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!

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.

CoasterRadio.com #607 - Inspired Design: From Tibor to Toomer

It may be the off-season for most of us around the world, but you can get still get your park fix right here... with the Original Theme Park Podcast!

Each year, amusement industry insiders gather at the annual IAAPA Conference to check out new attractions and technologies that they might want to purchase for their park.

On this week's show, Mike and EB send a wireless microphone to the 2011 IAAPA show floor and talk with one specific vendor who just might have the hottest idea for the 2012 season.

Plus, the guys spend some time talking about legendary roller coaster designer Ron Toomer.  Ron passed away during the show's hiatus this past September, so Coaster Radio listeners call in to talk about their favorite Toomer-designed coasters. Was he one of the most influential designers ever?

And, we'll let you in on some of the behind-the-scenes information that we gathered from our Season Six Survey. You'll find out exactly how many women actually listen to this show.  Fascinating stuff!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

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.

Help us honor Ron Toomer

Most people who ride roller coasters and other thrill rides don't spend any time thinking about the people who actually created the attraction.

I guess one of the fun things about being a theme park enthusiast is that we actually get to know the names and personalities of the people behind the rides we love.

Earlier this year, we lost one of the great roller coasters of our time... Ron Toomer.

Ron was the president of Arrow Dynamics and created dozens of rides that we all know and love.

Among his creations were Magnum, Mine Ride, Gemini, Corkscrew, and Iron Dragon at Cedar Point, Desperado at Buffalo Bills in Nevada, Python at Busch Gardens Tampa and Big Bad Wolf, Drachen Fire, and Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

On our next show, we're going to spend some time talking about his roller coasters.  We'd like to invite you to call or write in to tell us about your favorites.

Send us your comments to us by Tuesday, November 15th at 8:30pm 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, write on our Facebook Page or use our Contact Page!

The best option is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!

Fear Amongst Friends

The following is a post from Stacey...

You arrive at the park with your friends and/or family and everyone seems to be in a great mood. Someone suggests to hit the biggest and baddest coaster in the park right away.

Only problem is, when you reach the queue, you begin to see the fear in one of your comrades eyes. Not the simple, "I'll conquer this" fear, but the, "no way, no how," kind of fear.

How do you prevent your buddy from running for the exit before you even reach the loading platform?

One sure fire way to scare them even more is to pressure them into hopping on board before they are ready. Calling them a pansy is only going to tick them off.

Try being supportive and let them know that you're all in it together. If it's someone else's first time in your party, have them sit together so they can have someone to relate to.

If the timid friend is an experienced coaster rider, remind them of all of the previous coasters they've conquered before. Tell them that if they went 200 feet, 300 feet won't feel much different. If they've reached a speed of 70 MPH, they won't even notice 10 MPH faster. It may also help to talk about the fun they've had riding coasters before.

Recently I stood in front of a girl in line who actually preferred to not talk about her fears at all. She needed to internalize her fears and block out what she was about to do.

If all else fails, give your pal a break. Allow them to sit this one out without giving them a hard time. Maybe they just need a few warm up coasters to get them motivated. Ask them later in the afternoon if they'd like to give it a shot.

Just remember... be encouraging! Not pushy!

Talk about this in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.

"Rollercoaster" now on YouTube

One of my favorite things that we ever did during the first run of CoasterRadio.com was the "DVD Commentary" for the movie "Rollercoaster".

I sat there with Greg, Flava and EB for over two hours watching this somewhat interesting movie while we spouted off trivia and basically laughed our way through it.

Many of you went out and bought the DVD so you could enjoy the commentary. But a lot of you said that you didn't want to spend the money on a questionable movie just to get a few laughs.

But now, thanks to the miracle of YouTube, you can watch the whole movie online.

You can also download our commentary and sync it up with YouTube!

Now you don't have any excuses!

If you listen to the commentary, let us know what you think in the CoasterRadio.com forums.