Airtime Traveler - The Roller Coaster History Podcast

In today's episode, we discuss Gemini at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. This nearly 45-year old coaster was groundbreaking for its time and broke several major coaster records when it opened...or at least it did according to Cedar Point's marketing team. Join us as we discuss the possibility of giving a high five to another train on a rollercoaster, how you could win a free Bob Seger record in 1977,...

In today's episode, we discuss Pepsi Orange Streak at Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, MN. This family coaster started its life in 1992 as Pepsi Ripsaw at Knott's Camp Snoopy. While not an extreme thrill ride, it became the first rollercoaster for many young thrillseekers, and led to similar attractions such as Jaguar at Knott's Berry Farm. Much has happened over the last 30 years, but the coa...

In today's episode, we discuss Intimidator at Carowinds in Charlotte, NC. Despite the fact that enthusiasts like to trash on this coaster and it gets forgotten about while living in the shadow of Fury 325 and Intimidator 305, this 232-ft B&M hyper is one of the best coasters at Carowinds and the ninth-tallest coaster in the country. The coaster has consistently ranked in the top 30 steel coast...

In today's episode, we'll be discussing the Reverchon Spinning Coaster at several amusement parks. Over the past century, the spinning coaster has come in many shapes and sizes. In the 90's, French manufacturer Reverchon decided to take that concept and combine it with the Wild Mouse coaster model. The revolutionary Crazy Mouse coaster would be the first steel spinning coaster in the US. Dozens of...

In today's episode, we'll be discussing The Racer at Kings Island in Mason, OH. As an opening day attraction, the coaster is obviously an important part of Kings Island's history. However, this coaster's influence expanded far beyond the park it was built at. Between the broken records and appearances on national TV, this attraction sparked the rollercoaster renaissance of the 1970's that potentia...

In today’s episode, we discuss Xcelerator at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. While the park certainly went through a lot to get Xcelerator, there’s no doubt that the coaster was a thrilling addition to the park and paved the way for some of the most ground-breaking coasters we have today. We also discuss Xcelerator’s memorable predecessors: the sorely missed Wacky Soap Box Racers and the uni...

In today's episode, we will be discussing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida. Rockit is a technologically impressive coaster, but is quite polarizing among coaster enthusiasts. While some say it has a thrilling layout mixed with great music, others would rather ride Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster. Regardless, the ride was the first to feature several unique coaster element...

In today’s episode we’ll be discussing Dominator at Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA. Though Twisted Timbers and Intimidator 305 get most of the attention at Kings Dominion, Dominator is still a major crowd pleaser at the park. The attraction is the longest floorless coaster in the world, and features the 3rd-tallest vertical loop in the U.S. But most importantly, Dominator also has a fascinating his...

Sharing our thoughts on our trip to Kings Dominion in May 2022. We discuss the atmosphere, theming, food, the coaster that Nathan despised, and our thoughts on Twisted Timbers, Intimidator 305, and more! Twitter: twitter.com/airtimetraveler Instagram: instagram.com/airtimetraveler

In today's episode, we will be discussing Phantom's Revenge at Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. The development and opening of this legendary attraction sparked a phenomenon in the industry known as the Coaster Wars. However, the ride's initial opening was less than ideal. Though the park will deny it, Phantom's Revenge was certainly an uncomfortable experience when it first opened as Steel Phantom....

In today's episode, we will be discussing Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Ever since it opened in 2014, the attraction has consistently pulled in large crowds, and has become an instant classic among Disney fans. Though the coaster is relatively tame, it debuted several new technologies and features that make it completely unique from any other coaster in the country...

In today's episode, we will be discussing Wildcat at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. Though the ride has developed a reputation for being rough and uncomfortable, when it opened in 1996, it was revolutionary and extremely thrilling. Wildcat was also the first coaster ever manufactured by legendary coaster manufacturer Great Coasters International, or GCI. The coaster was ranked number 11 in the Golden...

In today’s episode, we will be discussing Powder Keg at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. Though it often gets overlooked in the industry, Powder Keg is widely praised for its surprisingly intense launch, great airtime, and unique layout. Many enthusiasts have said that although Silver Dollar City does not have a hypercoaster, Powder Keg sort of fills that gap in their lineup. Powder Keg was nomi...