CoasterRadio.com - Theme Park Blog and Podcast

CoasterRadio.com #632 - Give George Lucas Whatever He Wants!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

For the next few weeks, Disney's Hollywood Studios is being over run with Jedi Knights, Sith Lords, Wookies, Droids, Bounty Hunters and a bunch of other characters from "a galaxy far, far away."

"Star Wars Weekends" is the hot ticket at Walt Disney World and it seems to be more popular than ever.

With the Boy Wizard making so much noise down the street at Universal Orlando, we want to know why Disney hasn't gone after the ultimate Potter Killer.

Why hasn't Disney done whatever they need to do to get George Lucas to sign off on a dedicated land or a dedicated park solely devoted to Star Wars?

We'll discuss it on this week's show and look for your opinions too!

EB also has a full-scale review of the two new rides that debuted at Holiday World - Mammoth and Sparkler. Will the world's longest water slide live up to the hype?

We also have a Live Trip Report from Disneyland, a winner in our SOUNDWAVE Contest AND we announce a new Summer-Long contest that will have people from all over the world competing in a theme park spectacle!!!

It's all this week on the Original Theme Park Podcast!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

2012 Skee Ball Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:08:00 +0000

With the Summer Olympics taking place this year, we thought it would be fun to have a worldwide competition at theme parks across the planet.

It features a game found at almost every amusement park. It requires skill, timing and a lot of quarters!

Ladies and Gentlemen, CoasterRadio.com is proud to present the 2012 Skee-Ball Olympics!

Here's how it works:

1) Head to your local amusement park and find the nearest Skee-Ball machine.

2) Have someone shoot a video of you playing an entire 9-Ball game of Skee-Ball. Before you begin, state your name, where you're from and that you're competing in the "CoasterRadio.com Skee Ball Olympics." (This will help us ensure that people aren't submitting videos that have already been uploaded to YouTube.)

3) Here's the most important part... the video has to be one continuous shot. There can not be any edits in the video. Video edits automatically disqualify you.

4) Make sure the video shows you throwing all nine balls and then finishes with a shot of the final score.

5) Post the video on YouTube and name the it “CoasterRadio.com Skee-Ball Olympics” with your name and where you are from. Here is an example of what it could look like (courtesy of EB's son Mark!):

Other Rules
* It must be a traditional length Skee-Ball machine with nine balls.
* It can have 100 point targets.
* It can not be "Ice Ball" or a similar game with targets that are over 100 points.

The competition will run from Memorial Day weekend though Labor Day Weekend.

We will keep a leaderboard on the CoasterRadio.com blog so fans and competitors can track who has the highest scores.

At the end of the competition, we will award a Gold, Silver and Bronze winner.

The Gold Winner will receives two tickets to a Halloween event at a park near you! PLUS, we are working on adding more prizes for the winners!

Good luck and have fun

Interactive Poll - On-Board Audio on Rollercoasters

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:18:00 +0000

Verbolten - On Ride Video

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:00 +0000

CoasterRadio.com #631 - Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:23:00 +0000

On this week's show, Mike heads to Williamsburg, Virginia to take on Busch Gardens' newest roller coaster - Verbolten!

Verbolten isn't your typical roller coaster.

It's an immersive thematic attraction that sends passengers twisting and turning through the forbidden Black Forest.

There are a ton of great surprises and some of the most detailed theming Busch Gardens has ever done.

Throughout the show, Mike will describe the entire new attraction area as well as the ride itself.

He'll interview Larry Giles, Busch Gardens' Vice President for Design and Engineering. He'll tell us what it was like to take on such a massive project and what guests can expect from Verbolten.

He'll also interview SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment's Corporate Director of Creative Development, Brian Morrow. Brian was responsible for the attraction's storyline and rich theming. He'll give us the attraction's back story and tell us about some of the unique aspects of the ride.

Plus, you'll get to ride along with Mike and his brother Greg as they "Brave the Black Forest" for the first time!

Back in Indiana, EB will have the results of our weekly poll question, play a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Great Adventure's opening day AND he'll have a new clue for our SOUNDWAVE Contest!

It's a jam-packed all-new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

Ride Review - Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:46:00 +0000

When you talk to any of the executives at Busch Gardens Williamsburg about Verbolten, you get a sense that they know the pressure is on.

Sure, it's important that they design a ride that is universally enjoyed and brings guests though the gates. But in this case, the ride they have designed is replacing a legend.

Three years ago, Busch Gardens suddenly announced that they would be removing "The Big Bad Wolf," an Arrow Suspended Roller Coaster that had been in operation since 1984.

A whole generation of theme park fans (including me) grew up riding this iconic roller coaster. So, it was a big shock when it was suddenly being removed.

I remember going on the Coaster Radio podcast saying that I was fine with the decision to remove the aging ride, as long as the creative minds at Busch Gardens had something just as good (or better) waiting in the wings.

So, now we fast forward to May 17, 2012.

Today, I had a chance to ride the attraction that stands where "The Big Bad Wolf" once stood.

Before I tell you whether "Verbolten" can make me forget about the previous tenant, let me describe the ride experience for you.

First of all, the queue line and surrounding area has some of the best theming Busch Gardens has ever done. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say it is "Disney-esque."

As you walk up to the attraction, you immediately notice a German "Targa" automobile that has been severely damaged. By the looks of the gigantic vine that has smashed through its windows, you can tell that the car has been in a terrible accident.

But what caused it?

Next, we work our way through the incredibly detailed queue line that runs directly through a German Tourist Center run by the brother and sister team of Gerta and Gunter. As we make our way through the queue, we come to realize that the center's rental cars keep disappearing and the passengers are never seen again.

To cover up this dark secret, Gunter collects the personal effects of the missing motorists from the crumpled, vine-entangled cars. He then sneaks back to the center and hides them amid the messy clutter.

One particularly interesting part of the queue are the video monitors that show live feeds of the Black Forest. Obviously, Gunter is keen to figure out what is happening to his cars (and to guests like us!)

Finally, we make our way up to the station and it looks NOTHING like it did during the "Big Bad Wolf" days. In fact, the design of the entire area makes one (start to) forget that the classic attraction was ever here in the first place.

When the trains pull in to the station, one can't help but be impressed.

There are five trains that hold 16 passengers each. They're shiny, they're new, they have bright colors and working headlights! They really look like cars that you would see on German highways. Most importantly, they're pretty darn comfortable. Although, the headrests might be a bit too high... and they might block the view for smaller riders.

Once we've been given our rental car by Gunter, we're off.

The ride begins with a few leisurely twists and turns as we make our way to the event building. I was surprised that this section actually had a bit of speed, especially if you're sitting towards the back.

Finally, the cars take a sharp right turn and begin to head up a steep hill into the Black Forest. It's then that we hit the first of two launches that this coaster will become known for.

As the cars pick up speed, we leave the bright sunlight behind and are thrust into the middle of a foreboding forest. There are strobe lights, environmental effects and a pretty good soundtrack to make you feel like you're heading someplace you shouldn't be.

Because the ride is in pitch-darkness, you can't brace for what's coming next. But the cars dive into a pretty-intense helix and a few surprise drops.

It's impossible to show you what happens inside The Black Forest. But this construction photo might give you some idea.

The best compliment that I can give to this point of the ride is that it reminded me of Space Mountain. There was one drop in particular that got a good laugh out of me.

At one point the cars slow to a crawl and you get to enjoy some of the visual effects and scenery of the forest below you. But soon, you're diving back down another hill and into some more twists and turns.

Finally, the cars slow down and pull into a straight piece of track. This is where Verbolten's designers raised the bar for creativity.

At this point of the ride, you will experience one of three distinct possibilities.

1) A Lightning Storm
A fierce storm will threaten to destroy the train and all its passengers.

2) An encounter with the Spirit of the Forest
A spirit will entice passengers with a pleasant-sounding voice, but then turn evil and attempt to make sure they never leave the forest alive.

3) Wolf Attack
In a tribute to the Big Bad Wolf, a red-eyed pack of creatures will stalk the train.

As cool as it is to have varying story-lines, I'm wondering if the average theme park fan is going to notice it. I have a feeling that the majority of riders are going to be so freaked out by what they just experienced (and by what could possibly happen next) that they won't notice the subtle story differences.

But maybe I'm not giving them enough credit. Time will tell if I'm wrong or right.

A construction shot of the "Event Building" where the "magic" takes place.

Regardless of what random storyline riders experience, the next part of the ride is going to be what people talk about all summer long.

At the height of the storm, wolf attack or ghost experience, the entire track that the roller coaster has been sitting on suddenly drops about 15-feet.

As theme park fans, most of us knew about this development a year ago. However, I think this is going to take a lot of people by surprise.

Today I rode Verbolten for the first time with my brother Greg, who purposefully didn't read anything about the ride so he could be totally surprised.

When the track dropped in a total free-fall, Greg let out a blood-curdling scream unlike anything I have ever heard from him. It surprised him. It scared him.

It made me laugh hysterically.

Busch Gardens - 1 Greg - 0

I'm pretty sure Greg won't be the only one taken off guard by this effect, which is the first of it's kind in North America.

After the shock of the free-fall drop, there isn't much time to rest. The train rockets forward (much more intensely this time) to its top speed of 53 mph.

We can see that the cars are heading towards a rickety old wooden bridge on the top of a ravine. Below, is the majestic Rhine River.

Yes friends, we are in the exact same spot as the final river plunge on the old "Big Bad Wolf" coaster.

The trains show to a crawl so we can appreciate the view and perhaps contemplate what's coming next. The designers added sound effects of creaking wood and snapping timber to make us a bit more uneasy.

Finally, the trains plunge over the side and we head down an 88-foot drop towards the Rhine River.

In a fitting tribute to The Big Bad Wolf, the final drop and twisted finale take the exact same route as our beloved former coaster. Call me sentimental, but it was like seeing an old friend who you thought you had lost.

The front seat provided some excellent visuals. The back seat gave me some surprising airtime.

I think Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a hit on their hands.

I think they'll see long lines for the ride all summer long and more people coming though the gate to check it out.

I don't think this is a "perfect ride"... no ride ever is.

I truly envisioned them doing more inside the "Black Forest" in terms of lighting, audio and special effects. In fact, I had to ride several times to make sure I understood what was happening in all three storylines.

I opened this review talking about "The Big Bad Wolf" and wondering if "Verbolten" could live up to its legacy.

"The Big Bad Wolf" had 25-years to impress people and make lasting memories. "Verbolten" has been open one day.

I think "Verbolten" has enough surprises and unique details of its own to eventually make people stop comparing it to "The Big Bad Wolf."

Because the bottom line on Verbolten is... it's fun.

It made me laugh.
It made me yell.
It made me throw my hands up in the air.
It made me high-five my brother.
It made me want to ride again.

Isn't that exactly what you want in a roller coaster?

CoasterRadio.com's own Greg K. with Gerta and Gunter.

CoasterRadio.com #630 - 2012 Season Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:53:00 +0000

The very first episode of our podcast was on April 25, 2005.

We spent that first show looking ahead at all of the new attractions that would be opening at theme parks across the country in 2005.

Reviewing the new attractions for the upcoming summer has become an annual tradition here at the show and this year is no different.

This week, we take a look ahead at 12 new rides and attractions that will be making their debut in 2012.

From roller coasters to flat rides to water slides... we'll talk about new attractions that will demand your attention.

Joining us on the show to lend his expertise is the Theme Parks Guide from About.com... Arthur Levine!

Arthur will give us in-depth detail about each new attraction... including some breaking news about what will happen inside the event building of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new coaster - Verbolten!

Plus, we'll announce the winner of our HIMYM Caption Contest and give yet another clue in our Soundwave Contest! (You'll have to listen to the show to find out what that is!)

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

Interactive Poll - Your Favorite "Fried" Park Food

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:56:00 +0000

CoasterRadio.com #629 - To The Extreme!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

People who like theme parks and thrill rides are often called "extreme."

I guess people who travel hundreds of miles to ride the latest and greatest roller coasters tend to take a few more risks and try experiences that the average person might never try.

However, there are some attractions out there that even test the courage of the bravest park fans.

Heck, they even test the courage of the bravest podcast hosts!

On this week's show, Mike and EB talk about what the listeners say are the most extreme rides on earth. To make things easier, they break up the conversation into three sections - extreme roller coasters, extreme water slides and extreme flat rides.

Your stomach will turn just hearing about some of these crazy experiences.

We also have some updates on the various CoasterRadio.com contests, the results of our interactive poll and details about a fun, new project we've devised for this summer!

It's all on this new episode of The Original Theme Park Podcast!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

Interactive Poll - Most Anticipated New Attraction of 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:39:00 +0000

On our upcoming show, we'll be talking about the hotly anticipated attractions that will be opening at parks across the country in 2012.

What new ride do you think will stand out above all the others when the Summer of 2012 is in the history books?

Will it be a roller coaster? Will it be a water ride? Will it be a record breaker?

Let us know your thoughts by taking part in the poll below!

You can also leave a comment and we might read it on the show.

HIMYM Caption Contest Entries

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:06:00 +0000

On this week's show, we announced a Caption Contest inspired by our stint on "How I Met Your Mother".

We asked you guys to write a short caption of what the characters in the scene might be saying.

The writer of the best caption will win a CoasterDynamix Statix Model of Millennium Force or Top Thrill Dragster!

Here are the entries!

(Editor's Note: If you haven't listened to our past few shows, a lot of these jokes aren't going to make sense. So, you might want to go back and download shows from the last few weeks!)
_____________________________________________________
"I was sitting here." "Yeah, not anymore."
- Brian Greer
_____________________________________________________
Mike: I'm excited - but don't know what to do!
EB: Just act like you're drunk Mike.
Ted: No need to do that, boyz, I already got that covered...
- Justin R.
_____________________________________________________
Mike: Do you believe he really asked us if we heard The Beast?
EB: Yeah, I'm usually not to familiar with a lot of park's rides, but even I know about that one!
Josh: I honestly thought they wouldn't have know "A Beast". I thought I was gonna impress them with my coaster knowledge.
- Erich
_____________________________________________________
Mike: "Let's just say, that redhead was pretty interested in the Goliath, if you know what I mean."
EB: "I bet you wanted to take her on the old Anaconda, didn't you?
And then some Volcano: The Blast Coaster?"

-or- Ted, in another convo:

Ted: "I can't believe those guys knew about "A Beast..." I should get to A Magic Mountain so I can try out this A X2."‎
- David V.
_____________________________________________________
Mike: Hey EB, can you believe that Josh Radnor? We should turn him into a character on the show!
EB: Good idea Mike, I got it covered.
Josh: Ahhh man, I really blew it with those Coaster Radio guys. Maybe those guys over at In The Loop will be my friends and start the "Josh Radnor Project."
- Tom Schultz
_____________________________________________________
Ted: "OK. Guys. Two things... First, why are those guys behind me so happy? And more importantly, why are neither of them wearing pants?"
-Wally Phelps
_____________________________________________________
Mike: ‎"So I said to the Big Breasted Redhead, 'Sorry baby, you must be this tall to ride.'
- Jonathan Lepolt
_____________________________________________________
Ted: ‎"You know, I am thinking about a road trip of Ohio to ride this roller coaster- it's made of wood, it's really famous, I don't know if you know about it, it's called A Beast."
- Terry Farthing
_____________________________________________________
Mike: "Doesn't everyone know Walt Disney's frozen corpse is stored in Expedition Everest?"
- Jeff
_____________________________________________________
Mike: Dude, did you see the guy with the strip of toilet paper hanging out of his pants?"
Ted: Please tell me I'm not the toilet paper guy.
- Joel Tomyl
_____________________________________________________
Mike: "David Arquette totally wishes he was us right now"
EB: "I know, this is way cooler than Jake and the Neverland Pirates."
-Kevin Spindler
_____________________________________________________
Mike: "I'm super excited that NPH invited us out here!"
EB: "Oh man, I miss my Mickey Mouse sweatshirt..."
Ted: "Maybe they know about Millennium Force at Cedar Point..."
- BJ Wanlund
_____________________________________________________
Mike to EB (speaking of amply bosomed red-haired girl):
"We were going up the lift hill, she grabbed for my hand and missed, and TOTALLY TOUCHED IT!"
- David Bales
_____________________________________________________
Mike: OH MY GOD! DID YOU SEE THAT GIRL'S BOOBS?!?
EB: WHERE!?!
TED (Completely out of it): Whoaaaaa...they have....SON of a Beast nowwwww??? Whoaaaaaa....
- Dan the T-Shirt Guy
_____________________________________________________
Mike: OMG EB! NPH shook my hand! I am never washing this hand again!
- David Weihe
_____________________________________________________
Ted: So what- The last roller coaster I went on was so wild, it had the bar at the entrance of the ride.
- Peter Nancarrow
_____________________________________________________
Ted: Carl, I think that weirdo in the black shirt just asked his friend if he wanted to 'ride The Beast late at night.'
- Kevin Welch

CoasterRadio.com #628 - Shakespeare in Love (with Roller Coasters)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:22:00 +0000

An interesting title for the podcast this week... but we'll explain it all.

On this episode of the "Original Theme Park Podcast," we transition from the winter months to the spring and summer and get ready for the 2012 season!

This week, we take a look at a recent survey conducted by Six Flags Over Georgia. Last summer, they asked their guests' opinions on different aspects of roller coasters and thrill rides.

You'll be surprised at what they had to say!

This week is also our first show back since "our" episode of "How I Met your Mother" aired nationally on CBS.

Mike and EB will let you know how their lives have changed since becoming "background actors." Did Mike's new-found fame help him get "lucky" with a big breasted redhead in Las Vegas?

We also announce two new contests... including the return of "Soundwave!" Plus, we unleash details about the "Most Interactive Summer EVER" at the show.

Summer is almost here and everyone at the show is getting excited! We hope you are too!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

HIMYM Caption Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:16:00 +0000

On this week's show, we announced a new contest!

What we'd like you to do is to take a look at this screen grab from "our" episode of "How I Met Your Mother" and come up with a really creative caption.

You can caption what Mike is saying...

You can caption what EB is saying...

You can even caption what Ted is saying!

We'll post all of the captions here, on Twitter and on Facebook.

The winner will win their choice of either a Coaster Dynamix Statix model of Millennium Force or Top Thrill Dragster! Pretty Cool!

Send in your entries to feedback@coasterradio.com. Get them in by Tuesday, May 1st at 8pm!

Good luck!

Interactive Poll - Stay-cations?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:29:00 +0000

We're going to be experimenting with some new features on the podcast during the next few weeks.

One of them is a weekly poll that we'll feature here on the blog.

You'll have a chance to make your voice heard and then we'll discuss the results on the following show.

Most times, the poll will be about theme parks and thrill rides, but other times it will be about music, movies and pop culture.

Let's kick things off with one about Summer 2012!

A lot of analysts say that this will be another summer that people will be staying close to home. They say that gas prices will force people into another year of "stay-cations."

How far will you be traveling this year to visit the parks?

CoasterRadio.com #627 - On the Set of "How I Met Your Mother"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Mike, EB and Tris hanging out with the cast

As fun as it was to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure a few weeks ago, it wasn't the main reason for our trip to the west coast.

Neil Patrick Harris, (the official announcer for the CoasterRadio.com podcast), invited us to come out to Hollywood to be extras in an upcoming episode of the hit CBS sit-com, "How I Met Your Mother."

On this week's (very long) episode, we tell you the ENTIRE story.

We talk about what we saw, our interactions with the cast and crew and what it was like to be a "background extra" in MacLaren's Pub.

Here are some photos from our visit to give you a visual reference as you listen to our stories!

EB and Mike are having an animated conversation in the background.

Mike, EB and Tris laugh about the "fake" beer and wine they are consuming.

We watched the action from chairs set up in the apartment set.

The directors, writers and script supervisors watch the action from these monitors.

We explain how this shot came to be during the show

You can see EB's head in this flashback scene.

Outside of Stage 22, where they shoot "How I Met Your Mother."

Make sure to set your DVRs to record "our" episode of HIMYM! It airs Monday, April 16th at 8pm est on CBS!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

CoasterRadio.com #626 - California Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

We've spent the past two shows going over every details of our California Trip that included visits to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

But even with two whole hours devoted to both parks, there were things we missed.

AND... the CoasterRadio.com audience was quick to remind us of the things we forgot to talk about.

PLUS, there were some things that we said about the Disney's West Coast parks that upset some of our listeners. So, they sent strongly worded e-mails to let us know how they felt.

We had so many e-mails and interest about the last two shows, that we decided to set aside this episode and answer all of them!

Plus, we preview next week's show which is all about our visit to the set of "How I Met Your Mother." We even spill the beans on some of the stories about what we saw and did!

Make sure to set your DVRs to record "our" episode of HIMYM! It airs Monday, April 16th at 8pm est on CBS!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

California Questions?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:34:00 +0000

We've spent the past two shows talking about our visits to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Our show in a two weeks about our visit to set set of "How I Met Your Mother" to meet Neil Patrick Harris and be background extras on the show is coming up.

So, with all of this "California Content," we're pretty sure you guys have some questions.

I'm sure there are some things we forgot to talk about in our descriptions of the Disneyland Resort.

Perhaps you disagreed with some of our reviews or thoughts about some of the headliner attractions there.

Perhaps you want to know more about this picture of EB and Pluto.

Whatever your query might be, we're ready to give you some answers. So ask away!!!

Send us your questions to us by Tuesday, April 3rd at 8:00pm EST by e-mailing us at feedback@coasterradio.com. You can also write on our Facebook Page or use our Contact Page!

The best option though is to call our voicemail line at 206-339-3360. Be a part of the show!

CoasterRadio.com #625 - Our Visit to Disney California Adventure!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:00:00 +0000

The Original Theme Park Podcast returns with Part II of our California Trilogy of shows!

This week, we talk about all of the stories and details from our trip to Disney California Adventure.

This park has been on people's minds a lot lately as Disney wraps up its major construction projects including Buena Vista Street and Cars Land.

But will EB and Mike enjoy the park after visiting Disneyland just a few days before?

What will they think of attractions like Tower of Terror, Soarin', California Screamin' and Toy Story Midway Mania?

Plus, for the first time ever, CoasterRadio.com will present Binaural Audio from several points in the park... including audio from EB's first-ever ride on Tower of Terror. You'll want to make sure that you have headphones handy so you can close your eyes and pretend you're there!

Next week, we want to hear from you with your questions about our California trip! Send them via e-mail, on Facebook and Twitter or by calling our Voicemail Line at 206-339-3360!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

CoasterRadio.com #624 - Live from Disneyland!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:46:00 +0000

The picture says it all!

EB and Mike reunite to take on the park that essentially started the theme park industry.

This week, the guys are at Disneyland!

After spending 15 hours in the park, they experienced almost every ride and attraction on the Disneyland Map!

In a show that's partially on-location and partially in our studios, the guys review the park and all of the famous attractions for which Disneyland is known!

You might be surprised at which rides they really liked and which ones lead to "anticipointment."

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

The Results of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:11:00 +0000

After a month of competition and three weeks of judging on CoasterRadio.com, we finally have a winner in the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest.

We had close to 100 entries and from that we narrowed it down to 10 Semi-Finalists. They were:

1 - Stark Expo: The Iron Man Experience - James King
2 - Tales from the Crypt Presents: Last Rite - Wally Phelps
3 - Night Fury - Ryan Farrugia
4 - Ghostbusters: The Ride - Carson from Dallas, TX
5 - Enchanted - Michael from Brazil
6 - The UP Adventure - Travis and Katie
7 - Starship Troopers: The Ride - Erich Flynn
8 - Tron: Legacy - Coaster Matt
9 - A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Ride - Brian Wactlar
10 - Aladdin's Adventure: Escape from the Cave of Wonders - Daniel Melvold

Our three Finalsts were:

1 - Stark Expo: The Iron Man Experience - James King

2 - Ghostbusters: The Ride - Carson from Dallas, TX
3 - The UP Adventure - Travis and Katie

And the winner of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest was
The UP Adventure - Travis and Katie

Travis and Katie will receive the first-ever "Reel Design"Award

Congratulations to the winners and EVERYONE who entered.

Thanks also to our all-star judging panel:

* Neil Patrick Harris
* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group
* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group
* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts
* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com
* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com
* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner

CoasterRadio.com #623 - The Finals of the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:56:00 +0000

This week, CoasterRadio.com presents The Finals in the 2012 "Reel" Design Contest!

People from all over the world sent in ride designs based on their favorite Hollywood movies.

Mike and EB shared the Top 10 Semi-Finalists with you and then sent the following three finalists off to the esteemed panel of judges:

The Stark Expo: The Iron Man Experience - James King
The UP Adventure - Travis and Katie
Ghostbusters: The Ride - Carson from Dallas, TX

This week, we hear from this panel of industry experts and superfans to find out who will will be crowned 2012 "Reel" Design Champion!

* Neil Patrick Harris
* Gary Goddard, Founder and CEO, The Goddard Group
* Dan Koch, President of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
* Korey Kiepert, Engineer & Partner at The Gravity Group
* Dave Altman, President, American Coaster Enthusiasts
* Arthur Levine, Theme Park Guide, About.com
* Lance Hart, Editor of Screamscape.com
* Andre from Miami, FL - The 2006 "Reel" Design Contest Winner

We can't reveal any outcomes... but we can say that there is a lot of drama!

Thanks to our judging panel for giving their time and expertise! Thanks also to everyone who entered! You are all amazing and creative people!

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Direct Podcast Link

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.

Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.

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

"Reel" Design Semi-Finalist #10 - "Aladdin's Adventure: Escape from the Cave of Wonders"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:59:00 +0000

SEMI-FINALIST #10

Attraction Name: Aladdin's Adventure: Escape from the Cave of Wonders

Based upon: Walt Disney Picture's "Aladdin"

Contestant: Daniel Melvold

There is a celebration planned for Aladdin for saving Agrabah from Jafar.

Abu, the mischievous monkey, is distracted from getting to the celebration by his temptation, hunger and old "street rat" ways in while traveling through the Kasbah. This almost makes him and Aladdin late.

Once at the celebration area (boarding area), an over excited Genie informs the Sultan that the city will never be fully safe until Jafar’s lamp is placed deep inside the Cave of Wonders; and thusly, locking Jafar away forever. Until that time, anyone or anything could accidentally release the Jafar Genie from the lamp by simply rubbing on it.

Aladdin, with the help of Abu, volunteers to take the lamp to the Cave of Wonders. Aladdin solicits the audience to join him on his journey and the Genie turns the carpets the audience is seated on into magic carpets and they are off.

Once in the cave, all hell lets loose when Abu accidentally releases Afar from the lamp while inside the Cave of Wonders ... it is up to Aladdin and you to save the day.

Our Magic Carpet:
This dark ride hybrid combines 3 current ride systems into one.
1) Powered Coaster - this will the necessary stop/start operation between scenes.

2) Disc-O, this is the “surprise/thrill element” of the ride, the coaster locks onto a Disc-O platform with a mounted, circular piece of powered coaster track.

3) And lastly, similar to how a 2nd set of rails on a 4th Dimension coaster rotates the riders’ seats on a horizontal axis, the third rail on this coaster will allow for control of the seat orientation around a vertical access - another surprise element.

The scenery, effects and characters are all a combination of film, audio-animatronics, the latest in 3D projections, fully realized sets and 3D sound.

"Reel" Design Semi-Finalist #9 - "A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Ride"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:43:00 +0000

SEMI-FINALIST #9

Attraction Name: A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Ride

Based upon: New Line Cinema's "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

Contestant: Brian Wactlar

Summary: This is a heavily themed and completely enclosed Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter coaster based on the Nightmare on Elm Street film franchise.

Storyline: Guests are invited to tour the newly constructed Springwood Institute of Dream Studies in which they become all too real participants in an out of control nightmare brought to you courtesy of Freddy Krueger himself.

Walkthrough and Ride Description: Your adventure begins as you enter the Queue which is designed as the Springwood Institute of Dream studies. Through a series of monitors and artifacts, guests learn that the institute was built due to the town of Springwood’s population being plagued by nightmares and that it was also built on the former site of the Westin Hills Sanitarium.

As the Queue winds through the institute, you pass by several offices of doctors and scientists. There will be several movie “Easter eggs” and references to please the die-hard fans.

You are soon directed to a set of classroom style auditorium(the pre-show room) in which you invited to participate in a breakthrough phenomenon the institute’s leading researcher, Dr. Craven (wink wink) has developed.

You learn in the pre-show video that Dr. Craven has discovered through a specific type of hypnosis, he has found a way to communicate with people while they are dreaming using a high frequency signal that can be played during a sleepers REM cycle.

The film ends and through a glass window,(actually using the technology similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey), Dr, Craven says he will hypnotize the guests and contact them once in the dream state. He adds that once he shows you a few examples of how this can help in Nightmares, an Alarm Clock bell will go off and you will be returned safely to the awakened state and move on to the next part of your tour.

After that, the lights I the room dim and hypnotic images are shown on the screen along with Dr, Craven guiding you through the process. While this is happening, the pre-show room you are in begins to slowly descend (think Disney’s Haunted Mansion) so you can reach the lower level of the ride building.

Suddenly, the Doctor is interrupted by the familiar voice of Freddy Krueger informing you that “he’ll take it from here”. Doctor Craven breaks through long enough to tell you he will try to help you through the nightmare and to be very careful as guests may be on their own for awhile.

The lights go completely out as the pre show room comes to stop at the lower level and the lights go on to a still dimmed state, you exit the room to find you no longer seem to be in the institute, but in the familiar boiler room Freddy likes to reside.

You quickly come to the ride vehicles which are made up from rusty metallic pieces seemed to be taken from the boiler room itself. Ride ops complete the theming by being costumed as former Westin Hills sanitarium members. Guest enter the vehicles and they move forward into the a dark doorway, Dr. Craven’s voice once again breaks through and instructs guests to hang on as he will attempt to activate the alarm bell early and wake everyone up to safety.

The cars then proceed forward as the familiar haunting tune of “1,2 Freddy’s coming for you”. When the “9, 10 never sleep again” portion is heard, the cars launch forward by linear motors as Freddy’s menacing laugh is heard as a projected image of his face appears before you.

The cars go racing through the projection, they whip around a banked turn into a corkscrew loop and then race up a 90 degree incline where a giant Freddy head it waiting at the top. Once reaching the top you head straight back down towards a screen which gives the effect that you are plummeting towards an endless pit of flames.

You roar through as you hear the menacing laugh once again and you head up into an incline corkscrew. Then you have a series of sharp up on your side banked turns through a maze of pipes and boilers narrowly missing steam spurts and flames. The cars quickly turn a corner and the giant “Freddy Snake” from Nightmare 3 is waiting for you. Unfortunately, the cars cannot avoid it and they hurtle in to the mouth and then the belly of the snake which is a disguised “brake run”. As the cars come to a slower progression, the walls of the snakes “belly” come alive with the former victims appearing to reach towards the ride vehicles.

Then the tunnel dims and Freddy’s voice echo’s throughout saying “you are all his children” you then gradually begin to go climb upwards as you reach the top you see a Freddy projection holding your Dr. Craven’s alarm clock and he winding the clock hands backwards as the cars then plummet down the Gerstlauer Eurofighter’s signature beyond 90 degree drop in to a series of twists, banked turns and dive loop.

The cars then head straight for Freddy’s outstretched gloved hand who swipes at the cars. The cars drop straight down as Freddy swipes as simultaneously the alarm bell sounds and the cars screech to a halt in the exiting station.

The lights come on and through a “Glass” window (projection screen) is Dr. Craven who is profusely apologizing and expresses his happiness that the guests are all safe. Keen eyed guests may notice that Dr, Craven’s tie is the same pattern as Freddy’s sweater.

Also as you exit through the institutes rear hallways, if you look out one of the window, you can see little girls playing with a jump rope.

"Reel" Design Semi-Finalist #8 - "Tron: Legacy"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:03:00 +0000

SEMI-FINALIST #8

Attraction Name: Tron: Legacy
Based upon: Walt Disney Pictures' "Tron: Legacy"
Contestant: Coaster Matt

I would place this in the Tomorrow Land section of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World or in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and make this a roller coaster.

The queue would start out by entering Flynn’s arcade. As you go through the arcade guests will see all the classic 80’s arcade games and 80’s music would be blasting through the queue. The guests would then decend downstairs as Sam Flynn did in the first movie when he discovered a secret stairwell behind the Tron arcade game.

The first preshow will begin once guests enter the room where Sam was zapped into The Grid. Kevin and Sam Flynn will be visible on a T.V screen explaining that Clu is attempting to enter the real world. With the guests help, everyone can stop Clu.

After the screens go off, there is a large flash of light and a door will open where guests enter into the Grid.

After going through a few more queue sections, guests will see a roller coaster decked out like one of the Tron bikes. The coaster be made up of cars that will seat two people across and hold a capacity of about 16 people.

The coaster will have on-board audio where you will hear the voices of Kevin and Sam Flynn as well as Clu.

The coaster cars will have lines of the blue and white color schemes like there was in the movie. The ride operators will all be dressed in the Tron outfits with the similar color schemes.

The ride will start off with a launch out of the station. It will not have any inversions and would be a combination of Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando and Maverick at Cedar Point.

This coaster would have plenty of moments for air time, bank turns and a couple more moments throughout the ride where there will be a little more of a launch.

Guests will see large projections throughout the ride where it will appear that another bike (driven by Clu) will be coming towards them. The other bikes will either turn at the last minute or elevate above or below the car similar to the scenes in the movie.

Ultimately, towards the end of the ride, another projection will make it seem like our train is approaching Clu at very high speeds... sort of like a game of “Chicken”.

At the last second, Clu will panic and make a sharp turn where you will eventually hear the car flip a couple a times and blow up. Guests will hear Kevin and Sam Flynn at the end saying that Clu has been destroyed.

At the end of the ride, guests will exit the cars, they will climb back upstairs and enter into the Tron Gift Shop where they can see their on-ride photos and videos and have the opportunity to purchase some Tron merchandise.

"Reel" Design Semi-Finalist #7 - "Starship Troopers: The Ride"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Collins) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:56:00 +0000

SEMI-FINALIST #7

Attraction Name: Starship Troopers: The Ride
Based upon: Tristar Pictures'"Starship Troopers"
Contestant: Erich

Starship Troopers: The Ride would be a interactive shooting dark ride similar in style to the MIB:Alien Attack at Universal Studios Orlando.

You would enter the attraction waiting in a Que themed to a recruitment center for the mobile infantry. Here there would be screens showing the iconic propaganda and recruitment videos from the original film (especially the ones staring Neil Patrick Harris naturally).

Here the guest will use RFID technology to give the quest “Dog Tags” to wear. At touch screen stations, while waiting for the pre-show, riders will enter their name. Then a re-usable dog tag with a RFID chip in it will be dispensed.

You then enter a pre-show building that looks like a top secret war room. You are told by Carl Jenkins (NPH) that your platoon is on a mission to test out a “Bug Battle Rover”(BBR) that will save lives and save troops. From the rover you will be able to fight the bugs safer than you would on foot.

Your briefing then abruptly gets interrupted by Johnny Rico requesting support as his base is being over-run by bugs. Your platoon is to be sent out with the new rover to support Johnny and his troops. You then move out of the war room to the waiting rover.

Guest load into the Rover The Rovers would be very similar to the MIB cars except each player has a separate screen located next to a gun that guest use to shoot the aliens. The cars would also have speakers on the head-rest.

You then use new isolated worm-hole technology to get to Rico in time. This isolated worm hole would work look like a portal straight out of star-gate Atlantis. You are blinded then with a flash of light and you find yourself in a sea of bugs. The actual bugs would be projections like in spider-man. With a few animatronic ones throw in. The bugs wouldn't have a pre-determined path to make it different every time.

You would fight the different types of bugs and move towards Rico's Base. Every time your car is hit by bugs the car would shake around. Also you would get messages from the screen in front of you from Rico and Carl as well as your “kill count”

The RFID technology would be used to send personalised messages to players who are doing well or bad. The messages would be something like, "Shape-up Soldier" and "You are fighting hard, keep it up!" Once you reach the base Rico's men join you to go after the alien from the end of the first movie.

Even more reinforcements join you, including Carl Jenkins at this point (Other animated rovers would be visable on screen). Once you capture the bug Carl says the iconic line “It's Afraid!!!”. At this point you can see your final score on your screen with a rank to go along with it.

You then would be brought back through a isolated worm-hole into a pardade celebrating your victory where you are “Granted citizenship” then let off the ride to enjoy the privliges of citizenship. Before going into a gift shop you give back the “dog tags”.

The gift shop is themed to the futuristic city from the beginning of the movie with large murals of meteors flying towards it. They would sell a customisable version of the dog tag where you can get your name engraved and it would have a RFID chip allowing you to keep track of all your scores (which could be viewed on a website) and also would store your name so it could be used in place of the re-usable RFID Dog-Tags.

You would also have t-shirts and the rest of what you would expect a gift shop to have. In addition a “Laser Tattoo Shop” would sell air-brush tattoos similar to the ones from the scene in the first film.