ACE - Ride With Us

ACE Landmark Coasters with Dave Hahner, ACE Historian

Many theme park visitors walk right by something pretty special without ever knowing what it is. That something special is a plaque that’s posted on a small handful of roller coasters throughout the world, designating them as ACE Landmark Coasters.  
 
A committee of dedicated ACE members/historians selects these coasters based on criteria including historical significance of the ride. If you’ve ever posed in front of the plaque before hopping on the coaster or wondered how that coaster was chosen, all will be revealed as co-host John Davidson talks with Dave Hahner, a 43 year ACE member who works with the ACE Preservation Committee.
 
In this episode:
[06:52] The birth and evolution of the History Committee, it takes many contributors to do this work
[12:00] On to ACE Landmark Coasters!
[21:00] Losing coasters, the role of landmark plaques in preservation
[38:00] Implications of hybrid coasters 
[41:08] Join the history committee! Overseas contributors especially welcome!  Contact Jimmy Titko: jtitko@aceonline.org
[43:30] Walking through the plethora of plaques and landmark coasters at Cedar Point (shoutout to Gemini!!)
[46:47] Nod to Cedar Fair for restoring Racer 75 at Kings Dominion and The Racer at Kings Island
 
Learn more about ACE Landmark Coasters
https://www.aceonline.org/page/Landmark
https://www.facebook.com/ACErollercoasterlandmark
 
In an effort to recognize and promote rides that are noteworthy in coaster history, the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark program was established in 2000. This special designation is reserved for rides of historical significance, as determined by ACE. Additional coasters are designated on an ongoing basis. A permanent historical marker is presented to each park to display as desired, and it serves to educate park guests about the extensive history of the ride. Look for our ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaques in the parks near each of these designated coasters!
 
Sources 
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
 

50 Years of Frights: Celebrating Knott’s Scary Farm’s 50th Anniversary

The end of summer means one thing for theme park enthusiasts: Halloween! 
Many parks bring out their best theming and scares this time of year; Knott’s Berry Farm has been leading the way since 1973, when local personality Larry Vincent brought his Sinister Seymour character to the park for an appearance that started a trend.
That first year, Scary Farm was three nights long, it included scare actors in the Calico Mine Ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride and the now-defunct Haunted Shack. Since then, the event has grown to include numerous scare zones and mazes, plus extensive spooky theming throughout the park.
This extended episode takes a close look at today’s Scary Farm. Co-host Jessica Gardner meets Ken Parks, Corporate Director of Creative Development at Cedar Fair. She also talks with Owner and Creative Director of Plague Productions John Cooke.
This jam-packed episode continues with Ted Dougherty, author of The History of Knott’s Scary Farm and writer/director for Plague Productions. Next up is Chris Do, a Knott’s Scary Farm producer. Our last interview is KC Gussler, Show Director of Music, Monsters and Mayhem.
In this episode:
• [9:40] Ken Park’s advice for anyone who dreams of working in theme parks: Get your hands into as many pots as possible, be pleasant to work with, complete your tasks.
• [16:07] Planning for Knott’s Scary Farm’s 50th anniversary celebration
• [36:00] Newly-rethemed lands across so many Cedar Fair parks
• [38:00] Meet John Cooke, his start as a set carpenter
• [1:10:14] Ted Dougherty, author of The History of Knott’s Scary Farm 
• [1:48:42] Chris Do covers the new-this-year mazes
• [1:54:42] KC Gussler, show director of Music, Monsters and Mayhem
Learn more
www.plagueproductions.com 
plagueproductionsLA 
johnnyxplague
https://www.ultimatehaunt.com/the-book/ (the book is for sale at the Knott’s Marketplace)
Ted Dougherty’s Instagram: ultimatehaunt
Chris Do’s Instagram: heychrisss
Sources
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/knotts-scary-farm-inspired-halloween-17542070.php
https://www.ocregister.com/2023/08/01/knotts-scary-farm-teases-return-of-the-hanging-for-50th-anniversary-season/
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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 
 

Behind the Thrills: Inside Coaster Maintenance and Safety

Behind the Thrills: Inside Coaster Maintenance and Safety
The thrill of experiencing rides is based on the trust that comes from knowing that every park’s maintenance team works diligently to keep each ride safe for all riders.
When a ride or attraction has an incident, it’s sure to get a lot of negative attention. The less visible side of maintenance is the number of hours and the attention to detail that every park spends maintaining their most precious commodity: the safety of their park visitors.
Today, co-host John Davidson talks to Will Meldrum-Thush a Mechanical Engineer at Roush Entertainment Systems about the important work his team does to keep their rides safe for all guests to enjoy. Listen carefully for a pro tip about getting out of a B&M hyper coaster’s train!
In this episode:
[02:00] Introducing Will Meldrum-Thush, mechanical engineer at Roush Entertainment Systems 
[06:20] John recaps his Ice Breaker maintenance bay tour at SeaWorld Orlando
[08:10] Annual maintenance insights (spoiler: it’s VERY thorough!)
[18:30] Daily checks: Every bolt on every support
[25:20] Testing block zones and avoiding "bumper cars"
[26:53] Transition from manufacturer to park maintenance
[32:10] Complex coaster maintenance (i.e., flying coasters vs. hyper coasters) 
[36:55] Coaster operating costs
[38:15] Dealing with delays in operations 
[40:00] The secret behind one-train operations
[43:15] The key to coaster education 
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 
Correspondent: Bryant Yeager 
Cover Photography: Andrew Pace, Anthony Saporito, and Rafael Larios
 

Gettin’ Ready for P’Sghetti + September News and Events

Not one, but two KID FLASH Cosmic Coasters are coming to Six Flags parks at the same time. We also review the September ACE events.
The 2022 IAAPA Expo included a lot of exciting announcements, including Skyline Attractions' news about building the family-friendly P’Sghetti Bowl coaster at two parks! The KID FLASH Cosmic Coaster is about to open at both Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. These coasters have a single rail track with in-house track fabrication, drive systems and more. Most notably to coaster enthusiasts, the restraints are comfortable for adults and children alike.
Co-host John Davidson met with Tyler Mullins, Design Engineer at Skyline Attractions to learn more about these new twin coasters. Want to learn more about what Skyline Attractions is working on?  Subscribe to Skyline Attractions’ free newsletter.
Our episode wraps up with two rundowns: ACE News and September events.  
In this episode:
Meet Tyler, he did an internship with Great Coasters International during his time at Ohio State (Go Bucks!!)
GCI has worked with Skyline to collaborate on a number of awesome coasters
Skyline is bringing family coasters to new spaces (zoos, family entertainment centers)
The track was assembled on site at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in just 17 days!
Baynum Solutions is helping with coaster assembly
The Trailrunner family coaster is the modern mine train
ACE News highlights
ACE September events rundown
See Tyler’s interview with ACE at IAAPA 2022
Read Skyline’s announcement about KID FLASH
Watch video of the track completion at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Listen to the EJ Hill’s Podcast episode that included Brake Run Helix at MASS MoCA
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 
Project Manager: Corey Wooten

From Dial-up to Daring Drops: The Early Days of ACE

Before the days of social media, how did coaster enthusiasts connect? 
In this episode, we go back to the early days of the internet when ACE members first found each other online. Join co-host John Davidson as he speaks with three enthusiasts about the creative ways they connected through early online forums, shared dial-up images, and meeting in-person at theme parks.  
We'll chat with Bill Buckley (Controlling the Thrills with Irvine Ondrey Engineering); Rendell Bird, renowned ACE roller coaster model; and Dave Althoff, who has been answering coaster questions since the internet's infancy.
In some ways, ACE and the internet grew up together, with coaster enthusiasts finding each other by sharing slow-loading pictures of coasters while ACE members found each other in theme parks.  As ACE turns 45, we’ve been celebrating our history all year. 
Relive the nostalgia of the early internet and learn how it enabled a community for coaster enthusiasts across the world. Discover the connections that led to the founding of ACE 45 years ago!
In this episode:
Meet the group and learn of their history as they each share their internet and coaster enthusiast stories
Learn about rec.roller-coaster; in many ways the birthplace of theme park talk on the internet
Finding other enthusiasts online and sharing coaster photos in a pre-social media world
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

Unearthing the Secrets of Treasure Hunt: The Ride - Cannery Row’s Newest Immersive Attraction

Unearthing the Secrets of Treasure Hunt: The Ride
Embark on a thrilling journey as we dive deep into the immersive world of Treasure Hunt: The Ride. Located on the iconic Cannery Row in Monterey, California, this pirate-themed dark ride has taken the amusement world by storm, captivating both casual visitors and roller coaster aficionados.
In this episode, join our co-host Jessica Gardner as she engages in a lively discussion with the minds behind this attraction - John Wood, Rich Hill and Lauren Weaver from Sally Dark Rides, along with Ron Daniels from Daniels Woodland. Discover how this powerful partnership gave birth to a storytelling marvel that promises every coaster enthusiast visiting Monterey a treasured addition to their ride credits. 
Links 
Treasure Hunt Complete Reverse POV and Ron Daniels Interview
Treasure Hunt - An In-Depth Look At The Latest Sally Dark Ride Attraction At Monterey's Cannery Row" (ACE Feature)
Episode Highlights:
Behind the Magic: Get acquainted with the creative forces that brought "Treasure Hunt: The Ride" to life.
Location Insights: Unravel the mysteries of why Cannery Row was the ideal setting for this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Haunting News from Funtown Splashtown USA: Uncover the spine-chilling details of their new Haunted Hotel introduced on July 28.
Dive into Bikini Bottom: Catch a glimpse of the upcoming SpongeBob SquarePants attraction slated to make waves at Circus Circus, Las Vegas.
Origin Tales: Learn about the serendipitous meeting of the teams at IAAPA that sparked this collaboration.
We value your feedback and suggestions! Share your thoughts about this episode at podcast@aceonline.org. To delve deeper into the world of roller coasters and learn more about our mission, visit ridewithace.com.
Join the team of ACE volunteers: We invite you to join our vibrant team of volunteers. By becoming a part of ACE, you can:
Have an impact on the future of ACE
Relish in meaningful experiences that make a difference
Forge lasting bonds within a close-knit community
Enhance your skillset or impart your expertise to the organization 
Podcast Volunteer Team 
Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan
Project Manager: Corey Wooten

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



 

Deno’s Wonder Wheel: The Story Behind Coney Island’s Timeless Treasure

Deno’s Wonder Wheel is a historic landmark ride which first opened in 1920. It still looms large on the Coney Island skyline, beckoning riders from near and far to climb aboard.
The Wonder Wheel remains the anchor of what is now known as Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. The park has grown quite a bit and includes many recent additions including a Vekoma family thrill roller coaster, Phoenix.
Deno (DJ) Vourderis, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park co-owner, joins Jessica to talk about the park, the Wonder Wheel and the upcoming Preservation Con event. He’s excited to welcome ACE members to the park. Listen as DJ and Jessica go in-depth about logistics for the event, covering everything from Easter eggs the park is planning to snacks during ERT!  
In this episode
Jessica introduces Deno and ACE Preservation Con
Deno’s story – home park, work history, park history – it’s a family business
Relationship between Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel – the parks compliment each other but do not share a wristband or a gate
Hint about the Phoenix, changes might be coming
All Wonder Wheel parts are made in house (every wheel is a different size), he shares some maintenance stories
Things to eat in the area
Learn more about Preservation Con; it’s not too late to get your tickets!  If you’re on the fence about attending, DJ mentioned that attendees will get a free Nathan’s hot dog.
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 & John Davidson
Producer: Derek Perry
Editor: Bob Randolph
Show Notes: Liz Tan 
Project Manager: Corey Wooten 
 

Summer Showdown: Roller Coaster Rodeo, Aloha Con, and August Events

This week’s episode covers a variety of topics!
Join co-host Jessica Gardner and Ride With Us correspondent, Bryant Yeager, for a roundup of the Roller Coaster Rodeo event that was held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas this June. We’ll move on to Bryant’s interview with Ron McKenzie, ProParks Attractions Group Chief Marketing Officer during the inaugural AlohaCon 2023 event at Hawaiian Falls Waco.
We wrap up the episode with the ACE August event rundown. Tune in to get the complete list of ACE events – ACE members can attend regional events in any region so if your summer plans include travel, you’re welcome to purchase a ticket and join the fun!
In this episode
Meet Bryant, discover his home park and learn about his experience with ACE
And now, on with the show!  Bryant describes his Roller Coaster Rodeo adventure, which was full of great food and ERT
Jessica’s mind is blown when she learns that Dr. Diabolical is female!
Bryant’s interview with Hawaiian Falls Waco, Chief Marketing Officer for ProParks Attractions Group
ProParks focuses on easy access and pricing in their neighborhood water parks
Jessica shares the August event rundown
Check out Bryan’s Amusement Source YouTube channel.
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 & John Davidson Producer: Derek Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan  Project Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondent: Bryant Yeager

Lights, Camera, Coasters! - The Team Behind ACE’s Schwarzkopf Documentary

Join us as we chat with the production crew of the Anton Schwarzkopf documentary "Legacy of Schwarzkopf," (debuting 2024) and meet the team behind the masterpiece - Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Robert Ingle, and Scott Schaffer. 
Hear about their adventures and challenges filming on location to capture Schwarzkopf’s groundbreaking roller coaster designs! 
In This Episode: 
[00:23] - Jessica Welcomes the Crew to Our Show 
[01:41] - Kris Rowberry (Executive Producer) Introduces the Team 
[02:41] - Nicholas Laschkewitsch (Director, Editor) 
[04:23] - Robert Ingle (Executive Producer) 
[05:27] - Scott Schaffer (Cinematographer) 
[09:27] - Collaborating with Parks During Filming 
[11:00] - Filming at Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX)
[16:51] - Road Trip Highlights from the Crew 
[18:04] - Meeting Gary Slade of Amusement Today 
[19:35] - Wonderland Park (Amarillo, TX) 
[26:02] - Visiting the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Plainview, TX 
[37:00] - Windy Weather at Sea World San Antonio 
[42:58] - Rest Day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX) 
[44:16] - ZDT's Amusement Park (Seguin, TX) 
[45:57] - Circuit of the Americas (Austin, TX) 
[51:40] - The ACE Advantage 
[53:02] - Closing Statements 
Background:
Pioneering German engineer Anton Schwarzkopf revolutionized roller coaster design with his iconic rides installed in parks worldwide. This documentary will showcase his lasting legacy.
ACE members enjoyed a sneak preview of the film at Coaster Con 2022. See it here. 
Share feedback on this episode at podcast@aceonline.org. ACE is a non-profit dedicated to the enjoyment, history, and preservation of roller coasters globally. Discover more at www.ridewithace.com. 
Get involved! Volunteering with ACE offers rewarding ways to share your passions and talents, including:
Shaping the future direction of the organization
Gaining enriching experiences
Building connections in our tight-knit community
Developing new abilities or putting your skills and talents to use 
Podcast Volunteer Team: 
Hosts: Jessica Gardner, John Davidson 
Producer: Derek Perry 
Editor: Bob Randolph 
Show Notes: Liz Tan 
Project Manager: Corey Wooten