Happy New Year!

EB and I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you guys for being a part of Coaster Radio over the last year.

2011 was a great year for the show and we have A TON of great memories.

We love doing this show.

It gives us a chance to see a lot of different things and meet very interesting people that we might not get to otherwise.

But our absolute favorite part of producing CoasterRadio.com is getting to interact with you guys each week.

Throughout our careers, we've produced different radio and TV shows for a lot of different audiences, but you guys are the most enthusiastic, the most energetic and the most fun.

You're also a very generous group.  We'll always be thankful for the way you guys stood up and supported Project Angel Food through Theme Park Change this year.  There really aren't words to express how we feel about that.

2012 is shaping up to be a banner year for our show.  We're working on a lot of fun ideas behind the scenes!

Happy New Year to you and your families!  Thanks again for listening!

Mike and EB

I can't wait to give this a try!

Luigi's Flying Tires! Opening in 2012 at Disney California Adventure!

CoasterRadio.com #612 - The 2011 Holiday Spectacular!

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!

Happy Holidays!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

The Disney Monorail System (Under our Christmas Tree!)

It's tradition to run a toy railroad around the bottom of a Christmas Tree.

But in a theme park fan's home, the tradition is a little different!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

The Year's Best Memory?

The year is quickly coming to a close... and the holidays are a perfect time to look back and remember fond memories.

For this week's episode - The CoasterRadio.com Holiday Spectacular - we want to hear from you about your favorite theme park memories from 2011.

Be a part of the show and tell us about the single greatest moment you had at a park in 2011.

Send us your comments to us by Tuesday, December 20th at 8:30pm EST by posting them right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below.  You can also e-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right, write on our Facebook Page or use our Contact Page!

The best option is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360!

CoasterRadio.com #611 - The "X" Factor at Disney World?

Jim Hill Media published an interesting article this week about 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!


LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #610 - The 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

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!

Coaster Dynamix Kits
    - Full Coaster Kits
    - Train Models - Statix
Knex Kits
Quercetti Skyrail Rollercoaster with Elevator
Disney Monorail
Park Season Passes
Online stores - Holiday World, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, WWOHP
Millennium Force Replica 
Space Mountain Seat at Mouse Surplus
Jungle Cruise Gallery of Light by Olszewski
Kinect Disneyland Adventures for XBox360
Imagineering Blueprints
Walt Disney Autograph
Touring Plans Subscription
Skee-Ball Game
Cotton Candy Machine
Sno Cone Machine
Rollercoaster DVD - Watch it with Our Unofficial DVD Commentary!
Vintage items from your home park on EBay (70s, 80s, 90s)

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #609 - A Lost Episode!

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" charity event 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.


LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #608 - Let Us Give Thanks (Or Not)

Happy Thanksgiving!

On this week's show, EB and Mike let the listeners vent on what they are most (and least) thankful for at the theme parks this year.

It's a chance to give thanks and complain at the same time!

We also have the first ever Holiday Kid Call!

Our own version of Santa Claus makes a call to the children of one of our listeners.

Does this turn out to be a good idea for the show?  Or does it go into the category of failed ideas like "Being David Arquette?"

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

What are you most (and least) thankful for?

Is it Thanksging time already?

Geeze, wasn't it just Opening Day of the 2011 Theme Park season just a few weeks ago?

Anyway, if it's Turkey Time, that must mean it's also time for the Annual Coaster Radio Thanksgiving Show.

In the past, we've asked you about what attractions you think are "Theme Park Turkeys."  We've also asked you about what you're most "thankful" for in the amusement industry.

This year, we're gonna do both!

For this week's show, tell us about what you're most thankful for and least thankful for at the parks you have visited.

We'll talk about your answers on our next show!

Send us your comments to us by Tuesday, November 22nd at 8:30pm EST by posting them right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below.  You can also e-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right, write on our Facebook Page or use our Contact Page!

The best option is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!

CoasterRadio.com #607 - Inspired Design: From Tibor to Toomer

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

Do you "LIKE" us on on Facebook?

EB and I are always trying to come up with new ways to interact with you guys.

Now, if you're a fan of ours on Facebook, you'll have exclusive access to our 10-minute weekly video webcast!

Just head to The CoasterRadio.com Facebook Page and click on the "LIKE" button.  You'll have automatic access to the most current webcast!

Help us honor Ron Toomer

Most people who ride roller coasters and other thrill rides don't spend any time thinking about the people who actually created the attraction.

I guess one of the fun things about being a theme park enthusiast is that we actually get to know the names and personalities of the people behind the rides we love.

Earlier this year, we lost one of the great roller coasters of our time... Ron Toomer.

Ron was the president of Arrow Dynamics and created dozens of rides that we all know and love.

Among his creations were Magnum, Mine Ride, Gemini, Corkscrew, and Iron Dragon at Cedar Point, Desperado at Buffalo Bills in Nevada, Python at Busch Gardens Tampa and Big Bad Wolf, Drachen Fire, and Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

On our next show, we're going to spend some time talking about his roller coasters.  We'd like to invite you to call or write in to tell us about your favorites.

Send us your comments to us by Tuesday, November 15th at 8:30pm EST by posting them right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below.  You can also e-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right, write on our Facebook Page or use our Contact Page!

The best option is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!

CoasterRadio.com #606 - Mike is a Stupid Idiot!

Yes, it's a strange title for this week's episode... but it will all make sense once you take a listen!

This week, Mike and EB catch up on a bunch of backlogged calls from the Coaster Radio Voicemail Line.

We'll hear what happened to some of our favorite callers over the summer and introduce you to someone who we're sure is going to be a fan favorite.

We also interview Scott Wegener. the author of "Things to do in Theme Park Queues."

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #605 - Live from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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!


LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

Twitter Halloween Costume Contest!

One of the things we learned by looking at the results of the online listener survey, was that many of you wanted to see more contests on the show.

We have some great ones coming up soon on the podcast, but we also have some that are designed solely for our listeners who follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Since it's Halloween weekend, we're unveiling our first Twitter-only contest today - and it's a costume contest (with a twist).

If you're heading out to a costume party this weekend or if you're taking your kids out Trick-or-Treating on Monday night, snap a picture of your costume and tweet it to us at @coasterradio. Use the hashtag #crcostumecontest too.

The catch is, you have to be holding up a sign that says "@COASTERRADIO".

That way, the jokers and CoasterBoys out there won't just tweet a cool costume photo they fine online.

And EB and I will be looking for clever fakes! Violators will be dealt with harshly!

The winner gets a top secret prize.  It's two tickets to a pretty cool location!

Have fun! And get your entries tweeted to us by Tuesday night!

CoasterRadio.com #604 - The Halloween Campfire Show!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #603 - Halloween is Almost Here!

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 distinction.

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

Tales from Halloween Haunts

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

When Andy Williams sang that song, he was talking about the winter holiday season.  But I use those words to describe all of the fun events surrounding Halloween!

I'm sure that you guys have been heading out to your local parks each weekend to hit up their Halloween events.  Some of you might even be going to stand-alone haunts where the terror and fear is bumped up a few notches.

For our Halloween show, we want to hear from you about the unique storylines on display at a haunt you've visited recently.

Psychologically, a haunt is most effective when the designers can suck you in to a story that you ultimately become a part of.

So, we'd like you to tell us the story of your favorite haunt... just as if we were all sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and making S'mores!

Send us your answers to us by Tuesday, October 18th at 9pm EST by posting them right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below.  You can also e-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right or use our Contact Page!

The best option is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!

CoasterRadio.com #602 - Live from Walt Disney World

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!!!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

2011 Podcast Awards

One of the greatest rewards of doing this show is when you guys tell us that we're doing a good job.

It's so great getting an e-mail or a message on Facebook from a listener telling us about a particular episode that they enjoyed.

Even better, we sometimes hear about how our show has played a part in a family gathering or roadtrip.

It's always an honor to know that we're a part of your lives... even in a small way.

Earlier this week, the nominations for the 2011 Podcast Awards were released and CoasterRadio.com was nominated in category for "Best Travel Podcast."

It's awesome to be nominated, but the best part about it is that we were nominated by our listeners.

And from a publicity standpoint, the nomination is great because it exposes our show to a whole group of people who probably haven't heard it before.  And as we've said many times:

More Listeners = More Opportunities = A Better Overall Show.


There is some heavy competition in the Travel Category this year.

There are 10 nominees and seven of them are theme park podcasts.  Of those seven, five are Disney Podcasts!

It's always going to be difficult dethroning a Disney Podcast, but let's give it a try!

You can vote for CoasterRadio.com once a day at podcastawards.com.  Voting runs through October 27th.

We have enough listeners to pull off an upset! It's just up to all of us to vote everyday and see if we can do it.

I like being the underdog, don't you?

Again, thanks for all your support!

CoasterRadio.com #601 - How We Met Neil Patrick Harris

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 turns to EB and Mike for 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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

Bonus Video Podcast - Coaster Commentary! (Euro-Style!)

It's time for a Bonus Video Podcast!

This week, 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.

Fantasyland Construction Pics

Denise sent us these pictures from the "New Fantasyland" construction at Walt Disney World in Florida!

CoasterRadio.com #545 - Video Podcast - Wiener Prater!

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!

CoasterRadio.com #544 - Live From Wiener Prater!

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 how it'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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #543 - I Hope the Brakeman Isn't Drunk!

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

Your Thoughts on 2012?

For this week's show, we're looking for your thoughts on 2012.

In this case, we're not looking for your opinion about Mayan Prophecies, but instead, we want to know what you think about the recent attractions announcements parks have made for next year.

For instance we have...

Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland
Skyrush at Hersheypark
Mammoth at Holiday World
Verboten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (not official)
Dinosaurs Alive at Cedar Point
Windseeker at Carowinds
Manta at Sea World San Diego
Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
Transformers Dark Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
Dollywood's Mystery Announcement
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom

EB and I will be talking about all of these attractions on our next show and we invite you to be on the show with us!

Send us your answers by posting them right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below.  You can also e-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right or use our Contact Page!

You can also call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!

CoasterRadio.com #542 - The Tale of the Pink Monkey

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 buy 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!!!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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.

One question please!

Have you ever run into a survey taker at the park?

Usually they wait for you by the exits with their trusty iPads and try to get you to give your honest opinions on your theme park experience.

Most times, I'm exhausted from the long day and just want to get to my car.  But sometimes, I stop because I'm curious about what questions they'll ask.

Maybe there could be some hints about future attractions or experiences?

But more inportantly, I like having my opinion help shape what the park will become.

It's in that spirit that EB and I have created a survey that will help us produce Season Six of CoasterRadio.com.  You can find it HERE:

http://survey.coasterradio.com/

It will only take a few minutes to fill out, but the feedback is priceless.  Not only does it help us figure out what to do next season, it also helps us get to know all of you a little better.

If we know what you like and dislike about the show, we can tailor it a bit more to YOU!

The responses we have gotten so far are very insightful and, in some cases, surprising.

But all of the responses are anonymous, so please be as honest as possible.  We love constructive criticism.

When you do ever hear webmasters of a theme park sites say that? (Ha! Ha!)

Your Best (and Worst) Souvenirs

You've heard of people having "skeletons" in their closet, right?

Well, I think theme park enthusiasts have a closet full of something else that's probably embarrasing too.... park souvenirs.

From t-shirts to shot glasses to postcards and patches, theme parks sell just about any chotsky that you can imagine.

For this week's show, we want to know about the best and worst theme park souvenirs you own.

Which one are you most proud of?  Which ones come with a good story?

We also want to know about the ones that embarrass you the most.  Which one did you buy when you were 10-years old and still have around?

Send us your answers by posting them right here on the blog by using the "Comments" link below.  You can also e-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right or use our Contact Page!

You can also call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!