Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

This week, Hersheypark has announced their new roller coaster for 2015 - Laff Trakk. Carowinds is playing mind games with the CoasterBoys. We have a Live Trip Report from an Alpine Coaster in Austria! We also go though USA Today's List of the Top 10 Most Thrilling Theme Park Rides and talk with someone who actually experienced the #1 most thrilling ride on the list!

This week, we could we be moving closer towards having more Star Wars in the Disney Parks? We also talk about the world's first-ever "Sports Theme Park" that is coming to Spain... and it looks a little weird. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Carowinds, an NPH sighting by one of our listeners AND We talk with Sally Corp. CEO John Wood about the art of the Dark Ride.

This weel. Six Flags reported an 8% drop in attendance, but a 38% rise in guest spending. We'll talk about possible reasons why. There have been a lot of strange accidents and ride evacuations this season. We talk about whether or not it affects how each of us enjoys the parks. We also have a "musical" trip report from Kings Island AND we're joined by Christian from Triotech - the creators of "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" at Canada's Wonderland. We discuss the new ride and the amazing technology behind its interactivity. Plus a lot more!

On this week's show, Holiday World has just announced their new project for 2015… the nation's first launched wing coaster, Thunderbird! Paula Werne, the PR Director from the park joined us on a LIVE WEBCAST minutes after the announcement to give us details on the new ride and to tell us about several of the tough clues presented during the "66 Days at Sea" campaign! You can download this week's show as a video podcast or an audio podcast!

On this week's show, we'll talk about a new way for you to jump to the front of the line at Sea World Parks. We'll also discuss how Kings Island is inviting certain passholders to get to the front of the line as well. Tom from Louisville joins us to review Kentucky Kingdom. Plus we have Live Trip Reports from Elitch Gardens and Six Flags Over Texas and announce a fantastic LIVE show next week!

This weel, we talk about the coaster derailment at a California park. We hear a review of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Great Adventure and discuss its operations as it relates to Kingda Ka. We take a look at the amazing line for "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts." EB makes his bold predictions about Holiday World's new 2015 Attraction.We talk about an innovative guest relations concept at Darien Lake this season. Call our Voicemail line at 206-339-3360 to be a part of the show!

This week, we honor America with the Sparktacular Exploosioloosia! After that, Hagrid stops by to talk about problems with "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts!" Then, a Live Trip report from Six Flags New England. Mike also has a Trip Report from Hersheypark, including a review of Sky Rush. Plus, we hear from listeners about their Theme Park Disasters. Call 206-339-3360 to be a part of the show!

This week, Seth Kubersky joins us to review Universal Orlando's Diagon Alley! He tells us what we can look forward to in "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts!" Also, will the closing of the American Idol Experience be the first step towards a Star Wars Land? We also have a Live Trip Report from the New Thunderbolt at Coney Island! And,CM Venom stops by to review Goliath, the new RMC coaster at Six Flags Great America.

This week, Tom from Louiville talks with Amusement Industry Expert Tim O'Brien! They discuss a ton of topics about the amusement industry, including side shows, carnivals, the history of regional parks and a whole lot more! Plus, we learn about some of the AMAZING items that can be found in Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditoriums all over the world.

Call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360 and be part of the show!! This week, the guys discuss the Skyscraper coaster coming to Orlando in 2016! When it opens, it will be the tallest roller coaster in the world! Also, news on how Cedar Point had to shut down for two days because a water pipe broke. We also have a Live Trip Report from Waldameer! Plus, the CoasterRadio.com audience comes up with their own Game Changing Theme Park Attractions

Call our voicemail line and be a part of the show! 206-339-3360 This week, Mike and EB debate CNN's list of the 12 Game Changing Theme Park Attractions. We also hear a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Magic Mountain. EB talks about his visit to Kings Island and how he wiped out out on the Flow Rider. The guys also talk about the crazy CoasterBoy reaction to EB's Holiday World clue. Finally, the show goes live to Layer Elementary School to talk with the kids about their Coaster Design Project! Plus a lot more!

This week, Mike and EB bring the show to Dollywood! They review the park and all of the major attractions. They also give you a ton of tips for your visit!

On this week's show, we discuss the clues surrounding Holiday World's "66 Days at Sea."Did you see what EB discovered in Holiday World's Media Package? Also, we hear your Listener Feedback on the five-hour Princess Lines at Disney and the news on Diagon Alley at Universal. We also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags St. Louis and hear Mike's Trip Report from Walt Disney World, including reviews of FastPass+ and Be Our Guest. Finally, Cincinnati Jon heads to Cedar Point to check out the new Gemini Midway. He interviews Rob Decker, Corporate VP of Planning and Design for Cedar Fair and Jason McClure, Vice President and General Manager for Cedar Point.

On this week's show, Universal Orlando has released more details about their new attraction for 2014 - Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts!Now that we know more details about the ride, will it live up to the hype? We also find out why Universal hasn't set an opening date yet. We hear a Live Trip Report from Carowinds and discuss Holiday World's removal of Pilgrim's Plunge / Giraffica. Then, the gang from Chips, Dips and Dorks stops by to tell us about their first-ever trip to Disneyland!

We are joined by Banks Lee from Orlando Attractions Magazine: The Show! Banks reviews the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom. We also have a Live Trip Report from the Alton Towers in England and your Listener Talkback about Seatbelts on Roller Coasters. We also have news on how "The Future" may be bright at Universal Studios Hollywood! AND, we unveil a Brand New Gameshow... KNOW YOUR COASTERBOY!

This week, we discuss seatbelts being added to some of our favorite B&M Hypercoasters. We also take a look at the first POV video from Busch Gardens Tampa's Falcon's Fury. We also have the premiere of our Listener Talkback Segment and Mike talks about his first experiences with MyMagic+. In addition to that, we have an interview with Pete Owens from Dollywood and Live Trip Reports from The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. and EPCOT!

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!