Advertise on podcast: ACE - Ride With Us

On the 12 Days of Christmas, the Ride With Us Podcast gave to you… 12 interviews from IAAPA Expo!   Our latest episode features Jessica Gardner and Rachel Hawkins talking with parks and manufacturers straight from the show floor, sharing what they showcased and what exciting new additions are coming in 2026.   It’s the perfect holiday listen for coaster fans counting down to a thrilling new year.   2:33 - Dollywood 16:24 - Six Flags Over Texas 19:25 - Family Kingdom 23:36 - Legoland 28:12 - S&S Worldwide, Inc. 32:25 - Sally Dark Rides 38:37 - SeaWorld Orlando 44:30 - Chance Rides  46:29 - Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. 51:22 - Zamperla   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Correspondent: Rachel Hawkins

As Six Flags America prepares to close its gates for the final time, the ACE Ride With Us Podcast takes a heartfelt look back at the park’s incredible legacy. Correspondent Bob Randolph chats with Brichette Reid and B. Derek Shaw to share stories, laughter and nostalgia about the park’s roller coasters, history and the community that grew around it. You’ll hear: Personal memories and fan-favorite rides from decades past Reflections on the park’s evolution and its impact on coaster enthusiasts How Six Flags America became a beloved gathering place for thrill seekers Thoughts on celebrating its history during this final week of operation Whether you grew up visiting the park, or you’re saying goodbye for the first time, this episode is a touching tribute to the thrills, friendships and memories that made Six Flags America unforgettable. Take a stroll down memory lane and ride with us one last time. Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Editor: Ben Weinrach Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Let’s look back at the 2025 ACE Preservation Conference, where members gathered in California for three unforgettable days celebrating the history and preservation of classic parks and roller coasters. From the thrills of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia to the marine magic of SeaWorld San Diego and seaside charm of Belmont Park, host Jessica Gardner and podcast producer, ACE Communications Director Derek Perry relive the highlights of the weekend.  Then, the audio from Tim Cole’s presentation on how he helped save Belmont Park and the Giant Dipper is shared. Learn more about the park’s history and his efforts by checking out his book Saving Belmont: An Up and Down Journey.  Don’t forget to check out the recap of the weekend on ACE’s Youtube page 1:32 - Six Flags Magic Mountain  7:33 - SeaWorld San Diego 10:40 - Belmont Park  13:11 - The ACE Centennial Award  15:55 - Tim Cole’s Presentation  17:25 - History of Belmont Park and Giant Dipper 25:22 - How Tim Cole got into roller coasters 27:50 - The Gigantic first ride  29:22 - The closure 34:50 - Getting involved 41:29 - The Save The Coaster Committee 49:00 - Top Gun 54:10 - August 1990 - The first test run 54:31 - Q&A and Tim’s message to ACE 58:19 - Preservation Conference 2026, Volunteer Appreciation  Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Episode Editors: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach and Derek Perry Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten    

In this special episode, join the team behind ACE’s latest documentary, The Legacy of Schwarzkopf, ahead of its official debut on YouTube. Go behind the scenes as Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Scott Schaffer and Bob Randolph share exclusive insights into the making of the film, the stories that shaped it and what viewers can expect from this exciting exploration into the world of these classic roller coasters. Don't miss this insider look before the documentary premieres! youtube.com/ridewithace Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Coaster Con 47 Recap - Thrills Across the Midwest! Coaster Con 47 rolled through the Midwest in June 2025, and it was a ride to remember! This six-day adventure took the American Coaster Enthusiasts to Six Flags Great America in Illinois, the charming Little Amerricka in Wisconsin and the iconic Indiana Beach. Whether you missed out and want the inside scoop, or you were there and want to relive the magic, we’re breaking down all the highlights - from ERT and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to unforgettable coaster moments and ACE camaraderie. Grab your lanyard, strap in, and join host Jessica Gardner along with Johnny McWilliams, Corey Brown and Tori Sereika for a full recap of the fun that made Coaster Con 47 unforgettable.  1:35 - Get to know Johnny McWIlliams 4:14 Say hello to Corey Brown 10:00 Meet Tori Sereika 14:10 Day 1 - Registration and Six Flags Great America   27:14 Interview with Rachel Kendziora - Regional Public Relations Manager of Midwest Six Flags parks   51:30 Day 2 - BTS Experiences, IAAPA/S&S Presentation, Landmark plaque ceremony for American Eagle, Ninth Annual Rubber Ducky Regatta    1:09:47 Day 3 - ACE Video Contest, ACE Annual Business Meeting, Tori’s Auction win   1:18:50 Day 4 - Little Amerricka   1:34:27 Banquet at Great Wolf Lodge   1:36:20 Day 5 - Indiana Beach, Midway Olympics   1:46:00 Day 6 - All American Triple Loop open!   1:50:50 Post Con at Holiday World   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten        

We continue our deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025. Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first-time guest Gregory Golub break down the must-see park's worlds, mind-blowing innovations, and everything you need to know. Whether you're trip-planning or just Celestian-curious, this two part episode is your front-row seat to the future of immersive entertainment. Worlds Featured in Part 2 - Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk   1:00 - Dark Universe 23:24 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic 1:06:40 - How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk 1:23:00 - Is Epic Universe good for kids?  1:30:00 - Overall thoughts and Advice      Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph and Derek Perry Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Time to take a deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025. Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first time guest Gregory Golub break down the must-see park's worlds, mind-blowing innovations, and everything you need to know.  Whether you're trip-planning or just Celestian-curious, this two part episode is your front-row seat to the future of immersive entertainment. Worlds Featured in Part 1 - Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World.    2:30 - Meet Gregory Golub 6:30 - How to get to Epic Universe/parking/entering the park 19:00 - Celestial Park 24:36 - Stardust Racers 65:11 - Super Nintendo World 75:00 - Mine Cart Madness   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph and Derek Perry Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

ACE Spring Con 2025 took place this year in Virginia! ACEers visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion. Host Jessica Gardner, Correspondent Gerik Gooch and ACE Assistant Regional Rep from North Central, HaeKyung Thompson were there and now they break the three fun-filled days down for us.   1:30 Meet HaeKyung Thompson!   7:45 Discussion of HaeKyung’s visit to the soon to be closed Six Flags America   12:39 Day One at Busch Gardens Williamsburg   20:30 The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge   25:12 Interview with Conner Carr, Corporate Director of Rides and Engineering for United Parks & Resorts   36:47 Day Two at Busch Gardens Williamsburg  and Kings Dominion   57:00 Day Three at Kings Dominion   62:54 Interview with Bridgette Bywater, VP and General Manager of Kings Dominion    75:38 Meetups and favorite moments from the weekend    Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

This episode is all about ACE members marathoning roller coasters! Kalin Profitt talks about getting 10,000 rides on Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Mike Cameron shares the journey to 25,000 rides on Renegade at Valleyfair!   1:57 - Meet Kalin Profitt 34:23 - Meet Renegade Mike www.youtube.com/watch?v=11yXGiRkpiY‌ www.valleyfair.com/blog/2024/june/renegade-mike-hits-25k-rides   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph Correspondents: Gerik Gooch and John Davidson Production Manager: Corey Wooten

At the 2025 Themed Entertainment Awards Gala, the THEA’s, the Buzz Price Life Achievement Award Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements was awarded to Rick Rothschild. Our host Jessica Gardner was granted an impromptu sit-down with this legend who helped create memorable theme park attractions like Soarin’, The American Adventure, The Adventurers Club, Captain EO, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Hear about Rothschild’s storied career as a Walt Disney Imagineer and beyond.   2:30 - Meet Rick Rothschild and learn how he got his first job at Disney.   20:25 - Captain EO   26:57 - ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter   37:17 - Soarin’ and the FLY theatres   46:01 - Advice for working in the Themed Entertainment Industry Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

In this celebration of Black History Month, Gerik Gooch moderates a roundtable with four fellow ACE members who are Blusiasts: Black enthusiasts. Airtime Myke, Duwena Tillman, James Mason and Alan Franklin share their stories, reveal their favorite parks, events & coasters and discuss the joy of finding community. They also discuss the history of Black Americans and the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.   In this Episode:   [1:02] Introductions   [7:13] Myke’s coaster journey: marathoning Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg   [17:06] James’s coaster journey: Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point; Boblo Island; parents who rode and still ride   [25:08] Duwena’s coaster journey: American Eagle at Six Flags Great America; Walt Disney World; theme park enthusiasts; immersive worlds; Universal Studios Japan   [34:08] Alan’s coaster journey: mom’s bribe to ride Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain; more parents who still ride   [42:54] Alan’s service with the Air National Guard; fighting California wildfires   [46:05] Duwena becomes an enthusiast; plus-size riders and “the walk of safety"; tears of joy for Iron Rattler; victory on TRON Lightcycle / Run   [53:04] HoliWood Nights; custom wristbands & music festival culture; Roller Coaster Rodeo;  last rides on Kingda Ka   [59:39] ACE events: Lost Island; Stricker’s Grove; ACE Spring Conference; Schwarzkopf documentary; paper maps and atlases; media days, connections and more   [1:18:36] Desire for diversity; Myke assembles the Blusiasts   [1:28:41] "Roller coasters as art"; finding Black coaster family; examining our history; shoutout and welcome to our non-Black supporters; Blusiasts are a "great time!"   [1:40:34] Top coasters: Steel Vengeance, Fury 325, VelociCoaster, The Voyage, Intimidator 305, Flying Dinosaur, ArieForce One, Iron Gwazi, El Toro, X2, Stardust Racers, Zadra, Voltron Nevera and The Ride to Happiness   [1:58:09] Outro: where to find us on social media   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph and Gerik Gooch Correspondent and Show Notes: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Jessica Gardner joins fellow members of the podcast team, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a discussion about upcoming coaster events, new roller coasters being built and theme parks opening in 2025.    In this episode, the team breaks down ACE’s 2025 international, regional and digital events, along with park-sponsored events and they highlight some of the roller coasters and theme parks opening this year in which they’re most excited about. This episode also features lots of laughs and a game you can participate in.   In this Episode: [5:51] ACE events [24:15] Regional ACE events [33:08] Park-sponsored events [1:09:17] North American 2025 Coasters [1:18:37] Universal Epic Universe [1:25:24] More new theme parks [1:29:11] International 2025 coasters [1:31:30] Looking ahead to 2026 Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Team  Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

Author Bill Shea has written a charming book that tells a story that might be familiar to coaster enthusiasts! Billy's Grandpa Joe is taking him to his favorite amusement park but when Billy wakes up, he sees nothing but rain. Tension mounts – will Billy and Grandpa Joe's day be a washout or will Grandpa Joe save the day?   In this episode, correspondent Bob Randolph talks with Bill Shea about his story and the inspiration for this book. Join us for their heartwarming conversation about the book, the gift of grandparents, Bill's work with Autism Speaks and a whole lot more!   In this Episode: [1:30] Meet Bill Shea  [8:30] Bill’s work with Autism Speaks  [14:43] Behind the book [21:00] The road to getting published   Links Get your copy of A Grandpa Joe Day Autism Speaks  Playland Park   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Team  Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch  

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need.   Our intrepid podcast team wraps up their coverage of this year’s expo with the second episode in our series. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Lauryn Heller, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the event in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage.    In this Episode: [03:16] Interview with Lauren Weaver, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Sally Dark Rides about their new mini layout and more [06:39] Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusive Institute announcement, more about this amazing, accessible park and their expanding inclusivity mission   [14:00] Announcement about the sale of ZDT’s Switchback coaster and interview with Michael Graham, Engineer and Principal at Gravity Group [32:27] Interview with Darren Torr, President of Rocky Mountain Construction  [40:30] ACE booth at IAAPA Expo and The Legacy of Schwarzkopf movie screening at Fun Spot America Orlando [51:00] Interview with Melissa Oviedo, CEO of the Themed Entertainment Association   Links   Sally Dark Rides Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusive Institute Dance Macabre Kohl Gribble’s coaster model Will More Gerstlauer Coasters Come To America? The Legacy of Schwarzkopf documentary ACE Honorary Member award given to Chris Kraftchick Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Team  Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need.   Our intrepid podcast team was on the show floor, taking in all of the excitement. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the expo in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage. Our special guest is ACE member Lauryn Heller, who shares her experience with ACE and perspective of attending IAAPA Expo for the first time. In this Episode: [03:05] Intro to the episode, meet Lauryn [07:09] IAAPA Expo Day One!  The train reveals, the press releases and the ways the social media team covers the day. [28:14] Trever Dyer, Global Director of Sales and Marketing for S&S Worldwide walks through the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin’ Swing at Hersheypark [37:42] The VidantaWorld BON Luxury Park announcement included Ricardo Etges from Vekomoa discussing the Tecuani Beast coaster and teases many 2025 announcements! Links   Hersheypark's Twizzlers Twisted Gravity - 2024 IAAPA Expo Official Gondola Unveil   Twizzlers Twisted Gravity   VidantaWorld Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.   Podcast Team  Host: Jessica Gardner Producers and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph Show Notes: Liz Tan Production Manager: Corey Wooten Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch