Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast
Coaster Radio: The Original Theme Park Podcast. Hosted by Mike and EB, Coaster Radio has covered Disney, Universal, Six Flags and every major theme park for over 20 years and 800+ episodes. Get the latest roller coaster and theme park news, in-depth trip reports from the biggest openings and meetups, hot takes on the best (and worst) rides, and listener call-ins from around the world. If you love thrill rides, theme parks or just want to laugh along with two guys who have been doing this since 2006, this is your show.
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We Did the Math on Cedar Point's Priciest Fast Lane Yet
08/11/2026
We Did the Math on Cedar Point's Priciest Fast Lane Yet
Six Flags Great America is getting a brand-new family area called Camp Timber Trail, anchored by a Vekoma family suspended coaster that's essentially a clone of Phoenix at Deno's Wonderwheel Park. The area has nine attractions total, mixing new builds with clever re-themes of park classics. Mike and EB break down why these smaller, heavily-themed family coasters might matter more for a park's long-term health than another record-breaking mega-coaster. Then it's time for Quick Hits: Cedar Point's season-long Fast Lane add-on is going for a jaw-dropping $1,999 after the park closed last year's loophole of buying a cheaper Fast Lane at a different Six Flags park. Mike and EB do the actual math on how many visits it takes before that price tag makes any sense at all. Kings Dominion is running its classic dark ride Flight of Fear with the lights on every night in August, giving longtime fans a reason to ride a coaster they've been on a hundred times before. And in the biggest tease of the week, newly surfaced test footage...along with a mysterious social media post.... all but confirms that RMC's long-rumored Wild Moose coaster — a compact, maneuver-packed ride built entirely around those beloved pre-lift RMC moments — is headed to Kentucky Kingdom. Mike also circles back to Busch Gardens Williamsburg's still-mysterious Corkscrew Hill rebuild, wondering out loud what it could mean for the park's aging motion simulator theater. Coaster Radio also has a genuinely stacked week ahead: an early, embargoed interview with Hershend's creative director about Dollywood's NightFlight Expedition, a Silver Dollar City interview tied to their upcoming 2027 announcement, and Neil Patrick Harris himself joining the show to talk D23, Hong Kong Disneyland, and his connection to the Muppets' Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. The back half is this week's interactive topic, and it's a good one: listeners were asked what ride needs to leave their home park to make room for something better. Kings Island's outdated log flume, Six Flags Over Georgia's Blue Hawk, Lagoon's Double Thunder Raceway, Six Flags Great America's Superman, Cedar Point's Kiddy Kingdom, Hershey Park's train and monorail, Knott's Berry Farm's Accelerator, and Six Flags Magic Mountain's Scream, among many more.
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ArieForce One Is Gone: "Save This Ride"
08/04/2026
ArieForce One Is Gone: "Save This Ride"
Closing weekend arrived for two very different roller coasters: ArieForce One at Fun Spot Atlanta and Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa both took their final riders this past weekend, and Mike and EB dig into the real math behind why an $18 million RMC almost never survives in a family entertainment center, no matter how loudly the enthusiast line chants "save this ride." Listener trip reports roll in live from the queue. From there, the news comes in hot: Knott's Berry Farm's long-delayed MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress reportedly cost Six Flags a stunning $20 million for what's ultimately a 1978 shuttle loop with new paint and fog machines (and it's still not open), Universal is demolishing what's left of the beloved Poseidon's Fury show building as the Lost Continent disappears for good, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg drops a sneaky social media tease revealing a full rebuild is coming to the old Corkscrew Hill simulator building. Then the regional parks get serious about Halloween: Kings Island, Carowinds, and Six Flags Great Adventure are all getting a Friday the 13th-themed Jason house, SeaWorld parks are doing I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Busch Gardens is bringing Anaconda to life — which inspires the guys who bring Anaconda's villain Paul Sarone back from the dead to review every snake-named roller coaster in the country. After the break, Mike and EB get into the business side of the show, walking through a full overhaul of Coaster Radio's Patreon tiers — including a new producer-only Discord channel — before wrapping with a water park trip report from Crete and a juicy Screamscape rumor that Kings Island's aging Arrow suspended coaster, The Bat, might be on the chopping block to make room for something new.
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Six Flags Just Revealed the Weirdest Roller Coaster We've Ever Seen
07/31/2026
Six Flags Just Revealed the Weirdest Roller Coaster We've Ever Seen
A shorter episode this week, and a special one: Project Purple at Six Flags Great Adventure finally has a name and a POV video, and it might be the strangest thing we have ever seen a roller coaster do. Bakunawa — named for the moon-eating sea serpent of Filipino mythology — launches riders 60 mph out of the station, sends them upside down into a vertical stall while launching them a second time, then blasts them up a 382-ft tower at 100mph with zero floor beneath the seats before doing the entire thing again backwards. Mike and EB break down the three separate launches, debate whether "more of everything" is actually a substitute for something new, and land on the one moment in the ride that they think makes it worth the drive. After the break, Dollywood finally locks in an opening date for the long-delayed NightFlight Expedition: August 19th, following pass-holder previews. The guys will talk through why this ride could be the best of 2026. And then the news that prompted this shorter episode in the first place, Mike and EB officially announce Coaster Radio is moving its release date after more than 20 years of Thursday nights — new episodes will now drop early Tuesday mornings, timed to catch weekend park news and midweek commutes.
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Silver Dollar City Teases Its Biggest Secret Yet
07/24/2026
Silver Dollar City Teases Its Biggest Secret Yet
This week opens on sad news: Dick Knoebel, the iconic owner of Knoebels's Amusement Resort, has passed away. He was one of the true greats of the family-owned park world. Mike and EB share a piece of an interview they did with him back in 2006, on the midway in front of the Phoenix, and talk about why Knoebels still feels different from every other park in the country — and why that's exactly what he wanted. From there, the news picks up: Fury 325 at Carowinds is back up and running after the park caught a foundation issue on one of its support columns during a routine inspection. Holiday World is extending Friday Night Live hours and adding two brand-new fall operating dates in November. And Mike and EB spend a solid chunk of the show gawking at a Heritage Auctions listing selling off actual Disney park memorabilia — a customized Big Thunder Mountain bench going for over $10,000, a Tomorrowland trash can pushing $2,000, and a Twilight Zone Tower of Terror chandelier that might, weirdly, be the one item on the list actually worth the price. Then there's the story the guys can't stop speculating about: Silver Dollar City has pulled its mine-train coaster Thunderation to make way for what it's calling the largest investment in the park's history, wrapped in an elaborate in-universe press release about a fictional 1880s mining company "returning to work" beneath Marvel Cave. Given the ride's footprint sits right next to the park's real cave tour entrance, Mike and EB dig into what an actual underground attraction at Silver Dollar City could look like — and why the August 14th reveal might be the most interesting theme park announcement of the year. The back half is a trip report showcase: a live in-park report on the brand new Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas, a visit to a certain small, deranged-millionaire-built park in Georgia, Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom, a listener's 150th ride on Wrath at California's Great America, and a family day at Lake Winnepesaukah that ends with a first roller coaster credit for a very lucky three-year-old. Also, there's some 80's pop nostalgia that you won't want to miss.
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One of the Best B&M Coasters Ever Built Is About to Disappear
07/17/2026
One of the Best B&M Coasters Ever Built Is About to Disappear
Busch Gardens Tampa is closing Kumba, one of the most beloved B&M sit-down coasters ever built and the fourth-oldest operating B&M in the world, on August 2nd. Mike and EB spend the first drop giving a 33-year-old classic its proper send-off — the terrain-hugging layout, the iconic photo op under the corkscrew, the fact that it opened the same year Mike graduated high school — before digging into what "Kumba's Revenge" and a $100 million investment might mean for the space it leaves behind. From there, the news gets genuinely interesting: a strong rumor that Disney World's Space Mountain could get fully gutted and rebuilt from the inside out (with the guys making the case for why the purists are wrong this time), a D23 session themed to the Carousel of Progress that's being hosted by none other than Coaster Radio's own announcer, Neil Patrick Harris, and a reveal date for Six Flags Great Adventure's mysterious Project Purple — teased via a barnacle-covered shipping container reading "GVV," which may or may not stand for a name neither host can bring themselves to like. After the break, EB dives into a genuinely enormous care package from a listener packed with park maps, hats, collectible coins, and ceramic bourbon poker chips, before the two get into the show's real centerpiece this week: BlooLoop's list of the 26 best theme park attractions in the world. It's a sprawling, hotly contested countdown spanning six continents' worth of dark rides, and Mike and EB don't hold back — disagreeing hard on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, defending Pirates of the Caribbean's 60-year-old technology, and debating whether a ride that's been open for a matter of months deserves to be crowned the single best attraction on the planet.
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The Theme Park That Changed So Much It's Basically Unrecognizable
07/10/2026
The Theme Park That Changed So Much It's Basically Unrecognizable
Six Flags Over Texas finally "drops the gate" on Tormenta: Rampaging Run, the massive new B&M dive coaster, and the early word is exactly what you'd hope: no rattle, great reviews. Mike and EB break down what a park gets right when a new ride opens with an entire refurbished plaza around it, and whether "biggest dive coaster yet" actually means anything anymore to hardcore enthusiasts who've done this exact ride four times already. Then it's a packed news round covering a genuinely incredible Universal exhibition at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia (with a Star Wars follow-up already announced for the park's 50th anniversary), Universal Orlando's new after-hours "Universal Nights" event at Epic Universe going head-to-head with Halloween Horror Nights, and Disneyland officially welcoming its one billionth guest. That last one gets the full Coaster Radio treatment: an "exclusive" behind-the-scenes report from the Billionth Guest Command Center, featuring the triumphant return of Disney Podcast Guy, whose live-streamed quest for billionth-guest glory ends about as well as you'd expect. After the break: a trip report from two listeners who flew from Houston to Atlanta for one last ride on Arie Force One before it's gone, plus fresh chatter about whether RMC floating the idea of relocating the coaster means anything (spoiler: not until someone signs a check). Then the second half of the show is all yours — this week's interactive topic asked listeners which park has changed the most, for better or worse, over the last 20 years, and the answers cover Disney California Adventure's total reinvention, Dollywood's coaster boom, Carowinds' rise from unknown local park to must-visit and Hersheypark's transformation into a real destination.
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Is A Top-Five Roller Coaster Getting Bulldozed?
07/03/2026
Is A Top-Five Roller Coaster Getting Bulldozed?
Sometimes the roller coaster world hands you a story so absurd you don't even need a punchline — you just need to read the facts out loud. This week on Coaster Radio, the original theme park podcast, Mike and EB dig into the sudden, bulldozer-bound death of one of the best roller coasters in America: Fun Spot Atlanta is closing on August 2nd, taking Arie Force One — an RMC hybrid barely four years old that regularly cracks top-five lists nationwide — down with it. No, it's not relocating. No, someone can't just "cut out the footprint" and paste it into their backyard. This thing is probably headed straight for the scrapyard, and the guys break down what made this coaster great and if there's any hope at all of it being saved. From there, it's a genuinely stacked news week (there were two episodes' worth of stories backed up, and it shows): a viral video of a kid tumbling out of Disneyland's Tiana's Bayou Adventure that had half the internet convinced it was AI-generated, Pirates of the Caribbean's brand-new projection-mapped skeleton animatronic (and a pretty compelling argument for where Imagineering should have actually put it), Holiday World's all-American 2027 addition Cannonball — a family water coaster that splashes straight into a themed community pool — and a deep dive into the very mixed reviews rolling in from Universal's newly opened Kids Resort in Texas. After the break: Six Flags Over Texas delays Tormenta, Cedar Point is selling literal chunks of Magnum XL-200 track for $300 a slice (and they're already sold out), Halloween Horror Nights brings Hellraiser to Hollywood and Orlando, Six Flags Great Adventure unveils its boardwalk-themed Shoreline Pier, and Knott's Berry Farm's long-dead Montezuma the Forbidden Fortress is back and testing with a powerful launch. And because it's the Fourth of July, the show closes out with the 20th-ish annual Coaster Radio tradition: the Sparktacular Explosaloosa, live from EB's back deck — now with video.
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Should Disney Just Tear Down the Matterhorn?
06/26/2026
Should Disney Just Tear Down the Matterhorn?
The guys are on vacation, but the show must go on! We recorded this listener question episode just before heading out, covering everything from the best back-to-back coaster combinations to which IP should come to the parks next, whether Disney would ever tear down the Matterhorn, and which rides sound way better than they actually are. Plus, EB shares two fun stories from a recent Kentucky Kingdom visit — including a station crew member who had absolutely had enough, and a Flying Fox scavenger hunt with a surprisingly solid prize. 🎢 IN THIS EPISODE: Kentucky Kingdom update: Lightning Run's no-nonsense station crew & the Flying Fox scavenger hunt (secret word: PILOT 🤫) Gamifying your park day — leaderboards, ride-counting points & the death of the Q-bot Your favorite roller coaster one-two punch (Storm Runner's launch-to-top-hat, Holiday World's Thunderbird + Voyage, Cedar Point's murderers' row) The next big IP coming to theme parks — Pokémon, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Ghostbusters, Squid Game, Godzilla, Barbie, and a case for Namco Land Could Apple, Netflix, or Amazon ever acquire regional parks like Paramount did? The Matterhorn Bobsleds: Ship of Theseus debate — can they replace the track without tearing apart the mountain, or would Disney just tear it down? Rides you hate but somehow keep forgetting you hate (Tempesto / Premier Skyrocket II, giant swing rides) What ride would you NOT want your home park to get? Favorite kiddie ride (the Whip, Knoebels carousel, Holiday World canoes) Which meetup would you do all over again? (Knoebels camping, Dollywood) Listener question on video podcasting: how do two TV producers feel about the transition from audio-only? 📬 Submit your questions: | PO Box 3399, Bloomington IN 47402 Or write it on a $20 bill and mail it — that's the preferred method. 🎧 Support the show: patreon.com/coasterradio $1/month gets you into the Discord | $11/year gets you a free month
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Boardwalks, Boat Rides, and a Tornado That Almost Ended the Podcast
06/19/2026
Boardwalks, Boat Rides, and a Tornado That Almost Ended the Podcast
What's better than a theme park podcast? A theme park podcast recorded while a tornado is actively threatening to rearrange EB's house. Welcome to another completely unhinged episode of Coaster Radio, where we somehow manage to discuss the future of Disney Imagineering, a legendary wooden coaster's potential comeback, and the glorious grit of America's boardwalk parks while EB monitors live storm tracking from his studio. We kick things off with some big news: Adobe has announced a collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to bring AI-powered pre-visualization tools to the theme park design pipeline. The idea is to take Imagineering's massive archive of concept art and accelerate the development process — from blue sky sketch to 3D model, faster than ever before. Sounds exciting, right? Well, EB has thoughts. A lot of them. Speaking of attractions, Hershey Park's legendary Tidal Force — one of the most spectacular splash zones in the history of boat rides — is closing after 32 years this September. Alabama Adventure is teasing a big announcement that fans hope means the long-dormant Rampage wooden coaster is finally coming back, possibly with RMC treatment. Universal Epic Universe is debuting a brand new nighttime spectacular called Celestial Goodnight featuring seven million LED lights and 350 fountains. And Dollywood's Night Flight Expedition has been pushed back to August — which opens the door for Holiday World, who appears to be announcing their single biggest investment ever on July 1st at 8:45 AM, and all signs point to a Mack rocking boat ride coming to Boulder Canyon in 2027. Then we pivot to the second half of the show — a full celebration of boardwalk parks and the beautiful, gritty, chaotic joy of beach amusement. Mike's heading to Ocean City, Maryland for vacation, and we take a loving tour of some of America's great seaside spots: the Santa Monica Pier, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (including a very generous offer of free tokens to Treasure Hunt), the New Jersey piers, Coney Island (which Mike has still never visited and yes, we're calling him out), and the terminally underrated Indiana Beach. We also go deep on mini golf — specifically, how much a well-themed mini golf course with animatronics slaps, and why the card-swipe ticket system is a crime against childhood nostalgia. And yes, there's a million-dollar mini golf course for sale in EB's town if anyone's interested. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Coaster Radio Insiders Club at patreon.com/coasterradio.#coasterradio
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Flying Fox Was Closed (Obviously)
06/12/2026
Flying Fox Was Closed (Obviously)
It's a trip to Kentucky Kingdom — and the Curse of Coaster Radio strikes again. EB heads to Louisville with daughter Madeline, son Dean, and friends, only to find that Flying Fox, the brand-new family inverted coaster they were most excited to ride, is still under construction. No matter: Kentucky Kingdom's gorgeous new Discovery Meadow area more than makes up for it, and EB files a full walking tour from the carousel to Wind Chaser (née Storm Chaser) to Woodland Run and Lightning Run. Plus: Mike shares POV video breakdowns of two exciting new additions coming to Waldameer and Carowinds, listeners call in live from Kings Dominion, Alton Towers, and — of all places — Vietnam, and Mike reveals that Coaster Radio is transcribing all 820 episodes into an AI archive History, finally, in one place.
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This Episode Made EB Question Everything
06/05/2026
This Episode Made EB Question Everything
The first ever Coaster Radio panel discussion is here — and it did not disappoint. Joining Mike and EB are three guests who come at the theme park world from completely different angles. Jessica Gardner — the Theme Parkette — is a Los Angeles-based travel content creator, actress with over 50 on-screen credits, USA Today 10Best theme park expert, and host of the ACE official podcast Ride With Us. Josh Reichlin of Made to Thrill spent years frustrated by theme park gift shops and instead of just complaining about it built an entire brand whose retro-style artwork now hangs in Six Flags parks, Holiday World, and an unreasonable number of other places. And Tom from Louisville — Coaster Radio listener since Season 1, game show contestant, Reel Design Contest semifinalist, cartoon lobster, and the man whose voice you hear every week saying "quick hits." Topics covered this week: Is Werewolf Gorge at Six Flags Fiesta Texas the last dive coaster we'll ever get genuinely excited about? Are we happy about Enchanted Parks and what should they call their skip the line program? Knoebels turns 100 this year and the panel has feelings. Michigan's Adventure turns 70 and nobody's sure what happens next. Jessica rode the new Phantom Theater at Kings Island three times in one day — with Meta glasses. Josh got a Voyage trimless night ride at Holiday World and called it life changing. Jessica's Voyage trimless night ride at the all-women's ride made her cry. The case for and against Epic Universe being the best theme park ever built — and why Tom from Louisville says Disneyland and he's not budging. Then the big question — do people like the ones on this panel actually make the theme park experience better? Influencers, podcasters, merchandise creators — do they add wonder or spoil it? The answers are honest, funny, and occasionally surprising. Plus Jessica reveals the most unexpected piece of theme park memorabilia in the history of the show. Tom brings the Trader Sam's mug. Josh explains what the Demon poster at Great America means to him personally. And somewhere in there, EB decides he needs to watch the Defunctland Fast Lane episode immediately.
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Rides That Need a Refresh — And Some Wild Ideas for What Could Replace Them
05/29/2026
Rides That Need a Refresh — And Some Wild Ideas for What Could Replace Them
Internet sleuths just pulled permits for a brand new building in the Dark Universe portal at Epic Universe. Building 1570. Area 680. Listed as a special project. And the building numbers line up with exactly the kind of show building you'd need for a new attraction. Mike and EB have a theory about what it is — and it involves a glass bottom boat, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and an idea that Coaster Radio listeners actually designed in a Real Design Contest years ago. If Universal puts a Coaster Radio t-shirt on one of the bodies in that ride, that's all the confirmation the show needs. Before the speculation though — Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has been removed from Universal Express. The longest line at Epic Universe is now a standby-only experience, and the people paying for Express Pass are not happy about it. Nate Bargatze wants to build a theme park based on his own life in Nashville and EB has thoughts. And RMC's Wild Moose prototype track has appeared at their Idaho headquarters, with the most interesting theory being that it could go indoors at Kentucky Kingdom in the space that used to hold a Schwarzkopf coaster. Then in the second half — the interactive question that started with Verbolten's new overlay at Busch Gardens Williamsburg produces one of the best listener response segments of the season. Rides that could use a refresh. Listeners suggest Journey to Atlantis, Men in Black Alien Attack, Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom, Flight of Fear, Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Test Track, and the entire frontier area at Cedar Point. Mike and EB debate each one — and somewhere in the Men in Black discussion, EB invents what might be the greatest unused attraction concept in Universal history. Also — EB is going to Kentucky Kingdom on June 10th, there are collectible pins being considered, and the show closes with a detailed discussion of the 1997 horror film Wishmaster that you absolutely did not see coming. Stay through the Patreon section. You'll understand why.
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Hot Takes That Will Make Theme Park Fans Lose Their Minds
05/22/2026
Hot Takes That Will Make Theme Park Fans Lose Their Minds
The Hot Take Hoedown is officially here — and the "Sons of Sandusky" are already $150 richer. This week Mike and EB debut their brand new segment featuring the spiciest opinions from around the theme park internet — and then decide whether each one is a genuine hot take, a bad take, or just something EB has been saying for years. Is Iron Gwazi actually better than VelociCoaster? Did Cedar Point peak in 2001? Should Space Mountain at Walt Disney World be permanently retired? Are RMC conversions a net negative for the industry? Was Epcot better before it had roller coasters? EB has thoughts on all of them. Some of them are his own. Before the Hoedown though — Cedar Point's Millennium Force has a seat belt problem and Tony Clark is blaming Intamin. NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood has quietly removed "spring 2026" from its website and now just says "2026." Soarin' Across America has opened at Epcot and it's getting the full Mike and EB treatment — spoiler, the lawn is not that green on the DC Mall. Montezooma's Revenge train has arrived at Knott's Berry Farm but enthusiasts are already upset about the over-the-shoulder restraints. And the Mystical Fountain at Lost Continent says goodbye — though Mike has a CoasterDamus prediction about where it ends up. The Hot Take Hoedown closes with one final take that might be the most genuinely interesting of the night — does consuming too much theme park content rob you of the ability to experience parks with wonder? And is "the price of expertise is the loss of wonder" the new Coaster Radio tagline? One thing is certain. EB wants to wrap up with the theme song. The Sons of Sandusky are standing by.
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Whatcha Gonna Do When Coastermania Runs Wild On You
05/15/2026
Whatcha Gonna Do When Coastermania Runs Wild On You
Every coaster enthusiast has one. A specific ride. A specific day. The moment that turned a casual park visitor into someone who plans vacations around roller coasters, studies manufacturer lineups, and listens to theme park podcasts at 11pm on a Tuesday. This week Mike and EB asked the Coaster Radio community to share theirs — and the response was overwhelming. From Steel Phantom at Kennywood to Dueling Dragons at Islands of Adventure. From Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland at age six to Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain in 1991. From watching Top Thrill Dragster launch for hours as a child to being forced onto a coaster by an older sibling and never looking back. From Dick Knoebel of Knoebels personally replying to a young fan's handwritten letters to a nine-year-old standing under a flickering chandelier at the Haunted Mansion and thinking "this is what I want to do with my life." Dozens of stories. Dozens of different rides. One common thread — the moment everything changed. But first — Cedar Point tried to cancel Coastermania and replace it with Morning Rush. The Coaster Maniacs responded. Tony Clark listened. And the Hulkster had some thoughts. Brothers, Coastermania is incoming. Also this week — Epic Universe opens Celestial Park to convention goers for the first time ever, giving the world its first look at how the portal system actually works. A bomb threat at Six Flags Magic Mountain delays opening until 12:30pm and nobody can explain why it was called in at 7:45 in the morning. The Family Kingdom Raptor coaster gets pushed to 2027 due to permitting issues. Busch Gardens Tampa files permits for a possible $16.5 million water ride to replace Stanley Falls. And Holiday World launches the most elaborate teaser campaign in park history for the mysterious Town of Boulder Canyon. Plus — a live trip report from Six Flags Great America on opening day, and the show teases something new coming to Coaster Radio very soon. Go read the full listener responses on the Coaster Radio Facebook page. Bring tissues.
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Universal Horror Unleashed the Disappointment
05/08/2026
Universal Horror Unleashed the Disappointment
They're back. Two weeks off, one terrible cold, and one truly spectacular failure in Las Vegas. Mike and EB return with a packed show — but first, an apology. The Universal Horror Unleashed trip report that was promised at the end of Episode 2114 is not happening. Not because the show didn't go to Las Vegas. Not because Mike didn't convince an entire table of colleagues to pile into taxis at 9pm on a Tuesday. And not because the outside of that abandoned warehouse didn't look absolutely incredible. It's because there's a rule on the Universal Horror Unleashed website. Buried. In small print. That says you cannot enter within two hours of closing. And nobody read it. The security guard was unmoved. The group was turned away. Area 15 was completely deserted. And Mike spent the rest of the evening explaining to his coworkers why they had taken a 10 minute cab ride to stare at a very good looking warehouse. Universal Horror Unleashed will have to wait for another trip. On the bright side — the show has a lot of news to get through. The USA Today 10 Best list is back and EB has officially had enough of it. Mako at number four on the best roller coasters list. Phantom's Revenge at number two. No Fury 325. No VelociCoaster. No Dollywood. No Disney. No Universal. Mike and EB spend considerable time asking whether this list has any business existing at all — and then asking the listeners to vote on whether it should ever return to the show. Also this week — Lost Continent demolition has officially begun at Islands of Adventure. Phantom Theater Opening Nightmare opens at Kings Island and it's getting excellent early reviews. Epic Universe gets its first major financial validation from the Comcast quarterly earnings report. And the teen takeover story continues to escalate with another ICON Park event on May 9th and a Universal CityWalk takeover announced for June 15th. Plus the Coaster Radio mailbag delivers a spectacular Spain trip report from listener Alex — five days, four parks, four zoos, DragonCon, Shambhala, and a Port Aventura Express Pass that was absolutely worth the 19 euros. And somewhere in Las Vegas, a Golden Tiki porthole is calling Mike and EB's names.
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Something Big Is Coming to Epic Universe's Portals — We Just Don't Know What
04/17/2026
Something Big Is Coming to Epic Universe's Portals — We Just Don't Know What
Something strange is happening at the portals of Epic Universe — and Mike and EB saw it coming. Weeks ago, walking out of Isle of Berk, Tom from Louisville spotted three capped utility holes flush in the concrete right at the portal entrance. Nobody knew what they were. This week, Universal installed facial recognition turnstiles in those exact spots. And Universal has said absolutely nothing about why. Mike and EB break down every theory — per-portal tickets, open Celestial Park access like a City Walk, corporate buyouts locking guests out of entire lands for the night, after-hours experiences, and the unexplained pockets of empty retail space in Celestial Park that have never made sense for a fully ticketed theme park. Nobody has the answer yet. But this is the most interesting story in theme parks right now. Also this week — Universal Orlando launches Express Now, an app-based Lightning Lane-style line skip at $25 per ride. Yes, including Yoshi's Adventure. There are layoffs happening across Disney and Six Flags that aren't being reported widely but are affecting people the show knows personally. Six Flags reinstates park presidents at 10 parks — and the list of who made the cut says everything about which parks matter to the new company. The Stolen Kingdom documentary from the makers of Closed for Storm is coming — including the Buzzy animatronic mystery, the most unresolved crime in theme park history. And a new S&S tower ride is going up at Area 15 in Las Vegas. Then in the second half — Mike is 48 hours from boarding a plane to Las Vegas, and he's got a very specific list of things to do at night. Universal Horror Unleashed gets the full breakdown — four haunted houses, small group dispatches for maximum scares, a $49 one-time ticket, and a $20 Fraidy Cat option if you just want the bars and atmosphere. Plus Odyssey Manor, the Golden Tiki, the shrunken head induction ceremony that COVID stole from everyone, and an AI-generated Coaster Radio tiki bar t-shirt from Matt the Archivist that Mike is genuinely considering wearing to the Las Vegas Convention Center. ]Tune in next week for the full trip report.
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Project Purple - Will It Be Good?
04/10/2026
Project Purple - Will It Be Good?
It's a shorter show this week but don't let that fool you — there is a lot happening. Project Purple at Six Flags Great Adventure is going vertical fast. Like, suspiciously fast for a ride that isn't supposed to open until 2027. Mike and EB break down what the unofficial animations are showing — a launch into an upside-down stall, spinning cars, a 375-foot spire that wraps the track sideways around the tower, and absolutely zero consensus in the enthusiast community on whether this is going to be incredible or a complete head-scratcher. Nobody is in the middle on this one. Also this week — NBA superstar Kevin Durant has purchased the former Six Flags America land through his investment group 35V. All 500 acres of it. What happens next is anyone's guess, but Mike has an extremely optimistic theory involving saving the Wild One that he fully admits is not going to happen. Canada's Wonderland is getting new track on the Mighty Canadian Minebuster AND recycled trains from Six Flags America's old Vekoma hang and bang for a rebranded ride called the Daredeveler. Cedar Point's beloved 50-year-old Monster flat ride is retiring quietly and nobody is going to notice until it's gone. And Six Flags is officially removing the Zamperla Disk'O coasters from their roller coaster counts, which raises the eternal question — was it ever a roller coaster in the first place? And then EB opens a very special package from Erik and Emma — a collection of Disney's Galactic Star Cruiser memorabilia that you cannot buy anywhere on Earth because the experience no longer exists.
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We Were Almost Arrested By the Sandusky Police
04/03/2026
We Were Almost Arrested By the Sandusky Police
Part two of the Coaster Radio Listener Question Show is here and this one gets personal. Mike and EB answer the question every longtime listener has wanted to ask — what would you tell your 2005 selves knowing what you know now? The answer involves regretting the name, wishing they'd bought Facebook stock, and making friends with Neil Patrick Harris sooner. Standard stuff. Also this week — is the theme park industry past its peak or is the best still ahead? Where does EB rank on CoasterCount.com and how many coasters has Mike actually ridden? Is Isle of Berk actually better than Galaxy's Edge? A listener from the Netherlands gets a complete Six Flags Great Adventure survival guide including EB's legendary every-90-minutes dining plan strategy that may or may not feed your entire group on one meal ticket. And the full story of the Cedar Point meetup where Mike and EB set up a grill in the parking lot, flew a 24-foot flag made of PVC pipe, and had to be talked down by both park security and the Sandusky Police — saved only by the British charm of Matt from Yorkshire. Plus Coaster Boy makes a surprise comeback. The Discovery Channel almost gave Mike and EB a TV show three times and ghosted them every time. And what is the biggest thing Coaster Radio has accomplished in 20 years? Spoiler: 800 episodes, one puppet, and one Neil Patrick Harris.
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Quitting the Podcast for a Billion Dollars
03/27/2026
Quitting the Podcast for a Billion Dollars
You asked. They answered. Sort of. The 2026 Coaster Radio Listener Question Show is here and there are so many questions this year that it's taking at least two episodes — possibly three — to get through them all. This week Mike and EB tackle the big ones: If you could only live in one non-Disney, non-Universal theme park for the rest of your life, which would it be? What five existing attractions would you steal for your own park? Would you move your podcast to the middle of a desert for a billion dollars? And what cool sounding job title would you want at a theme park? Along the way there are strong opinions about concert disappointments, a heated debate about whether Cake deserves to be the worst live act either host has ever seen, a surprisingly deep discussion about animatronic maintenance at regional parks, a quick update on Six Flags Great Adventure's boardwalk glow-up, a reunion of sorts with the Eastern Motors jingle, and a moment where the whole show almost goes completely off the rails trying to figure out the logistics of actually living inside a theme park. Also this week — YouTube shorts are working, Stardust Racers is finally back up and running, and the Coaster Radio app is your secret weapon for road trips to the parks.
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The Orlando Quadrilogy Finale — Guardians, Tron, and More!
03/20/2026
The Orlando Quadrilogy Finale — Guardians, Tron, and More!
It's the fourth and final chapter of the Orlando Quadrilogy, and Mike and EB close out the trip the way nobody expected — with a surprise day at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, courtesy of friends of the show. Guardians of the Galaxy finally gets crossed off the list. Mission Space straps everyone into a centrifuge and dares them to lift their arms against the G-forces. The Geo 82 Lounge at the top of Spaceship Earth turns out to be one of the best surprises of the entire trip. Space 220 shoots everyone 220 miles above the Earth for lunch. And then it's off to Magic Kingdom, where Tron delivers everything the outside queue promises it won't and Space Mountain delivers everything it shouldn't. Oh, and somewhere in the middle of all of this, Mike gets mixed up in a REALLY WEIRD situation in the single rider line at Test Track. Also this week: Sesame Workshop is suing SeaWorld's parent company for unpaid royalties and brand damage — a lawsuit that could end a 45-year partnership. Six Flags Over Georgia posted possibly the strangest ride closure sign in theme park history. Bluey is taking over the world, one rollercoaster and one animal kingdom at a time. And the Raging Cajun Wild Mouse was spotted on a truck heading up Route 295 toward New Jersey. Called it.
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Epic Universe - 20 Years of Coaster Radio Paid Off Today
03/13/2026
Epic Universe - 20 Years of Coaster Radio Paid Off Today
It finally happened. After years of aerial photographs, land speculation, and breathless anticipation, Mike and EB walk through the gates of Universal Epic Universe — and it does not disappoint. Well, mostly. Stardust Racers is still closed, Yoshi's Adventure is aggressively just a Yoshi that meanders, and someone on Twitter says the whole thing might need to be torn down. But other than that? Top five park day. Tom from Louisville said so himself, and Tom from Louisville has been to a lot of parks. Mike and EB go portal by portal through the whole thing — 1920s Paris at Ministry of Magic (280-minute wait; they waited 20. We said what we said.), Le Cirque Arcanus with the magic tent that's bigger on the inside, Bowser's Challenge being better than advertised, Donkey Kong Country being exactly as fun as a cartoon mine cart should be, Hiccup's Wing Gliders being a surprise contender for ride of the trip, and Monsters Unchained delivering actual honest-to-God jump scares in a theme park. They also discovered that the Burning Blade Tavern serves drinks in a beaker with what may or may not be microplastics in it. It was delicious. Plus: Seven Six Flags parks are sold for $342 million — less than the cost of a highway overpass. Disney's parks get a new worldwide president, and they hope he lives long enough to be a hero. Muppet Vision 3D is going to VR, a decision that exactly zero people are satisfied with. And Barracuda Strike opens at SeaWorld San Antonio — the family invert where the artwork shows the track going underwater, but the track does not go underwater.
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Taylor Bybee Crashed Our Party (And We're Fine With It)
03/06/2026
Taylor Bybee Crashed Our Party (And We're Fine With It)
The Coaster Radio Listener Meetup is OFFICIALLY in the books, and it did not disappoint. Mike and EB take you inside their Sunday at SeaWorld Orlando for the 2026 meetup — Fantastic fans, 11 miles of walking, rain-soaked roller coasters, and a penguin habitat that was a brisk 28 degrees. (They were already wet. It was not fun.) Ride reviews include Manta, Penguin Trek, Kraken, Mako, Ice Breaker, Expedition Odyssey, and the one everyone was waiting for — Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which may have just redefined what airtime even means. Plus: the guys sit down with Banks Lee from SeaWorld's marketing team for an exclusive interview that ends with a riveting riddle, a capitivating clue, and a nugget of breaking news that no one else has. Coaster royalty Taylor Bybee crashes the happy hour. And Bob the Lobster calls in from the deep. Also on this week's show: Nebraska gets its tallest roller coaster ever (it's 70 feet, and yes, that's a big deal there), Rock N Roller Coaster says goodbye to Aerosmith as the Muppets move in, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift testing footage gets Mike to completely change his tune, and the guys review the animated POV of the new RMC Raptor coming to Myrtle Beach.
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Mike and EB Suit Up for Universal
02/27/2026
Mike and EB Suit Up for Universal
Mike and EB are BACK from their most triumphant Central Florida adventure, and they've got stories that'll make your feet hurt just listening. Six parks. Four days. One cursed ride that refused to open (looking at you, Stardust Racers). This week, the guys kick things off with Mike's absolutely unhinged hotel check-in saga at Cabana Bay. Then it's off to Islands of Adventure, where a wedding-day detour turned into a full-on theme park sprint — Spider-Man, VelociCoaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and The Mummy, all knocked out before anyone had to put on a suit. Plus: why the Bourne Stuntacular will blow your mind, how Mike accidentally became a Villains-Con Minion Blast addict, and what happens when you ride King Kong alone after two Fire Whiskeys. (Spoiler: there's yelling.) Big news, quick hits, and a juicy SeaWorld tease are all in the mix too.
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To Queue or Not to Queue
02/20/2026
To Queue or Not to Queue
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!
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Epic Universe First Timer Guide: Best Rides, Secret Menus & YOUR Tips
02/13/2026
Epic Universe First Timer Guide: Best Rides, Secret Menus & YOUR Tips
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!
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Six Flags Geography FAIL + Not Everyone Will Miss Dinosaur
02/06/2026
Six Flags Geography FAIL + Not Everyone Will Miss Dinosaur
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!
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The Strangest Theme Park Year Ever? Our 2026 Preview!
01/30/2026
The Strangest Theme Park Year Ever? Our 2026 Preview!
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.
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CoasterDamus? Ask Jeeves!
01/23/2026
CoasterDamus? Ask Jeeves!
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!
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Old Enough to Drink
01/16/2026
Old Enough to Drink
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.
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There Can Only Be One Winner
12/19/2025
There Can Only Be One Winner
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?
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