ACE - Ride With Us

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

Celebrating Black History Month: Getting to Know Our Blusiasts

In this celebration of Black History Month, Gerik Gooch moderates a roundtable with four fellow ACE members who are Blusiasts: Black enthusiasts. Airtime Myke, Duwena Tillman, James Mason and Alan Franklin share their stories, reveal their favorite parks, events & coasters and discuss the joy of finding community. They also discuss the history of Black Americans and the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
 
In this Episode:
 
[1:02] Introductions
 
[7:13] Myke’s coaster journey: marathoning Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
 
[17:06] James’s coaster journey: Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point; Boblo Island; parents who rode and still ride
 
[25:08] Duwena’s coaster journey: American Eagle at Six Flags Great America; Walt Disney World; theme park enthusiasts; immersive worlds; Universal Studios Japan
 
[34:08] Alan’s coaster journey: mom’s bribe to ride Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain; more parents who still ride
 
[42:54] Alan’s service with the Air National Guard; fighting California wildfires
 
[46:05] Duwena becomes an enthusiast; plus-size riders and “the walk of safety"; tears of joy for Iron Rattler; victory on TRON Lightcycle / Run
 
[53:04] HoliWood Nights; custom wristbands & music festival culture; Roller Coaster Rodeo;  last rides on Kingda Ka
 
[59:39] ACE events: Lost Island; Stricker’s Grove; ACE Spring Conference; Schwarzkopf documentary; paper maps and atlases; media days, connections and more
 
[1:18:36] Desire for diversity; Myke assembles the Blusiasts
 
[1:28:41] "Roller coasters as art"; finding Black coaster family; examining our history; shoutout and welcome to our non-Black supporters; Blusiasts are a "great time!"
 
[1:40:34] Top coasters: Steel Vengeance, Fury 325, VelociCoaster, The Voyage, Intimidator 305, Flying Dinosaur, ArieForce One, Iron Gwazi, El Toro, X2, Stardust Racers, Zadra, Voltron Nevera and The Ride to Happiness
 
[1:58:09] Outro: where to find us on social media
 
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 and Gerik Gooch
Correspondent and Show Notes: Gerik Gooch
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Coastin' Into 2025: A Look Ahead

Jessica Gardner joins fellow members of the podcast team, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a discussion about upcoming coaster events, new roller coasters being built and theme parks opening in 2025. 
 
In this episode, the team breaks down ACE’s 2025 international, regional and digital events, along with park-sponsored events and they highlight some of the roller coasters and theme parks opening this year in which they’re most excited about. This episode also features lots of laughs and a game you can participate in.
 
In this Episode:
[5:51] ACE events
[24:15] Regional ACE events
[33:08] Park-sponsored events
[1:09:17] North American 2025 Coasters
[1:18:37] Universal Epic Universe
[1:25:24] More new theme parks
[1:29:11] International 2025 coasters
[1:31:30] Looking ahead to 2026
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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

Read With Us: Author Bill Shea

Author Bill Shea has written a charming book that tells a story that might be familiar to coaster enthusiasts! Billy's Grandpa Joe is taking him to his favorite amusement park but when Billy wakes up, he sees nothing but rain. Tension mounts – will Billy and Grandpa Joe's day be a washout or will Grandpa Joe save the day?
 
In this episode, correspondent Bob Randolph talks with Bill Shea about his story and the inspiration for this book. Join us for their heartwarming conversation about the book, the gift of grandparents, Bill's work with Autism Speaks and a whole lot more!
 
In this Episode:
[1:30] Meet Bill Shea 
[8:30] Bill’s work with Autism Speaks 
[14:43] Behind the book
[21:00] The road to getting published
 
Links
Get your copy of A Grandpa Joe Day
Autism Speaks 
Playland Park
 
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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch
 

IAAPA Expo 2024 Part 2

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need.
 
Our intrepid podcast team wraps up their coverage of this year’s expo with the second episode in our series. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Lauryn Heller, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the event in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage. 
 
In this Episode:
[03:16] Interview with Lauren Weaver, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Sally Dark Rides about their new mini layout and more
[06:39] Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusive Institute announcement, more about this amazing, accessible park and their expanding inclusivity mission  
[14:00] Announcement about the sale of ZDT’s Switchback coaster and interview with Michael Graham, Engineer and Principal at Gravity Group
[32:27] Interview with Darren Torr, President of Rocky Mountain Construction 
[40:30] ACE booth at IAAPA Expo and The Legacy of Schwarzkopf movie screening at Fun Spot America Orlando
[51:00] Interview with Melissa Oviedo, CEO of the Themed Entertainment Association
 
Links
 
Sally Dark Rides
Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusive Institute
Dance Macabre
Kohl Gribble’s coaster model
Will More Gerstlauer Coasters Come To America?
The Legacy of Schwarzkopf documentary
ACE Honorary Member award given to Chris Kraftchick
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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

IAAPA Expo 2024 Part 1

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need.
 
Our intrepid podcast team was on the show floor, taking in all of the excitement. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the expo in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage. Our special guest is ACE member Lauryn Heller, who shares her experience with ACE and perspective of attending IAAPA Expo for the first time.
In this Episode:
[03:05] Intro to the episode, meet Lauryn
[07:09] IAAPA Expo Day One!  The train reveals, the press releases and the ways the social media team covers the day.
[28:14] Trever Dyer, Global Director of Sales and Marketing for S&S Worldwide walks through the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin’ Swing at Hersheypark
[37:42] The VidantaWorld BON Luxury Park announcement included Ricardo Etges from Vekomoa discussing the Tecuani Beast coaster and teases many 2025 announcements!
Links
 
Hersheypark's Twizzlers Twisted Gravity - 2024 IAAPA Expo Official Gondola Unveil
 
Twizzlers Twisted Gravity
 
VidantaWorld
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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry
Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch