The Coaster101 Podcast

In news that was somehow surprising and also not surprising, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced yesterday that the company would be closing Six Flags America at the end of the 2025 Season. Evan and Eric join Andrew to talk all things Six Flags America, including previous visits, where attractions could end up, and if we think this is the last closure in the chain. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merchThanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Arguably the most important theme park opening in the United States in more than 25 years, Universal's Epic Universe officially opens in May. Fortunately, Shane has been able to visit the new park a few times during preview periods, and therefore has the scoop. Shane joins Nick and Eric to talk all things Epic Universe on this week's episode. (At least that's what they told Andrew, who is writing this podcast description without actually listening to the episode first.)You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merchThanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

As theme park fans who are chronically online, a fascinating story that has always eluded us with a conclusion was the disappearance of Buzzy - an audio-animatronic who was a central character in "Cranium Command" at Epcot's Wonders of Life Pavilion. There is a new documentary currently on the "Film Festival Circuit" that unearths a little more about Urban Exploration, Abandoned Locations at Disney, and maybe even a little bit more about the disappearance of Buzzy. Luckily for us, we are joined on the podcast this week by the documentary's director, Joshua Bailey, to learn more. The next chance to see Stolen Kingdom is at the Florida Film Festival in Orlando on April 11. Click here for more information!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merchThanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

As the self-appointed "Roller Coaster Bureau Chief" of WGN-TV in Chicago, Marcus Leshock has seen it all, including a Double Rollback on Top Thrill "Cubs"ter at Cedar Point following a Cubs World Series win many years ago. This week on the podcast, Marcus joins Andrew to talk all things coaster enthusiasm, his home park of Six Flags Great America, the demise of Kingda Ka, and the roller coasters and attractions he is most excited for in 2025! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Kentucky Kingdom is a park with a storied history - and they've recently announced one of the biggest investments in park history - the retheming of an area of the park, now known as Discovery Meadow. Three new rides, 10 reimagined rides. Two new dining concepts, the works! Best of all, this isn't the only thing to look forward to at Kentucky Kingdom in the next few years!Marketing Manger Logan Sanderson joins Andrew to talk all things Kentucky Kingdom, Discovery Meadow, and how there's a $14 million investment still to come at the park. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

On episode 14 of the podcast, we interviewed Chris Foshee about all things social media. Now, five years and 146 episodes later (don't do the math, making a weekly show is tough!) - Chris is back, where he's now Regional Manager of Public Relations for Six Flags Over Georgia and Carowinds. On this week's episode of the Coaster101 podcast, Chris joins Andrew to talk all things 2025 at both SFOG and Carowinds. There's definitely some Georgia Goldrusher, Snoopy's Racing Railway, and plenty of other news. Listen closely, and you might catch the occasional bad movie reference!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

If you follow theme parks on social media, you'll notice that a park in the Ozarks is built just a little differently. Interspersed with the "Buy your Season Pass Now" and "Hey, we're opening soon" graphics, you'll find a healthy dose of memes and the occasional shark reference. Funny enough the park prefers it that way, and you'll see why. Joining us on the Coaster101 podcast this week are Silver Dollar City Director of Communications Joey Thorsen & Communications Manager Dalton Fischer, who, in between noting that Andrew has still yet to visit Silver Dollar City, reveal a little behind the curtain for all things theme park communications, Fire in the Hole, Silver Dollar City Resort, and a hint of what might be happening in 2026. Maybe. TBD.You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Last week, Six Flags Over Georgia shocked the theme park world by giving their originally-new-for-2024-but-now-new-for-2025 roller coaster - formerly known as a Georgia Surfer - a new name and backstory, before the coaster ever gave its first rides. It led us to think about other coasters whose names have changed and as coaster enthusiasts, we're inclined to pick one name or another. John and Evan join Andrew for a game of "this or that" when it comes to past or current names for roller coasters. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

As theme park fans, especially recently with D23 announcements, we're familiar with the term "blue sky," used to tease ideas that are just that - ideas. They might happen, they might not. Usually, the people making these decisions have an idea of what they're doing. This podcast...is not that. Andrew is joined by his younger brother J.T., who took an idea he had over the holidays and ran with it to the point where his ideas would change Universal Orlando Resort + Epcot forever. Definitely more of a casual theme park fan, J.T. has ideated a world where Universal no longer has the Marvel theme park exclusivity rights on the east coast, and instead replaces it with another franchise. He also decides to temporarily full close a park to "gut it."Buckle up, this episode is a wild ride - and we will go ahead and note - this is 100% a "what if" idea/scenario, and we're just having fun. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Several years ago, we interviewed Broadway actor Nik Walker on our podcast, and talked all things theme parks. Many people claim to be theme park "nerds." Nik, who played Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Otis Williams in Ain't Too Proud, and Sir Galahad in Spamalot, not only "walks the walk," when it comes to being a theme park fan - he can "talk the talk." Folks, this man literally told People Magazine how big of a theme park fan he is.Nik rejoins the Coaster101 podcast to chat about finding fellow theme park fans in the wild (including his Spamalot co-star Taran Killam), his Halcyon voyage onboard the Star Wars Galactic StarCruiser, his on-going rivalry with James Monroe Iglehart, and how he's hoping to have it written into the contract of his next acting gig that he'll be allowed to miss a technical rehearsal in order to attend the Grand Opening of Universal's Epic Universe. (We're manifesting it, anyway.)Two nerds, nerding out about decidely nerdy things. It's honestly a delightful listen! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

It's our first podcast episode of 2025 - so of course, we have to join the discourse of the news that dominated the last few months of 2024 - closed and closing roller coasters. Roller coasters like Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa got a send-off, while others, like Kingda Ka and Anaconda did not. Did these coasters need to close? Did the parks owe fans a send-off? Are there probably plenty of factors at play as to why these parks didn't give a send-off? Are coaster enthusiasts always going to ensure that they're the main character in any story?These answers and more as Andrew, Eric, and Larry bring the Coaster101 Podcast into 2025! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Do you like the sound of Andrew's voice on the Coaster101 podcast? Well, sorry. Because this week, there's no Andrew, but there is the dynamic duo of Eric and Shane, who attended the 2024 IAAPA Expo in Orlando!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

One of the more fascinating ongoing stories in the theme park world in the past several years has been the construction of Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona. Featuring two roller coasters from Chance Rides, including the first-ever launched Hyper GT-X coaster, the Mattel Adventure park is scheduled to open in the next few months. This week on the podcast, Andrew is joined by Cindy Emerick, Vice President of Attraction Design for Mattel Adventure Park to talk all things about the new Arizona park, as well as its sister park, scheduled to open in the Kansas City metro in 2026. We learn more about the coaster design, family rides, go-karts, and more for this unique family friendly indoor-outdoor theme park!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Deep in the throes of announcement season, the Coaster101 team comes together to talk all things "New for 2025" Coasters in North America. Yes, there are coasters opening elsewhere, but have you looked at our listening audience?What's our favorite coaster? What will be the sleeper hit? How do you pronounce Rakshasa? All these questions and more answered by Andrew, John, Larry and Evan on this week's Coaster101 podcast! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

No Blue Sky. Dirt is Moving. We're getting the long rumored door coaster, the Rivers of America are being replaced by Cars, and the best Disney Parks announcement might be at Hong Kong Disneyland? That can only mean one thing, it's D23 time. Nick, John, Shane and Andrew join the podcast, sans musical interludes, to discuss everything that came out of the Disney Experiences Panel at D23. No stone is left unturned. We'll warn you, this one gets passionate - especially if you happen to be a fan of the Navi River Journey. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Following the success of their "Legacy of Arrow" Documentary, the team behind shorts and films including the "Lost Parks of California" and "The Path to Railblazer" is back again with a new documentary, "The Legacy of Schwarzkopf," debuting this fall. Andrew is joined this week by Producer Kris Rowberry and Cameraman Robert Ingle to talk all things about the new documentary, which will be premier this November at COTALand. You're not going to want to miss it! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

It's no surprise that we talk about Carowinds a lot on this podcast, but this week, we're joined by one of the people whose job it is to make Carowinds look and sound good, both in and outside of the park. A longtime friend of the podcast and industry veteran, Carowinds' Brand Activation Manager Chris Keith joins the podcast to talk all things Carowinds, his career in the industry, tangents, the return of the Cash Coaster FunTV (if you know, you know) spots, and more! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

What if we told you that over the past few years, a major project that has been on the minds of coaster enthusiasts isn't at a "traditional" theme park but rather at a motorsports complex that hosts NASCAR, F1, and Moto GP races each year?Located at Austin, Texas' Circuit of the Americas, COTALAND is slowly but surely becoming a reality, proven by the fact that the track work park's first major coaster - the Gerstlauer Infinity Shuttle Coaster, Palindrome - is now complete, and the park is on track for a Summer 2025 Opening?Andrew is joined on the podcast this week by Vice President of Park Operations for Circuit of the Americas, Matt Hughey, to talk all things COTALand, and how the park rose from the humble beginnings of a proposed housing development into the construction of two "North America's First" coasters. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

The biggest news in recent theme park history happened last week, so, officially a week after the dust has settled, Andrew and Eric are here to talk about it. We're talking all things Six Flags Entertainment Corp this week. Should they have an all park pass? If so, how much should it cost? Should they offer a regional pass? What's something you want to bring from one legacy chain to the other and vice versa? CNN suggested roller coaster fans were "nervous." Long story short, we're not.You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

You always remember your first time...Wait. That sounded weird. But as coaster enthusiasts, heading to a park for the first time can be a memorable experience, especially when that park is Cedar Point. Shane joins Andrew to talk about his first-ever trip to Cedar Point, which, while it lacked Top Thrill 2, made up for it with 50 coaster rides over three days! Shane also visited the new Dreamworks Land at Universal Orlando! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Baby, we're ready to go! Coaster Enthusiast eyes around the world were fixated on Sandusky, OH for the debut of Top Thrill 2, the spiritual successor to Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster. Fortunately for us, two C101 team members were among the first riders to ascend to the top of Top Thrill 2's twin 420' structures. The "Ohi-bros" Nick and Kyle join Andrew this week with a report from Top Thrill 2 Media Day - talking all things TT2, from daytime night rides, to the intricacies of media live shots, to why Row 4 of all rows might just be the perfect sweet spot when riding this coaster! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

We've reached the point of the year where new roller coasters are opening all across the country - and fortunately for us, we have some "boots on the ground" taking first rides!Andrew is joined this week by Coaster101's newest writer Evan, who headed to Allentown, PA to take on the 160' tall Iron Menace Dive Coaster at Dorney Park - the first of its kind coaster in the region! Evan talks all things Iron Menace before a quick discussion on his most recent coaster credit - the infamous Big Apple Coaster at New York, New York. What happened in Vegas - and at Dorney! - certainly didn't stay there as we talk about it on this episode of the Coaster101 podcast!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Spring Break at Disney...but make it a double! C101 writer Nick joins Andrew on the podcast to talk about their respective Spring Break Disney Trips - Nick with a traditional family vacation with his wife and two kids on a four-day Disneyland Vacation, and Andrew with a "Smash & Grab" day and a half at Magic Kingdom and Epcot while in Orlando for a conference. We talk TRON, Guardians, Genie+ a triple 999,999 on Buzz Lightyear, and a Service Dog getting loose on Peter Pan. Yes. You read that correctly. We also discuss lockers and shoes and Top Thrill 2, because it feels like that's a significant news item this week. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Recently, members of the Coaster101 team took three separate trips to Busch Gardens Tampa - some repeat visitors, some first time visitors, and we're here to bring our experiences to you. C101 Founder John and one of C101's newest writers Evan join Andrew on the podcast to talk all things Busch Gardens Tampa - Iron Gwazi, the Skyride, Eating Vegetarian (or not), Falcon's Fury, and more! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

When you have the opportunity to connect with a long-time industry veteran, you're bound to get some incredible stories. When that industry veteran is Dennis Speigel, the stories are even better. A former Kings Island and Kings Dominion General Manager, Dennis Speigel joins Andrew to talk all things development of Kings Island and Kings Dominion with some great coaster talk in between. Check out Dennis in the documentary "The Roller Coaster Wars That Birthed a Beast" on the VeryLocal streaming service!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains of Branson, Missouri is a park that has long been on Andrew's theme park bucket list - Silver Dollar City. A park with an immensely rich history, Silver Dollar City is celebrating 64 years of operation this season with an all-new roller coaster, Fire in the Hole. Andrew is joined on the podcast this week by Dalton Fischer, Communications Manager for Silver Dollar City Attractions, to get the run-down on all-things SDC. From history, to coasters, to finding out if there are indeed sharks in Mystic River Falls, to Fire in the Hole, and more - you might even find out Silver Dollar City's secret ingredient for Cinnamon Bread in this week's episode. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

After we dropped our most recent episode, a good amount of news dropped in the theme park industry, and in true podcast fashion, we're a few days late in covering the news. Nick and John join Andrew to talk all things Epic Universe, SeaWorld's name Change, Busch Gardens' Skyride $5 charge, and Lakemont Park before wrapping up on a more topical announcement - the Super Bowl bet between Worlds of Fun and California's Great America! Missed any news in the past 2 weeks? Here's a great way to catch up! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Our podcast is created on Zencastr. Visit https://zen.ai/_9ik4a95vlEomVaMwgRjTY5uTY166mUmml21q79pzhM for 30% off your first month of Zencastr services!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

There's not a lot of news in the industry this week, which means it's a perfect time for a good ole-fashioned coaster draft, and this time, we're taking the coasters SeaWorld Parks - SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Sesame Place.C101 writer Larry, who apparently was involved in Coaster101's original podcast (that pre-dates this current edition by years - who knew?!) joins the podcast for the first time to compete with Andrew for a 12-round draft taking our favorite SEAS coasters. Head to our Twitter account - because we're not calling it anything else - to vote for who had the best lineup!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comArticles Mentioned In The Show:Are We In The Middle of a Family Coaster Renaissance?Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Our podcast is created on Zencastr. Visit https://zen.ai/_9ik4a95vlEomVaMwgRjTY5uTY166mUmml21q79pzhM for 30% off your first month of Zencastr services!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Hurler at Carowinds is getting RMC'd. Pause for gasp. But not quite in the way you're thinking those letters typically represent, where Rocky Mountain Construction is involved. Instead, Hurler is receiving Routine Maintenance by Carowinds. This week on the podcast, we're joined by Steve Jackson, Carowinds' Director of Maintenance and Construction, for a first-hand look at Hurler's reconstruction, which Carowinds is doing in-house – and according to Steve, one of the few parks out there with an in-house team capable of re-construction and re-profiling of a wooden coaster like Hurler. We learn a little history about the land itself, the process of reconstruction and reprofiling, the importance of having a classic wooden roller coaster, and generally just nerd out for about 20 minutes with Steve. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comArticles Mentioned In The Show:Hurler's 25th Anniversary on the Carowinds BlogInterview with GCIAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Our podcast is created on Zencastr. Visit https://zen.ai/_9ik4a95vlEomVaMwgRjTY5uTY166mUmml21q79pzhM for 30% off your first month of Zencastr services!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

In the early day of the podcast, (episode 31, to be exact) author Seth Kubersky joined us to talk about his book - the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando, then in its sixth edition. Luckily he's back (105 episodes later!) to talk all things about the ninth edition! Seth joins Andrew to talk all things Unofficial Guide, but the conversation delves a little bit into Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Dreamworks, Minion Blast, and of course, Epic Universe!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Our podcast is created on Zencastr. Visit https://zen.ai/_9ik4a95vlEomVaMwgRjTY5uTY166mUmml21q79pzhM for 30% off your first month of Zencastr services!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Our new year's resolution is to be more consistent with podcasting, and we're back for 2024, ready to ride every new roller coaster opening this year. Andrew is joined by C101 team members Mike (who makes his first ever podcast appearance), Nick and Shane to talk all things 2024 as it relates to new attractions. What's our most anticipated attraction? Listen to find out! We cover a bit of everything -- and it's a great show to jump back into the Coaster101 podcast in the new year!You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Our podcast is created on Zencastr. Visit https://zen.ai/_9ik4a95vlEomVaMwgRjTY5uTY166mUmml21q79pzhM for 30% off your first month of Zencastr services!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Real life has a funny way of getting in the way of podcasts, but after Andrew planned his wedding and got married, followed by kidney stone removal surgery - the Coaster101 podcast is officially back, and there's no better way to jump back into the news of the amusement industry than with a recap of the 2023 IAAPA Expo. Andrew is joined by C101 team member Shane, who walked the "9 miles of aisles" at the Orange County Convention Center, taking in the coaster train unveilings, edu-sessions, flying theaters, and the Condiment Sow! All in a few days' work for Shane! We cover a bit of everything -- and it's a great show to jump back into the Coaster101 podcast! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!We're currently selling 2024 Roller Coaster Calendars, and 100% of the proceeds go to Give Kids The World. Check them out at c101.co/24calendar!Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

It's been a busy 2023 for Rocky Mountain Construction. Two all-new coasters, a major retrak-ing project in Orlando, a merger, bringing Silver Dollar City's Fire In The Hole to a new generation, and arguably, most importantly, WILD MOOSE. Andrew is joined by RMC's COO Jake Kilcup to talk about the roller coaster of a year that Rocky Mountain Construction has had, and how the ride is just beginning! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Happy National Roller Coaster Day! Last week, Dorney Park announced Iron Menace - the park's first ground-up roller coaster to be built since Hydra: The Revenge in 2005. Standing 160' tall, Iron Menance will truly change Dorney Park's Skyline.We're joined on the podcast this week by Ryan Eldredge, Dorney Park's Public Relations and Communications Manager to talk all things Iron Menace and also some really good conversation about Dorney Park's social media over the past 18 months since he started at the park! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

You never know when you'll find a podcast guest in the wild. During a visit to Deno's Wonder Wheel earlier this summer, Andrew was riding their new roller coaster, Phoenix when he struck up a conversation with a ride operator. As it turned out, that "ride operator" was Deno "DJ" Vourderis, third-generation co-owner and operator of Deno's Wonder Wheel amusement park. DJ was kind enough to join Andrew again on the Coaster101 podcast, talking all things Deno's Wonder Wheel (and its 103-year-old custom-milled steel wheels), Coney Island, Phoenix, Roller Coaster Maintenance, and more. If you listen closely, you might just hear a bit of unreleased information about the Phoenix, and how its cycles might be a little longer by the end of the season. Be sure to check out Andrew's rankings of Coney Island's Roller Coasters by clicking HERE.You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

It's a big week for theme park news, so before all that drops, we wanted to have a little bit of fun. Andrew, Shane, and Nick join forces for a 12-round Universal draft! There are some caveats -- you had to take at least two International Attractions, at least one show, and at least one defunct attraction. Also, seasonal events were not allowed to be taken -- which is why Halloween Horror Nights wasn't an option! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

We can count on one hand the number of new, full-scale theme parks that have opened in the United States in the past 15 years. One of those parks happens to be Lost Island, located in Waterloo, Iowa. By all accounts, this park is a hidden gem, and features a pair of unique roller coasters, a world class Sally Dark Ride, and on top of that, a fantastic and friendly staff along with its own IP across five immersive themed lands. Lost Island's General Manager Eric Bertch joins Andrew on the podcast to talk all things Lost Island, from concept, to creation, to operations and attraction highlights. By all accounts, this isn't your traditional regional theme park, and as the park enters its second year of operation, more people need to visit it and experience it for themselves!Visit Lost Island's Website at www.thelostisland.com and follow Eric on Twitter at @lostislandchiefYou can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Despite living in California, Eric has not yet made it to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience Super Nintendo World stateside. He has however, now officially done the next best (and to be honest, probably better) thing: Visited the original land at Universal Studios Japan. In this episode, Eric takes Andrew through his trip to Universal Studios Japan, including Super Nintendo World, but also talking about USJ's roller coasters, similiar attractions to the domestic Universal Parks, and of course, because it's Eric, a discussion on Waterworld.You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Earlier this year, coaster enthusiasts on the east coast were blessed with not one, but two brand-new creations from the wizards at Rocky Mountain Construction - Arie Force One at Fun Spot Atlanta and Wildcat's Revenge at Hersheypark. Luckily, we have two Coaster101 team members who have ridden these new coasters and can talk about them and make our host, who has yet to ride them, jealous. John & Kyle join Andrew to talk about their experiences at Media Day for both coasters, and what enthusiasts can expect when they ride this season and beyond. Spoiler alert: As is usually the case when RMC gets involved, we have some winners on our hands! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Andrew has officially unpacked his podcasting equipment after a move. Recently, he had the opportunity to head up to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Media Day for the park's 10th roller coaster, DarKoaster. This fun family-friendly roller coaster has a bit of everything, and so does this podcast episode!Reviews, Interviews, On-Ride Audio -- this podcast will have you braving the storm! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

The 2023 TPEG ALUMNI Community Theme Park Design Competition is in the books and the top teams have been announced. On this week's episode of the Coaster101 Podcast, we welcome the members of Team 385, the champions of the competition: Andrew Yates, David Manguiat, Ella Rudkin, Jacob English, & Audrey Nelson. We discuss all aspects of their project, The Lost Trails, including Mothman: The Ride, as well as general advice on how to use opportunities like this to prepare for a career in themed entertainment.You're definitely going to want to check out their presentation while you listen to the podcast - the artwork is fantastic! This is the third year for the TPEG alumni community competition and every year we're blown away by how much thought and detail go into these presentations. This year was no exception.You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram.Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to Justin from JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song.

Multiple years in the making, Carowinds' newest land, Aeronautica Landing, celebrating all things aviation, is officially open. We had the opportunity to attend the media preview for the new land, and we were incredibly impressed. Andrew talks all things Aeronautica Landing, and then closes the show with interviews conducted on-site at media day -- Carowinds' Executive Chef John Loukas, Cedar Fair's Corporate Director of Creative Development Ken Parks, Cedar Fair Corporate Producer Clayton Lawrence, and Carowinds' Director of Live Entertainment (and past podcast guest!) Ryan Allen. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Nathan Firesheets is no stranger to Disney Parks-related Challenges. A veteran of both the Parkeology and Ride Every Challenge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Nathan recently completed a journey that makes us simultaneously jealous and terrified: Every Ride at all 12 Disney Parks. In 12 Days. On this episode of the Coaster101 Podcast, we talk about Nathan's world-spanning journey, which encapsulated 216 Disney Rides in 12 days. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Henry (9) and Nora (5) from Ohio, state of America, come on the show to review the new Pirate River Quest ride at Legoland Florida and their first time visiting Peppa Pig Theme Park.

Six Flags made a slew of announcements on March 1. From attractions we already knew about like Aquaman Power Wave and the P'Sghetti Bowl Coasters coming to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Over Georgia, to new attractions that were previously unannounced. Eric joins Andrew to recap the highlights of the announcement, and there's an odd fascination with Six Flags New England's new Dinosaur Offroad Adventure. You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

TRON: Lightcycle Run officially opens at Walt Disney World on April 4, but Shane got to enter the grid a little early, and recounts his experience riding TRON during Cast Member Previews. Shane and Andrew also chat about their recent trip to SeaWorld Orlando for the Seven Seas Food Festival and a Coaster Smash & Grab at Fun Spot Kissimmee -- some great food and coaster talk! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

This past weekend, the Disney 100 Exhibition made its debut at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Covering 20,000 square feet of event space, the exhibit covers all things over the century history of the Walt Disney Company. Andrew is joined this week by Blooloop Top 50 Museum Influencer Abby Bysshe, Chief Experience & Strategy Officer for the Franklin Institute (who also happens to be Andrew's cousin!) to go inside "The Happiest Museum Exhibit On Earth!"You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Andrew makes it to his fair share of theme parks, but his younger brother J.T., while a fan of theme parks, isn't as in depth in the hobby. So when the duo heads to Universal Orlando, you never know what will happen. J.T. makes his podcast debut as the brothers Stilwell discuss a recent Universal Orlando vacation that coincided with an Orlando Informer meet-up. We get thoughts on Velocicoaster, Hagrids, Fast and the Furious, Fallon, and more! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

This week's show is a little different than usual. Andrew had the opportunity to visit Carowinds for a Construction Tour of the all-new Aeronautica Landing, which opens later this spring. Rather than talk about rides, he put the recorder on during the tour, and is taking you on an auditory journey of unedited audio as he walked through the mud and saw all of the construction happening!  You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

As coaster enthusiasts, we all have friends who we refer to (lovingly) as "GP." So when members of the GP visit a park that you've never visited, you obviously want the "real" story that isn't as coaster focused. Andrew is joined by his college roommate Clint and Clint's "friends from back home" Chris and Kyle to talk about their recent trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. We talk personal coaster history, coaster counts, and of course, Chop Six. This has the chance to be one of the funniest episodes we've ever done! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.

Happy New Year! Native North Carolinian Andrew is joined by two other North Carolinians, Andrew from Park Rovers and Erik of "Erik's Coaster Tweets" to conduct a Carolinas Coaster Draft, with the added wrinkle of Virginia and Tennessee thrown in the mix!Head to our Twitter account to vote for whose lineup you think is best! You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.comAlso, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic!Thanks to JM Music Design for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com.