Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

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!

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?

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?

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!"

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

"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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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?

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!

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!

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!

This week's show kicks off with a look at a really interesting survey that Six Flags has been sending to their guests. Inside the survey are hints at two different types of roller coasters that could be coming to the lineups at several parks. Which ones could they be? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Universal could be looking to eliminate the "walk of shame" Six Flags Fiesta Texas is getting ready to open their new dark ride. Our announcer NPH headlined the EPCOT Candlelight Processional The Millennium Falcon has arrived at Disneyland After that, it's our annual holiday tradition... the 2018 CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide! We've searched the internet high and low for the best theme park related gifts! We'll tell you all about them! Follow along by checking out all of the links here on the guide!

This week's show kicks off with a look at an interesting lawsuit brought against Six Flags over the use of biometrics in the parks. The mother of a park guest is suing the the amusement chain because she claims Six Flags took her son's biometric identifiers (thumbprints) without her permission. The result of the lawsuit will affect how biometrics are used in the parks. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Silver Dollar City is doing some interesting construction A look at the actual costs of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Lagoon possibly begins work on "Primordial" Intamin has two amazing coasters for Europe After our MAILBAG segment, we are joined by Dwayne from CoasterAddict.com. He and his team were at IAAPA last week covering the 10 miles of exhibits. He'll tell us what was hot in Orlando and what we can expect from the parks in the future!

It's a really special week here at CoasterRadio.com! Not only are we welcoming a brand new baby girl into the family, we are also getting a chance to interview Disney Imagineer Tracey Noce who was the Creative Director for "Incredicoaster" and the Incredibles Park area of Pixar Pier, which opened in June at Disney California Adventure! Tracey tells us what it was like to re-imagine an iconic attraction like "California Screamin'." She also tells us some behind the scenes stories about the different special effects and what it's like to add design elements to such a large (and fast) attraction.

This week, the guys take a look at upcoming events for coaster enthusiasts in 2019. After some reflection, they explore if it's time to start a "CoasterRadio.com Club" (with membership cards.) Could this happen soon? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Screamscape says RMC will build a new coaster at Great Adventure in the spot where Rolling Thunder used to be Six Flags Over Georgia coaster rumors - An S&S 4D and then a launched coaster? The rumor of Six Flags buying SeaWorld parks is still making the rounds Universal wants to use wands to open lockers Knott's is retheming their white water rapids ride After some show announcements, we open our Mailbag! We also find an a fantastic new Lego Ferris Wheel on Amazon.com! Finally, we take a look at the first round of announcements from the early days of the 2018 IAAPA Show in Orlando!

The theme park industry is in a constant state of flux. The change is driven by many things. But this week, our "First Drop" focuses on the "Experience Economy" and how a specific group of tourists choose to visit theme parks and other exotic places because of the "social media" opportunities they provide. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: New attraction patents from Universal Disney's Augmented Reality Costumes Grand Texas Theme Park opened Gator Bayou Adventure Park for a free day After some show announcements, we open our Mailbag! We also find an a fantastic new desktop roller coaster on Amazon.com! Finally, we begin our season-long project to determine the greatest roller coaster name of all-time. We start by having the audience give us their nominees for the best names that invoke fear, excitement and nostalgia!

The Off-Season is here and that means the local parks are closed to most of us (except for you lucky ones in Florida and California!) To help combat the "Off-Season Blues," Mike and EB have some ideas that will tide you over until the parks open again in March. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: What will be inside "Marvel Land" at Disney California Adventure? Mickey and Minnie's Runaway railroad being built at Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland West Coast Racers at Six Flags Magic Mountain has a Preview Center A bomb threat was called in to German theme park because the caller wanted to ruin friend's day. After some interesting Live Trip Reports, we open our Mailbag! We also find an interesting blueprint on Amazon.com! Then, we welcome Disney Imagineer Dave Minichiello to the show! Dave is an Executive Creative Designer with Imagineering and has worked with Disney for close to 40 years! He has been responsible for many of the attractions we have experienced at EPCOT, Disneyland Paris, Magic Kingdom and the Disney Cruise Line. Most recently, he has lead the creative direction for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Little Mermaid Undersea Adventure. But this week, Dave joins us to talk about his most recent project...Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Dave will tell us about the storyline behind the new land and also all about "Slinky Dog Dash," the highly themed roller coaster that is the land's headlining attraction!

We kick off this week's show by welcoming back the designers of "Mystic Motel," one of the greatest home haunts ever created. These guys actually developed a dark ride in their home...complete with moving vehicles. They join us for a second appearance to update us on some big plans they have for the future. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Disneyland might be interested in the land where the Anaheim Angel's stadium sits Kentucky Kingdom finally gets approval for its new coaster 20,000,000 Butterbeers? Skysled from Ride Entertainment After some interesting Live Trip Reports, we asked our listeners to take a regular theme park attraction and overlay a haunted theme for Halloween! We'll give a prize to the most creative idea!

Halloween Horror Nights is one of the most anticipated haunt events of the season. This week, we're joined by Brian and Tim from The Civil Gore podcast to talk about their recent trip to Universal Orlando and their experience at houses like "Stranger Things" and "Poltergeist." The guys will also give their picks for the best Horror Films set inside theme parks! During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Hersheypark's Chocolate Town opens in 2020 Spaceship Earth is rumored to close for two and a half years A naked dude terrorized Busch Gardens Williamsburg Clemson Coach Dabo Sweeny likes Top Thrill Dragster After some interesting Live Trip Reports, EB will open a mysterious (and creepy) package. Then, we'll play a brand new game show...Celebrity Soundwave!

English Composer Nick Hutson has been a long-time friend of the show. His career is on the rise! He composed much of the music currently running at Thorpe Park's Fright Nights. We'll talk to Nick about the process of creating themed environments using music. We'll also hear how he used EB and Mike's voices in many of the scarezones and the launch announcement for Stealth! During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Tidal Twister is announced at Sea World San Diego Cedar Fair sounds like they are done with Virtual Reality on coasters Bobbejaanland - Now Charging Admission Based On Time Spent In Park Ride ops forgot to attach a rider's harness on a 500ft bridge attraction in China After some interesting Live Trip Reports, we'll ask our listeners to tell us about the rides and attractions they think should be put in a coffin! (it's Halloween time...so, a coffin...get it?)

"Lucky" Season 13 begins! This week, we'll pull back the curtain of the podcast to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what listeners had to say in our 2018 Survey. What parts of the podcast were hits and what parts bombed? We'll also take some time to give some commentary on some of the big new stories in the amusement industry that happened while we are on break. Finally, we'll talk with Ed Hiller, CEO of Ride Entertainment Group. He'll tell us all about his company and how they are respobsible for bringing us rides like Mystery Mine at Dollywood, Powder Keg at Silver Dollar City and Skycoasters all over the world. He'll also tell us some funny stories from his long and successful career! Welcome back!

As we get ready for Episode 500 next week, Mike and EB are back with another Coaster Commentary. They are taking a look at animations for Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America and Steel Curtain at Kennywood!

Mike and EB debut their first "Coaster Commentary" and talk about Copperhead Strike at Carowinds and West Coast Racers at Six Flags Magic Mountain...while watching animation of the new rides!

August 30, 2018 was "Announcement Day" for the Six Flags chain and Carowinds. When you combine all of the news of their 2019 additions with what we have already heard from Canada's Wonderland and Kennywood... there is A LOT to talk about. As we close out the 12th season of CoasterRadio.com, we take a look at what is in store for these parks in 2019!

Then, they shocked everyone again with the announcement of a new Star Wars themed land coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Universal had a gigantic hit of their own with "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," and rumors abound about what they might choose to do at their 4th Gate in Orlando. What would happen if Universal created a "Star Trek" land to rival "Star Wars" land? On this week's show, a fan from each franchise steps into the courtroom of JUDGE EB! They'll have the whole episode to attempt to convince His Honor on which IP would make for the best theme park land. In the end, he will issue is ruling... and his will be the ONLY opinion that matters!

The 2018 CoasterRadio.com Listener Meet-Up is in the books! Over the past two weeks, we've had live shows from two of the best attractions in Branson, MO. This week, we'll tell you what happened when the microphones weren't on! We'll have behind-the-stories, ride reviews and other fun stuff that happened during the 2018 CoasterRadio.com Meet-up!

It's Day Two of the 2018 CoasterRadio.com Listener Meet-up in Branson, MO! This week, Mike and EB are on stage at the Dockside Theater inside Silver Dollar City in front of a LIVE audience of CoasterRadio.com Listeners! The guys will review the park and all of its major attractions...including Outlaw Run, Wildfire, Powderkeg and the all-new, recording breaking attraction for 2018: Time Traveler! There will also be special guests...like Brad Thomas, President of Silver Dollar City Attractions. AND, we'll have some fun surprises and announcements too!