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Coaster Talk Podcast

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

A weekly fun filled theme park and roller coaster podcast. With your host James Barber, Timmy Jung, and Bob Mertz you'll never miss out on the latest news, construction updates, and speculation on new and up and coming attractions coming to the amusement park industry!

Location:

United States

Description:

A weekly fun filled theme park and roller coaster podcast. With your host James Barber, Timmy Jung, and Bob Mertz you'll never miss out on the latest news, construction updates, and speculation on new and up and coming attractions coming to the amusement park industry!

Language:

English


Episodes
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Episode #206: The Final Ride

5/28/2023
Thank you all for five wonderful years, we hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we did. It's unfortunately time we pack it up and head home, but not before we give you one last kick-ass episode. SHOW NOTES: Galactic Starcruiser to end operation Disney cancels $1 billion dollar move to Florida NAACP warns about traveling to Florida for tourism Cedar Point debuts new "Funway Arcade" mirror maze Wildcat's Revenge receives opening date of June 2ndZambezi Zinger delayed until further noticeMore ZZ explanation Paul Nelson, owner of Waldameer, passes away at 89 Gerstlauer debuts inverted model SFGAM adding Schwarzkopf badge back to Whizzer trainsLeap the Dips celebrates it's 121st birthday this year!

Duration:02:36:05

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Episode #205: Big Bear Mountain We're Coming For You!

5/20/2023
In this week's episode, James and Timmy hold down the fort while Bob deals with work. The two of them discuss the latest news in the industry, including a big retheme at Universal Orlando, another big fight breaking out at a major park, and another wooden coaster receiving titan track. In the second half of the show, James and Timmy discuss their sporadic trip to Dollywood, which includes a review of the all-new Big Bear Mountain! We hope that you all have fun with this episode with all the fun we had making it! Show Notes: Fire at Kennywood Primanti Bros future site Kentucky Rumbler receiving Titan Track Fight breaks out at Disney World's Magic Kingdom San Diego City Council approves lawsuit against SeaWorld for back rent Universal Studios announces Minion Land Mako reopening after repaintSeaWorld Orlando introduces "new" pass member rewards system

Duration:01:26:14

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Episode #204: Darkoaster...Exists!

5/14/2023
In this week's jam-packed episode, the hosts cover the weekly news, including some updates about some new parks, Six Flags park updates, and a teaser about Top Thrill Dragster. The second half of the show is a review of the brand-new DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Strap in for this week's episode, it's filled with fun conversation! Show Notes: Tony Clark gives TTD update Universal's Epic Universe Wizarding World UpdateSilver Dollar City announcement was right on brand Disney World to start phasing out reservations in 2024 Six Flags Surge PricingMagic Mountain to offset 100% of electricity by solar carport Great Adventure "Just Walk Out" technology Canada's Wonderland opens with fightsZambezi Zinger POV releasedZambezi Zinger given opening date Saudi Arabia to possibly receive worlds first S&S Axis CoasterHershey doesn't give you points.... they challenge you

Duration:01:45:00

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Episode #203: FIAT and the Florida IDIOT

5/7/2023
In this week's episode, the hosts cover all of the political news out of Orlando and lots of industry announcements coming from all around the country. The second half topic this week is a discussion regarding year-round operation at regional parks. This week has some great arguments and feels just like a classic Coaster Talk Podcast episode so make sure to enjoy! Universal Parks first quarter results released Florida Tourism Board sues Disney Florida Lawmakers pass bill to void Reedy Creek district Disney monorail inspections bill headed for Gov. DeSantis Two new amusement park bills passed through Florida legislature and head to DeSantaClaus deskPipeline at SeaWorld Orlando to open for passholders on May 12thIndiana Beach announces name of coaster, opening summer 2023Silver Dollar City announcement coming on May 5thBGW goes cashless and locals are not happy Cedar Fair first quarter results released CAGA to retheme area of park to "NorCal County Fair"

Duration:01:59:31

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Episode #202: Disney Is On Fire!

4/30/2023
This week's news includes lots of coverage of the latest happenings in Florida, including news from both Disney World and Universal as well as some coverage of other parks such as Lagoon and Dollywood. The second half of the show includes some discussion of the latest (rumored) closure at Kentucky Kingdom. There's plenty of great conversation in this week's episode so make sure to enjoy! Show Notes: Automated turnstiles...hooray for automation!THE WHOLE THING IS ON FIRE...or is it? The Second Round of Disney layoffs ensues Desantis wants the monorail to point toward the prison To make up for the animatronic. Hopefully...this guy was the problem with Universal recently HHN Speculation Primordial details from the ADA accessibility guide Playland Castaway Cove Vice President hints at a new coasterDollywood announces an opening of Big Bear Mountain after BGW's Darkoaster announcement, though it'll open before it. Fun Spot confirms that MineBlower will be receiving Retrack 208Press Release? Kentucky Kingdom rumor: T3 is out?

Duration:01:28:54

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Episode #201: Would You Like Some BBQ?

4/23/2023
We are back to our normally scheduled program with this week's show as we start our way into the two hundreds. This week has plenty of banter and arguments as we talk about some of life's most puzzling questions like the pronunciation of "BBQ." In the second half of the show the hosts discuss the latest RMC retrack and talk about last week's weekly poll. This week is a fun one so make sure to enjoy! Show Notes: Desantis' Reedy Creek Introduces Introduces “Superior Authority” Amendment Desantis attacks Disney World with targeted regulationsPoseidon's Fury to close at Islands of AdventureUniversal Orlando increases pass pricesRMC and Larson to join forcesPrimanti Bros coming to KennywoodKings Dominion to open new bbq restaurant Fun Spot America RMCing Mine Blower Old KidZone area construction expands at Universal Studios Florida The Bollywood joke can finally end DarKoaster given official opening date of May 11thhttps://www.wlwt.com/article/armed-suspect-apprehended-outside-of-kings-island/43609086 Cedar Fair parks implementing chaperone policy

Duration:01:16:46

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Episode #200: A Walk Down Memory Lane

4/18/2023
It's our 200th episode! Join us as we take a stroll down our archive, listening back to our 'best' and 'worst' moments.

Duration:01:11:28

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Episode #199: Twerk for Torque

3/30/2023
In this week's show, the hosts cover some news from this last week that includes news from Disney, Kennywood, and several political topics that tie into the theme park industry. The second half of the show includes discourse on titan track and hybrid coasters. Make sure to sit back and enjoy this week's episode! Show Notes: Disney removed power from board that DeSantis took over Bob Iger states layoffs will be begin this weekPittsburgh DA vows to block Kennywood's opening day stating safety concerns https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-public-defender-legal-experts-question-ethics-of-district-attorneys-office/ Boulder Dash receives Titan Track More Boomerrang upgrades at SFFTVelocicoaster is back to standard operations Alabama governor sends education dollars to Montgomery Whitewater park BGW poking fun at the Alice Cooper theoryTentative opening date for DarkoasterKennywood Updates Developments in Six Flags New Orleans site

Duration:01:51:09

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Episode #198: Mutually Assured Trim Brakes

3/26/2023
In this week's episode, nukes come up an odd amount of times...nonetheless it is an entertaining show this week without question. The first half contains a lot of catching up that we have to do, from missing a week with Florida. Then, the second half is time to tackle a huge controversy in the coaster community: trim brakes. Their purpose and the confirmation bias that seems to exist around them in the community are looked at extensively. Show Notes: Big Bear Mountain opening in May Dolly Parton Experience museum announced for 2024 seasonDollywood also has great communication with their guests The world's oldest orca passes away at 45 years old at MarinelandCedar Point early entry ridesKings Island early ride times Cool toy with hidden popcorn bucket arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood Orlando Free Fall now completely dismantledRipQurl Blaster announced for Six Flags AmericaNew Europa Park coaster POV released Dynamic Attractions Limited goes up for sale First human riders ride Pipeline at SWO Disney and union tentatively agree to $18/hr payraise for cast membersHalloween Horror Nights' small details confirmed

Duration:01:42:46

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Quick Update from Universal Orlando!

3/19/2023
There will be no “official” show released this week as the three hosts were at Universal Orlando together. Hopefully this quick update for you guys is just as entertaining to listen to as it was to record! Make sure to look out for next week, when we get return back to our normal recording schedule!

Duration:00:29:26

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Episode #197: Everybody Gets a Penny Press!

3/12/2023
On this week’s show, it’s a battle of the soundboards and Bob fights for control of the show against James and Timmy! The hosts cover this week’s news topics including a Lake Compounce update, a Disney rumor, some changes to the Universal parks logos, and much more! In the second half of the show James, Bob, and Timmy discuss Bob’s latest trip to an event, CoasterBash, and also discuss their trip to Florida this upcoming week. Make sure to buckle up and enjoy episode, it’s quite a ride! Show Notes: Lakemont gets a new penny press for 2023 Wildcat at Lake Compounce to be closed all of 2023 season for renovations How a disputed $55M loan plays into feds' probe of Commanders Six Flags over Georgia sees multiple fights in reopening of park Frisco City Council Approves Universal Theme Park Ice Breaker has "comfort" collars removed 14 acre Peppa Pig park going to North Richland Hills Rock N' Roller Coaster retheme to Queen becoming more and more (kinda maybe) probable Universal changes name of parks division to "Universal Destinations and Experiences" Redesigned logos (found these on corporate site post-show recording) Boomerang at Fiesta Texas recieves new trains

Duration:01:31:09

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Episode #196: ChatGPT Joins the Show!

3/5/2023
On this week's show, the three hosts cover the news that has occurred over the last week in the theme park industry, including all of the new additions to the Six Flags chain, lots of construction updates, and updates coming out of Winter Chill Out. In the second half, the guys have an interview with ChatGPT, which leads to many hilarious answers and fun discussion! Make sure to tune into this week's show as it is a fun one! Show Notes: New Six Flags rides and additions Two new single rail family coasters coming to Fiesta Texas and Over Georgia F1 themed kiddie coaster coming to Six Flags St. Louis Arie Force One opening March 31st Mandrill Mayhem testingParadise Pier opening March 3rd Pipeline Surf Coaster train now on track Epic Universe construction updateWinter Chill Out Updates Possible teaser? "How tall is too tall"Kennywood restoring Whip for part of 125th celebration Beech Bend owner Dallas Jones passes away Knoebels Rock-O-Plane?! Shredder valley'd? Maybe?HHN Hollywood Spec Map released Drop tower may be going on top of NY skyscraper

Duration:02:04:23

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Episode #195: Everything Looks Like a Surf Rider!

2/26/2023
In this week's episode, the hosts cover this week's news, which includes some more changes to Velocicoaster's operations, some new patents from Intamin, and Bob goes on a furious rant while discussing some more Orlando Free Fall news. The second half of the show includes some discussion about the latest Horror Night Nightmares Speculation Map, which Bob is absolutely thrilled about! This week's show is a fun one so make sure to buckle up and enjoy! Show Notes: Velocicoaster to Start Accepting Universal Express Pass Falcons Flight Documents Show Height of of 650+ft Intamin Files Patents for New Elements, Including a "Figure 8 Loop"Intamin New Train Patents Cedar Point to Roll Out Mobile Ordering System (Bob is Ecstatic!) Decorative Helicopter at American Dream Mall Falls into Pool, Injures Four Busch Gardens Tampa Updates Height Requirement of Scorpion after TikTok Video Orlando FreeFall coming down after owner reaches settlement following Tyre Sampson's death A bill is introduced in FL to help prevent future tragedies Keldon Holdings appeals ruling on Conneaut Lake Park building renovations Fair Enterprise Breaks down during Ride CycleMagic Mountain Also Announces Scream Break EventSix Flags New England Teaser

Duration:01:18:51

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Episode #195: Everything Looks Like a Surf Rider!

2/23/2023
On this week's episode, the hosts discuss this week's news in the industry, including some more changes to Velocicoaster, some new Intamin patents, and Bob has several rants. In the second half James and Timmy discuss the Halloween Horror Nights speculation map, while Bob plays with a soundboard. This week's show is really fun, so make sure to sit back and enjoy! Show Notes: Velocicoaster to Start Accepting Universal Express Pass Falcons Flight Documents Show Height of of 650+ft Intamin...

Duration:01:18:51

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Episode #194: Dragster's Mobile Ordered Spike

2/19/2023
In this week's episode, things get back to normal as the hosts stay on topic (for the most part). This week's news includes some rides in Six Flags closing, a ride outside of Six Flags being closed, and a big update on Top Thrill Dragster. In the second half the guys talk about Bob's recent trip to Universal Orlando, and he actually has some complaints about the resort for once! This week is back to more of a normal episode. but it is still really fun! Make sure to sit back and enjoy this week's episode! Make sure to share your favorite moments with us for our 200th episode here! Show Notes: DeSantis Declares Victory as Disney Is Stripped of Some 56-Year-Old Perks More COTALand Details Shared Many Rides Missing from Six Flags Websites, Some Confirmed to be being Removed Parachute Ride at Six Flags Great Adventure to be RemovedXcalibur at Six Flags St. Louis to be RemovedHarley Quinn Spinsanity at Six Flags over Texas to be RemovedMinirail at La Ronde to be removed Walibi Holland Announces Single Rail Coaster Delayed, Announces it Will Now Become Dueling Single Rail Could Dragster get a 500ft Spike? Hopefully not. Universal Orlando Increases Base Pay of Employees Silver Dollar City Announces Fire in the Hole's Final Season Cedar Fair Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Duration:01:54:57

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Episode #194: Cedar Point's Mobile Ordered Spike

2/19/2023
In this week's episode, things get back to normal as the hosts stay on topic (for the most part). This week's news includes some rides in Six Flags closing, a ride outside of Six Flags being closed, and a big update on Top Thrill Dragster. In the second half the guys talk about Bob's recent trip to Universal Orlando, and he actually has some complaints about the resort for once! This week is back to more of a normal episode, but it is still really fun! Make sure to sit back and enjoy this...

Duration:01:55:23

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Episode #193: Off the Rails

2/12/2023
This week's show is certainly "off the rails!" There's plenty of conversation that occurs about this week's news, which includes lots of news out of Cedar Fair, some Disney news, and a special event coming out of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The second half topic this week is a recap of Bob's visit to the Eastcoaster event. This week was a fun episode, and just as off-topic as last week's show, so sit back and enjoy it! Show Notes: Valley Fair GM on CAGA's future... Should I stay or should I go? Owners of Cedar Point Amusement Park Face Class Action Over Alleged Age Discrimination Virtu Financial LLC Makes New Investment in Cedar FairScream Break After Hours Event Announced for SFFT Could California's Great America Have Been Bought by... Disney? No. Cedar Point to Open First Phase of Esports Center in May San Antonio's Six Flags Fiesta Texas to add new E-sports gaming center Update from Adventureland GM Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Deemed "Fatphobic" Bob Iger Plans to Add New Lands to Theme Parks to Increase Capacity Tron Vehicle for Larger Guests Pirates of the Caribbean Boat Sinks at Disneyland Iger Confirms Pandora Coming to Disneyland in Some Form With all this good, there must be some bad? Whatever, this Peltz dudeCedar Point Announces "Midway Game Nite"

Duration:01:44:28

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Episode #192: The Twitter Museum is at Indiana Beach

2/5/2023
In this week's trainwreck of an episode, Timmy is back, and some topics are very loosely discussed. Heavy emphasis on the "loosely." The hosts can't stay on topic for more than a few minutes for this episode, so the conversation derails very quickly and frequently. The second half of the show leads to talking about Timmy's California visit, at least for a short while. This episode is very chaotic, so make sure to buckle up and enjoy this week's show! Show Notes: Mindbender at West Edmonton Mall Permanently Closed After more than 3 decades, West Edmonton Mall's Mindbender roller-coaster closes for goodHersheypark Quietly Removes WhipAnd is Open for More Weekends This Year Kung Fu Panda Animated Meet and Greet Rumored for KidZone Replacement at Universal Studios Florida New Dorney Park Project Goes to Planning Commission Article Highlighting Plan Parkfans shares a plausible renderingCalifornia's Great AmericaCarowindsDorney ParkKings DominionKings IslandKnott's Berry FarmMichigan's AdventureValleyfair Tron to Feature Double-Sided Locker System Similar to that of VelocicoasterThorpe Park Removes VR from Ghost Train, to be Entirely New Experience

Duration:01:45:36

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Episode #191: This is a Golden Horse?!

1/29/2023
In this week's episode, Timmy is out again so the classic duo of James and Bob cover this week's news. This week's news includes some changes to VelciCoaster's operations, some drama in Mack Rides, and a new coaster that looks familiar... In the second half Bob and James discuss the Friedman Doctrine and how it relates to the theme park industry. This episode is a fun one so make sure to enjoy! Show Notes: You missed your chance ... but there's more SkyHigh Coasters owner's son dies in accident at Adventureland A VelociCoaster Change Jumanji come to life Bison World is.... a thought Cedar Fair splits from Camp Cedar The museum..... *sigh*Mack Rides Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/mackrides_official/https://www.instagram.com/mack_rides/ A Chance Skydiver headed to North Carolina How about that horse? Will it erase Velma from my mind? "Universal Horror Unleashed" I wish this park would go away already How The Friedman Doctrine Leads To The Enshittification Of All Things

Duration:01:52:59

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Episode #190: What to Talk About...?

1/22/2023
Such a wacky episode of Coaster Talk ahead! The first half is the same as per the uge, but what's in store for the second? WE DON'T KNOW! That's right, the second half was miscellaneous discussion on everything roller coasters and anywhere between! It was good fun, so where ever you're listening at sit back and enjoy yet another fun episode of the show. Show Notes: Diamondback to receive repaintSFoG announces new dueling family coaster Voyage will get some prefab GG track this year 12 new Cedar Point sexual assault cases revealed Rise of the Resistance faces more downtime Galaxyland getting Hasbro branding SF St Louis teasing something Knoebels has a Flying Coaster Camp Cedar Discussion Additional information on Joyland not reopening

Duration:01:31:53