Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast

This week's episode starts with some bittersweet news: Silver Dollar City's beloved Thunderation mine train is closing in January 2027 (EB shares how it traumatized his daughter for a year!), plus there's purple track arriving at Six Flags Great Adventure for the Kingda Ka replacement—could it be a record-breaking spinning tower coaster?! Disney's new CEO Josh D'Amaro is already shaking things up by sending Villains Land back to the drawing board because "it's not good enough," and Dollywood just announced the most creative marketing stunt ever: Flight 925, a themed vacation package flying fans from Orlando to Knoxville with in-flight trivia, Dolly merch, and exclusive park access. The Coaster Radio Meetup is THIS SUNDAY and Mike & EB are finalizing the game plan! Join the guys as they map out their SeaWorld Orlando strategy for February 22nd—debating whether to rope drop Pipeline or gamble on crowd levels, discussing the merits of a $60 Quick Queue pass, and plotting their attack on Mako, Manta, Kraken, and Ice Breaker. The guys also debate the eternal question: is it worth buying a Quick Queue when you might be a sucker if there are no lines? Plus details on following the meetup live via X/Twitter, the Seven Seas Food Festival sampler strategy, and why EB refuses to feel bad about eating fish. If you're heading to SeaWorld on Sunday, this is your essential pre-game show!

Mike and EB are heading to Epic Universe for the FIRST TIME and they need YOUR help! In this super interactive episode, the guys dive into a mountain of listener advice for conquering Universal's newest park—and honestly, there's almost too much information (but in the best way possible). Learn insider secrets like which metal detector line is fastest at Stardust Racers, why you should ride Monsters Unchained in the morning before the animatronics start breaking down, which secret password unlocks a hidden menu at the Burning Blade Tavern, and why the Tiki Bar serves dangerously strong mai tais. Plus, could Elon Musk's Boring Company actually build underground Tesla tunnels connecting Epic Universe to the airport?! (Spoiler: Florida is basically a swamp, so... good luck with that.) There's also exciting news about Six Flags Over Texas breathing new life into Mr. Freeze with a complete queue refurbishment, updates on the world's tallest vertical loop being installed on Tormenta, and details about the upcoming SeaWorld Orlando meetup on February 22nd. Whether you're planning your own Epic Universe trip or just love hearing theme park nerds geek out over secret drinks, Easter eggs, and the best strategy for marathon-riding Stardust Racers, this episode is for you!

Six Flags' new regional pass system has some WEIRD geography (New York in the Midwest?!), Montezuma's Revenge is confirmed for 2026, Josh D'Amaro becomes Disney's new CEO, and a Brazilian tower rescue involves rappelling guests through a trapdoor. Mike's controversial hot take: Disney's Dinosaur ride wasn't that great and doesn't deserve its candlelight vigil. Lightning Rodney returns to defend his Universal tram incident, Ken reports from Falcon's Flight in Saudi Arabia, and listeners debate which beloved rides are actually overrated. SeaWorld Orlando meetup details (Feb 22) and Epic Universe planning included!

Bundle up and warm up with theme park excitement! In this annual tradition, Mike and EB welcome back longtime friend of the show Arthur Levine for their most anticipated episode of the year—the 2026 New Attractions Preview. Despite the freezing temperatures and feet of snow outside their studios, the trio looks ahead to summer and discusses what's opening at theme parks across North America this season. Arthur, who has been covering theme parks for 35 years and writing at About Theme Parks, brings his signature positivity and deep industry knowledge to break down the year's new rides, attractions, and experiences. While 2026 may be a quieter year compared to recent blockbuster seasons, the hosts explore everything from major coaster additions to reimagined classics. They discuss audience reactions in real-time through live polling, debate which attractions have them most excited, and share their enthusiasm for getting back to the parks. The episode wraps with details about the upcoming Coaster Radio meetup at SeaWorld Orlando on February 22nd, where listeners can join Mike and EB for a full weekend of park adventures. Whether you're planning your 2026 park visits or just need something to keep you warm during the cold winter months, this episode delivers the theme park anticipation you crave.

This week, Mike and EB channel the mystical seer of theme parks...COASTERDAMUS! He unveils a series of predictions for the future of the amusement industry in 2026. The guys explore the potential for new attractions, the future of existing parks, and the impact of innovations in coaster design. We also take a look back at the bold predictions that were made last year and came true in 2025! Plus, we tale a look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift...coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027!

In this episode of Coaster Radio, Mike and EB kick off the 21st season of the original theme park podcast, reflecting on their long journey and the excitement of returning after a break. They discuss the latest news in the amusement industry, including potential changes in park ownership and the implications of new trademarks filed by Six Flags. The conversation shifts to the recent opening of Falcon's Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya, with both hosts expressing surprise at its completion and discussing the ride's intensity based on initial POVs. They also share trip reports from listeners, highlighting experiences at various parks, including Dollywood and the anticipation for upcoming attractions.

This week, Mike and EB are your hosts for the finals of THE ULTIMATE - a thrilling competition to find the ultimate theme park fan. After months of anticipation, five finalists gather to showcase their passion for theme parks through various rounds of challenges... it's like Squid Games, but without violence and death. With each round, the stakes rise and eliminations occur, leading to a final showdown where creativity and quick thinking are needed to survive. Who will be THE ULTIMATE?

This week, Mike and EB take a look what the new CEO of Six Flags, is up against as he starts his new job. They also have some news about three rides that have been put up for sale, a man who won a roller coaster related victory against the government and the Muppets' takeover of "Rock and Roller Coaster." The guys also debate and choose what attractions should be nominees for the 2025 Coaster Radio Best New Attraction of the Year Award. They explore Cedar Point's offerings, including Siren's Curse and Top Thrill 2, and delve into attractions at Epic Universe, Universal Studios, and Disney. The conversation emphasizes the importance of innovation and audience excitement in determining the best new attraction, culminating in a final list of nominees for listeners to vote on.

Join Mike and EB as they dive into the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, showcasing unique and creative gifts for theme park and roller coaster enthusiasts. From fan-made collectibles to exclusive merchandise, discover the perfect presents that go beyond the typical park souvenirs. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic piece of a retired ride or a quirky desk accessory, this episode has something for every thrill-seeker. Tune in for a fun and festive exploration of the best gifts to delight the coaster lover in your life! Follow along at http://giftguide.coasterradio.com

Drew from "In The Loop" joins us to talk about the latest announcements, news and innovations from the 2025 IAAPA Show floor in Orlando!

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!