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

As theme park fans, especially recently with D23 announcements, we're familiar with the term "blue sky," used to tease ideas that are just that - ideas. They might happen, they might not. Usually, the people making these decisions have an idea of what they're doing. This podcast...is not that. 

Andrew is joined by his younger brother J.T., who took an idea he had over the holidays and ran with it to the point where his ideas would change Universal Orlando Resort + Epcot forever. Definitely more of a casual theme park fan, J.T. has ideated a world where Universal no longer has the Marvel theme park exclusivity rights on the east coast, and instead replaces it with another franchise. He also decides to temporarily full close a park to "gut it."

Buckle up, this episode is a wild ride - and we will go ahead and note - this is 100% a "what if" idea/scenario, and we're just having fun. 

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/].

Armchair Blue Sky-ing: Universal Orlando + Epcot

Several years ago, we interviewed Broadway actor Nik Walker on our podcast, and talked all things theme parks. Many people claim to be theme park "nerds." Nik, who played Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Otis Williams in Ain't Too Proud, and Sir Galahad in Spamalot, not only "walks the walk," when it comes to being a theme park fan - he can "talk the talk." Folks, this man literally told People Magazine how big of a theme park fan he is.

Nik rejoins the Coaster101 podcast to chat about finding fellow theme park fans in the wild (including his Spamalot co-star Taran Killam), his Halcyon voyage onboard the Star Wars Galactic StarCruiser, his on-going rivalry with James Monroe Iglehart, and how he's hoping to have it written into the contract of his next acting gig that he'll be allowed to miss a technical rehearsal in order to attend the Grand Opening of Universal's Epic Universe. (We're manifesting it, anyway.)

Two nerds, nerding out about decidely nerdy things. It's honestly a delightful listen! 

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/].

The Return of Nik Walker: Broadway Actor & Theme Park Superfan

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.

The Coaster101 Podcast