Explore every episode of the podcast Airtime Traveler - The Roller Coaster History Podcast

In today’s episode, we discuss Wicked at Lagoon. Opened in 2007, this launched vertical tower coaster was Lagoon’s most ambitious project yet, blending a daring design by Arrow veteran Dal Freeman with Zierer’s engineering. Join us as we explore the discussion about its unique restraints, costly manufacturing issues, and...have you ever ridden a coaster with a booster seat?

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In today’s episode, we discuss Firebird at Six Flags America. Debuting in 1990 as Iron Wolf, this stand-up coaster was the very first creation from Swiss designers Bolliger & Mabillard. Join us as we explore the early days of B&M, the coaster's journey from Illinois to Maryland, and…the 1994 Macaulay Culkin movie Richie Rich?

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In today's episode, we discuss Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World resort. Debuting in 1975, this computer-guided indoor coaster became the blueprint for every Disney “mountain” that followed. Join us as we explore its groundbreaking technology, break down its complicated operations, and...can you rent a coaster for $10,000/hr?

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In today’s trip report, we cover Nathan’s solo detour to Six Flags America as a last-chance look at a fading park. We talk about the incredibly low attendance, theming from Main Street 1776 to Steam Town, ride closures and one-train operations, coasters such as Joker’s Jinx and Ride of Steel and ask...is Six Flags giving this park the send-off it deserves?

In today’s episode, we discuss Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA. This multi-launch coaster opened in 2012, rising from the ashes of the legendary Big Bad Wolf. Join us as we trace its Bavarian village roots, the ways this attraction honors its predecessor, and...a roller coaster-riding reptile?

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In today’s episode, we discuss Sky Rocket at Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. This lap-bar launch prototype debuted in 2010, reigniting Pittsburgh’s love for loops and putting Premier’s LSM tech on the map. Join us as discuss the Turnpike’s final cruise, the coasters that followed this prototype, and…a brief period where the ride featured stock car racing simulation?Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

In today’s episode, we discuss SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa in Tampa, FL. This groundbreaking dive coaster debuted in 2005 as the first of its kind in North America. Join us as we explore the ride’s bird-of-prey origins, its impact on the dive coasters that followed, and...a sultry marketing campaign?

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In today’s episode, we discuss Lightning Racer at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. This dueling wooden coaster debuted in 2000 and helped launch GCI into coaster stardom. Join us as we explore the origins of modern racing coasters, the ride’s quirky development process, and...a showdown fueled by McDonald’s?

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In today's episode, we discuss Backlot Stunt Coaster at Kings Island, Kings Dominion, and Canada’s Wonderland. This Premier Rides LIM coaster was originally themed to The Italian Job and opened in 2005/2006, but does it still hold up? Join us as we discuss Premier’s Hollywood aspirations, Cedar Fair’s abrupt retheme, and…can headlights be classified as Intellectual Property?

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In today's episode, we discuss Zambezi Zinger at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO. This GCI hybrid coaster was constructed in 2023 as an homage to the 1973 original, but is it as good? Join us as we discuss Schwarzkopf's Jet Star models, Zinger's troubled opening, and...endangered salamanders and bats?

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Just getting into coasters and not sure where to start? This episode is for you. We’re talking about the different types of coasters, who builds them, the parks you need to know, and all the wild terms enthusiasts throw around. Whether you’re gearing up for your first big park trip or just curious why people are so obsessed with airtime and inversions, we’ve got you covered.

Time Stamps:

14:55 - Abbreviated History of Roller Coasters

18:34 - Roller Coaster Types & Models

30:37 - Roller Coaster Terms

53:50 - Roller Coaster Manufacturers

1:12:28 - Amusement Parks & Chains

1:21:49 - 25-Minute History of Roller Coasters and the Amusement Industry

In the premiere of Season 4, we discuss Fury 325 at Carowinds in Charlotte, NC. Voted the #1 steel coaster in the world by Amusement Today the last nine years in a row, this legendary coaster just celebrated it's 10th birthday a few weeks ago. Join us as we discuss Cedar Fair's confidence in Carowinds' potential, what makes Fury 325 one of the world's best coasters, and...Centurions and the Roman empire?

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We. Are. Back! After taking a break for a few months, it's time for our annual review of the Coaster Bot rankings. Join us as we discuss:

- Winners and Losers

- Changes to the Top 100

- New for 2024 Coasters

- Top 25 in the U.S. and Internationally

Be sure to check out Coaster Bot and all the great work they do:

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YouTube

Spotify

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In today's episode we discuss Thunderhead at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. This wooden coaster recently celebrated it's 20th birthday, yet enthusiasts are still raving about it. Join us as we discuss the history of Herschend's early coasters, how Thunderhead impacted the park's future attractions, and...Celebration City and Ozark Wildcat?

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In today's episode, we discuss The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN. Opened in 2004, this ride is widely considered one of the best wooden coasters ever constructed. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of The Voyage's legendary layout, the Timberliner train debacle, and...the heavy metal band Fozzy?

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In today's episode, we discuss Rougarou at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. This coaster went through a revolutionary conversion that completely changed the way we experience it today. Join us as we discuss the history of the stand-up coaster, the record-breaking Mantis, and one of the strangest coaster announcements we’ve ever seen.

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In today's Halloween Special, we discuss the defunct Orient Express at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO. Join us as we discuss the coasters that inspired Orient Express, the events that led to its demise, and how you can still catch glimpses of this legendary coaster. Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

In today's trip report, we discuss our recent visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Join us as we discuss the European atmosphere and theming, our experience taking young kids during Howl-o-Scream, potential hot takes (Verbolten > Cheetah Hunt?), and ride reviews for Pantheon, Apollo's Chariot, and more!

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In today's episode we discuss DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This multi-launch family coaster was built just last year, but still has a long and fascinating history. Join us as we discuss the Curse of DarKastle, the early coasters of Busch Gardens, and...the 1996 Olympic mascot?

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In today's trip report, we discuss Nathan's visit to Busch Gardens Tampa in April 2024. We talk about the atmosphere and theming, operations, coasters such as Iron Gwazi, Montu, and Kumba...and which coaster was so good it left Nathan literally speechless?

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In today's episode, we discuss Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa in Tampa, FL. This multi-launch coaster has become one of the most popular rides at the park and replaced some fascinating attractions. Join us as we discuss Skyway Safari and Rhino Rally, whether or not the coaster is family friendly, and...the forests of Endor?

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In Airtime Traveler's 50th episode, we discuss Twisted Timbers at Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA. This RMC hybrid is considered one of the best coasters in the country and has an extremely unique theme as well. Join us as we discuss Wayne's World, supernatural apple orchards, and...mysterious shell corporations?

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In today's episode we discuss Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, FL. Join us as we discuss the fascinating technology used on the attraction, the impact of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and...real shark teeth on a ride?

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In today's episode, we discuss Mako at SeaWorld Orlando. Largely considered one of the world's best hyper coasters, this attraction came at a pivotal moment in the park's history. Join us as we discuss the early days of SeaWorld, B&M hyper rankings, and how Mako helped the company reform following the 2013 Blackfish scandal.

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In today's trip report, we discuss our recent visit to Walt Disney World in May of 2024, including our first impressions of TRON Lightcycle/Run and Journey of Water.

We also recap and review our thoughts on the WDW announcements from D23 including the Monsters, Inc. coaster, Tropical Americas, and Cars and Villains coming to Magic Kingdom.

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In today's episode, we discuss Diamondback at Kings Island in Mason, OH. Largely considered one of the world's best hyper coasters, this attraction has thrilled over 20 million people since it opened. Join us as we discuss Cedar Fair's love of hyper coasters, the purpose of B&M's splashdown element, and...is Orion better than Diamondback?

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In today's episode, we discuss Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Join us as we discuss early iterations of the attraction, what other rock bands were considered, and...the 1998 movie Armageddon?

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In today's episode we discuss Timber Wolf at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO. This wooden coaster was once rated the #1 coaster in the world. So, what happened? Join us as we discuss Screamroller and EXT, the scarcity of wooden coasters in the 80's, and...the Encyclopedia Brittanica?

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In today's trip report, Haley and Nathan discuss their first trip to SeaWorld Orlando. We discuss the surprisingly expensive food options, our kids' experience at Sesame Street Place, and our reviews of Mako, Pipeline, and more.

We also discuss the Six Flags/Cedar Fair merger briefly during the introduction to the episode.

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In today's episode, we discuss Steel Curtain at Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. Despite being less than five years old, this coaster is rooted deep in the history of Pittsburgh...and has had a lot of technical problems. Join us as we discuss the famous Log Jammer, the dominance of the 1970's Steelers, and...is a banana roll one inversion or two?

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In today's episode, we discuss Lightning Run at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, KY. After a 4-year hiatus, the park reopened in 2014 with this coaster as the new star attraction. Join us as we discuss the revival of Kentucky Kingdom, Chance Rides and their Hyper GT-X model, and...recycling old roller coasters?

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In today's episode, we discuss Cannibal at Lagoon in Farmington, UT. This steel looping coaster featured the steepest drop in North America when it opened in 2015. Join us as we discuss in-house coaster manufacturing, elevator lift technology, beyond vertical drops, and...Pilgrims Plunge at Holiday World?

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In today's trip report, we discuss Nathan's visit to Lagoon in July 2023. Join us as we discuss the park's beautiful charm, the incredible operations, and their collection of unique roller coasters.

In today's episode, we discuss Storm Runner at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. This Intamin launch coaster was the first of its kind with inversions and is famous for the flying snake dive element. Join us as we discuss hydraulic launch systems, the never constructed Turbulence coaster, and...custom office chairs?

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In today's episode, we discuss the original hypercoaster, Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. One of the most influential coasters of all time, this attraction has given over 60 million rides since it opened in 1989. Join us as we discuss the famous Coaster Wars, the complexities of coaster design before computers, and...flying fish?

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In today's episode, we discuss Afterburn at Carowinds in Charlotte, NC. Praised as one of the best inverted coasters in the country, this coaster made Carowinds a destination theme park in 1999. Join us as we discuss Top Gun rollercoasters, fighter jet maneuvers, and...the 1998 movie Godzilla?

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In today's Season 3 Premiere, we discuss the infamous Lightning Rod at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. This coaster won the 2016 Golden Ticket Award for best new ride...but has undergone three significant changes since. Why? Join us as we discuss innovative wooden coasters, reliability vs. rideability, and...the sand dunes of St. Anthony, Idaho?

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It's back! In today's episode, we review the results from Coaster Bot's Vote Coasters 2023 Poll. We discuss:

- Winners and Losers

- Changes to the Top 100

- Performance of the coasters we discussed on the podcast last year

- New for 2023 Coasters

- Top 25 Coasters in the U.S. and Internationally

- Top 10 Coaster Parks in the U.S. and Internationally

A big thanks to Coaster Bot and all their great content, be sure to check them out:

Website

YouTube

Twitter/X

Instagram

Podcast

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In today's episode of Coaster Conversations, Haley and Nathan discuss all the coasters opening in the U.S. in 2024. Join us as we discuss Fire In the Hole, Iron Menace, Top Thrill 2, and more.

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In today's episode, we discuss Fire In the Hole at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. This historic attraction is in its final days...but will live on as brand new recreation in 2024. Join as we discuss Marvel Cave, the town of Marmaros, Bald Knobbers, and loving/hating the smell of rotting wood.

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In today's episode, we discuss Mamba at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO. In recent years, this iconic hypercoaster has been revitalized and is running better than ever. Join us as we discuss the Morgan triplets, Mamba's impact on the park's future, and the native regions of African mambas.

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In today's episode, we discuss Copperhead Strike at Carowinds in Charlotte, NC. This Mack Rides multi-launch coaster has been criticized by some enthusiasts, but praised by many others. Despite being built in 2019, it is deeply rooted in the history of the park. Join us as we discuss Thunder Road and White Lightnin', legally obtained moonshine stills, and Granny Byrd's award-winning jam.

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In today's Halloween Special, we discuss Ring Racer at the Nürburgring in Germany. This infamous coaster was a short-lived disaster that was filled with promise in its early stages. Join us as we discuss the history of German motorsports, the scandals behind the Nürburgring 2009 Project, and possibly one of the worst coaster investments ever made.

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In today's episode, we discuss Flight of Fear at Kings Island and Kings Dominion. This pair of indoor coasters made history as the first LIM-powered launch coasters in the world when they opened in 1996. Join us as we discuss launch coaster technology, spaghetti bowls, and...the USS Gerald R. Ford?

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In today's episode, we discuss GhostRider at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. This massive wooden coaster celebrates it's 25th birthday in a few months. But it wasn't always so loved. Join as we discuss the history of Ghost Town, Colossus vs. GhostRider, and...Brazilian Ipe wood?

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In today's episode, we discuss Storm Chaser at Kentucky Kingdom in Lousiville, KY. This RMC hybrid has been called one of the most aggressive coasters in the country, and rightfully so. Join us as we discuss the 2009 collapse of Six Flags, the Bluegrass Boardwalk, and...80's heavy metal band Twisted Sister?

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In today's episode, we discuss Millennium Force at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. This monumental coaster changed the history of the roller coaster forever when it smashed all kinds of records in 2000. Join us as we discuss the infamous Coaster Wars, roller coaster-riding ducks, and how close was Morgan to being the manufacturer of choice?

Note: Haley's microphone died mid-episode. Fortunately, our backup mic caught all her audio, but you will notice a change in audio quality. Thank you for your understanding!

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In today's episode, we talk about our very first media event! We were invited by Silver Dollar City to attend the Town Hall Meeting announcement of Fire In the Hole. We talk discuss the event and behind the scenes tour, compare the new and old attractions, and share our thoughts on this new record-breaking family coaster.

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In today's episode, we discuss The Raven at Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN. When this wooden coaster opened in 1995, it turned Holiday World from a regionally acclaimed theme park to a coaster enthusiast destination. Join us as we discuss Edgar Allan Poe, the legacy of Will Koch, the Firecracker coaster, and...how CCI used corn for coaster development?

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In today's episode, we discuss Anaconda at Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA. This Arrow looping coaster became the first looping coaster in the world to go underwater when it opened in 1991 and is still one of very few to ever do so. Join us as we discuss the King Kobra shuttle loop, Search and Rescue training sessions, Klingons, and…was Anaconda originally supposed to go to Dollywood?

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