ACE - Ride With Us

IAAPA Expo 2023: Days 2 and 3 – More Updates from the Show Floor

Join our host Jessica Gardner as she recaps Days 2 and 3 of the exciting IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando, Florida, with guest co-hosts Doug Perry, ACE’s Social Media Manager, and Corey Wooten, our podcast’s Production Manager. This episode also features two (2) engaging interviews with Dan Leavelle, Site/Build Engineer at Skyline Attractions, and Jeffrey Siebert, Park President at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. 
In this episode: 
• [01:25] Day 2 Recap: Sally Dark Rides' announcement about a new SpongeBob attraction at Land of Legends Park in Turkey. 
• [03:58] Triotech’s SuperFly & Primordial Presentation: Corey shares insights on Triotech's announcement of SuperFly, an innovative combination of a dynamic simulator and flying theater. Doug gives his perspective of their intriguing presentation about Primordial at Lagoon Park.
• [05:49] BoldMove Nation: Jessica discusses her interview with this new dark ride company, highlighting their Brass Ring award win and upcoming social media feature with ACE.
• [06:22] ACE’s Support and Social Media Presence: Discussions on ACE’s role and activities at the expo. Highlighting the ACE booth's offerings and interactions with industry professionals.
• [07:06] Gravity Group’s Honorary ACE Membership: Doug Perry discusses ACE presenting the Gravity Group with an honorary membership. Insights from the interview with Hunter Lawrence from the Gravity Group.
• [08:03] Sky Elements Drone Show: Exciting recount of the Sky Elements drone show and its Guinness World Records achievements.
• [11:38] Day 3 Exploration: Jessica’s experiences exploring different booths, including SBF/Visa’s new coaster. Insights into LAI Games Interactive’s new offerings.
• [13:50] L3DFX Booth Discovery: Doug’s encounter with the L3DFX booth, detailing their award-winning design and innovative creations.
• [19:04] Daniel Leavelle from Skyline Attractions: Daniel shares his journey and the exciting developments at Skyline Attractions. Discussion on Skyline’s award-winning projects and future aspirations.
• [27:36] Jeffrey Siebert, Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Insights from Six Flags Fiesta Texas' Park President, Jeffrey Siebert, on the park’s developments and future plans.
• [35:05] Closing Thoughts: Final reflections from Doug, Corey, and Jessica on the IAAPA Expo experience.
Did you know that ACE members can attend the IAAPA Expo?  Sign up to work one or more shifts during the show and you’ll get access to the entire show.  Watch your email for more information about working at next year’s show.
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, Doug Perry, and Corey Wooten
Producer: Derek Perry 
Correspondent: Bryant Yeager 
Editors: Bob Randolph 
Show Notes: Liz Tan 
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

IAAPA Expo 2023: Day 1 - Coaster Train Reveals, Announcements and Excitement

As many seasonal parks begin their winter hibernation, the theme park community is keeping busy this month with the IAAPA* Expo in Orlando.  Most members of our intrepid podcast team will be at the Expo, ready to share highlights with you.
We will be recording often, so stay tuned for exciting announcements from parks and manufacturers and a taste of the excitement from the show floor! 
In this episode, co-host Jessica Gardner chats with our guest co-host and Podcast Production Manager, Corey Wooten. They share their thoughts and excitement from the first day of the Expo, including some featured interviews with top professionals in the attractions industry.
Our featured guests include Tony Clark, Director of Communications at Cedar Point; Lauren Crosby, Director of Entertainment and Events, and Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications at Holiday World; Brad Thomas, Park President at Silver Dollar City; and Preston Perkes, Executive Director of Administration at S&S Worldwide.
 
Timestamps: 
[03:32] Cedar Point/Zamperla - Top Thrill 2 (feat. Tony Clark)
[11:30] Hersheypark/Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. - Comet 
[14:32] Sally Dark Rides - Spongebob's Crazy Carnival Ride 
[15:35] Busch Gardens/Premier Rides/ACE - Loch Ness Monster Revamp at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 
[18:01] SeaWorld/B&M - Penguin Trek (the first first B&M family coaster built in the United States) 
[20:42] Holiday World/Vekoma - Good Gravy (feat. Lauren Crosby and Leah Koch-Blumhardt)
[32:15] Silver Dollar City/RMC - Fire in the Hole (feat. Brad Thomas)
[41:43] S&S Worldwide/SEVEN (feat. Preston Perkes)
Did you know that ACE members/volunteers can attend the IAAPA Expo?  If you’re chosen to work one or more shifts during the show, you’ll get access to the entire show.  Watch your email for more information about working at next year’s show.
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 Corey Wooten (Guest)Producer: Derek Perry Correspondent: Bryant Yeager Editors: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten 
 
Footnotes
IAAPA: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 with Jo Pools

As our podcast team prepares to head to Orlando for the IAAPA Expo, co-host John Davidson took a moment to look back on the IAAPA Europe Expo in Amsterdam that took place this September.
ACE Europe Regional Representative Jo Pools joins co-host John Davidson for a lively discussion of European theme parks, upcoming ACE Europe events and the Expo.
In this episode:
[01:52] IAPPA Europe is in the books, Jo talks about some European rides and parks
[08:15] More about the Expo
[16:18] All of the major manufacturers were at the show
[22:00] Less VR on the show floor, more pinball machines and arcade games are there instead
[25:37] The people you meet at the Expos are the best part
[27:50] Jo’s role on the International Planning Committee (hints about next year’s ACE Europe trip)
Join ACE Europe’s events at: https://jointheride.eu/
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 DavidsonProducer: Derek PerryEditors: Bob RandolphShow Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten

First Drop: Gotham City Escape, Toutatis and Primordial

A chill is in the air these days and many beloved seasonal theme parks are now closed for the season. While we’re hunkering down for the winter, it’s a good time to remember some new rides that opened this summer with this First Drop.  
This episode takes a close look at some new coasters from around the world. We start with ACE member Luke Reynolds joining co-host John Davidson to share his ride on Batman Gotham City Escape at Parque Warner Madrid, a Warner Brothers park. We continue as co-host Jessica Gardner chats with our very own "ACE - Ride With Us" Podcast Production Manager, Corey Wooten, about his recent Europe trip, visiting Parc Astérix in Plailly, France and riding their new launch coaster, Toutatis. We finish up as ACE Communications Director, Derek Perry, and Social Media Manager, Doug Perry, interview ACE member Raffi Kilejian about Primordial at Lagoon Park.
These conversations cover everything about each coaster, from queue theming to the first drop!
 In this episode:
[01:00] Meet Luke, discover his home park
[02:00] Visiting Parque Warner Madrid, Luke’s his experience on Batman Gotham City Escape
[12:46] Meet Corey, discover his home park
[16:18] Corey’s epic European theme park trip and visit to Parc Astérix
[43:32] Derek and Doug Perry talk to ACE member Raffi Kilejian about Primordial at Lagoon Park and the ACE Fall Conference
[49:07] Primordial spoiler alert!  Stop listening here if you’d like to avoid spoilers.
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 Correspondent: Bryant Yeager Editors: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager/Show Guest: Corey Wooten 
Credits (Cover Images)
Toutatis: Samy Debbabi Gotham City Escape: Intamin/Unknown Primordial: Aimee Carver

Steel Yourself: Iron Menace is Coming to Dorney Park

Coaster enthusiasts may know Dorney Park as a charming trolley park that grew from a salmon hatchery in the 1860’s into a park, then into a theme park. Today, it’s known as the home of historic rides like the Whip, some relocated rides from other parks (shout out to Demon Drop and Possessed!) as well as Thunderhawk – an ACE Landmark Coaster plus many other crowd-pleasing attractions. Though Dorney Park has its share of historic rides and thrill rides, it hadn’t had a brand new large-scale attraction in quite some time.
 
Until now! Iron Menace is a thrilling new B&M dive coaster that’s being built in the location where another relocated ride, the Stinger, used to be.  This August announcement took the coaster enthusiast community by storm and created a lot of buzz around Dorney Park.
 
This week, correspondent Bryant Yeager talks to Ryan Eldredge, PR and communications director of Dorney Park about this exciting new attraction and many other great changes coming to the park. 
 
In this episode:
[01:00] Meet Ryan, learn how he found his way from government work to Dorney Park
[05:10] The team explored different options for the space, the dive coaster fit the themed steelyard vision and the space
[12:18] The ride will include first of their kind ride elements, the Zephyr will go through the station!
[15:49] The extra 5 degrees of drop and no mid-course brake run make Iron Menace unique 
[19:10] Additional 2024 projects (including food updates) and 2024 opening date
[20:51] Thunderhawk’s 100th birthday is coming, look for ways to celebrate
 
Follow Dorney Park on Facebook to see construction progress and other announcements.
 
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
Correspondent: Bryant Yeager
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Derek Perry
Show Notes: Liz Tan, huge fan of Dorney Park, the Zephyr and Demon Drop
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
 

Phoenix Phall Phunfest & November Events Rundown

This week’s episode covers two important topics: the Phoenix Phall Phunfest at Knoebels Amusement Park and the ACE Events Rundown for November 2023. 
The first segment has co-host John Davidson chatting with ACE Publications Director and Phoenix Phall Phunfest attendee Lee Ann Draud. It sounds like quite an event, with great food, ERT on the Flying Turns and the Halloween-themed antique cars, plus a Fascination tournament.
We wrap up the show as co-host Jessica Gardner shares ACE News highlights and the ACE November Events rundown. 
In this episode:
[01:30] Meet Lee Ann, she reads and edits almost everything that ACE writes from RollerCoaster! magazine to ACE News, ACE 360 and everything in between.
[04:30] What is Knoebels? A brief introduction.
[08:12] Holding an event with a $5 admission price in an ungated park. That’s right! $5!
[13:10] ERT on Flying Turns (what an opportunity!!)
[17:52] Light lunch – Knoebels style
[25:30] ACE News update and November events 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
Editors: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Cover Art Image: Anthony Saporito

Recapping the 2023 ACE Fall Conference

Over 200 ACE members from around the world gathered in Utah for the 2023 ACE Fall Conference.
The group first visited Lagoon Park (We talked about Lagoon Park in a recent episode) for 2 fun-filled days of ERT, ACE Landmark Coaster rides, fall events and of course, some fabulous food. The final event was a visit to S&S Worldwide, where some lucky attendees got a chance to ride the prototype Axis coaster.  
Join ACE Membership Director Joseph Ciza for a recap of the event. Whether you attended the event and want to relive the amazing experience or didn’t have a chance to attend, Joseph’s recap will bring the experience to you. He also talks about the Executive Committee meeting that was held just after the conference.
In this episode:
[01:20] Meet Joseph, he has two home parks!
[04:07] What the Membership Director does (it includes the all-important ACE merchandise)
[09:11] On to the Fall Conference, ERT included Primordial, most attendees went there first, Joseph gives a spoiler-free description of the epic new coaster
[13:05] Spoiler-free description of Cannibal, rundown of the different meetups and shows during the event
[26:00] Sunday at S&S Worldwide (home to Arrow’s archives) included a tour and of course…
[31:44] The raffle to ride the Axis coaster!
[39:50] Executive Committee meeting recap
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
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Updates from ACE Europe

As ACE members, our love of theme parks and roller coasters can take us around the world. It’s no surprise that ACE Europe is growing quickly.  Co-host John Davidson joins ACE Europe Assistant Regional Rep Christopher Karlsson for a trackside chat about new coasters and experiences, plus some Europe region updates.  
In this episode:
[01:25] Meet Christopher, his home park is Liseberg in Gothamburg, Sweden, he tacks on theme park visits to his travel plans.
[03:40] He joined when ACE Europe merged smaller groups into one larger organization.
[04:20] Brief summary of the recent Viking trip, travel logistics (spoiler: ACE Europe meets guests at the airport with a charter bus!)
[09:30] First drop, Europe! New rides including Storm the Dragon Legend at Tusenfryd.
[19:16] Liseberg celebrates 100 years with the new Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel
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 Show Notes: Liz Tan Project Manager: Corey Wooten

Lagoon Amusement Park; Past, Present and Future

ACE events happen year-round, with the biggest events bookending the summer.  Our summer started with over 1300 attendees at CoasterCon and it will wrap up with 208 attendees with representation from 34 states (plus Germany and Portugal!) heading to Utah for the Fall Conference at Lagoon Park and the S&S headquarters.
 
Regardless of whether you plan to attend or can’t make it this year, this spoiler-free episode has something for you!  Co-host Jessica Gardner meets with Julie Freed, Director of Special Events for Lagoon Park, to learn all about the family-owned park’s extensive history and the event.
 
In this episode:
[01:51] Meet Julie, park history: Lagoon opened in 1886 and has been a family business ever since
[6:48] Lagoon has three rides on the National Historic Register
[09:30] The park works hard to keep the older rides in riding shape 
[13:20] BomBora was designed in-house (has the same seats as Primordial)
[18:25] Primordial’s seats fit just about everyone (36 inch minimum height!)
[26:13] Naming a coaster is a family affair for Lagoon Park
[35:22] All about Frightmares 
 
Follow Lagoon Park on Instagram
 
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
Show Notes: Liz Tan 
Project Manager: Corey Wooten
 

Preservation Conference and October Events

As the hot summer days started to fade, a group of ACEers came together in New York to visit some very special theme parks and acknowledge the history behind them. Preservation Conference took place in late August. Attendees visited Playland Park, Adventureland, Luna Park at Coney Island and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, where the park owners, the Vourderis family, gave the group a warm welcome.
 
Co-host Jessica Gardner talks with ACE member and Preservation Conference attendee Maddy Khristov-Weinrach about her fabulous experience at the event.
 
In this episode:
[03:20] Maddy walks through the days at Preservation Conference, including elusive ride credits on kiddie coasters, low crowds, raffle entries and some of the great coasters that the group rode.
[12:20] Behind the scenes of the Cyclone – maintaining that coaster is a labor of love (and ACE members appreciate that!)
[18:00] The episode continues with a rundown of the different rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park and a visit to the nearby Coney Island Museum
[21:45] ACE News spotlight
[22:45] October events rundown
 
Learn more about the parks: Adventureland, Playland Deno's Wonder Wheel Luna Park
 
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
Show Notes: Liz Tan 
Project Manager: Corey Wooten