Thursday, February 27, 2014
CoasterRadio.com #817 - Off Season Update: Goliath, Impulse, Banshee and More
Download the mp3 of this podcast
THIS WEEK:
* Fantastic changes to Six Flags Great America's Goliath
* Knoebels interesting new attraction for 2015, IMPULSE.
* A tease of next week's Interactive Question.
* Jon and Kevin interview Kings Island PR Manager Don Helbig about Banshee.
* A Live Trip Report from Disney California Adventure.
* EB successfully creates his first No Limits rollercoaster
* A tribute to an important figure in our lives.
* Plus, a whole lot more!
WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
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• Click here to subscribe via RSS
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If you liked this episode, head to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!
FEEDBACK + PROMOTION
You can ask your questions, make comments and be part of the show!
• Download the FREE CoasterRadio.com App for iOS (you can call the show directly from the app)
• Call 206-339-3360
• Email: feedback@coasterradio.com
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The Hottest and Coldest of 2014
By Dave Voskuhl
I'm guessing by now you've listened to Mike and EB's Hot or Not show, covering various topics in the amusement industry that are on the fence for a lot of us enthusiasts.
For the record, I really want a mobile space shot ride.
Anyway, I think it Hot or Not is a pretty good idea, and I figured I'd throw together a list of what I think are the hottest and coldest things in the industry right now.
But please keep in mind that this is just my personal perception, so if you're not a nerdy coaster boy from the arctic tundra-- I mean, suburban Chicago--then feel free to throw these opinions to the curb.
HOT: Rocky Mountain Coaster Company/Alan Schilke
What can you say about Rocky Mountain, other than they're quite literally re-defining coasters as we know them. I think everyone shared the same reaction when they first saw pictures of the overbanks and double-barrel roll on Outlaw Run. And now it seems like Six Flags can't empty their pockets fast enough to get more Rocky Mountain coasters. Behind the scenes is Alan Schilke. Who is Alan Schilke, you may ask? He's one of the minds behind coasters such as X (now X2) at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Iron Rattler, New Texas Giant, and Outlaw Run. The man is a true innovator, and it seems like his work is only getting better.
HOT: Starflyers
I've got a wacky idea. Let's take what was previously a tame family ride, and raise it 400 feet in the air! Windseekers were already kind of creepy to me. You're spinning on a single metal arm, that's pivoting on a steel pin with 300 feet of sky between you and the ground. Now take away that steel arm and replace it with chains? I haven't experienced a Starflyer yet, and I would definitely ride one. But wow these things look terrifying, and they're popping up quite frequently any more.
HOT: Verrukt, Schlitterbahn Kansas City
Speaking of terrifying... I'm not sure what's a higher number: the amount of stairs to climb atop this absurd structure, or the number of times I'd have to re-consider before getting aboard one of those rafts. I'm all for tall roller coasters. But let's be honest. If this thing was a coaster, it'd have an over-the-shoulder restraint with a seatbelt to boot. Instead we'll be zooming down a slippery slide with nothing but open air and a few short walls around us. How long until water slides become scarier than coasters?
HOT: Coaster Clubs on Media Days
I think Cedar Fair is onto something here. Last year they drew a packed house for their Gatekeeper media day by opening it up to card-carrying members of Coaster Clubs. Sure, they provided food for a lot more heads as a result. But they also received immense amounts of instant, and free, publicity thanks to social media. Now Kings Island is following suit, and I would assume that future events will take place at other parks.
NOT: Wing Riders
Hear me out here. I know we've seen 3 brand new ones in the States in the last few years, and people seem to like them. I've been on all three, and they're certainly fun rides. But honestly I don't get the gimmick. Sitting outside of the track is kind of neat I guess. But I'd rather hang below it on a nice invert to get that feeling of openness. In my mind, watching the trains careen through the course from the ground is one of the bigger perks of these rides.
NOT: Silly Marketing Gimmicks
I had to address this one, having grown up in Cincinnati. So Kings Island will always be my true home park. With that said, come on, Kings Island. The first female-inspired coaster? Banshee will be a world-class B&M Invert. The coaster markets itself. Also, does that make Rita: Queen of Speed an unfortunately-named male coaster?
On that note I'll wrap this up. The amusement industry is ever-changing, and every year we see new trends developing. In my mind (as described above), some are better than others. Regardless of the trends, a new park addition is almost always a good thing-- unless, of course, that thing is a Topple Tower.
I'm guessing by now you've listened to Mike and EB's Hot or Not show, covering various topics in the amusement industry that are on the fence for a lot of us enthusiasts.
For the record, I really want a mobile space shot ride.
Anyway, I think it Hot or Not is a pretty good idea, and I figured I'd throw together a list of what I think are the hottest and coldest things in the industry right now.
But please keep in mind that this is just my personal perception, so if you're not a nerdy coaster boy from the arctic tundra-- I mean, suburban Chicago--then feel free to throw these opinions to the curb.
HOT: Rocky Mountain Coaster Company/Alan Schilke
What can you say about Rocky Mountain, other than they're quite literally re-defining coasters as we know them. I think everyone shared the same reaction when they first saw pictures of the overbanks and double-barrel roll on Outlaw Run. And now it seems like Six Flags can't empty their pockets fast enough to get more Rocky Mountain coasters. Behind the scenes is Alan Schilke. Who is Alan Schilke, you may ask? He's one of the minds behind coasters such as X (now X2) at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Iron Rattler, New Texas Giant, and Outlaw Run. The man is a true innovator, and it seems like his work is only getting better.
HOT: Starflyers
I've got a wacky idea. Let's take what was previously a tame family ride, and raise it 400 feet in the air! Windseekers were already kind of creepy to me. You're spinning on a single metal arm, that's pivoting on a steel pin with 300 feet of sky between you and the ground. Now take away that steel arm and replace it with chains? I haven't experienced a Starflyer yet, and I would definitely ride one. But wow these things look terrifying, and they're popping up quite frequently any more.
HOT: Verrukt, Schlitterbahn Kansas City
Speaking of terrifying... I'm not sure what's a higher number: the amount of stairs to climb atop this absurd structure, or the number of times I'd have to re-consider before getting aboard one of those rafts. I'm all for tall roller coasters. But let's be honest. If this thing was a coaster, it'd have an over-the-shoulder restraint with a seatbelt to boot. Instead we'll be zooming down a slippery slide with nothing but open air and a few short walls around us. How long until water slides become scarier than coasters?
HOT: Coaster Clubs on Media Days
I think Cedar Fair is onto something here. Last year they drew a packed house for their Gatekeeper media day by opening it up to card-carrying members of Coaster Clubs. Sure, they provided food for a lot more heads as a result. But they also received immense amounts of instant, and free, publicity thanks to social media. Now Kings Island is following suit, and I would assume that future events will take place at other parks.
NOT: Wing Riders
Hear me out here. I know we've seen 3 brand new ones in the States in the last few years, and people seem to like them. I've been on all three, and they're certainly fun rides. But honestly I don't get the gimmick. Sitting outside of the track is kind of neat I guess. But I'd rather hang below it on a nice invert to get that feeling of openness. In my mind, watching the trains careen through the course from the ground is one of the bigger perks of these rides.
NOT: Silly Marketing Gimmicks
I had to address this one, having grown up in Cincinnati. So Kings Island will always be my true home park. With that said, come on, Kings Island. The first female-inspired coaster? Banshee will be a world-class B&M Invert. The coaster markets itself. Also, does that make Rita: Queen of Speed an unfortunately-named male coaster?
On that note I'll wrap this up. The amusement industry is ever-changing, and every year we see new trends developing. In my mind (as described above), some are better than others. Regardless of the trends, a new park addition is almost always a good thing-- unless, of course, that thing is a Topple Tower.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
CoasterRadio.com #816 - Falcon's Fury and Theme Park Smarts
Download the mp3 of this podcast
THIS WEEK:
*A Robot Theme Park is on the way
* You will soon be able to live in a closed theme park.
* The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train constructions walls are coming down.
* Six Flags wants your fingerprints and a listener likes it.
* A Live Trip Report from Sea World San Antonio
* An interview with Jeff Hornick, the Director of Design and Enginnering at Busch Gardens Tampa. He tells us about what we can expect from Falcon's Fury - their new drop tower for 2014.
* The return of our original game show THEME PARK SMARTS!
* Plus, a whole lot more!
WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
• Click here to subscribe via iTunes
• Click here to subscribe via RSS
• You can also subscribe via Stitcher
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
We’d love it if you could please share CoasterRadio.com with your twitter followers. Click here to post a tweet!
If you liked this episode, head to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!
FEEDBACK + PROMOTION
You can ask your questions, make comments and be part of the show!
• Download the FREE CoasterRadio.com App for iOS (you can call the show directly from the app)
• Call 206-339-3360
• Email: feedback@coasterradio.com
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
THIS WEEK:
*A Robot Theme Park is on the way
* You will soon be able to live in a closed theme park.
* The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train constructions walls are coming down.
* Six Flags wants your fingerprints and a listener likes it.
* A Live Trip Report from Sea World San Antonio
* An interview with Jeff Hornick, the Director of Design and Enginnering at Busch Gardens Tampa. He tells us about what we can expect from Falcon's Fury - their new drop tower for 2014.
* The return of our original game show THEME PARK SMARTS!
* Plus, a whole lot more!
WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
• Click here to subscribe via iTunes
• Click here to subscribe via RSS
• You can also subscribe via Stitcher
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
We’d love it if you could please share CoasterRadio.com with your twitter followers. Click here to post a tweet!
If you liked this episode, head to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!
FEEDBACK + PROMOTION
You can ask your questions, make comments and be part of the show!
• Download the FREE CoasterRadio.com App for iOS (you can call the show directly from the app)
• Call 206-339-3360
• Email: feedback@coasterradio.com
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Theme Parks are Romantic… For Everyone
With Valentines Day happening last week, love is still in the air.
(Although, it could be just the smell of hot sweat from the guy standing in front of you in line.)
While most of the regional parks are closed, here are some great tips what you can use when going on that hot date to your favorite theme/amusement park.
I apologize in advance for how cheesy these might be.
• Matching shirt - Go to your park, ride a favorite ride, and than get matching shirts of the ride. Then you have something that you can wear the rest of the day, as well as during future trips to the park together. You might get weird stares from other guests in the park, but it's well worth it.
• Buy a Fastpass (or whatever you local park calls it) - Splurge a little. Than you can get to all the rides and not have to worry about waiting in line. While on a date, you want to make sure you are making it memorable, so why make memories about waiting in a queue? Cut the line and have more time doing things you love… Like riding coasters.
• Buy your significant other something without them knowing - There is always something special when you surprise your partner with something that they were not expecting. Even if it’s something as cheesy as a balloon, dinner or a mug, its something that they will remember that you went out of your way to make some magic of your own.
• Finally, Nighttime Spectaculars - This is really the icing on the cake for any date. If your park has some kind of fireworks show, make sure you stay and watch it. Get a prime viewing location, hold your significant other close and enjoy the moment. Nothing is more magical than being with someone special and watching them light up with the night sky.
(I warned you this article would be cheesy.)
So in short, theme parks can be some of the most romantic places around. You get to do something you love (riding roller coasters) with the person you love. It’s a special place that can be the main ingredient of a date you will never forget!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
CoasterRadio.com #815 - No Fear for No Limits
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THIS WEEK:
* We talk with the Lead 3D Artist for No Limits 2, Tom Zeliff.
* He tells us about the extraordinary coaster simulator the pros use.
* We also dig into the our mailbag to answer your questions.
* Topics include, a Valentine's Day Haunted House and a really scary drop ride.
* And what was Tom Hanks doing at Six Flags Magic Mountain this week?
* Plus, a whole lot more!
WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
• Click here to subscribe via iTunes
• Click here to subscribe via RSS
• You can also subscribe via Stitcher
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
We’d love it if you could please share CoasterRadio.com with your twitter followers. Click here to post a tweet!
If you liked this episode, head to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!
FEEDBACK + PROMOTION
You can ask your questions, make comments and be part of the show!
• Download the FREE CoasterRadio.com App for iOS (you can call the show directly from the app)
• Call 206-339-3360
• Email: feedback@coasterradio.com
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
CoasterRadio.com #814 - Rant Mode: On - You're Destroying My Park!
Download the mp3 of this podcast
THIS WEEK:
* We talk with journalist Seth Kubersky about Diagon Alley!
* He tells us what we can expect from the new area opening at Universal Orlando
* Some details about the new ride have already been posted.
*Interactive Topic - What is ruining the theme park experience for you?
* A Live Trip Report from "El Loco" at the Adventuredome in Las Vegas
* Plus, a whole lot more!
WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
• Click here to subscribe via iTunes
• Click here to subscribe via RSS
• You can also subscribe via Stitcher
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
We’d love it if you could please share CoasterRadio.com with your twitter followers. Click here to post a tweet!
If you liked this episode, head to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!
FEEDBACK + PROMOTION
You can ask your questions, make comments and be part of the show!
• Download the FREE CoasterRadio.com App for iOS (you can call the show directly from the app)
• Call 206-339-3360
• Email: feedback@coasterradio.com
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Monday, February 03, 2014
What is destroying the park experience for you?
Some might even say it's a religious experience.
So, people tend to take it personally when changes are made to their favorite pastime.
On this week's show, we have a fun interactive topic that will delve into this theory.
We want you to pick the one thing that you feel parks are doing to destroy the experience for you.
It could be anything.
Maybe it's the new FastPass+ system. Maybe it's new policies regarding your favorite rides. Maybe it's price increases. Maybe it's the perks (or lack of perks) that come with your season pass.
It's one of our patented "complainey" shows! Be a part of it!
Here's how to participate! Send your topic by Tuesday, February 4th at 8:00pm EST though one of these ways:
* E-mail us your answer by using the address over on the right,
* Write on our Facebook Page,
* Tweet us at @CoasterRadio
* Use our Contact Page!
* Call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360