CoasterRadio.com - Theme Park Blog and Podcast: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

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Friday, February 03, 2012

CoasterRadio.com #618 - The Live Trip Report Show

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!"

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Close-Up Look at Verbolten

Here is a video we edited (courtesy of Busch Gardens) of the final track piece of Verbolten being installed.

This is shaping up to be a pretty cool ride! The video shows some new angles that we haven't seen yet. There look to be a lot of fun twists and turns... especially in the "forbidden forest!"

I'm excited about the high level of theme that Larry talks about.

I also like how the finale is essentially a nod to the best part of The Big Bad Wolf.

This could be a major hit for 2012 and beyond!

Thursday, December 08, 2011

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)

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

Friday, November 11, 2011

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!

Thursday, September 01, 2011

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!

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

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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!!!

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

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

CoasterRadio.com #528 - A Fresh Start

There's a great reason for this picture!

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!

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

Thursday, February 10, 2011

CoasterRadio.com #516 - A Fantastic Facebook February Food Frenzy

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 Bevil from 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 talk about the proposed Orlando Thrill Park, New Fantasyland and the Cinderella Castle Projection Show at the Magic Kingdom. Plus, we'll discuss the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kindom and Star Wars II.

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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.

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

Thursday, October 28, 2010

CoasterRadio.com #503 - Sweep The Leg, Mikey!

Is that really Mike Collins? Or is that Johnny from "The Karate Kid?"

Halloween week is here!

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!

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