ACE - Ride With Us

Inside Zamperla with Adam Sandy

Jessica Gardner sits down with Adam Sandy, Roller Coaster Sales and Marketing Director at Zamperla, to explore how modern roller coasters are designed, built, and evolving.
From the massive undertaking of Top Thrill 2 to the growing importance of accessibility in attractions, Adam shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring rides to life from concept to opening day.
They dive into how coaster projects are developed, the rise of family coasters and “broad appeal” attractions, why accessibility is becoming a major focus for parks, the technology behind interactive rides like WINGZ, the challenges of building record-breaking coasters, and the business side of theme parks that enthusiasts don’t always see. Plus, Adam shares career advice for aspiring industry professionals and what excites him most about the future of theme parks.
 
03:25 – How coasters are designed
05:50 – Accessibility in theme parks
12:07 – Top Thrill 2 
13:53 – Innovation vs operations
21:46 – Family coaster trend
26:41 – Maintenance & after-sales reality
38:42 – Career advice
 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. 
Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Podcast Team: Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem

Six Flags Great Adventure's Next Chapter: Boardwalk Upgrades, Wild Safari & a Mysterious Purple Coaster

Ryan Eldredge, Regional Manager of Public Relations for the East Region at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation oversees communications for Six Flags Great Adventure and Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.
In this revealing episode, he chats with Jessica about the evolving future of Six Flags Great Adventure, current developments at the park and the role of public relations in the theme park industry. Ryan also shares insights into working with the enthusiast community, managing major park announcements, and balancing historic park legacies with new investments.
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Podcast Team: Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem

From Concept To Launch: Building Galacticoaster at Two LEGOLAND Parks

The offseason is over and coaster season is back! The Ride With Us Podcast returns with a brand-new season and a brand-new original theme song created by The Perry Twins.
In this episode, host Jessica Gardner heads to both LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort to explore the new LEGO Galaxy themed lands at both parks.
The expansion introduces a new family launch coaster, Galacticoaster, developed by Merlin Magic Making and built by ART Engineering. Designed for younger riders and families, the coaster combines space-themed storytelling with a twisting layout and controlled spinning elements inspired by classic LEGO Space sets.
Jessica speaks with members of the team who helped bring the project to life, including Senior Project Manager Blake Boyter, Senior Project Manager Flora Liu and Project Manager Jordan Sloane. The episode features interviews and a walk-and-talk tour through the new land while exploring how designers, engineers, and storytellers worked together to create the experience.
Thanks for listening and helping kick off another coaster season with us. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the podcast, and follow ACE on social media for updates from parks around the world.
04:00 - Senior Project Manager Blake Boyter
11:40 - Senior Project Manager Flora Liu
21:28 - Project Manager Jordan Sloane
 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry
Editors: Ben Weinrach, Jessica Gardner and Derek Perry
Podcast Team: Bob Randolph, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem
 

12 Interviews of IAAPA Expo 2025

On the 12 Days of Christmas, the Ride With Us Podcast gave to you… 12 interviews from IAAPA Expo!
 
Our latest episode features Jessica Gardner and Rachel Hawkins talking with parks and manufacturers straight from the show floor, sharing what they showcased and what exciting new additions are coming in 2026.
 
It’s the perfect holiday listen for coaster fans counting down to a thrilling new year.
 
2:33 - Dollywood
16:24 - Six Flags Over Texas
19:25 - Family Kingdom
23:36 - Legoland
28:12 - S&S Worldwide, Inc.
32:25 - Sally Dark Rides
38:37 - SeaWorld Orlando
44:30 - Chance Rides 
46:29 - Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
51:22 - Zamperla
 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Correspondent: Rachel Hawkins

Remembering Six Flags America

As Six Flags America prepares to close its gates for the final time, the ACE Ride With Us Podcast takes a heartfelt look back at the park’s incredible legacy. Correspondent Bob Randolph chats with Brichette Reid and B. Derek Shaw to share stories, laughter and nostalgia about the park’s roller coasters, history and the community that grew around it.
You’ll hear:
Personal memories and fan-favorite rides from decades past
Reflections on the park’s evolution and its impact on coaster enthusiasts
How Six Flags America became a beloved gathering place for thrill seekers
Thoughts on celebrating its history during this final week of operation
Whether you grew up visiting the park, or you’re saying goodbye for the first time, this episode is a touching tribute to the thrills, friendships and memories that made Six Flags America unforgettable.
Take a stroll down memory lane and ride with us one last time.
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph
Editor: Ben Weinrach
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Celebrating Coaster History in California at Preservation Conference 2025

Let’s look back at the 2025 ACE Preservation Conference, where members gathered in California for three unforgettable days celebrating the history and preservation of classic parks and roller coasters.
From the thrills of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia to the marine magic of SeaWorld San Diego and seaside charm of Belmont Park, host Jessica Gardner and podcast producer, ACE Communications Director Derek Perry relive the highlights of the weekend. 
Then, the audio from Tim Cole’s presentation on how he helped save Belmont Park and the Giant Dipper is shared. Learn more about the park’s history and his efforts by checking out his book Saving Belmont: An Up and Down Journey. 
Don’t forget to check out the recap of the weekend on ACE’s Youtube page
1:32 - Six Flags Magic Mountain 
7:33 - SeaWorld San Diego
10:40 - Belmont Park 
13:11 - The ACE Centennial Award 
15:55 - Tim Cole’s Presentation 
17:25 - History of Belmont Park and Giant Dipper
25:22 - How Tim Cole got into roller coasters
27:50 - The Gigantic first ride 
29:22 - The closure
34:50 - Getting involved
41:29 - The Save The Coaster Committee
49:00 - Top Gun
54:10 - August 1990 - The first test run
54:31 - Q&A and Tim’s message to ACE
58:19 - Preservation Conference 2026, Volunteer Appreciation 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Episode Editors: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach and Derek Perry
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
 
 

Legacy of Schwarzkopf - The Final Cut!

In this special episode, join the team behind ACE’s latest documentary, The Legacy of Schwarzkopf, ahead of its official debut on YouTube. Go behind the scenes as Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Scott Schaffer and Bob Randolph share exclusive insights into the making of the film, the stories that shaped it and what viewers can expect from this exciting exploration into the world of these classic roller coasters.
Don't miss this insider look before the documentary premieres!
youtube.com/ridewithace
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Coaster Con 47 Recap - Thrills Across The Midwest!

Coaster Con 47 Recap - Thrills Across the Midwest!
Coaster Con 47 rolled through the Midwest in June 2025, and it was a ride to remember! This six-day adventure took the American Coaster Enthusiasts to Six Flags Great America in Illinois, the charming Little Amerricka in Wisconsin and the iconic Indiana Beach.
Whether you missed out and want the inside scoop, or you were there and want to relive the magic, we’re breaking down all the highlights - from ERT and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to unforgettable coaster moments and ACE camaraderie.
Grab your lanyard, strap in, and join host Jessica Gardner along with Johnny McWilliams, Corey Brown and Tori Sereika for a full recap of the fun that made Coaster Con 47 unforgettable. 
1:35 - Get to know Johnny McWIlliams
4:14 Say hello to Corey Brown
10:00 Meet Tori Sereika
14:10 Day 1 - Registration and Six Flags Great America
 
27:14 Interview with Rachel Kendziora - Regional Public Relations Manager of Midwest Six Flags parks
 
51:30 Day 2 - BTS Experiences, IAAPA/S&S Presentation, Landmark plaque ceremony for American Eagle, Ninth Annual Rubber Ducky Regatta 
 
1:09:47 Day 3 - ACE Video Contest, ACE Annual Business Meeting, Tori’s Auction win
 
1:18:50 Day 4 - Little Amerricka
 
1:34:27 Banquet at Great Wolf Lodge
 
1:36:20 Day 5 - Indiana Beach, Midway Olympics
 
1:46:00 Day 6 - All American Triple Loop open!
 
1:50:50 Post Con at Holiday World
 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
 
 
 
 

Universal's Epic Universe: Part 2

We continue our deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025.
Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first-time guest Gregory Golub break down the must-see park's worlds, mind-blowing innovations, and everything you need to know. Whether you're trip-planning or just Celestian-curious, this two part episode is your front-row seat to the future of immersive entertainment.
Worlds Featured in Part 2 - Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
 
1:00 - Dark Universe
23:24 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic
1:06:40 - How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
1:23:00 - Is Epic Universe good for kids? 
1:30:00 - Overall thoughts and Advice 
 
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editors: Bob Randolph and Derek Perry
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Universal's Epic Universe: Part 1

Time to take a deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025. Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first time guest Gregory Golub break down the must-see park's worlds, mind-blowing innovations, and everything you need to know. 
Whether you're trip-planning or just Celestian-curious, this two part episode is your front-row seat to the future of immersive entertainment.
Worlds Featured in Part 1 - Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World. 
 
2:30 - Meet Gregory Golub
6:30 - How to get to Epic Universe/parking/entering the park
19:00 - Celestial Park
24:36 - Stardust Racers
65:11 - Super Nintendo World
75:00 - Mine Cart Madness
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editors: Bob Randolph and Derek Perry
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten