ACE - Ride With Us

American Coaster Enthusiasts
  • 4.7 (55)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

The official podcast of the American Coaster Enthusiasts!

  1. Roller Coaster Rodeo 2026 with The Quirky Coaster Couple

    5d ago

    Roller Coaster Rodeo 2026 with The Quirky Coaster Couple

    Saddle up for a recap of Roller Coaster Rodeo 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas! Host Jessica Gardner is joined by Nick and Kelly Carlos aka "The Quirky Coaster Couple" to share their coaster love story, from meeting at the park to getting engaged atop Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger and eventually hosting a theme park wedding at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Then they break down everything that makes Roller Coaster Rodeo one of the most unique enthusiast events around, including exclusive ERT, lift hill climbs, behind-the-scenes tours, VIP perks, and tips for first-time attendees. Whether you’re planning a future Rodeo trip or simply want to hear about one of the industry’s most beloved events, this episode is for you.   0:52 Meet the Quirky Coaster Couple 4:04 A roller coaster love story 21:59 How the Quirky Coaster Couple began 28:35 What is Roller Coaster Rodeo? 34:25 Day One  49:24 Day Two  1:22:17 Day Three  1:26:35 Tips for first-time attendees 1:32:24 What’s next for the Quirky Coaster Couple? 1:33:17 Final thoughts   Follow the Quirky Coaster Couple on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads: @quirkycoastercouple Ride With Us is the official podcast of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) @ridewithus   Podcast Team Host: Jessica Gardner @themeparkette Producers: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Edited by: Bob Randolph Podcast Team: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown, and Parker VanBelleghem   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org.  Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

    1h 32m
  2. Preserving The Thrill: A Tour Of The National Roller Coaster Museum

    Jun 11

    Preserving The Thrill: A Tour Of The National Roller Coaster Museum

    Step inside the National Roller Coaster Museum with host Jessica Gardner as she takes listeners on an exclusive audio tour of one of the most unique collections of amusement industry history in the world. Joined by museum board members Kris Rowberry and Josh Brown, Jessica explores legendary coaster trains, historic artifacts, preservation efforts and the stories behind some of the industry's most beloved attractions. From the Matterhorn Bobsleds to Big Bad Wolf, Iron Wolf, Disaster Transport and more, this episode celebrates the rides, memories and enthusiasts helping preserve roller coaster history for future generations.   00:28 – Meet museum board members Kris Rowberry and Josh Brown and learn about the mission of the National Roller Coaster Museum 01:23 – How artifacts are acquired and why preservation matters 05:51 – The museum's master plan and future guest experience 06:45 – Disaster Transport, Avalanche Run and a massive piece of coaster history 08:00 – How the museum became a reality and the role of fan donations 10:47 – The Mean Streak Buzz Bar built from actual coaster materials 12:18 – Hidden coaster Easter eggs throughout the museum 13:06 – Inside the main exhibit hall: Kingda Ka, Montezooma's Revenge, Volcano, Disney artifacts and more 14:48 – The oldest coaster car in the collection: Lakeside Park's Derby Racer 15:15 – Revolution's 50th anniversary and restoration discussions and challenges 16:45 – Future expansion plans and the museum's 20,000-square-foot facility 18:14 – Texas Cyclone, Rollo Coaster, a modern GCI track display and the restoration of the Iron Wolf train 20:15 – Six Flags New Orleans artifacts and the impact of Hurricane Katrina 21:24 – Big Bad Wolf and an interactive restraint demonstration 22:20 – How listeners can support the National Roller Coaster Museum   Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2WbPksGRGio?si=fZ--u2Vr8PcGyCcJ Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org.  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: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Edited by Ben Weinrach and Derek Perry Podcast Team: Bob  Randolph, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem

    24 min
  3. ACE Spring Conference Recap + Coaster Con 48 Preview

    May 22

    ACE Spring Conference Recap + Coaster Con 48 Preview

    ACE Spring Con may be in the rearview mirror, but Coaster Con 48 is right around the corner!   Host Jessica Gardner is joined by ACE Communications Director Derek Perry and Events Director Tim Baldwin to recap all the excitement from Spring Con and look ahead to ACE’s biggest event of the year. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and unforgettable ERT sessions to unexpected moments (including a park-wide power outage), we revisit the highlights from Texas and Oklahoma, including visits to Six Flags Over Texas, Frontier City, and briefly discuss the National Roller Coaster Museum.   Then we shift gears and preview ACE Coaster Con 48 in New England and New York, covering what first-time attendees can expect, how ERT schedules are created, event traditions, insider tips, and why Coaster Con continues to be a can’t-miss experience for coaster enthusiasts.   Plus… a few early thoughts on Preservation Con.   Timecodes: 3:01 - Spring Con! Days 1 and 2 at Six Flags Over Texas 22:50 - Frontier City 35:26 - National Roller Coaster Museum 36:22 - Coaster Con 48 Preview 57:55 - Preservation Con sneak peek   Have a favorite Spring Con memory or heading to Coaster Con? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation. Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org.  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: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Podcast Team: Bob  Randolph, Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem     #RideWithUs #ACE #AmericanCoasterEnthusiasts #CoasterCon #SpringCon #RollerCoasters #ThemeParks

    1h 8m
  4. Inside Zamperla with Adam Sandy

    Apr 4

    Inside Zamperla with Adam Sandy

    Jessica Gardner sits down with Adam Sandy, Roller Coaster Sales and Marketing Director at Zamperla, to explore how modern roller coasters are designed, built, and evolving. From the massive undertaking of Top Thrill 2 to the growing importance of accessibility in attractions, Adam shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring rides to life from concept to opening day. They dive into how coaster projects are developed, the rise of family coasters and “broad appeal” attractions, why accessibility is becoming a major focus for parks, the technology behind interactive rides like WINGZ, the challenges of building record-breaking coasters, and the business side of theme parks that enthusiasts don’t always see. Plus, Adam shares career advice for aspiring industry professionals and what excites him most about the future of theme parks.   03:25 – How coasters are designed 05:50 – Accessibility in theme parks 12:07 – Top Thrill 2  13:53 – Innovation vs operations 21:46 – Family coaster trend 26:41 – Maintenance & after-sales reality 38:42 – Career advice   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org.  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: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Podcast Team: Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem

    42 min

  5. Mar 12

    Six Flags Great Adventure's Next Chapter: Boardwalk Upgrades, Wild Safari & a Mysterious Purple Coaster

    Ryan Eldredge, Regional Manager of Public Relations for the East Region at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation oversees communications for Six Flags Great Adventure and Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. In this revealing episode, he chats with Jessica about the evolving future of Six Flags Great Adventure, current developments at the park and the role of public relations in the theme park industry. Ryan also shares insights into working with the enthusiast community, managing major park announcements, and balancing historic park legacies with new investments. Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. 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: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Editor: Bob Randolph Podcast Team: Ben Weinrach, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem

    52 min

  6. Mar 12

    From Concept To Launch: Building Galacticoaster at Two LEGOLAND Parks

    The offseason is over and coaster season is back! The Ride With Us Podcast returns with a brand-new season and a brand-new original theme song created by The Perry Twins. In this episode, host Jessica Gardner heads to both LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort to explore the new LEGO Galaxy themed lands at both parks. The expansion introduces a new family launch coaster, Galacticoaster, developed by Merlin Magic Making and built by ART Engineering. Designed for younger riders and families, the coaster combines space-themed storytelling with a twisting layout and controlled spinning elements inspired by classic LEGO Space sets. Jessica speaks with members of the team who helped bring the project to life, including Senior Project Manager Blake Boyter, Senior Project Manager Flora Liu and Project Manager Jordan Sloane. The episode features interviews and a walk-and-talk tour through the new land while exploring how designers, engineers, and storytellers worked together to create the experience. Thanks for listening and helping kick off another coaster season with us. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the podcast, and follow ACE on social media for updates from parks around the world. 04:00 - Senior Project Manager Blake Boyter 11:40 - Senior Project Manager Flora Liu 21:28 - Project Manager Jordan Sloane   Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. 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: Doug Perry and Derek Perry Editors: Ben Weinrach, Jessica Gardner and Derek Perry Podcast Team: Bob Randolph, Gerik Gooch, Brichette Reid, Corey Wooten, Corey Brown and Parker VanBelleghem

    30 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    12 Interviews of IAAPA Expo 2025

    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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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

    55 min
  8. Remembering Six Flags America

    10/29/2025

    Remembering Six Flags America

    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: podcast@aceonline.org. 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

    56 min
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4.7
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

The official podcast of the American Coaster Enthusiasts!

Information

  • Creator
    American Coaster Enthusiasts
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    ACE - Ride With Us

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