Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

This week, we invite you to test your theme park knowledge with as we play the fifth and final qualifying round of our season-long game show - THE ULTIMATE. Are you well-versed enough in the parks AND the podcast to get all ten questions right? Are you smarter than your fellow podcast listeners? We'll find out... and so will you.

This week, Mike and EB discuss the closure of Six Flags America, reminiscing about its history, and the emotional impact on fans. They also talk about a theme park-related story that has crossed over into mainstream media, a $100 million dollar investment in Gatlinburg, TN and another way that Cedar Fair and Six Flags have merged identities. Plus, there's news about a Coaster Radio meetup in 2026!

In this Halloween-themed episode of Coaster Radio, hosts Mike and EB try to get through the show while constantly being interrupted by Trick or Treaters. They discuss the new coaster coming to Kentucky Kingdom in 2026, family drama at Walt Disney World, a popular Euro coaster closing, insights from a scare actor, and details about their own Halloween home haunt preparations. They also open listener mail and preview 2026's "Reel Design Contest." The conversation shifts to scary ride experiences shared by the audience, culminating in a discussion about jump scares and theming in attractions.

This week, Mike and EB talk about the latest news and trends in theme parks, including celebrity investments and new ride concepts. They delve into Travis Kelsey's recent purchase of a stake in Six Flags, Disney's third update of Soarin' and the new coaster coming to Sea World San Antonio in 2026! They also explore creative ideas for future rides and attractions that are possibly coming to parks in 2027 and beyond....including a world record breaking hybrid coaster to rival Steel Vengeance!

This week, Mike and EB talk about the latest news and rumors from around the amusement industry...including the switch-a-roo regarding the Six Flags Haunted Attractions pass, a well known park operator who was interested in the defunct Desperado roller coaster AND details about the latest Universal resort. Plus, a long time guest returns and the guys record their voices for a favorite attraction live on-the-air! We also have in-park reports from Cedar Point, Sea World Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

EB is back from from Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. He takes listeners through the RIP Haunt Tour, describing the haunted houses, including Poltergeist, Terrifier, and Jason Universe. The guys discuss the event’s atmosphere, scare tactics, and animatronics. They also talk about Dollywood’s new NightFlight Expedition, rising theme park prices, the 2026 version of Universal Fan Fest Nights and a proposed nostalgia-themed park in Las Vegas.

This week, Mike and EB discuss the latest news from around the theme park industry, including the announcement of a new giga dive coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, trip reports from Kings Island, and tragic incidents at Glenwood Caverns and Universal's Epic Universe. They also explore the future of Islands of Adventure, new theme park developments, and the potential for a Mr. Beast-themed amusement park.

Mike and EB are at two very different parks this week. EB is at Universal Studios Hollywood and Mike is at Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Howl-O-Scream. But if they are at the parks, who is hosting the show? Take a listen to find out.

On this week's show, Mike and EB take a look at the winners of the 2025 Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards. They'll review each category and discuss whether the awards got it right or wrong. The guys will also review and debate their Top 50 lists for both steel and wooden roller coasters.

In this episode of Coaster Radio, Mike and EB both mourn and laud the end of the Vekoma Flying Dutchman era....the final one left standing just closed at Six Flags America. They also have news about Universal's new theme park in the UK, and a rumored B&M dive coaster coming to Texas. They also explore the potential re-theme of Verbolten at Busch Gardens and the extended licensing agreement for Peanuts characters in Six Flags parks. Then, it's time for Round 4 of our interactive game show - THE ULTIMATE!

This week, Mike and EB have theme park news and rumors from around the world. They discuss a close call at an east coast park, the return of Phantom Theater at Kings Island, and the upcomingf closure of "Dinosaur" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They also have details about two new roller coasters and introduce a fun segment called "Trip Report Roulette," where listeners call in rapid-fire from parks across the country. We also have news about our next meetup!

On this week's show, Sean from Magictecture shares his journey from building backyard roller coasters to creating 'Coaster in a Box', a revolutionary product that allows anyone to build their own roller coaster at home. The discussion covers the evolution of backyard coasters, the innovative engineering behind Coaster in a Box, safety considerations, and the endless possibilities for customization and storytelling in roller coaster design. Sean emphasizes the importance of making roller coasters accessible and safe while inspiring creativity in the backyard entertainment space. Mike and EB also have news aboutrecent developments in Disney and Universal parks, including upcoming attractions and a live trip report from Tokyo DisneySea, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the park.

Mike and EB discuss the transition from summer to haunt season, touching on the controversial decision by Six Flags to charge for haunted attractions. They reflect on the closure of Kings Island's Boo Blasters, the demolition of Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, and the introduction of new legislation for ride status notifications. The episode also features a trip report from Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and an in-depth look at Trimper's Haunted House, highlighting the nostalgia and charm of classic dark rides.

Mike podcasts from the world-famous boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland and takes a ride on Trimper's Haunted House...a classic 1964 dark ride created by the iconic Bill Tracy.

This week, Mike and EB talk about leadership changes at Six Flags, digging into what it means for fans and where the company might be headed next. Plus, they share some honest trip reports from Six Flags America, break down the new MVP pass pricing and get excited about the upcoming Universal Horror attraction in Las Vegas. With the help of listeners, the guys take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing stories and memories of classic rides that are no longer around.

This week, we go back and forth between two of the most thrilling amusement parks in the country! Jon is at Cedar Point with reviews of Steel Vengeance, Top Thrill 2 and Sirens Curse. EB is at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with reviews of Defiance, The Giant Canyon Swing and a behind the scenes look at Crystal Tower.

The guys review the reaction to the new Walt Disney audio animatronic at Disneyland. They also hear trip reports from Alpenfury at Canada's Wonderland, interesting news about Six Flags America and discuss the possibility of an underground loop linking Universal's Epic Universe to their other parks. Plus, EB has details of his massive western road trip where he finally got to experience Casa Bonita!

Do you consider yourself a theme park expert? Listen to this week's show and test yourself to see how good you really are.

We have the latest news and rumors from around the industry! We also have fantatstic trip reports from both east coast and west coast parks!

This week, Mike and EB have a ton of news and rumors from around the industry....including talk about Cedar Point, Las Vegas, Dollywood, Walt Disney World and Six Flags. They also want your opinion for a segment next week on "Disney Adults." Plus, to celebrate the 4th of July, they bring back the 20th annual "Sparktacular Exploosioloosa!"