Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

For weeks and weeks, people from all over the world have been dreaming up new ideas for theme park attractions based on hit movies. They've tried to carefully re-tell a story from a beloved film using the latest and greatest technologies available to the amusement industry. Some have been drawing up blueprints and schematics, others have been sketching out storyboards, while others have been writing simple paragraphs detailing their ride experience. Today, we find out which ideas will take their first steps on the road to super stardom. Today, we begin the Semi-Final Round of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest. On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal the first five Semi-Finalists and discuss each entry in detail. What parts of the attraction concept work? What are some things that might need to change? Could the design actually work in a real-life theme park? We'll announce the next five Semi-Finalists on next week's show. Then, we'll narrow the Top 10 entries down to three finalists. Those finalists will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts... including: * Neil Patrick Harris * Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group * Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari * Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group * Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts * Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com * Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com * Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner Plus, we also have a LIVE REPORT from the Disneyland Resort. Apparently, there has been a disturbance outside of the Terror or Terror at Disney California Adventure. We have a live microphone on-site to get to the bottom of the situation. All that and much more, this week on CoasterRadio.com!

"This is going to be a very interesting project. When you first look at it, it does sound a little bit strange... you know, an entire radio show dedicated to roller coasters and theme parks. But there are shows dedicated to all types of things, like sports. People talk for hours and hours about sports... why not talk for hours and hours about theme parks?" This is what I said on the very first episode of our show to explain what CoasterRadio.com set out to be. We wanted to create a fun, accessible show about theme parks and thrill rides that was for the average fan... but could also be enjoyed by even the most hardcore enthusiast. Back in 2005, I don't think anyone (including us) expected the show to go past 20 episodes. Now, here we are seven years later celebrating the 200th! On this week's show, we take a look back at favorite moments from the past 199 episodes and hear from each of the "Joint Chiefs" who were a part of the show back in 2005. Mario, Flava and Greg K. return to talk about their thoughts on this milestone. Also, since our listeners are the heart and soul of CoasterRadio.com... it's fitting that we celebrate by having our annual "Listener Question Show" this week. As per tradition, the questions are all over the map! Some are about theme parks and thrill rides, others are about pop culture and some are about Mike, EB and the podcast itself. We also unveil some big news about the upcoming West Coast trip and count down the days to the entry deadline for the "Reel" Design Contest! Thanks to each of you for listening and participating in the show. We say it several time this week, because it's the truth - you guys are the show... and we're thankful that you're here.

CoasterRadio.com is a show about theme parks and thrill rides... but we also try to be a lot more. Whenever possible, we try to enrich the lives our our listeners, by providing them with information essential to living "the good life." Since this week's show is so dangerously close to Valentine's Day, we've decided to dedicate this episode to enhancing your love life. Buckle your seatbelts! To help you become a better catch out there in the world of relationships, we've enlisted the help of an expert. Joining us on this week's show is Dating Expert and Relationship Coach DeAnna Lorraine. Besides being devastatingly beautiful, DeAnna is an expert on the art of romance. She has helped men all over the world have more success on the dating scene by teaching them how to be cool, confident and most importantly, BOLD! This week, CoasterRadio.com listeners have sent in their questions for DeAnna and she is going to offer her valuable advice to make sure your Valentine's Day is a successful one. Keeping with the spirit of love, we're going to have the World Premiere of the song written specifically for the winner of the CoasterRadio.com Valentine's Day Charity Song Auction! Nick Hutson has been working with auction winner Kerri from Florida on her special song. But who has it been written for and what does it sound like? You'll find out this week! Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Last summer, we sponsored a contest here at CoasterRadio.com where we would give the lucky winner a chance to produce an entire episode of the show. We were so excited about everyone's ideas... we chose four winners! This week, the first of those winners is stepping up to the plate to see if he has what it takes to live up to the pressure of producing a crazy podcast like this. Tom from Louisville, KY has come up with the "Live Trip Report Show!" He's gone though the dozens and dozens of backlogged trip reports that visitors have called in and has picked some of the most interesting ones to share with you. Plus, to make things even more compelling... he has enlisted the services of the infamous CoasterRadio.com characters to introduce each one. As EB says this week... "this is a show you're either gonna love or gonna hate!"

There were some crazy stories in the press this week... and a lot of them had to do with theme parks. For instance... Disney decided to drop a decades old rule that Walt Disney himself instated. Starting next month, workers will be allowed to sport beards and goatees. Hipsters rejoice! Thorpe Park in England said that their new coaster "The Swarm" was apparently having some trouble making its height clearances during testing. Apparantly, some of the test mannequins came back without their limbs. I like this story for a lot of reasons, but mostly because it gave the the opportunity to post a still from one of my favorite 80's movies ever - mannequin. Emmy was one hot Egyptian, man. The guys also take an opportunity to preview upcoming shows and contests! You won't believe what is in store for February!

Imagine if you had a chance to sit down and talk with Walt Disney when he started to brainstorm about an idea called "Mickey Mouse Park." What if you could go back to 1959 and have lunch with Angus Wynne Jr. to hear his ideas about a park that would eventually become "Six Flags Over Texas." Building a theme park from scratch is no easy accomplishment. It takes hard work, a solid business plan and most importantly... a vision. On this week's show, we welcome a man with a unique vision of his own. He wants to see a theme park built in his home town of Nashville, Tennessee. This week, David Webb joins us to talk about his plans for "Ole South USA". It would be a theme park celebrating everything that is vibrant and special about the southern region of the United States. David gives us a "virtual tour" of the different themed lands, including descriptions of some of their innovative rides and attractions. He also talks about the steps being taken to make this dream a reality. Most importantly, he fills us in on the Pioneer Club, which gives 3,500 people a chance to take part in the birth of this theme park. We also have an update on the Valentine's Day Charity Song Auction and we announce the first CoasterRadio.com Listener Meet-up of 2012. California, HERE WE COME!

Among theme park fans, one of the most talked about locations over the past several years has been Universal Orlando. Year after year, they blow people away with their incredibly detailed and truly scary (and fun) "Halloween Horror Nights." They really turned people's heads when they unleashed the incredibly awesome "Spiderman" attraction on the world. Some people claim that ride hasn't been topped yet. Then, they shocked the world when they announced plans to build "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." What was even more amazing is that the new land and it's attractions actually lived up to the anticipation and the hype. Most recently, they closed "Jaws", one of their original opening day rides and perhaps their most iconic attraction. That lead to speculation and some controversial reporting on what might possibly replace the gigantic Amity area. To make sense of all of this, we welcome Seth Kubersky back to the show. He is the author of "Universal Studios 2012: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park." We'll talk about the recent closure of "Jaws" and what the attraction has meant to the park's history. We'll also talk about what it was like to be at the attraction on it's closing night. We'll also discuss its rumored replacement. Seth will give us a breakdown about the possibility of a new Harry Potter themed area in Universal Studios Florida and a new thrill attraction that would be unlike anything we have ever seen at a park before. Fascinating stuff! Plus, EB and Mike announce a fun new project for all you romantics out there. The Valentine's Day Charity Song Auction gives listeners an opportunity to bid on an original love song that will be written especially for that special someone in your life. And, the best part is that all of the money raised will go to the winner's favorite charity. Check out our link on the CoasterRadio.com Blog for more info on how to bid! Check out our link on the CoasterRadio.com Blog for more info on how to bid!

The crowd in Times Square has gathered... The giant crystal ball is hovering above the masses, ready to drop... The New Year is just minutes away! And, there is only one host who has the charisma, sparkling personality and giant red claws to bring it all to you... Bob The Lobster. This week, the Original Theme Park Podcast rings in the new year with a "live" broadcast from Times Square in New York City, where our own "Bob The Lobster" is standing by to count us down Dick Clark style! We also will review all of the new attractions that made their debuts in 2011 at theme parks across America. Which ones worked? Which ones didn't? Which ones made an impact and which ones were bombs? After the clock strikes midnight, Mike and EB will give away the "CoasterRadio.com Award for Best New Attraction of 2011!" Plus, we'll go live to Universal Studios Hollywood to meet our exclusive correspondent who will give us the inside scoop on what's happening with their version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Happy New Year from Bob The Lobster and everyone here at CoasterRadio.com!

EB and Mike are taking a week off for the holidays. But, they have produced this video podcast showing you the complete circuit of Mike's 2011 Christmas Tree Monorail! Mike set up the Walt Disney World Monorail toy under his Christmas Tree. Two trains (Yellow and Black) move through a track switch and visit EPCOT's Spaceship Earth along with Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Here at Coaster Radio, we're big fans of the Variety Specials they used to have on TV awhile back. Before there were hundreds of lame reality shows and other filler, television networks used to produce special programs (especially around the holidays) that featured different kinds of entertainment and segments. This week, we're going to try to do the same thing with our 2011 Holiday Spectacular! This week's episode is jam-packed with fun stuff like: * A live call from Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom from one of the show's newest correspondants. * Live trip reports from Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a Holiday Fair at Hyde Park in London and a roller coaster ride at Gulliover's World, Warrington, UK. * A "Holiday Kid Call" from "Hagrid Claus" and "Shapiro the Elf" to two lucky children. * A dramatic (and sound effects filled) reading of "A CoasterBoy Christmas" * Interactive calls from CoasterRadio.com listeners * Music and Mayhem, plus a whole lot more! We're so thankful that you listen to the show week after week and have made us a part of your lives. We wish you and your families a Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!

Jim Hill Media published an interesting article this week about possible plans at Walt Disney World to introduce a fee-based version of the FastPass System. Nothing has been announced by the Walt Disney Company as of yet, but the article says that Disney is considering offering a way to reserve ride times and show/parade viewing spots if you stay at a Disney Resort and purchase something called "The X Pass." This week, the guys discuss this new possiblity and what it would mean for the theme park experience... at Walt Disney World and beyond. The guys also take a look at the winners of the 2011 Themed Entertainment Awards - The THEA Awards! The annual awards reward excellence for the creation of compelling educational, historical and entertainment projects. You'll be amazed at some of the new technologies that were honored this year! AND, you'll be excited to learn about an old friend of the show who won the Lifetime Achievement Award! Plus, we'll have news about our GIGANTIC holiday spectaculars that are coming up in the next two weeks!

With the holidays right around the corner, you might be scrambling to find the perfect gift. But if you're looking for something for a theme park fan, the local mall might not have exactly what you need. Never fear! Here at Coaster Radio, we're bring back our annual tradition - The Holiday Gift Guide! The 2011 version has a ton of great ideas, sure to impress the theme park fan in your life. Hey, you might even want to check out some of these items for yourself. Plus, EB and Mike get into a great debate/rant about the latest announcements from Universal Studios. This week, we found out that Hogwarts (and the incredible Forbodden Journey attraction) are coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. In addition, there were confirmed plans to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. However, another recent annoucement had to do with the closure of the classic "JAWS" attraction at Universal Studios Florida. The latest hot rumor is that Amity Island will make way for Harry Potter's London and Phase Two of the Potterverse. Mike and EB will disect the rumors and give you their opinion on the current state of things. Hey! As you listen to the show, here is a list of all of the gift items that the guys discuss! Coaster Dynamix Kits - Full Coaster Kits - Train Models - Statix Knex Kits Quercetti Skyrail Rollercoaster with Elevator Disney MonorailPark Season Passes Online stores - Holiday World, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, WWOHP Millennium Force Replica Space Mountain Seat at Mouse SurplusJungle Cruise Gallery of Light by Olszewski Kinect Disneyland Adventures for XBox360 Imagineering Blueprints Walt Disney Autograph Touring Plans Subscription Skee-Ball Game Cotton Candy Machine Sno Cone Machine Rollercoaster DVD - Watch it with Our Unofficial DVD Commentary! Vintage items from your home park on EBay (70s, 80s, 90s)

The guys had planned on producing a regular show this week, but Mike came down with a pretty bad case of the flu. So, after some thought, they decided to enlist the help of Clint Novak from The Coaster Crew and dig out an episode of the show that has never been heard on our podcast feed before! Let me explain.... Back in 2007, after Coaster Radio 1.0 had gone off the air, Mike, Flava and Mario formed a team to compete in the first ever "Single Riders Marathon" at Kennywood Park. Now, the marathon had nothing to do with being single. Instead, it meant that each marathon rider would fill an empty seat on a coaster and complete as many laps as possible during the day. People would then pledge a certain amount of money for every coaster lap counted. As part of this event, Flava , Mario and Mike produced an episode of "The Coaster Crew's Guide to the Midway" on-location at the park. We thought this show was lost forever, but Will Holder was able to dig it up out of the archives this week! So, since Mike is sick, we decided to play this show for the first time ever on OUR podcast. For all of you who have missed Flava and Mario... this one's for you. For all of you who have missed Flava and Mario... this one's for you.

Happy Thanksgiving! On this week's show, EB and Mike let the listeners vent on what they are most (and least) thankful for at the theme parks this year. It's a chance to give thanks and complain at the same time! We also have the first ever Holiday Kid Call! Our own version of Santa Claus makes a call to the children of one of our listeners. Does this turn out to be a good idea for the show? Or does it go into the category of failed ideas like "Being David Arquette?"

It may be the off-season for most of us around the world, but you can get still get your park fix right here... with the Original Theme Park Podcast! Each year, amusement industry insiders gather at the annual IAAPA Conference to check out new attractions and technologies that they might want to purchase for their park. On this week's show, Mike and EB send a wireless microphone to the 2011 IAAPA show floor and talk with one specific vendor who just might have the hottest idea for the 2012 season. Plus, the guys spend some time talking about legendary roller coaster designer Ron Toomer. Ron passed away during the show's hiatus this past September, so Coaster Radio listeners call in to talk about their favorite Toomer-designed coasters. Was he one of the most influential designers ever? And, we'll let you in on some of the behind-the-scenes information that we gathered from our Season Six Survey. You'll find out exactly how many women actually listen to this show. Fascinating stuff!

Yes, it's a strange title for this week's episode... but it will all make sense once you take a listen! This week, Mike and EB catch up on a bunch of backlogged calls from the Coaster Radio Voicemail Line. We'll hear what happened to some of our favorite callers over the summer and introduce you to someone who we're sure is going to be a fan favorite. We also interview Scot Wegener. the author of "Things to do in Theme Park Queues." Scott has written a book (and a companion smart phone app) that will help even the most impatient person be able to stand the hour-long lines for your favorite rides and attractions. Plus, we'll have dueling Live Trip Reports and exciting news about upcoming shows and contests!

Grab a glass of Butterbeer, dust off your magic wand and brush up on your spells... because this week, the Original Theme Park Podcast is coming to you from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! This amazingly detailed land at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando has been memorizing guests ever since it opened last year. We'll tell you what makes the Wizarding World so special and give you some tips that will make your next visit even better. We'll also have reviews of the many different shops and merchandise that can be found in Hogsmead Village. Plus, Mike will have a first-hand account of what it's like to ride Dragon Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey! And, the moment any fan of CoasterRadio.com has been waiting for... a live visit with the friendly Half-Giant himself, HAGRID! There are a ton of other surprises waiting for you in the latest episode of CoasterRadio.com!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Throughout the month of October, we've been getting in the spirit for the world's spookiest holiday by visiting the parks and other events to partake in their haunted mazes and attractions. We've been stalked by demonic clowns and aggressive werewolves. We've been chased by hungry zombies and thirsty vampires. We've even had a few brushes with the paranormal... perhaps witnessing a ghostly apparition. But now that the big day is here, everyone here at The Original Theme Park Podcast is ready to celebrate Halloween in a new way. This week, EB and Mike start a new tradition on the show. They tell creepy stories from some of the most popular and inventive haunted attractions in the United States. These haunts use state-of-the-art technology to scare their guests, but more importantly, they also use engaging storylines to pull people into another world. Using some "radio magic," the guys will pull YOU into the stories as well. Plus, EB and Mike talk about some of their favorite tried and true haunt effects. AND, we have one of the most entertaining Live Trip Reports EVER! It's all coming up on a very scary episode of CoasterRadio.com!

We're just a few days away from one of our favorite holidays here at Coaster Radio... Halloween! This week, we're going to celebrate early by talking with the owner of the World's Longest Indoor Haunted Attraction... The Factory of Terror in Canton, Ohio. The Guinness Book of World Records recently certified that this amazing haunt has once again claimed this impressive world record. We'll find out what it takes to to put on a world-class haunt and what terrifying experiences visitors might encounter when they visit. We'll also discuss the most recent promotion at Six Flags Over Georgia. As part of their celebration of Fright Fest, visitors were invited to eat a live Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. If they succesfully ate the bug, they won a Season Pass. EB and Mike talk about what it would take to get them to eat a roach and then get to the bottom of finding out who came up with this unique idea. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from a popular California Haunted Attraction and we find out how we're doing in the voting for the 2011 Podcast Awards!

This week, the Original Theme Park Podcast comes to you from the Happiest Place on Earth! (OK, that tag line might belong to Disneyland... but we're close enough!) On this week's episode, Mike and EB provide on-site details from EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival. What culinary delights can you find in World Showcase? And, if you aren't interested in the festival, does it affect the attraction lines? Plus, Mike has a chance to check out Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Does it live up to the excellence of the original? Does it exceed expectations? Or, does it have a disappointing "prequel" feel? The guys also have live audio from inside the Magic Kingdom at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! Mike Collins is joined by his wife Molly and their friends Mike and Colleen to talk about the event, the fireworks, the parade, the CANDY and most importantly, their award winning TRON and Karate Kid costumes. Fear Does Not Exist In This Dojo, DOES IT? Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Magic Mountain, details on some upcoming CoasterRadio.com Contests and a LOT MORE!!!

Welcome to the Season Six Premiere of Coaster Radio! EB and Mike are determined to make this season the best one ever! So, to kick start things off right, the guys are joined by the one and only Neil Patrick Harris! Neil is known throughout the world for his many roles in the movies, on television and on broadway. But fans of Coaster Radio also know him as the familiar voice who introduces and ends each and every episode of the Original Theme Park Podcast. On this week's show, Neil joins the guys for some excellent theme park talk. He tells the guys about how he first became fascinated with the amusement industry. He talks about his favorite rides and attractions and what he looks for in a good ride. He also talks about his "behind the scenes" involvement in some attractions and shows that you have probably experienced yourself. Neil looks back on the Halloween Yard Haunt that he built in his own backyard and looks to EB and Mike to give him some advice on what rides he should experience with his twin babies. Plus, there are a lot of other fun topics and surprises! This is one episode of CoasterRadio.com that you absolutely don't want to miss!

This is a Bonus Video Podcast where EB and Mike provide "DVD Commentary" while watching on-ride videos of two of Europe's most interesting roller coasters... Hochschaubahn at Wiener Prater in Vienna, Austria and Hullámvasút at Vidámpark in Budapest, Hungary.

Last week, we ended our Fifth Season of Coaster Radio with a live broadcast from one of the most unique amusement parks on the planet, Wiener Prater in Vienna Austria. But admittedly, radio can only do so much when you're describing the amazing roller coasters, thrill rides and other interesting attractions at this one of a kind park. So, EB and Mike have produced a brand new video podcast (the first in five years!) to show you exactly what it's like at the Prater! In a few weeks, the guys will return with a second video podcast about some of Europe's greatest roller coasters. AND...don't forget that Season Six begins on Thursday, October 6th! We can't unveil what will happen yet, but it will easily be one of the most talked about episodes EVER!

We've reached the end of another season of Coaster Radio! To celebrate, we're podcasting from one of the most unique amusement parks in the world... Wiener Prater in Vienna, Austria! The Prater was once an imperial hunting ground and only accessible by the aristocracy, But then, Austrian Emperor Josef II donated the area to the Viennese in 1766 as a public leisure center. Since then, it has gone on to become the place where the people of Vienna gather to relax and unwind with food, drink and wild rides. That's right! In recent years, it has become home to some of the most outrageous and intensely thrilling attractions in Europe! Join Mike and EB and they talk about some of the Prater's most iconic attractions - the roller coasters, Ghost Houses, water rides and gravity defying flat rides. There might even be some on-ride audio from one of the oldest attractions in the park! They'll also talk about how The Prater is run much differently than your average amusement park and howit's full of attractions not seen many other places. Be sure to come back next week for the premiere of a video podcast showing off all of the rides that the guys discussed on this week's show! Thanks to everyone who has made this season of CoasterRadio.com the most successful ever! We can't wait for Season Six to begin in October!

Labor Day Weekend is here and the parks are starting to wind down from the Summer Season. But the Original Theme Park Podcast is still going strong with an all new episode! This week, we welcome back an old friend to the show! Greg K. (of "Kiss My Shiekra" fame) makes his triumphant return to talk about his recent trip to Walt Disney World. This visit was unique because for the first time ever, he made the trip with his wife and two daughters (ages 2 and 2 months!) Did Greg K. survive the Florida heat, multiple Teacup Rides and the long wait to meet Mickey Mouse? And more importantly, will he let loose with his trademark catch-phrase? Then, Mike recalls his trip to Hungary and his visit to Vidampark - the country's one and only amusement park. What was it like riding their 90-year old coaster with a surly brakeman in charge of keeping the ride on the tracks? Mike and EB also take a look at some of the most recent ride announcements made by the parks. Which 2012 attractions look like hits and which ones look like misses? Will we see any record breaking attractions? Will we see more upcharge animatronic dinosaurs? Plus a Live Trip Report from Canada's Wonderland and MUCH MORE! Plus a Live Trip Report from Canada's Wonderland and MUCH MORE!

We all have them. And we've probably spent hundreds of dollars on them. Yes my friends, I'm talking about Theme Park Souvenirs. From on-ride photos to Disney Vinylmations to the dozens of park shirts you have in your drawers, the amusement industry makes a TON of money off of us and our need to commemorate our visits to their parks. But some of the souvenirs we by hold a special place in our hearts (and in our homes.) On this week's show, we explore the best and the worst souvenirs owned by the CoasterRadio.com audience. Believe it our not, there are some heartwarming stories that come along with some of them! We also hear all about EB's trip across America. NOt only did EB encounter the ghosts of lazy Civil War soldiers, he also had a chance to ride a major roller coaster with his son for the first time. The guys also talk about how they saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II with the new D-Box Motion Technology that is making its way to movie theaters across the country. Did EB and Mike enjoy having their theater seats move, sway and vibrate along with the action? All of this, plus a Live Trip Report and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

Some of the best moments for a theme park fans are the weeks, days and hours leading up to an highly anticipated trip. And each of us has unique things that we like to do to get in the proper mindset for a day of non-stop fun at the parks. On this week's show, we talk about all of the different "rituals" that amusement fans take part in before reaching the park. As always, the CoasterRadio.com audience steps up big time to tell us about the specific things they do before their big trips.

Disney park fans are some of the most passionate people around. They know everything there is to know about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Uncle Walt, Imagineering and pretty much anything else related to the Disney Company and their theme parks. There's even a group of diehards who organize "unofficial" fan celebrations at the Disney Parks in Orlando and Anaheim. October 1st, 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort, and a group called WDWCelebrations will be hosting an unbelievable fan-organized event to complement the official activities offered by the Walt Disney Company. This week, we're joined by Adam Roth, co-founder of WDWCelebrations, to talk about Project XL: The World at 40 which will take place September 29th - October 2nd. He'll tell us about the history of their organization and what they have in store for their biggest fan celebration yet! Plus, you can find out how to sign up for the fun! We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Darien Lake, an update on EB's Chickens and much more!

Unlike most sequels, this one is actually better than the first! We had so many great submissions from the show we did a few weeks ago about "Theme Park Mashups", we had to break the show into two parts! This week, we once again have our listeners take two of their favorite attractions and combine them to create the ULTIMATE ride. For instance... Imagine mashing up Disney's "Haunted Mansion" with the "Splash Battle" at Dollywood. OR... How about trying to combine an S&S Space Shot ride with a B&M Interted Coaster like Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. OR... What if someone combined Soarin' with Toy Story Mania? What would that be like? Plus, we also have a Live Trip Report from Hersheypark and a whole lot more!

The ongoing trend in the amusement industry seems to be parks coming up with new ways for guests to skip the lines. Some of the the line cutting systems are free and come with your admission. But others are offered for an upcharge of $40 or $50. On this week's episode, Mike and EB talk about the new "Fast Lane" option that just debuted at Kings Island. The guys will discuss the pros and cons of the new service and what this might mean for other parks around the country. Will the park experience that we know today change forever? The guys also discuss their upcoming separate trips to Knoebels and Weiner Prater in Vienna, Austria. Will Mike be brave enough to tackle the crazy Euro-rides? And, EB just recently renewed his love affair with a classic carnival attraction! Plus, a Live Trip Report from one of the most enchanting parks in the country!

On this week's episode of "The Original Theme Park Podcast" we ask the age old question... "This or That?" Throughout the past week, the Coaster Radio audience has been sending Mike and EB e-mails filled with tantalizing choices. The e-mails contain choices between rides, choices between attractions and choices between parks. It will be Mike and EB's job to make a decision for every choice offered and then defend that decision. Some listeners have even come up with really bizarre choices that spark some furious debates and unavoidable controversies! We also have news on the "Producer for a Day" Contest and one of the most unique Live Trip Reports ever!

At one time or another, I'm sure that all of us have tried our hand at "armchair imagineering." You know, dreaming up rides and attractions that we hope and pray eventually make it to our favorite theme park. On this week's episode, we gave our audience an unlimited budget and unlimited imagination to create an ultimate attraction by "mashing up" two existing rides. The listeners of CoasterRadio.com make up one of the most creative podcast audience's anywhere... so we have some excellent ideas this week. We also have a Live Trip Report from Hersheypark, news on the "Producer for a Day" contest and an idea on why the "Mach Tower" drop ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been delayed. Let's just say it might be the "Italian Origins" of the ride!

For each individual season of Coaster Radio, EB and Mike like to have something called a "story arc." Basically, it's a common theme and storyline that can carry over throughout an entire season of the show. For season four, we followed Mike as he prepared for and ultimately triumphed at The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. But in Season Five, the guys unveiled their most ambitious "story arch" ever - The Neil Patrick Harris Project. EB and Mike wanted to have a major celebrity (who happened to love theme parks) agree to become the voiceover artist that introduces each episode of the show. They locked on film, television and stage star Neil Patrick Harris, who turned out to be a listener of the show already! This week, after ten months of wacky contests, Towers of Treats and major charity events, Neil is ready to announce whether he will become a part of the Original Theme Park Podcast! We also welcome back an old friend, Arthur Levine - the theme parks guide at about.com! Arthur recently had a chance to ride Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disneyland and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure. He'll tell Mike and EB which ride made it to his list of Top Theme Park Attractions and which ride gave him a slight case of anticipointment. We'll also hear from the CoasterRadio.com audience as they talk about their favorite water rides. Which wet and wild rides are the best in the country? The listeners have the scoop! We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island and Mike will tell you about his upcoming trip to Hungary to ride one of the oldest coasters in the world!

We have a lot of fun traditions here at Coaster Radio, but one of our most cherished happens every year at this time! This week, it's the 2nd Annual... SPARKTACULAR EXPLOOSIOLOOSA! Each year, EB risks life and limb so that he can bring our wireless microphones as close as possible to the flames, sparks and explosions. Last year, EB got hit with a projectile wall of fire. What could go wrong this year? We also will hear from Mike as he gives his "complicated" review of Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion. How does it rate when compared to other rides in the park and will Mike be brave enough to ever ride it again? We also delve into the world of roller coaster enthusiast clubs. What are some of the reasons people join? Are there any drawbacks? What about the recent trend of several clubs "hating" on one another. We'll hear from the CoasterRadio.com audience as they tell us about what clubs they belong to and the pros and cons of each. Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from a park in Germany!

This past Tuesday marked the official start of Summer, 2011! For every summer we can remember, there has always been an unofficial "anthem" recorded by the biggest pop star of the day. It's a song that EVERYONE listened to on their way to the beach or the theme park. In the 80's it was the Fresh Prince, in the 90's it was Ricky Martin and today, it might be Katy Perry or Cee Lo Green. But this week, we premiere what might be the #1 hit song for this summer! It's a once in a lifetime colloboration! We also get a live report from opening day of Windseeker at Kings Island. Does the 300 foot tall spinning thrill machine live up to the hype? We'll find out! Plus, we'll hear from listeners all over the world as they tell us about their favorite spots at their home parks. We'll find out about the special places off the beaten path at parks where people can get away from the noise and crowds!

One of the most fun things about being a fan of theme parks are the traditions. Since we all go to the parks year after year, there are certain things that we look forward to and specific things that we have to do to make the summer season complete. On this week's show, we talk about our own special traditions and listen to the man interesting ones from the CoasterRadio.com audience. We also unveil a new contest! We'll provide details on how you can be "Producer for a Day" here at the show. We'll also try to help EB solve a mystery that occurred on his farm this week involving one of his beloved chickens! There may or may not have been some "foul" play. Plus, discussion about The Neil Patrick Harris Project, a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Over Georgia and a Churro Challenge!

On the next episode of Coaster Radio, we bring you the final chapter in our own "Time Travel Trilogy!" On our last show, we left you with a cliff hanger... EB and Mike were stuck somewhere in the Space Time Continuum. This week, we find out where they have been and if if they can successfully get back to 2011. But, since they're travelling in time anyway, they decide to stop in 2006 to listen in on an old episode about going to the parks alone. The CoasterRadio.com audience also chimes in to tell their own stories about going it alone during a trip to the park. Plus, Mike has a run-in during his recent solo trip to Hersheypark with the wannabe cast of "Jersey Shore." You'll hear how Mike channeled his "Inner-NPH" to resolve the situation. We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags America and an update from "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure" at Disney California Adventure. AND... we also celebrate a very usual milestone in the show's history!

After an unplanned two-week hiatus, the Original Theme Park Podcast is back and ready to continue our travels through time. This week, we're combining the time travel rules from Back to the Future, Bill and Ted, Time Cop, The Time Traveler's Wife and Quantum Leap to listen in on one of our favorite shows from the past. We'll head back to January of 2006 to hear the "Joint Chiefs ™" talk about the pros and cons of paying to get to the front of the line. And since we have a Time Machine, we just might try to head into the future to see if the parks have taken the idea of "Pay for Play" too far! We'll also hear a Live Trip Report from two of our newest listeners who just got to check out the updated version of "Star Tours." Plus, we'll have news about how EB's son Mark is a bona fide television star in the theme park universe! And, we'll have an update on the NPH Project!

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the 6th Anniversary of this crazy podcast. EB and I got a little nostalgic for the old days. So, after a movie marathon where we watched Back to the Future Parts I, II and III while drinking nothing but Diet Mountain Dew, we had an inspiration! We would build our own time machine and go back to listen to a show featuring a past version of ourselves. This week, EB and I head back to September 26, 2005 to hear a show featuring Flava and Greg K. The topic that week, was "Dating at the Theme Park." We'll listen to our 2005 commentary on the topic and then go "Back to the Future" so we can give you our 2011 take on things. Let's just all be careful we don't cause a temporal paradox, OK? We also hear about EB's Opening Day trip to Holiday World and listen to a Live Trip Report from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

We usually try to pick show titles that are both creative and ones that give you a hint at what's to come. That's why I think "A Fresh Start" works well this week. To begin, we wrap up Theme Park Change with some important words about last week's show There is a lot to say and a lot to be thankful for, so we hope that you'll all take the time to listen to the first part of our podcast. We also have a final tally on our fundraising for Theme Park Change and celebrate by inviting two old friends back to Coaster Radio! This week's show also lives up to its title because we'll hear your favorite stories from Opening Day at the parks. It's one of the best days of the theme park year because the parks are clean, the paint is fresh and the rides are running like new! Mike and EB will tell you their own unique "opening day" tales while also hearing from the listeners about their unique experiences from their home park's first day of operation. Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Texas and a few other surprises!

www.themeparkchange.com

When I'm putting together these blog posts, I always try to find an interesting photo to make you want to listen to the show. This week, I present you with a picture Hugh Grant. Listen to the show to figure out why he's relevant! This week, the Coaster Radio audience steps up to the mike and tells us about what they believe are the most underrated roller coasters in the world. We're talking about roller coasters that don't get any love from The Travel Channel, magazines and even from us here at the show. You'll be pleasantly surprised at some of the suggestions listeners came up with! We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Over Texas and an update on Theme Park Change! Keep in mind, there is only one week left to donate! We still need a lot of help to reach our goal. So, if you haven't donated yet, don't wait! To get you inspired to donate, we'll have a visit from a brand new friend! (You won't want to miss this!)

Sometimes, the very best ideas for this crazy show of ours come from the listeners. A few months ago, we were doing a show about "The Best Money You've Spent at a Park" and we received a call from Deidre Rodman from The Lascivious Biddies. She said the best money she spent was when she and her husband bought the "Bride and Groom" Mickey Ears to wear during their recent honeymoon at Walt Disney World. She said that throughout the trip, they were given free food, free gifts and other special treatment from the cast members at Disney. When EB and I heard this, we hatched an evil plan. We asked our listening audience for two volunteers who would go to Walt Disney World and pretend to be honeymooners (complete with the Mickey Ears) to test this theory. Derek and Trisha from Southern California answered the call and what followed was "The Trip of Lies!" On this week's show, we hear about their trip and find out if the hypothesis was true. Do you get tons of free stuff just for wearing "Bride and Groom" Mickey Ears? Plus, Derek and Trisha give us the scoop on the rest of their trip, including a review of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Yes indeed, the guys from the graveyard scene of The Haunted Mansion are some of the most infamous "busts" around. But this week, we're talking about a different type of bust. We'll explore some of the major mistakes and blunders in the 56-year history of the Disney Theme Parks. To be fair, Disney goes get most everything right. They usually do it better than the other guys 9 times out of 10. However, our listeners have chimed in with specific instances of parks, attractions and policies that didn't quite hit the mark. We also have a Live Trip Report from one of the first runs of the new and improved Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion. Did the off-season work make it a #1 ride? We also are joined by Robert Bauer from Project Angel Food as we give you an update on the progress of Theme Park Change!

This week's show is so full of Coaster Radio goodness, it's almost enough for three whole shows! There's so much going on, it's hard to decide where to begin! How about we start with naming a winner in the "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest! NPH is no stranger to winning awards. So, it's fitting that he calls in to crown a winner in our latest contest. Mike and EB were absolutely floored by the results. Let's just say, NPH picked a darkhorse entry! Next, after months in the planning stages, it's finally time to officially kick off our worldwide charity event - "Theme Park Change!" The goal is to encourage theme park fans across the globe to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity. All of the proceeds from this year's event is going to an amazing organization, Project Angel Food. To learn more about them, the guys are joined by Margaret Steele, Project Angel Food's CEO. One you hear her interview, there won't be a question on whether or not you'll want to donate. The good work this group does will make you want to reach for your wallet and join in the "Theme Park Change." Please, check out the website! Anyone who donates $10 or more is automatically entered into a raffle where they can win one of dozens of excellent theme park prizes! And of course, we appease the CoasterBoys in our audience with some good, interactive theme park talk! This week, we talk about specific things missing from your specific home park. CoasterRadio.com listeners from across the world have chimed in to let us know what rides, attractions and other aspects are missing from their local theme parks. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Busch Gardens Tampa!

The Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite theme park attractions anywhere. I love it so much, that I totally don't mind waiting in line for it. Just being around the spooky ambiance is a thrill almost on par with the big drop that is to come. When the ride is though and I've checked out my on-ride photo and am exiting through the gift shop, I sometimes wish that I could just hang out there for awhile... almost as if I were a guest. Well, it turns out you can make this happen. You can even have a romantic dinner just steps away from the ride's entrance. On this week's show, we're joined by someone who made this dream a reality. Carrie Hayward is the host of “Inside Disney Weddings” and the author of PassPorter's “Disney Weddings & Honeymoons.” Carrie knows everything there is to know about the wonderful world of Disney party planning. You'll be amazed at some of the things you can do at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. You'll also be amazed at how relatively inexpensive it is! (She'll even tell us how much it costs to have Disneyland all to ourselves!) Carrie will also tell us about some of her other Disney adventures... like the time she rode The Haunted Mansion in Florida and The Haunted Mansion in California in the SAME DAY! Make sure you check out this show and visit her website, disneytravelbabble.com, to learn more! Plus, we'll have an update on the Neil Patrick Harris Project and next week's launch of Theme Park Change!

Last week's Listener Question Show was a huge hit! Like all good parties, we didn't want it to end. So, we extended the show into a second episode! This week, we answer more of your questions sent in through our blog, Facebook, Twitter and our voicemail line. PLUS, we take more of your live calls... it's podcasting without a net! Listeners called in with a bunch of good topics and started some create discussions. We were even surprised by a few somewhat "famous" callers. This week, we also unveil our nationwide charity project... Theme Park Change. The event begins on April 1st and we'll have a lot more information for you between now and then. But basically, we're asking theme park fans across the world to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and then donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity. Our 2011 charity for Theme Park Change is Project Angel Food! This event isn't just solely for CoasterRadio.com either. We're inviting any theme park fan site (Disney fan sites too) to join us in raising money for this incredible charity. Plus, there's a chance for you to win some pretty cool prizes if you donate $10 or more! Check out the website and listen to this week's show to learn more! We're hoping you'll find it to be as good of an idea as we do!

We've been doing this crazy podcast since April of 2005... that's a long time! So, there aren't many "firsts" on the show these days. But, in an effort to continue to be one of the most interactive podcasts out there, we're adding a new element to our annual Listener Question Show. This week, for the first time ever, we're taking your live phone calls! Many members of the Coaster Radio audience joined us during our "live look-in" webcast where people could watch the show being produced. Listeners were able to call-in to the show and make this year's edition of the Listener Question Show one of the best ever! In addition to the live questions, we'll be joined by Derek and Trisha, a couple in Southern California who are making their way to Walt Disney World in Orlando next week. They have agreed to wear Bride and Groom Mickey Ears to test our theory that anyone wearing those "Magical Caps" will get a ton of freebies (even if they aren't exactly newlyweds!) Join us to find out what to expect in The Newlywed Game: The Trip of Lies! Plus, we'll have some news on the NPH Project and an update on the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest. Don't forget, you only have one more week to enter! The contest ends Thursday, March 17th!

After you add up the price of admission, parking, food, drink and souvenirs, the cost of going to a theme park can be substantial. Especially, if you're a family! But there are some things that we buy at the parks that are totally worth the price. On this week's show, we hear from listeners all over the world who tell us about the best money they've spent at the parks. We'll talk about VIP Experiences, Front of the Line Passes, Disney Trading Pins, Upcharge Attractions and a lot more. We also have news about our Listener Question Show which we will record on Tuesday, March 8th at 9:30pm est. We'll have all the details about how you can call in to the show with your questions LIVE! We'll also have an update on the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest and an update on the NPH Project!

We pride ourselves on being one of the most interactive podcasts out there. On this week's show, we prove that we also try to be one of the most generous! We're joined "in-studio" by Andrew from North Carolina who was the winner of a contest we did last season. The contest was best described by EB as "The Warmup for the NPH Project!" Andrew won $250 dollars and the chance to sit in on the show! This week, Andrew, Mike and EB talk about interesting places you can go to get a theme park fix when your local parks are closed for the winter. It's harder than it sounds! We also have a Live Trip Report from Busch Gardens Tampa and updates on the "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest and Facebook February! Have you "liked" us on Facebook yet?