Thanks for Riding

On this episode we will discuss a few goings on in the amusement industry: The announcement of Hersheypark's Sidewinder re-theme to Jolly Rancher Remix, the news that Six Flags is changing their admission pricing structure and the event that was and continues to be too big (and expensive) for this galaxy... the opening of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Hotel Experience Thing.  There may be a few other topics thrown in depending on editing.  Enjoy the show!  

It's finally happened... the most anticipated discussion of all time.  It's the Thanks for Riding Amusement Park Infrastructure episode.  The interesting discussion takes various twists and turns as it is discussed through the lens of time.  What will happen to aging park infrastructure?  Will anybody listen to this episode?  Let's find out together.   

It's been a long time coming and we're ready for another complete park review.  This one is special.  It's not often an all new amusement park opens its doors, but in 2021, Legoland New York opened in all its bricking glory!  Thanks for Riding visited, rode and conquered the park.  Now, we are just bricking to tell you about it.  

We're back!  You thought you could get rid of us, but it's not going to be that easy.  On the 2021 return episode we discuss the comings and goings of attractions in the US amusement park industry in the last year.  We also take a trip to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to search for the elusive Jersey Devil.  What horrors do we find?  Listen to find out.   

B Kool and Koaster Kat helped out Great Coasters International by participating in a video shoot they did at Hersheypark.  You just may see them in a future GCI or Hersheypark ad!

It's just about the only major new attraction for 2021, it's Islands of Adventure's VelociCoaster!  An exciting blend of dino DNA and coaster, uh, chromosomes? released Nov 6th, 2020

Andrew survived the drive thru haunt The Forgotten Road at Gateway's Haunted Playhouse and tells you all about it. released Oct 23rd, 2020

In Part 2 we dig into rides we attempted to get on but were unable to and also rides we could've done but blew off. released Sept 14th, 2020

Ever missed out on a ride that doesn't exist anymore and you wish you could go back in time and experience it?  Well that's the thought experiment in Part 1 of this series.  In Part 2 the topic is changed slightly to rides that we attempted to get on but were unable to.  In the final twist we reveal our shameful list of rides that we were standing in front of and could've ridden but decided not to for one reason or another.  In many cases that attraction is now gone and the record can never be corrected.  What are your lists in these three categories?  We would love to see them! released Aug 24th, 2020

Hey we turned 7 today!  Enjoy some outtakes from the past year.

Some rides are so great you just gotta get back in line and experience it again.  You're in luck and there's no one waiting!  But it's not always as easy as breezing through the entrance and hopping in the ride vehicle.  Sometimes you have to sit through the preshow one more time, traverse a lengthy exit path, navigate miles of queue, deal with flights of stairs and a whole host of other obstacles.  Any good ride is usually worth the effort but that doesn't make the process of getting on the thing multiple times in a row any less annoying. released Aug 7th, 2020

It's the return of Early Access... News.  It's news you can use for the coaster blues.  Join the hosts at WTFR as they go through some of the top news stories in themed entertainment of the day.   This Episode: -Adventureland Iowa Slays The Dragon -Adventureland LI Gets Sporty -Great Adventure Wild Safari Returns -PLUS: Cure For The Alpengeist Blues These episodes are only half as insightful but they're three times as thrilling!  released June 13th, 2020

It's the return of the return of the King of the Coasters Tournament!  This time we have pitted the major steel airtime machines from around the nation against each other to see which one reigns supreme.  (At least in the opinion of this show) So, strap in, get your hands up and your ass in the air!  It's time for King of the Coasters: Airtime Machines!!!  It's almost as fun as actually riding them.  This promises to be the best sequel ever!     released June 6th, 2020 

It's the return of the King of the Coasters Tournament!  This time we have pitted the major steel airtime machines from around the nation aganist each other to see which one regins supreme.  (At least in the opinion of this show) So, strap in, get your hands up and your ass in the air!  It's time for King of the Coasters: Airtime Machines!!!  It's almost as fun as actually riding them.       released May 16th, 2020 

Well, masks are back.  It's a sure sign of pandemic.  We're still NOT riding.  Recently, Universal Orlando put out a survey asking prospective guests what will make them feel comfortable to return to the parks when reopening is possible.  It's a very interesting topic.  The survey asks many intriguing questions and the classic analysis on this show is insightful.  In-f'n-wonderful!   We hope you're staying safe and healthy out there!     released April 30th, 2020 

Wow!  It's 2020 and things couldn't be any better.  We've had flying cars for 5 years now, the Cubs just keep winning the World Series and medicine has advanced so far that we're healthier and safer than... oh wait... Oh well, we have pocket computers that we call phones and some people are working on "Real" sex robots.  Haha!  It'll never work.  So, things haven't progressed the way we'd hoped, but we still have podcasts.  And on this on, you're gonna get plenty of quarantine worthy current event analysis.  Just how will 2020 play out for the amusement industry?  Come on down.  Let's find out together.  This content is so good you'll be sheltering in place long after you need to just to listen to more.  Take care of yourselves!     released April 17th, 2020 

We parked in the parking lot, waited in the queue (maybe even endured a preshow or two), now we're in the station about to board the ride vehicle.  There's a lot to take in at this stage of the attraction.  For instance the station could be enclosed or exposed to the elements, have separate load/unload, theming, etc.

Welcome to the 20's!  It's a new decade now so let's take a look back and pour one on the curb for the rides we lost in the 2010's...or dump all over the majority of them.  It should be fun either way!

There have only been a handful of attractions over the years themed to rated R films.  It seems f*%#$n' weird any park would do this at all given that they're supposed to be catering to f^@%*n' families.  How many can you come up with?

Star Wars Land, Galaxy's Edge, Black Spire Outpost, Batuu, whatever you wanna call it, we did the Orlando version.  Plus Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios and Hagrid at Islands of Adventure.  Oh boy, there's a lot to unpack here.

Ghosts, strangers, monsters, corpses, Klowns and Us-es were on tap this year at Halloween Horror Nights 29(teen).  The gang also checked out Mickey's very completely totally ultimately Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Happy Halloween everybody!

It's all the new stuff announced for 2020 right in your face right now.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Batman was from Boston and a terrible movie was made with said Batman going up against a brooding Superman?  Me neither.  On the other hand, have you ever thought about which of these two superheroes has the better rides and attractions bearing their name?  Now, that's interesting.  Other superhero rides are also discussed including an in depth review of Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth at Six Flags Great Adventure.  The whole discussion evolves into a DC vs Marvel attraction comparison.  Super!   released August 2nd, 2019 

Come on down and here all about Cedar Point in 2019.  Two thirds of this show attended CoasterMania and 100% has visited Cedar Point in 2019.  Strap in for thrilling Cedar Point ride talk and also delicious Cedar Point food talk.  Get to the Point!  America's roller coaster, coast with the most, we put the coast in... ya know.          released July 3rd, 2019 

Have you ever thought that an attraction was just a little too short... or maybe way too long?  We at Thanks for Riding asked ourselves that exact question and an episode happened.  Give it nice long listen... or maybe a short one.  Have you ever thought these shows are too long?... nah!  You can't get enough of this, we know it.         released June 4th, 2019 

The best part about coming attractions across the amusement industry is endlessly talking about them.  Just like the best part of your day is coming home and listening to Thanks for Riding.  Enjoy!          released May 3rd, 2019 

The boys go through most of the new attractions debuting in 2019...late as usual.

Man, we are a little behind here at Thanks for Riding.  Just like the title implies, this here's a quick and angry review of the newest attractions at Universal Studios Florida.  To be more specific, those attractions are Fast and Furious: Supercharged and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.  I sure can't wait for Quick and Angry 9 to come out.           released January 12th, 2019 

Winter is here and it's freezing up here in the north.  Hey, it's cold enough to freeze your Winnebago!  It's the perfect time to talk in length about waterparks, a waterpark actually.  Possibly THE waterpark.  Volcano Bay.  Get the hot take on the hottest, coolest, newest waterpark out there today.     released January 12th, 2019 

Have You have survived the holiday season.  You have survived turkey, mistletoe and endlessly long lines at retail stores.  You have survived your family for another year.  Now, we here at Thanks for Riding know what you need.  More Halloween!  This one is for all of you that have already started your "days until" countdown to Halloween season 2019, a season that starts right after Labor Day, so you have less time to wait than ever.   Here is a look at what Dorney Park Haunt was doing in 2018.  You're welcome!          released January 12th, 2019 

Have you wondered what the current state of amusement park attendance looks like across US amusement parks?  Have you thought about the way attendance might break out between particular parks or across the major chains?  Have you then thought about what that might mean.  Have you ever fudged your undies in the rain?  Ignore that last question.  If you've pondered these things before or even if you haven't, you just might find this episode of Thanks for Riding very interesting as the 2017 attendance numbers are put through some thorough analysis.  You should attend this episode, for sure.  Does that even make any sense?          released October 12th, 2018 

Get ready to be scared... with awesome insight and analysis.  Horrorfying!  It's the episode we're considering the next Thanks for Riding Halloween Special and it's all about Halloween Horror Nights 28 or 2018.  Horrorsome!  We've made it a trilogy in hell, returning this year to the event in Orlando.  We had No Chance, we fell From Heaven and this time we finally were Besting Hell.  Horror... ible!  Happy Halloween Horror to you all! *Note: The final house discussed is actually called Carnival Graveyard: Rust in Pieces    released October 6th, 2018 

The recently opened Merlin's Mayhem at Dutch Wonderland is thoroughly discussed as is the shocking development from Kennywood about their 2019 plans.  Thanks for Riding would like to think that Arrow is living on in some way with these new roller coasters from S&S.  This episode is for Ron.   released August 31st, 2018 

If you are a water park fan and you haven't been to Splish Splash in Calverton, NY, then you need to dive into a plan to get out there.  It is truly one great water park and a very fun day.  Let Thanks for Riding tell you all about it.  We won't splash you too much with great analysis, personal stories and information.  Oh wait, we will!  Look out!  It's Bombs Away as you take a Cliff Dive with Dr. Von Dark down the Bootleggers Run into the Dragon's Den, but watch out for that Alien Invasion.  That's a day at Splish Splash for ya.     released August 31st, 2018 

You get the idea...   This August, Thanks for Riding celebrates 5 years of outtakes we call episodes.  Yay!   released August 26th, 2018

It's another top 10 show.  Give it 10, see what you think.  Launch yourself into this episode where we list our top 10 launched roller coasters.  This is a tough category.  There's so much variety within launched coasters.  I don't think even we agree with the results. released July 6th, 2018    

Parking lots?  Park parking lots?  Is this what we've come to?  C'mon… you've got to hear this one.  Listen here for the topic that no one is talking about.  They're too afraid to touch a topic this mundane.  There's more to this topic than you think. released July 6th, 2018 

DOUBLE FEATURE - Thanks for Riding has gone to Coasterstock 2018 at Kings Island.  Hear all about it.  In a second episode, various happenings around the amusement industry are discussed: New Six Flags parks, Avalanche closing, new Star Wars land details, Storm Chaser review and more.  These episodes are only half as insightful but they're two times as thrilling!  released June 15th, 2018

DOUBLE FEATURE - Thanks for Riding has gone to Coasterstock 2018 at Kings Island.  Hear all about it.  In a second episode, various happenings around the amusement industry are discussed: New Six Flags parks, Avalanche closing, new Star Wars land details, Storm Chaser review and more.  These episodes are only half as insightful but they're two times as thrilling!  released June 15th, 2018  

Some things will never change.  And as sure as death and taxes, someone from Thanks for Riding will go back to Walt Disney World.  Now, you can hear all about the good, the bad and the Disney in a WDW early 2018 trip report courtesy of Thanks for Riding.  Get the latest take on the current state of the resort that we love to hate.          released June 1st, 2018

It's the episode you've been waiting for.  Thanks for Riding is going to talk all about the amusement attraction queue.  Like it or not, waiting in queues is an essential part of going to an amusement park.  In fact, many spend the majority of the day there.  Therefore, it's a topic worth going into.  What makes a good queue?  Ever spent an inordinate amount of time in a bad queue?  Queue up the newest offering from Thanks for Riding, all about the queue.     released April 23rd, 2018

Top 10!  Are you interested, yet?  You will be.  Hear the hosts list and explain their personal top 10 steel airtime machines.  You know; those roller coasters without inversions whose main thrill is high drops and blazing speeds with an abundance of airtime.  C'mon in and see what you think of our favorite hyper, giga and just plain fun steel airtime machines.     released February 25th, 2018

Here at Thanks for Riding, we're going to start the new year off right... A month late and with another "New for..." episode.  It's not our fault new addition announcements about what is now this year keep coming in.  This is mostly about Six Flags with a few others. released February 4th, 2018

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  You know who's comin' to town?  I'm not hinting at Santa, not even HoliClaus.  Tis the season... for giant upright walking dogs and lighted sticks.  It's Star Wars season!  Chewbacca and, if you're lucky, Darth Vader are coming to town.  The newest Star Wars movie is opening and we at Thanks For Riding want to get in on the action.  We're sure the movie will be great, but have you heard about the coming theme park experience, Galaxy's Edge?  Hear all about our first look into the new Star Wars land coming to Disneyland sometime this decade.  We wish you a Merry Star Wars-mas this Dis-cember!   released December 15th, 2017

California, here we come!  Well, we came and conquered several weeks ago.  Now, here all about the newer attractions and other developments in Knott's Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood and, of course, Disneyland.  The adventure dubbed "from HEAVEN to HELL" ranged from just that, all within the limits of good fun, of course. released December 11th, 2017

Come on down... to Trendland.  You can hear all about the latest trends in the amusement industry, at least the way we see it.   Is Thanks for Riding trending?  Probably not!   released November 17th, 2017  

It's the 84th annual Thanks for Riding... oh... Halloween season has come, the dead have risen, pumpkins are being carved, The Walking Dead is back, haunted houses are everywhere, amusement parks across the nation are hosting Halloween events and Christmas is being sold in stores.  Is your soul prepared?  This year Thanks for Riding has had a special adventure, experiencing Halloween on the west coast in California.  Knott's Scary Farm, Disneyland Resort Halloween Time, Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest and Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood are covered in gruesome, gory detail.  This time it's HELL   released October 25th, 2017

It's time to revisit Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA.  It's been a few years since "The Rise and Fall" episode and the show has gone back to the park in 2017.  Now, we want to tell you all about it.  Has the fall continued?  What about Tempesto and InvadR?  What about vowels?  Turn off your top 40, put on some Handel and get ready to listen at the speed of fright... or something like that.    released September 20th, 2017

What's knew for 2018?  What new for 2018 amusement park attractions are known, that is?  On this episode, the upcoming attractions for 2018 for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Silver Dollar City and the Cedar Fair parks are discussed.  Oh, and there's a new Riding Times courtesy of Thanklyn Forderick, for those of you that like that sort of thing. Thank you, Thanklyn.   released September 13th, 2017

It's the review the show has been avoiding for years.  Now, finally, the time has come for Thanks for Riding to do a complete and thorough review of the show's home park: Six Flags Great Adventure.  How does the park stack up?  How many flags will the park get?  How bad is the parking lot, really?  Come on this greatest of adventures... The Six Flags Great Adventure review. released August 2nd, 2017