Better Late Than Never....

We owe you guys an apology... because we totally slacked off on one of our contests.

Back in October, I was waiting for a flight in the San Francisco airport and I was looking at some fun costume ideas that listeners were sending in.

We were so inspired, we decided to give CoasterRadio.com listeners a chance to show off their Halloween costumes to the world while promoting our Twitter feed... @CoasterRadio, by the way.

We decided to turn the idea into a contest! It was the first CoasterRadio.com contest conducted on Twitter.

Anyway, we had some really good submissions... but as it often happens around here, we got distracted by producing the show.  Unfortunately, the contest got pushed to the backburner.

Before we knew it, it was Christmas!  Now it's 2012, and Halloween was more than two months ago!

But, I think it's always a good time to check out fun Halloween costumes.  So, here are some of our favorites!

RC Mayer channeled famous CoasterRadio.com character "Bob The Lobster"

Kerri's Daughter promoted our Twitter feed as a beautiful (but shy) princess.

DVO_Tron designed a suit and disc that really lit up!

Jonathan's son was the youngest contestant as a Bumblebee.

Wally (as a Ghostbuster) posed with his daughter for this cute photo.

Let us know who you think should win by voting below!  We'll announce a winner on the first show in February and send them some fun prizes.  Like we said... better late than never.

Twitter Halloween Costume Contest!

One of the things we learned by looking at the results of the online listener survey, was that many of you wanted to see more contests on the show.

We have some great ones coming up soon on the podcast, but we also have some that are designed solely for our listeners who follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Since it's Halloween weekend, we're unveiling our first Twitter-only contest today - and it's a costume contest (with a twist).

If you're heading out to a costume party this weekend or if you're taking your kids out Trick-or-Treating on Monday night, snap a picture of your costume and tweet it to us at @coasterradio. Use the hashtag #crcostumecontest too.

The catch is, you have to be holding up a sign that says "@COASTERRADIO".

That way, the jokers and CoasterBoys out there won't just tweet a cool costume photo they fine online.

And EB and I will be looking for clever fakes! Violators will be dealt with harshly!

The winner gets a top secret prize.  It's two tickets to a pretty cool location!

Have fun! And get your entries tweeted to us by Tuesday night!

CoasterRadio.com #604 - The Halloween Campfire Show!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Throughout the month of October, we've been getting in the spirit for the world's spookiest holiday by visiting the parks and other events to partake in their haunted mazes and attractions.

We've been stalked by demonic clowns and aggressive werewolves.  We've been chased by hungry zombies and thirsty vampires.  We've even had a few brushes with the paranormal... perhaps witnessing a ghostly apparition.

But now that the big day is here, everyone here at The Original Theme Park Podcast is ready to celebrate Halloween in a new way.

This week, EB and Mike start a new tradition on the show.  They tell creepy stories from some of the most popular and inventive haunted attractions in the United States.  These haunts use state-of-the-art technology to scare their guests, but more importantly, they also use engaging storylines to pull people into another world.

Using some "radio magic," the guys will pull YOU into the stories as well.

Plus, EB and Mike talk about some of their favorite tried and true haunt effects. AND, we have one of the most entertaining Live Trip Reports EVER!

It's all coming up on a very scary episode of CoasterRadio.com!

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

CoasterRadio.com #603 - Halloween is Almost Here!

We're just a few days away from one of our favorite holidays here at Coaster Radio... Halloween!

This week, we're going to celebrate early by talking with the owner of the World's Longest Indoor Haunted Attraction... The Factory of Terror in Canton, Ohio.

The Guinness Book of World Records recently certified that this amazing haunt has once again claimed this impressive distinction.

We'll find out what it takes to to put on a world-class haunt and what terrifying experiences visitors might encounter when they visit.

We'll also discuss the most recent promotion at Six Flags Over Georgia.  As part of their celebration of Fright Fest, visitors were invited to eat a live Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.  If they succesfully ate the bug, they won a Season Pass.

EB and Mike talk about what it would take to get them to eat a roach and then get to the bottom of finding out who came up with this unique idea.

Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from a popular California Haunted Attraction and we find out how we're doing in the voting for the 2011 Podcast Awards!

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

Tales from Halloween Haunts

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

When Andy Williams sang that song, he was talking about the winter holiday season.  But I use those words to describe all of the fun events surrounding Halloween!

I'm sure that you guys have been heading out to your local parks each weekend to hit up their Halloween events.  Some of you might even be going to stand-alone haunts where the terror and fear is bumped up a few notches.

For our Halloween show, we want to hear from you about the unique storylines on display at a haunt you've visited recently.

Psychologically, a haunt is most effective when the designers can suck you in to a story that you ultimately become a part of.

So, we'd like you to tell us the story of your favorite haunt... just as if we were all sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and making S'mores!

Send us your answers to us by Tuesday, October 18th at 9pm 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 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 #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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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.

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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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.

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!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

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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!

CoasterRadio.com #501 - The House at Haunted Hill

"The House at Haunted Hill" is one of the best
home haunts anywhere!

Season 5 of Coaster Radio.com is here!

AND... It's EB and Mike's favorite time of year, Halloween!

This week, the guys interview Matt Ford.  he's the creative genius behind "The House at Haunted Hill," an amazing Halloween show in Southern California.

The great thing about the show is that it's not located at a theme park or at some commercial venue.  Matt, along with his family and friends, have created this amazing experience at his home!

You'll hear the details behind this innovative home haunt and how it was inspired by Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.  You'll also hear how some Disney theme park voice talent came on board to make "The House at Haunted Hill" even more special.

EB and Mike also will fill you in on some changes to both the podcast and the website for Season 5.  There's also big news about "The David Arquette Project" and our "Arquette Arithmetic" contest!

Plus, EB will fill you in on the behind the scenes story about how his son Mark won Holiday World's "#1 Fan Contest!"

LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Direct Podcast Link

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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!

What do you look for in a Halloween Haunt?

You need the right mix of fear and fun for a good event!

The Fall season is upon us and that means that the parks are unveiling their Halloween events.

It's always interesting to see what the parks dream up for this time of year.  Some parks go for the all out gore, while others opt for a more family friendly fare.

We want to know what you look for in a great Halloween Haunt?

What do you absolutely expect to see when you're at a park's Halloween event?

Is it possible for a park to go to far in the scare factor?

Let us know by leaving a comment here on the blog!

CoasterRadio.com #410 - Halloween

EB & Mike celebrate "All Hallows Eve" by talking about some of the best Halloween events across the US.

They also play some audio from inside the "scare zones." You'll think the chainsaw wielding maniacs are right behind you!

The guys also talk about the storylines behind some of the more creative haunts and how local urban legends make for the best attractions.

They'll also reveal your ideas for theme park attractions based on the best horror films ever.

Plus, EB and Mike go "Off Topic" to talk about EB's Mystery Novel and Mike's puzzlement over a "Nostradamus Halloween Scam" used to pick up college girls.

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

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.
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Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

Talk about this episode in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.

CoasterRadio.com #409

We're just a about a week away from Halloween!

EB and Mike talk about your ideas for theme park attractions that could easily be given a "Halloween Makeover".

Since we're on the topic of Halloween themed rides, a Coaster Radio listener calls in with an in-depth review of Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy at Disneyland.

The guys also talk about how Cedar Point's Demon Drop is headed to Knott's Berry Farm in California. Can a ride from the 1980's be a hit? Or will Knott's need to have a few tricks up their sleeves to make it all work. EB and Mike have some ideas for them.

Plus, there's word out of Florida that a costumed family was denied entry to Busch Gardens Tampa. Was it fair? Or was the park going to far?

The guys also go "Off Topic" to discuss Ghost Hunting and the saga of the "Balloon Boy."

Plus, there are several off-track tangents about Fonzie, the movie Scream and of course... The David Arquette Project!

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

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.
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Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

Talk about this episode in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.

Your Ideal Haunted Theme Park Attraction

Halloween is almost upon us and it's a great time for spooky or errie attractions.

Theme park rides like the Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios are perfectly suited for this time of year.

But some parks are taking normal attractions and giving them a Halloween overlay.

For instance, Disney has turned Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom into Ghost Galaxy, complete with a new soundtrack and spooky new effects.

On our last show, we asked you to put on your Imagineering hat and come up with a Halloween theme for an attraction or ride that already exists.

It could be anything, but make sure to describe it in full and make sure it's fun too!

Give it your best shot and we'll talk about it on this week''s show.

You can call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360, e-mail us your idea or let us know in this forum topic!

CoasterRadio.com #407

EB and Mike do a "time machine" show and talk about how minimum wage affects theme park employees.

The guys also talk about their Halloween "Backyard Imagineering" before being rudely cut off by a technical difficulty.

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

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Talk about this episode in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.

Travis is at Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy at Disneyland, CA

Congrats Travis! You're the first person to send in a photo from a Halloween attraction!

Who's next?

A Last-Second Halloween Costume Idea!

http://flickr.com/photos/13194817@N00/63581730