CoasterRadio.com #646 - Disney Super-Stereo On-Ride Audio

When you're riding a really good theme park attraction, it's a true treat for the senses.

You're being bombarded with visual imagery, scents, tactile sensations and immersive soundtracks.

On this week's episode of the Original Theme Park Podcast, we're going isolate one of those senses and focus on what you hear when riding some of the world's best theme park attractions.

You'll want to grab a pair of stereo headphones, because we're going to put you right in the middle of four of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Once you don your headsets, you'll feel like you're in the creaky old elevator at the Hollywood Tower Hotel aboard "Tower of Terror."

Then, we'll strap you into a handglider as you fly over some of  California's greatest landmarks in "Soarin'"

Next, we'll travel with C-3PO and R2-D2 aboard "Star Tours" Flight 1401 as we are persued by Darth Vader and Jango Fett.

Finally, we'll take a ride on "Pirates of the Caribbean" at the Magic Kingdom and hear how the Imagineers seamless blended music and sound effects as we travel from scene to scene.

We'll also have a "Live Trip Report" from Knotts Berry Farm, plus a whole lot more!

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CoasterRadio.com #640 - Denise, Stacey and the Orange Shirt Girl

A favorite spot for a solo traveler.

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!

Back in February, Tom from Louisville did a great job producing his episode... "The Live Trip Report Show."

This week, the second of those winners is stepping up to the plate to see if she has what it takes to live up to the pressure of producing a crazy podcast like this.

Stacey and Walt

This week, Mike and EB are joined by Denise from Virginia along with Stacey from Michigan.  The two will give the female perspective on going to Walt Disney World alone.

The girls will talk about everything from dining and riding alone to possibly getting hit on by the International Cast Members at EPCOT.

They'll also talk about some of the hidden gems in the Disney Parks that you can usually only find if you are there alone.

We also have a Live Trip Report from Kings Dominion and Intimidator 305, an update on The CoasterRadio.com Olympics AND we have the World Premiere of C-Pain's Summertime Hit for 2012 - Orange Shirt Girl!

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CoasterRadio.com #639 - Sorcerers and Superman

We're back with a jam-packed, all-new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!

This week, we talk about Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's new roller coaster "Superman: Ultimate Flight!"

It may last less than 60-seconds, but what it lacks in ride time it makes up for by being unique.  The new ride includes multi-directional launches, several non-inverting loops and a barrel-roll at 150 feet in the air! (That's one of the tallest inversions in the world!)

As a bonus to this week's audio podcast, the guys have also produced a video podcast that shows you footage of the new ride along with some "Coaster Commentary!"

The guys also discuss Mike's trip to Walt Disney World.

Mike had a chance to try out the new "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom" interactive game. Is it work trying out the next time you're in Orlando?  Mike will let us know!

Mike also recorded some on-board audio while riding "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad" and "Space Mountain" at the Magic Kingdom.  Be sure to wear your headphones while listening... you'll feel like you're there with him!

Plus, we also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure and news about the CoasterRadio.com Olympics!

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CoasterRadio.com #637 - The 2012 Sparktacular Exploosioloosa! (Video)

We have a lot of traditions here at CoasterRadio.com. But one of our favorites happens every year at this time.

Back in 2005, we shot off Fireworks during the show to celebrate America's Independance Day. Flava got the microphone as close to the sparks and flames as he could... and a tradition was born.

Every year since, we have marked America's Birthday with this colorful (and very loud) tradition.

A few years ago, we gave the celebration a name... The CoasterRadio.com Sparktacular Exploosioloosa!"

And this year, we have produced a video podcast so you can see and hear the action!

Plus, we have Fireworks footage from Illuminations at EPCOT and Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

It's shaping up to be the greatest "Sparktacular Exploosioloosa' ever!

CoasterRadio.com #634 - AJ from The Disney Food Blog

For this week's show, we hope you brought your appetites.

Because we're going to talk about some of the greatest places on earth to eat and drink... Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Some of the most renowned chefs on earth work at the various Disney Resorts... cooking up tasty dishes and unbelievable pastries to tempt the theme park tourist.

To help us with our Culinary Conversation, we'll be joined by AJ, the creator of the preeminent place to learn about Dining at Disney, The Disney Food Blog.

Every week, AJ and her team of writers check out what's tasty and new at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.  They've uncovered so much information, they've included it all in a series of e-books! (You've got to check them out!!!)

Plus, we'll get into a debate on whether or not Disney should sell alcoholic beverages in their parks.  Not just in EPCOT and California Adventure, but ALL THE PARKS.

Would you like to have a tasty cocktail while walking through Adventureland?  You might be surprised at how some listeners answered that question.

We''ll also have a Live Trip Report from Hollywood Nights at Holiday World and a visit from the unruliest guest to ever visit Disneyland!

It's all this week on an all-new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast! (DING!) 

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Interactive Experiences and Games at the Parks

One of my favorite things to do at EPCOT these days is to play the "Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure."

Sure, I feel a little self-conscious playing a game that was essentially designed for kids, but I am noticing that more and more adults are playing too.

Basically, you get a device called a "Kimmunicator" (which is essentially a Verizon Flip-Phone) so that Kim and her friends can guide you around the different EPCOT countries to help them fight crime.

The best part of the adventure is that your actions actually case things to happen all around World Showcase.

For instance, Molly and I were playing in Germany and were told to activate our "Kimmunicator" when we reached the giant glockenspiel.  Once we pressed the button, the clock came alive to reveal the next clue for the game.

It was a lot of fun to play a game where we had control over giant EPCOT icons.

Imagineers also did an excellent job blending the interactive props into the existing World Showcase architecture.

Disney is currently testing a similar experience over at the Magic Kingdom that looks even more exciting. 

The Orlando Sentinel has an excellent article about "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom," which is the next generation of this type of interactive experience.  It looks to be more involved and have more interactive options than Kim Possible at EPCOT.

My question is, why haven't we seen these types of experiences at other locations around the country?

To me, this seems like a slam dunk for museums.  One of the best ways to educate people is to tick them into learning while they're playing a game.  Imagine if there was an interactive treasure hunt that took you all over the American History Museum.

I could even see this working at a shopping mall.  The game could take players to strategic places in the mall where they where would find clues for the game (and undoubtedly spend money too!)  It might even provide a return on the investment within a year.

Anyway, I'm excited to get down to Orlando and play "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom."  Hopefully we'll see similar experiences at entertainment venues outside of Florida as well!

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!!!

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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!

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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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CoasterRadio.com #520 - 2011 Listener Questions Show - Part 1

We've been doing this crazy podcast since April of 2005... that's a long time!  So, there aren't many "firsts" on the show these days.

But, in an effort to continue to be one of the most interactive podcasts out there, we're adding a new element to our annual Listener Question Show.

This week, for the first time ever, we're taking your live phone calls!

Many members of the Coaster Radio audience joined us during our "live look-in" webcast where people could watch the show being produced.  Listeners were able to call-in to the show and make this year's edition of the Listener Question Show one of the best ever!

In addition to the live questions, we'll be joined by Derek and Trisha, a couple in Southern California who are making their way to Walt Disney World in Orlando next week.  They have agreed to wear Bride and Groom Mickey Ears to test our theory that anyone wearing those "Magical Caps" will get a ton of freebies (even if they aren't exactly newlyweds!)

Join us to find out what to expect in The Newlywed Game: The Trip of Lies!

Plus, we'll have some news on the NPH Project and an update on the "Day at the Park with Neil" contest.  Don't forget, you only have one more week to enter! The contest ends Thursday, March 17th!

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CoasterRadio.com #506 - Soarin' With Morgan!

Imagine that you were a theme park designer with access to an unlimited budget.

As you began to design rides for your park, you'd probably want to enlist the help of some major celebrities to provide the voices behind your rides.

On this week's show, we gave our listeners a virtual blank check and asked them to match their favorite celebrity with their favorite theme park ride.

We received some very hilarious combinations!

Also, the guys will discuss a new driving simulator from Lexus and how it might be converted into the greatest dark ride system ever!  Will we see an attraction like this within the next five years?

Plus, there is MAJOR news this week in "The Neil Patrick Harris" Project.  CoasterRadio.com has had several milestones over the years, but the 6:43 mark in this week's show might be one of the greatest ones of all!

If that doesn't make you want to take a listen, I don't know what will.

We also have a live trip report from a very odd spot in Carowinds and one of our favorite characters makes a surprise appearance to talk sports.

It's all this week on CoasterRadio.com!


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CoasterRadio.com #505 - Uncle Walt Had the Right Idea!

The original theme park podcast is back with a brand new episode!

Back in 1954, Walt Disney had a weekly television show on the ABC Network where he unveiled his plans for Disneyland.

Not only did it help finance his park, but it also got people all over the country excited to make the trip to California to see it in person.

This week, EB and Mike talk about whether not it would be a good idea to bring this style of TV show back to television.

What would a show like this look like?  What parks could you broadcast from?  Would anyone watch?

The guys also take a look at a video showing what Six Flags New Orleans looks like five years after Hurricane Katrina.  They talk about what it would take to get them to set foot on the property and why we're fascinated by videos like this.

There's also news with The Neil Patrick Harris Project.  This week, it was announced that NPH is the new "Launch Voice" behind California Screamin' at Disneyland!  The guys also announce a holiday project where listeners can help get the attention of Mr. Harris.

Plus, you'll hear a live trip report from EPCOT's World Showcase and the story of Mike's failed attempt to get to Disneyland last weekend!

It's all on this week's new episode of CoasterRadio.com!

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CoasterRadio.com #436 - Live from the Magic Kingdom

The Original Theme Park Podcast is back..... With a Live Remote!

OK, OK... it's a podcast, so it's not technically live.

BUT, this week EB mans the show from our studios in Indiana while Mike checks in from right outside Space Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Mike is joined by longtime Coaster Radio host Greg K. and the two brothers talk about their "Brothers Reunion" trip to Orlando.

They'll talk about their visit to EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and even drop a few hints about what happened at The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

EB also plays a live trip report from "El Toro" at Six Flags Great Adventure and he even poses a question to C-Pain.

Make sure to join us next week as we unveil what happened when Mike auditioned for The American Idol Experience at Disney. It's a great story!

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CoasterRadio.com #413 - Bringing the Park Home

This week, EB and Mike tackle H1N1 in the parks. Is the outbreak affecting the amusement industry? Or is it not turning out to be the panic inducing event everyone feared?

The guys also talk about having a piece of theme park history in your home. There are a ton of places to buy theme park artifacts.... everything from Disney resort shower curtains to full size attraction vehicles. But how much would you spend to take a part of the park home with you?

There's also discussion about possible CoasterRadio.com contest ideas. Will the "Reel Design" Contest return?

EB and Mike also go "Off Topic" to talk about owning full-size arcade games and the introduction of Google Wave.

Plus, there's a possible lead in The David Arquette Project!

If you haven't subscribed to the podcast, now's the time to sign up!

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The Best Yard Sale Ever!

I was checking out Holiday World's excellent HoliBlog today and I noticed that they are having a yard sale!

Actually, on Saturday they are having a "surplus auction" where they are going to be offering dozens of used items to the highest bidder.

Most of the items are industrial... things like stainless steel sinks and cash registers.

But there are a few interesting items that a theme park fan might be interested in.

For instance, how would you like to own some surplus decorations from the station of "The Voyage?"

Or, maybe you'd like to have a bumper boat in your backyard?

Perhaps you once played in the Kid's Castle and you'd like to have a piece of it at your own home?

Anyway, it seems like a fun opportunity to own a former piece of the park.

Over the years, I've seen different online opportunities where parks were selling roller coaster trains, attraction vehicles, Skee Ball machines or even gigantic attraction signs.

Actually, this Disney Surplus site has many items like that. Who wouldn't want an original Horizons Attraction Vehicle!

Do you own any theme park surplus items? If not, what would you like to buy and have at your home?

Talk about it in the CoasterRadio.com Forums!

CoasterRadio.com #408

Mike is back from Walt Disney World and has stories from all over the resort.

He also has a full review of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at The Magic Kingdom.

There are also stories from the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival and tons of audio clips from all four Disney theme parks.

Also, EB has new Spring vacation plans and the guys continue their discussion about Backyard Imagineering for Halloween.

Plus, more info about the progress of The David Arquette Project!

If you haven't subscribed to the podcast, now's the time to sign up!

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Live Updates from Walt Disney World!

We're going to take a break from the regular podcast this week to bring you live updates from The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!

Starting Wednesday night and going all the way through Sunday, we'll be updating the Twitter feed and our blog with images and audio from the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and the rest of WDW.

If you're not following us on Twitter yet, now's the time to start! The majority of the content this week will be there.

Twitter is also the preferred way to contact us with any picture requests, but you can also e-mail us too. (The e-mail address is over there on the right!)

We'll be back with a new podcast on Thursday, October 15th!

Until then, enjoy the updates from Orlando!

Tales from the Parks - Moon Over Spaceship Earth

One of my favorite attractions at EPCOT is Spaceship Earth. I love that it's a long, totally enclosed dark ride that entertains as it educates. I also find it amazing because the ride actually takes place inside the giant icon of the park.

On our last trip to Walt Disney World, Molly and I took a spin on the recently upgraded version of Spaceship Earth. We had heard about a few new scenes, a few new audio-animatronic figures and a new voiceover from Dame Judy Dench.

But the thing I was most interested to see was the new interactive section of the ride where you get your picture taken and the get see what the future looks like with you in it.

As we waited in the queue line, I noticed a few unruly teenagers behind me. They were whispering and laughing and it totally looked like they were plotting something. But I figured it couldn't be too bad since their dad was with them.

Anyway, Molly and I boarded our "time machine" and got ready for the ride. As we made our way up into the geosphere, we had our pictures taken for the finale of the ride.

As soon as we passed the picture area, I heard a roar of laughter behind us. I shifted in my seat and turned around to see what was going on.... and what I saw shocked me.

Both teenage kids were standing up in their omnimover....had both dropped their pants...and were both mooning the Spaceship Earth camera.

I wonder how many times a day this happens? I wonder if the pictures of their asses were used in the "snapshot of the future"? I wonder where the hell their dad was and why he let them get away with that?

Talk about this in the CoasterRadio.com forums.

An Imagineering attraction... about Imagineering?

Word got out the other day about how Walt Disney World is doing some construction work on the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT.

I’ve always thought that the attractions there have been pretty good. I especially liked all of the interactive “Image Works” exhibits.

But what surprises me is that Disney Imagineering has not developed an attraction based on Disney Imagineering. It seems to me like this pavilion at EPCOT would be the perfect place to do it.

I don’t know the names of the people who create attractions for Cedar Fair, Busch Gardens, Six Flags or even Universal. But we do know that the people who create attractions for Disney Parks have a unique name created by Walt Disney himself…. Imagineers.

So I think it would be completely appropriate to have some type of attraction based upon the ideas and principals of WDI. I suppose they did this a few years ago when they had the “Imagineering Labs” at EPCOT. Here, you could test out some of the latest WDI innovations such as Aladdin’s Virtual Reality Flying Carpets.

But that attraction didn’t give anyone an insight into what it’s like to be an imagineer. Actually, it just gave me motion sickness.

Here’s my idea….

What better way to celebrate Imagination then by giving people a chance to somehow participate in the Imagineering process. Imagine giving people the opportunity to create an engaging storyline and then tell the story with some type of ride system… sort of like Cyberspace Mountain at DisneyQuest.

This attraction would be entertaining, interactive and most importantly… educational.

What do you think? Join our discussion on this topic in our fourms.