CoasterRadio.com #732 - School's Out for the Summer!

This year, theme park fans are feverishly anticipating not one, not two, but THREE wooden coasters with inversions.

The first, Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City opened to much fanfare and success.

Now, we hear about the 2nd inverting wooden coaster to open... Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

We're joined by Arthur Levine, the Theme Parks Guide at About.com, who had a chance to ride the coaster on its opening weekend.

We'll discuss the ride's unique features, it's amazing setting and whether or not this should really count as a wooden coaster.  Oh yeah, Arthur will also tell us if the ride is actually worth riding!

We'll also hear three Live Trip Reports from different parks around the country.  We'll hear reviews of the new "Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin" at Sea World Orlando.  We'll also hear reviews of "White Lightning" and "Freedom Flyer" at Fun Spot in Orlando.

Finally, we'll go live to Layer Elementary School in Central Florida to talk with the winners of their coaster design contest!  Their teacher happens to be a fan of CoasterRadio.com and asked EB and Mike to judge a contest where the kids learned about the physics and technology behind ride design.

Who knows, we might be talking to the next generation of Disney Imagineers!

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

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CoasterRadio.com #731 - EB vs. The Blue Flash!

Our own EB picked up his family and moved to Indiana a few years ago.

Since then, he's been enjoying Midwestern life... even getting to Holiday World as often as he can.

This past week though, he lived out every "Coaster Boy's" dream.

He rode John Iver's legendary backyard looping coaster "The Blue Flash."

On this week's episode, EB gives an element-by-element description of the ride and what it was like to see this legend in person.

The guys also take-on the recent news story in the New York Post about the rich, socialite mothers who have allegedly been hiring disabled tour guides so that the whole family can skip the lines at Walt Disney World.  EB and Mike have a good debate about the story and all its various angles.

The guys also talk with Chicago Correspondant CMVenom about his Media Day experience at Six Flags Great America.  He was one of the first to try out NAMTAB... or what is really "Batman: The Ride - BACKWARDS!"

Does the ride live up to the hype?  And will Six Flags have a "new" hit ride on their hands without having to shell out the big bucks to build a new coaster?

We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Kings Dominion, a favorite character from the past and MUCH MORE!

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

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CoasterRadio.com #730 - Theme Park Royalty

When we've had celebrities on this program before, they've talked about how they have to hire park-provided guides to walk them around to the various attractions and rides.

If they didn't have this preferential treatment, people would constantly be hounding them for autographs and they wouldn't be able to have any semblance of a "normal" theme park experience.

But I bet most people don't know that this same exact treatment is available to EVERYONE.

You can have a private, park-provided guide take you around and get you to the front of even the most crowded lines.  But you have to be willing to pony up the BIG bucks.

On this week's show, we'll talk about the different VIP programs offered at many of the parks across the country.  We'll talk about what perks you'll get and most importantly, how much it will cost you.

We'll also talk about one of the newest rumors to come out of the Six Flags chain.  Apparently, a survey is going around asking people what types of new rides they'd like to see at Six Flags Great Adventure.

We'll go through some of the choices and debate the pros and cons of each.

Plus, we have a LIVE Trip Report and the return of our one-of-a-kind game show - THEME PARK SMARTS! You'll have a chance to play along with our lucky contestant!

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

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CoasterRadio.com #729 - Gatekeeper Media Day

On this week's special episode, join Mike Collins as he speaks with Kevin from Ohio and Cincinatti John about their experience at the Media Day for Cedar Point's new wing coaster "Gatekeeper!"

Kevin and Jon will break down the pros and cons of the ride and tell us all what it's like to be at a massive Media Day attended by hundreds of working press and over 1,200 coaster enthusiasts.

They'll also have interviews with Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet, Cedar Point General Manager John Hildebrandt and Cedar Fair Vice President of Planning and Design Rob Decker.

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

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CoasterRadio.com #728 - The Best and Worst of Animal Kingdom

This week, Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrated its 15th Anniversary.

It's fair to say that of all the Disney Theme Parks, Animal Kingdom has the greatest divide between people who like and dislike it.

Some people claim it's the best designed, most well-themed park in the Disney chain.  Others feel that it's a complete miss and not worth spending one of their precious vacation days there.

On this week's show, the CoasterRadio.com audience steps forward to tell us about their favorite and least favorite aspects to the controversial park.  You'll be surprised at some of the responses.

We'll also talk about the strange new signs appearing around the former "Son of Beast" area at Kings Island.  The signs warns that they've had to shut down a section of park because of "mysterious, bone chilling screams" and an "evil phenomenon."

Of course, the park is gearing up to promote their 2014 attraction.  But what could it be and is the park making the most of this "Paranormal PR?"

We also have the inside scoop on a brand new "theme park related" television pilot, a Live Trip Report from the opening day at Knoebels 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!

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Interactive Topic - 15 Years of Disney's Animal Kingdom

On April 22, 1998 the Walt Disney Company opened the gates of a new type of theme park.

It mixed the storytelling and immersive theming  Disney is known for with incredible zoological displays featuring animals from around the world.

But after the park opened, it was met with criticism by some.

There were people who claimed that the park, even though it was the largest Disney park in existance, didn't have enough to do to keep people busy for a full-day.

Even today, after the editions of Dinoland USA and Expedition Everest, there are those who consider Animal Kingdom to be the fourth best park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

But when you take a look at what the park has to offer, it really is the most unique park in Disney's portfolio.

For this week's interactive topic, we want you to tell us your favorite thing about Animal Kingdom and your least favorite thing about Animal Kingdom.

Get your answers in by Tuesday, April 30th 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 #727 - The Future is NOW! Mystic Manor and More!

Every now and then, a theme park attraction comes along that makes you remember why you liked this stuff in the first place.

And sometimes that same ride is so ahead of its time, you realize you've sort-of seen a glimpse into the future of the amusement industry.

This week saw the unveiling of "Mystic Manor" at Hong Kong Disneyland.  And for the most part, every Disney fan is in agreement that it is one of the finest attractions ever created by Imagineering.

On this week's show, we'll discuss the new attraction, what makes it special and why there are no (at least announced) plans to bring a copy of it to the US Parks.

We'll also talk with Steve Fielding, the President of Pantera Entertainment about his highly-anticipated new game "Theme Park Studio."

The new title will allow players to create their own steel coasters, wooden coasters, dark rides and flat rides with a level of authenticity and realism never before seen in a theme park simulator.

Steve will tell us about some new surprises we can expect to see and how listeners can be a part of the development process!

Plus, we'll have Live Trip Reports from Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney California Adventure and Silver Dollar City.... plus 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!

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CoasterRadio.com #726 - Legoland, Las Vegas and David Copperfield

This is one of those shows where a lot is covered in 57 minutes.

I hope you're ready....

First up, the guys talk about the new "Iron Man Tech: Presented by Stark Industries" exhibit that opened at Disneyland.

Besides sounding a lot like one of last year's "Reel Design" finalists, could this be the first wave of Marvel-themed attractions in the Disney Parks?  The guys will talk about the speculation and what we might see in the next few years.

The guys also take a look at the progress on "Gatekeeper" at Cedar Point.  The park is already testing their massive winged coaster with almost a month to go before opening day.  You'll hear from one of the park's engineers about what they are doing to get ready for May 11th.

We'll also hear a Live Trip Report from Tom who had lunch with a Disney Imagineer as part of a new program offered by the Disney Parks.  Did he learn any secret info and will he spill the beans for the CoasterRadio.com audience?

Travis from California joins the show to talk about his visit to the grand opening of the Legoland Hotel in Southern California.  Travis will give us the inside scoop about what surprises we can expect to see inside the hotel... including an elevator that doubles as a disco!  Plus, he'll let us know about some of the things at Legoland that even an adult would love.

Finally, the guys go "Off Topic!" EB gives the audience an update on a major home renovation project and Mike fills you in on his "Magical" trip to Las Vegas!  Highlights include a "secret" elevator to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, a ride on the "Big Shot," a front row seat to David Copperfield's show, David making one of Mike's friends disappear and a road trip to the Grand Canyon.

There's lots of fun and a few surprises 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!

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Video Podcast - Legoland Hotel Grand Opening

Travis from California, our CoasterRadio.com West Coast Correspondant, had a chance to visit the Grand Opening of the Legoland Hotel in Southern California.

This special video podcast will take you inside the hotel to show you all of the surprises that await families who book a stay there... including the infamous "Disco Elevator!"

Our thanks go to Travis for producing this video! Way to go!

CoasterRadio.com #725 - Namtab is Batman Backwards

Imagine you're walking into your favorite theme park and heading straight for favorite roller coaster.

Just as you come up on the familiar twists and turns, you notice something strange.... the cars are facing backwards!

This will be the experience for parks fans in the Chicago area when Six Flags Great America runs Batman: The Ride backwards for part of the 2013 season.

On this week's show, we'll talk with Brandon Bruce, the park's communication's specialist about the excitement surrounding the change and why they decided to do it.

We'll also find out more about igNIGHT, the park's new nighttime spectacular that will feature fireworks, special effects, live music and a storyline unique to the Windy City.

We also ask you guys about your "Opening Day" traditions.

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 occasion.

We'll hear about listener's "interesting" ways to  celebrate the start of the season.

Plus, we'll have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags America 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!

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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!

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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

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