ACE - Ride With Us

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

Vekoma Rides: Good Gravy, Tilt Coaster, Super Boomerang and More (IAAPA Expo)

Vekoma Rides: Good Gravy, Tilt Coaster, Super Boomerang and More (IAAPA Expo)
The show floor has been wiped clean, but the memories of IAAPA Expo 2023 continue as co-host Jessica Gardner interviews the team from Vekoma.
Jessica talks with Ricardo Tonding Etges and Carin Davits about the new Good Gravy roller coaster at Holiday World and other upcoming/newly opened projects that many ACE members have already enjoyed. Jessica and the team take a tour of the Vekoma booth and get a close look at the tilt coaster train model.
We hope our continued coverage of the IAAPA Expo is helping to keep the winter months bearable. (See what we did there?)
In this Episode:
[1:42] Designing the Good Gravy roller coaster for Holiday World, a close look at the train on display
[06:33] Carin discusses the completed coasters that opened this summer (bonus mention of Big Bear Mountain and Rookie Racer!!)
[10:17] A tour of the tilt coaster model
[13:52] Super boomerang coming to Six Flags Great Adventure
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 and Doug Perry

Hersheypark’s Comet, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and Illuminated Integration

IAAPA Expo 2023 was a whirlwind of activity for your podcast team. From setting up the ACE booth before the show began to doing interviews with anyone and everyone we could, we were on the show floor from start to finish. This episode brings several IAAPA Expo show floor conversations together with the teams who are bringing new life to the Comet coaster at Hersheypark.
Jessica Gardner does a carside chat from inside the new Comet train with Tom Rebbe and Laura Woodburn Krolczyk about the design and build process for these eye-catching new trains.
The series of conversations moves on to a chat with Quinn Bryner, Director of PR at Hersheypark. Our episode finishes with Tyler Hoffman and Mike Birardi from Illuminated Integration – all of these fantastic conversations add up to a detailed glimpse into what Hersheypark will look like next summer.
In this Episode:
[02:48] Tom Rebbe and Laura Woodburn Krolczyk “live” from the Comet train
[07:51] Quinn Bryner Director of PR at Hersheypark 
[10:38] Tyler Hoffman and Mike Birardi 
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
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry

Legacy of Schwarzkopf – Documentary Team Highlights

Legacy of Schwarzkopf – Documentary Team Highlights
Fellow ACE members and documentarians Robert Ingle, Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, and Scott Schaffer are currently filming the next ACE documentary, exploring the multitude of roller coasters and flat rides worldwide created by the legendary Anton Schwarzkopf. The team has been tirelessly capturing these rides and coasters in action, traveling across the globe this year to bring the story to life for coaster enthusiasts everywhere.
A familiar voice joins us once again. Listen in as one of the original Ride With Us Podcast co-hosts, Kris Rowberry, and the team discuss what they've been up to since our last conversation. (Spoiler: They've been BUSY!)
In this Episode:
[02:23] Filming at Six Flags Great America and a comparison between that park and California's Great America.  
[06:31] The team moves to Lagoon Park in Farmington, Utah.
[10:30] Nicholas visited Worlds of Fun, where Zambezi Zinger pays homage to Schwarzkopf in many ways.
[13:30] The team heads to Atlanta, visiting Six Flags Over Georgia, Fun Spot America Atlanta, and the North Georgia State Fair.
[24:00] On to Germany for Oktoberfest.
Legacy of Schwarzkopf: Trailer #1
Legacy of Schwarzkopf: Trailer #2
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 various ways to share your talents by:
Making 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 ACE's Documentary Team
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten
Correspondents: Bryant Yeager and Doug Perry

IAAPA Expo 2023: The Final Day and Expo Recap (featuring Storyland Studios and RMC)

The ACE Ride With Us Podcast team had a busy week at the IAAPA Expo. We’ve had a great time walking the show floor, meeting theme park industry partners and spending time together. Bringing our listeners along for the ride has been a real treat for your podcast team.
Our final broadcast from the event brings the event to a close. Join co-host Jessica Gardner as she talks with ACE Communications Director Derek Perry about their immersive experience at the expo.  
In this Episode:
[02:30] Check out ACE’s YouTube channel for our interview with S&S
[06:05] Derek’s interview with Adam Sandy from Zamperla (live from the Top Thrill 2 train!)
[08:00] Derek talks about ACE's interview with 3DX and their work on Holiday World’s new Good Gravy! coaster
[12:20] Matt Ferguson, Chief Innovation Officer at Storyland Studios talks about the two new parks they’re opening
[23:02] Interview with Jake Kilcup from Rocky Mountain Construction
[32:44] The episode wraps up with ACE President Elizabeth Ringas
ACE’s YouTube channel has all of the awesome video coverage from the week (and a lot more).
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 Derek Perry
Producer: Derek Perry
Editors: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Production Manager: Corey Wooten

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