Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

We have a lot of traditions here at CoasterRadio.com. But one of our favorites happens every year at this time. Back in 2005, we shot off Fireworks during the show to celebrate America's Independance Day. Flava got the microphone as close to the sparks and flames as he could... and a tradition was born. Every year since, we have marked America's Birthday with this colorful (and very loud) tradition. A few years ago, we gave the celebration a name... The CoasterRadio.com Sparktacular Exploosioloosa!" And this year, we have produced a video podcast so you can see and hear the action! Plus, we have Fireworks footage from Illuminations at EPCOT and Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios! It's shaping up to be the greatest "Sparktacular Exploosioloosa' ever!

Summertime is heating up and so is the Original Theme Park Podcast! We bring back an old favorite this week! You see, EB and Mike have a long list of popular Amusement Industry topics for 2012. It's their job to go through the list and decide if each is HOT or NOT. Some of the topics include... Verbolten at Busch Gardens WIlliamsburg Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Cedar Fair over the last five years Windseeker The restraints on SkyRush at Hersheypark EB's Chickens Plus many, many more! We also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Magic Mountain and discussion about the new interactive queue systems that Walt Disney Imagineering has unveiled for their Dumbo attraction.

On the week's show, we have one of the first on-site reviews of the new CARS LAND at Disney California Adventure. You'll hear about the rich detail of the new land as well as reviews of all three attractions! And then we have a question for you. If you took everyone who listened to the Coaster Radio podcast and put them in a giant room... what would you get. EB might have a snarky comment here... but what you'd have is a huge collection of knowledge about theme parks all across the world. I'd bet each of those people would have specific knowledge about certain parks they call home. On this week's episode, we ask the audience to share their best tips for having a great time at their home park. What rides should you visit first? Which attractions should you skip? What food is "must-eat?" What show is "must-see?" It's also fascinating to listen to all of these tips and realize how many of them apply to parks everywhere. We also take a look at the story of a teenager who dressed up as a famous Disney fairy while visiting Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. She was asked to change out of her costume because she looked too similar to the "real" thing. Who's right in this situation? Who's wrong? Did the media blow this way out of proportion for ratings? We'll get to the bottom of it all. PLUS, we have a Live Trip Report from Coney Island!

For this week's show, we hope you brought your appetites. Because we're going to talk about some of the greatest places on earth to eat and drink... Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Some of the most renowned chefs on earth work at the various Disney Resorts... cooking up tasty dishes and unbelievable pastries to tempt the theme park tourist. To help us with our Culinary Conversation, we'll be joined by AJ, the creator of the preeminent place to learn about Dining at Disney, The Disney Food Blog. Every week, AJ and her team of writers check out what's tasty and new at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. They've uncovered so much information, they've included it all in a series of e-books! (You've got to check them out!!!) Plus, we'll get into a debate on whether or not Disney should sell alcoholic beverages in their parks. Not just in EPCOT and California Adventure, but ALL THE PARKS. Would you like to have a tasty cocktail while walking through Adventureland? You might be surprised at how some listeners answered that question. We''ll also have a Live Trip Report from Hollywood Nights at Holiday World and a visit from the unruliest guest to ever visit Disneyland! It's all this week on an all-new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast! (DING!)

This week's episode is sort-of a sequel to last week's show. And, in the tradition of Star Wars, we've given this episode a very special title. Last week, we got into a big discussion about the relationship between George Lucas and the Walt Disney Company. We wondered why Disney hasn't done whatever it needs to get Mr. Lucas to agree to building a gigantic (Potter-defeating) land or park based on the Star Wars empire. On this week's show, we asked the CoasterRadio.com audience to step up to the microphone and tell us what attractions they would like to see in a Disnet-built Star Wars Park. We received a lot of good answers, but any one that mentions the awesomeness that is Billy Dee Williams gets my vote. We also have a rather vocal debate with the audience about the pros and cons on on-board audio on roller coasters. Mike and EB have very entrenched feelings about the subject, but will the CoasterBoys be able to change their minds? We'll also hear about Mike's trip to Pennsylvania and his visit to Knoebels! Did the new "Black Diamond"dark ride-coaster hybrid live up to the hype (and history?) Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Hershey Park and their new rollercoaster "Skyrush" and several surprise visits! It's all this week on the Original Theme Park Podcast!

For the next few weeks, Disney's Hollywood Studios is being over run with Jedi Knights, Sith Lords, Wookies, Droids, Bounty Hunters and a bunch of other characters from "a galaxy far, far away." "Star Wars Weekends" is the hot ticket at Walt Disney World and it seems to be more popular than ever. With the Boy Wizard making so much noise down the street at Universal Orlando, we want to know why Disney hasn't gone after the ultimate Potter Killer. Why hasn't Disney done whatever they need to do to get George Lucas to sign off on a dedicated land or a dedicated park solely devoted to Star Wars? We'll discuss it on this week's show and look for your opinions too! EB also has a full-scale review of the two new rides that debuted at Holiday World - Mammoth and Sparkler. Will the world's longest water slide live up to the hype? We also have a Live Trip Report from Disneyland, a winner in our SOUNDWAVE Contest AND we announce a new Summer-Long contest that will have people from all over the world competing in a theme park spectacle!!! It's all this week on the Original Theme Park Podcast!

On this week's show, Mike heads to Williamsburg, Virginia to take on Busch Gardens' newest roller coaster - Verbolten! Verbolten isn't your typical roller coaster. It's an immersive thematic attraction that sends passengers twisting and turning through the forbidden Black Forest. There are a ton of great surprises and some of the most detailed theming Busch Gardens has ever done. Throughout the show, Mike will describe the entire new attraction area as well as the ride itself. He'll interview Larry Giles, Busch Gardens' Vice President for Design and Engineering. He'll tell us what it was like to take on such a massive project and what guests can expect from Verbolten. He'll also interview SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment's Corporate Director of Creative Development, Brian Morrow. Brian was responsible for the attraction's storyline and rich theming. He'll give us the attraction's back story and tell us about some of the unique aspects of the ride. Plus, you'll get to ride along with Mike and his brother Greg as they "Brave the Black Forest" for the first time! Back in Indiana, EB will have the results of our weekly poll question, play a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure's opening day AND he'll have a new clue for our SOUNDWAVE Contest! It's a jam-packed all-new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!

The very first episode of our podcast was on April 25, 2005. We spent that first show looking ahead at all of the new attractions that would be opening at theme parks across the country in 2005. Reviewing the new attractions for the upcoming summer has become an annual tradition here at the show and this year is no different. This week, we take a look ahead at 12 new rides and attractions that will be making their debut in 2012. From roller coasters to flat rides to water slides... we'll talk about new attractions that will demand your attention. Joining us on the show to lend his expertise is the Theme Parks Guide from About.com... Arthur Levine! Arthur will give us in-depth detail about each new attraction... including some breaking news about what will happen inside the event building of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new coaster - Verbolten! Plus, we'll announce the winner of our HIMYM Caption Contest and give yet another clue in our Soundwave Contest! (You'll have to listen to the show to find out what that is!)

People who like theme parks and thrill rides are often called "extreme." I guess people who travel hundreds of miles to ride the latest and greatest roller coasters tend to take a few more risks and try experiences that the average person might never try. However, there are some attractions out there that even test the courage of the bravest park fans. Heck, they even test the courage of the bravest podcast hosts! On this week's show, Mike and EB talk about what the listeners say are the most extreme rides on earth. To make things easier, they break up the conversation into three sections - extreme roller coasters, extreme water slides and extreme flat rides. Your stomach will turn just hearing about some of these crazy experiences. We also have some updates on the various CoasterRadio.com contests, the results of our interactive poll and details about a fun, new project we've devised for this summer! It's all on this new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!

An interesting title for the podcast this week... but we'll explain it all. On this episode of the "Original Theme Park Podcast," we transition from the winter months to the spring and summer and get ready for the 2012 season! This week, we take a look at a recent survey conducted by Six Flags Over Georgia. Last summer, they asked their guests' opinions on different aspects of roller coasters and thrill rides. You'll be surprised at what they had to say! This week is also our first show back since "our" episode of "How I Met your Mother" aired nationally on CBS. Mike and EB will let you know how their lives have changed since becoming "background actors." Did Mike's new-found fame help him get "lucky" with a big breasted redhead in Las Vegas? We also announce two new contests... including the return of "Soundwave!" Plus, we unleash details about the "Most Interactive Summer EVER" at the show. Summer is almost here and everyone at the show is getting excited! We hope you are too!

As fun as it was to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure a few weeks ago, it wasn't the main reason for our trip to the west coast. Neil Patrick Harris invited us to come out to Hollywood to be extras in an upcoming episode of the hit CBS sit-com, "How I Met Your Mother." On this week's (very long) episode, we tell you the ENTIRE story. We talk about what we saw, our interactions with the cast and crew and what it was like to be a "background extra" in MacLaren's Pub.

We've spent the past two shows going over every details of our California Trip that included visits to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. But even with two whole hours devoted to both parks, there were things we missed. AND... the CoasterRadio.com audience was quick to remind us of the things we forgot to talk about. PLUS, there were some things that we said about the Disney's West Coast parks that upset some of our listeners. So, they sent strongly worded e-mails to let us know how they felt. We had so many e-mails and interest about the last two shows, that we decided to set aside this episode and answer all of them! Plus, we preview next week's show which is all about our visit to the set of "How I Met Your Mother." We even spill the beans on some of the stories about what we saw and did! Make sure to set your DVRs to record "our" episode of HIMYM! It airs Monday, April 16th at 8pm est on CBS!

The Original Theme Park Podcast returns with Part II of our California Trilogy of shows! This week, we talk about all of the stories and details from our trip to Disney California Adventure. This park has been on people's minds a lot lately as Disney wraps up its major construction projects including Buena Vista Street and Cars Land. But will EB and Mike enjoy the park after visiting Disneyland just a few days before? What will they think of attractions like Tower of Terror, Soarin', California Screamin' and Toy Story Midway Mania? Plus, for the first time ever, CoasterRadio.com will present Binaural Audio from several points in the park... including audio from EB's first-ever ride on Tower of Terror. You'll want to make sure that you have headphones handy so you can close your eyes and pretend you're there! Next week, we want to hear from you with your questions about our California trip! Send them via e-mail, on Facebook and Twitter or by calling our Voicemail Line at 206-339-3360!

EB and Mike reunite to take on the park that essentially started the theme park industry. This week, the guys are at Disneyland! After spending 15 hours in the park, they experienced almost every ride and attraction on the Disneyland Map! In a show that's partially on-location and partially in our studios, the guys review the park and all of the famous attractions for which Disneyland is known! You might be surprised at which rides they really liked and which ones lead to "anticipointment."

This week, CoasterRadio.com presents the Finals in the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest! People from all over the world sent in ride designs based on their favorite Hollywood movies. Mike and EB shared the Top 10 Semi-Finalists with you on the show and then sent the follow three finalists off to the esteemed panel of judges: The Stark Expo: The Iron Man Experience - James King The UP Adventure - Travis and Katie Ghostbusters: The Ride - Carson from Dallas, TX This week, we hear from this panel of industry experts and superfans to find out who will will be crowned 2012 "Reel" Design Champion! * 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 We can't reveal any outcomes... but we can say that there is a lot of drama! Thanks to our judging panel for giving their time and expertise! Thanks also to everyone who entered! You are all amazing and creative people!

Last week, we started the Semi-Final Round of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest. The first five Semi-Finalists were revealed, debated and disected. Listeners of Coaster Radio took to our blog, Twitter Feed and Facebook Page to let their opinions be known. It seemed as if every listener had a different entry that they liked best! On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal the final 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? Then, the guys take on the difficult task of eliminating seven contestants, so that only three finalists remain. Next week, 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 Be sure to listen next week, when the judges' voices are heard!

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!