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

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.

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

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.

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

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: 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

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: 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

Episode Editors: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach and Derek Perry

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: 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: 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: 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

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten