Interactive Topic - 15 Years of Disney's Animal Kingdom

On April 22, 1998 the Walt Disney Company opened the gates of a new type of theme park.

It mixed the storytelling and immersive theming  Disney is known for with incredible zoological displays featuring animals from around the world.

But after the park opened, it was met with criticism by some.

There were people who claimed that the park, even though it was the largest Disney park in existance, didn't have enough to do to keep people busy for a full-day.

Even today, after the editions of Dinoland USA and Expedition Everest, there are those who consider Animal Kingdom to be the fourth best park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

But when you take a look at what the park has to offer, it really is the most unique park in Disney's portfolio.

For this week's interactive topic, we want you to tell us your favorite thing about Animal Kingdom and your least favorite thing about Animal Kingdom.

Get your answers in by Tuesday, April 30th at 8:30pm!

Here are the different ways to contact us:

* Call our voicemail line - 206-339-3360
* Post your idea on our Facebook Fan Page.
* Post your idea on Twitter
* E-Mail Us (the address is to the right of this page)
* Use our Contact Page!

CoasterRadio.com #727 - The Future is NOW! Mystic Manor and More!

Every now and then, a theme park attraction comes along that makes you remember why you liked this stuff in the first place.

And sometimes that same ride is so ahead of its time, you realize you've sort-of seen a glimpse into the future of the amusement industry.

This week saw the unveiling of "Mystic Manor" at Hong Kong Disneyland.  And for the most part, every Disney fan is in agreement that it is one of the finest attractions ever created by Imagineering.

On this week's show, we'll discuss the new attraction, what makes it special and why there are no (at least announced) plans to bring a copy of it to the US Parks.

We'll also talk with Steve Fielding, the President of Pantera Entertainment about his highly-anticipated new game "Theme Park Studio."

The new title will allow players to create their own steel coasters, wooden coasters, dark rides and flat rides with a level of authenticity and realism never before seen in a theme park simulator.

Steve will tell us about some new surprises we can expect to see and how listeners can be a part of the development process!

Plus, we'll have Live Trip Reports from Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney California Adventure and Silver Dollar City.... plus a whole lot more!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

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Show Notes

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Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.

CoasterRadio.com #726 - Legoland, Las Vegas and David Copperfield

This is one of those shows where a lot is covered in 57 minutes.

I hope you're ready....

First up, the guys talk about the new "Iron Man Tech: Presented by Stark Industries" exhibit that opened at Disneyland.

Besides sounding a lot like one of last year's "Reel Design" finalists, could this be the first wave of Marvel-themed attractions in the Disney Parks?  The guys will talk about the speculation and what we might see in the next few years.

The guys also take a look at the progress on "Gatekeeper" at Cedar Point.  The park is already testing their massive winged coaster with almost a month to go before opening day.  You'll hear from one of the park's engineers about what they are doing to get ready for May 11th.

We'll also hear a Live Trip Report from Tom who had lunch with a Disney Imagineer as part of a new program offered by the Disney Parks.  Did he learn any secret info and will he spill the beans for the CoasterRadio.com audience?

Travis from California joins the show to talk about his visit to the grand opening of the Legoland Hotel in Southern California.  Travis will give us the inside scoop about what surprises we can expect to see inside the hotel... including an elevator that doubles as a disco!  Plus, he'll let us know about some of the things at Legoland that even an adult would love.

Finally, the guys go "Off Topic!" EB gives the audience an update on a major home renovation project and Mike fills you in on his "Magical" trip to Las Vegas!  Highlights include a "secret" elevator to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, a ride on the "Big Shot," a front row seat to David Copperfield's show, David making one of Mike's friends disappear and a road trip to the Grand Canyon.

There's lots of fun and a few surprises on this all new episode of "The Original Theme Park Podcast!"

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.

Video Podcast - Legoland Hotel Grand Opening

Travis from California, our CoasterRadio.com West Coast Correspondant, had a chance to visit the Grand Opening of the Legoland Hotel in Southern California.

This special video podcast will take you inside the hotel to show you all of the surprises that await families who book a stay there... including the infamous "Disco Elevator!"

Our thanks go to Travis for producing this video! Way to go!

CoasterRadio.com #725 - Namtab is Batman Backwards

Imagine you're walking into your favorite theme park and heading straight for favorite roller coaster.

Just as you come up on the familiar twists and turns, you notice something strange.... the cars are facing backwards!

This will be the experience for parks fans in the Chicago area when Six Flags Great America runs Batman: The Ride backwards for part of the 2013 season.

On this week's show, we'll talk with Brandon Bruce, the park's communication's specialist about the excitement surrounding the change and why they decided to do it.

We'll also find out more about igNIGHT, the park's new nighttime spectacular that will feature fireworks, special effects, live music and a storyline unique to the Windy City.

We also ask you guys about your "Opening Day" traditions.

Here in the United States, Spring Break is in full swing.  So that means that many of us are taking our first steps into the parks after a long winter hibernation.

It's a special moment when we first walk into our favorite theme park after so many months away.  Because of this, each of us has our own unique traditions and customs to mark the occasion.

We'll hear about listener's "interesting" ways to  celebrate the start of the season.

Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags America and a whole lot more!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.