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  • Since Worlds of Fun opened in 1973, it has delighted visitors to the Kansas City, MO location ever since. It’s home to many historic rides and has a rich history. ACE members had a chance to visit the park during the 2024 Preservation Conference, enjoying behind-the-scenes experiences, great catered meals, ERT and some thorough presentations.

    During the conference, Unofficial Worlds of Fun Historian Jennifer Lovesee-Mast shared a delightful presentation that highlighted the park’s history. Join us for a replay of this presentation plus a Q&A with the ACE members in the audience.

    In this Episode:

    [06:40] Unofficial Worlds of Fun Historian and worldsoffun.org founder Jennifer Lovesee-Mast shares the park’s history

    [11:10] Shoutout to the original Von Roll skyride from the park’s opening days

    [12:00] Moving the steamboat Cotton Blossom from California to Kansas City!

    [19:00] Adding and subtracting rides over the years

    [41:40] Questions and answers about the park

    Learn more about Worlds of Fun

    Visit worldsoffun.org to learn more about the park’s history or visit their Facebook page.

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

  • Tim Baldwin, John Davidson, Doug Perry and Derek Perry talk about four fantastic new roller coasters to open in 2024. Learn all about Voltron Nevera at Europa Park, Fire In The Hole at Silver Dollar City, Iron Menace at Dorney Park and The Bobcat at Six Flags Great Escape.

    In this Episode:

    [3:00] Voltron Nevera

    [22:22] Fire In The Hole

    [33:21] Iron Menace

    [42:32] The Bobcat

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

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  • Onboard audio can add so much to an already exhilarating roller coaster experience. Join correspondent John Davidson for his conversation with Devin Flannery, Solutions Architect at Alcorn McBride Inc. They take a deep dive into Devin’s journey to the role and uncover some tricks of the trade along the way!

    Check out Alcorn McBride events during IAAPA Expo 2024!

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

  • We're wrapping up our coverage of Coaster Con 46 with a recording of a very special night at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Members of the Canfield family share their experiences owning and running the park, the ACE Northern California Regional Rep team presents a plaque commemorating the Giant Dipper's maintenance team and the evening ended with a fantastic presentation by Chris Baynum of Baynum Solutions. This team of dedicated professionals paint roller coasters and attractions throughout the world.

    The many presentations on this night held the attention of our in-person attendees, we're thrilled to share the experience with you.

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

  • It's hard to believe that Coaster Con 46 has come to a close. Whether you attended the conference or followed along from home, our recap episode has something for you.

    Join the podcast team for a lively discussion of the week's events. Derek Perry, Doug Perry, Corey Wooten, Liz Tan and Jessica Gardner walk through the highlights of our week at California's Great America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

    In this Episode:

    Pre-Con events at Happy Hollow and Gilroy Gardens

    Tours during the event

    Lift hill walks

    Special events

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

  • Coaster Con 46 is finally happening! Hundreds of enthusiastic ACE members converged on Northern California for this epic event. Join our podcast team for a series of episodes about their experience.

    This first episode takes you into a special historical presentation by Clayton Lawrence, Cedar Fair Corporate Creative Producer. He called into the enthusiastic group of ACE members while Coaster Con was at California’s Great America.

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

  • We’re celebrating Father’s Day (and the start of Coaster Con) with a fun conversation for all coaster enthusiasts – two dads chatting about roller coasters, theme parks and their kids. Join correspondent John Davidson as he and Robert Moran talk about theme park road trips and what makes them so special.

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Podcast Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondent: John Davidson

  • Creating an attraction is far more than installing track and building a station. Theming and ride design are easy to overlook, but they can add so much more to the experience. Correspondent Bob Randolph meets with Rick Backstrup, president of R&R Creative Amusement Designs, to shed new light on this key facet of the ride experience.

    You may not be familiar with his name yet, but if you’re listening to our podcast, you’ve probably seen his work. His team has developed many themed attractions including elements like station design, queue lines, colors, names and more on legendary rides, including Viper (Six Flags Magic Mountain), Exterminator (Kennywood), Adventure Express (Kings Island), Merlin’s Mayhem (Dutch Wonderland) and so many more. One of their beloved attractions is Kings Island’s defunct Phantom Theater. Will that be making a comeback? Listen to find out!

    In this Episode:

    [1:30] Meet Rick

    [8:50] R&R Creative’s unusual origin story

    [15:15] How Phantom Theater came to be

    [23:11] Creating backstories

    [34:09] Working on the National Roller Coaster Museum

    Buy Rick’s book! Adventures of a Theme Park Designer from Rivershore Press

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson and Bryant Yeager

  • The ACE Spring Conference took place from May 17-19, 2024 at Kings Island in Ohio. ACE members from across the world joined in the fun, which included morning and evening ERT (Exclusive Ride Time), behind-the-scenes tours, informal takeovers, buffet meals and more.

    We’ll finish our coverage of the event with an in-depth recap of the event and conference highlights. Some of Kings Island’s most famous visitors remain The Brady Bunch. Spring Conference included a screening of The Brady Bunch “Cincinnati Kids” episode that was filmed in the park. Listen in as The Gravity Group sings their own special version of The Brady Bunch theme song, then gather round for an interview with Chad Showalter, Director of Communications at Kings Island.

    We wrap up with the June events calendar listing all the upcoming ACE events with registration still open as of the release date of this episode.

    In this Episode:

    [1:25] The podcast team recaps the Spring Conference experience

    [56:03] The Gravity Group sings The Brady Bunch theme song

    [1:05:14] Chad Showalter Interview

    [1:19:32] Events Calendar

    Listen to the Building a Backyard Coaster episode which is mentioned in this week's show:

    https://aceonline.podbean.com/e/61/

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson and Bryant Yeager

  • The ACE Spring Conference took place May 17-19, 2024 at Kings Island in Ohio. ACE members from across the region and across the country joined in the fun, which included morning and evening ERT, behind-the-scenes tours, informal takeovers, buffet meals and more.

    The event also included some very special presentations from Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, Inc. Dennis shared his experience working on the 1977 movie Rollercoaster, Mike Koontz, Vice President and General Manager of Kings Island also presented and finally, ACE President Elizabeth Ringas and Events Director Steve Berto gave out some special awards.

    Almost all of the podcast team was on hand to experience the fun and be part of this presentation. We’re thrilled to bring a recording of that presentation in this episode of our podcast.

    In this Episode:

    [1:42] Dennis Speigel shares the origins of and his role in creating the movie Rollercoaster

    [19:43] Mike Koontz takes the stage and shares his theme park experience and great Kings Island stories

    [49:55] Elizabeth Ringas and events director Steve Berto bring Chad Showalter to the stage and present several very special awards

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson and Bryant Yeager

  • Join us for a pre Coaster Con roundup with your ACE Northern California Regional Rep team. The group has planned some great events around the big event. Listen in as Liz Tan, Robert Ingle, Paul Asente and Brian Christensen join podcast correspondent Bob Randolph for a conversation about the great parks, large and small, that comprise the region.

    The group talks about Gilroy Gardens, Happy Hollow, Sonoma Train Town, Roaring Camp Railroad, and some of the other small parks and attractions that make this region special.

    This episode also covers the two Pre-Con events on Saturday June 15, Morning Zoo at Happy Hollow, then Horticulture Hoopla at Gilroy Gardens in the afternoon.

    We wrap this week’s episode up as correspondent Bob spoke with Michael Fulcher, Director of Marketing and Operations from Gilroy Gardens about the park’s history, unique rides and the very special trees that make the park unique.

    Time is running out, registration for these events ends soon:

    Coaster Con: 5/22Happy Hollow: 5/24Gilroy Gardens: 5/31

    In this Episode:

    [02:19] Meet the team, learn their favorite local and not-local rides

    [05:38] What should I expect at Coaster Con?

    [06:19] What is a must do?

    [07:32] Where should I venture outside of Coaster Con?

    [09:28] What do I need to pack?

    [10:25] What’s the ride I MUST do at California’s Great America?

    [11:08] Demon special announcement

    [12:02] The NorCal team will be ready and willing to help

    [15:47] The Midway Olympics

    [16:10] Pre-Con Events

    [18:13] What should first timers know?

    [20:43] Last minute need to knows

    Gilroy Gardens

    [26:55] Meet Michael from Gilroy Gardens

    [27:25] Location of Gilroy Gardens

    [25:15] History of the park

    [31:41] Monarch Gardens

    [32:21] Rainbow Garden

    [33:00] South County Backroads Garden

    [34:44] The Circus Trees

    [39:47] The Coasters

    [42:46] Any other “secrets”?

    https://roaringcamp.com/excursions/santa-cruz-beach-train-2

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson and Bryant Yeager

  • The heart of ACE is driven by two separate and vital things: volunteers and donations. This episode celebrates two of our amazing volunteers, takes a deep dive into the dollars and concludes with a May Events Rundown.

    First up, Communications Director Derek Perry chats with ACE Volunteer Ella Watylyk. Her journey started with the volunteer form on the ACE website; working with ACE has taken her all over, including to the IAAPA Expo, where she filmed a viral video during her first show. She’s also named a ride!

    Money talks! ACE Treasurer and Executive Committee member Chris Tilsley joins Correspondent Bob Randolph to talk about the ways the organization is funded, how those funds are used and how members can contribute toward ACE’s mission of conservation, appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of the classic wooden roller coaster and the contemporary steel roller coaster.

    In this Episode:

    [02:00] Meet Ella! Introducing her home park

    [10:30] You can volunteer at any time with ACE – large or small, we have a role for you!

    [13:00] Ella’s day job – content creator for Six Flags Great America

    [23:39] Bob Randolph meets Chris Tilsley

    [29:33] Rules around the way ACE handles money

    [31:15] ACE’s mission as a non-profit

    [45:40] The ACE archives (a treasure trove of park memorabilia!)

    [51:30] May events rundown

    Read Ella’s Article: PollyWorld: How a Children’s Film Dismantles Gender Stereotypes in Roller Coaster Culture, check out her IAAPA video and her epic rap video.

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    This episode edited by Derek Perry

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

    Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson and Bryant Yeager

  • With Kings Island now open for the 2024 season, it’s a great time for Bob Randolph to check in with Chad Showalter, Director of Communications at Kings Island. Their discussion covers the topics enthusiasts want to know about – everything from Chad’s history with the park to Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, updated theming and the future of the Vortex plot of land inside the park.

    In this Episode:

    [01:39] Get to know Chad Showalter

    [06:58] What keeps Chad busy during the “offseason”?

    [08:56] Where do the “big decisions” happen?

    [10:17] Chad’s favorite place to eat in the park.

    [12:01] Chad’s favorite ride in the park

    [14:27] Updates on Planet Snoopy/Camp Snoopy

    [18:05] Why did some rides get renames?

    [19:55] ACE Spring Conference

    [23:48] What’s coming up at the park?

    [26:17] What’s going into the old Vortex plot of land?

    [28:34] What to expect this season

    Learn more about Kings Island and the upcoming season at visitkingsisland.com

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producer: Derek Perry

    Editor: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: Doug Perry, Bryant Yeager, John Davidson and Bob Randolph

  • As Women’s History Month comes to a close, join us as we highlight two women with one important thing in common: a love of roller coasters and theme parks.

    First up is Brichette Reid, ACE member and founder of Women Love Coasters. She and co-host Jessica Gardner talk about her latest endeavors. Learn how the group came to be, discover upcoming events and find out how to meet up with the group in person!

    Our second segment has correspondent Bryant Yeager’s interview with Kris Leach, ACE Cares Committee Coordinator. This important committee connects ACE members with a variety of fundraising and other volunteer events for Give Kids the World Village.

    In this Episode:

    [00:51] Introducing Brichette and Women Love Coasters

    [12:10] How Women Love Coasters came to be

    [32:40] Bryant Yeager interviews Kris Leach about ACE Cares

    [37:33] Zamperla’s ride donations – they refabricated the rides to make them accessible!

    [39:10] Gingerbread Run

    [45:31] Coasting for Kids

    Visit the Women Love Coasters Facebook group.

    Learn more about Give Kids The World Village. Traveling to Orlando? Consider working a shift or two at Give Kids the World Village, participating in the Gingerbread Run or Coasting for Kids. Contact Kris directly for more ACE-specific information.

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producer: Derek Perry

    Editor: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: Bryant Yeager, Doug Perry and John Davidson

  • Coaster enthusiasts and park visitors around the world know the name Cedar Point. This Sandusky, Ohio theme park has been thrilling visitors since 1870. Today, it’s the second-oldest amusement park in North America and is home to 68 rides, including 18 roller coasters and two ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks!  
    Summer 2024 brings a new ride: Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch roller coaster. This updated launch coaster will feature three exhilarating launches and is sure to draw visitors from near and far.  
    Ride With Us Editor and Announcer Bob Randolph joins Cedar Point’s Director of Communications Tony Clark to discuss social media, in-park wifi, CP Racing keychains, Fast Lane Plus, Winter Chill Out, and more.
    In this Episode:
    •[01:29] Meet Tony, discover the critical difference between soft serve and custard
    •[13:58] Cedar Point’s legendary holiday video
    •[25:40] Winter Chill Out ticket process
    •[32:50] The fun of interacting with visitors over social media 
    •[44:57] Details about Top Thrill 2, including Fast Lane Plus information
    •[54:45] Upcoming food items, festivals, and celebrations in the park  
    See the 2023 Cedar Point holiday video.
    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents:

    •Having an impact on the future of ACE
    •Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
    •Developing friendships in a small group
    •Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE
    Podcast Volunteer Team 
    •Host: Jessica Gardner
    •Producer: Derek Perry
    •Editor: Bob Randolph
    •Show Notes: Liz Tan
    •Production Manager: Corey Wooten
    •Correspondents: John Davidson, Bryant Yeager, and Doug Perry

  • As the seasonal parks start to emerge from their winter hibernation, it’s time to celebrate with some upcoming ACE events! This episode covers all of the events on the horizon with a special focus on Dollywood’s media day. Production Manager Corey Wooten joined ACE Secretary Jeff Niemiec for this event. Listen in as they chat about that special day, give us some Lightning Rod updates, and finish off their conversation with coverage of the new food items for this season!

    Our episode continues with an ACE news roundup and finishes with the all-important ACE events rundown.

    In this Episode:

    [01:35] Corey Wooten talks to Jeff Niemiec during their day at Dollywood

    [16:59] ACE News

    [18:11] Events roundup

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producer: Derek Perry

    Editor: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: Doug Perry, Bryant Yeager and John Davidson

  • ACE Social Media Manager Doug Perry joins his twin brother, ACE Communications Director Derek Perry to recap some of the most exciting roller coaster and theme park news for the upcoming year! Between roller coaster opening dates, name changes, construction updates and new details being released, you'll get all the week's updates plus the latest information on the ACE Spring Conference.

    In this Episode:

    [01:30] Dorney Park [02:47] Snoopy's new coasters at Kings Island and Knott's Berry Farm [04:23] California parks [06:41] Cedar Point [07:25] Playland in Vancouver [08:47] Carowinds and Kings Dominion [10:59] Wooden coasters adding steel track [11:51] Hersheypark [12:58] Six Flags parks [13:52] Florida parks [18:18] UK parks [19:39] Australia Parks [21:03] Tokyo DisneySea [23:22] ACE Spring Conference

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producer: Derek Perry

    Editor: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson, Doug Perry, Bryant Yeager

    This episode was edited by Quinn Coleman

  • It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which realistically means one thing to coaster enthusiasts: theme park season is just around the corner! However, whether you’re celebrating this day or eagerly anticipating your next theme park adventure, this episode has something for everyone. Join us in exploring how “Love Is in the Air” in more ways than one.

    First, correspondent Bryant Yeager chats with Rick Boss from Sky Elements Drones. You may remember us marveling at the world record-setting drone show during IAAPA Expo – a show that was brought to you by none other than Sky Elements. We’re so excited to have them on the show.

    The love continues as our Production Manager and correspondent Corey Wooten introduces Sam Cooper, who has an Instagram channel called Mid Course Blues featuring his original series, “Speed Dating for Coasters.” In this highly entertaining series, two coasters are matched with one another, he compares their similarities and differences to explain how they'd be compatible as a couple. Sam also posts amazing shots of roller coasters, one of which won the ACE Photography Contest during Coaster Con 45!

    In this Episode:

    [01:56] Bryant Interviews Rick Boss from Sky Elements Drones

    [28:07] Corey interviews Sam Cooper about his Instagram series “Speed Dating for Coasters”

    Check out Speed Dating for Coasters and Sam’s amazing photos: https://www.instagram.com/mid.course.blues/

    Watch Sky Elements’ video of the historic, epic, record-breaking drone show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxYNHt7mThg

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Host: Jessica Gardner

    Producer: Derek Perry

    Editor: Bob Randolph

    Show Notes: Liz Tan

    Production Manager: Corey Wooten

    Correspondents: John Davidson, Bryant Yeager, Doug Perry

  • It’s almost that time of year again – time for ACE elections and summer in the theme parks!

    This episode covers both of these critical summertime topics. In our first segment, co-host Jessica Gardner talks with current ACE President Elizabeth Ringas about the upcoming elections.

    We change tracks in the second segment and start looking toward summer as podcast correspondent Bryant Yeager shares his conversation with Dalton Fischer, Communications Manager for Silver Dollar City, during the recent ACE Winterfest event in San Antonio Texas.

    Indoor coasters offer more than thrills – they often bring a story to life. Fire in the Hole at Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri is no exception. The indoor coaster was built in-house in 1972; it’s often considered a cross between a dark ride and a roller coaster.

    This well-loved attraction is getting some new life as Rocky Mountain Construction is rebuilding the ride. While coaster enthusiasts know RMC for their thrilling I-box track and wood/steel hybrid coasters, the company is also well-equipped to transform this classic ride into a modern experience.

    In this Episode:

    [01:45] Elizabeth Ringas talks about the ACE election process [20:41] Dalton Fischer joins Bryant Yeager for their conversation about Silver Dollar City and the upcoming changes to Fire in the Hole

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson Producer: Derek PerryEditor: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz TanProduction Manager: Corey WootenCorrespondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry
  • LEGOLAND® Florida is a unique park with a rich history.

    It began as Cypress Gardens and became LEGOLAND in 2011 after the original park closed. Home to three adorable hotels, a water park and the Peppa Pig theme park, this park has a lot to offer, including a swimming pool that was featured in the 1953 film Easy to Love!

    Co-host Jessica Gardner met with Banks Lee, LEGOLAND Production and Marketing Support Specialist to learn more about the park and hear about some upcoming attractions.

    In this Episode:

    0:00 - Introduction to the podcast and LEGOLAND Florida0:21 - Background on LEGOLAND Florida spokesperson Banks Lee0:40 - History of LEGOLAND parks starting in 19681:17 - Significance of LEGOLAND Florida being located on the site of the former Cypress Gardens park2:40 - Banks' career path and advice 3:09 - Details on the different areas within LEGOLAND Florida5:32 - Popular attractions at LEGOLAND Florida8:35 - Questions from listeners 9:34 - Recommendations for first attractions to visit14:31 - Banks' favorite attractions to visit with his family 17:31 - The most popular attractions at LEGOLAND® Florida18:37 - Jessica's Dragon Coaster milestone20:50 - Explanation of the Ninjago property and ride21:14 - Masters of Flight attraction in LEGO Movie World23:15 - LEGOLAND's mini lands and structures 33:37 - Upcoming life-sized LEGO® builds 34:38 - Entertainment at LEGOLAND 38:30 - Peppa Pig Theme Park 43:00 - Food options in the park and the delicious Apple Fries 44:27 - LEGOLAND merchandise 47:45 - Trading LEGO and Minifigures 50:00 - LEGO Pop Badges 51:35 - The Infamous "Mr. Gold" Pop Badge 54:00 - LEGOLAND accommodations 58:30 - The future of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

    Having an impact on the future of ACEProviding opportunities for rewarding experiencesDeveloping friendships in a small groupLearning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

    Podcast Volunteer Team

    Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John DavidsonProducer: Derek PerryEditor: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz TanProduction Manager: Corey WootenCorrespondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry