Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

"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!

It's Day One of the 2018 CoasterRadio.com Listener Meet-up in Branson, MO! Mike and EB kick-off the first of two on-location shows at Bigfoot Fun Park on the famous strip in Branson. They'll learn all about the many attractions at the park, including the infamous Bigfoot Action Tower and the Bigfoot Discovery Expedition! Then, you'll come along as Mike and EB brave the Gravity Bomb... a 200-foot drop ride with only a seatbelt to secure you!

EB and his family continue their EPIC road trip across the country. This week, they are podcasting from Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA! They're joined by the gang from "Theme Park Families" and tell us all about the rides, attractions (and food) that make this such a special and historical park. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: "Steel Curtain" coming to Kennywood A punk teenager throwing Hot Sause on riders at Cedar Point "Escape from Pompeii" catching fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Universal trademarking two new names. Could they be names for the 4th gate in Orlando? A small park in Iowa buying a major coaster, but not installing it. We'll also hear some fantastic Live Trip Reports, Mike will review Twisted Timbers at Kings Dominion and we'll reveal new details about the upcoming Listener Meet-Up in Branson, MO!

EB was at Kings Island this week and is making his way across the country to get to Kennywood for next week's show. So, instead of taking the week off, we decided that we would play a few segments from our Exclusive "Off-Topic" Podcasts that we do for subscribers at Patreon.com/CoasterRadio. The guys will talk dozens of topics... but not one of them will be about theme parks or roller coasters!

This week, EB is at Kings Island in Ohio! He's there with his whole family and they not only review the park itself, but also all of the major rides and attractions. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Is the Expedition Everest's Yeti about to be fixed? Our original 2006 interview with Imagineer Joe Rohde New Attraction Names have been trademarked by Six Flags Infinity Falls at Sea World Orlando is nearing the completion of its construction phase Toverland in the Netherlands just opened "Fenix." We also have some announcements about upcoming CoasterRadio.com events and some fantastic Live Trip Reports from parks all over the world!

Kennywood had been releasing numeric clues related to their 2019 attraction. Mike and EB take a look at nine of the numbers and attempt to decipher the code! During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Dorney Park's Rumored 2019 Coaster Six Flags Magic Mountain's Rumored 2019 Coaster Carowinds' Rumored 2019 Coaster and their fun teaser campaign Will Canada's Wonderland's new dive coaster break records? Then, it's time for a CoasterRadio.com tradition! The "2018 Sparktacular Exploosioloosa!"

USA Today 10Best released their Top 10 Parks and Top 10 Roller Coasters list. We'll take a look at both and see if they are based in reality. Plus, is there a better way to decide what are the top parks and attractions? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: The "Incredicoaster" is getting Mixed Reviews Waterville, USA to demolish Cannonball Run Heritage Amusement Park to close after this season The investigation into the Dreamworld River Rapids accident moves to Inquest phase After some interesting Live Trip Reports, we'll talk with Natalie Peterson, the Senior Director of Marketing from The ICEE Company. She'll be joined by Rod Sexton, the Vice President of Operations. We'll learn all there is to know about "the coolest drink in the park." We'll also reveal how you can win some fantastic ICEE Swag as part of the "CoasterRadio.com Summer of ICEE!"

A roller coaster derailment at a park in Daytona Beach, FL was the talk of the amusement industry this week. We'll take a look at the details and talk about what might happen next. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Fights at Six Flags Great America at Coasters After Dark Kings Dominion's Volcano is down with no signs of it coming back soon Fred Grubb "possibly" at Kings Island looking at The Racer What construction did EB see at Kennywood? After some interesting Live Trip Reports, we'll talk with Madison Kelley, author of the new book Tomorrowland: The Future of Theme Parks. We'll have an in-depth discussion about new technologies that are coming to the parks designed to gives guests a more immersive experience.

The team over at BGW Fans might have unveiled what the park is planning for 2019. We'll take a look and give our opinion! During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Americas Fun Park in Branson is opening Pirates of the Caribbean has new additions Six Flags Great America's Giant Drop will now become DC Superheroes Drop of Doom VR It looks like Universal Orlando HHN will have an 80's theme driven by Stranger Things After some fantastic Live Trip Reports, we'll hop aboard the bus of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain and get an update on how week 2 of their US trip is going!

The summer of 2018 seems to be the summer of recurring news stories.... fires and trains bumping. This week's first drop focuses on a train bump on T3 at Kentucky Kingdom. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: A new coaster for Magic Mountain in 2019? The Vincent Price narration is returning to Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris Busch Gardens Williamsburg has upgraded the Loch Ness Monster tunnel Steel Vengeance is back to running two trains and also back on Fast Lane Plus After some fantastic Live Trip Reports, talk with our friends at the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain! They are on a two week tour of American parks! Then we talk with Kevin, one of the Notorious Wilson Brothers who attended the annual Holiwood Nights event at Holiday World. He'll tell us all about the fun, food and multiple rides on some of the best wooden coasters in the world!

Europa Park in Germany had a MAJOR fire this past weekend that engulfed an entire section of their park. We'll talk about what happened and hear from a German listener who was there. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Twisted Cyclone at Six Flags Over Georgia is OPEN Tantrum at Darien Lake is OPEN Oscar's Wacky Taxi at Sesame Place is OPEN Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open in summer 2019 at Disneyland Resort and in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort After some fantastic Live Trip Reports, we take a look at some of the most interesting (and hilarious) Social Media accounts out there! Most focus on the parks, but a lot focus on satire and comedy as well!

Six Flags made a somewhat surprise announcement this week by signaling an agreement to add five more parks to its US Portfolio. We'll talk about what that means for the company. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Hangtime at Knotts Berry Farm has opened Kennywood has installed footers in the lagoon near where the flume used to be. A new roller coaster is coming to Lakeside Amusement Park this summer Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa are offering Free Beer this summer. Does that reverse the downturn in attendance? After some fantastic Live Trip Reports, we take a look at the 2017 Theme Park Attendance Numbers from TEA and AECOM. We'll take a look at trends and see if there are surprises in any of the stats and figures.

Odds are, you are planning your summertime theme park trips. But how much will it actually cost you to visit parks across the country? We'll talk about it in our First Drop segment. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Universal Studios Hollywood closing Jurassic Park RIver Adventure to do a Jurassic World overlay Steel Vengeance not part of Fast Lane Plus Ghost Town in the Sky looking at reopening? A Disney Dragon caught on fire during a parade. Then, our Interactive Topic takes a look at the idea of a park charging a special fee to give people access to new lands or hotly anticipated new attractions. How much would YOU pay?

Cedar Point opened "Steel Vengeance" to the public this week, but opening day didn't go as they had hoped. We'll talk all about it. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: The opening of "Merlin's Mayhem" at Dutch Wonderland A review of "Battle for Eire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Changes at Carowinds An international meetup at EPCOT. Then, it's time for us to turn the show over to YOU! We take your on-topic and off-topic Listener Questions!

Six Flags made some news this week by announcing that they are interested in buying existing parks. Which ones could they be talking about? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: There's news about the "Hagrid Roller Coaster." Is this the best thing that could have happened to our podcast? Screamscape says "Project Alpha Digital" is a Mack Dual Launched Coaster Arthur Levine rode Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth and loved it Take a look at the "Force Jacket" from Disney Then, it's time for us to turn the show over to YOU! We take your on-topic and off-topic Listener Questions!

It's a special episode of CoasterRadio.com this week! We drop our regular format to bring you coverage from Media Day for Cedar Point's Steel Vengeance! Kevin and Cincinnati Jon were on-hand at Cedar Point as the park unveiled the most anticipated ride of 2018. They'll tell us if it lives up to the hype! They will also have TONS of interviews with Park Officials, Fred Grubb from RMC and other dignitaries! You won't want to miss this episode!

After a "TWO WEEK" Spring Break... Mike and EB are back and ready for new episodes of The Original Theme Park Podcast. First up, our First Drop segment takes a look at how Universal Orlando has bought up more land for a rumored 4th Gate. But there's a really interesting story behind the land itself. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Some test footage from the Millennium Falcon ride is out there. How is that possible? Tony Clark's review of his first ride on Steel Vengeance Vekoma's new Top Gun Coaster Concept Stranger Things house at Halloween Horror Nights Then, it's time for us to pick up our long, skinny Bob Barker microphones and play "The Theme Park Price is Right!" We'll be joined by three contestants who will spin "The Big Wheel" and bid on fabulous showcases!

The big news in the amusement industry this week was the 47-page indictment that was handed down over a horrific amusement park accident from a few years ago. Arrests have been made. We'll talk about the story and what it means for the industry. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Xcellerator at Knotts Berry Farm has reopened! It looks like Hangtime is not far behind! VR is coming to Lex Luthor Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain A gigantic T-Rex dinosaur caught fire at a small park in Colorado. We have the inside scoop on what happened. Then, we are joined by James Barber from the Coaster Talk Podcast. James is an eighth grader from Virginia who Mike and EB have been mentoring. They sent James (and his mom) to the Media Day for Kings Dominion's new RMC - Twisted Timbers! James will tell us all about the ride and whether or not he thinks it will be a hit.

EB spent part of his Spring Break visiting OWA, the new theme park in Alabama. He gives us a full trip report, including reviews of the rides. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Avengers Land at Disney California Adventure in 2020 First Rider Charity Fundraiser is for Steel Vengeance Triotech is working on a new VR Concept Disney is charging for parking at their resorts We want to ride an Aquaticar! Then we hear from Nick Hutson, who attended a VIP event at Alton Towers for Wicker Man! He gives us a full ride report. Then, EB interviews Sam Coons from the Cornell Theme Park Entertainment Group at Cornell University College of Engineering. Sam tells us all about the group and the innovative design contest they are sponsoring. After that, it's time to play one of our favorite Theme Park Game Shows... KNOW YOUR COASTERBOY!

Silver Dollar City just opened their new "Time Traveller" roller coaster. Slater from Ride This Onewas on-site and calls in with a report. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Busch Gardens Tampa is offering a $299 Annual Quick Queue. Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth at Six Flags Fiesta Texas is testing… and it looks good! Cedar Point has increased their ticket price for the 2018 season by about $5. Does anyone care? Lakemont Park will be closed for the summer. During our "Park Hopper" segment, we take a close look at Frontier City in Ohlahoma City. Then, Mike has a plea for the 40th Anniversary of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Loch Ness Monster. The guys also take a look at a new patent from Universal Studios that might eliminate the need for lockers at their theme parks.

We've known for awhile that Dollywood is planning an expansion... but now we have blueprints! The guys will take a look and try to make sense of them. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge might have Disney MaxPass Pay-to-Play instead of fast pass. A New 3D Flying Theater Experience in San Francisco? Do you ever wonder what happens to the coasters people win at auctions? We got a look inside Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Battle for Eire EB has started to plan his epic summer roadtrip across the United States. He'll tell us all about it and let us know what parks he will be visiting. Then, our Interactive Topic asks listeners to tell us about their favorite themed lands or areas outside of Disney or Universal parks!

The CEO of Sea World Entertainment has resigned. What does this mean for the chain and what do the guys think is in store for their parks? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: A Major Overhaul to Walt Disney Studios Paris Hershey Park has filed paperwork citing an "Attraction 2020" A Replacement for Illuminations at EPCOT Six Flags Membership program In our "Park Hopper" segment, we take a look at Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester, NY! Then, we unveil a brand new game show that includes, interactivity with the audience, knowledge of roller coasters and random luck!

This week, we take a look at how ticket prices have risen (again) in Orlando. Will this trickle down to our regional parks? During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Pictures of the Alton Towers Wickerman Carowinds will be opening a new resort hotel close to the front gate Rip Ride Rockit valleyed Toy Story land at Disney's Hollywood Studios has an opening date Then, we unleash the interactivity of CoasterRadio.com with our 2018 HOT or NOT show! Our audience joined us for a live version of the podcast and voted in real-time about whether certain aspects of the amusement industry are HOT or NOT.

This week, we start things off with an in-depth discussion about some changes coming to Kings Dominion... most importantly, the new name of "Rebel Yell," the park's classic racing coaster. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about several of this week's most interesting stories in the amusement industry, including: Walabi Holland giving the RMC Treatment to their legendary "Robin Hood" wooden coaster All of the rides at Buffalo Bills outside of Las Vegas are closed "The Great American Scream Machine" will run backwards this season RMC's Fred Grubb is building a Raptor coaster for his grandchildren In our Park Hopper segment, we'll take a look at "Adventure City," a small park that is only a few miles away from Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm! Mike will tell everyone all about his trip to Orlando and review rides at Fun Spot America, Busch Gardens Tampa, Sea World Florida, Magic Kingdom, Universal Orlando and more!

This week's show starts off with a sad First Drop. We found out that Busch Gardens Williamsburg has permanently closed their "Curse of DarKastle" ride. The guys talk about why they think this happened and what could be happening in the future. During our Quick Hits segment, the guys talk about how Mickey Mouse might lose his voice at Disney World. They also discuss new seats on Diamondback at Kings Island, how Atari wants us to pay for RCT on Nitendo Switch, a cool new ride at Tivoli Gardens, a drone video of the new Dive Coaster at Canada's Wonderland and a looping go kart track! The guys also talk with Ann Irvine and Brian Ondrey of Irvine-Ondrey Engineering. They are the people who design the control systems for some of our favorite rides and attractions. We'll talk to them about the process of designing and installing control systems for roller coasters. We'll also hear about some of the fun they have behind the scenes. We'll also have the "State of the Union for CoasterRadio!"

Once again this week, we're joined by theme park expert Arthur Levine to talk about the best new attractions coming to parks in 2018. Over the past two shows, we'll talk about attractions at 50 theme parks across the world! This week we cover parks like Cedar Point, Sea World San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Alton Towers and many, MANY MORE!

We're just a few months away from the start of the 2018 theme park season! This week, we're joined by theme park expert Arthur Levine to talk about the best new attractions coming to parks in 2018. Over the next two weeks, we'll talk about attractions at 50 theme parks across the world! This week we cover parks like Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Sesame Place, Silver Dollar City, Walibi, Six Flags Great Adventure and many, MANY MORE!

This week's show starts off by welcoming back an old friend! We're joined by Nancy Heard from Glenwood Caverns in Colorado. She joins us to accept the "Best New Attraction of 2017 Award" for the "Haunted Mine Drop." Our Quick Hits segment takes a look at four interesting news stories from the amusement industry. This week, we take a look at "The Wicker Man" coming to Alton Towers, someone teasing us at Kings Island, a lightsaber patent and the closure of a classic wooden wild maus. Then, we'll take some time to learn about Funtown Splashtown USA in Maine as part of our Park Hopper segment. After hearing some Live Trip Reports, we'll take a look at some new attraction trends coming to parks in 2018.

Happy New Year! A per tradition, we start off the first show of the new year by taking a look at our "Coaster"Damus predictions from 2017. How many came true and how many were embarrassingly off the mark? Then, EB and all of the listeners will attempt to become 2018's version of "Coaster"Damus by trying to predict what will happen in the parks during 2018. There are some WILD predictions that actually have a good shoot at coming true. Then, we will present the award for the CoasterRadio.com Best New Attraction of 2017!

It's the last show of 2017 and we have something special to close out the year. This week, Neil Patrick Harris returns to the show with a series of Live Trip Reports from his theme park trip to Orlando. We'll hear from Neil as he visits Universal Orlando and the Walt Disney World Resort. He'll tell us about the attractions he and his family experienced and some behind the scenes details that he saw during his trip. EB and Mike will also rundown the nominees for the Best New Attraction of 2017. They'll talk about each of the nominees in detail and give you a chance to help them pick the winner. Cast your vote for the CoasterRadio.com Best New Attraction of 2017 Award!

We all hate waiting in lines. But would you pay four-times the price if you could skip the lines... for food? A new survey out of England claims Americans would do just that. We'll talk all about it. Our Quick Hits segment takes a look at four interesting news stories from the amusement industry. This week, we take a look at a weird story out of Germany where a young girl found her grandfather's tombstone being used as a prop in a haunted house. Weird. We also take a look at Stinger being removed from Dorney Park, Stitch's Great Escape being removed from the Magic Kingdom and the first days of the new Trump animatronic in the Hall of Presidents. Then, we'll take some time to learn about one of the oldest amusement parks in the country... Coney Island. Except, we're not talking about the one in New York. We'll tell you all about the history of this Ohio-based park and how it has a unique connection to both Kings Island and Disneyland. Don't forget to cast your vote for the CoasterRadio.com Best New Attraction of 2017 Award!

This week's show starts off with a look at a fantastic new Virtual Reality experience that puts you right in the middle of your own Star Wars story. One of our listeners had a chance to check it out before it opens to the public. Our Quick Hits segment takes a look at four interesting news stories from the amusement industry. This week, we take a look at a theme park snowball fight that was cancelled... due to snow. We also talk about how great the Wonder Woman coaster at Fiesta Texas looks, some new attractions coming to Legoland Windsor and Mike's trip to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. We get a chance to interview one of the most popular YouTube creators... Taylor from Coaster Studios. We'll find out more about this innovative film maker and how he has created one of the most successful park-related channels. Then, one of our listeners will step to the microphone and see if he can become a podcast legend as he plays the infamous theme park game show "KNOW YOUR COASTERBOY!" Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a chance for you to cast your vote for the CoasterRadio.com Best New Attraction of 2017 Award!

This week's show starts off with a look at an article that raises the possibility of parks selling "upcharge tickets" to experience their new attractions or lands. Would you pay extra to visit Star Wars Land or the latest RMC coaster? Our Quick Hits segment takes a look at four interesting news stories from the amusement industry. This week, we take a look at a bizzare story out of Kennywood, the missing double helix on Timberwolf at Worlds of Fun, the rumored front gate hotel at EPCOT and Grand Texas Theme Park's first attraction. This week's Park Hopper segment takes a look at Quassy Amusement Park in New England... home to Wooden Warrior and a slew of other cool flat rides. Finally, we take a look at the most amazing gifts out there for the theme park fan! It's the 2017 CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide!

Now that we're past Thanksgiving, it's time to turn our attention to the holidays! Many parks have decided to stay open to celebrate. This year, there seem to be more than ever! We'll talk all about it and hear a Live trip Report from the return of Winterfest at Kings Island. Our Quick Hits segment takes a look at four interesting news stories from the amusement industry. This week, we take a look at the newest info about Nintendo Land at Universal Orlando. We also run through the 2018 additions at Holiday World. Mike get's excited about a "Throwback Day" at Disneyland and finally, the final pieces of the old Geuaga Lake have been torn down. EB tells us about an unscheduled stop to check out the site of the now shuttered "Hard Rock Park," and then, the guys welcome two guests who will review the IAAPA Convention from two different perspectives. Dwayne from CoasterAddict.com tells us about the show from the fan/media perspective. Clint Novak from Central Park Funland tells us about the show from the buyer's perspective.

It's Thanksgiving week in the United States! Many of you will be going on long road trips to get to your Thanksgiving destinations. So, the guys have created some CoasterRadio.com "Radio Theater" to keep you company on the drive! EB and Mike will be driving down the highway, stopping at several parks on the way to their Thanksgiving dinner. Who will they meet along the way?

This week, our First Drop segment gives you an opportunity to purchase amazing rides for your own backyard! Then, our new "Quick Hits" segment takes a look at the biggest news stories in the industry... including an update to the classic Skycoaster, beautiful ride vehicles for "Time Traveller" and a new dark ride concept from Dynamic Attractions! EB and Mike unveil a new Patreon Goal and talk about how it could lead to innovative daily content from Coasterradio.com In our "Park Hopper" segment, we talk about Castles and Coasters in Phoenix, AZ. We also have a Live Trip Report from Christmastime at Dollywood! Finally, the listeners tell us what they are thankful for (and not so thankful for) in the amusement industry.

This week, our First Drop segment tackles a very weird rumor about how Busch Gardens Williamsburg might be closing "Curse of DarKastle." WHAT?!?!? Then, our new "Quick Hits" segment takes a look at the biggest news stories in the industry... including a new coaster at Darien Lake, a "stunning" fight at a Halloween event, Pixar Pier and new webcams at Knotts. EB and Mike unveil a new Patreon Goal and talk about how it could lead to innovative daily content from Coasterradio.com The guys get into a good discussion about how it will be difficult to re-open Hall of Presidents in today's polarizing political climate. Finally, there is a great Listener Interactive Topic where everyone discusses the parks that do the best job of taking us away from the outside world.

This week, our First Drop segment starts off with a story about how Universal Orlando has bought a huge chunk of land across I-4. What on earth do they have planned? Then, our new "Quick Hits" segment takes a look at the biggest news stories in the industry... including a new Disneyland Hotel, a big Kennywood rumor and the return of a famous coaster style! Our Park Hopper segment takes a look at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa! This park has some unique rides and some old favorites! Finally, we chat with Two Bit Circus about their innovative attraction designs and their plans to deliver amazing experiences inside "Micro Amusement Parks!"

This week, we start off with a First Drop segment about pricing at the theme parks. Some people in England are "outraged" that a 12-year-old has to pay the same price as an adult. Where do you stand? Then, our new "Quick Hits" segment takes a look at the biggest news stories in the industry... including the new Hunger Games land in Dubai, some big changes at Cedar Point, a new destination in Star Tours and a weird canine policy at select Disney hotels. Then, we'll let you know what happened once we turned off the microphones after last week's podcast from Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Did EB survive his trip through the new Howl-O-Scream house "Frostbite?" Mike also tells us about his trip to Kings Dominion's Haunt and the surprises he found there... including reviews of their Skeleton Key rooms! Finally, the guys will tell everyone about what they have in store for their own Halloween home haunts!

This week, we're podcasting from the CoasterRadio.com Fall Listener Meet-Up at Busch Gardens Williamsburg! The entire meet-up crowd takes over "Grogan's Pub" in Ireland and settles in for one of the best episodes of the season. We'll tell you all about the many perks of the meet-up including behind-the-scenes tours of Griffon and "Frostbite." Plus, we'll let you know how the crowd did with early-morning ERT on the park's newest roller coaster InvadR! We'll also have reviews of all of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's roller coasters and major attractions. Plus, we'll have tips and tricks to make your next visit a success. We'll also be joined by a ton of celebrities and surprise guests!

We kick things off with a First Drop story about the amazing rise of Cell Phones in the parks and how they affect guests' mood and actions. Then, it's time for "Quick Hits," where we talk about some of the most interesting stories in the amusement industry. After a quick look at the upcoming Busch Gardens Listener Meet-Up, we bring back "Park Hopper" and take a look at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls in Arkansas. Next, Mike tells everyone about his trip to Knoebels and Phoenix Phall Phunfest. Then, it's time for the return of Theme Park Smarts!

CoasterRadio.com is BACK for it's 12th Season! We kick off the show by giving you an update on what we did during the five-week break. Then, in a brand new segment, we take a look at the biggest news stories of the week - rapid fire! We also take a look at all of the new attractions Announced by Six Flags for 2018! Plus, we have details on the upcoming Listener Meet-Up at Busch Gardens Williamsburg! Thanks for making this season of the show one of the best yet!

We've reached the end of summer and the end of another season of CoasterRadio.com To celebrate, we're looking back at the last 44 episodes of Season 11 and taking your LIVE, unscreened calls! Thanks for making this season of the show one of the best yet!

August 16th is National Roller Coaster Day! To celebrate, some of the parks got together and made some major announcements for 2018. On this week's episode of the show, we talk about FIVE gigantic announcements that will make a huge impact on the 2018 theme park season!