ACE - Ride With Us

Coaster Con 48: A New England Adventure

Join us as we look back on Coaster Con 48, ACE’s annual convention that took members across New England for six unforgettable days of roller coasters, behind-the-scenes experiences, exclusive ERT, and plenty of memories.
 
From the opening festivities at Six Flags New England, to marathon rides on Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce, to bucket-list moments on Comet at Great Escape, we recap the highlights, funny stories, favorite experiences, and the people who made Coaster Con special.
 
Whether you attended Coaster Con 48 and want to relive the adventure or you’re curious about what makes ACE’s biggest annual event so unique, this episode is for you.
 
Timecodes:
1:08 – Meet ACE Members HaeKyung Thompson, Hannah Lee, Luke Reynolds, and Shawn Montano!
5:15 – Six Flags New England: Rainy Day Fun & Behind-the-Scenes Tours
10:05 – ACE Photo Contest & Capturing the Convention
15:09 – Midway Olympics & Volunteer Highlights
17:28 – ACE Business Meeting & Leadership Conversations
23:41 – Heading to Lake Compounce
25:03 – Boulder Dash, Wildcat & Lake Compounce Highlights
32:27 – The Scenic Train Ride (or Walk!) to Lunch
36:12 – The Legendary Lake Compounce ERT Snack Buffet
42:05 – Great Escape / Enchanted Parks Begins
46:02 – Comet, Bobcat Milestones & Favorite Rides
53:01 – SoloCon Community & Making Friends at Coaster Con
59:05 – Rubber Ducky Regatta Turns 10
1:03:18 – Enchanted Parks CEO James and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
1:14:58 – Final Thoughts & Why You Should Experience Coaster Con
 
Congrats to Spirit of ACE Award winner Mike Matcherz! Also congrats to the following:
Photo Contest Winners
1st – Jason Huber
2nd – John Devecka
3rd – Codi Thordorson
 
Video Contest Winners
1st - "Thank You" by Dalton Crider
Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TiJ0eoLoq0BOjnJWXfmqlEZD0wk0riPe/view?usp=sharing
 
2nd - “You might be a coaster enthusiast” by Daniel Scott
Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NIJtqwz1ecfBNlDFQkGlo6TOFDdxyCXM/view?usp=sharing
 
3rd - “Six Flags State of Mind” by Eric Feichthaler Jr.
Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x6dzKt1KTIMpWgd7A9LHLXABT6J4PG9L/view?usp=sharing
 
Ride With Us is the official podcast of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) @ridewithus
 
Podcast Team
Host: Jessica Gardner @themeparkette
Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry
Edited by: Bob Randolph
Podcast Team: Bob Randolph, HaeKyung Thompson, Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown, and Parker VanBelleghem.
 
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.

Roller Coaster Rodeo 2026 with The Quirky Coaster Couple

Saddle up for a recap of Roller Coaster Rodeo 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas!
Host Jessica Gardner is joined by Nick and Kelly Carlos aka "The Quirky Coaster Couple" to share their coaster love story, from meeting at the park to getting engaged atop Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger and eventually hosting a theme park wedding at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Then they break down everything that makes Roller Coaster Rodeo one of the most unique enthusiast events around, including exclusive ERT, lift hill climbs, behind-the-scenes tours, VIP perks, and tips for first-time attendees.
Whether you’re planning a future Rodeo trip or simply want to hear about one of the industry’s most beloved events, this episode is for you.
 
0:52 Meet the Quirky Coaster Couple
4:04 A roller coaster love story
21:59 How the Quirky Coaster Couple began
28:35 What is Roller Coaster Rodeo?
34:25 Day One 
49:24 Day Two 
1:22:17 Day Three 
1:26:35 Tips for first-time attendees
1:32:24 What’s next for the Quirky Coaster Couple?
1:33:17 Final thoughts
 
Follow the Quirky Coaster Couple on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads: @quirkycoastercouple
Ride With Us is the official podcast of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) @ridewithus
 
Podcast Team
Host: Jessica Gardner @themeparkette
Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry
Edited by: Bob Randolph
Podcast Team: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown, and Parker VanBelleghem
 
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.
 

Preserving The Thrill: A Tour Of The National Roller Coaster Museum

Step inside the National Roller Coaster Museum with host Jessica Gardner as she takes listeners on an exclusive audio tour of one of the most unique collections of amusement industry history in the world. Joined by museum board members Kris Rowberry and Josh Brown, Jessica explores legendary coaster trains, historic artifacts, preservation efforts and the stories behind some of the industry's most beloved attractions. From the Matterhorn Bobsleds to Big Bad Wolf, Iron Wolf, Disaster Transport and more, this episode celebrates the rides, memories and enthusiasts helping preserve roller coaster history for future generations.
 
00:28 – Meet museum board members Kris Rowberry and Josh Brown and learn about the mission of the National Roller Coaster Museum
01:23 – How artifacts are acquired and why preservation matters
05:51 – The museum's master plan and future guest experience
06:45 – Disaster Transport, Avalanche Run and a massive piece of coaster history
08:00 – How the museum became a reality and the role of fan donations
10:47 – The Mean Streak Buzz Bar built from actual coaster materials
12:18 – Hidden coaster Easter eggs throughout the museum
13:06 – Inside the main exhibit hall: Kingda Ka, Montezooma's Revenge, Volcano, Disney artifacts and more
14:48 – The oldest coaster car in the collection: Lakeside Park's Derby Racer
15:15 – Revolution's 50th anniversary and restoration discussions and challenges
16:45 – Future expansion plans and the museum's 20,000-square-foot facility
18:14 – Texas Cyclone, Rollo Coaster, a modern GCI track display and the restoration of the Iron Wolf train
20:15 – Six Flags New Orleans artifacts and the impact of Hurricane Katrina
21:24 – Big Bad Wolf and an interactive restraint demonstration
22:20 – How listeners can support the National Roller Coaster Museum
 
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2WbPksGRGio?si=fZ--u2Vr8PcGyCcJ
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 Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry
Edited by Ben Weinrach and Derek Perry
Podcast Team: Bob  Randolph, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem
 

ACE Spring Conference Recap + Coaster Con 48 Preview

ACE Spring Con may be in the rearview mirror, but Coaster Con 48 is right around the corner!
 
Host Jessica Gardner is joined by ACE Communications Director Derek Perry and Events Director Tim Baldwin to recap all the excitement from Spring Con and look ahead to ACE’s biggest event of the year.
From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and unforgettable ERT sessions to unexpected moments (including a park-wide power outage), we revisit the highlights from Texas and Oklahoma, including visits to Six Flags Over Texas, Frontier City, and briefly discuss the National Roller Coaster Museum.
 
Then we shift gears and preview ACE Coaster Con 48 in New England and New York, covering what first-time attendees can expect, how ERT schedules are created, event traditions, insider tips, and why Coaster Con continues to be a can’t-miss experience for coaster enthusiasts.
 
Plus… a few early thoughts on Preservation Con.
 
Timecodes:3:01 - Spring Con! Days 1 and 2 at Six Flags Over Texas22:50 - Frontier City35:26 - National Roller Coaster Museum 36:22 - Coaster Con 48 Preview57:55 - Preservation Con sneak peek
 
Have a favorite Spring Con memory or heading to Coaster Con? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation.
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
Podcast Team: Bob  Randolph, Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem
 
 
#RideWithUs #ACE #AmericanCoasterEnthusiasts #CoasterCon #SpringCon #RollerCoasters #ThemeParks 

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