banshee get better reviews than Gatekeeper? Will we ever see "Theme Park Change" again? What ride has literally scared us? Will "Kentucky Kingdom" be a hit or a miss? Plus, a Live Trip Report from Las Vegas, NV and whole lot more!

This week, we answer Listener Questions about theme parks and more! Questions like:What rides have terribly disappointed us?Why don't we do "in-park" shows anymore?Does anyone care about the new "Festival of Fantasy" parade?Who has been our favorite guest? Plus, we have a a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Magic Mountain and whole lot more!

THIS WEEK: New Orleans might see a Theme Park once again! Screamscape has the details on Jazzland! Plus, Jon and Kevin return with Part II of their interview with Kings Island PR Manager Don Helbig. We also have a Live Trip Report from Silver Dollar City and listeners react to price increases at Walt Disney World. Plus, a whole lot more!

On this week's show, we discuss fantastic changes to Six Flags Great America's Goliath. We also take a look at Knoebels interesting new attraction for 2015, IMPULSE. Why announce this so early? Plus, Jon and Kevin interview Kings Island PR Manager Don Helbig about Banshee. We also have a Live Trip Report from Disney California Adventure and a tribute to an important figure in our lives.

On this week's show, we take a look at a very cool new Robot Theme Park that is on the way! We also talk about how you'll soon be able to live in a closed theme park! We take a look behind the construction walls of The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train now that they're starting to come down. We also have an interview with Jeff Hornick, the Director of Design and Enginnering at Busch Gardens Tampa. He tells us about what we can expect from Falcon's Fury - their new drop tower for 2014. All that, plus a Live Trip Report from Sea World San Antonio, the return of our original game show THEME PARK SMARTS and a whole lot more!

On this week's show, we talk with the Lead 3D Artist for No Limits 2, Tom Zeliff. He tells us all about this extraordinary coaster simulator that the pros use. We also dig into the CoasterRadio.com Mailbag to answer your questions. Topics include, a Valentine's Day Haunted House and a really scary drop ride in Japan. And what was Tom Hanks doing at Six Flags Magic Mountain this week?

On this week's show, we talk with journalist Seth Kubersky about Diagon Alley! He tells us what we can expect from the new area opening at Universal Orlando. Plus, we discuss some details about the new ride that have already been posted. We also have a fantastic Interactive Topic! We asked our listeners "What is ruining the theme park experience for you?" Wait until you hear their answers. We also have a Live Trip Report from "El Loco" at the Adventuredome in Las Vegas and a whole lot more!

On this week's show, listeners like you have submitted dozens of theme park related topics . Mike and EB debate each one and decide whether it's HOT or NOT. Also, this week's FIRST DROP focuses on news about Disney's FastPass+ system. We also take a look at a new commercial for FastPass+ that is online. Plus, we have news about how you can be on next week's show!

This week, we take a look at the most anticipated new attractions for 2014, including: * Wizarding World Expansion - Universal Studios Orlando * Banshee - Kings Island * Falcon’s Fury - Busch Gardens Tampa * Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom - Six Flags Great Adventure * FireChaser Express - Dollywood * Lightning Run - Kentucky Kingdom * Goliath - Six Flags Great America * Wonder Mountain’s Guardian - Canada’s Wonderland * Thunderbolt Reborn - Luna Park, Coney Island * New England Skyscreamer - Six Flags New England * El Loco Coaster - Circus Circus Adventuredome * Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train - Magic Kingdom

This week, We present the CoasterRadio.com"Best New Attraction of the Year" Award! We take a look at all 14 nominees and debate the pros and cons of each. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Cedar Point and we take a look at a new "Titanic" themed attraction in China. Maybe someone from the movie will stop by?

On this week's show, we take alook at an innovative new dark ride/coaster design making its debut in Europe this summer. We also get into a discussion about what park has the most innovative ride system ever. We also take a look back at our 2013 theme park predictions and then look ahead to what we think will happen in 2014. That, plus a Live Trip Report from Six Flags FIesta Texas and a whole lot more!

This week, we talk with Neil Patrick Harris LIVE from EPCOT! Neil is in Orlando to host EPCOT's Candlelight Processional and Disney Park's Christmas Day Parade! Also, EB and Mike recap their favorite park moments from 2013 and have details on the upcoming short film "A CoasterBoy Christmas!" Plus, Hagrid has a new job for the holidays and a Live Trip Report from Disney's Animal Kingdom!

This week, we talk with PGAV Destinations Sr. Attraction Designer Jim Wieble. Jim has designed dozens of your favorite attractions including Journey to Atlantis, Cheetah Hunt and Alpengeist! We also have the unveiling of the The 2013 CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide! Plus. we have a Live Trip Report from the Smokey Mountain Alpine Coaster, a call from the "Bat Cave" and details on a special guest next week!

THIS WEEK: News from the annual IAPPA Conference There were a lot of new attractions unveiled. A Live Trip Report from Castles 'N Coasters A winner in the Soundwave Contest! We review "Escape from Tomorrow" What listeners are NOT Thankful for at the parks.

THIS WEEK: * The PolarCoaster is coming to Florida! * It will break world records for height, speed and length! * Kentucky Kingdom unveils "Lightning Run!" * A listener calls in from his Honeymoon! * Soundwave lives on for another week! * Mike helps a friend get over her fear of roller coasters.

This week, Mike and EB start things off by taking a look at a rumor that claims a theme park based on "The Hunger Games" is being considered. Would something like this work? What attractions would they have? And, has a friend of the podcast already designed a similar attraction? The guys also discuss the growing list of parks that are opening their doors for the Holiday Season. The good news for fans is that the parks don't shut down in October anymore! Last week, a listener who has never set foot in a Disney park e-mailed the show and wondered what the big deal was about the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and other similar parks. In this week's Interactive Discussion Topic, the CoasterRadio.com audience steps up and helps the listener understand why the parks are seen as the best. All this, plus a LIVE TRIP REPORT from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and a whole lot more!

This week, EB and Mike take a look at some of the interesting holiday theme overlays that have been added to iconic rides... including Ghost Galaxy at Space Mountain. The guys will also take a look at two news stories involving alleged crimes at the parks. Plus, the return of Off Topic!!!

On this week's episode, Mike and EB take a look at some Halloween-themed stories from the amusement industry, including a visit from everyone's favorite half-giant (who might be running his own Halloween event on the side.) We also have the return of our annual "Halloween Campfire Show," where we perform stories from some of the best haunts across the United States.

Here at CoasterRadio.com, we LOVE Halloween. We think it's the most fun holiday of all. But, there are some haunts out there that are so EXTREME, the owners claim they are anything but fun. On this week's episode, we'll take a look a specific haunts all across the world that make grown men cry like babies.

The premiere of the 8th Season of CoasterRadio.com!

We're getting close to the end of summer and that means we have reached the end of the 7th season of Coaster Radio! Mike and EB go out with a bang with a lot of great park related discussion... including: * A new report that says teenagers aren't going to the park as much as they did five years ago. * A new, innovative ride reservation system at Thorpe Park in England * The possible debunking of a Cedar Fair PR claim and * The rumored opening of "Flying Turns" at Knoebels. Plus, we have one last Interactive Topic for the season. The CoasterRadio.com audience calls in with their picks for their Top New Rides (or rides that are new to them) for 2013! Thanks so much for being part of the Seventh Season of CoasterRadio.com!!! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

There are only two more shows left in Season 7! So this week, we have a jammed packed episode! First up, EB and Mike are joined by Kevin and Jonathan, the Coaster Radio Correspondents from Ohio. Kings Island just unveiled plans for their new 2014 Attraction! It will be named "Banshee" and it will be the world's longest inverted roller coaster. The guys will give you the low-down on all the figures and stats, plus interviews with Kings Island VP and General Manager Greg Scheid and Kings Island PR Manager Don Helbig. After that, Mike will tell you about his trip to Anaheim, California for the 2013 D23 Expo! There were many things to see there... some amazingly cool and others amazingly strange. But the best of all was when Mike and his wife Molly took part in a unqiue treasure hunt called "The Optimist." According to the story, it turns out that Walt Disney was part of a futuristic society dedicated to the future. AND... he left clues behind at Disneyland that would encourage certain people to learn about the society and become potential members. Were Mike and Molly worthy of Walt's Secret Society? Did they find the clues he left behind? You'll find out this week! Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from a park we've never heard of before and news about our Listener Survey that you can take right now!!! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

We were watching "Jurassic Park" on TV the other night and laughing at the part of the movie where paleontologist Dr. Grant has just seen the dinosaurs. He says, "I think we're out of a job." And Ian Malcolm (played by the totally awesome Jeff Goldblum) says, "Don't you mean extinct?" So many of the things we do here at CoasterRadio.com are inspired by pop culture and this week's show is no different. This week, we ask the audience to pick one type of ride that they would like to see leave the face of the earth. We're not looking for specific rides... only ride types. Some of the answers (especially from E.B.) are shocking! We also have a Live Trip Report from Magic Joe! Joe is normally part of the Window to the Magic Podcast, but this week, he brought his binaural audio gear to California's Great America to record an audio treat for our ears on their new coaster "Gold Striker." You'll feel like you're on the ride with him! The show then goes live to Orlando, Florida to talk with Mike's wife Molly. She's down in the theme park capital of the world visiting Mike and Colleen (who have been featured on the show several times.) They'll talk about the latest testing going on with MyMagic+ and some of the strange rumors floating around the Walt Disney World resort! And, don't forget to take our LISTENER SURVEY! We're working on Season Eight of CoasterRadio.com and want to hear from you guys about how the show is doing! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

Travis and Jason, the CoasterRadio.com Correspondants from California head to Six Flags Magic Mountain to check out the opening of their new roller coaster "Full Throttle!"

It's been a tough week in the amusement industry. The guys will discuss the accidents that took place this week, including one on the New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas where a 52 year old woman lost her life. We'll also talk with Travis and Jason from California who represented CoasterRadio.com at the Media Day for "Full Throttle" at Six Flags Magic Mountain. We'll find out where the new rollercoaster ranks on the big list of rides at that park. AND... we'll have the return of "Theme Park Smarts!!!" But this time around, we're adding a new twist to the game! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

For this week's show you're gonna have to suspend disbelief... and have a lot of imagination. In fact, this week's episode is our little tribute to imagination. It's also a tribute to the grand idea that Walt Disney had over 60 years ago... an idea that is still flourishing today. On this week's episode of CoasterRadio.com, Mike and EB hop in their Delorean Time Machine and head back to July 17, 1955 to watch Walt Disney deliver his Disneyland dedication speech. Before they do that, they "broadcast live" from 2013 in the area in between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. They talk about the rumored possibility of "Flying Turns" at Knoebels finally opening in August. They also talk about some major upgrades coming to the "Soarin'" attractions at the Disney Parks and a really cool new tour at Dollywood. Plus, Dan the T-Shirt Guy gets a major scoop while on a tour at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and answers a long-time question. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure! It's all coming up on this very "heavy" episode of CoasterRadio.com. "It's cold! Dam Cold!" Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

E.B. returns to the show this week after a two week hiatus with tales of his EPIC Roadtrip! After travelling over 7,000 miles with his wife and three kids (all under eight years old), E.B. is back with tales of theme parks, national parks, volcanos and cowardly westerners. The guys also discuss the latest effort to revive Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, KY. Ed Hart and his team of investors plan to reopen the former Six Flags property in 2014! Mike and E.B. also take a look at the rumored new water attraction being dreamed up by the guys at Schlitterbahn. The new ride will supposedly feature a 180-foot drop, an airtime bunny hill and a top speed of 87-MPH! We also have several Live Trip Reports from "Goldstriker" at California's Great America and the strange reason why the ride had to be shut down for a few days last week. Plus, we have the return of our 4th of July tradition - The SPARKTACULAR EXPLOOSIOLOOSA! It's all coming up on a brand new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

EB is still on his massive three week road trip with his family. So, that leaves Mike without anyone to co-host this week's show. It's up to you guys to bail him out. During this week's "First Drop" segment, Mike turns to the Coaster Radio audience for their opinions on a new rumor out of Universal Orlando. Listeners from all over the world chime in with their opinion and commentary as they become "virtual co-hosts" with Mike. And, since no proper episode of CoasterRadio.com would be complete without an appearance from E.B., we dig deep into the show's archives and play a long-lost, never-aired segment where the guys discuss "Dual-Coast rides" that can be found at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. For instance, you can ride the "Jungle Cruise" in both Orlando and Anaheim... but is one ride better than the other? We also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great America and a whole lot more! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

One of the favorite pastimes of summer is a trip to the beach. It's the smell of the french fries and popcorn, a ride on the rickety old roller coaster and a walk down the wooden boardwalk that people yearn for during the summer months. In fact, many of our favorite theme parks try to recreate the "boardwalk vibe" with rides and attractions that simulate a trip to locations like Coney Island, the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean City, NJ. The CoasterRadio.com crew is on vacation this week, but Mike Collins brought along some recording equipment and produced a show from the Skye Bar in Ocean City, MD. He's joined by his wife Molly, his brother and original cast member Greg K. and their brother Ryan. They spend some time talking about how the beach experience is similar to a trip to the theme park. They also review several of the roller coasters and a few of the original Bill Tracy dark rides that Ocean City is known for all over the world. The gang also talks about some of the best themed mini-golf locations that they visited during the week and why we don't see any major theme parks near beach communities. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Dollywood and much, much more! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

When we did our annual Listener Question Show a few months ago, we had a TON of them! In fact, we had so many that we couldn't answer them all in one show. So this week, we dig back into the mailbag and answer more of your "burning questions." The best part about shows like this is that we have a lot of great pop culture and behind-the-scenes content along with fun theme park talk too! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

As Summer 2013 rolls along, there's a lot to get excited about! (And we talk about a lot of it on this week's show!) For instance, Busch Gardens Tampa just unveiled plans for their new 2014 attraction... it's a 335-feet tall drop tower named "Falcon's Fury." The new ride will drop riders at 60-mph, but with a new twist. The riders' seats will pivot 90 degrees so that they are facing straight down! INSANE! We'll also take a look at the new fast-food area themed to the long running animated series "The Simpsons" that just opened at Universal Studios Florida. Will it be worth the price of admission to visit Moe's Tavern to have a pint of Duff Beer? We also have LIVE TRIP REPORTS from the newly refurbished Timber Mountain Log Ride at Knotts Berry Farm and the crazy new roller coaster at Alton Towers, "The Smiler." The English ride has 14-inversions! INSANE! Finally, we talk with Steve VanDis from Indigo Films. He's the Co-Executive Producer for the popular Travel Channel show "Insane Coaster Wars: World Domination." We'll talk to him about what we can expect during this season of the show and what it's like to shoot a complicated TV program in some of the world's best known parks. Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

Every year, the Themed Entertainment Association releases their Global Attractions Attendance Report. The report focuses on the attendance numbers of theme parks, water parks and museums across the globe. On this week's show, EB and Mike break down the numbers and talk about the parks and companies were at the top of the list and the ones were surprisingly at the bottom. Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Hersheypark and much more! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

This year, theme park fans are feverishly anticipating not one, not two, but THREE wooden coasters with inversions. The first, Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City opened to much fanfare and success. Now, we hear about the 2nd inverting wooden coaster to open... Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. We're joined by Arthur Levine, the Theme Parks Guide at About.com, who had a chance to ride the coaster on its opening weekend. We'll discuss the ride's unique features, it's amazing setting and whether or not this should really count as a wooden coaster. Oh yeah, Arthur will also tell us if the ride is actually worth riding! We'll also hear three Live Trip Reports from different parks around the country. We'll hear reviews of the new "Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin" at Sea World Orlando. We'll also hear reviews of "White Lightning" and "Freedom Flyer" at Fun Spot in Orlando. Finally, we'll go live to Layer Elementary School in Central Florida to talk with the winners of their coaster design contest! Their teacher happens to be a fan of CoasterRadio.com and asked EB and Mike to judge a contest where the kids learned about the physics and technology behind ride design. Who knows, we might be talking to the next generation of Disney Imagineers! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

Our own EB picked up his family and moved to Indiana a few years ago. Since then, he's been enjoying Midwestern life... even getting to Holiday World as often as he can. This past week though, he lived out every "Coaster Boy's" dream. He rode John Iver's legendary backyard looping coaster "The Blue Flash." On this week's episode, EB gives an element-by-element description of the ride and what it was like to see this legend in person. The guys also take-on the recent news story in the New York Post about the rich, socialite mothers who have allegedly been hiring disabled tour guides so that the whole family can skip the lines at Walt Disney World. EB and Mike have a good debate about the story and all its various angles. The guys also talk with Chicago Correspondant CMVenom about his Media Day experience at Six Flags Great America. He was one of the first to try out NAMTAB... or what is really "Batman: The Ride - BACKWARDS!" Does the ride live up to the hype? And will Six Flags have a "new" hit ride on their hands without having to shell out the big bucks to build a new coaster? We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Kings Dominion, a favorite character from the past and MUCH MORE! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

When we've had celebrities on this program before, they've talked about how they have to hire park-provided guides to walk them around to the various attractions and rides. If they didn't have this preferential treatment, people would constantly be hounding them for autographs and they wouldn't be able to have any semblance of a "normal" theme park experience. But I bet most people don't know that this same exact treatment is available to EVERYONE. You can have a private, park-provided guide take you around and get you to the front of even the most crowded lines. But you have to be willing to pony up the BIG bucks. On this week's show, we'll talk about the different VIP programs offered at many of the parks across the country. We'll talk about what perks you'll get and most importantly, how much it will cost you. We'll also talk about one of the newest rumors to come out of the Six Flags chain. Apparently, a survey is going around asking people what types of new rides they'd like to see at Six Flags Great Adventure. We'll go through some of the choices and debate the pros and cons of each. Plus, we have a LIVE Trip Report and the return of our one-of-a-kind game show - THEME PARK SMARTS! You'll have a chance to play along with our lucky contestant! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

On this week's special episode, join Mike Collins as he speaks with Coaster Radio Correspondants Kevin from Ohio and Cincinatti John about their experience at the Media Day for Cedar Point's new wing coaster "Gatekeeper!" Kevin and Jon will break down the pros and cons of the ride and tell us all what it's like to be at a massive Media Day attended by hundreds of working press and over 1,200 coaster enthusiasts. They'll also have interviews with Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet, Cedar Point General Manager John Hildebrandt and Cedar Fair Vice President of Planning and Design Rob Decker. Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

This week, Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrated its 15th Anniversary. It's fair to say that of all the Disney Theme Parks, Animal Kingdom has the greatest divide between people who like and dislike it. Some people claim it's the best designed, most well-themed park in the Disney chain. Others feel that it's a complete miss and not worth spending one of their precious vacation days there. On this week's show, the CoasterRadio.com audience steps forward to tell us about their favorite and least favorite aspects to the controversial park. You'll be surprised at some of the responses. We'll also talk about the strange new signs appearing around the former "Son of Beast" area at Kings Island. The signs warns that they've had to shut down a section of park because of "mysterious, bone chilling screams" and an "evil phenomenon." Of course, the park is gearing up to promote their 2014 attraction. But what could it be and is the park making the most of this "Paranormal PR?" We also have the inside scoop on a brand new "theme park related" television pilot, a Live Trip Report from the opening day at Knoebels and a whole lot more! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

Every now and then, a theme park attraction comes along that makes you remember why you liked this stuff in the first place. And sometimes that same ride is so ahead of its time, you realize you've sort-of seen a glimpse into the future of the amusement industry. This week saw the unveiling of "Mystic Manor" at Hong Kong Disneyland. And for the most part, every Disney fan is in agreement that it is one of the finest attractions ever created by Imagineering. On this week's show, we'll discuss the new attraction, what makes it special and why there are no (at least announced) plans to bring a copy of it to the US Parks. We'll also talk with Steve Fielding, the President of Pantera Entertainment about his highly-anticipated new game "Theme Park Studio." The new title will allow players to create their own steel coasters, wooden coasters, dark rides and flat rides with a level of authenticity and realism never before seen in a theme park simulator. Steve will tell us about some new surprises we can expect to see and how listeners can be a part of the development process! Plus, we'll have Live Trip Reports from Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney California Adventure and Silver Dollar City.... plus a whole lot more! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

This is one of those shows where a lot is covered in 57 minutes. I hope you're ready.... First up, the guys talk about the new "Iron Man Tech: Presented by Stark Industries" exhibit that opened at Disneyland. Besides sounding a lot like one of last year's "Reel Design" finalists, could this be the first wave of Marvel-themed attractions in the Disney Parks? The guys will talk about the speculation and what we might see in the next few years. The guys also take a look at the progress on "Gatekeeper" at Cedar Point. The park is already testing their massive winged coaster with almost a month to go before opening day. You'll hear from one of the park's engineers about what they are doing to get ready for May 11th. We'll also hear a Live Trip Report from Tom who had lunch with a Disney Imagineer as part of a new program offered by the Disney Parks. Did he learn any secret info and will he spill the beans for the CoasterRadio.com audience? Travis from California joins the show to talk about his visit to the grand opening of the Legoland Hotel in Southern California. Travis will give us the inside scoop about what surprises we can expect to see inside the hotel... including an elevator that doubles as a disco! Plus, he'll let us know about some of the things at Legoland that even an adult would love. Finally, the guys go "Off Topic!" EB gives the audience an update on a major home renovation project and Mike fills you in on his "Magical" trip to Las Vegas! Highlights include a "secret" elevator to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, a ride on the "Big Shot," a front row seat to David Copperfield's show, David making one of Mike's friends disappear and a road trip to the Grand Canyon. There's lots of fun and a few surprises on this all new episode of "The Original Theme Park Podcast!" Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

Travis from California, our CoasterRadio.com West Coast Correspondant, had a chance to visit the Grand Opening of the Legoland Hotel in Southern California. This special video podcast will take you inside the hotel to show you all of the surprises that await families who book a stay there... including the infamous "Disco Elevator!" Our thanks go to Travis for producing this video! Way to go!

Imagine you're walking into your favorite theme park and heading straight for favorite roller coaster. Just as you come up on the familiar twists and turns, you notice something strange.... the cars are facing backwards! This will be the experience for parks fans in the Chicago area when Six Flags Great America runs Batman: The Ride backwards for part of the 2013 season. On this week's show, we'll talk with Brandon Bruce, the park's communication's specialist about the excitement surrounding the change and why they decided to do it. We'll also find out more about igNIGHT, the park's new nighttime spectacular that will feature fireworks, special effects, live music and a storyline unique to the Windy City. We also ask you guys about your "Opening Day" traditions. Here in the United States, Spring Break is in full swing. So that means that many of us are taking our first steps into the parks after a long winter hibernation. It's a special moment when we first walk into our favorite theme park after so many months away. Because of this, each of us has our own unique traditions and customs to mark the occasion. We'll hear about listener's "interesting" ways to celebrate the start of the season. Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags America and a whole lot more!

Anyone who considers themselves a fan of theme parks probably has spent a lot of time analyzing them. We marvel at how attraction designers use technology to bring the our favorite stories and characters to life. But, fans can also take the analysis a step further and take a look at the parks from a literary and social angle as well. For instance, what does "It's A Small World" have to do with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's? On this week's show, we welcome the author of "The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom," Aaron Wallace. While most travel guidebooks are aimed at first-timers, Aaron's book is aimed someone looking to find information beyond wait times and ride ratings. Aaron takes a scholarly look at each attraction in the Magic Kingdom and the stories behind them. On this week's show, he'll share some of what you'll find in his new book. We also have two Live Trip Reports this week.... one from the opening day of Six Flags Great Adventure and one from the opening day of Luna Park on Coney Island. Both of these reports have an authentic "Jersey" feel to them! Plus, Mike just got back from a unique trip to Walt Disney World where he got to explore New Fantasyland and try out the upgraded Test Track at EPCOT. Plus, he has some stories about chaperoning 30 high school students who were set loose on the Walt Disney World Resort. All this, plus a whole lot more on this all-new episode of the Original Theme Park Podcast!

"Outlaw Run," one of the most highly anticipated roller coasters of 2013 opened this week at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. The new creation from Rocky Mountain Construction has set a world record for the steepest drop on a wooden coaster at 81 degrees. It's also the 2nd fastest wooden coaster in the world at 68 mph. Plus, it has the signature element of a double barrel roll that brings the train back into the station. On this week's show, we talk with Marcus Leshock, a reporter from WGN-TV in Chicago. Marcus made the 8-hour drive from the Windy City to Branson so he could be one of the first people to ride the coaster. He'll tell us if the hype is for real and if this new attraction will be a hit in 2013. We'll also talk with Kristin Siebeneicher, the Communications Manager at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. Kristin will tell us about preparations for their Opening Day this weekend and details of their new "Safari Off Road Adventure" that is scheduled to open on Memorial Day. The combination of the theme park and the land for the new Safari attraction makes Six Flags Great Adventure the largest theme park in the world! So, there's a lot to be excited about. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from the Ohana Restaurant at the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World and a whole lot more! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

Here at the show, we're curious to find out what what the new ABC Television pilot "Big Thunder" is all about. In the past, there have been movies based on classic theme park attractions (Pirates of the Carribbean and The Haunted Mansion), but to our knowledge, this is the first television show based upon a theme park ride. So while we wait for the show to premiere, we came up with a fun contest idea. We asked listeners to pick any theme park attraction in the world and turn it into a television pilot of their own. Not surprisingly, the audience delivered some excellent and creative ideas! Wait until you hear them! Mike and EB also get into a good "First Drop" segment where they discuss the decline of the classic Dark Ride. This year, only six dark rides are being built across the world and the majority are being constructed by Disney and Universal. What happened to the Dark Ride and why aren't regional parks like Six Flags and Cedar Fair dedicating some capital to building new ones? We also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure and a Live Correspondent from a new attraction at the Magic Kingdom! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

This or That returns this week! Listeners have submitted over 60 different pairs of theme park related items. Mike and EB will have to debate their merits and then ultimately choose one. For instance... Would you visit Disneyland in 1955 or 2055? "Knotts Scary Farm" or "Halloween Horror Nights?" What ride at Cedar Point will come down first: Mantis or Magnum? Along with all of the theme park related items, listeners also submitted a lot of "This or That's" dealing with Pop Culture. It leads to some really great discussion and debate amongst the guys. In addition, our "First Drop" segment deals with the rumors and facts about Alton Tower's new coaster for 2013... "The Smiler." Supposedly, the new attraction will shatter the world record for inversions by turning people upside down at least 14 times! Plus, they have a strange way of marketing the new ride. We also have a Live Trip Report from "Dapper Day" at Disneyland and details on a brand new contest (with prizes) for next week's show! Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!