During each show, we talk about the total theme park experience. We'll have discussion on the latest news and rumors from the amusement industry, interviews with the people making decisions at your favorite park, reviews and ratings of the newest rides and attractions and chances to win tickets and merchandise from parks around the country!
Arthur will give us in-depth detail about each new attraction... including some breaking news about what will happen inside the event building of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new coaster - Verbolten!
Plus, we'll announce the winner of our HIMYM Caption Contest and give yet another clue in our Soundwave Contest! (You'll have to listen to the show to find out what that is!)
People who like theme parks and thrill rides are often called "extreme."
I guess people who travel hundreds of miles to ride the latest and greatest roller coasters tend to take a few more risks and try experiences that the average person might never try.
However, there are some attractions out there that even test the courage of the bravest park fans.
Heck, they even test the courage of the bravest podcast hosts!
On this week's show, Mike and EB talk about what the listeners say are the most extreme rides on earth. To make things easier, they break up the conversation into three sections - extreme roller coasters, extreme water slides and extreme flat rides.
Your stomach will turn just hearing about some of these crazy experiences.
We also have some updates on the various CoasterRadio.com contests, the results of our interactive poll and details about a fun, new project we've devised for this summer!
It's all on this new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!
An interesting title for the podcast this week... but we'll explain it all.
On this episode of the "Original Theme Park Podcast," we transition from the winter months to the spring and summer and get ready for the 2012 season!
This week, we take a look at a recent survey conducted by Six Flags Over Georgia. Last summer, they asked their guests' opinions on different aspects of roller coasters and thrill rides.
You'll be surprised at what they had to say!
This week is also our first show back since "our" episode of "How I Met your Mother" aired nationally on CBS.
Mike and EB will let you know how their lives have changed since becoming "background actors." Did Mike's new-found fame help him get "lucky" with a big breasted redhead in Las Vegas?
We also announce two new contests... including the return of "Soundwave!" Plus, we unleash details about the "Most Interactive Summer EVER" at the show.
Summer is almost here and everyone at the show is getting excited! We hope you are too!
We've spent the past two shows going over every details of our California Trip that included visits to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
But even with two whole hours devoted to both parks, there were things we missed.
AND... the CoasterRadio.com audience was quick to remind us of the things we forgot to talk about.
PLUS, there were some things that we said about the Disney's West Coast parks that upset some of our listeners. So, they sent strongly worded e-mails to let us know how they felt.
We had so many e-mails and interest about the last two shows, that we decided to set aside this episode and answer all of them!
Plus, we preview next week's show which is all about our visit to the set of "How I Met Your Mother." We even spill the beans on some of the stories about what we saw and did!
Make sure to set your DVRs to record "our" episode of HIMYM! It airs Monday, April 16th at 8pm est on CBS!
The Original Theme Park Podcast returns with Part II of our California Trilogy of shows!
This week, we talk about all of the stories and details from our trip to Disney California Adventure.
This park has been on people's minds a lot lately as Disney wraps up its major construction projects including Buena Vista Street and Cars Land.
But will EB and Mike enjoy the park after visiting Disneyland just a few days before?
What will they think of attractions like Tower of Terror, Soarin', California Screamin' and Toy Story Midway Mania?
Plus, for the first time ever, CoasterRadio.com will present Binaural Audio from several points in the park... including audio from EB's first-ever ride on Tower of Terror. You'll want to make sure that you have headphones handy so you can close your eyes and pretend you're there!
Next week, we want to hear from you with your questions about our California trip! Send them via e-mail, on Facebook and Twitter or by calling our Voicemail Line at 206-339-3360!
EB and Mike reunite to take on the park that essentially started the theme park industry.
This week, the guys are at Disneyland!
After spending 15 hours in the park, they experienced almost every ride and attraction on the Disneyland Map!
In a show that's partially on-location and partially in our studios, the guys review the park and all of the famous attractions for which Disneyland is known!
You might be surprised at which rides they really liked and which ones lead to "anticipointment."
The first five Semi-Finalists were revealed, debated and disected.
Listeners of Coaster Radio took to our blog, Twitter Feed and Facebook Page to let their opinions be known. It seemed as if every listener had a different entry that they liked best!
On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal the final five Semi-Finalists and discuss each entry in detail.
What parts of the attraction concept work? What are some things that might need to change? Could the design actually work in a real-life theme park?
Then, the guys take on the difficult task of eliminating seven contestants, so that only three finalists remain. Next week, those finalists will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts... including:
* Neil Patrick Harris
* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group
* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group
* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts
* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com
* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com
* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner
Be sure to listen next week, when the judges' voices are heard!
For weeks and weeks, people from all over the world have been dreaming up new ideas for theme park attractions based on hit movies.
They've tried to carefully re-tell a story from a beloved film using the latest and greatest technologies available to the amusement industry.
Some have been drawing up blueprints and schematics, others have been sketching out storyboards, while others have been writing simple paragraphs detailing their ride experience.
Today, we find out which ideas will take their first steps on the road to super stardom.
On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal the first five Semi-Finalists and discuss each entry in detail.
What parts of the attraction concept work? What are some things that might need to change? Could the design actually work in a real-life theme park?
We'll announce the next five Semi-Finalists on next week's show. Then, we'll narrow the Top 10 entries down to three finalists.
Those finalists will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts... including:
* Neil Patrick Harris
* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group
* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group
* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts
* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com
* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com
* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner
Plus, we also have a LIVE REPORT from the Disneyland Resort. Apparently, there has been a disturbance outside of the Terror or Terror at Disney California Adventure. We have a live microphone on-site to get to the bottom of the situation.
All that and much more, this week on CoasterRadio.com!
When you first look at it, it does sound a little bit strange... you know, an entire radio show dedicated to roller coasters and theme parks.
But there are shows dedicated to all types of things, like sports. People talk for hours and hours about sports... why not talk for hours and hours about theme parks?"
This is what I said on the very first episode of our show to explain what CoasterRadio.com set out to be.
We wanted to create a fun, accessible show about theme parks and thrill rides that was for the average fan... but could also be enjoyed by even the most hardcore enthusiast.
Back in 2005, I don't think anyone (including us) expected the show to go past 20 episodes.
Now, here we are seven years later celebrating the 200th!
On this week's show, we take a look back at favorite moments from the past 199 episodes and hear from each of the "Joint Chiefs" who were a part of the show back in 2005. Mario, Flava and Greg K. return to talk about their thoughts on this milestone.
Also, since our listeners are the heart and soul of CoasterRadio.com... it's fitting that we celebrate by having our annual "Listener Question Show" this week.
As per tradition, the questions are all over the map! Some are about theme parks and thrill rides, others are about pop culture and some are about Mike, EB and the podcast itself.
We also unveil some big news about the upcoming West Coast trip and count down the days to the entry deadline for the "Reel" Design Contest!
Thanks to each of you for listening and participating in the show. We say it several time this week, because it's the truth - you guys are the show... and we're thankful that you're here.
Besides being devastatingly beautiful, DeAnna is an expert on the art of romance. She has helped men all over the world have more success on the dating scene by teaching them how to be cool, confident and most importantly, BOLD!
This week, CoasterRadio.com listeners have sent in their questions for DeAnna and she is going to offer her valuable advice to make sure your Valentine's Day is a successful one.
Keeping with the spirit of love, we're going to have the World Premiere of the song written specifically for the winner of the CoasterRadio.com Valentine's Day Charity Song Auction!
Nick Hutson has been working with auction winner Kerri from Florida on her special song. But who has it been written for and what does it sound like? You'll find out this week!
Last summer, we sponsored a contest here at CoasterRadio.com where we would give the lucky winner a chance to produce an entire episode of the show.
We were so excited about everyone's ideas... we chose four winners!
This week, the first of those winners is stepping up to the plate to see if he has what it takes to live up to the pressure of producing a crazy podcast like this.
Tom from Louisville, KY has come up with the "Live Trip Report Show!"
He's gone though the dozens and dozens of backlogged trip reports that visitors have called in and has picked some of the most interesting ones to share with you.
Plus, to make things even more compelling... he has enlisted the services of the infamous CoasterRadio.com characters to introduce each one.
As EB says this week... "this is a show you're either gonna love or gonna hate!"
There were some crazy stories in the press this week... and a lot of them had to do with theme parks.
For instance...
Disney decided to drop a decades old rule that Walt Disney himself instated. Starting next month, workers will be allowed to sport beards and goatees. Hipsters rejoice!
Thorpe Park in England said that their new coaster "The Swarm" was apparently having some trouble making its height clearances during testing. Apparantly, some of the test mannequins came back without their limbs.
I like this story for a lot of reasons, but mostly because it gave the the opportunity to post a still from one of my favorite 80's movies ever - mannequin. Emmy was one hot Egyptian, man.
The guys also take an opportunity to preview upcoming shows and contests! You won't believe what is in store for February!
Imagine if you had a chance to sit down and talk with Walt Disney when he started to brainstorm about an idea called "Mickey Mouse Park."
What if you could go back to 1959 and have lunch with Angus Wynne Jr. to hear his ideas about a park that would eventually become "Six Flags Over Texas."
Building a theme park from scratch is no easy accomplishment. It takes hard work, a solid business plan and most importantly... a vision.
On this week's show, we welcome a man with a unique vision of his own.
He wants to see a theme park built in his home town of Nashville, Tennessee.
This week, David Webb joins us to talk about his plans for "Ole South USA".
It would be a theme park celebrating everything that is vibrant and special about the southern region of the United States.
David gives us a "virtual tour" of the different themed lands, including descriptions of some of their innovative rides and attractions. He also talks about the steps being taken to make this dream a reality.
Most importantly, he fills us in on the Pioneer Club, which gives 3,500 people a chance to take part in the birth of this theme park.
Among theme park fans, one of the most talked about locations over the past several years has been Universal Orlando.
Year after year, they blow people away with their incredibly detailed and truly scary (and fun) "Halloween Horror Nights."
They really turned people's heads when they unleashed the incredibly awesome "Spiderman" attraction on the world. Some people claim that ride hasn't been topped yet.
Then, they shocked the world when they announced plans to build "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." What was even more amazing is that the new land and it's attractions actually lived up to the anticipation and the hype.
Most recently, they closed "Jaws", one of their original opening day rides and perhaps their most iconic attraction. That lead to speculation and some controversial reporting on what might possibly replace the gigantic Amity area.
We'll talk about the recent closure of "Jaws" and what the attraction has meant to the park's history. We'll also talk about what it was like to be at the attraction on it's closing night.
We'll also discuss its rumored replacement.
Seth will give us a breakdown about the possibility of a new Harry Potter themed area in Universal Studios Florida and a new thrill attraction that would be unlike anything we have ever seen at a park before.
Fascinating stuff!
Plus, EB and Mike announce a fun new project for all you romantics out there.
The Valentine's Day Charity Song Auctiongives listeners an opportunity to bid on an original love song that will be written especially for that special someone in your life.
And, the best part is that all of the money raised will go to the winner's favorite charity.
The giant crystal ball is hovering above the masses, ready to drop...
The New Year is just minutes away!
And, there is only one host who has the charisma, sparkling personality and giant red claws to bring it all to you...
Bob The Lobster.
This week, the Original Theme Park Podcast rings in the new year with a "live" broadcast from Times Square in New York City, where our own "Bob The Lobster" is standing by to count us down Dick Clark style!
We also will review all of the new attractions that made their debuts in 2011 at theme parks across America.
Which ones worked? Which ones didn't? Which ones made an impact and which ones were bombs?
After the clock strikes midnight, Mike and EB will give away the "CoasterRadio.com Award for Best New Attraction of 2011!"
Plus, we'll go live to Universal Studios Hollywood to meet our exclusive correspondent who will give us the inside scoop on what's happening with their version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Happy New Year from Bob The Lobster and everyone here at CoasterRadio.com!
EB and Mike are taking a week off for the holidays. But, they have produced this video podcast showing you the complete circuit of Mike's 2011 Christmas Tree Monorail!
Mike set up the Walt Disney World Monorail toy under his Christmas Tree. Two trains (Yellow and Black) move through a track switch and visit EPCOT's Spaceship Earth along with Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort.
Here at Coaster Radio, we're big fans of the Variety Specials they used to have on TV awhile back.
Before there were hundreds of lame reality shows and other filler, television networks used to produce special programs (especially around the holidays) that featured different kinds of entertainment and segments.
This week, we're going to try to do the same thing with our 2011 Holiday Spectacular!
This week's episode is jam-packed with fun stuff like:
* A live call from Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom from one of the show's newest correspondants. * Live trip reports from Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a Holiday Fair at Hyde Park in London and a roller coaster ride at Gulliover's World, Warrington, UK. * A "Holiday Kid Call" from "Hagrid Claus" and "Shapiro the Elf" to two lucky children. * A dramatic (and sound effects filled) reading of "A CoasterBoy Christmas" * Interactive calls from CoasterRadio.com listeners * Music and Mayhem, plus a whole lot more!
We're so thankful that you listen to the show week after week and have made us a part of your lives. We wish you and your families a Happy New Year!
Jim Hill Media published an interesting article this weekabout possible plans at Walt Disney World to introduce a fee-based version of the FastPass System.
Nothing has been announced by the Walt Disney Company as of yet, but the article says that Disney is considering offering a way to reserve ride times and show/parade viewing spots if you stay at a Disney Resort and purchase something called "The X Pass."
This week, the guys discuss this new possiblity and what it would mean for the theme park experience... at Walt Disney World and beyond.
The guys also take a look at the winners of the 2011 Themed Entertainment Awards - The THEA Awards!
The annual awards reward excellence for the creation of compelling educational, historical and entertainment projects.
You'll be amazed at some of the new technologies that were honored this year! AND, you'll be excited to learn about an old friend of the show who won the Lifetime Achievement Award!
Plus, we'll have news about our GIGANTIC holiday spectaculars that are coming up in the next two weeks!
With the holidays right around the corner, you might be scrambling to find the perfect gift.
But if you're looking for something for a theme park fan, the local mall might not have exactly what you need.
Never fear!
Here at Coaster Radio, we're bring back our annual tradition - The Holiday Gift Guide!
The 2011 version has a ton of great ideas, sure to impress the theme park fan in your life. Hey, you might even want to check out some of these items for yourself.
Plus, EB and Mike get into a great debate/rant about the latest announcements from Universal Studios.
This week, we found out that Hogwarts (and the incredible Forbodden Journey attraction) are coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. In addition, there were confirmed plans to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
However, another recent annoucement had to do with the closure of the classic "JAWS" attraction at Universal Studios Florida. The latest hot rumor is that Amity Island will make way for Harry Potter's London and Phase Two of the Potterverse.
Mike and EB will disect the rumors and give you their opinion on the current state of things.
Hey! As you listen to the show, here is a list of all of the gift items that the guys discuss!
The guys had planned on producing a regular show this week, but Mike came down with a pretty bad case of the flu.
So, after some thought, they decided to enlist the help of Clint Novak from The Coaster Crew and dig out an episode of the show that has never been heard on our podcast feed before!
Let me explain....
Back in 2007, after Coaster Radio 1.0 had gone off the air, Mike, Flava and Mario formed a team to compete in the first ever "Single Riders Marathon" at Kennywood Park.
Now, the marathon had nothing to do with being single. Instead, it meant that each marathon rider would fill an empty seat on a coaster and complete as many laps as possible during the day.
People would then pledge a certain amount of money for every coaster lap counted.
As part of this event, Flava , Mario and Mike produced an episode of "The Coaster Crew's Guide to the Midway" on-location at the park.
We thought this show was lost forever, but Will Holder was able to dig it up out of the archives this week!
So, since Mike is sick, we decided to play this show for the first time ever on OUR podcast.
For all of you who have missed Flava and Mario... this one's for you.
For all of you who have missed Flava and Mario... this one's for you.
It may be the off-season for most of us around the world, but you can get still get your park fix right here... with the Original Theme Park Podcast!
Each year, amusement industry insiders gather at the annual IAAPA Conference to check out new attractions and technologies that they might want to purchase for their park.
On this week's show, Mike and EB send a wireless microphone to the 2011 IAAPA show floor and talk with one specific vendor who just might have the hottest idea for the 2012 season.
Plus, the guys spend some time talking about legendary roller coaster designer Ron Toomer. Ron passed away during the show's hiatus this past September, so Coaster Radio listeners call in to talk about their favorite Toomer-designed coasters. Was he one of the most influential designers ever?
And, we'll let you in on some of the behind-the-scenes information that we gathered from our Season Six Survey. You'll find out exactly how many women actually listen to this show. Fascinating stuff!
Scott has written a book (and a companion smart phone app) that will help even the most impatient person be able to stand the hour-long lines for your favorite rides and attractions.
Plus, we'll have dueling Live Trip Reports and exciting news about upcoming shows and contests!
Grab a glass of Butterbeer, dust off your magic wand and brush up on your spells... because this week, the Original Theme Park Podcast is coming to you from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
This amazingly detailed land at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando has been memorizing guests ever since it opened last year.
We'll tell you what makes the Wizarding World so special and give you some tips that will make your next visit even better.
We'll also have reviews of the many different shops and merchandise that can be found in Hogsmead Village.
Plus, Mike will have a first-hand account of what it's like to ride Dragon Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!
And, the moment any fan of CoasterRadio.com has been waiting for... a live visit with the friendly Half-Giant himself, HAGRID!
There are a ton of other surprises waiting for you in the latest episode of CoasterRadio.com!
Throughout the month of October, we've been getting in the spirit for the world's spookiest holiday by visiting the parks and other events to partake in their haunted mazes and attractions.
We've been stalked by demonic clowns and aggressive werewolves. We've been chased by hungry zombies and thirsty vampires. We've even had a few brushes with the paranormal... perhaps witnessing a ghostly apparition.
But now that the big day is here, everyone here at The Original Theme Park Podcast is ready to celebrate Halloween in a new way.
This week, EB and Mike start a new tradition on the show. They tell creepy stories from some of the most popular and inventive haunted attractions in the United States. These haunts use state-of-the-art technology to scare their guests, but more importantly, they also use engaging storylines to pull people into another world.
Using some "radio magic," the guys will pull YOU into the stories as well.
Plus, EB and Mike talk about some of their favorite tried and true haunt effects. AND, we have one of the most entertaining Live Trip Reports EVER!
It's all coming up on a very scary episode of CoasterRadio.com!
We're just a few days away from one of our favorite holidays here at Coaster Radio... Halloween!
This week, we're going to celebrate early by talking with the owner of the World's Longest Indoor Haunted Attraction... The Factory of Terror in Canton, Ohio.
The Guinness Book of World Records recently certified that this amazing haunt has once again claimed this impressive world record.
We'll find out what it takes to to put on a world-class haunt and what terrifying experiences visitors might encounter when they visit.
We'll also discuss the most recent promotion at Six Flags Over Georgia. As part of their celebration of Fright Fest, visitors were invited to eat a live Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. If they succesfully ate the bug, they won a Season Pass.
EB and Mike talk about what it would take to get them to eat a roach and then get to the bottom of finding out who came up with this unique idea.
Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from a popular California Haunted Attraction and we find out how we're doing in the voting for the 2011 Podcast Awards!
This week, the Original Theme Park Podcast comes to you from the Happiest Place on Earth!
(OK, that tag line might belong to Disneyland... but we're close enough!)
On this week's episode, Mike and EB provide on-site details from EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival. What culinary delights can you find in World Showcase? And, if you aren't interested in the festival, does it affect the attraction lines?
Plus, Mike has a chance to check out Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Does it live up to the excellence of the original? Does it exceed expectations? Or, does it have a disappointing "prequel" feel?
The guys also have live audio from inside the Magic Kingdom at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! Mike Collins is joined by his wife Molly and their friends Mike and Colleen to talk about the event, the fireworks, the parade, the CANDY and most importantly, their award winning TRON and Karate Kid costumes.
Fear Does Not Exist In This Dojo, DOES IT?
Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Magic Mountain, details on some upcoming CoasterRadio.com Contests and a LOT MORE!!!
Welcome to the Season Six Premiere of Coaster Radio!
EB and Mike are determined to make this season the best one ever!
So, to kick start things off right, the guys are joined by the one and only Neil Patrick Harris!
Neil is known throughout the world for his many roles in the movies, on television and on broadway.
But fans of Coaster Radio also know him as the familiar voice who introduces and ends each and every episode of the Original Theme Park Podcast.
On this week's show, Neil joins the guys for some excellent theme park talk.
He tells the guys about how he first became fascinated with the amusement industry. He talks about his favorite rides and attractions and what he looks for in a good ride.
He also talks about his "behind the scenes" involvement in some attractions and shows that you have probably experienced yourself.
Neil looks back on the Halloween Yard Haunt that he built in his own backyard and looks to EB and Mike to give him some advice on what rides he should experience with his twin babies.
Plus, there are a lot of other fun topics and surprises!
This is one episode of CoasterRadio.com that you absolutely don't want to miss!
This is a Bonus Video Podcast where EB and Mike provide "DVD Commentary" while watching on-ride videos of two of Europe's most interesting roller coasters... Hochschaubahn at Wiener Prater in Vienna, Austria and Hullámvasút at Vidámpark in Budapest, Hungary.
Last week, we ended our Fifth Season of Coaster Radio with a live broadcast from one of the most unique amusement parks on the planet, Wiener Prater in Vienna Austria.
But admittedly, radio can only do so much when you're describing the amazing roller coasters, thrill rides and other interesting attractions at this one of a kind park.
So, EB and Mike have produced a brand new video podcast (the first in five years!) to show you exactly what it's like at the Prater!
In a few weeks, the guys will return with a second video podcast about some of Europe's greatest roller coasters.
AND...don't forget that Season Six begins on Thursday, October 6th!
We can't unveil what will happen yet, but it will easily be one of the most talked about episodes EVER!
We've reached the end of another season of Coaster Radio!
To celebrate, we're podcasting from one of the most unique amusement parks in the world...
Wiener Prater in Vienna, Austria!
The Prater was once an imperial hunting ground and only accessible by the aristocracy, But then, Austrian Emperor Josef II donated the area to the Viennese in 1766 as a public leisure center.
Since then, it has gone on to become the place where the people of Vienna gather to relax and unwind with food, drink and wild rides.
That's right! In recent years, it has become home to some of the most outrageous and intensely thrilling attractions in Europe!
Join Mike and EB and they talk about some of the Prater's most iconic attractions - the roller coasters, Ghost Houses, water rides and gravity defying flat rides. There might even be some on-ride audio from one of the oldest attractions in the park!
They'll also talk about how The Prater is run much differently than your average amusement park and howit's full of attractions not seen many other places.
Be sure to come back next week for the premiere of a video podcast showing off all of the rides that the guys discussed on this week's show!
Thanks to everyone who has made this season of CoasterRadio.com the most successful ever! We can't wait for Season Six to begin in October!
Labor Day Weekend is here and the parks are starting to wind down from the Summer Season.
But the Original Theme Park Podcast is still going strong with an all new episode!
This week, we welcome back an old friend to the show!
Greg K. (of "Kiss My Shiekra" fame) makes his triumphant return to talk about his recent trip to Walt Disney World. This visit was unique because for the first time ever, he made the trip with his wife and two daughters (ages 2 and 2 months!)
Did Greg K. survive the Florida heat, multiple Teacup Rides and the long wait to meet Mickey Mouse? And more importantly, will he let loose with his trademark catch-phrase?
Then, Mike recalls his trip to Hungary and his visit to Vidampark - the country's one and only amusement park. What was it like riding their 90-year old coaster with a surly brakeman in charge of keeping the ride on the tracks?
Mike and EB also take a look at some of the most recent ride announcements made by the parks.
Which 2012 attractions look like hits and which ones look like misses? Will we see any record breaking attractions? Will we see more upcharge animatronic dinosaurs?
Plus a Live Trip Report from Canada's Wonderland and MUCH MORE!
Plus a Live Trip Report from Canada's Wonderland and MUCH MORE!
We all have them. And we've probably spent hundreds of dollars on them.
Yes my friends, I'm talking about Theme Park Souvenirs.
From on-ride photos to Disney Vinylmations to the dozens of park shirts you have in your drawers, the amusement industry makes a TON of money off of us and our need to commemorate our visits to their parks.
But some of the souvenirs we by hold a special place in our hearts (and in our homes.)
On this week's show, we explore the best and the worst souvenirs owned by the CoasterRadio.com audience. Believe it our not, there are some heartwarming stories that come along with some of them!
We also hear all about EB's trip across America. NOt only did EB encounter the ghosts of lazy Civil War soldiers, he also had a chance to ride a major roller coaster with his son for the first time.
The guys also talk about how they saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II with the new D-Box Motion Technology that is making its way to movie theaters across the country.
Did EB and Mike enjoy having their theater seats move, sway and vibrate along with the action?
All of this, plus a Live Trip Report and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!
Disney park fans are some of the most passionate people around.
They know everything there is to know about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Uncle Walt, Imagineering and pretty much anything else related to the Disney Company and their theme parks.
There's even a group of diehards who organize "unofficial" fan celebrations at the Disney Parks in Orlando and Anaheim.
October 1st, 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort, and a group called WDWCelebrations will be hosting an unbelievable fan-organized event to complement the official activities offered by the Walt Disney Company.
This week, we're joined by Adam Roth, co-founder of WDWCelebrations, to talk about Project XL: The World at 40 which will take place September 29th - October 2nd.
He'll tell us about the history of their organization and what they have in store for their biggest fan celebration yet! Plus, you can find out how to sign up for the fun!
We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Darien Lake, an update on EB's Chickens and much more!
The ongoing trend in the amusement industry seems to be parks coming up with new ways for guests to skip the lines.
Some of the the line cutting systems are free and come with your admission. But others are offered for an upcharge of $40 or $50.
On this week's episode, Mike and EB talk about the new "Fast Lane" option that just debuted at Kings Island.
The guys will discuss the pros and cons of the new service and what this might mean for other parks around the country.
Will the park experience that we know today change forever?
The guys also discuss their upcoming separate trips to Knoebels and Weiner Prater in Vienna, Austria. Will Mike be brave enough to tackle the crazy Euro-rides? And, EB just recently renewed his love affair with a classic carnival attraction!
Plus, a Live Trip Report from one of the most enchanting parks in the country!
At one time or another, I'm sure that all of us have tried our hand at "armchair imagineering."
You know, dreaming up rides and attractions that we hope and pray eventually make it to our favorite theme park.
On this week's episode, we gave our audience an unlimited budget and unlimited imagination to create an ultimate attraction by "mashing up" two existing rides.
The listeners of CoasterRadio.com make up one of the most creative podcast audience's anywhere... so we have some excellent ideas this week.
We also have a Live Trip Report from Hersheypark, news on the "Producer for a Day" contest and an idea on why the "Mach Tower" drop ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been delayed. Let's just say it might be the "Italian Origins" of the ride!
EB and Mike wanted to have a major celebrity (who happened to love theme parks) agree to become the voiceover artist that introduces each episode of the show.
They locked on film, television and stage star Neil Patrick Harris, who turned out to be a listener of the show already!
We also welcome back an old friend, Arthur Levine - the theme parks guide at about.com!
Arthur recently had a chance to ride Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disneyland and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure.
He'll tell Mike and EB which ride made it to his list of Top Theme Park Attractions and which ride gave him a slight case of anticipointment.
We'll also hear from the CoasterRadio.com audience as they talk about their favorite water rides. Which wet and wild rides are the best in the country? The listeners have the scoop!
We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island and Mike will tell you about his upcoming trip to Hungary to ride one of the oldest coasters in the world!
We have a lot of fun traditions here at Coaster Radio, but one of our most cherished happens every year at this time!
This week, it's the 2nd Annual...
SPARKTACULAR EXPLOOSIOLOOSA!
Each year, EB risks life and limb so that he can bring our wireless microphones as close as possible to the flames, sparks and explosions.
Last year, EB got hit with a projectile wall of fire. What could go wrong this year?
We also will hear from Mike as he gives his "complicated" review of Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion. How does it rate when compared to other rides in the park and will Mike be brave enough to ever ride it again?
We also delve into the world of roller coaster enthusiast clubs. What are some of the reasons people join? Are there any drawbacks? What about the recent trend of several clubs "hating" on one another.
We'll hear from the CoasterRadio.com audience as they tell us about what clubs they belong to and the pros and cons of each.
Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from a park in Germany!
This past Tuesday marked the official start of Summer, 2011!
For every summer we can remember, there has always been an unofficial "anthem" recorded by the biggest pop star of the day. It's a song that EVERYONE listened to on their way to the beach or the theme park.
In the 80's it was the Fresh Prince, in the 90's it was Ricky Martin and today, it might be Katy Perry or Cee Lo Green.
But this week, we premiere what might be the #1 hit song for this summer! It's a once in a lifetime colloboration!
We also get a live report from opening day of Windseeker at Kings Island. Does the 300 foot tall spinning thrill machine live up to the hype? We'll find out!
Plus, we'll hear from listeners all over the world as they tell us about their favorite spots at their home parks. We'll find out about the special places off the beaten path at parks where people can get away from the noise and crowds!
One of the most fun things about being a fan of theme parks are the traditions.
Since we all go to the parks year after year, there are certain things that we look forward to and specific things that we have to do to make the summer season complete.
On this week's show, we talk about our own special traditions and listen to the man interesting ones from the CoasterRadio.com audience.
We also unveil a new contest! We'll provide details on how you can be "Producer for a Day" here at the show.
We'll also try to help EB solve a mystery that occurred on his farm this week involving one of his beloved chickens! There may or may not have been some "foul" play.
Plus, discussion about The Neil Patrick Harris Project, a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Over Georgia and a Churro Challenge!
On the next episode of Coaster Radio, we bring you the final chapter in our own "Time Travel Trilogy!"
On our last show, we left you with a cliff hanger... EB and Mike were stuck somewhere in the Space Time Continuum.
This week, we find out where they have been and if if they can successfully get back to 2011.
But, since they're travelling in time anyway, they decide to stop in 2006 to listen in on an old episode about going to the parks alone.
The CoasterRadio.com audience also chimes in to tell their own stories about going it alone during a trip to the park. Plus, Mike has a run-in during his recent solo trip to Hersheypark with the wannabe cast of "Jersey Shore." You'll hear how Mike channeled his "Inner-NPH" to resolve the situation.
We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags America and an update from "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure" at Disney California Adventure.
AND... we also celebrate a very usual milestone in the show's history!
After an unplanned two-week hiatus, the Original Theme Park Podcast is back and ready to continue our travels through time.
This week, we're combining the time travel rules from Back to the Future, Bill and Ted, Time Cop, The Time Traveler's Wife and Quantum Leap to listen in on one of our favorite shows from the past.
We'll head back to January of 2006 to hear the "Joint Chiefs ™" talk about the pros and cons of paying to get to the front of the line.
And since we have a Time Machine, we just might try to head into the future to see if the parks have taken the idea of "Pay for Play" too far!
We'll also hear a Live Trip Report from two of our newest listeners who just got to check out the updated version of "Star Tours." Plus, we'll have news about how EB's son Mark is a bona fide television star in the theme park universe! And, we'll have an update on the NPH Project!
A few weeks ago, we celebrated the 6th Anniversary of this crazy podcast.
EB and I got a little nostalgic for the old days. So, after a movie marathon where we watched Back to the Future Parts I, II and III while drinking nothing but Diet Mountain Dew, we had an inspiration!
We would build our own time machine and go back to listen to a show featuring a past version of ourselves.
This week, EB and I head back to September 26, 2005 to hear a show featuring Flava and Greg K. The topic that week, was "Dating at the Theme Park."
We'll listen to our 2005 commentary on the topic and then go "Back to the Future" so we can give you our 2011 take on things. Let's just all be careful we don't cause a temporal paradox, OK?
We also hear about EB's Opening Day trip to Holiday World and listen to a Live Trip Report from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
We usually try to pick show titles that are both creative and ones that give you a hint at what's to come.
That's why I think "A Fresh Start" works well this week.
To begin, we wrap up Theme Park Change with some important words about last week's show
There is a lot to say and a lot to be thankful for, so we hope that you'll all take the time to listen to the first part of our podcast.
We also have a final tally on our fundraising for Theme Park Change and celebrate by inviting two old friends back to Coaster Radio!
This week's show also lives up to its title because we'll hear your favorite stories from Opening Day at the parks.
It's one of the best days of the theme park year because the parks are clean, the paint is fresh and the rides are running like new!
Mike and EB will tell you their own unique "opening day" tales while also hearing from the listeners about their unique experiences from their home park's first day of operation.
Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Texas and a few other surprises!
Sometimes, the very best ideas for this crazy show of ours come from the listeners.
A few months ago, we were doing a show about "The Best Money You've Spent at a Park" and we received a call from Deidre Rodman from The Lascivious Biddies.
She said the best money she spent was when she and her husband bought the "Bride and Groom" Mickey Ears to wear during their recent honeymoon at Walt Disney World.
She said that throughout the trip, they were given free food, free gifts and other special treatment from the cast members at Disney.
When EB and I heard this, we hatched an evil plan. We asked our listening audience for two volunteers who would go to Walt Disney World and pretend to be honeymooners (complete with the Mickey Ears) to test this theory.
Derek and Trisha from Southern California answered the call and what followed was "The Trip of Lies!"
On this week's show, we hear about their trip and find out if the hypothesis was true. Do you get tons of free stuff just for wearing "Bride and Groom" Mickey Ears?
Plus, Derek and Trisha give us the scoop on the rest of their trip, including a review of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Yes indeed, the guys from the graveyard scene of The Haunted Mansion are some of the most infamous "busts" around.
But this week, we're talking about a different type of bust. We'll explore some of the major mistakes and blunders in the 56-year history of the Disney Theme Parks.
To be fair, Disney goes get most everything right. They usually do it better than the other guys 9 times out of 10.
However, our listeners have chimed in with specific instances of parks, attractions and policies that didn't quite hit the mark.
We also have a Live Trip Report from one of the first runs of the new and improved Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion. Did the off-season work make it a #1 ride?
This week's show is so full of Coaster Radio goodness, it's almost enough for three whole shows!
There's so much going on, it's hard to decide where to begin!
How about we start with naming a winner in the "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest! NPH is no stranger to winning awards. So, it's fitting that he calls in to crown a winner in our latest contest.
Mike and EB were absolutely floored by the results. Let's just say, NPH picked a darkhorse entry!
Next, after months in the planning stages, it's finally time to officially kick off our worldwide charity event - "Theme Park Change!"
The goal is to encourage theme park fans across the globe to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity.
All of the proceeds from this year's event is going to an amazing organization, Project Angel Food. To learn more about them, the guys are joined by Margaret Steele, Project Angel Food's CEO.
One you hear her interview, there won't be a question on whether or not you'll want to donate. The good work this group does will make you want to reach for your wallet and join in the "Theme Park Change."
Please, check out the website! Anyone who donates $10 or more is automatically entered into a raffle where they can win one of dozens of excellent theme park prizes!
And of course, we appease the CoasterBoys in our audience with some good, interactive theme park talk!
This week, we talk about specific things missing from your specific home park.
CoasterRadio.com listeners from across the world have chimed in to let us know what rides, attractions and other aspects are missing from their local theme parks.
Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Busch Gardens Tampa!
The Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite theme park attractions anywhere.
I love it so much, that I totally don't mind waiting in line for it. Just being around the spooky ambiance is a thrill almost on par with the big drop that is to come.
When the ride is though and I've checked out my on-ride photo and am exiting through the gift shop, I sometimes wish that I could just hang out there for awhile... almost as if I were a guest.
Well, it turns out you can make this happen. You can even have a romantic dinner just steps away from the ride's entrance.
Carrie knows everything there is to know about the wonderful world of Disney party planning. You'll be amazed at some of the things you can do at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. You'll also be amazed at how relatively inexpensive it is! (She'll even tell us how much it costs to have Disneyland all to ourselves!)
Carrie will also tell us about some of her other Disney adventures... like the time she rode The Haunted Mansion in Florida and The Haunted Mansion in California in the SAME DAY!
Make sure you check out this show and visit her website, disneytravelbabble.com, to learn more!
Last week's Listener Question Show was a huge hit!
Like all good parties, we didn't want it to end. So, we extended the show into a second episode!
This week, we answer more of your questions sent in through our blog, Facebook, Twitter and our voicemail line. PLUS, we take more of your live calls... it's podcasting without a net!
Listeners called in with a bunch of good topics and started some create discussions. We were even surprised by a few somewhat "famous" callers.
This week, we also unveil our nationwide charity project...Theme Park Change.
The event begins on April 1st and we'll have a lot more information for you between now and then. But basically, we're asking theme park fans across the world to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and then donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity. Our 2011 charity for Theme Park Change is Project Angel Food!
This event isn't just solely for CoasterRadio.com either. We're inviting any theme park fan site (Disney fan sites too) to join us in raising money for this incredible charity.
Plus, there's a chance for you to win some pretty cool prizes if you donate $10 or more!
Check out the website and listen to this week's show to learn more! We're hoping you'll find it to be as good of an idea as we do!
We've been doing this crazy podcast since April of 2005... that's a long time! So, there aren't many "firsts" on the show these days.
But, in an effort to continue to be one of the most interactive podcasts out there, we're adding a new element to our annual Listener Question Show.
This week, for the first time ever, we're taking your live phone calls!
Many members of the Coaster Radio audience joined us during our "live look-in" webcast where people could watch the show being produced. Listeners were able to call-in to the show and make this year's edition of the Listener Question Show one of the best ever!
In addition to the live questions, we'll be joined by Derek and Trisha, a couple in Southern California who are making their way to Walt Disney World in Orlando next week. They have agreed to wear Bride and Groom Mickey Ears to test our theory that anyone wearing those "Magical Caps" will get a ton of freebies (even if they aren't exactly newlyweds!)
Join us to find out what to expect in The Newlywed Game: The Trip of Lies!
Plus, we'll have some news on the NPH Project and an update on the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest. Don't forget, you only have one more week to enter! The contest ends Thursday, March 17th!
After you add up the price of admission, parking, food, drink and souvenirs, the cost of going to a theme park can be substantial.
Especially, if you're a family!
But there are some things that we buy at the parks that are totally worth the price.
On this week's show, we hear from listeners all over the world who tell us about the best money they've spent at the parks.
We'll talk about VIP Experiences, Front of the Line Passes, Disney Trading Pins, Upcharge Attractions and a lot more.
We also have news about our Listener Question Show which we will record on Tuesday, March 8th at 9:30pm est. We'll have all the details about how you can call in to the show with your questions LIVE!
We'll also have an update on the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest and an update on the NPH Project!
We pride ourselves on being one of the most interactive podcasts out there.
On this week's show, we prove that we also try to be one of the most generous!
We're joined "in-studio" by Andrew from North Carolina who was the winner of a contest we did last season. The contest was best described by EB as "The Warmup for the NPH Project!"
Andrew won $250 dollars and the chance to sit in on the show!
This week, Andrew, Mike and EB talk about interesting places you can go to get a theme park fix when your local parks are closed for the winter. It's harder than it sounds!
Sure, we carefully outline each episode and decide what we're going to talk about weeks in advance.
But each episode seems to take on a personality of its own.
Having said that, I'm not exactly sure how our episode about romance at the theme parks turned into a love-fest for the 1975 classic "JAWS."
But regardless, in honor of Valentines Day we asked the audience to tell us about their favorite romantic things to do at the parks.
We heard about favorite places to cuddle, to eat, to ride and yes, favorite places to make out at the parks.
Yes, it's sort of gross, but it's also facinating to hear!
We also have a Live Trip Report from Tokyo Disney Sea and a newcomer from beyond tries to ensure a place among the rest of the characters at CoasterRadio.com.
Plus, we unveil a brand new contest related to the Neil Patrick Harris Project!
Plus, we give away another prize for Facebook February! Have you "liked" us on Facebook yet?
Here at Coaster Radio, we try to focus our show on the entire theme park experience.
It's really easy to spend time talking about the roller coasters and other thrill rides. But we think a little more time could be spent talking about the 2nd best reason to go to the amusement park... the food!
This week, listeners from around the globe call in to tell us about the iconic food treats that can be found at their local parks. We're gonna talk about everything from the "Dole Whip" at Disneyland to the "Chip Twister" at Walibi World!
We'll also talk about that ice cream treat (pictured here) that looks like a potato. The folks at the Idaho State Fair know how to make a dessert!
We're also honored to be joined by Dewayne Bevilfrom The Orlando Sentinel. Dewayne writes for the Theme Park Rangers column and joins us this week to give us updates on some of the theme park projects in Orlando.
We'll also have a Live Trip Report and give away some prizes for Facebook February! Are you a fan of ours on Facebook yet? You should be! If not, click here to get in on the fun!
In the theme park universe, there are rides that are loved by everyone.
Well, almost everyone.
There are probably some rides out there that you can't stand, but for some reason, everyone else in the world loves.
This week, we hear from a lot of Coaster Radio listeners as they stir up controversy and talk about the popular rides they would personally get rid of at the parks.
Surprisingly, this is a topic people are passionate about!
You'll be shocked at some of the rides people want to dismantle.
We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Australia, a new idea for CoasterRadio.com day and a visit from everyone's favorite crustacean.
Depending on where you live, there's anywhere from 70 to 90 days before the regional parks open their gates for the 2011 season.
So for the title of this week's show, we averaged it out to 80 days.
Here at Coaster Radio, we're pretty excited about the 2011 theme park season. So, we're spending this week talking about the new attractions we think are going to make some noise this summer.
To help us out, we're joined by long-time friend Arthur Levine, the theme parks guide from About.com!
He'll help us figure out which attractions and going to be hits and which ones might be duds. He'll also let us in on the details behind The 2011 Readers' Choice Awards on About.com.
We'll also look ahead to 2012 and talk about what Walt Disney World has planned for the Magic Kingdom. This week, Disney unveiled plans for "New Fantasyland,"the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's 40-year history!
Plus, we'll have a live trip report, tons of calls from the audience and a plea for a "Coaster Radio Day" at Quassy Amusement Park!
2010 may be officially gone, but it still lives on here at Coaster Radio! (for this week, anyway!)
On this week's show, EB and Mike take a look back and talk about the most interesting stories from 2010. The listeners also get into the act by calling into the show and giving their opinion on what worked and what didn't in 2010.
From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to World of Color to Intimidator 305, the listeners get passionate about their favorite stories.
There's also big news in the Neil Patrick Harris Project! As you may recall, we produced a tear-jerking holiday tribute to NPH and released it on YouTube last Christmas Eve. We've been waiting patiently to hear Neil's response. Could this be the week he calls in again?
Plus, we have news about some upcoming shows and summertime activities here at the show!
We begin the first show of 2011 by ringing in the new year with styyllle!
We even have a special guest to help us with the countdown! Grab your noise maker and a glass of champagne because you won't want to miss it!
Then, EB steps to the microphone to talk about his trip to Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane. He recently made a trip back to the east coast and took his whole family to Hershey's holiday event. Was it smooth sailing? Or did EB run into Grizwald-like problems?
The guys will also discuss the record crowds at both the Florida and California parks during the winter holidays. Is it worth it to visit the parks during one of the most crowded times of the year?
Plus, we'll hear from several listeners about their New Years Day theme park experiences!
Merry Christmas from your friends at Coaster Radio!
On this week's show, the guys kick back and have some Yuletide fun while hearing listeners top picks for theme park gifts.
The show also welcomes several special in-studio guests who stop by to wish everone Happy Holidays.
Plus, the show gets off to a great start with a special song created for the season!
Don't forget to visit the CoasterRadio.com website on Christmas Day to watch the special video for Neil Patrick Harris that stars many of our listeners! It will bring some warmth to your heart and a tear to your eyes!
Thanks to everyone who takes part in the show all year long! Happy Holidays!
We're just a few weeks away from the holidays and we believe that it's the season of giving.
So, we sent Neil Patrick Harris an infamous "Tower of Treats."
This week, we find out if the TOT made it to the "How I Met Your Mother" soundstage in Hollywood.
We also talk about what type of holiday gifts a theme park fan would like to receive. We have some practical and outrageous ideas that will make you want to write a letter to Santa Claus immediately.
We also talk about the brave souls who have given up their successful careers to go and work at the theme park. Did they find success? Was it worth it? Is it something you would consider doing?
We also have a Live Trip Report from Mike's performance in the stage version of "It's a Wonderful Life" and details about our holiday show next week!
Mike Collins is in a stage version of "It's a Wonderful Life" that opens this weekend.
So, Mike and EB had to tape the show really late at night after one of the rehearsals.
This means that this week's show is a caffeine-fueled trip that includes a lot of good theme park talk and a lot of imitations from "It's a Wonderful Life" too!
The guys talk about the listener's most "elusive roller coasters," the type of attractions that people have always wanted to ride, but for whatever reason have never been able to visit.
They'll also hear a live trip report from Six Flags Over Texas and get into a discussion about the refurbishment of the Texas Giant. They'll also talk about new gimmicks on roller coasters, such as heart rate monitors.
If you went back and listened to every single episode of CoasterRadio.com, you'd probably notice that the thing about theme parks we talk about the most is theming.
It's the one thing that separates a great park from an average amusement park.
That's why it was a bit of surprise when we learned that Six Flags would be dropping the licenses for properties like Thomas the Tank Engine, The Wiggles, Tony Hawk, Evil Kenevil and Terminator.
EB and Mike will take a look at the situation and give you their unique spin. Does it really matter that these themes are going away?
And even though the Thanksgiving holiday is over, the guys hear from the listeners as they discuss what they are thankful for from the 2010 park season.
Plus, CoasterRadio.com was nominated for Best Travel Podcast in the 2010 Podcast Awards!
You can vote for the show once a day through December 15th.
EB and Mike discuss the meaning of the award and how half of the nominees are Disney related! The guys also receive a visit from a Disney podcaster who has a nasty message for CoasterRadio.com.
Just like the Pilgrims had a gigantic feast when they landed in the new world, we have a virtual feast of theme park goodness for you.
This week, we talk about the stories behind our listener's major park disappointments. We have tales from around the globe all about how different parks have bummed out park guests.
It's sort of a "Reverse-Thanksgiving" show!
We also have a special visit from EB's pet turkey. The turkey quickly outgrew EB's house and has moved on to a turkey farm in Indiana. Just in time for the holidays, we have a heartwarming reunion with father and turkey this week.
Imagine that you were a theme park designer with access to an unlimited budget.
As you began to design rides for your park, you'd probably want to enlist the help of some major celebrities to provide the voices behind your rides.
On this week's show, we gave our listeners a virtual blank check and asked them to match their favorite celebrity with their favorite theme park ride.
We received some very hilarious combinations!
Also, the guys will discuss a new driving simulator from Lexus and how it might be converted into the greatest dark ride system ever! Will we see an attraction like this within the next five years?
Plus, there is MAJOR news this week in "The Neil Patrick Harris" Project. CoasterRadio.com has had several milestones over the years, but the 6:43 mark in this week's show might be one of the greatest ones of all!
If that doesn't make you want to take a listen, I don't know what will.
We also have a live trip report from a very odd spot in Carowinds and one of our favorite characters makes a surprise appearance to talk sports.
The original theme park podcast is back with a brand new episode!
Back in 1954, Walt Disney had a weekly television show on the ABC Network where he unveiled his plans for Disneyland.
Not only did it help finance his park, but it also got people all over the country excited to make the trip to California to see it in person.
This week, EB and Mike talk about whether not it would be a good idea to bring this style of TV show back to television.
What would a show like this look like? What parks could you broadcast from? Would anyone watch?
The guys also take a look at a video showing what Six Flags New Orleans looks like five years after Hurricane Katrina. They talk about what it would take to get them to set foot on the property and why we're fascinated by videos like this.
There's also news with The Neil Patrick Harris Project. This week, it was announced that NPH is the new "Launch Voice" behind California Screamin' at Disneyland! The guys also announce a holiday project where listeners can help get the attention of Mr. Harris.
Plus, you'll hear a live trip report from EPCOT's World Showcase and the story of Mike's failed attempt to get to Disneyland last weekend!
It's all on this week's new episode of CoasterRadio.com!
All he cared about was giving his family the best vacation ever. He would do ANYTHING to make his family happy, even if it meant kidnapping John Candy and making him ride the "Screamie Meemie!"
Of course, the antics in the movie "Vacation" are overblown. But the stories we have for you this week are 100% authentic!
This week, EB and Mike will share listener stories about the horrible parenting they have seen at the parks.
You'll be absolutely shocked at what some of the listeners have seen. Thankfully, much of it is also pretty funny.
The guys will also crown a winner in the "Arquette Arithmetic" contest. Find out who will win two season passes to the (non-Disney) theme park of their choice!
Plus, there's more info on "The Neil Patrick Harris Project!" The guys will present proof of NPH's love of theme parks and talk about future plans to get his attention.
Mike will give his review of the various haunted houses and talk about Busch's "Quick Queue" system. You'll hear why Mike and Greg were somewhat embarrassed to use the "front of the line" system.
Plus, Mike has audio from one of the houses! You'll be surprised at how he whimpered like a baby while moving through "The Catacombs!"
The guys will also have word on "The Neil Patrick Harris Project," along with a live trip report from "Midget Wrestling" at Kings Island's Halloween Haunt!
Plus, a Halloween update from Hagrid...who decided to call in from a very unusual place.
It's all coming up on this very spooky episode of CoasterRadio.com!
He'll give us the insider scoop about the 20th Annual Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. He'll tell us what we should make sure to see and what most people tend to miss.
He'll also tell us some behind the scenes stories about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. He'll tell us how you can see Hogwarts Castle without waiting in line and if guests will ever be able to spend the night within it's enchanted walls.
Plus, he'll tell us about how the Wizarding World almost ended up at Walt Disney World and what happened that caused it to be built at Universal.
This week, we also have details about a possible encounter with Neil Patrick Harris. We're only one week into "The Neil Patrick Harris" Project, but the possibility exists that NPH is already a fan of the show.
Could "The NPH Project" do what "The David Arquette Project" could not?
AND... It's EB and Mike's favorite time of year, Halloween!
This week, the guys interview Matt Ford. he's the creative genius behind "The House at Haunted Hill," an amazing Halloween show in Southern California.
The great thing about the show is that it's not located at a theme park or at some commercial venue. Matt, along with his family and friends, have created this amazing experience at his home!
You'll hear the details behind this innovative home haunt and how it was inspired by Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. You'll also hear how some Disney theme park voice talent came on board to make "The House at Haunted Hill" even more special.
This week, we come to the end of the 4th season of CoasterRadio.com and we end things just like Admir would want...
"In Styllllleeeee!"
This week, for the first time ever, the show comes to you from a park outside of the United States. This week, CoasterRadio.com is at Disneyland Resort Paris!
Mike and Molly are in Europe and join EB for a show all about the differences and similarities between the French and American Disney Parks. They'll also have ride reviews of favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and Captain EO.
They'll also talk about their visit to Disney Studios Paris and if it lives up to the other Disney Parks around the world.
Plus, there are great insights into French culture! This basically means there are plenty of jokes about the French being rude, eating cheese, drinking wine and other stereotypes.
Don't worry though. Molly is there to keep things in check.
Dreams do come true here at CoasterRadio.com! Just ask Travis.
A few months ago, he submitted this excellent entry into our "Being David Arquette" contest. The top prize was getting the chance to co-host an episode of the show with EB and Mike.
This week, his hard work pays off when he joins the show to give his top tips for an ultra-successful day at the Disneyland Resort in California. You'll be impressed with what this California native has to say!
The guys are also joined by a special guest who is in Paris, France to pave the way for Mike's visit next week. Will he be as big a hit with the French people as C-Pain?
There's also a Live Trip Report from Cedar Point and the guys being back the infamous "Off Topic" segment! Can you believe that EB is actually building a chicken coop?
But it's not as hot as this week's episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast! (Oh Brother!)
This week, EB and Mike tackle some of the most talked about stories in the amusement industry.
First up, they take a listen to one of the 911 calls that came from a recent breakdown of "Harry Potter and Forbidden Journey" at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Isn't 911 supposed to be reserved for emergencies?
Then, the guys discuss the recent mainstream press coverage of Expedition Everest's problematic Yeti. The big guy hasn't been moving since 2009. Does this signal a change in Disney's priorities?
The guys also talk about a mom in Indiana who allegedly left her kids in a rat infested home so that she could spend the day at Holiday World. Hopefully the ride on "The Voyage" was worth the possible jail time.
The guys also hear Live Trip Reports from Disney California Adventure's World of Color and Six Flags (fake) attraction BENCH: THE RIDE! Will Mark Shapiro's brainchild take the amusement industry by storm?
Plus, C-Pain joins the show from Paris, France to pave the way for Mike's visit to Disneyland Paris in a few weeks and there is news on The David Arquette Project!
On this week's show, we get into a good, old-fashioned roller coaster discussion!
It's so good, even CoasterBoy would be proud!
The CoasterRadio.com audience steps up to the microphone to tell us about the most legendary roller coasters that are currently thrilling people every day at parks across the world.
They also tell us about the legendary coasters of the past as well.
It's interesting to hear the different opinions!
We also have a live trip report from Kings Dominion, from the top of their new Ferris Wheel!
On this week's show, we're joined by Stacey Lantz. Stacey has been writing a lot of great articles for the Coaster Radio blog lately. On this week's show, we'll talk about several of her articles including her top picks for the best and worst attractions at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. You won't believe what classic attraction she put in her bottom three! As part of the patented "Off Topic" segment, EB interviews Michael Buckley, the creator of the popular web comic "60 Ways to Leave Your Mother Alone." Michael has come up with a unique way to raise money for a special project related to the web series. You'll hear all about it during EB's interview. Plus, we'll hear a Live Trip Report from Six Flags St. Louis! It's all this week on CoasterRadio.com!
On this week's show, we welcome the host of The Travel Channel's hit show "Bert the Conqueror," Bert Kreischer!
Bert and his crew are in the middle of producing the first season of this new show that takes viewers to the legendary attractions, competitions and adrenaline rushes that you can find all across America.
He joins us from the road to tell us about what he's experienced so far and what crazy feats we can expect to see in the upcoming months.
He'll also tell us about whether he really is terrified to experience all of these thrills or if he is just delivering some academy award winning acting. Plus, you'll be surprised to hear which amusement operators are asking for his advice about future attractions.
Then, we bring back the tradition of celebrating the 4th of July by shooting off fireworks live on the show. We even gave the experience a very Disney-esque name...
The CoasterRadio.com Sparktacular Explosioloosa!
You'll have to hear it to believe it! (And, if you're a fan of ours on Facebook, you can see it too!)
All that, plus a live trip report from Six Flags Magic Mountain and a surprise guest!
Arthur just got back from spending a few days in Orlando for the Grand Opening of the Wizarding World and he has details about the attractions, stores, crowds and surprises that wait Muggles who travel to Hogsmead Village and Hogwarts Castle.
The guys also hear from one of their listeners who calls the CoasterRadio.com hotline to deliver a live trip report. Is the Frozen Butterbeer already a legendary drink?
Plus, EB and Mike are visited by the resident half-giant Hagrid. It turns out Hagrid prevented a huge disaster from happening on opening day. Will it be enough to convince Universal Orlando personnel to let him back into his hut?
On this week's show, we take a break from our usual craziness to pay tribute to Will Koch, the president of Holiday World who passed away on Sunday at the age of 48.
Will has always had a special place on this show because he was one of the first "big" guests that agreed to come on when we were first starting out back in 2005.
Back then, not many people in the amusement industry wanted to deal with "the podcast guys." But Will came on CoasterRadio.com and was funny, candid and extremely interesting.
This week, we're replaying that interview as a tribute to Will.
It's wonderful to hear him talk about the park that was his life and the creation of roller coasters that everyone knows and loves. His enthusiasm is contagious and the interview is one of our all-time favorites.
It seems like this summer, more than most, the parks are really stepping up their game when it comes to creating "Nighttime Spectaculars."
Disney has "Summer Nightastic," Busch Gardens Willamsburg has "IllumiNights," and Knott's Berry Farm has "Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular."
And these are just a few of many such nighttime events at parks across the country.
EB and Mike discuss why these shows were created and if they will make an impact on the average park guest.
The guys will also get into a debate about the usefulness of the Single Rider Line. Should a case be made to get rid of them once and for all?
Plus, Hagrid goes behind the backs of Universal Orlando PR and gives CoasterRadio.com an exclusive on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is really something that other theme park podcasts could only dream about.
And... OFF TOPIC makes it's triumphant return. Mike talks about his love of the film "Drag Me To Hell" and EB talks about his run-in with the Indiana Police.
All this and a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure, on this week's all new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast, CoasterRadio.com!
On this week's show, EB and Mike discuss the phenomenon known as "Potter Watch."
Supposedly, there was a merry band of theme park fans that waited patiently outside the gates of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Universal to let in guests for the section's soft opening.
Is this something EB and Mike would ever consider doing?
The guys also hear the listener ideas on "theme park weekends" that could be based on movie franchises.
We know "Star Wars Weekends" was a hit, but can the listeners come up with something better?
Plus, there is a live trip report from Holland... and the caller has figured out a way to get multiple rerides on Goliath by cheating the system.
Find out how he did it and much more on this week's episode of the Original Theme Park Podcast!
Disney's Hollywood Studios is in the middle of their uber-successul "Star Wars Weekends."
On this week's show, EB and Mike take a look at the pros and cons of such events and wonder if they affect the average park goer.
We also speculate on what other parks could do to join in on the fun. Do I hear a second for "Back to the Future Weekends" anybody?
The guys listen to trip reports from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Carowinds and get into a debate about the Intimidator roller coasters that opened this year.
The guys also hear the listener's thoughts on what five ride types are necessary for the perfect park. There were some surprising answers.
Since Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff of summer, EB and Mike relaunch The David Arquette Project by unveiling a new contest! Will 2010 be the year that we get David Arquette's attention?
Plus, we discuss the rumor of Hagrid being in a fist-fight and C-Pain stops by to review the series finale of LOST - autotune style!
This week marks a rather unique situation for us here at the show.
It's one of the few times that EB and Mike found themselves at two different parks in the same week.
So, the guys take full advantage of the situation by bringing you stories of two very different trips.
First, EB tells us about his trip to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari for the Media Day for Wildebeest. It's the world's longest water coaster.
EB had a chance to ride this monster first-hand, and tells us all about whether it will be a hit or not.
And, after months of preparation, Mike finally made his trek down to Walt Disney World to take part in "The American Idol Experience" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Mike tells the ENTIRE STORY... from the lead-up, to the audition and whether or not he made it to the "big stage." It's a wild story.
PLUS, there's news out of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and things don't look good for Hagrid. It's possible he got in touble for something he said on this very show.
It's all this week on an all new CoasterRadio.com!
The Original Theme Park Podcast is back..... With a Live Remote!
OK, OK... it's a podcast, so it's not technically live.
BUT, this week EB mans the show from our studios in Indiana while Mike checks in from right outside Space Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
Mike is joined by longtime Coaster Radio host Greg K. and the two brothers talk about their Brothers Reunion trip to Orlando.
They'll talk about their visit to EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and even drop a few hints about what happened at The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
EB also plays a live trip report from El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure and he even poses a question to C-Pain.
Make sure to join us next week as we unveil what happened when Mike auditioned for The American Idol Experience at Disney. It's a great story!
The Original Theme Park Podcast returns with another all new episode!
When you're cooking the perfect stew, it's important to choose the perfect ingredients. If you don't choose wisely, you're stew is going to be too salty, too bland or worst of all... not tasty enough.
Picking the ingredients for a theme park can be just as difficult.
You need the perfect mix of rides to create a park that will be enjoyed by all.
On this week's show, Mike and EB each list off the five most important types of rides that a park must have to be successful.
The guys also have a mini-celebration of CoasterRadio.com's 5th Anniversary by hearing what listeners believe is the best moment from the show.
EB goes Off-Topic to reveal his new Bird Cam and Mike dishes on what it was like to attend a Coaster Crew karaoke event.
The guys also hear a live trip report from Intimidation 305 and welcome back C-Pain who answers a very controversial question.
This week, EB returns from his massive 10-state road trip to tell us all about the wild and wacky things he and his family experienced. Is EB the Clark W. Grizwold for a few generation?
The guys also discuss the recent trend of people exploring closed or abandoned amusement parks and posting the footage and pictures online. On a related note, Hagrid stops by to tell us what would happen if people explore off-limits sections of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Hopefully no one will dare explore THE OWELRY!
The guys go Off Topic to hear about how EB's family might have stirred up the wrath of a 200-year-old witch.
Mike also admits the embarrassing new song that he likes and introduces the world to a brand new CoasterRadio.com character!
We start of this week's show by reviewing what many say is the most anticipated ride of 2010...
Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion.
We'll talk with Jason Deane who was one of the very first to ride the new roller coaster. We hear the ride is intense, but is it too intense?
We'll also hear from our listeners as they tell us what perks they would like to see included in their theme park season pass.
You'll be impressed by some of the innovative ideas!
We'll also go off-topic to give you a recommendation for an animated film and we'll talk about a new iPad device that started out as an April Fools Joke!
Plus, we'll have a live trip report from Hersheypark!
Whenever you visit a park, it's a good idea to talk with someone who's been there before.
They're going to know all of the ins and outs and the dos and dont's of the park. They'll know things that only a person who's visited the park for years will know.
On this week's show, our listeners call in to share their most priceless advice about their home parks.
They'll talk about avoiding lines, cheaper ways to park and what rides are can't miss and what ones are worth skipping.
We'll also check in with Molly who is on Spring Break at the very crowded Walt Disney World resort. We'll find out how she is dealing with 85-minute waits for Peter Pan's Flight and 45-minute waits for Spaceship Earth.
We'll also go Off-Topic to talk about the rumored iPhone HD and the beat down of a Spiderman pinata.
Plus, Hagrid stops by to reveal his favorite part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
On this week's show, EB and Mike discuss the pros and cons of he most recent "Super Fans" conference call with Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro.
There were some really amazing and candid moments during the call, but did Six Flags miss an opportunity to maximize the good PR?
The guys also discuss the recently opened "Th13teen" at Alton Towers in England. Video has been released on the web and some enthusiasts are less than thrilled. Did the Alton Tower's hype machine over-do it this time?
Plus, EB goes "Off-Topic" to talk about the rise of Twitter and Mike has information about a possible new direction for the podcast.
The Original Theme Park Podcast is back with a new episode!
This week, EB and Mike open the phone lines to hear who you think would make the ultimate celebrity spokesperson for a theme park.
For instance, imagine if Neil Patrick Harris was the spokesman for Cedar Fair parks! Wait until you hear the idea a Coaster Radio listener came up with for NPH!
The guys are also joined by Nick Hutson of Musical Talk and The Season Pass Podcast to discuss British Parks.
Nick also brings along an icon from London's West End to critique Mike on his American Idol Experience audition piece.
Plus, the guys reveal how you can have your questions answered by Six Flags' CEO Mark Shapiro.
A term we throw around a lot on Coaster Radio isAnticipointment.
The Urban Dictionary says that it's disappointment from something you eagerly anticipated.
The term can apply to a lot of things, but it seems to really fit the feeling we sometimes have at the theme parks.
On this week's episode, our listeners call in to tell us about rides they looked forward to more than anything, but ultimately disappointed them.
You can guess what some of the rides are, but some will probably surprise you.
We also go Off Topic to find out what EB thinks of a new Mad game for the Wii. Mike also tells you about two strange experiences he had aboard Washington, DC's subway.
The Original Theme Park Podcast is back with a brand new show!
This week, EB and Mike tackle some of the most talked about stories in the amusement industry.
They discuss the recent tragedy at Sea World Orlando and a thief at Busch Gardens Tampa who was outsmarted by technology.
The guys also spend a good amount of time talking about Thorpe Park's latest promotion for their new attraction Saw Alive.
It turns out that the good people at this park are on a quest for the perfect pee! They are looking for the foulest smelling urine for their new horror attraction.
Do you have what it takes?
Speaking of that, Mike finds out if he has what it takes to make it on The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This week, we hear what the listeners thought of his rendition of Mack The Knife.
How'd he do? Let's put it this way... there are some real Simon Cowell impersonators out there!
Plus, the guys go Off Topic to talk about a sick experience at a Gymnastics Meet and a surprising experience at The Grooming Lounge.
One of the most popular segments on CoasterRadio.com returns this week!
It's Pardon The Ripoff!
E.B. and Mike steal the program's format from ESPN's Pardon The Interruption. They'll tackle a bunch of rapid-fire segments in 60-seconds or less.
They'll quickly talk about Disney, Six Flags, Cedar Fair, International Parks and other topics chosen by the CoasterRadio.com audience.
The guys will also tackle a "Valentine's Day" topic and talk about whether or not a theme park is a good place to take a date. On first glance, you'd probably think it was. But the guys have some reasons that might make you think twice.
Plus, EB will go Off-Topic to discuss strange habits his son is learning from children's TV. Mike almost loses control while expressing his disappointment over the new version of "We Are The World."
We're all guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
But it's a lesser known fact that every theme park fan is guaranteed the right to complain.
On this week's show, we hand over the microphone to our listeners and let the complain about anything and everything related to theme parks.
We were surprised at some of the things that annoy you guys!
We also talk about the recent announcement that Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom has closed for good. What does this mean for the people of Louisville, Kentucky and what will happen to all of the rides? There might be some behind the scenes maneuvering that will surprise you.
Plus, EB will go Off-Topic to discuss how he might have been charged with breaking and entering, while Mike talks about who he'd like to see replace Simon Cowell on American Idol.
We'll also have news on The David Arquette Project and Mike's quest to make it on stage for The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios!
The Original Theme Park Podcast is back with a brand new episode!
This week, we talk with Stacey Lantz who was a winner at The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida.
She'll tell us what it was behind-the-scenes at the attraction and give Mike some advice on what he should do during his audition.
You can check out Stacey's Blog about the experience and also watch some of her videos on YouTube too! The links are at CoasterRadio.com.
EB and Mike have also tabulated the hundreds of e-mails that came in last week and have the official Top Five (non-Disney) Theme Parks.
Who will make the cut? Who will be #1?
The guys also go Off-Topic to discuss two very different experiences for the Wii video game system. Plus, there's potentially interesting news on The David Arquette Project!
James Cameron's new blockbuster 3-D film Avatar is on pace to become the most profitable movie of all time. (Actually, that doesn't count for inflation. Gone With The Wind is still the number one grossing movie in history.)
But anyone who has seen Avatar is blown away by the 3-D imagery.
On this week's show, we talk about if films like these constantly in the movie theater will eventually lead to 3-D films becoming less popular in the theme parks.
We'll also reveal your ideas on how Disney and other park operators should use the new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies that are sweeping the industry. The listeners came up with some very interesting and entertaining ways to make our park experience interactive.
Plus, we'll go Off Topic to hear about EB's plans to introduce his son to the legend of the "Tooth Fairy." Mike also admits to his strange reaction after watching the teenage vampire flick Twilight.
In addition, Mike announces his on-air training marathon for the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios and we'll unveil a brand new contest!
Earlier this week, The Orlando Sentinel's Daily Disney Blog posted an article about how Disney is working on a major technology
initiative that boosters hope could radically transform the theme-park
experience.
The $1 Billion Dollar project supposedly focuses on
the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This technology would
allow for a small microchip to be placed in a wristband or even a theme
park ticket. Then, as you navigate the parks, the wireless-communication technology could be used in concepts ranging
from keyless hotel-room doors to rides and shows in which the
experience varies based on an individual guest’s preferences.
On
this week's show, EB and Mike discuss the possible applications for
this type of technology and what we hope to eventually see in the
parks. Will this forever change the way we experience the parks? Or
will it just be another way to easily buy a churro without reaching for
our wallets?
We also pick up on last week's discussion about
turning popular television shows into theme park attractions. We'll
hear your best ideas on what classic shows should be immortalized at
the parks. Some of you had great ideas! (Some of you didn't.)
We'll
go Off Topic to discuss an controversial documentary that EB saw.
We'll also talk about Mike's trip to an ocean resort in the dead of
winter where he got to see a few parks in hibernation.
Plus, we'll hear about how one of EB's dream predictions from last week's show can eerily true!
They tell us so much about who we are, where we're going and what we want.
On this week's show, listeners have called in with their most interesting dreams about theme parks.
We've got everything from disappearing lap bars to chainsaw wielding maniacs chopping down a wooden roller coaster.
To make things more interesting, EB has found some dream analyzing web sites and will use some armchair psychology to tell us what the dreams mean.
We'll also talk about an article on Movieline.com that claims Disney Imagineers are work-shopping a new dark ride based on ABC's hit television show "Lost".
We'll also go Off Topic to talk about EB's haircut conundrum and Mike's take on NBC's Late Night situation with Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno.
Plus, we unveil the new CoasterRadio.com iPhone App! Now you can take the show on the road!
We
get back into the podcast swing with a show all about your favorite
theme park memories. You'll hear all types of stories, from the
sentimental to the shocking.
One listener even had a crazy lady call him -white trash- at the Magic Kingdom! It's a good story!
We
also crown a winner in the David Arquette Project "Santa Claus"
Challenge. It wasn't the most successful contest ever, but we did find
a very deserving winner.
Plus, we'll go -Off Topic- to talk
about Mike's upcoming trip to the BCS National Championship game and
EB's reluctance to take down his holiday decorations.
It's a new year and we're happy to have you with us!
On this week's show, EB and Mike reveal your picks for the top attractions of the decade!
We'll go in-depth about what makes these attractions special and why some rides don't deserve to make it on the list.
The guys also talk about the strange marketing campaign behind Alton Tower's new roller coaster Thirteen. How effective will it be to tell people they have to sign a waiver to ride because of "emotional stresses?"
Mike also starts his preparation to audition for The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. He's looking for help from people in the know, including Disney Cast members.
Plus, EB and Mike go Off-Topic to talk about spritestitch.com and the rebirth of Dragon's Lair for the iPhone.
There's also an update on the David Arquette project Santa Challenge!
The end of a year is always a time to take a look back.
Since this is 2009, it's a great opportunity to take a look back over the last decade to see how we've grown and changed.
On this week's show, CoasterRadio.com listeners tell us how their theme park habits have changed over the last 10-years.
Do our listeners visit the parks the same way in 2009 as they did in 2000?
We also take a closer look at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
that is being built at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in
Orlando. This week some new details were unveiled on the DVD of Harry
Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Will the Potter theme have staying power?
We also go Off-Topic to discuss a candy bar scam and Mike's 9th wedding anniversary present.
Plus, we unveil a new contest and an innovative gift idea!
The world's Original Theme Park Podcast is back with another episode!
Thanksgiving might be history, but we're still talking turkey.
This week, we talk about nominees for the Biggest Amusement Industry Turkey of the Decade.
The CoasterRadio.com listeners have checked in and have nominated what they think were the biggest busts from theme parks over the last 10 years.
You'll be surprised at some of their picks.
Also, EB and Mike talk about the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. Is this a good idea? Or is it destined to be the biggest turkey of next decade?
We'll also go off-topic to talk about the DARPA Network Challenge. Can you find 10 giant balloons hidden across the United States? iIf so, you'll win 40,000. But why is the government sponsoring this challenge? EB has some ideas.
Mike also sounds-off about people going crazy with Christmas lights. When is enough enough?
Plus, we recap the Grandma Thanksgiving Challenge in The David Arquette Project!
On this week's show, we talk about the interesting theme park items
that listeners own. We break down everything from complete roller
coaster trains (right) to blueprints. We also talk about the type of
things listeners would like to own someday.
We also talk about
the recent trend to add advertising to roller coasters. Just as many
cities have chosen to wrap their public buses in advertising, some
theme park chains have done the same with their roller coasters. Is
this a smart move or just a way to cheapen the park?
We also go Off Topic to discuss EB's rediscovery of Tetris and Mike's encounter
with a "claw game" where the prizes were ALIVE!
Plus, we have a new challenge for listeners in The David Arquette Project!
This week, EB and Mike tackle H1N1 in the parks. Is the outbreak affecting the amusement industry? Or is it not turning out to be the panic inducing event everyone feared?
The guys also talk about having a piece of theme park history in your home. There are a ton of places to buy theme park artifacts.... everything from Disney resort shower curtains to full size attraction vehicles. But how much would you spend to take a part of the park home with you?
There's also discussion about possible CoasterRadio.com contest ideas.
EB and Mike also go Off Topic to talk about owning full-size arcade games and the introduction of Google Wave.
Plus, there's a possible lead in The David Arquette Project!
EB and Mike reveal what CoasterRadio.com listeners do to get a theme park fix in the off-season.
The guys also welcome Kyle and Stacey, who just finished Orlando's 67 Days of Smiles. They talk to them about what it was like to experience 120 different attractions in 67 days.
The guys also go Off Topic to talk about EB's experience with a loud man in church and Mike reviews the pilot episode of "V". Plus, Mike laments the increase of 80's remakes with a little help from The Karate Kid's Ralph Macchio.
And don't forget about The David Arquette Project!
EB & Mike celebrate Halloween by talking about some of the best Halloween events across the US. They also play some audio from inside the scare zones.
The guys also talk about the storylines behind some of the more creative haunts and reveal your ideas for theme park attractions based on the best horror films ever.
Plus, they go Off Topic to talk about EB's Mystery Novel and Mike's puzzlement over a Halloween Nostradamus scam used to pick up girls in college.
EB and Mike talk about an old ride from the 80's headed to California, a costumed family being denied entry to Busch Gardens Tampa and current rides that could be turned into Halloween attractions.
The guys also go "Off Topic" to discuss Ghost Hunting and the saga of the "Balloon Boy."
Plus, there are several off-track tangents about Fonzie, the movie Scream and The David Arquette Project.
Mike is back from Walt Disney World and has stories from all over the resort. He also has a full review of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at The Magic Kingdom.
EB has new Spring vacation plans and the guys continue their discussion about Backyard Imagineering for Halloween.
Plus, more info about the progress of The David Arquette Project!
EB and Mike do a "time machine" show and talk about how minimum wage affects theme park employees.
The guys also talk about their Halloween "Backyard Imagineering" before being rudly cut off by a technical difficulty.
Mario returns to join EB and Mike as they talk about the new details surrounding the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter."
Will the park live up to the hype or will it be a giant Potter themed shopping mall?
They
also talk about the possible re-release of Captain EO. Is it a good
idea to bring back an old attraction to honor "The King of Pop?"
Also,
the guys read your horror stories from your encounters with rude people
at the theme park. Amazingly, there are stories of people going to the
bathroom where they shouldn't once again!
The guys go "Off Topic" to discuss EB's emergency room story, Twitter woes and Patrick Swayze.
Plus, details on how The David Arquette Project has gone worldwide!
EB and Mike tackle the Disney/Marvel deal and what it means to the theme parks, especially Universal Studios Islands of Adventure.
We talk about weight as it relates to fitting on rides. Several of our listeners "weigh in" on the topic.
We go "Off Topic" as Mike gets upset by a "Teen Wolf" reboot and EB isn't sure whether he likes blogger Dave Moyer.
Plus, the David Arquette Project rolls on!
This week EB and Mike talk about Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion, your ideas for the new CoasterRadio.com podcast and the launch of The David Arquette Project. We also go "Off Topic" to talk about disappearing bats and training cats to use the toilet.
8-20-09 - Welcome to the relaunch of the podcast! We talk about our new show segments, 2010 ride announcements, centralized Disney FastPass distribution and body odor on Brittish roller coasters. Plus, we unveil our plan to make David Arquette part of the show.
We launched CoasterRadio.com on April 25, 2005 with a podcast that was frankly a liitle rough around the edges.
But what followed has been three years of good times on-line and at the parks.
A lot has changed in three years, but we're back today with a brand new podcast to celebrate the occasion.
Mario, Flava and I don't spend a lot of time looking back, but we do spend time talking about some of the latest stories and trends in the amusement industry.
We also talk about some of our upcoming podcasts and events for Summer, 2008.
Thanks to all of you who have stuck with us during the past three years.
Today we're re-launching CoasterRadio.com with some all-new features, including this new blog and the return of the "New Forum Forums".
To help explain it all, we produced an all new podcast episode.
This is the first of three new episodes we promised our listeners for putting us over the $1000 mark during the 2007 Coaster Crew Single Riders Marathon.
Enjoy!
Thank you so much for being a part of our lives during the past two years. It was a great experience producing the show and we couldn't have done it without the support of the thousands of you who came along for the ride every week.
Working on this show reminded us of how much fun it is to go to an amusement park with your friends and forget about everyday life for awhile. We hope that listening to this podcast did the same thing for you.
There were a lot of great moments both on-air and off-air, but here are some of the highlights:
* We produced 80 original shows (about 48 hours of podcasting!)
* We produced 13 on-location shows at The Walt Disney World Resort, Holiday World, Hersheypark, Six Flags Over Georgia, Kennywood, Busch Gardens Europe, Knoebels, Paramount's Kings Dominion, Six Flags Great Adventure and Dorney Park.
* We were the only non-official podcast invited to the grand opening of Expedition Everest at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom.
* We were Commissioned by the State of Pennsylvania Office of Tourism to produce a "road trip podcast" to four of its amusement parks.
* We interviewed Disney Imagineers Joe Rohde (Expedition Everest), Eric Jacobson (Rock 'n' Roller Coaster) and Mike Lentz (Mission: Space).
* We interviewed Holiday World's Will Koch and several of the designers from The Gravity Group (The Voyage / Hades).
* We were featured on Adam Curry and iTunes' Podfinder podcast.
* We were featured in a July 2006 article about theme park podcasting in the amusement trade publication Funworld.
All of these things happened because we were able to point to an large, active and loyal group of listeners. Without you guys, the show would have never taken off.
This week, we present our series finale. It clocks-in around two hours long because we wanted to get in as many of your e-mails, voicemails and questions as possible.
We also have a few surprises in there for you as well, including an original song written for the end of our show by Deidre Rodman of the Lascivious Biddies.
Even though this is the end of the weekly version of CoasterRadio.com, we're hoping to keep this site alive to continue the friendships we have made while doing the show. We'll probably even produce new "special" episodes of the show during holidays and other times when it makes sense. So make sure you stay subscribed to our RSS feed!
We're also working on a new podcast that will hopefully premiere sometime in 2007. While it won't be strictly about coasters, I'm sure we won't be able to go very long without mentioning them once in awhile.
Thanks again for listening! We'll see you at the parks!
This week, we had originally scheduled our Series Finale. But so many of you have been sending in messages and other things for our final show, we decided to bump it back one week so we could fit everything in.
So for this week's Bonus Episode, we're going to talk about our last-second trip to "Hersheypark In The Dark". It was the first time in over two years that we've been to an amusement park without taking along all of the audio equipment.
We'll also be joined by Mike and Greg's brother Ryan, who spent the weekend at Busch Gardens Europe's Howl-O-Scream. He'll tell us what the event was like from a "General Public" perspective.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
We've all had the experience of standing in line at a park and having to wait an extra cycle while a disabled guest is loaded into the row for which you were waiting.
Most of us have no problem with this. But have you ever wondered how the parks decide who gets to jump to the front of the line and who doesn't? What constitutes a reasonable accommodation?
This week, we'll talk about the different physical and mental challenges that people face and how it affects their trip to the theme park. We'll also talk about how some people try to abuse and cheat the system.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
If you're a fan of theme parks, October is one of the best times of year.
Halloween is right around the corner, and most parks are open for special "scare-fests" where you can ride all day and scream all night.
Most parks have to create artificial ghosts, but it turns out one park doesn't have to. Six Flags Over Georgia recently played host to the Atlanta-based Ghost Hounds, who spent several hours after the park closed searching for signs from the beyond.
Guess what... they found something.
This week, Christy Poore from Six Flags Over Georgia joins us to talk about what they found. She'll also tell us about last week's "Ticket to Terror" promotion where 28 lucky guests volunteered to eat a live Hissing Madagascar Cockroach in order to skip to the front of the line of their new roller coaster, Goliath.
We'll also have a series of reports from EB, who spent the weekend at Knoebels Phoenix Phall Phunfest. It's one of the most anticipated coaster enthusiasts of the year and EB was there! He'll give us his unqiue spin on what he saw.
Plus, we'll tell you about our upcoming shows, all leading up the the big series finale on October 30th.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
Back in December of last year, we did a show about Extreme Rides where we talked about the different attractions that truly frighten us.
One of the best stories to come out of that show is when we talked about how Mario had to ride Drop Zone on a cold, rainy April day...several times... alone!
We were all working on a Washington, DC based television show for kids and this particular episode was about new thrill rides. Drop Zone at Paramount's Kings Dominion had just opened, so they invited the host of our show to give their new ride a try.
Mario was the host of the show, but is very afraid of heights. However, he but on a brave face and took the ride on.
But during television shoots, you often have to videotape the same action several times from different angles to make sure you have enough footage to complete the segment. So, Mario had to ride Drop Zone four or five times for us to get all the shots we needed.
Also, since the show was produced daily, we had no choice but to shoot on a rainy Friday afternoon, before the park opened to the public the next day. That helped to add to the fear.
This week, we present a video podcast where you finally get to see what that segment looked like!
Don't forget to nominate your favorite park or attraction in our 2006 CoasterRadio.com Awards!
Back by popular demand, it's the EB and Mike Morning Zoo!
OK, the guys aren't exactly back doing a duo-show because of popular demand..... Flava, Greg and Mario were away this week.
But this week, EB and Mike get to finally tell you guys about their trips to Las Vegas.
They'll talk about the city, the casinos, the lights and of course... the thrill rides.
They'll talk about:
* X-Scream, Insanity: The Ride and Big Shot at the Stratosphere.
* The Roller Coaster at New York, NY
* Speed: The Ride at the Sahara
* Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus
* Star Trek: The Experience at The Las Vegas Hilton
* Desperado at Buffalo Bill's.
Don't forget to nominate your favorite park or attraction in our 2006 CoasterRadio.com Awards!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
This is the time of year when many of the different theme parks and amusement parks all over the country announce their new attractions and additions for the 2007 season.
During this week's show, we'll talk about two of the most recent announcements:
Maverick at Cedar Point - The Point's 17th coaster will be a terrain-hugging ride that features a 105-foot drop at 95-degrees, three inversions and a 70 mph launch through a dark tunnel
Griffon at Busch Gardens Europe - The 205-foot floorless dive coaster will be the tallest ride of it's kind anywhere in the world. It will feature a 205-foot, 90-degree drop, two Immelmann loops, a second 130-foot dive and a water splashdown effect.
These rides sound pretty cool. right?
Well, there are some members of the coaster enthusiast community who aren't very happy. They expected more and are disappointed that we're not seeing more height and speed out of this year's crop of announcements.
This week, we'll talk about the hype surrounding new and future announcements. Can anything satisfy us anymore?
We're also looking for stories from cast members about their time working at a park. If you have a funny or shocking story from your days on the job at a theme park, e-mail us at feedback [@] coasterradio.com.
Don't forget to nominate your favorite park or attraction in our 2006 CoasterRadio.com Awards!
We'll start this week's show by telling you about some upcoming events happening at CoasterRadio.com. We'll also re-cap some behind-the-scenes stories from last week's podcast at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Then, we'll welcome Kevin and Beth from CoasterFamily.com to discuss the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards that were announced recently at Holiday World. The movies have the Oscars and the Amusement Industry has the Golden Tickets!
We'll talk about the Top 10 Wooden and Steel roller coasters, the Top Dark Rides, The Best New Attraction for 2006 and the Best Overall Park.
Plus, we'll announce how you can nominate your favorite park or attraction in our 2006 CoasterRadio.com Awards!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
Six Flags Over Georgia is the second oldest park in the Six Flags chain. It opened in 1967, which was four years before Disney opened The Magic Kingdom in Orlando!
Since it's one of the oldest parks in the south, it also happens to have a lot of history and tradition.
This week's show marks the first time CoasterRadio.com has podcast from a Six Flags park on a normal operating day.
During this week's show we'll:
Review Goliath, their new Hypercoaster, Review the Flash Pass virtual line queuing system, Interview park guests (the former mayor of Capetown, South Africa), Play midway games to win our listeners fabulous prizes, Review the park's other coasters and attractions, Preview Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest and let you hear what it sounds like inside the park's famous dark ride, Monster Plantation.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
We're back with Part 2 of our Listener Questions Show!
On this week's show, we'll talk about:
* What we'd do if we were Imagineers
* Theme Park Burnout
* Back To The Future: The Ride
* Flava's ghostly encounter
* What annoys us about podcasting
* And what we'd do differently if we could start CoasterRadio.com all over again.
We'll also play a clip from London Composer Nick Hutson's new musical based on one of our characters. Get ready for CoasterBoy: The Musical.
Next week, you'll hear our podcast from Six Flags Over Georgia. We'll experience the southern hospitality at the 2nd oldest theme park in the Six Flags chain. It was there 4 years before The Magic Kingdom in Orlando!
Join us as we check out their new attraction for 2006, Goliath! We'll also talk about some of the other changes at the park this year.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
Every six months or so, we dedicate an entire show to your listener questions.
Over the past few weeks, we received so many good ones that we had to break this bi-annual show into two parts!
On this week's show, we'll talk about whether independent parks can survive in a corporate climate, we'll discuss our thoughts on the closure of Back To The Future: The Ride at Universal Orlando, we'll play you a "deleted scene" from an old episode of CoasterRadio.com and we'll also talk about whether or not we hate our listeners.
Plus, we finally have a winner in our Soundwave Contest. It took seven weeks, but someone finally figured it out!
On Saturday, August 19th, we'll be on-location at Six Flags Over Georgia. We'll be producing the show around 3pm in front of the Drive-in Theater. We hope to see you there!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
It's nice to go on vacation, but it's a great feeling to finally come back home.
This week, we return to our Washington, DC studios to look back on our Pennsylvania Amusement Park Roadtrip. We'll let you in on some behind the scenes info and tell you some stories that we didn't share while we were on location.
We'll also hear a live trip report from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia and announce where our next on-location show will be. Plus, get ready to hear another clue in our Soundwave Contest. We're already into our sixth week and no one has guessed the sound yet!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
We're at the fourth and final stop on the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Roadtrip - Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA.
Beautifully landscaped and designated as a National and State Historic Landmark, Kennywood features 31 major rides, including three wooden roller coasters, an antique carousel, the Phantom's Revenge steel coaster, the indoor Exterminator, three water rides, and 14 Kiddieland rides.
The park also has 35 various games, as well as four gift shops and four arcades. The 2006 season features the new Swing Shot---a 32-seat swing thrill ride.
The Pennsylvania Amusement Park Road Trip is brought to you by VisitPA.com.
We're at stop three on the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Roadtrip - Knoebels Amusement Park and Resort in Elysburg, PA.
Pennsylvania's largest free admission amusement park is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Knoebels features more than 50 rides, including the Phoenix---voted one of the top wooden coasters by Amusement Today; the Twister---go for the sharp vertical drop and the long ride time; and the High Speed Thrill Coaster. Built in 1955, it's believed to be the only operating Overland Coaster in the world. The Haunted Mansion has been named as one of the best dark rides anywhere.
The Grand Carousel includes 63 horses, 3 chariots, two antique organs and a brass ring machine.
Knoebels is currently building a classic wooden ride called Flying Turns. This rollercoaster-like ride will take riders rolling down wooden tracks, much like a bobsled run.
Join us as the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Roadtrip rolls on to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, PA!
From high speed world-class roller coasters like Hydra The Revenge, Talon, Steel Force, and ThunderHawk to soaking wet water slides, you're sure to enjoy a day spent at the park.
The park originally opened in 1884 as “Dorney’s Trout Ponds and Summer Resort." It quickly became more when rides such as the Old Mill, Circle Swing, Cable Ride and Ferris wheel were added. In 1923, the park’s first coaster was built.
The Wildwater Kingdom was added in 1985. At the time, it offered the Northeast one of the only seasonal water parks in the country. Its exciting collection of water slides, activity pools and the gigantic wave pool created a new experience for people throughout the Northeast.
The Pennsylvania Amusement Park Road Trip is brought to you by VisitPA.com.
Join us as we kick off the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Roadtrip at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA!
Rated the No. 1 Amusement Park in the Northeast by FamilyFun Magazine, Hersheypark celebrates its 99th year by offering fun and excitement for every member of the family!
Hersheypark is home to over 60 rides and attractions, 6 drenching water rides, and over two dozen kiddie rides.
With live entertainment daily, a dolphin and sea lion show, games, food, and shopping, Hersheypark has something to delight every member of your family.
The Pennsylvania Amusement Park Road Trip is brought to you by VisitPA.com.
On this week's show, we'll celebrate the 4th of July by shooting off some of the lamest legal fireworks that the Commonwealth of Virginia allows. Our fireworks display isn't gonna be like what you'll see over Cinderella Castle, but it's better than nothing.
We'll also fire up the deep fryer and pay homage to the greatest theme park food ever made - Fried Oreos!
Yes, we know this is a theme park podcast and not a cooking show. But when we were at Holiday World a few months ago, we were blown away by this strange dessert. So, after a lot of testing in the kitchen, we have come up with what we believe is a very close version of our own.
We'll also bring back Bryan Temmer to the show. Long time listeners will remember Bryan from a show we did last November. Bryan is a normal guy, with a normal job and a normal family. But he has a dream that is far from normal.
Bryan has a dream of building his own theme park and he's making progress! We'll check in with Bryan and find out what's been happening since we spoke with him six months ago.
We'll also hear a live trip report from Lee in Los Angeles, CA. He recently had a chance to experience the new story overlay at Pirates of the Caribbean at The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. We'll find out if Captain Jack Sparrow fits in with the older pirates who have been in the attraction since the late 60's.
We'll also announce the winner of the On-Line Sign Generator Contest and give you another clue in our Soundwave Contest!
Don't forget, next week we begin our 4-week long Pennsylvania Amusement Park Road Trip brought to you by VisitPA.com.
We'll start the road trip by visiting Hersheypark and experiencing their new attraction for 2006, Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
On this week's show, Flava returns from his seven day Orlando vacation and has a detailed trip report.
He'll have news and reviews from EPCOT, Disney Studios, Magic Kingdom, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
He'll even explain how he got a chance to wrestle an alligator at Orlando's famed Gatorland Zoo.
Plus, Flava will unveil what he believes is the greatest thrill ride in Orlando. You won't believe what attraction he chose and what attraction gave him a feeling of major anticipointment.
We'll also talk about an article in last week's Washington Post about how several Six Flags America employees were asked to cut their hair in order to comply with the park's theming.
Our own Mario Williams currently styles his hair in one of the ways that is frowned upon at Maryland theme park. According to the Post, dreadlocks are not allowed.
We'll discuss the situation in-depth and offer our opinions on the matter.
We'll also hear a live trip report from Tim in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who experienced Conja, the world's largest in line waterslide at Blue Bayou Waterpark. Plus, we'll give you another clue in our Soundwave Contest!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
This past week, the record breaking wooden coaster El Toro opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.
Immediately, several coaster enthusiasts began to claim that it was better than the rides they took on The Voyage at Holiday World.
We'll have a live trip report from In The Loop's Will Holder and some on-ride audio to help us decide if this could be true.
We'll also give you another clue in our Soundwave Contest and we'll tell you about the latest entry in our Spread The Word contest that has the clubbers in New York City going CRAZY!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
In the mid-1990's, Mike's wife Molly worked at Walt Disney World as a Skipper on the Jungle Cruise and as a Buccaneer on Pirates of the Caribbean.
We've been trying to get her on the show for over a year and this week, she finally gave in! We'll grill her about her days working at The Mouse and what it was like to work on these two world famous attractions. She'll even tell us the story about her encounter with the ghost who haunts Pirates of the Carribbean!
To help get you in the mood for this week's show, we're offering a video podcast that includes footage of an actual trip on the Jungle Cruise with Molly at the helm. On this week's show, we'll give you another clue in our Soundwave Contest. We'll also tell you about the first entries we've received in our Spread The Word contest. One of our listeners got us some airplay on a national BBC radio show!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us. This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
As most of you know, CoasterRadio.com is not our full-time job. Sometimes, the show has to take a back-seat when professional disasters strike!
Throughout the past two months, Mike Collins has been working on a major television project at his job. Earlier this week, the storage system that held all of his video files crashed. So, it's taken a lot of extra hours to bring the files back online so that the project stays on schedule.
Unfortunately, this means that we were unable to produce a new show this week.
But, we're going to re-post one of our most talked about shows - the Podcast from Kingda Ka's Grand Opening at Six Flags Great Adventure.
This was one of the most technically demanding shows from Season One. Not only did we have a live call from Sheikra's Media Day at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, FL, we also had an on-ride segment where EB rode Kingda Ka during the show.
For newer listeners, this is a show you might not have heard before. But for long-time listeners, we want to make downloading the podcast worth your while.
So, we'll also include the clip for our first Soundwave Contest of the year. If you check out the end of the show, you'll hear an easter egg that contains the clip. The first clue will be given out during next week's show.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback[@]coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
This week, we'll tell you more stories from our trip to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. We'll also comment on a live trip report from Phantasialand's Black Mamba. Plus, we'll give you our take on Cedar Fair buying Paramount Parks.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
Join us this week as we podcast from Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, IN. We're there to check out 2006's most anticipated roller coaster, The Voyage.
The stats on this coaster say it all:
* The world's top air-time wooden coaster
* Air-time of 24.2 seconds
* Track length: 6,442 feet (1.2 miles)
* Maximum speed: 67.4 mph
* Five underground tunnels
* 2 min., 45 sec. ride time
* Eight underground traverses
* Three 90-degree extreme banked turns
* 173 feet tall, with drops of 154, 107 and 100 feet
* First drop's angle of descent a U.S. record: 66 degrees
* Among the world's top three longest and fastest wooden coasters
But The Voyage is only one of many reasons that we're visiting the park this week.
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari is known throughout the country for their cleanliness and world-class service. The atmosphere at this park is truly unlike any other.
During this week's show, we'll talk with Mrs. Pat Koch about the park and why it has been so successful. We'll also talk with Holiday World's P.R. Director Paula Werne about the fanaticism surrounding the park. We'll also be joined by CoasterRadio.com listeners who have come from all over the country to ride Holiday World's three legendary coasters The Raven, The Legend and now, The Voyage.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433). Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
These days the cost of entertainment is skyrocketing. Movies, sporting events, theater and yes, even theme parks are more expensive than they used to be.
But, your trip to the theme park doesn't necessarily have to blow out your entertainment budget.
This week, with the help of our listeners, we'll talk about ways you can have a great time at the theme park while saving a buck or two. You'll be surprised at how many ways you can be thrifty while having fun.
We'll also talk with Erik Yates who is coordinating the Coasting For Kids coaster marathon.
On Saturday, May 20th, Erik and some friends will be riding Cypress Gardens' wooden coaster Triple Hurricane for one hour per thousand dollars that they raise. All of the proceeds will be going to the Make A Wish Foundation.
You can find out more about this event and donate to the cause by visiting http://myspace.com/coastingforkids.
Join us next week when we podcast from Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, IN. We'll be there to check out 2006's most anticipated roller coaster, The Voyage.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
Join us as we start the second season of CoasterRadio.com!
As the Ghostbusters once said.... We're ready to believe you.
We'll start off the 2006 season by reviewing many of the new rides and attractions coming to theme parks this summer.
We'll talk about new roller coasters such as:
The Voyage at Holiday World
El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure
Thunderbird at Power Park, Finland
Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom
X Coaster at at Magic Springs
Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Italian Job Turbo Coaster at Paramount's Kings Dominion
Flying Turns at Knoebels
Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia
Goliath at La Ronde
Patriot at Worlds Of Fun
Stealth at Thorpe Park, United Kingdom
Kentucky Rumbler at Beech Bend
And we'll talk about other attractions like:
Panic Plunge at Silverwood in Idaho
Skyhawk at Cedar Point
Swingshot at Kennywood
Thunder N Lightning at Lake Compounce
Timber Tower at Dollywood
We'll also have some major announcements about upcoming events in Season 2!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
We're on vacation until our Season Two Premiere on May 8th. Until then, we'll be presenting a video podcast each week that takes a look at upcoming attractions for 2006. This week, we'll preview Patriot at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri.
We're on vacation until our Season Two Premiere on May 8th. Until then, we'll be presenting a video podcast each week that takes a look at upcoming attractions for 2006. This week, we'll preview Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.
We're on vacation until our Season Two Premiere on May 8th. Until then, we'll be presenting a video podcast each week that takes a look at upcoming attractions for 2006. This week, we'll preview El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.
It's a week of celebration here at CoasterRadio.com!
First of all, we're celebrating our 50th episode. But more importantly, we're celebrating the Grand Opening of Expedition Everest by podcasting from Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Expedition Everest features a perilous journey aboard a runaway train through the Himalayan mountains. Adventurous riders push deep into the lair of the feared yeti, guardian of the forbidden mountain.
Along the way, they encounter torn tracks, spiral backwards through the fog into an ice cavern and dart into and out of the mountain in a high-speed adventure.
CoasterRadio.com was on hand for all of the Grand Opening festivities. This week's show features:
Our review of Expedition Everest along with on-ride audio An interview with Disney Imagineer and Expedition Everest Project Manager Mike Lentz An interview with Walt Disney World's Vice President of Operations, Lee Cockrell An interview with Disney World Creative Writer and Trivia Master Greg Ehrbar Reviews of Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show, Soarin' and Mission: Space And behind the scenes stories about what it's like attending a Disney media event.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions.
You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
If there's one thing we love more than theme parks and roller coasters, it's the movies of the 1980's. Throughout the past year, we've often said that it would be fun to stop work on CoasterRadio.com and switch to doing a show about 80's movies. This week, we present The 80's Movie Podcast. Each week, we're going to talk about movies like The Goonies, Back To The Future, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Revenge of the Nerds, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Ghostbusters. Is this an April Fools joke? Is it for real? You'll have to listen to find out.
We think Theme Parks are a blast. We're pretty sure you agree with us because you probably wouldn't be a listener of this podcast if you didn't. But there are some really annoying things that always seem to happen whenever you visit a park these days.
These things aren't awful enough to make you want to cancel your theme park trip, but they are annoying and have the ability to add frustration to your theme park day.
With the help of our listeners, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 most annoying things that happen when you visit a theme park. We're calling it "10 Things I Hate About You". This list isn't specific to one park or one theme park chain, but if you're a regular theme park visitor, odds are one or more of these things have affected you.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
Back in the late 70's, people were crazy for disaster films. There were movies about earthquakes, airplane disasters, war and even one about roller coasters.
In 1977, Universal Studios released a film about a madman (played by Timothy Bottoms) who was crisscrossing the country to set off bombs at amusement parks. He wanted the theme park chains to give him one million dollars or he would continue to blow up roller coasters and dark rides. It turns out that the only guy smart enough to stop him was a chain-smoking safety inspector (played by George Segal) who gets on the case after the madman destroys a coaster that he personally inspected.
The plot is a bit laughable, but most theme park fans watch this movie for the scenes that were shot at Paramount's Kings Dominion, Six Flags Magic Mountain and the now defunct Ocean View Park. Three of the major on-ride sequences take place on PKD's Rebel Yell, SFMM's Revolution and The Rocket at Ocean View Park.
On this week's show, we'll be joined by a Washington, DC film commentator who will give us his professional take on the film. We'll also give you the scoop on the fun things to look for the next time you watch the film.
If you do happen to own a copy of the 1998 DVD release, you can now download a full-length commentary where we point out interacting facts and trivia about the movie in real-time. Such as:
Who shot the film's producer Jennings Lang and why?
What's the deal with the singing mushrooms at PKD?
What is Vitamin F and how does it relate to SFMM?
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
Theme parks are designed as a place where friends and family can go and have a good time together. They really aren't set up for people to visit alone.
For instance, there aren't any one-seater roller coasters out there. Most times if you're by yourself, there's always that huge empty seat next to you.
So, while most people would never consider visiting a theme park alone, there are a lot of advantages to taking a trip by yourself.
On this week's show, we'll talk about the pros and cons of hitting the parks alone.
Next week, join us as we talk about the Universal Studios 1977 classic "RollerCoaster". We'll be joined by a Washington, DC film commentator and we'll give you the scoop on the fun things to look for the next time you watch the film.
If you do happen to own a copy of the 1998 DVD release, you'll be able to listen to a full-length commentary where we point out interacting facts and trivia about the movie in real-time. If anyone actually does this, we'll be amazed.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
We had a topic lined up for this week's show, but a post on the CoasterRadio.com Forums caught our eye. So, we decided to bump our planned show and talk about the debate.
One of our listeners was looking into joining ACE, the American Coaster Enthusiasts. While he was reading their code of conduct, he came upon one part of the code that said...
"When interacting with the media, members are expected to speak enthusiastically about all parks and roller coasters. While members may have strong opinions about parks and roller coasters, they are to avoid negative criticism to the media."
The listener was upset by this because he feels that he should be able to voice his opinion however he wants, whenever he wants. He brought the topic up on our forum, so now we're bringing it up on the show.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
This is the time of year when all of the different Hollywood blockbusters are being honored at the various award ceremonies. What does this have to do with theme parks and roller coasters? Well, many of the best theme park attractions in history have based upon popular films.
Back To The Future, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Jaws, Star Tours, Kongfrontation, Superman Escape, Terminator 2: 3D, Jurassic Park, Men In Black, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Revenge Of The Mummy and countless other attractions have had their story lines adapted from popular movies.
For the past month, listeners of CoasterRadio.com have been submitting their ideas for a blockbuster theme park attraction based upon a blockbuster movie. We call it our Reel Design Contest.
We narrowed the submissions down to 10 finalists and you'll hear all of them on this week's show. The winner will receive two one day admission tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort courtesy of MapleLeafTickets.com.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433). Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
If you're a weekly listener to this podcast, odds are you're passionate about theme parks. You might be a fan of the roller coasters, the scenery or the general ambiance, but most likely your love of theme parks is a big part of your life.
Some people are so passionate that they include a theme park experience as part of their wedding.
We've all seen video of people "taking the plunge" on board a roller coaster; saying their vows in the front seat with a minister and the entire bridal party in tow. But these days, there are ways to enjoy an elegant wedding while including tasteful theme park aspects.
On this week's show, we'll interview Colleen and Mike. They got married at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2004. They'll tell us about their entire experience from planning the wedding all the way up to the activities on the big day. They'll even tell us about how they were able to take pictures inside the Magic Kingdom at 4:30 AM!
Then we'll talk with Deidre Rodman of The Lascivious Biddies, a band the Washington Post calls "Manhattan's Hippest Girl Group". Deidre is the group's keyboardist and one of their songwriters. She'll tell us about her theme park and circus-themed wedding as well as stories from when she worked at a small park in Idaho.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
We get a lot of questions sent our way through e-mail, the forums and the voicemail line.
But because our show is set up the way it is, we don't get a chance to answer them as quickly as we'd like. So, every few months we save them all up and answer them in one show.
We'll talk about a lot of different things... including Flava's HUGE MISTAKE with an Oscar nominated actress.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
Theme parks seem to be a popular place to shoot movies. They're colorful, loud and full of perpetual motion.
Roller Coasters, in particular, seem to be something that Hollywood likes to use in its films because of the perceived danger and what seems like out of control speed.
We haven't had a major studio thriller based around a roller coaster since the 1977 classic "Rollercoaster" (which we'll talk about in a few weeks.)
So this week, we're going to spend the show talking about the new horror/suspense film from New Line Cinema - Final Destination 3. For those of you who don't know, it begins with a roller coaster disaster.
We'll explain the plot, talk about how it relates to the previous two films, discuss the technical aspects of shooting a coaster disaster scene and we'll talk about how a film like this might affect the theme park industry.
This week, we are also unveiling our first video podcast. In this special video episode, we'll show you some behind the scenes footage of the film, interviews with the actors and director, plus a preview of one of the scenes from FD3.
On Friday, February 10th, we'll release a 2nd audio podcast that features our review of the film. We'll let you know whether it's worth heading out to the theaters or if you'll want to wait for this movie to arrive at the video store. During that show, we'll be giving away Final Destination "Scared 2 Death" DVD packs. (If you're under 17, you can't be considered for this contest. Sorry dudes.)
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
We'll kick off this week's show with a look ahead at some of the upcoming episodes of CoasterRadio.com. In the next few weeks, we'll preview and review the new Final Destination 3 movie, we'll talk with couples who have tied the knot theme park-style, we'll unveil a new contest and we'll finally bring you our commentary on the movie "Roller Coaster".
After that, we'll go through some of your e-mail and voicemail comments about last week's show on ways to beat the lines at the parks. We'll even hear from one of our listeners who used to manage the FastPass system at Disneyland.
After that, we'll talk about some of the different things you can do during the off-season if you are in the mood for a theme park experience, but don't live in Florida or California. You'll be surprised at the many ways you can beat the winter blues.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
Let's face it, one of the worst things about visiting a popular theme park are the long lines. Unless you're lucky enough to be waiting in a well themed queue like the one for Dueling Dragons at Islands of Adventure, you're probably going to be miserable.
But one of the newest innovations in the amusement industry has been the how the various theme park chains have introduced ways that guests can reduce the time they wait in lines.
Some of these programs, like Disney's FastPass are free with your admission. Others, like Six Flags' Lo-Q can be used for an additional fee. There are even some programs like Universal Express at Universal Orlando where you can go directly to the front of the line at each attraction if you are a guest at an on-site hotel.
This week, we'll talk about the pros and cons of the different systems and how they have changed the way we experience theme parks.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
One of the fun things about having an on-line community of theme park fans around the world is that there is an abundance of information about current parks and attractions. What's even more fun is that there is also a lot of information about proposed parks and attractions that never quite made it to the construction stage.
On this week's show, we're going to talk about the rides and attractions that allegedly made it to the drawing boards, but never made it to the parks themselves.
For instance, one interesting rumor says that in the very early planning stages of Walt Disney World's Tower Of Terror, Disney Imagineers gave some thought to turning part of the attraction into an actual, working hotel.
Who knows if there is any truth to this rumor, but is is definitely fun to talk about What Might Have Been.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
This week, we bring you a very special podcast as Mike Collins sits by the fire, sipping brandy and smoking a pipe, while he reads passages from the immortal Charles Dickens classic "Great Expectations".
Actually, as fun as that sounds, it's not what we're really going to do this week.
Instead, each of the CoasterRadio.com guys will pick one thing that we absolutely expect when we visit a theme park. We'll also pick one thing that we absolutely do not want to see when we visit a park. So, that's why we called this week's show "Great Expectations".
This week, we'll talk about virtual lines, the cleanliness of park restrooms, rude employees, efficient (or non-efficient) operations, and many more topics.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week's episode is brought to you by MapleLeafTickets.com, Orlando's oldest and most trusted discount ticket agent for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of other area parks and attractions. Unmatched customer service combined with everyday low prices has made them one of Central Florida's most popular discount ticket agencies. In business since 1983, MapleLeafTickets.com offers the best value of any local ticket agent - guaranteed. Call them at 1-800-841-2837.
We'll kick off this week's show by going through some some of our listeners' picks for the hits and misses of 2005. Then, we'll talk about what could be the New Year's Resolutions of theme parks and amusement parks across the world.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
The year 2005 was pretty good for theme parks across the world. We saw the premiere of record breaking attractions, new high tech thrill rides and traditional forms of amusement park entertainment.
We'll take a look back at the highs and lows of 2005 with Arthur Levine from about.com. We'll talk about the attractions that were big hits and some of the ones that missed the mark. We'll also preview what could be big in 2006.
We'll also talk with Ian Clark from ozcoaster.net. He was one of the very first people to ride Superman Escape, the new Intamin Launch Coaster at Warner Brother's Movie World. He'll give us a review of this new attraction that opens this week.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433). Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
We'd like to wish each of you Happy Holidays and a successful 2006.
When we started the show back in April, we had no idea what the reaction would be to a bunch of unknowns talking about theme parks and roller coasters. We figured that a couple hundred people would listen each week at best. But now, here we are eight months later, and a couple thousand of you are listening to the show each week. That totally exceeded our expectations.
As cheesy as it sounds, we're really honored that you invite us into your lives (iPods, computers) each week. Like we've said on the show, we're not theme park or coaster experts. Most of you out there know more about this stuff than we do. But the people who truly "get" the show understand that CoasterRadio.com is simply a show celebrating the fun that we all have when we visit the parks. That's all it is and all it ever will be.
We appreciate the e-mails we get every day and the many posts on the forums. We appreciate the people who have added themselves to the Frappr map and the people who have left messages on our voice mail line. But we also appreciate all of the people who listen each week that we have NEVER heard from personally. Hopefully we'll get to meet some of you this year.
2006 should be fun and we're glad you're along for the ride.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday with your family and friends.
If you've every spent any time watching ESPN, you've probably seen a program called "Pardon The Interruption" (PTI). It's a daily show where Washington Post columnists Tony Kornhsiser and Michael Wilbon debate the the biggest stories in sports for exactly one minute at a time.
In these days of short attention spans, it's the perfect format. So, we decided to follow the homage "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and do a direct rip-off of PTI. So, that's why this week's show is called "Pardon The Ripoff".
We'll discuss 5 different topics for exactly two minutes each. Once the buzzer sounds at the end of the two minutes, we have to move on or else EB will throw a fit. It's the fastest theme park talk out there.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Also, don't forget to check out our CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide. It's filled with ideas to find the perfect gift for the theme park enthusiast in your life. We've searched the internet for the most interesting toys, gadgets, DVDs, books, calendars, posters and other gifts that are made specifically for a fan of theme parks. We'll also found some outrageously expensive stuff that you can buy to bring the theme park experience into your home.
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This year, Hades, the monstrous wooden roller coaster that opened at Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin won the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride in 2005.
Riders were amazed by it's steep drop (140-feet at a 65-degree angle), two underground tunnels (one of which was the longest underground tunnel on a roller coaster ever), and the extreme 90-degree banked turn. The ride was designed by The Gravity Group.
One of the most anticipated rides for 2006 is The Voyage at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. This wooden coaster will thrill park-goers with a 154-foot drop at 66-degrees, five underground tunnels, three 90-degree banked turns and a total of 24.2 seconds of airtime. This ride was also designed by The Gravity Group.
So, it goes without saying that the designers at this young company are pushing the evolution of wooden roller coasters. We're happy to welcome GG designers Korey Kiepert and Chad Miller to CoasterRadio.com this week.
We'll talk to the guys about their design philosophies and how they are trying to take the development and technology of the wooden roller coaster to new heights. We'll also talk about the pressures of designing a roller coaster in the age of the internet, where hype knows no bounds. Korey and Chad will also tell us some behind-the-scenes stories about Hades, The Voyage and other projects that they have worked on during their careers.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Also, don't forget to check out our CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide. It's filled with ideas to find the perfect gift for the theme park enthusiast in your life. We've searched the internet for the most interesting toys, gadgets, DVDs, books, calendars, posters and other gifts that are made specifically for a fan of theme parks. We'll also found some outrageously expensive stuff that you can buy to bring the theme park experience into your home.
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week, we hit soft-of a milestone and podcast our 30th episode.
To help celebrate, we'll play highlights from some of our favorite interviews that we have done over the past seven months. We'll play clips from Disney Imagineers Eric Jacobson and Joe Rohde, Holiday World's Will Koch, Curse of DarKastle designer Brent Young, travel author Kelly Monoghan, backyard coaster designer Jeremy Reid and many more. We'll also share a few behind the scene stories about each of the interviews.
Also, don't forget to check out our CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide. It's filled with ideas to find the perfect gift for the theme park enthusiast in your life. We've searched the internet for the most interesting toys, gadgets, DVDs, books, calendars, posters and other gifts that are made specifically for a fan of theme parks. We'll also found some outrageously expensive stuff that you can buy to bring the theme park experience into your home.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
In America, the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year. Everyone crowds into the shopping malls and collectively spend billions of dollars on holiday gifts.
If you listen to this show on a regular basis, odds are you're interested in buying presents for theme park and roller coaster enthusiasts. You might be looking to buy for family and friends or maybe, you're interested in buying for yourself!
You won't need make a frustrating trip to the mall because we've done all the work for you. We surfed the internet looking for some of the most interesting gifts we could find for the theme park fanatic. You can find them all listen in our CoasterRadio.com Holiday Gift Guide.
During this week's show, we'll talk about the toys, gadgets, DVDs, books, calendars, posters and other gifts that are perfect for a fan of theme parks. We'll also spend some time talking about outrageously expensive stuff that you can buy to bring the theme park experience into your home. For instance, haven't you always wanted to own your own full-size Skee-Ball machine? You'd be the envy of your neighborhood!
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
It's the week of Thanksgiving here in the United States. For most people, that means stuffing themselves full of turkey and then passing out while watching NFL football.
We decided to celebrate the holiday in a different way. We asked out listeners to let us know what they are thankful for within the theme park industry. We received a lot of interesting responses and we'll share some of them with you during this week's show.
Next week, the entire CoasterRadio.com gang will be back with a special show dedicated to theme park and roller coaster related gifts. We'll talk about the toys, gadgets, DVDs, books, calendars, posters and other gifts that you can buy for the coaster nut in your life. (Heck, you might even want to buy some of this stuff for yourself!) We'll also spend some time talking about outrageously expensive stuff that you can buy to bring the theme park experience into your home.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
If you're a theme park enthusiast, you've probably had a dream of building and owning your own theme park. But odds are, unless you're very well connected or a multi-millionaire, you'll never get to see your dream come true.
If that isn't discouraging enough, most people would probably tell you that your dream was crazy anyway. Heck, people even told Walt Disney that his plans for a new type of amusement park were a horrible idea. They even went so far as to call it "Disney's Folly".
But that folly eventually became Disneyland and those critics had to eat their words.
So in that sprit, we welcome Brian Temmer to the show. Brian is a theme park fan just like all of us. But he's doing whatever he can to bring his dream of a new type of theme park to life.
He'll give us a behind the scenes look at what it takes to push an idea like this from a dream to reality. He'll also give us a few hints as to what this new attraction might be and where it might be located. It's a chance for us all to watch an amusement industry project from it's conception to it's completion.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433). You can also let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
Next week, we'll celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving by talking about what our listeners are thankful for at their favorite theme parks. You can participate in this show by leaving your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433). You can also post your thoughts in our special forum topic.
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
There really aren't many rides or attractions that theme park fans won't try at least once.
But there are a few rides out there that even the most hardcore enthusiasts think twice about before riding.
Some people won't ride certain types of freefall rides while others won't ride attractions that spin you in circles. Some people won't ride skycoasters and some people could never bring themselves to ride any of the attractions on top of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas. (That picture over there on the right is X-Scream. You can read our review to find out what it's all about.)
We'll spend this week's short "off-season" show talking about the different theme park attractions that freak people out. We'll talk about the attractions that scare us the most and we'll also hear about some of our listener's picks as well. You'll be surprised at some of the responses we got.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433). You can also let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
Next week, we'll be talking with a man who has a dream of building his own theme park. Everyone says he is crazy, but he is actually moving ahead with the idea and has had some early successes already.
He'll give us a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring the idea from a dream to reality. He'll also give us a few hints as to what this new attraction might be and where it might be located. It's a chance for us all to watch an amusement industry project from it's conception to it's completion.
All month long, we've been on-location at different theme parks celebrating Halloween. Now that it's finally here, we'll spend this week's show talking about your favorite haunted, spooky or scary themed attractions.
We'll talk about attractions like The Haunted Mansion, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, The Exterminator, Revenge of the Mummy, The Beast, The Freezer, Burg Falkenstein and more.
We're also are really excited to welcome Joe Rohde to the show. Joe is Executive Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering and the Lead Designer for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Since this week's show is all about mysterious attractions, it's a perfect time to ask him about Expedition Everest, the new thrill ride coming to Walt Disney World in 2006.
We'll ask him about the attraction's storyline, the immersive theming and how the legend of the Yeti will come to life.
We'll also talk with Joe about and how he and his team of Imagineers are embarking on a real-life trip dubbed Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas in the search for new species and ancient legends. The scientific and cultural journey to China and the eastern Himalayas began in August and continues though October 2005. We'll find out how this trip to the Everest region will help to create an extremely authentic experience for park guests. Don't worry, we'll ask him about the roller coaster too.
We'll also talk with EB about the annual Halloween Extravaganza that he puts on at his house. We'll talk about the process of Backyard Imagineering and go into detail about the unique setup at EB's house. We'll also provide you with some links to other "home haunts" so you can get a few ideas for your own house.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week, we're on-location from Fear Fest at Paramount's Kings Dominion. It's the 3rd stop on our month-long CoasterRadio.com Halloween Terror Tour.
Since Paramount is a movie company, Kings Dominion uses film-like storytelling to create their haunted mazes and attractions. When the sun goes down, they specialize in delivering intense environments that make you scream as much as they make you laugh.
We'll talk about the evil carnie folks running amuck in Freakshow in 3D, the insane residents of the Maze of Madness, the carnage caused by the Headless Horseman in The Curse of Sleepy Hollow and the terrifying drive you can take on R.L. Stein Fearstreet.
In this week's Great Debate, we'll talk about what horror movies would make excellent theme park rides. Then, we'll talk about new attractions coming to Paramount Parks in 2006. Of course, we'll highlight the new "family-thrill" coaster coming to Kings Dominion - Italian Job Stunt Coaster.
After the show, join us in our forums to talk about your opinions. You can also record your thoughts on the CoasterRadio.com Voicemail Line at 206-339-RIDE (206-339-7433).
Stay tuned, because next week we'll have another Halloween-themed episode of CoasterRadio.com. We'll interview Joe Rohde, Executive Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering and the Lead Designer for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. We'll talk with him about Expedition Everest, the new thrill ride coming to Walt Disney World next spring.
Why interview Joe on a Halloween-themed show? Well, the new Expedition Everest attraction brings guests face to face with the mysterious (and terrifying) Yeti!
We'll ask him about the attraction's storyline, the immersive theming and how his team of Imagineers are visiting the Everest region to create an extremely authentic experience for park guests. Don't worry, we'll ask him about the roller coaster too.
We'll also be revealing your picks for the best spooky/haunted/scary themed attractions at theme parks around the world. If you want to participate, post a message in our special forum topic or leave us a voicemail message at 206-339-RIDE.
Thanks for listening to the show. Let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com.
This week, we're on-location from Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. During the show, we'll talk with park guests and preview the scare zones and spooky attractions at this annual Halloween event.
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