
Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast
786 episodes — Page 7 of 16

S14 Ep 12CoasterRadio.com #1412 - "Coaster"Damus 2020 and EB's Universe
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!

S14 Ep 11CoasterRadio.com #1411 - Real-Time New Years Eve
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!

S14 Ep 10CoasterRadio.com #1410 - Best of the Decade
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.

S14 Ep 9CoasterRadio.com #1409 - Rise of the Resistance and Cedar Point's 150th
"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!

S14 Ep 8CoasterRadio.com #1408 - NPH Returns, Holidays at Universal Orlando and our 2019 Gift Guide
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!

S14 Ep 7CoasterRadio.com #1407 - What's up at IAAPA and Cedar Point?
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!

S14 Ep 6CoasterRadio.com #1406 - Inside Class Action Park
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!

S14 Ep 5CoasterRadio.com #1405 - BIG Shoes to Fill
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?

S14 Ep 4CoasterRadio.com #1404 - LIVE from Halloween Horror Nights
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?

S14 Ep 3CoasterRadio.com #1403 - The Keymaster of Gozer
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!

S14 Ep 2CoasterRadio.com #1402 - I Wouldn't Miss It
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.

S14 Ep 1CoasterRadio.com #1401 - Season 14 Premiere
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!

S13 Ep 48CoasterRadio.com #1348 - Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com - Weekend Edition - September 27, 2019
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.

S13 Ep 47CoasterRadio.com #1347 - Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com - Weekend Edition - September 20, 2019
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.

S13 Ep 46CoasterRadio.com #1346 - Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com - Weekend Edition - September 13, 2019
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.

S13 Ep 45CoasterRadio.com #1345 - Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com - Weekend Edition - September 6, 2019
This is a preview of our new daily podcast, Theme Park News from CoasterRadio.com! This is the weekend edition for Friday, September 6th. 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.

S13 Ep 44CoasterRadio.com #1344 - Listener Controlled Season Finale
We have come to the end of the 14th season of the CoasterRadio.com podcast. We've always said that the listeners are the heart and soul of the show. So, we're turning this episode over to them entirely. Listeners wrote in on Twitter, Facebook, E-mail and Reddit to tell us what they want to hear on this week's show. Frankly, some of the requests are pretty weird. But, believe it or not, there is a lot of great theme park, thrill ride and roller coaster talk... including commentary on all of the recent announcements made by Six Flags about their 2020 announcements! So enjoy the show! We'll see you back here for Season 14 in October!

S13 Ep 43CoasterRadio.com #1343 - Big Money, Big Drops
The amusement industry is often about size. Things are BIG! These days, for some of the exclusive experiences at the parks, the price tags are BIG as well. On this week's show, we'll talk about the rumored pricing for the "Star Wars Hotel" that's set to open in a few years at Walt Disney World. Would you pay a (rumored) $1,100 a day to stay in a (virtual) cruise ship that travels through space? After a look at this week's top news stories, we'll take a look at a new CNN article that chronicles the "scariest" drops on roller coasters throughout the world. Did the "main stream" media get it right? Or will the list anger CoasterBoys everywhere?

S13 Ep 42CoasterRadio.com #1342 - Real-Time at Kings Island's 2020 Announcement
This week, we recorded a "real-time" episode of the show. Kings Island was getting set to make their 2020 attraction announcement at exactly 10pm. So, we started our show 30 minutes earlier and podcasted in anticipation of what was to come! In the half-hour prior to the live announcement, we talked about Silver Dollar City's 2020 attraction "Mystic River Falls." We also talked about the rest of Cedar Fair's 2020 attractions that were announced earlier in the day. Then, you'll hear our "real-time" reactions and commentary as Kings Island's GM Michael Koontz takes the stage to announce what they will be building on the former site of Firehawk? Will it be a GIGA? Or will it be a GIGA DISAPPOINTMENT?

S13 Ep 41CoasterRadio.com #1341 - Cast Member Stories
This week's show is dedicated to the unsung heroes of the theme park experience... the brave men and women who work at the parks. Whether you call them Cast Members, Team Members or Employees, the people who run the rides, food stands, games and guest relations are most times the ones who determine if you're gonna have a good day at the park. Many of our listeners who have worked at the park have stepped forward with hilarious stories from their days as park employees.. and yes, there are great stories about vomit and boobs. We also take a look at some of the big stories in the amusement industry this week, including MAJOR announcements by Universal Orlando, Holiday World and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great America and more details from EB's trip to Six Flags America!

S13 Ep 40CoasterRadio.com #1340 - Mike and EB Aren't Hosting This Week
EB is on vacation this week. So, instead of going dark, we decided that we would still have a NEW EPISODE for you. But the episode you'll hear is from someone else's show. Last April, Mike and EB were guests on "The Lisa Valentine Clark." It's a nationally syndicated talk show that can be heard of Sirius/XM Satellite radio. The guys were interviewed about CoasterRadio.com and their thoughts on the theme park and amusement industry. EB is will also check in from a surprise trip to Six Flags America and Mike will preview next week's discussion about "Pantheon" at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and "Epic Universe" at Universal Orlando!

S13 Ep 39CoasterRadio.com #1339 - Punched in the Face at the Park
This week's show starts out with a story that apparently is common at the parks. A Disney Cast Member was punched in the face by a guest over an invalid FastPass. We'll talk about what happened and what parks can do about it. We'll also check out some of the top stories in the amusement industry, including an update on the family who started a brawl at Disneyland and some new attraction announcements for 2020. Then, we'll wrap up the debrief from our California Trip. We'll have stories from Knotts Berry Farm and EB's strange visit to some truly bizarre places in Los Angeles!

S13 Ep 38CoasterRadio.com #1338 - Universal VIP and Galaxy's Edge
The Listener Meet-up at Six Flags Magic Mountain was the main reason the show visited Southern California last month... but it wasn't the only place we visited while we were there. On this week's episode, EB tells us all about his VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. He'll talk about what it was like to receive the "red carpet" treatment and how his experience differed from a normal guest. Then, we guys talk about their visit to Disneyland, including their first ever look at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. They'll have a full review of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and details on all of the immersive shops and character interactions.

S13 Ep 37CoasterRadio.com #1337 - Magic Mountain Roller Coaster Reviews
We have returned from the west coast! We're ready to tell you all about our trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain including our reviews of all of their major rides and attractions. We'll also tell you all about what happened at the Listener Meet-up after we recorded last week's podcast! After that, we have two reviews of Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America! During one of the reviews, you can hear the loud BOOM of the air compressed launch. We'll also talk about the biggest news stories of the week, including the family brawl at Disneyland.

S13 Ep 36CoasterRadio.com #1336 - LIVE from Six Flags Magic Mountain
After months of anticipation, the 2019 Listener Meet-Up is finally here! On this week's show, we podcast from the Gearworks Theater at Six Flags Magic Mountain in front of a LIVE AUDIENCE of CoasterRadio.com listeners. We'll talk about our morning Exclusive Ride Time on "Twisted Colossus" and "Scream." Plus, we'll get advice from SoCal locals on what we should ride and what we should avoid. Plus, we'll hear about Mike and EB's trips to Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!"

S13 Ep 35CoasterRadio.com #1335 - 2019 California Trip and Event Preview
Our 2019 event "Magic Mountain Magical Friday" is coming up on June 21st! On this week's episode, we preview that event, including everything that is scheduled to happen that day! We also talk about the other places we'll visit during our trip to the West Coast... Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Disney California Adventure and of course... Star Wars: galaxy's Edge!

S13 Ep 34CoasterRadio.com #1334 - The Most Under-Rated Coasters
We've all heard of coasters like "Fury 325" and "Millennium Force." They get talked about and debated constantly. But what about the fantastic rides out there that never get mentioned in passionate discussions on social media or theme park podcasts? On this week's show, we talk about the most Under-Rated Coasters and why they should receive more respect. We also talk about the latest news from around the industry and open the CR Mailbag! Plus, there's a big announcement about the "Magic Mountain Magical Friday" event at Six Flags Magic Mountain!

S13 Ep 33CoasterRadio.com #1333 - Shocking News
There is a lot of "behind-the-scenes" prep happening as we get ready for "Magic Mountain Magical Friday: An All Inclusive VIP Event!" (We're only two weeks away!) But there is a ton of news to talk about from all over the amusement industry! Plus, we find out if any of our listeners made a correct guess in our latest "Soundwave" contest!

S13 Ep 32CoasterRadio.com #1332 - Wild One Privileges Revoked
We normally do four shows a month, so this is a BONUS episode of CoasterRadio.com! We talk about the news of the week, give some updates on the "Magic Mountain Magical Friday" event on June 21st, give the first clue in our new Soundwave Contest and hear from an ANGRY fan of Six Flags who has a warning for us.

S13 Ep 31CoasterRadio.com #1331 - Star Wars: First Look
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is easily the biggest theme park story of 2019. (It might be the biggest theme park story ever.) One of our listeners got a chance to experience the entire land before it opened to the public. He ate in the restaurants, shopped in the stores and rode "Smuggler's Run." He'll tell us what he saw and if the new land is as impressive as we all hope. The guys also take a look at some of the top stories in the amusement industry... including Universal Orlando making claims about their Hagrid Coaster drop track, Calico Rover Rapids at Knott's Berry Farm and West Coaster Racers vertical construction. Then, we take a listen to Live Trip Reports from all over the country! Our listeners have been visiting the parks and call in with reviews and updates!

S13 Ep 30CoasterRadio.com #1330 - The Design Team Behind "The Beast"
"The Beast" at Kings Island is one of the most legendary coasters in the world. On this week's episode of CoasterRadio.com, we present "The Beast" with a very special honor. We also talk with two of the original designers of this iconic coaster... Jeff Gramke and Al Collins. We'll hear how they designed this coaster 40 years ago without the aid of computers. We'll also hear fun stories about the construction of the ride and its early years. Mike and EB will also talk through some of the latest news from around the industry. Hersheypark might have a new name for their 2020 B&M Hypercoaster. There is more speculation on Kings Island's Project X. ICON Park in Orlando has some new rides on tap. Finally, what do the guys think of that fence surrounding the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge? Also, the guys open the CoasterRadio.com "Mailbag" and we have a second clue in our "Soundwave" contest!

S13 Ep 29CoasterRadio.com #1329 - New Roller Coaster Thrills
It's not often that a completely new concept is added to a roller coaster train. This week, we heard about an interactive one from Gerstlauer... and it is amazing. During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about leaked blueprints, new metal detectors, new ride reviews and an animatronic of our beloved half-giant Hagrid. EB also gives detailed reviews of all of the roller coasters at Six Flags Great America outside of Chicago. Plus, the Championship Round in our "Best Coaster Name" tournament, the CoasterRadio.com MAILBAG and the return of an original game... SOUNDWAVE!

S13 Ep 28CoasterRadio.com #1328 - Six Flags is Great!
Kings Dominion posted an interesting sign outside the de-construction walls of "Volcano: The Blast Coaster." We talk about what it says and what it could mean. During our "Quick Hits" segment, we review three new rides that recently opened. We also hear from listeners who were on-site for the openings of all three attractions! We also unveil the FINAL FOUR in our "Best Roller Coaster Name of All-Time" Tournament. There were some surprising upsets in the Elite Eight round! Then, EB will tell us about an EXCELLENT visit to Six Flags Great America outside of Chicago. Not only does EB say this is his favorite Six Flags park... he also goes so far to say it might be his new "home park!" Plus, we have more details on our 2019 Listener Meet-Up at Six Flags Magic Mountain and we read from our Mailbag!

S13 Ep 27CoasterRadio.com #1327 - Pirates, Stormtroopers, and Antique Cars
There's a lot of action on this week's episode of CoasterRadio.com! First up, Zamperla has asked Mike and EB to provide the voices of two "booty loving" pirates for their Galleon ride. The guys will record their original script live on the air before they submit it to the ride manufacturer. ARRRRRGH! Then it's time for QUICK HITS. The guys discuss teenagers fighting in the park, Kentucky Flyer, the Flying Aerobar and the reservation system for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. After a look inside the CoasterRadio.com Mailbag, Mike talks about his experience at The Void in Las Vegas. He had a chance to check our "Secrets of the Empire," the Star Wars VR experience that actually puts you in the movie. Finally, Kevin from Ohio and Cincinnati Jon head to Kings Island to find out what's new for 2019! They do a great interview with KI Director of Communications Chad Showalter.

S13 Ep 26CoasterRadio.com #1326 - Inside The Golden Tiki
This week's show is all about themed environments! We start off with our FIRST DROP... and it's all about two different types of dark rides... interactive and passive. We'll talk about whether it's better (and more profitable for parks) to create rides where guests are shooting targets or ones where they simply get taken in by the story. During our Quick Hits segment, we discuss staff cuts at Sea World, a classic sign at Disneyland being removed, a Hunger Games attraction in Las Vegas and our recent interview on National Radio! Then, we take a look at the "Elite 8" coaster names that have made it through Round 3 of our search for the "Best Roller Coaster Name of All-Time!" There are some awesome match-ups! Finally, Mike gets to interview one of his idols... Branden Powers, Creator and Managing Partner of The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas. This place is so much more than a tiki bar... it's an themed adventure. We'll talk with Branden about his inspiration for creating the bar and the secrets inside. We'll also hear all about his new animatronic bird show that is an X-rated version of what you might see in Disney's Tiki Room!

S13 Ep 25CoasterRadio.com #1325 - Listener Questions Show
One of our FAVORITE shows of the year is where we can drop our regular format and take an entire episode to answer all of your questions. The fun thing about this show is that the questions are all over the place. Yes, there are questions about theme parks and thrill rides. But there are also questions about pop culture, Mike/EB, the podcast itself and a lot of other topics!

S13 Ep 24CoasterRadio.com #1324 - First Parks of Spring
Kings Dominion was in the news again as they started the removal process of "Volcano: The Blast Coaster." We kick off this week's show questioning whether or not the iconic mountain structure that once housed three attractions might survive. During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: An update on the incident on El Loco Tigris is now testing with comfort collars "Stranger Things" is returning to Halloween Horror Nights Then, we discuss ROUND 2 of our "Greatest Roller Coaster Names of All Time" tournament. There are some FANTASTIC match-ups in the second round! Check them out at http://brackets.coasterradio.com. Finally, Mike and EB share tales from their recent park visits. EB was at Six Flags Fiesta Texas... riding "Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth" and "Iron Rattler." Mike was at Busch Gardens Williamsburg checking up on construction for the new S&S Screaming Swing!

S13 Ep 23CoasterRadio.com #1323 - HOT or NOT 2019!
This week's show kicks off with a review of Carowinds' new roller coaster for 2019 - Copperhead Strike! Cincinnati Jon was on-site for a first ride and a first look at this double-launch coaster from Mack! During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Green Lantern at Six Flags Magic Mountain is no more Details about Jurassic World: The Ride are revealed Then, it's time for us to take a look at some of the most talked about industry-related topics and decide whether they are HOT OR NOT! The CoasterRadio.com audience joined us as we recorded this episode to vote in real-time as we discussed each topic. Their votes determined the flow of the show and ultimately decided whether a specific ride, attraction, park, chain or initiative was HOT or NOT!

S13 Ep 22CoasterRadio.com #1322 - EB Plants Six Flags Over Texas
We had originally planned to take this week off to make room for our Spring Break plans. BUT, we decided to record a special episode to talk about EB's visit to Six Flags Over Texas and his upcoming visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas!

S13 Ep 21CoasterRadio.com #1321 - A Tour of Disney's Star Wars
This week, Busch Gardens Tampa announced that RMC will be working their magic on the former wooden dueling coaster Gwazi. We'll have some news about what is expected for 2020. During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Knotts Berry Farm possibly expanding Ghost Town It looks like Six Flags is getting a mobile food ordering app ready Georgia Scorcher and Apollo's Chariot are getting some fresh paint Las Vegas's Paris Casino Launches a New Nighttime Light Show The World Record for most naked people on a roller coaster was broken After some announcements and peek inside the Mailbag, we welcome USA Today's Arthur Levine back to the show! He was invited to tour Lucasfilm, Disney Imagineering and "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" which is currently under construction at Disneyland! He'll tell us what he saw and experienced... in detail!

S13 Ep 20CoasterRadio.com #1320 - March Madness
We start off this week's show with an update on the tragic story at Schlitterbahn. A judge recently tossed out the case brought against the park's owner and ride designer. During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Copperhead Strike has seatbelts and people are upset Cedar Point's Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island Cedar Point letting people carry cell phone in line for Steel Vengeance once again Some great overseas construction pics World Record for most naked people on a roller coaster this weekend We'll talk to our old friend Hagrid to get an update on his new roller coaster at Universal Orlando. Then, we'll check in on the first round of our "Greatest Coaster Names" brackets to see if there are any upsets in the making!

S13 Ep 19CoasterRadio.com #1319 - "The Legend" Behind Holiday World's Coasters
EB is in the CoasterRadio.com studio alone this week and has a TON of great content! He'll unveil the Interactive Brackets that will help us decide the "Greatest Roller Coaster Name of All Time." He'll also read some letters from the Mailbag! After that, he'll interview Paula Werne from Holiday World to hear stories about how they decided upon the names for classic rides like The Voyage, The Legend, The Raven and Thunderbird. Finally, EB will read some letters from our female listeners. They have stories from dating at the parks too!

S13 Ep 18CoasterRadio.com #1318 - Heartbreak: Volcano
The off-season is usually pretty quiet here at CoasterRadio.com. But this week, we're talking about one of the biggest theme park stories we have heard in awhile. Kings Dominion has announced that "Volcano: The Blast Coaster" will no longer be operating at the park. We'll talk all about this ride and the reaction to its removal. During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Rumored Coaster for 2020 Disneyland Possibly Removing Classic Dark Rides Carowinds' Copperhead Strike Trains Park at OWA Adding in a Scooby Doo Blaster After our mailbag segment, we'll celebrate Valentines Day by hearing some of your dating horror stories from the parks. We'll also talk about whether a park is really a good place to take a date.

S13 Ep 17CoasterRadio.com #1317 - 2019 Season Preview with Arthur Levine - Part 2
Last week, we had a fun time talking about many of the new attractions coming to parks in 2019! But there are STILL MORE to talk about! Once again, we are joined by our good friend, theme park expert Arthur Levine. Arthur writes about theme parks for USA Today, Trip Savvy, IAPPA and other companies. He says we are are currently living in a "golden age" of theme parks. On this week's show, we'll preview rides like the Harry Potter coaster at Islands of Adventure, West Coast Racers at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Kentucky Flyer at Kentucky Kingdom, Copperhead Strike at Carowinds and MORE!

S13 Ep 16CoasterRadio.com #1316 - 2019 Season Preview with Arthur Levine - Part 1
2019 is shaping up to be one of the more amazing years in recent memory when it comes to theme park attractions. Sure, we're all excited by the amazing things we are hearing about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but there are dozens of other new rides and attractions coming to parks across the world. This week, we are joined by our good friend, theme park expert Arthur Levine. Arthur writes about theme parks for USA Today, Trip Savvy, IAPPA and other companies. He says we are are currently living in a "golden age" of theme parks. On this week's show, we'll preview rides like Yukon Striker at Canada's Wonderland, Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America, Reese's Cupfusion at Hersheypark, Kind Heaven at the Linq in Las Vegas, Steel Curtain at Kennywood and much, much more!

S13 Ep 15CoasterRadio.com #1315 - Summer 2019 Meet-Up Announcement
Universal Orlando is building a gigantic new multi-launch, special effects filled coaster themed to Harry Potter. But this week, plans were leaked for a SECOND COASTER at the same park themed to Jurassic World. We'll take a look at the layout and discuss the rumors. During our Quick Hits segment, we talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Star Wars Galaxy's Edge to be 28 minutes long experience "Soaring Fantastic Flight" at Tokyo Disney details Kings Island renovating International Street Hard Rock Park site in Myrtle Beach sold for 3.5 million After that, we are joined by Dalton, the Senior Publicist at Silver Dollar City. He'll tell us about how the names were chosen for their different attractions. It's all part of our season-long quest to find the greatest roller coaster name of all-time. Then, it's time to announce the location and details for our Summer 2018 meet-up!

S13 Ep 14CoasterRadio.com #1314 - "Coaster"Damus and The Best New Attraction of 2018
Before we start looking ahead to 2019... we have a bit of "housekeeping" to do in regards to last year. It's time to announce the winner of the CoasterRadio.com "Best New Attraction of 2018" Award. After that, it's time for "Coaster"Damus! We take a look at our predictions from last year to see which ones came true. Then, we hear from our listeners as they make bold guesses as to what will happen in 2019! Who will be a true-blue "Coaster"Damus?

S13 Ep 13CoasterRadio.com #1313 - Winter Break Wrap-Up
Walt Disney imagined Disneyland as a place where parents and their children could have fun together. But even he couldn't imagine how popular his park would become. This week, Disney dramatically raised the prices at their Southern California park. Did they do this with the hope of thining the crowds out before "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" opens? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: West Coast Racers - OTS restraints or not?? Hersheypark Chocolate Town Premiere Parks buys the St. Louis City Museum B&M Dive Machine coming to SeaWorld CA in 2020 A dark ride at CES! After that, it's time to read a lot of letters from the CoasterRadio.com MAILBAG!

S13 Ep 12CoasterRadio.com #1312 - The Best New Attraction of 2018
This week's First Drop takes a look at the new "roller coaster" that will be built on a Carnival Cruise Ship. "The Bolt" will run on 800 feet of track at a maximum height of 187 feet above the sea level and a top speed of 40 mph. We'll talk about what type of reception this is likely to get from coaster fans and if this ride even deserves to be called a "coaster." During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Walt Disney World Just Purchased Nearly 1,000 Acres For $23 Million, but the reason is interesting Disneyland Paris has announced that two attractions at the Walt Disney Studios Paris park will soon close forever The final track piece for Copperhead Strike was installed last friday afternoon. Is that a record? The Potter Coaster train is on the tracks! After that, it's time to name the nominees for the Best New Attraction of 2018! With the help of our listeners, we'll take a look at all of the big new additions from the past year and figure out which one of them is most deserving to be named the best of the best!

S13 Ep 11CoasterRadio.com #1311 - OMG: A Name and a Game
We are using this season of the show to determine the greatest roller coaster name of all time. To help us figure out what goes into picking the perfect name, we'll be talking with experts at the parks to hear their stories about how their iconic rides were named. This week, we are joined by Brian Knoebel, co-owner and manager of Knoebels and Stacy Ososkie, public relations director at Knoebels. They will tell us the stories behind the naming of Phoenix, Flying Turns, Twister, Impulse and more! During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Disneyland canceling Annual Passes for people who buy merch and sell it for a profit Dude gets his wallet back after losing it four years ago at Hersheypark Why is the local news reporting this as a news story? Jaws Shark resurfaces in a Staten Island, NY Chicken Restaurant After that, we'll answer some questions in our MAIL BAG. Then, we'll do our best to win over a listener who left us a bad review. Finally, it's time for a BRAND NEW GAME SHOW!