ACE - Ride With Us

Kings Island: Spring into Summer with Chad Showalter

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 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: Doug Perry, Bryant Yeager, John Davidson and Bob Randolph

Women Love Coasters and ACE Cares

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 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: Bryant Yeager, Doug Perry and John Davidson

Summer at Cedar Point: An Interview with Tony Clark

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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

Dollywood and Upcoming Events

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 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: Doug Perry, Bryant Yeager and John Davidson

March Updates: The Latest Roller Coaster News

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 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, Doug Perry, Bryant Yeager
This episode was edited by Quinn Coleman

Love Is in the Air: 'Ride With Us' Valentine's Special with Sky Elements and Speed Dating for Coasters

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 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, Doug Perry

ACE Election Q&A Plus the Latest News on Fire in the Hole

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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 ACE
Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
Developing friendships in a small group
Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE
Podcast Volunteer Team
Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry

Brick by Brick: A Deep Dive Into LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

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 Florida
0:21 - Background on LEGOLAND Florida spokesperson Banks Lee
0:40 - History of LEGOLAND parks starting in 1968
1:17 - Significance of LEGOLAND Florida being located on the site of the former Cypress Gardens park
2:40 - Banks' career path and advice 
3:09 - Details on the different areas within LEGOLAND Florida
5:32 - Popular attractions at LEGOLAND Florida
8:35 - Questions from listeners 
9:34 - Recommendations for first attractions to visit
14:31 - Banks' favorite attractions to visit with his family 
17:31 - The most popular attractions at LEGOLAND® Florida
18:37 - Jessica's Dragon Coaster milestone
20:50 - Explanation of the Ninjago property and ride
21:14 - Masters of Flight attraction in LEGO Movie World
23:15 - 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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 ACE
Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
Developing friendships in a small group
Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE
Podcast Volunteer Team 
Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry

Coasting Around the World: Planning the 2024 ACE International Trip

Coasting Around the World: Planning the 2024 ACE International Trip
 
ACE’s Journey to Central Europe is happening this July and Jessica Gardner talks to three of the members of the International Trip Committee who are planning this epic adventure. Cheri Armstrong, Vanessa Thomas and Jimmy Titko discuss everything you need to know about joining this trip or planning your own journey to parks in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Poland!
 
For more information, please visit https://www.aceonline.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1778704 
In this Episode:
[01:37] Meet the travel dream team
[05:21] Trip details
[23:12] Parks in the Netherlands and Belgium
[41:21] Parks in Germany
[59:50] Add-on parks in Poland
 
 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 ACE
Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
Developing friendships in a small group
Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE
Podcast Volunteer Team 
Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry

Looking Back at the Past Year and Ahead to 2024

Now that 2023 is but a memory, your podcast team is pausing for a moment to recap many of the amazing ACE events that happened during the year. Podcast producer Derek Perry joins his brother/ACE social media manager Doug Perry for a rousing conversation about their adventures with ACE.
  
This episode also includes the all-important winter events roundup. Stay tuned to hear about all of the upcoming ACE events that are sure to break up the long, coaster-free winter.
 
In this Episode:
[01:33] 2023 events review (national, regional and digital)
[19:42] 2023’s new roller coaster highlights
[24:14] 2024 roller coaster construction update and upcoming events
[34:56] January event rundown 
 
 
Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. 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 ACE
Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
Developing friendships in a small group
Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE
Podcast Volunteer Team 
Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry