The Most Underrated Roller Coaster

The Beast.  Millennium Force. The Voyage.

These are all roller coasters that get talked about a lot!

They're great rides, so they deserve the hype they get in enthusiast circles and the general public.

But there are also some really excellent roller coasters out there that never get talked about.  These rides are under appreciated and under publicized.

So, for this week's show, we want to know what rollercoaster you think is the most underrated.


Let us know what you think by joining us on Tuesday, April 19th at 9:30 pm EST at http://live.coasterradio.com.

You'll be able to see and hear us record the show AND we'll give you a special "hotline" phone number that you can use so you can join us live.

Of course, you can still participate in the show through all of the traditional methods.

Send us your answers 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!

You can also call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360.

We'll see you LIVE on Tuesday night!

Mike Collins Talks About Theme Park Change LIVE!

The great people at Attractions Magazine: The Show invited me on their show this week to pitch "Theme Park Change!"

The interview was conducted by Jessica Steele Allen and was introduced by a face that might be familiar to you... it was Greg Hutson, who is the host of The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Greg was the host when I performed there last May!

If you haven't donated yet, please consider doing so NOW!  Thanks!

CoasterRadio.com #525 - The Trip of Lies!

Sometimes, the very best ideas for this crazy show of ours come from the listeners.

A few months ago, we were doing a show about "The Best Money You've Spent at a Park" and we received a call from Deidre Rodman from The Lascivious Biddies.

She said the best money she spent was when she and her husband bought the "Bride and Groom" Mickey Ears to wear during their recent honeymoon at Walt Disney World.

She said that throughout the trip, they were given free food, free gifts and other special treatment from the cast members at Disney.

When EB and I heard this, we hatched an evil plan.  We asked our listening audience for two volunteers who would go to Walt Disney World and pretend to be honeymooners (complete with the Mickey Ears) to test this theory.

Derek and Trisha from Southern California answered the call and what followed was "The Trip of Lies!"

On this week's show, we hear about their trip and find out if the hypothesis was true.  Do you get tons of free stuff just for wearing "Bride and Groom" Mickey Ears?

Plus, Derek and Trisha give us the scoop on the rest of their trip, including a review of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

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.

Derek and Trisha's Trip of Lies!

A few weeks ago, we asked our listening audience for two volunteers who would go to Walt Disney World and pretend to be honeymooners (complete with the Mickey Ears) to test a theory.

We believed that people who wear the infamous "Bride and Groom Mouse Ears" would get tons of free stuff, even if they weren't technically newlyweds!

Derek and Trisha from Southern California accepted the challenge and The Trip of Lies was born!

They're back from their trip and filed this scientific report:

Hi guys, Derek and Trisha here!  We're back in Southern California and are filing this report about "The Trip of Lies!"

Our hypothesis was:
Bride & Groom Ears = More Magic = Free Stuff

The results were not as spectacular as we all hoped.  We did get noticed and acknowledged a lot, just not a single freebie.

About 1 out of every 4 Cast Members told us, "congratulations," many people wanted to know more about our wedding, and a few couples told us they'd honeymooned there and were now back with their kids.

We got a phone call from Mickey Mouse congratulating us, one cast member blew bubbles on us as we walked into the Carousel of Progress, and while ordering at Pecos Bill's Cafe the person taking our order had everyone in the place holler "yehaw!" for us (he later admitted it was his first time, and he was nervous the entire time were ordering, how sweet).  Some tourists had a "Flat Stanley" guy and wanted to take pictures of us holding it because we were newlyweds. 

So the experiment outcome was:
Bride and Groom Ears = More Magic but NOT  Free Stuff

Our conclusion:  If it is actually your honeymoon, you'll probably dig everyone congratulating you and talking to everyone about your wedding day.  But if it isn't, you're likely not going to get free stuff, and all the talk about your fake wedding won't be as fun as if you really did just get married.

Thanks so much to Derek and Trisha for taking part in our inaugural Trip of Lies.  You can hear all about their trip on this week's episode of CoasterRadio.com!  Here are some bonus pictures!

CoasterRadio.com #524 - Young MC Says "Bust" A Move!

Yes indeed, the guys from the graveyard scene of The Haunted Mansion are some of the most infamous "busts" around.

But this week, we're talking about a different type of bust.  We'll explore some of the major mistakes and blunders in the 56-year history of the Disney Theme Parks.

To be fair, Disney goes get most everything right.  They usually do it better than the other guys 9 times out of 10.

However, our listeners have chimed in with specific instances of parks, attractions and policies that didn't quite hit the mark.

We also have a Live Trip Report from one of the first runs of the new and improved Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion.  Did the off-season work make it a #1 ride?

We also are joined by Robert Bauer from Project Angel Food as we give you an update on the progress of Theme Park Change!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

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 is the biggest bust in Disney Theme Park history?

No, not that type of bust! Come on!

For this week's interactive question, we want to know what you think is the worst move by the Disney Theme Parks since Disneyland opened in 1955.

It could be a certain park, attraction, resort, policy... really anything you can come up with and support with a good argument.

Let us know what you think by joining us on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30 pm EST at http://live.coasterradio.com.

You'll be able to see and hear us record the show AND we'll give you a special "hotline" phone number that you can use so you can join us live.

Of course, you can still participate in the show through all of the traditional methods.

Send us your answers 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!

You can also call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360.

We'll see you LIVE on Tuesday night

Cheetah Hunt Progress at Busch Gardens Tampa

Our longtime friend Drebe send in these excellent photos today, showing off the impressive progress made on Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa! Thanks Drebe!

"Theme Park Change" Begins TODAY!

As theme park fans, we're very fortunate to be able to head to the parks whenever we want.

But there are some in our community who aren't as fortunate.  There are those among us who are suffering from illnesses so severe, that it's difficult to even leave their homes to buy food.

Today, CoasterRadio.com and theme park fan sites everywhere are encouraging people to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity.

The project is called "Theme Park Change."

For 2011, all of the proceeds from this event will go to Project Angel Food.  This amazing organization  cooks & delivers more than 14,000 meals a week to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

To make things even more interesting, anyone who donates $10 or more is automatically entered into a raffle where they can win one of dozens of excellent theme park prizes!

So check out the video above (staring Neil Patrick Harris) and head to themeparkchange.com to make a donation today!

CoasterRadio.com #523 - A Jam-Packed Show!

This week's show is so full of Coaster Radio goodness, it's almost enough for three whole shows!

There's so much going on, it's hard to decide where to begin!

How about we start with naming a winner in the "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest!  NPH is no stranger to winning awards.  So, it's fitting that he calls in to crown a winner in our latest contest.

Mike and EB were absolutely floored by the results.  Let's just say, NPH picked a darkhorse entry!

Next, after months in the planning stages, it's finally time to officially kick off our worldwide charity event -  "Theme Park Change!"

The goal is to encourage theme park fans across the globe to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity.

All of the proceeds from this year's event is going to an amazing organization, Project Angel Food.  To learn more about them, the guys are joined by Margaret Steele, Project Angel Food's CEO.

One you hear her interview, there won't be a question on whether or not you'll want to donate.  The good work this group does will make you want to reach for your wallet and join in the "Theme Park Change."

Please, check out the website! Anyone who donates $10 or more is automatically entered into a raffle where they can win one of dozens of excellent theme park prizes!

And of course, we appease the CoasterBoys in our audience with some good, interactive theme park talk!

This week, we talk about specific things missing from your specific home park.

CoasterRadio.com listeners from across the world have chimed in to let us know what rides, attractions and other aspects are missing from their local theme parks.

Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Busch Gardens Tampa!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

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.

The "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest - WINNER!

Throughout the past month, we have been accepting entries into our "Day at the Park with Neil" Contest which is part of our ongoing "Neil Patrick Harris Project."

People from all over the world have been sending in photos of themselves at the park with NPH magically added-in.  The winner receives a one-day one park ticket to any park in the United States.

As a grand finale to the contest, Neil Patrick Harris himself called-in to the show and crowned a winner and three finalists!  You can listen to the segment below and see the winners he chose!

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to Neil for being such a good sport!

Listen to the segment with this flash player...

Fourth Place - Dave at Cedar Point

Third Place - Nick at The London Dungeon

Second Place - C-Pred at Six Flags Great America

First Place - Joel at Disney's Hollywood Studios

What's Missing from Your Home Park?

One of my favorite non-coaster rides is the launch tower from S&S.

I love those things so much, I'll sometimes skip riding one of my favorite roller coasters just to get a few launches up the tower.

The problem is, the nearest S&S Launch Tower is at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA - 201 miles away!

For this week's "Interactive Question," we want to know what's missing from your home park.

For me, it's the Launch Tower.  Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens don't have one.

But how about you?

Your answer doesn't necessarily have to be a ride, either.  It can be a restaurant, a show, a bathroom, etc.

Let us know what you think by joining us on Tuesday, March 29th at 9:30 pm EST at http://live.coasterradio.com.

You'll be able to see and hear us record the show AND we'll give you a special "hotline" phone number that you can use so you can join us live.

Of course, you can still participate in the show through all of the traditional methods.

Send us your answers 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!

You can also call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360.

We'll see you LIVE on Tuesday night!

CoasterRadio.com #522 - Party at the Tower of Terror!

The Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite theme park attractions anywhere.

I love it so much, that I totally don't mind waiting in line for it.  Just being around the spooky ambiance is a thrill almost on par with the big drop that is to come.

When the ride is though and I've checked out my on-ride photo and am exiting through the gift shop, I sometimes wish that I could just hang out there for awhile... almost as if I were a guest.

Well, it turns out you can make this happen.  You can even have a romantic dinner just steps away from the ride's entrance.

On this week's show, we're joined by someone who made this dream a reality.

Carrie Hayward is the host of “Inside Disney Weddings” and the author of PassPorter's “Disney Weddings & Honeymoons.”

Carrie knows everything there is to know about the wonderful world of Disney party planning.  You'll be amazed at some of the things you can do at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  You'll also be amazed at how relatively inexpensive it is! (She'll even tell us how much it costs to have Disneyland all to ourselves!)

Carrie will also tell us about some of her other Disney adventures... like the time she rode The Haunted Mansion in Florida and The Haunted Mansion in California in the SAME DAY!

Make sure you check out this show and visit her website, disneytravelbabble.com, to learn more!

Plus, we'll have an update on the Neil Patrick Harris Project and next week's launch of Theme Park Change!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

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.

CoasterRadio.com #521 - 2011 Listener Question Show - Part 2

Last week's Listener Question Show was a huge hit!

Like all good parties, we didn't want it to end.  So, we extended the show into a second episode!

This week, we answer more of your questions sent in through our blog, Facebook, Twitter and our voicemail line.  PLUS, we take more of your live calls... it's podcasting without a net!

Listeners called in with a bunch of good topics and started some great discussions.  We were even surprised by a few somewhat "famous" callers.

This week, we also unveil our nationwide charity project... Theme Park Change.

The event begins on April 1st and we'll have a lot more information for you between now and then.  But basically, we're asking theme park fans across the world to give up one thing from the upcoming theme park season and then donate the cost of that item to a worthy charity.  Our 2011 charity for Theme Park Change is Project Angel Food!

This event isn't just solely for CoasterRadio.com either.  We're inviting any theme park fan site (Disney fan sites too) to join us in raising money for this incredible charity.

Plus, there's a chance for you to win some pretty cool prizes if you donate $10 or more!

Check out the website and listen to this week's show to learn more!  We're hoping you'll find it to be as good of an idea as we do!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

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.