Can you believe that Dollywood is celebrating its 40th season? We can't either. Earlier this year, the park released a new documentary on their YouTube channel (and in syndication in their local television market) called "The Dollywood Dream."

In just 40:00 - a clever easter egg, if you will - Director Devin Olson of Devin Olson Media (a familiar name to longtime Coaster101 readers) weaves a tale that talks about the park's past, present, and even touches on the future. 

We're joined by Devin and Dollywood's Vice President of Marketing Public Relations (and Executive Producer of "The Dollywood Dream!") Pete Owens to learn more about what went into the documentary, the stories that might have been left on the cutting room floor, and even a quick hint at what Dolly and the park have up their sleeves in 2026. 

Watch the documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO0x0OoW1us

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch [http://www.coaster101.com/merch]

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

The Dollywood Dream with Pete Owens and Devin Olson

Yes, we know. It's been a while. (You try having any free time with a 3 month old puppy.) But we are back with a vengeance with an INCREDIBLE guest - the perfect person to bring us out of our hiatus. 

If you've been following Coaster101.com's website, you'll know that we just celebrated our 20th birthday, and have been chronicling a number of notable coasters that opened in 2005, and like Coaster101, are also celebrating two decades. 

One of - well, two of those coasters are the former Italian Job Stunt Tracks, now known as Backlot Stunt Coaster at Canada's Wonderland or Queen City Stunt Coaster at Kings Island. The Kings Dominion version opened the following year. 

One of the creative minds behind the ideation of this attraction was industry veteran and past Coaster101 podcast guest, Dave Cobb. Dave joins Andrew to talk all things Italian Job, from budget constraints, to the original ride concept (it's not what you think it is!), to what it felt like to bring a little bit of "movie magic" to the regional park level. Buckle up folks, because this is going to be a fun one. 

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

You can head to Dave's website at www.davecobb.com [http://www.davecobb.com], and check out his YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/davecobb] for more great theme park content. 

Videos Referenced: 

 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmXYjBmBI78&list=PLp9PErz-ReBhumyu-4WQADmsDPp1OyEyo&index=1&pp=iAQB
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Gq9Rcv76M&list=PLp9PErz-ReBhumyu-4WQADmsDPp1OyEyo&index=7&pp=iAQB0gcJCc0JAYcqIYzv
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_i1F0zb5a4&list=PLp9PErz-ReBhumyu-4WQADmsDPp1OyEyo&index=8&pp=iAQB
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiGLs_30pfo&list=PLp9PErz-ReBhumyu-4WQADmsDPp1OyEyo&index=18&pp=iAQB0gcJCc0JAYcqIYzv


Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch [http://www.coaster101.com/merch]

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

Celebrating 20 Years of The Italian Job/Backlot/Queen City Stunt Coaster with Creative Director Dave Cobb

In news that was somehow surprising and also not surprising, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced yesterday that the company would be closing Six Flags America at the end of the 2025 Season. 

Evan and Eric join Andrew to talk all things Six Flags America, including previous visits, where attractions could end up, and if we think this is the last closure in the chain. 

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch [http://www.coaster101.com/merch]

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

A Discussion On All Six Flags Parks But Mostly Six Flags America

Arguably the most important theme park opening in the United States in more than 25 years, Universal's Epic Universe officially opens in May. Fortunately, Shane has been able to visit the new park a few times during preview periods, and therefore has the scoop. 

Shane joins Nick and Eric to talk all things Epic Universe on this week's episode. (At least that's what they told Andrew, who is writing this podcast description without actually listening to the episode first.)

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch [http://www.coaster101.com/merch]

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

Coaster101 Goes To Universal's Epic Universe

As theme park fans who are chronically online, a fascinating story that has always eluded us with a conclusion was the disappearance of Buzzy - an audio-animatronic who was a central character in "Cranium Command" at Epcot's Wonders of Life Pavilion. 

There is a new documentary currently on the "Film Festival Circuit" that unearths a little more about Urban Exploration, Abandoned Locations at Disney, and maybe even a little bit more about the disappearance of Buzzy. Luckily for us, we are joined on the podcast this week by the documentary's director, Joshua Bailey, to learn more. 

The next chance to see Stolen Kingdom is at the Florida Film Festival in Orlando on April 11. Click here for more information! [https://floridafilmfestival.com/schedule/]

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch [http://www.coaster101.com/merch]

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

Joshua Bailey, Director of "The Stolen Kingdom"

As the self-appointed "Roller Coaster Bureau Chief" of WGN-TV in Chicago, Marcus Leshock has seen it all, including a Double Rollback on Top Thrill "Cubs"ter at Cedar Point following a Cubs World Series win many years ago. 

This week on the podcast, Marcus joins Andrew to talk all things coaster enthusiasm, his home park of Six Flags Great America, the demise of Kingda Ka, and the roller coasters and attractions he is most excited for in 2025! 

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic [http://c101.co/teepublic]!

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

Coasting The Country With WGN's Marcus Leshock

Kentucky Kingdom is a park with a storied history - and they've recently announced one of the biggest investments in park history - the retheming of an area of the park, now known as Discovery Meadow. Three new rides, 10 reimagined rides. Two new dining concepts, the works! Best of all, this isn't the only thing to look forward to at Kentucky Kingdom in the next few years!

Marketing Manger Logan Sanderson joins Andrew to talk all things Kentucky Kingdom, Discovery Meadow, and how there's a $14 million investment still to come at the park. 

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic [http://c101.co/teepublic]!

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

Discovering The Meadows at Kentucky Kingdom with Logan Sanderson

On episode 14 of the podcast, we interviewed Chris Foshee about all things social media. Now, five years and 146 episodes later (don't do the math, making a weekly show is tough!) - Chris is back, where he's now Regional Manager of Public Relations for Six Flags Over Georgia and Carowinds. 

On this week's episode of the Coaster101 podcast, Chris joins Andrew to talk all things 2025 at both SFOG and Carowinds. There's definitely some Georgia Goldrusher, Snoopy's Racing Railway, and plenty of other news. Listen closely, and you might catch some previously unannounced news (and the occasional bad movie reference!)

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic [http://c101.co/teepublic]!

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

2025 at SFOG & Carowinds with Chris Foshee

If you follow theme parks on social media, you'll notice that a park in the Ozarks is built just a little differently. Interspersed with the "Buy your Season Pass Now" and "Hey, we're opening soon" graphics, you'll find a healthy dose of memes and the occasional shark reference. Funny enough the park prefers it that way, and you'll see why. 

Joining us on the Coaster101 podcast this week are Silver Dollar City Director of Communications Joey Thorsen & Communications Manager Dalton Fischer, who, in between noting that Andrew has still yet to visit Silver Dollar City, reveal a little behind the curtain for all things theme park communications, Fire in the Hole, Silver Dollar City Resort, and a hint of what might be happening in 2026. Maybe. TBD.

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic [http://c101.co/teepublic]!

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

Ozarkly Is Fitting Adverb

Last week, Six Flags Over Georgia shocked the theme park world by giving their originally-new-for-2024-but-now-new-for-2025 roller coaster - formerly known as a Georgia Surfer - a new name and backstory, before the coaster ever gave its first rides. 

It led us to think about other coasters whose names have changed and as coaster enthusiasts, we're inclined to pick one name or another. John and Evan join Andrew for a game of "this or that" when it comes to past or current names for roller coasters. 

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/coaster101]|  Twitter  [http://www.twitter.com/coaster101]|  Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/coaster101]. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com [http://www.coaster101.com/]

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://www.coaster101.com/podcast] so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at c101.co/teepublic [http://c101.co/teepublic]!

Thanks to JMMD Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmmusicdesign.com [http://jmmusicdesigns.com/].

A Coaster By Any Other Name

Coaster101 has been a source for theme park news, reviews, interviews, engineering breakdowns and more for over 15 years. Now, finally, we've figured out how to record ourselves, and are coming at you in audio form! Follow us on all social media platforms @Coaster101, and visit www.coaster101.com for more. The Coaster101 podcast is property of Coaster101.com, LLC.

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