The First Drop: Zambezi Zinger, Flying Viking, Draken Falls, and Mandrill Mayhem

It’s been a real zinger of a summer when it comes to theme parks, travel and enjoying new coasters around the world! We head into fall with a roundup of the summer’s newest attractions and great discussions with ACE members from around the world.   Co-host John Davidson chats with Paul Drabek, ACE Regional Rep for the ACE Heart of America Region. He shares his experience riding the all-new GCI wooden coaster, Zambezi Zinger, at Worlds of Fun. In our next segment, Bryant Yeager interviews Chris Kearsing director of Operations for Adventureland Park about their new Zamperla attractions, Flying Viking and Draken Falls. For the final interview, co-host Jessica Gardner is joined by ACE Europe Assistant Regional Rep Hjälmar Sinke to discuss Mandrill Mayhem, the newest B&M wing coaster at Chessington World of Adventures.   In this episode: • Meet Paul Drabek – coaster enthusiast since the Usenet days • Zambezi Zinger media day – he took an epic road trip that included Waffle House to get there! • Next, Bryant chats with Chris Kearsing about Adventureland Park and their new Zamperla rides: Flying Viking and Draken Falls, plus more upcoming changes to the park. • Adventureland can be a part of some great Iowa road trips (also visit Arnold’s Park, Worlds of Fun, Lost Island, Valleyfair and others while you’re in the neighborhood!).   • Our last interview goes to Europe, Jessica talks with Hjälmar Sinke about Mandrill Mayhem and some enchanting European parks. • Learn about the Merlin park Chessington World of Adventures, plus the new coaster!   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 Editors: Bob Randolph and Alex Monastersky  Show Notes: Liz Tan  Project Manager: Corey Wooten  Correspondent: Bryant Yeager