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 #638 - Coaster Commentary - Superman: Ultimate Flight (Video)

Among the many topics n this week's show, is the new roller coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Northern California... Superman: Ultimate Flight.

This is really one of the strangest and most interesting looking roller coasters that we've seen in the last decade.

As a bonus to this week's episode, Mike and EB watch video of the new coaster and comment on everything including the layout, restraints, theming and even the people the park chose to ride it on-camera!

It's the perfect complement to this week's regular show!

CoasterRadio.com #636 - HOT or NOT 2012!

Summertime is heating up and so is the Original Theme Park Podcast!

We bring back an old favorite this week!

You see, EB and Mike have a long list of popular Amusement Industry topics for 2012.

It's their job to go through the list and decide if each is HOT or NOT.

Some of the topics include...

Verbolten at Busch Gardens WIlliamsburg
Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
Cedar Fair over the last five years
Windseeker
The restraints on SkyRush at Hersheypark
EB's Chickens
Plus many, many more!

We also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Magic Mountain and discussion about the new interactive queue systems that Walt Disney Imagineering has unveiled for their Dumbo attraction.

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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 #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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CoasterRadio.com #614 - Bob The Lobster's Rockin' New Year's Eve!

The crowd in Times Square has gathered...

The giant crystal ball is hovering above the masses, ready to drop...

The New Year is just minutes away!

And, there is only one host who has the charisma, sparkling personality and giant red claws to bring it all to you...

Bob The Lobster.

This week, the Original Theme Park Podcast rings in the new year with a "live" broadcast from Times Square in New York City, where our own "Bob The Lobster" is standing by to count us down Dick Clark style!

We also will review all of the new attractions that made their debuts in 2011 at theme parks across America.

Which ones worked?  Which ones didn't?  Which ones made an impact and which ones were bombs?

After the clock strikes midnight, Mike and EB will give away the "CoasterRadio.com Award for Best New Attraction of 2011!"

Plus, we'll go live to Universal Studios Hollywood to meet our exclusive correspondent who will give us the inside scoop on what's happening with their version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Happy New Year from Bob The Lobster and everyone here at CoasterRadio.com!

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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 #606 - Mike is a Stupid Idiot!

Yes, it's a strange title for this week's episode... but it will all make sense once you take a listen!

This week, Mike and EB catch up on a bunch of backlogged calls from the Coaster Radio Voicemail Line.

We'll hear what happened to some of our favorite callers over the summer and introduce you to someone who we're sure is going to be a fan favorite.

We also interview Scott Wegener. the author of "Things to do in Theme Park Queues."

Scott has written a book (and a companion smart phone app) that will help even the most impatient person be able to stand the hour-long lines for your favorite rides and attractions.

Plus, we'll have dueling Live Trip Reports and exciting news about upcoming shows and contests!

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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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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 #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 #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 #514 - 80 Days Away!

Depending on where you live, there's anywhere from 70 to 90 days before the regional parks open their gates for the 2011 season.

So for the title of this week's show, we averaged it out to 80 days.

Here at Coaster Radio, we're pretty excited about the 2011 theme park season.  So, we're spending this week talking about the new attractions we think are going to make some noise this summer.

To help us out, we're joined by long-time friend Arthur Levine, the theme parks guide from About.com!

He'll help us figure out which attractions and going to be hits and which ones might be duds.  He'll also let us in on the details behind The 2011 Readers' Choice Awards on About.com.

We'll also look ahead to 2012 and talk about what Walt Disney World has planned for the Magic Kingdom.  This week, Disney unveiled plans for "New Fantasyland," the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's 40-year history!

Plus, we'll have a live trip report, tons of calls from the audience and a plea for a "Coaster Radio Day" at Quassy Amusement Park!

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CoasterRadio.com #509 - It's a Wonderful Theme Park!

Mike Collins is in a stage version of "It's a Wonderful Life" that opens this weekend.

So, Mike and EB had to tape the show really late at night after one of the rehearsals.

This means that this week's show is a caffeine-fueled trip that includes a lot of good theme park talk and a lot of imitations from "It's a Wonderful Life" too!

The guys talk about the listener's most "elusive roller coasters," the type of attractions that people have always wanted to ride, but for whatever reason have never been able to visit.

They'll also hear a live trip report from Six Flags Over Texas and get into a discussion about the refurbishment of the Texas Giant.  They'll also talk about new gimmicks on roller coasters, such as heart rate monitors.  Plus, there is a return visit from Disney Podcast Guy!

There's also an update on The Neil Patrick Harris Project!  The Tower of Treats has been deployed!

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CoasterRadio.com #508 - The Terminator is Terminated

If you went back and listened to every single episode of Coaster Radio, you'd probably notice that the theme park topic we discuss the most is theming.

It's the one thing that separates a great park from an average amusement park.

That's why it was a bit of surprise when we learned that Six Flags would be dropping the licenses for properties like Thomas the Tank Engine, The Wiggles, Tony Hawk, Evil Kenevil and Terminator.

EB and Mike will take a look at the situation and give you their unique spin.  Does it really matter that these themes are going away?

And even though the Thanksgiving holiday is over, the guys hear from the listeners as they discuss what they are thankful for from the 2010 park season.

Plus, CoasterRadio.com was nominated for Best Travel Podcast in the 2010 Podcast Awards!

You can vote for the show once a day through December 15th.

EB and Mike discuss the meaning of the award and how half of the nominees are Disney related!  The guys also receive a visit from a Disney podcaster who has a nasty message for CoasterRadio.com.

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CoasterRadio.com #443 - Bert the Conqueror and Fireworks!

On this week's show, we welcome the host of The Travel Channel's hit show "Bert the Conqueror," Bert Kreischer!

Bert and his crew are in the middle of producing the first season of this new show that takes viewers to the legendary attractions, competitions and adrenaline rushes that you can find all across America.

He joins us from the road to tell us about what he's experienced so far and what crazy feats we can expect to see in the upcoming months.

He'll also tell us about whether he really is terrified to experience all of these thrills or if he is just delivering some academy award winning acting. Plus, you'll be surprised to hear which amusement operators are asking for his advice about future attractions.

Then, we bring back the tradition of celebrating the 4th of July by shooting off fireworks live on the show. We even gave the experience a very Disney-esque name...

The CoasterRadio.com Sparktacular Explosioloosa!

You'll have to hear it to believe it! (And, if you're a fan of ours on Facebook, you can see it too!)

All that, plus a live trip report from Six Flags Magic Mountain and a surprise guest!

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Talk about this episode in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.

CoasterRadio.com #440 - Hot Summer Nights

It seems like this summer, more than most, the parks are really stepping up their game when it comes to creating "Nighttime Spectaculars."

Disney has "Summer Nightastic," Busch Gardens Willamsburg has "IllumiNights," and Knott's Berry Farm has "Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular."

And these are just a few of many such nighttime events at parks across the country.

EB and Mike discuss why these shows were created and if they will make an impact on the average park guest.

The guys will also get into a debate about the usefulness of the Single Rider Line. Should a case be made to get rid of them once and for all?

Plus, Hagrid goes behind the backs of Universal Orlando PR and gives CoasterRadio.com an exclusive on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is really something that other theme park podcasts could only dream about.

And... OFF TOPIC makes it's triumphant return. Mike talks about his love of the film "Drag Me To Hell" and EB talks about his run-in with the Indiana Police.

All this and a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure, on this week's all new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast, CoasterRadio.com!

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