CoasterRadio.com #633 - CoasterRadio.com Strikes Back!

This week's episode is sort-of a sequel to last week's show.

And, in the tradition of Star Wars, we've given this episode a very special title.

Last week, we got into a big discussion about the relationship between George Lucas and the Walt Disney Company.

We wondered why Disney hasn't done whatever it needs to get Mr. Lucas to agree to building a gigantic (Potter-defeating) land or park based on the Star Wars empire.

On this week's show, we asked the CoasterRadio.com audience to step up to the microphone and tell us what attractions they would like to see in a Disnet-built Star Wars Park.

We received a lot of good answers, but any one that mentions the awesomeness that is Billy Dee Williams gets my vote.

We also have a rather vocal debate with the audience about the pros and cons on on-board audio on roller coasters.  Mike and EB have very entrenched feelings about the subject, but will the CoasterBoys be able to change their minds?

We'll also hear about Mike's trip to Pennsylvania and his visit to Knoebels! Did the new "Black Diamond"dark ride-coaster hybrid live up to the hype (and history?)

Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Hershey Park and their new rollercoaster "Skyrush" and several surprise visits!

It's all this week on the Original Theme Park Podcast!

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

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.

CoasterRadio.com #539 - More Theme Park Mashups!

Unlike most sequels, this one is actually better than the first!

We had so many great submissions from the show we did a few weeks ago about "Theme Park Mashups", we had to break the show into two parts!

This week, we once again have our listeners take two of their favorite attractions and combine them to create the ULTIMATE ride.

For instance...

Imagine mashing up Disney's "Haunted Mansion" with the "Splash Battle" at Dollywood.  OR...

How about trying to combine an S&S Space Shot ride with a B&M Interted Coaster like Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  OR...

What if someone combined Soarin' with Toy Story Mania?  What would that be like?

Plus, we also have a Live Trip Report from Hersheypark and a whole lot more!

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

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! 

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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

CoasterRadio.com #536 - Theme Park Mashups!

At one time or another, I'm sure that all of us have tried our hand at "armchair imagineering."

You know, dreaming up rides and attractions that we hope and pray eventually make it to our favorite theme park.

On this week's episode, we gave our audience an unlimited budget and unlimited imagination to create an ultimate attraction by "mashing up" two existing rides.

The listeners of CoasterRadio.com are one of the most creative podcast audiences anywhere... so we have some excellent ideas this week.

We also have a Live Trip Report from Hersheypark, news on the "Producer for a Day" contest and an idea on why the "Mach Tower" drop ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been delayed. Let's just say it might be the "Italian Origins" of the ride!

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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!) 

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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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.

The "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest - Nathan and Neil at Hersheypark and Holiday World

Nathan posted this picture on our Facebook Wall of a recent trip to Hersheypark.

After ten rides on the Great Bear, they were starting to hallucinate.

First, they thought they saw a giant Hershey's Kiss dancing towards them.  The Kiss demanded to take a picture with Nathan and his friend.

Then, they noticed a commotion coming from the portrait stand behind them.

Amazingly. Neil Patrick Harris was there in a full tuxedo and was having an artist draw his picture.

This photo was taken a few second later.

Months after that odd experience, Nathan and his wife were in line for The Voyage at Holiday World.  While standing by the plexiglas window that lets you see the trains rush by, they ran into a young Indiana farmer.  He bore a striking resemblance to the man in the tuxedo Nathan met months earlier.

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!

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! 

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

CoasterRadio.com #512 - EB's Candylane Adventure

We begin the first show of 2011 by ringing in the new year with styyllle!

We even have a special guest to help us with the countdown!  Grab your noise maker and a glass of champagne because you won't want to miss it!

Then, EB steps to the microphone to talk about his trip to Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane.  He recently made a trip back to the east coast and took his whole family to Hershey's holiday event.  Was it smooth sailing?  Or did EB run into Grizwald-like problems?

The guys will also discuss the record crowds at both the Florida and California parks during the winter holidays.  Is it worth it to visit the parks during one of the most crowded times of the year?

Plus, we'll hear from several listeners about their New Years Day theme park experiences! 

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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

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!


LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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

Pre-Season Top 5 for 2009 - Honorable Mentions

In preparation for next week's Pre-Season Top Five Attractions list, I thought I'd give you some of the Honorable Mentions that didn't make the list.

It's not that I don't like these rides, it's just that I still need some convincing to put them in my top five.

Here we go....

Carolina Cobra - Carowinds
I like the fact that Carowinds is using a new and improved train design to make the ride smoother. Boomerangs are well known for giving a rough ride as the years go on, so it will be interesting to see if it works. Maybe it's not the most exciting new coaster in 2009, but at least it is a new ride for Carowinds.

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit - Universal Studios Florida
I almost put this in my top five, but I feel this ride needs to prove itself to me. I really like the fact that you can choose your own soundtrack and that you can buy a video of yourself. (How many YouTube videos of this ride will we see this year?) I also dig that the ride vehicles will have color changing LEDs. But I think some of the other coasters out there look more exciting. I'm hoping the ride lives up to the hype and the interesting innovations.

Monster Mansion - Six Flags Over Georgia
I think this is going to be a cool ride, but it has very big shoes to fill. The original Monster Plantation was a time-tested classic. Can this new ride improve upon the original? If so, I'll gladly move it into my top five at the end of the season. I'm hoping for the best.

Flying Turns - Knoebels
The other day I was reminded that CoasterRadio.com was still podcasting during the first season this ride was constructed. WOW! The fact that this ride hasn't opened yet speaks to the complexity of the design and the desire of Knoebels to get it right. There's no sense in opening the ride if it's not going to run exactly how they want it. But I believe the extra wait is just adding to the anticipation.

Boardwalk: The SEA-quel - Hersheypark
I'm sure this addition to Hersheypark is going to be top-notch... but you know how I feel about waterparks within the confines of a theme park. I'm completely for a separate gate or enough separation between the water park and the theme park to ensure that I won't sit in puddles on the dry rides. Having said all that though, I really like the looks of Hershey's waterpark area. Very cool theming.

Stay tuned... next week I'll release my Top 5, starting with number five on Monday!

Talk about it in the CoasterRadio.com forums.

Fascinated by Fascination

I'm a sucker for carnival games.

I don't go nuts like some people who spend $100 to win a giant bear that's only worth $7.50.  

Instead, I play because I like the challenge of trying to beat the game.

Because prices have gone up on admission, food, drinks and souvenirs, I don't play as many games as I did a few years ago.  However, on a recent trip to Knoebels, I found a game that grabbed my attention and monopolized my time.

Fascination.  The game is simple and very, very addicting.

Fascination was all the rage in the 1950's.  You couldn't go to any amusement park in the United States without finding a Fascination Parlor.

The thing that I like about the game is that you can play for hours without spending a whole lot of money.  It's a very social game because you can sit with friends and talk trash as you win and lose.  It also provides a nice break from riding and eating during your theme park day.

Plus, if you're lucky, you might even walk away with some prizes.

Sadly, there are only around a dozen places where you can play the game these days.  Places like Cedar Point, Hersheypark and Kennywood removed their Fascination Parlors to make room for new attractions.

But you can still visit traditional amusement parks like Knoebels and Indiana Beach and spend a few quarters trying to beat all the other players in this fast paced game.

I wish more parks had games like this.

Talk about this article in the CoasterRadio.com forum.

Food With A View

About 10 years ago, I didn't stop to smell the roses when I visited a theme park.

I tried to cram in as much fun as possible without stopping to rest or to eat.

Now that I'm getting older, I don't mind taking the time to find some good food and more importantly, a good atmosphere to dine.

For instance, during our trip to Disneyland, Molly and I decided to splurge and eat at the famous Blue Bayou. The restaurant is built in the same show building as Pirates of the Caribbean. Even though you're indoors, it feels like you're eating in an outdoor restaurant at nighttime. One of the best parts about eating there was that we had a perfect view of riders floating by in their boats at the start of Pirates.

If you're a theme park fan, you can't ask for any better entertainment than to watch one of your favorite rides in action while you eat.

At Busch Gardens Europe, guests can eat at the Bistro 205. This full service outdoor restaurant offers a picture perfect view of Griffon's entire layout... including the 205 foot drop. They even experimented with offering an early admission that includes breakfast at Bistro 205 and ERT on Griffon.

Of course, you don't need to spend big bucks and eat at a full service restaurant to have a similar experience. At Hersheypark last year, I grabbed a BBQ sandwich and found a perfect table directly below Stormrunner's Tophat. I must have seen 20 or 30 trains rush by as I enjoyed lunch with friends.

Hopefully this will be a trend. I'm hoping more parks will create restaurants with a view.

What do you think? Join our conversation on this topic in the CoasterRadio.com forum.