Interactive Topic - Your "Opening Day" Traditions

All around the world, our parks are starting to open again.

Here in the United States, Spring Break is in full swing.  So that means that many of us are taking our first steps into the parks after a long winter hibernation.

It's a special moment when we first walk into our favorite theme park after so many months away.  Because of this, each of us has our own unique traditions and customs to mark the occassion.

For this week's interactive topic, we want to hear about your "Opening Day Traditions."

Is there a special ride you head to first?
Do you take a tour around the park to see what has changed?
Do you find your favorite Corn Dog stand and chow down?

Whatever it may be, we want to hear about it. Get your answers in by Tuesday, April 2nd at 8:30pm!

Here are the different ways to contact us:

* Call our voicemail line - 206-339-3360
* Post your idea on our Facebook Fan Page.
* Post your idea on Twitter
* E-Mail Us (the address is to the right of this page)
* Use our Contact Page!

CoasterRadio.com #724 - Disney for the "Thinking Fan"

Anyone who considers themselves a fan of theme parks probably has spent a lot of time analyzing them.

We marvel at how attraction designers use technology to bring the our favorite stories and characters to life.

But, fans can also take the analysis a step further and take a look at the parks from a literary and social angle as well.

For instance, what does "It's A Small World" have to do with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's?

On this week's show, we welcome the author of "The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom," Aaron Wallace.

While most travel guidebooks are aimed at first-timers, Aaron's book is aimed someone looking to find  information beyond wait times and ride ratings.

Aaron takes a scholarly look at each attraction in the Magic Kingdom and the stories behind them.  On this week's show, he'll share some of what you'll find in his new book.

We also have two Live Trip Reports this week.... one from the opening day of Six Flags Great Adventure and one from the opening day of Luna Park on Coney Island.  Both of these reports have an authentic "Jersey" feel to them!

Plus, Mike just got back from a unique trip to Walt Disney World where he got to explore New Fantasyland and try out the upgraded Test Track at EPCOT.  Plus, he has some stories about chaperoning 30 high school students who were set loose on the Walt Disney World Resort.

All this, plus a whole lot more on this all-new episode of the Original Theme Park Podcast!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

CoasterRadio.com #723 - Wild Rides, Wild Animals

"Outlaw Run," one of the most highly anticipated roller coasters of 2013 opened this week at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.

The new creation from Rocky Mountain Construction has set a world record for the steepest drop on a wooden coaster at 81 degrees.

It's also the 2nd fastest wooden coaster in the world at 68 mph.

Plus, it has the signature element of a double barrel roll that brings the train back into the station.

On this week's show, we talk with Marcus Leshock, a reporter from WGN-TV in Chicago.



Marcus made the 8-hour drive to Branson from the Windy City so he could be one of the first people to ride the coaster.

He'll tell us if the hype is for real and if this new attraction will be a hit in 2013.

We'll also talk with Kristin Siebeneicher, the Communications Manager at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.

Kristin will tell us about preparations for their Opening Day this weekend and details of their new "Safari Off Road Adventure" that is scheduled to open on Memorial Day.



The combination of the theme park and the land for the new Safari attraction makes Six Flags Great Adventure the largest theme park in the world! So, there's a lot to be excited about.

Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from the Ohana Restaurant at the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World and a whole lot more!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

CoasterRadio.com #722 - What Ride Would Make a Good TV Show?

Here at the show, we're curious to find out what what the new ABC Television pilot "Big Thunder" is all about.

In the past, there have been movies based on classic theme park attractions (Pirates of the Carribbean and The Haunted Mansion), but to our knowledge, this is the first television show based upon a theme park ride.

So while we wait for the show to premiere, we came up with a fun contest idea.

We asked listeners to pick any theme park attraction in the world and turn it into a television pilot of their own.

Not surprisingly, the audience delivered some excellent and creative ideas! Wait until you hear them!

Mike and EB also get into a good "First Drop" segment where they discuss the decline of the classic Dark Ride.

This year, only six dark rides are being built across the world and the majority are being constructed by Disney and Universal.  What happened to the Dark Ride and why aren't regional parks like Six Flags and Cedar Fair dedicating some capital to building new ones?

We also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure and a Live Correspondent from a new attraction at the Magic Kingdom!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

Interactive Contest - Be a TV Producer!

You might not have heard about it yet, but the ABC television network is working on a pilot for a television show based on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction.

"Big Thunder" centers on a brilliant, late 19th century New York doctor. He and his family are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relocate to a frontier mining town run by a powerful, but mysterious tycoon but quickly realize that not everything in Big Thunder is as it seems.

Sounds interesting doesn't it.

It almost sounds like it could have a mysterious
LOST-type vibe.  And, I'm sure they'll use the iconic peaks of Big Thunder Mountain that we've all come to know well from seeing them at the Disney parks.

The idea of turning a theme park ride into a movie has been done before.  But the idea of turning a theme park ride into a weekly show is intriguing.

So, it gave us an idea for a contest.

We'd like you to pick ANY theme park or amusement park ride in existance and create a television pilot around it.

All we need are two or three sentances describing the plot and what the show would be like.

Ideally, you're picking a ride that isn't based at a Disney or Universal park... that's too easy.

But, if you were able to come up with a television show based around some obscure ride that never gets talked about... we'll be impressed!

For instance, how about a ride based on "Alpengeist" at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

The show would take place at an old ski lodge in Colorado that has been shuttered for years. People stopped going there after a series of terrible accidents in the 70's. A family from California buys the place and intends to restore it to its former glory (while making a ton of money.) But, they soon discover that the hotel and the slopes surrounding it are haunted by a mysterious being that wants them all dead.

See, that's not so hard! Get your answers in by Tuesday, March 12th at 8:30pm!

We'll select a few of the best storylines and send the writers X-Flight Prize Packs...which include T-Shirts, Water Bottles, Bags and more! (Thanks to Six Flags Great America for the cool stuff.)

Here are the different ways to contact us:

* Call our voicemail line - 206-339-3360
* Post your idea on our Facebook Fan Page.
* Post your idea on Twitter
* E-Mail Us (the address is to the right of this page)
* Use our Contact Page!

CoasterRadio.com #721 - This or That - Bigger, Faster, Better Edition

This or That returns this week!

Listeners have submitted over 60 different pairs of theme park related items.

Mike and EB will have to debate their merits and then ultimately choose one.

For instance...

Would you visit Disneyland in 1955 or 2055?
"Knotts Scary Farm" or "Halloween Horror Nights?"
What ride at Cedar Point will come down first: Mantis or Magnum?

Along with all of the theme park related items, listeners also submitted a lot of "This or That's" dealing with Pop Culture.  It leads to some really great discussion and debate amongst the guys.

In addition, our "First Drop" segment deals with the rumors and facts about Alton Tower's new coaster for 2013... "The Smiler."

Supposedly, the new attraction will shatter the world record for inversions by turning people upside down at least 14 times! Plus, they have a strange way of marketing the new ride.

We also have a Live Trip Report from "Dapper Day" at Disneyland and details on a brand new contest (with prizes) for next week's show!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

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Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

This Or That?

On this week's show, we're bringing back and old "Off-Season" favorite and we need your help!

What we need you to do is to give us two choices...

Pick any two related things: two parks, two attractions, two types of park food... anything!

Then, EB and I will have to choose between the two things and make an argument over why one is better than the other.

Of course, you could choose two really great things at the parks, but it might be fun to make us choose between two really awful rides!

You can also go "Off-Topic!" GIve us two things to fight over that have nothing to do with the parks.  Pop Culture, Sports, Wine, Women, Song, Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll.... whatever.

Here are the different ways to contact us:

* Call our voicemail line - 206-339-3360
* Post your idea on our Facebook Fan Page.
* Post your idea on Twitter
* E-Mail Us (the address is to the right of this page)
* Use our Contact Page!

CoasterRadio.com #720 - The Man With Our "Dream Job"

If we asked you guys what your "Dream Job" would be, we're guessing a lot of you would have the same answer...

"Disney Imagineer."

Unfortunately, only a select few get to have that title.  So, it's understandable when some of the more famous names become the "rock stars" of the Disney and Theme Park Fan Communities.

On this week's show, we pay tribute to Tony Baxter, a long-time Disney Imagineer who recently announced his retirement.

Tony is responsible for many Disney Attractions that have become household names.

We'll discuss his career and what it means to be an Imagineer in 2013 versus 1955. Plus, we'll hear from listeners about their favorite Tony Baxter rides.

We'll also hear plans for a new theme park in Texas, news about Skyrush at Hersheypark and details about changes to the Fastpass system at Disneyland.

Plus, we'll be visited by our brand-new correspondent who has detailed tips and trivia about some of your favoritetheme park rides. We only had to pay him $1000 for his appearance (and it was worth every penny!)

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

Ride Lex Luthor and Be a TV Star!

High Noon Entertainment is producing a brand new Travel Channel show premiering this summer called "RIDE-iculous".

The show travels all over the nation and the world featuring crazy attractions and awesome people riding the rides at the parks.

They are going to be at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA this Wednesday, February 27th shooting the new the Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom ride.

They're looking for good-looking, fun-loving, outgoing, energetic and enthusiastic people to be extras and be filmed riding the ride over and over again.

That's the perfect description of the CoasterRadio.com audience! (I'm guessing most of you are good-looking.)

This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves thrill rides and TV production!  For all extras, the day will start at 9:30am and will go until around 4pm. They'll provide lunch for everyone, and food and drinks throughout the day.

The production company has been given access to the park on a non-operational day, so the park will belong to you! Because it is a non-operational day, the other rides will not be up and running, but it's an awesome experience to see/be part of a Travel Channel shoot and a really fun day!

Anyone who'd like to join in on the fun needs to email Brittany Schoede at this address: bschoede@highnoontv.com.

Good luck! Have fun!

Tony Baxter's Greatest Achievement

Earlier this month, famed Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter announced his retirement from WDI and his transition to a "part-time advisor."

Tony's began his Disney career selling ice cream on Main Street USA at Disneyland when he was just a teenager. He started at Walt Disney Imagineering in the 1970s when it was still known as WED Enterprises.

It's been said that Tony was part of the 2nd Generation of Imagineers, because he learned directly from many of the artists that Walt Disney hired himself.

Throughout Tony's 50-year career, he has been responsible for attractions like:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Star Tours
EPCOT's original Journey into Imagination
The Indiana Jones Adventure
Splash Mountain
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Re-design of Disneyland's Fantasyland
Re-design of Disneyland's Tomorrowland
Disneyland Paris

That's quite an achievement, especially when you consider that many of those attractions are household names.

It's also fitting that the painting of Barnabas T. Bullion that now hangs in the interactive queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad bears a striking resemblance to Tony.

We'll be devoting a big part of our next show to Tony Baxter and his imprint on Disney Imagineering and the entire theme park industry.

So our question to you is... which of his attractions is your favorite?

Here are the different ways to contact us:

* Call our voicemail line - 206-339-3360
* Post your idea on our Facebook Fan Page.
* Post your idea on Twitter
* E-Mail Us (the address is to the right of this page)

CoasterRadio.com #719 - Gold Striker UPGRADED!

There's big news this week out of Northern California and we have the first interview about it.

California's Great America announced that their new roller coaster "Gold Striker" will now include the world’s longest covered initial descent tunnel on a wooden coaster.
 

Adding intrigue to the record setting feature, Gold Striker’s 174-foot tunnel will be enclosed by wood on both sides, corrugated metal on top and in-fill underneath the tracks, to replicate a true "gold mine" feel.

We'll talk with Tyler Currie, Director of Park Operations for California's Great America about the new ride and their big announcement.

We'll also discuss some rumors coming out of Walt Disney World in Orlando.  Word is leaking out about a possible re-imagining of the entire Downtown Disney complex.... complete with a new name, layout and a five-level parking garage.  Interesting stuff... but maybe Mike and EB have a better idea of what can be done with the area.

All this, plus a Live Trip Report from Kings Island, the return of "OFF TOPIC" and a visit from everyone's favorite Dutch Performance Artist!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

CoasterRadio.com #718 - Listener Question Show: Part I

The best thing about this show are the people who listen to it.

They are all fun, passionate people who share a love of theme parks.

They are also one of the most engaged audiences out there.  When we have asked for listener interaction in the past, we always receive interesting and energetic responses.

That's why we love our yearly "Listener Question Shows."

We received a ton of great questions this week.  Actually, we received so many from you guys... we're breaking this show into two parts!

This week, we'll answer questions like:

* If you guys were still bachelors and had your pick of the girls of any of the countries in World Showcase who would you choose?  (Extra degree of difficulty:  No Norway.)

* If you guys could punch one person in the theme park industry who would it be and why?

* What was the most embarrasing thing to happen to you in high school?

* Was the Disney Podcast Guy character based on anyone specifically?  And if so, who?

We'll also spend our "First Drop" segment discussing the best attractions created during the career of Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter.  He announced his retirement last week, so we'll spend some time talking about his legacy and his classic Disney rides.

PLUS, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Disney's Animal Kingdom and the return of the greatest Amusement Industry Game Show ever: THEME PARK SMARTS!!!

Check out all of the show notes and links in our new interactive ZEEN - "In Styleee!" It's brand new for Season Seven!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link
Show Notes

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

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

Get Your Questions In!

The best compliment this show has ever received is that when you listen, it feels like you're just hanging out with a bunch of friends.

We hope that every episode makes you feel like that. But we really think our next show is the best example of it.

It's our 2013 Listener Question Show!

Yeah, we know... people send in questions all the time.  But we normally only use the ones about theme parks and thrill rides.

But for this particular show, there are NO RULES!

The questions can be about anything!

You can stick to topics like theme parks, thrill rides and the amusement industry. Or, you can go Off-Topic and ask a question about movies, music or pop culture.

You can even ask us personal questions if you'd like. Sometimes the best questions are about the podcast itself!

Here are the different ways to contact us:

* Call our voicemail line - 206-339-3360
* Post your idea on our Facebook Fan Page.
* Post your idea on Twitter

* E-Mail Us (the address is to the right of this page)

Do you have a burning question for us? Now's the time to ask!

AND, we'll be playing another round of THEME PARK SMARTS! If you want to be a contestant, drop us an e-mail!