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 #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!!!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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 - Andrew and Neil at Knoebels

Not long ago, Andrew was at Knoebels enjoying a fine summer day.

After a particularly wild ride on the Phoenix Roller Coaster, he stopped to rest on a bench near some of the high water marks posted on the tree behind him.

After a few minutes, he was joined by a rather familiar looking clown who insisted on taking a picture with him.

What Andrew didn't know at the time was that the picture would one day be an entry into our contest!

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 #447 - Live from Knoebels!

This week, the show goes back to its roots by doing a show live from the midways of an amusement park!

Using some amazing new technology, Mike joins the show from Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA!

Mike and EB will discuss what makes the park unique, how the roller coasters are one-of-a kind and how the food is hard to beat.

They'll also talk about the saga of The Flying Turns roller coaster and if there is any word on when this highly anticipated roller coaster will open.

It's all this week on CoasterRadio.com!

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.

CoasterRadio.com #415 - The Biggest "Turkey" of the Decade

The world's Original Theme Park Podcast is back with another episode!

Thanksgiving might be history, but we're still talking turkey.

This week, we talk about nominees for the Biggest Amusement Industry "Turkey" of the Decade.

The CoasterRadio.com listeners have checked in and have nominated what they think were the biggest busts from theme parks over the last 10 years.

You'll be surprised at some of their picks.

Also, EB and Mike talk about the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. Is this a good idea? Or is it destined to be the biggest turkey of next decade?

We'll also go off-topic to talk about the DARPA Network Challenge. Can you find 10 giant balloons hidden across the United States? If so, you'll win 40,000. But why is the government sponsoring this challenge? EB has some ideas.

Mike also sounds-off about people going crazy with Christmas lights. When is enough enough?

Plus, we recap the Grandma Thanksgiving Challenge in The David Arquette Project!

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 in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.

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.