Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

Join us as we kick off the gift-giving season with our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide! Check it out as you listen to the show at http://giftguide.coasterradio.com!

We talk with Barry Hill, author of "Imagineering an American Dreamscape" about the history of regional parks and their impact on American culture. Barry tells great stories about how some of the most famous parks in America were built.

Unless you haven't been paying attention, you've all seen the amazing video of a backyard roller coaster that was inspired by the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland. The ride has theming, lighting, a synced soundtrack, realistic rock work, a running waterfall and a thrilling roller coaster running through it all. On this week's show, we'll talk with one of the ride's designers. You'll learn all about how the ride was made and the plans for its future. PLUS, you'll find out what legendary Disney Imagineer called the designer to congratulate him!

While everyone was watching the election drama, a park smartly dropped some bad news about classic attractions being removed. We'll talk about that AND Mike's return to the parks!

We kick off the 15th Season of CoasterRadio.com by taking a look at all of the stories that happened while we were on our break!

On this week's episode, we crown a winner in the 2020 Ride Design Contest. You'll hear from our panel of judges: ROB DECKER - Former SVP of Planning and Design, Cedar Fair NEIL PATRICK HARRIS - Actor and Theme Park Enthusiast TIMOTHY JACOBI - Prototyping Engineer, Zamperla KOREY KIEPERT - Roller Coaster Designer, The Gravity Group ARTHUR LEVINE - Journalist and Theme Park Expert MARK McDONOUGH - President, Creative Visions TIM WILSON - Reigning Champion ERNEST YALE - Founder, Triotech

It's been a weird year. For many of us, theme parks serve as an escape from the stress of daily life. So it's been strange to visit the parks so little or not at all. On this week's show, we'll talk a look at the long list of rides and attractions that were supposed to open this year. Which ones actually opened and which ones will be promoted as "NEW FOR 2021?"

On this week's show, we talk about the rides that you have ALWAYS wanted to experience...but for whatever reason, they always slip through your fingers. We also have Live Trip Reports from all around the country and commentary on the latest news from around the amusement industry.

The judge's decisions are in and it's time to find out which semifinalists are moving on to the final round in our 2020 Ride Design Contest! We'll hear from our judges... Neil Patrick Harris, The Gravity Group, Triotech, Creative Visions, Arthur Levine and Rob Decker.

Sure, there's a little COVID-19 talk in this week's show as we cover the news, but then we kick things into a "virus-free" gear as we talk about new attractions on the horizon. But the big news this week is that we have narrowed down our semi-finalists in the CoasterRadio.com "Ride Design Contest." We're doing something with the competition that we have NEVER done before!

This week, our own Cincinnati Jon sits down with Cedar Point's Vice President and General Manager, Jason McClure. They talk about about what it's like to run the park during the very unique circumstances of COVID-19. Plus, Mike and EB take a look at the new ride concepts announced by Intamin.

This week show kicks off with reports from CoasterRadio.com listeners who are visiting parks all over the country. We'll hear all about what it's like to visit in the time of a global pandemic. We also have the latest news and rumors from around the amusement industry. Plus, we have some really "interesting" items in the mailbag. Plus, an update on the voting in our 2020 Ride Design Contest!

We have a special "in-park" episode of the show this week. EB is at Hersheypark and joins the show from the new "Chocolatetown." He has a full review of the new area, the park's COVID-19 precautions and the new B&M Hypercoaster "Candymonium!" We also have details on how you can vote for your favorite attractions in our 2020 Ride Design Contest!

Happy 4th of July! We start off this week's show with one of our oldest traditions... "the Sparktacular Exploosioloosa!" If you haven't heard it before, EB basically gets his microphone as close as he can to a firework and then lights it for your listening pleasure. EB also tells us about his visit to Indiana Beach for their VIP Preview Day. Then, we're joined by Kevin and Cincinnati Jon who were one of the first people to get a ride on Orion, Kings Island's new giga coaster. They give us an in-depth review of the ride and also tell us about how the park is prepping to keep guests safe during the on-gooing pandemic.

There is a TON of news to cover in this week's show... including a shocking story about one of Disney's most iconic rides that no one saw coming. We also will unveil the rest of the semi-finalists in the 2020 CoasterRadio.com Ride Design Contest!

After receiving A TON of excellent, imaginative and inventive entries for the 2020 CoasterRadio.com Ride Design Contest, we are ready to name the first five semi-finalists. You'll find out who they are and what rides they created. Plus, a ton of news including a rumored RMC Raptor for 2021!

It's summertime. By this time in the year, most of us would have several (if not dozens) of park trips under our belts. But, the Coronavirus has changed the world and the parks are now just starting to open. We'll talk with Orlando-based Journalist Seth Kubersky about what it was like to be back at Universal Orlando post-Covid. We'll also give you the news about what Cedar Fair parks will be opening over the next few weeks. We'll also get into a discussion about whether a famous Disney attraction should change its theme as a show of respect.

When the talk turns to amusement park rides, the same ones always seem to be brought up. Everyone talks about Millennium Force, Fury 325, Steel Vengeance and basically any ride created by Disney or Universal. But what about the fantastic rides out there that slip under the radar? Why don't they get any love? On this week's show, we talk about amazing rides that should be talked about and praised more! We also take a look at the biggest stories in the industry, including details on what will happen with Six Flags reopens their parks.

When Rocky Mountain Construction came on the scene in the last decade, they changed the industry. But when you think about roller coasters designed and constructed between 2010 -2019, was an RMC coaster the most influential? This week, the CoasterRadio.com audience helps us shape the debate. We'll also talk about some "inside" info about when some of your favorite parks might re-open. We'll also talk about some construction projects that have been delayed or outright cancelled.

The first park post-Covid-19 has opened! We'll tell you which one it was and what happened. We also talk about the most influential coasters of the 2000's. (You'll be surprised at the one we picked.) And...GET READY! We're launching the 2020 CoasterRadio.com Ride Design Contest! Wait until you see our panel of judges!

Indiana Beach, a classic park we thought was DEAD, has come back to life. We have the details. We'll also talk about how some countries and states have specific plans for re-opening the parks. even during the COVID-19 outbreak. Then, we'll take a look at all of the coasters built from 1990-1999 and figure out which one was most influential.

On April 25, 2005, a group of guys got together and recorded themselves talking about theme parks and thrill rides. They put it online as a podcast and called it "Coaster Radio." 15 years and 568 episodes later, the show is still here. Join us this week (for episode #569) to celebrate the podcast and have some good discussion the parks and rides we all love.

Last week, we got in to a heated debate on what was the most influential roller coaster of the 70's... and we didn't quite agree on an answer. This week, we do the same thing with the 1980s. Will this be a tough call? Or is the answer obvious? We also talk about some new attraction rumors and the possibility of a GEEKFEST at Universal Orlando.

Each decade is responsible for specific influences and innovations, even in the amusement industry. This week, we take a look at the 1970's and talk about what roller coasters were influential... even affecting the rides we have today.

The studios still on lockdown, but that doesn't stop us from bringing you another hour-plus episode!

Everyone is still on lockdown...or should be. (If you're out there livin' it up like this is some extended Spring Break, stay at home fool!) So, since the parks are closed, it's a good time to spend an hour hanging out, answering your questions and talking about the parks. We rant, we rave and we actually have some fun too. Join us!

Take a break from the "doom and gloom" and get a few laughs with us this week as we answer your listener questions! You guys sent in over 100 really good questions for us to answer and we'll go through them all over the next few weeks!

A lot of news piles up when we take a week off... this week, with the background of the Coronavirus, we talk about news stories from all over the amusement industry. Forgive us if the show goes a little off the rails this week. Just like many of you, we're living in stressful times and needed to blow off steam.

It's the theme park off-season, but for some reason, major stories are breaking all over. Disney CEO Bob Iger is stepping down and will be replaced by another Bob (Chapek), who has recently been in charge of Disney Parks worldwide. What does this mean for the industry and why are Disney fans worried? We'll also cover the latest news, hear some Live Trip Reports and listen to what you have been giving up to ensure that you can afford those expensive season passes. PLUS... we unveil the first CoasterRadio.com Listener Meet-Up of 2020!

The amusement industry was shocked this week when Apex Park announced that they would be closing Indiana Beach. What will become of their classic rides and roller coasters? Then, we'll talk to Blake Braswell, Show Director at Universal Orlando about the resort's Mardi Gras celebration! There's a lot that goes into bringing the spirit of Bourbon Street to the park. We'll hear all about it!

This week, we catch up on all of the news stories we missed while we were doing our 2020 preview shows! We also hear some of your Live Trip Reports from parks around the globe. And... we get into a good debate about which state has the best roller coasters.

USA Today's Arthur Levine joins us once again to take a look at more rides and attractions that will be opening up in parks across the world in 2020.

It's time for some of our favorite episodes of the year! We are joined by theme park expert Arthur Levine of USA Today to talk about all of the major new rides and attractions coming to theme parks in 2020.

We're just starting to get hyped about all of the new attractions for 2020. But this week, it's a 2021 rumor that is dominating the news. We'll tell you all about it. Then, it's the long-awaited return of one of our favorite game show rip-offs! It's time to find out if one of our listener has what it takes when we play "Who Wants to Be a CoasterBoy!"

This week's episode begins with a look at news from around the amusement industry... including an interesting lawsuit, some "accidental" vandalism and an anticipated ride finally opening. Then, we announce that a fan favorite contest will be returning to CoasterRadio.com! Finally, we hear some park-related New Year's Resolutions from our listeners!

Over the break, EB had a chance to visit the "American Dream" complex in New Jersey. Not many attractions are open yet, but the new Nickelodeon Universe theme park has most of its rides ready for guests. EB reviews all of the operating roller coasters and tells us all about his first visit. Then, it's time for "Coaster"Damus to return! We'll take a look at all of our predictions from 2019 to see which ones we got rights and which ones we failed miserably to predict correctly. Then, it's time to hear from the audience about their predictions for 2020...including several about rides they think will be gone by this time next year!

It's a special New Year's Eve episode of CoasterRadio.com! If you start this episode at exactly 11:30pm on New Years Eve, our own Bob the Lobster will count you down to midnight! We'll celebrate the end of the decade by revealing our listener's choices for the Best Ride, Roller Coaster, Park and Manufacturer of the last 10 years!

As we wind down the decade, it's time to take a look at how the amusement industry has grown and changed over the past 10 years. What were the best rides? What were the best parks? What were the most influential attractions? We'll attempt to answer all of these questions and then give you a chance to vote for your favorites at http://vote.coasterradio.com.

"Rise of the Resistance," the multi-sensory attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios has been wowing guests over the past two weeks. Josh Miely from the "Chips, Dips and Dorks" podcast is there this week and joins us live minutes after he rode the ride for a full review. After that, the guys take a look at what Cedar Point has planned for their 150th Anniversary. Plus, we open the CoasterRadio.com mailbag and look ahead to what we have planned for the last episodes of 2019!

For our first podcast of December, we have a jam-packed episode to kick off the holidays! First up, we're joined by Neil Patrick Harris, who calls in from his dressing room at EPCOT minutes before he went on stage to narrate the Candelight Processional. He gives his first thoughts on "Rise of the Resistance" at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. After that, we are joined by Lora Sauls, Senior Manager of Entertainment Creative Development and Show Direction at Universal Orlando Resort. She'll tell us all about what it's like to get the parks ready for the holidays, including "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!" After a few Live trip Reports and the Mailbag, we'll unveil our 2019 CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide! Wait until you see what presents we have found for you guys this year!

We're still weeks away from Christmas, but for theme park fans, this is a week full of gifts from the industry. IAAPA is the trade show for the amusement industry and there are over 10 miles of exhibits for buyers to see! We'll talk about some of the announcements made and concepts unveiled and debate which ones will actually make it to a park. And speaking of announcements, Cedar Point will be making an announcement about their anniversary season on December 11th. Our listeners will chime in about what they think the park will present! Plus, we'll talk about the latest news and take a phone call from a candidate for President of the United States!

The IAAPA conference is next week and there will be a ton of new attraction announcements. But most times, the new attractions use the same ride systems we've seen for years. We kick off this week's show talking about a NEW coaster prototype by S&S that could shake up the industry (and enthusiasts). We'll also talk with Seth Porges, one of the co-directors of "Class Action Park." This new documentary takes a look at the story behind "Action Park," the infamous New Jersey amusement center that was known for its "anything goes" attitude. We'll hear about how the park's wild attractions... including the iconic and dangerous looping waterslide!

When Kings Dominion announced that they would be tearing down their iconic, inverted launched coaster "Volcano," a lot of people were sad. But the sadness quickly turned to curiosity about what might replace it. Rumors have surfaced this week about what could be built on that same site. Is it a worthy successor? We'll also have a Live trip Report from Hersheypark with an update on the construction of "Candymonium." Then, it's time for a brand new game show! We'll play a few short seconds from the pre-show of a specific ride. Will our contestant be able to name the ride by just hearing the soundbite?

To celebrate the end of the haunt season, this week's episode comes to you direct from Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights! Mike is down in Orlando and will report direct from the park. He'll have reviews of the houses, scare zones and also "Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!" EB will also keep everyone updated with the latest news from the amusement industry with our Quick Hits segment. Plus, the guys discuss whether the show will make it to Orlando and Tampa for a 2020 meet-up... perhaps for the 30th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights?

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights is generally considered the best Halloween event in the world. For the 29th edition... they decided to create a house based on the classic 1984 comedy "Ghostbusters." When the house was announced, Mike and EB BEGGED Universal to include "Louis Tully," the nerdy accountant character played masterfully by Rick Moranis. They did. On this week's show, we talk with Jeremy McNaughton, the actor who plays Louis in the Ghostbusters house. We'll hear some behind-the-scenes stories and find out what it's like to be "The Keymaster." The guys will also comment on some of the biggest stories in the amusement industry, hear your Live Trip Reports and more!

Kings Island recently announced that they would be closing their iconic Arrow Looping Coaster "Vortex" after 32 years of operation. The coaster has given over 46 million rides. So even though it's not one of the world's best, it still means something to most people. On this week's show, we ask our listeners to name a roller coaster that they wouldn't care at all if it were demolished. You'll be surprised by some of the answers. We also take a look at the new lands announced for Universal Studios Beijing and find out if it was a good idea to bring back the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line.

The podcast returns this week for Season 14! There's lot to talk about, including some bizarre news that happened while the show was on hiatus. We also have an interview with the construction team at Kings Island who are working on their new giga coaster "Orion." Plus, we'll tell you about some things we have been working on for the upcoming season of the show.... including some brand new segments and some new team members!

This is a preview of our new daily podcast, Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com! This is the weekend edition for Friday, September 27th. If you like what you hear, head to http://news.coasterradio.com to subscribe as a podcast or as a Flash Briefing on your in-home smart speaker.

This is a preview of our new daily podcast, Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com! This is the weekend edition for Friday, September 20th. If you like what you hear, head to http://news.coasterradio.com to subscribe as a podcast or as a Flash Briefing on your in-home smart speaker.

This is a preview of our new daily podcast, Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com! This is the weekend edition for Friday, September 13th. If you like what you hear, head to http://news.coasterradio.com to subscribe as a podcast or as a Flash Briefing on your in-home smart speaker.