CoasterRadio.com #648 - Season Six Finale

It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Memorial Day, the unofficial kickoff to summer.

Now, Labor Day weekend is upon us and the hot summer will soon turn to the chilly fall.

The end of the summer season also means the end of the sixth season of Coaster Radio.

To celebrate this memorable season, we're bringing our "in-park" shows to a whole new level.

This week, we podcast from not one, but TWO parks.

Mike Collins comes to us from America's Roller Coast, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.  EB comes to us from America's Friendliest Park, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana.

The guys look back on the past year of the show and look ahead to what's coming to theme parks in 2013.  This includes Gatekeeper at Cedar Point!  Mike will have an interview with a Cedar Point PR Representative to talk about what riders can expect from the new attraction.

The guys also have an idea about a certain celebrity that Cedar Point should invite to their Gatekeeper Media Day.

Plus, the guys will have in-depth reviews and stories from their visits to both parks.

It's two parks for the price of one, this week on the Original Theme Park Podcast!

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CoasterRadio.com #645 - Son of Beast: A Legend is Born

What makes a roller coaster legendary?

There are probably a lot of good answers to that question.

But when a roller coaster is dismantled before it has a chance to grow old, odds are is going to be talked about and remembered for a long time.

On this week's show, we talk about Kings Island's Son of Beast... a ride that is scheduled to be dismantled to make way for something new.

The ride was groundbreaking, but troubled.

However, over the next few years will it become legendary?  Will people remember it for being a better coaster than it actually was?

What other roller coasters shared a similar fate, but also went on garner "legendary" status?

We'll also hear from Mike about his trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  He tried out their Quick Queue system and finally had a chance to ride Mach Tower!

Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Michigan's Adventure plus a few surprise guests and drop-ins!

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CoasterRadio.com #635 - Cars Land Review and Insider Park Tips!

On the week's show, we have one of the first on-site reviews of the new CARS LAND at Disney California Adventure.

You'll hear about the rich detail of the new land as well as reviews of all three attractions!

And then we have a question for you.

If you took everyone who listened to the Coaster Radio podcast and put them in a giant room... what would you get?

EB might have a snarky comment here... but what you'd have is a huge collection of knowledge about theme parks all across the world.

I'd bet each of those people would have specific knowledge about certain parks they call home.

On this week's episode, we ask the audience to share their best tips for having a great time at their home park.

What rides should you visit first?  Which attractions should you skip?  What food is "must-eat?" What show is "must-see?"

It's also fascinating to listen to all of these tips and realize how many of them apply to parks everywhere.

We also take a look at the story of a teenager who dressed up as a famous Disney fairy while visiting  Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.  She was asked to change out of her costume because she looked too similar to the "real" thing.

Who's right in this situation?  Who's wrong? Did the media blow this way out of proportion for ratings?  We'll get to the bottom of it all.

PLUS, we have a Live Trip Report from Coney Island and more summertime news!

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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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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!

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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 #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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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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CoasterRadio.com #538 - Life in the "Fast Lane"

The ongoing trend in the amusement industry seems to be parks coming up with new ways for guests to skip the lines.

Some of the the line cutting systems are free and come with your admission.  But others are offered for an upcharge of $40 or $50.

On this week's episode, Mike and EB talk about the new "Fast Lane" option that just debuted at Kings Island.

The guys will discuss the pros and cons of the new service and what this might mean for other parks around the country.

Will the park experience that we know today change forever?

The guys also discuss their upcoming separate trips to Knoebels and Weiner Prater in Vienna, Austria.  Will Mike be brave enough to tackle the crazy Euro-rides?  And, EB just recently renewed his love affair with a classic carnival attraction!

Plus, a Live Trip Report from one of the most enchanting parks in the country! 

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CoasterRadio.com #537 - This or That?

On this week's episode of "The Original Theme Park Podcast" we ask the age old question...

"This or That?"

Throughout the past week, the Coaster Radio audience has been sending Mike and EB e-mails filled with tantalizing choices.

The e-mails contain choices between rides, choices between attractions and choices between parks.

It will be Mike and EB's job to make a decision for every choice offered and then defend that decision.

Some listeners have even come up with really bizarre choices that spark some furious debates and unavoidable controversies!

We also have news on the "Producer for a Day" Contest and one of the most unique Live Trip Reports ever! 

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CoasterRadio.com #526 - Are We In A Romantic Comedy?

When I'm putting together these blog posts, I always try to find an interesting photo to make you want to listen to the show.

This week, I present you with a picture Hugh Grant.  Listen to the show to figure out why he's relevant!

This week, the Coaster Radio audience steps up to the mike and tells us about what they believe are the most underrated roller coasters in the world.

We're talking about roller coasters that don't get any love from The Travel Channel, magazines and even from us here at the show.

You'll be pleasantly surprised at some of the suggestions listeners came up with!

We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Over Texas and an update on Theme Park Change!

Keep in mind, there is only one week left to donate!  We still need a lot of help to reach our goal.  So, if you haven't donated yet, don't wait!

To get you inspired to donate, we'll have a visit from a brand new friend!  (You won't want to miss this!) 

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CoasterRadio.com #523 - A Jam-Packed Show!

This week's show is so full of Coaster Radio goodness, it's almost enough for three whole shows!

There's so much going on, it's hard to decide where to begin!

How about we start with naming a winner in the "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest!  NPH is no stranger to winning awards.  So, it's fitting that he calls in to crown a winner in our latest contest.

Mike and EB were absolutely floored by the results.  Let's just say, NPH picked a darkhorse entry!

Next, after months in the planning stages, it's finally time to officially kick off our worldwide charity event -  "Theme Park Change!"

The goal is to encourage theme park fans across the globe to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity.

All of the proceeds from this year's event is going to an amazing organization, Project Angel Food.  To learn more about them, the guys are joined by Margaret Steele, Project Angel Food's CEO.

One you hear her interview, there won't be a question on whether or not you'll want to donate.  The good work this group does will make you want to reach for your wallet and join in the "Theme Park Change."

Please, check out the website! Anyone who donates $10 or more is automatically entered into a raffle where they can win one of dozens of excellent theme park prizes!

And of course, we appease the CoasterBoys in our audience with some good, interactive theme park talk!

This week, we talk about specific things missing from your specific home park.

CoasterRadio.com listeners from across the world have chimed in to let us know what rides, attractions and other aspects are missing from their local theme parks.

Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Busch Gardens Tampa!

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The "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest - WINNER!

Throughout the past month, we have been accepting entries into our "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest which is part of our ongoing "Neil Patrick Harris Project."

People from all over the world have been sending in photos of themselves at the park with NPH magically added-in.  The winner receives a one-day one park ticket to any park in the United States.

As a grand finale to the contest, Neil Patrick Harris himself called-in to the show and crowned a winner and three finalists!  You can listen to the segment below and see the winners he chose!

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to Neil for being such a good sport!

Listen to the segment with this flash player...

Fourth Place - Dave at Cedar Point

Third Place - Nick at The London Dungeon

Second Place - C-Pred at Six Flags Great America

First Place - Joel at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest - Dave and Neil at Cedar Point

We're not exactly sure what to make of this next entry into our contest, so we'd better just let Dave explain.

"I was at Cedar Point one day, and my friends were too chicken to join me on Power Tower.  So I was anticipating flying solo on this one.

But then out of nowhere, NPH shows up... Shirtless and with a sword no less???

Believe me I'm as puzzled as anyone, but let's be honest: There are few things more awesome than riding a drop ride with a sword.

Needless to say, it was a great ride with NPH."


We're surprised the ride ops let NPH on-board without a shirt AND with a loose article.  But it did make for a good picture.

If you want to participate in the fun, check out our blog post that explains everything you need to know about The Neil Patrick Harris Project and the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest!

Remember, the winner gets a one-day, one park pass to the theme park of their choice!

The "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest - Bobo and Neil at Cedar Point

Bobo T. Clown wrote in with this entry to the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest and said:

"You may notice in the picture, that Neil seems to have a death grip on the lap bar.

My little brother is sitting next to him and later said that Neil didn't actually get his hands into the air until the breaking run at the end of the ride!

While I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Harris and his work, my family and I feel that this is a major blow to his credibility as a coaster enthusiast.

I will admit that this shot was taken quite a while ago and Mr. Harris seems to have become more experienced with roller coasters in recent years.

However, I remain skeptical.  Sorry Neil."

He wrote back a few hours later and said:


"Just heard from Neil.  He says that he was testing the aerodynamic properties of his new goggles.  Having his arms up would have ruined the airflow and therefore the experiment.  Guess I can't argue with that."

Well done, Mr. Clown.

If you want to participate in the fun, check out our blog post that explains everything you need to know about The Neil Patrick Harris Project and the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest!

The David Arquette Project - Coastin' Steve Sports an Awesome T-Shirt

Our "Arquette Arithmetic" contest has been going on for awhile, but no one has done what Steve just accomplished.

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."

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!

CoasterRadio.com #449 - Disneyland Tips From A Pro!

Dreams do come true here at CoasterRadio.com! Just ask Travis.

A few months ago, he submitted this excellent entry into our "Being David Arquette" contest. We asked people to tape themselves recreating a scene from a David Arquette movie. The top prize was getting the chance to co-host an episode of the show with EB and Mike.

This week, his hard work pays off when he joins the show to give his top tips for an ultra-successful day at the Disneyland Resort in California. You'll be impressed with what this California native has to say!

The guys are also joined by a special guest who is in Paris, France to pave the way for Mike's visit to Disneyland Paris next week. Will he be as big a hit with the French people as C-Pain?

There's also a Live Trip Report from Cedar Point and the guys being back the infamous "Off Topic" segment! Can you believe that EB is actually building a chicken coop?

Plus, there's news on The David Arquette Project!

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Talk about this in the CoasterRadio.com Forums!

CoasterRadio.com #445 - Legendary Coasters

On this week's show, we get into a good, old-fashioned roller coaster discussion!

It's so good, even CoasterBoy would be proud!

The CoasterRadio.com audience steps up to the microphone to tell us about the most legendary roller coasters that are currently thrilling people every day at parks across the world.

They also tell us about the legendary coasters of the past as well.

It's interesting to hear the different opinions!

We also have a live trip report from Kings Dominion, from the top of their new Ferris Wheel!

It's all this week on CoasterRadio.com!

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The David Arquette Project - Will at Lake Compounce

I've said before that the "Arquette Arithmetic" image is of such fine quality, that it should be hanging in a museum somewhere.

I think that some people want to keep their copy of the artwork in such prinstine condition, that they would rather not bring it into the park with them.

This might be the case with Will, who provided this entry into our contest with a photo taken in the parking lot of Lake Compounce.

He does get points for adding some special artwork from the park! Well done!

Will also sent along this photo, taken in front of the mighty "Top Thrill Dragster." He wanted to remind all CoasterRadio.com listeners to "Respect the Thumb!"