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? Our socials: linktr.ee/...

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 ? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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/airtimetr...

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? Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Our socials: linktr.ee...

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? Our Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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 - A...

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...Centurion...

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: Website YouTube Spotify Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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. Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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! Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Our Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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? Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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. Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

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. Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler