As we come to the end of another year, EB and I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you for being such great supporters of the show.
We have a lot of fun every week figuring out how we're going to fill 45-minutes of podcast time.
The best part is knowing that you guys are always (well, almost always) ready to jump in and help out by adding your own content and ideas.
We've always tried to make Coaster Radio a "community podcast." I hope that a brand new listener would be able to hear the number of fans who are featured in each show and understand that.
But we're also thankful to the listeners who support us behind-the-scenes by sending kind e-mails, generating new content ideas, spreading the word to others and of course shopping at Amazon.com! (DING!)
We have a lot of fun things planed for 2011. Of course, we're always interested in your ideas and comments about the show. You can e-mail us (at the address on the right) and let us know your thoughts.
Thanks again for a really great 2010! We wish you and yours a Happy New Year and good luck in 2011! May all your dreams come true!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #511 - Christmas 2010!
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!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog
Thursday, December 16, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #510 - The Tower of Treats!
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| This is what it might look like when Neil Patrick Harris receives the "Tower of Treats!" |
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!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A Change of Careers?
Some work in managerial roles, but others actually work operating the rides and attractions.
That got us thinking, would you ever give up your career to go to work at a theme park? If so, what would it take to get you to do it? What job would you most like to have?
We're looking for answers to put on our next show.
Feel free to let us know right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below. You can also e-mail us by using the address over on the right!
The best way to get on our show is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360 and tell us your story!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #509 - It's a Wonderful Theme Park!
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. Plus, there is a return visit from Disney Podcast Guy!
There's also an update on The Neil Patrick Harris Project! The Tower of Treats has been deployed!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Your "Elusive" Roller Coaster
For me, it's the Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
I know that it's not the greatest roller coaster in the world, but for me, it's always one that has captured my imagination.
I remember first seeing it as a kid when my dad let me watch "National Lampoon's Vacation." Since then, I've always wanted to get out there to ride the same ride that Rusty and Clark Grizwold rode.
For this week's show, we want to know what is your "elusive roller coaster?"
So, feel free to let us know right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below. You can also e-mail us by using the address over on the right!
The best way to get on our show is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360 and tell us your story!
Friday, December 03, 2010
The NPH Project - The Tower of Treats!
As you probably know, NPH is a huge fan of theme parks and roller coasters. Because of this, it became our noble quest to one day secure Neil's talents as the voiceover artist that starts each show.
We had a MAJOR Breakthrough two weeks ago when Neil actually called our voicemail line! He referenced a few of the things that had been said about him on the show, but then wondered why he hadn't been sent a "Tower of Treats."
You see, last year we sent a "Tower of Treats" to David Arquette's dressing room at a theater production where he was performing.
If we sent one to Arquette, we definitely need to send one to the more-deserving NPH!
So, I am here to announce that the "Tower of Treats" is on the way. It will arrive on the set of "How I Met Your Mother" in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 9th. With it, comes a card that says:
"Neil, thanks for the voicemail call! As promised, here is the "Tower of Treats!" Enjoy! - Mike, EB and all the listeners of CoasterRadio.com!"
Will NPH get the "Tower of Treats?" Will he be impressed? Will he take a picture of himself enjoying the "tower" with his fellow cast mates?
Stay tuned to find out!
Thursday, December 02, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #508 - The Terminator is Terminated
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.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #507 - The "Reverse-Thanksgiving" Show
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| EB's Turkey joins us LIVE on the show this week. |
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.
Plus, some news on the Neil Patrick Harris Project! Don't forget to take part in our NPH Holiday Video!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The NPH Project - Holiday Wishes Video Example
As you know, we're asking all of our listeners to participate in our "Holiday Wishes" Video for The Neil Patrick Harris Project.
The videos are starting to pour in and we thought we'd share a few to inspire you and show you how it's done.
Here's a great example... short, to the point, easy to shoot and CUTE!
How could Neil resist?
Monday, November 22, 2010
The NPH Project - Holiday Wishes!
If you haven't heard about this, you need to listen to Show #506 immediately!
So, this means that there is hope that The Neil Patrick Harris Project could succeed and that NPH will one day agree to record the voiceover that starts each week's show.
However, EB and I feel that we need to keep putting effort into the project to prove that CoasterRadio.com is worthy of Neil's attention. We also want to prove that our show has the best listeners of any theme park podcast out there.
So, we've come up with a great project for the holidays that directly relies on YOU!
It's a proven fact that no one can resist a request from either a cute kid or a cute grandma. So, EB and I want to combine videos from both kids and grandmas into a hilarious holiday video for NPH.
Here's what we need you to do!
1) We need you to grab your iPhone, Flip Camera or any other device that records video.
2) We then need you to find either a cuddly grandmother or a cute kid.
3) Then, videotape them pleading to NPH to be part of our show. The video only needs to be 10-15 seconds, because we're going to cut your video together with all of the other videos we receive.
4) Finally, upload the video to a site like YouTube or Vimeo. You can also send it to us at the e-mail address on the right.
As it gets closer to Christmas Day, we'll edit all of your submissions together and then present it to Neil as a present from our listeners.
The coolest part about this is that he's 100% guaranteed to see it!
Thanksgiving comes up this week, so it's a great chance for you to grab a cute kid or grandma in your family and have them be part of The Neil Patrick Harris Project!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Disappointing Parks
There are literally hundreds of reasons why a park can ruin your day and we're looking for you guys to call and write in with some of your most entertaining stories.
So, feel free to tell your story right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below. You can also e-mail us by using the address over on the right!
The best way to get on our show is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360 and tell us your story!
Don't make the dude from Dawson's Creek any more upset than he already is.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #506 - Soarin' With Morgan!
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.
It's all this week on CoasterRadio.com!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Remember, You Saw It Here First!
We're always on the lookout for the next great theme park ride system.
I was just watching an Alabama Crimson Tide game and saw this commercial for Lexus. They're showing off the simulator they use to test their new automobiles.
After watching it, can't you see how easily something like that can be adapted to a theme park attraction? Imagine if a 3-D element was added? Imagine what would happen if an innovative storyline came along with the ride.
What do you think? Would this work as an innovative ride system?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #505 - Uncle Walt Had the Right Idea!
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!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Your Ideal Celebrity On-Ride Voice
Of course, most of it is because he is the star of our year-long story arc - The Neil Patrick Harris Project.
But this week, he was in the "theme park" news because he has provided the new "launch voice" for California Screamin' at Disney California Adventure.
You can check out the video below to hear NPH in action.
But it got us thinking... if you could match up any actor's voice with any theme park ride, who would you choose and why?
I think there are a lot of interesting combinations that are possible.
This is going to be our "interactive question" for next week's show, so tell us about your "dream match-ups" by leaving a comment on this blog post!
You can also let us know by using Facebook and Twitter. (If you aren't following us there yet, what''s wrong with you?!?!?)
Thursday, November 04, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #504 - They Can't All Be Like Clark Grizwold
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| "I gotta be crazy! I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose!" |
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" against his will.
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.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Neil Patrick Harris Project - Proof of NPH's Love of Theme Parks
Happy Friday everyone!
For anyone doubting NPH's love of theme parks, we sent Elmo from Sesame Street to ask Neil a few questions on the subject.
Elmo got the scoop! Let the NPH Project Begin!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #503 - Sweep The Leg, Mikey!
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| Is that really Mike Collins? Or is that Johnny from "The Karate Kid?" |
To celebrate, Mike gets into the spirit of the season by dressing up as one of the most iconic characters from the 1980's.
Yes, even though it's radio, Mike has has dressed up like Johnny from "The Karate Kid."
Along with all of the expected imitations from the movie, the guys will talk about Mike and Greg's recent trip to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
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," a live trip report from "Midget Wrestling" at Kings Island's Halloween Haunt, and some taunting by Larry from Legal.
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!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #502 - Inside Universal Orlando and Halloween Horror Nights
If you love All Hallows Eve and you love theme parks, this is the episode for you.
This week, we're joined by Seth Kubersky. He's the author of Universal Orlando 2011: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure
.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?
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Neil Patrick Harris Project
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| NPH is one of us! He's a big fan of theme parks. |
We've made some good changes to our website and blog. Now it's time to make a change on our podcast too!
For Season 5, we're unveiling "The Neil Patrick Harris Project!"
Everyone knows NPH!
He's the star of the hit series "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS. He's been in big movies, on broadway and even showed that online content can be wildly successful with "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog."
He also happens to be a big fan of theme parks! Living out in California, he's a regular visitor to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. He often posts about the parks on his Twitter feed (@ActuallyNPH) and has even hosted events for Disney.
So, our goal with "The NPH Project" is to make him aware of of our show and to convince him that he should record the opening voiceover for our podcast. It's that simple.
Even though we spent Season 4 with another celebrity, NPH is the right choice for this show and project.
So, keep watching the blog and listening to the podcast and we dream up ways to catch Neil's attention. We'll need your help!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #501 - The House at Haunted Hill
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| "The House at Haunted Hill" is one of the best home haunts anywhere! |
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.
EB and Mike also will fill you in on some changes to both the podcast and the website for Season 5. There's also big news about "The David Arquette Project" and our "Arquette Arithmetic" contest!
Plus, EB will fill you in on the behind the scenes story about how his son Mark won Holiday World's "#1 Fan Contest!"
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Direct Podcast Link
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Direct Podcast Link
Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.
Click here for our iPhone App.
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Click here for our iPhone App.
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
EB is a guest on The Season Pass Podcast!
Flava used to say that the rest of the Coaster Radio cast could stay home, but as long as EB was on the show, it would survive.
So, that's why it's interesting to note that EB has never been a guest on someone else's podcast.
Until now.
This week, EB is a guest on The Season Pass Podcast's ERT with Nick Hutson.
You can listen here!
EB and Nick have a conversation about theme park queues, online theme park marketing, Halloween Haunted houses, musicals, and EB's thoughts on the future of television. EB also tells the behind the scenes story about how his son Mark won Holiday World's #1 Fan Contest!
And somehow, Hagrid makes an appearance! (I thought he was under exclusive contract to our show! We'll get the Lift Hill Media lawyers on it.)
We didn't get to do a show this week because of technical programs, so this is a wonderful substitute!
Do you want to discuss this topic? Leave a comment here on the blog!
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
What do you look for in a Halloween Haunt?
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| You need the right mix of fear and fun for a good event! |
The Fall season is upon us and that means that the parks are unveiling their Halloween events.
It's always interesting to see what the parks dream up for this time of year. Some parks go for the all out gore, while others opt for a more family friendly fare.
We want to know what you look for in a great Halloween Haunt?
What do you absolutely expect to see when you're at a park's Halloween event?
Is it possible for a park to go to far in the scare factor?
Let us know by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Help EB's son Mark become Holiday World's #1 Fan!
Holiday World is having a contest to find their #1 Fan.
A lot of people sent in videos to show why they were worthy, but only four finalists remain. We just received word that EB's son Mark is one of the four finalists!
This is one of times for all of the listeners to unite behind one of our own! Let's push Mark over the top by voting for him often! If he wins, he'll receive four season passes to Holiday World.
Of course, this will translate into excellent content for Season Five of the show! (Which starts on October 7th by the way!)
VOTE HERE! Vote for "Mark, the Little Boy!"
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The David Arquette Project - Jonathan's Arquette Photo Tour (Part 2)
You probably saw Part One of Jonathan's Photo Trip Report from his cross-country roller coaster tour. If you're anything like me, you're extremely jealous of all of the parks he and his wife got to visit this summer.
To us, the amazing part of their trip is that they remembered to bring along the "Arquette Arithmetic" image to each and every park they visited.
To date, Jonathan and his wife have submitted the most photos to our contest.
Will the sheer number of photos be enough to win our "Arquette Arithmetic" contest?
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
The David Arquette Project - Coastin' Steve Sports an Awesome T-Shirt
While on a visit to Cedar Point, Steve wore his homemade "Arquette Arithmetic" shirt. His original goal was to buy an on-ride photo while riding Millennium Force or Top Thrill Dragster, but the cameras were not working that day.
So, Steve sent in this photo in front of Cedar Point's iconic record breaker.
Steve had a good idea! Not only did he promote CoasterRadio.com, but he also promoted "The David Arquette Project."
Monday, September 06, 2010
Stacey's Money Saving Tips!
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| Stacey is hunting down money saving tips! |
I like to think of myself as a savvy frugal spender that is always on the prowl for a good deal.
When it comes to having fun I like to go all out but far too often I find myself on a tight budget. There are so many ways to save a few bucks here and there when taking a trip to a theme park.
Before buying your theme park tickets be sure to check online for special discounts. Check the actual theme parks website for deals and coupons. Sometimes buying your tickets online ahead of time will save you some dough. Also don't forget that Google is your friend. You never know where you will find coupons. Keep in mind that local credit unions and grocery stores sometimes sell discounted tickets as well.
Often times you can get a value on park tickets if you go during the off-season. They need to get people in the door and discounted tickets are a sure-fire way to do it. On top of that, if you have to fly to a park your plane tickets will most likely be cheaper when other people are staying at home and not vacationing.
Do you have a large group of people that you're taking with you? Most parks offer group discount rates that decrease the price of tickets significantly. Don't forget that carpooling with your friends and family also saves you a bundle on fuel costs.
If you plan to visit a theme park for more than one day, be sure to take advantage of staying at on-site hotels if available. You may be able to get a discount for your park tickets and/or gain early entry into the park. Who doesn't love the feeling of having the park to yourself?
One of the ways that theme parks take your money from right under your nose is by making you spend a ridiculous amount on generic food. Pack a lunch instead and keep the cooler in your car until your family is ready to eat. Most theme parks now have a picnic area. Try and eat a late dinner outside of the park where prices and food are sure to please your tummy and pocketbook more so than inside of the park.
Be an early riser! Those that get to parks before opening almost always have significantly shorter waits at the newest and best attractions. Take a break mid-day and then come back later. If you stay until park closing, the crowds will be virtually non-existent and the temperatures much more tolerable. Make the most out of your day. Get the biggest bang for your buck!
Talk about this in the CoasterRadio.com Forums!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The David Arquette Project - Jonathan's Arquette Photo Tour
There are many different ways that a listener of CoasterRadio.com could win the "Arquette Arithmetic" contest that we are running through Labor Day.
One of the ways we talked about on the show was by visiting a ton of parks and taking pictures at each one.
Jonathan and his family did just that! Enjoy this photo tour with the Lepolt's and David Arquette!
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