ACE - Ride With Us

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

ACE Spring Conference 2025 Recap

ACE Spring Con 2025 took place this year in Virginia! ACEers visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion. Host Jessica Gardner, Correspondent Gerik Gooch and ACE Assistant Regional Rep from North Central, HaeKyung Thompson were there and now they break the three fun-filled days down for us.
 
1:30 Meet HaeKyung Thompson!
 
7:45 Discussion of HaeKyung’s visit to the soon to be closed Six Flags America
 
12:39 Day One at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
 
20:30 The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge
 
25:12 Interview with Conner Carr, Corporate Director of Rides and Engineering for United Parks & Resorts
 
36:47 Day Two at Busch Gardens Williamsburg  and Kings Dominion
 
57:00 Day Three at Kings Dominion
 
62:54 Interview with Bridgette Bywater, VP and General Manager of Kings Dominion 
 
75:38 Meetups and favorite moments from the weekend 
 
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

Marathoning Coasters

This episode is all about ACE members marathoning roller coasters! Kalin Profitt talks about getting 10,000 rides on Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Mike Cameron shares the journey to 25,000 rides on Renegade at Valleyfair!
 
1:57 - Meet Kalin Profitt
34:23 - Meet Renegade Mike
www.youtube.com/watch?v=11yXGiRkpiY‌
www.valleyfair.com/blog/2024/june/renegade-mike-hits-25k-rides
 
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 501(c)(3) non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.
 
Podcast Episode Team
Host: Jessica Gardner
Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editors: Bob Randolph
Correspondents: Gerik Gooch and John Davidson
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

A Lifetime of Themed Entertainment with Rick Rothschild

At the 2025 Themed Entertainment Awards Gala, the THEA’s, the Buzz Price Life Achievement Award Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements was awarded to Rick Rothschild.
Our host Jessica Gardner was granted an impromptu sit-down with this legend who helped create memorable theme park attractions like Soarin’, The American Adventure, The Adventurers Club, Captain EO, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Hear about Rothschild’s storied career as a Walt Disney Imagineer and beyond.
 
2:30 - Meet Rick Rothschild and learn how he got his first job at Disney.
 
20:25 - Captain EO
 
26:57 - ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
 
37:17 - Soarin’ and the FLY theatres
 
46:01 - Advice for working in the Themed Entertainment Industry
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
Editors: Bob Randolph
Correspondent: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten