One of the biggest pieces of news that we're still processing from last year's IAAPA Expo in Orlando was the announcement that Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach (of all places) would be the recipients of Rocky Mountain Construction's latest single-rail "Raptor" model.

Someone else who is still processing the attention that the announcement received? Family Kingdom's Dean Corl, whose family, owners of Powers Great American Midways on the east coast fair circuit, took over co-ownership and operations of the seaside Myrtle Beach seaside amusement park.

Joined by park superfan Michael Dutterer (coasters.haunts.darkrides on TikTok and YouTube), Andrew talks to things about all things Family Kingdom - from history, to how the family makes decisions on attractions, and yes, there's a good bit of conversation about that RMC Raptor as well.

If you're looking for a candid look behind the scenes at one of the southeast's amusement park "hidden gems," look no further than this episode of the Coaster101 Podcast.

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch

Thanks to JM Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmentgrp.com

Spring has sprung at Carowinds. It's the 63rd season at the "place where the Carolinas come together," and there are some amazing happenings on the state line, including, for the first time ever, "Scream Break," where guests can experience last year's breakout success haunted experience "The Conjuring: Beyond Fear."

Andrew is joined on the podcast this week by Six Flags Regional PR Manager for Carowinds (and Six Flags Over Georgia) Chris Foshee, and East Region Social Media Manager Patrick Wisniewski to talk all things Carowinds - from Spring Break to Scream Break, Viva La Fiesta, and even a little bit of conversation about Carowinds' newest giant crate that has popped up inside the park.

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch

Thanks to JM Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmentgrp.com

A few episodes ago, we talked about our wishlist for the new Enchanted Parks - a good listen if you haven't listened yet! - and we jokingly said on the episode that we'd love someone from Enchanted Parks to come on the podcast to talk about their own wishlist.

Funny how things happen, because just two weeks later, Andrew was able to grab a few minutes with Enchanted Parks' CEO, James Harhi - a longtime industry veteran who is working with the rest of the Enchanted Parks team to breathe some new life and excitement into the six properties that the company will manage.

The interview has a little bit of everything - James' background in the industry, why those parks, the vision for the future, and if you listen all the way to the end, the "Dining Plan" discourse from the original announcement is addressed.

You can connect with the show by hitting us up on social media @Coaster101: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram. We also have a website, if you're into that sort of thing: www.coaster101.com

Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!

Find the latest and greatest Coaster101 and theme park-inspired merch at coaster101.com/merch

Thanks to JM Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmentgrp.com