ACE Spring Con 2025 took place this year in Virginia! ACEers visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion. Host Jessica Gardner, Correspondent Gerik Gooch and ACE Assistant Regional Rep from North Central, HaeKyung Thompson were there and now they break the three fun-filled days down for us.

1:30 Meet HaeKyung Thompson!

7:45 Discussion of HaeKyung’s visit to the soon to be closed Six Flags America

12:39 Day One at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

20:30 The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge

25:12 Interview with Conner Carr, Corporate Director of Rides and Engineering for United Parks & Resorts

36:47 Day Two at Busch Gardens Williamsburg  and Kings Dominion

57:00 Day Three at Kings Dominion

62:54 Interview with Bridgette Bywater, VP and General Manager of Kings Dominion 

75:38 Meetups and favorite moments from the weekend 

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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

This episode is all about ACE members marathoning roller coasters! Kalin Profitt talks about getting 10,000 rides on Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Mike Cameron shares the journey to 25,000 rides on Renegade at Valleyfair!

1:57 - Meet Kalin Profitt

34:23 - Meet Renegade Mike

www.youtube.com/watch?v=11yXGiRkpiY‌

www.valleyfair.com/blog/2024/june/renegade-mike-hits-25k-rides

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editors: Bob Randolph

Correspondents: Gerik Gooch and John Davidson

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

At the 2025 Themed Entertainment Awards Gala, the THEA’s, the Buzz Price Life Achievement Award Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements was awarded to Rick Rothschild.

Our host Jessica Gardner was granted an impromptu sit-down with this legend who helped create memorable theme park attractions like Soarin’, The American Adventure, The Adventurers Club, Captain EO, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Hear about Rothschild’s storied career as a Walt Disney Imagineer and beyond.

2:30 - Meet Rick Rothschild and learn how he got his first job at Disney.

20:25 - Captain EO

26:57 - ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

37:17 - Soarin’ and the FLY theatres

46:01 - Advice for working in the Themed Entertainment Industry

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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

Editors: Bob Randolph

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

In this celebration of Black History Month, Gerik Gooch moderates a roundtable with four fellow ACE members who are Blusiasts: Black enthusiasts. Airtime Myke, Duwena Tillman, James Mason and Alan Franklin share their stories, reveal their favorite parks, events & coasters and discuss the joy of finding community. They also discuss the history of Black Americans and the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

In this Episode:

[1:02] Introductions

[7:13] Myke’s coaster journey: marathoning Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

[17:06] James’s coaster journey: Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point; Boblo Island; parents who rode and still ride

[25:08] Duwena’s coaster journey: American Eagle at Six Flags Great America; Walt Disney World; theme park enthusiasts; immersive worlds; Universal Studios Japan

[34:08] Alan’s coaster journey: mom’s bribe to ride Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain; more parents who still ride

[42:54] Alan’s service with the Air National Guard; fighting California wildfires

[46:05] Duwena becomes an enthusiast; plus-size riders and “the walk of safety"; tears of joy for Iron Rattler; victory on TRON Lightcycle / Run

[53:04] HoliWood Nights; custom wristbands & music festival culture; Roller Coaster Rodeo;  last rides on Kingda Ka

[59:39] ACE events: Lost Island; Stricker’s Grove; ACE Spring Conference; Schwarzkopf documentary; paper maps and atlases; media days, connections and more

[1:18:36] Desire for diversity; Myke assembles the Blusiasts

[1:28:41] "Roller coasters as art"; finding Black coaster family; examining our history; shoutout and welcome to our non-Black supporters; Blusiasts are a "great time!"

[1:40:34] Top coasters: Steel Vengeance, Fury 325, VelociCoaster, The Voyage, Intimidator 305, Flying Dinosaur, ArieForce One, Iron Gwazi, El Toro, X2, Stardust Racers, Zadra, Voltron Nevera and The Ride to Happiness

[1:58:09] Outro: where to find us on social media

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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

Editors: Bob Randolph and Gerik Gooch

Correspondent and Show Notes: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Jessica Gardner joins fellow members of the podcast team, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a discussion about upcoming coaster events, new roller coasters being built and theme parks opening in 2025. 

In this episode, the team breaks down ACE’s 2025 international, regional and digital events, along with park-sponsored events and they highlight some of the roller coasters and theme parks opening this year in which they’re most excited about. This episode also features lots of laughs and a game you can participate in.

In this Episode:

[5:51] ACE events

[24:15] Regional ACE events

[33:08] Park-sponsored events

[1:09:17] North American 2025 Coasters

[1:18:37] Universal Epic Universe

[1:25:24] More new theme parks

[1:29:11] International 2025 coasters

[1:31:30] Looking ahead to 2026

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

Author Bill Shea has written a charming book that tells a story that might be familiar to coaster enthusiasts! Billy's Grandpa Joe is taking him to his favorite amusement park but when Billy wakes up, he sees nothing but rain. Tension mounts – will Billy and Grandpa Joe's day be a washout or will Grandpa Joe save the day?

In this episode, correspondent Bob Randolph talks with Bill Shea about his story and the inspiration for this book. Join us for their heartwarming conversation about the book, the gift of grandparents, Bill's work with Autism Speaks and a whole lot more!

In this Episode:

[1:30] Meet Bill Shea 

[8:30] Bill’s work with Autism Speaks 

[14:43] Behind the book

[21:00] The road to getting published

Links

Get your copy of A Grandpa Joe Day

Autism Speaks 

Playland Park

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need.

Our intrepid podcast team wraps up their coverage of this year’s expo with the second episode in our series. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Lauryn Heller, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the event in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage. 

In this Episode:

[03:16] Interview with Lauren Weaver, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Sally Dark Rides about their new mini layout and more

[06:39] Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusive Institute announcement, more about this amazing, accessible park and their expanding inclusivity mission  

[14:00] Announcement about the sale of ZDT’s Switchback coaster and interview with Michael Graham, Engineer and Principal at Gravity Group

[32:27] Interview with Darren Torr, President of Rocky Mountain Construction 

[40:30] ACE booth at IAAPA Expo and The Legacy of Schwarzkopf movie screening at Fun Spot America Orlando

[51:00] Interview with Melissa Oviedo, CEO of the Themed Entertainment Association

Links

Sally Dark Rides

Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusive Institute

Dance Macabre

Kohl Gribble’s coaster model

Will More Gerstlauer Coasters Come To America?

The Legacy of Schwarzkopf documentary

ACE Honorary Member award given to Chris Kraftchick

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

The annual IAAPA Expo brings manufacturers, innovators and coaster enthusiasts to the Orlando area for a whirlwind of activity. This year’s expo included many exciting reveals, shocking announcements along with a convention hall packed full of everything a theme park might ever need.

Our intrepid podcast team was on the show floor, taking in all of the excitement. Join the ACE podcast team: Jessica Gardner, Gerik Gooch, Derek Perry and Doug Perry for a walk around the expo in our two part series of IAAPA Expo coverage. Our special guest is ACE member Lauryn Heller, who shares her experience with ACE and perspective of attending IAAPA Expo for the first time.

In this Episode:

[03:05] Intro to the episode, meet Lauryn

[07:09] IAAPA Expo Day One!  The train reveals, the press releases and the ways the social media team covers the day.

[28:14] Trever Dyer, Global Director of Sales and Marketing for S&S Worldwide walks through the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin’ Swing at Hersheypark

[37:42] The VidantaWorld BON Luxury Park announcement included Ricardo Etges from Vekomoa discussing the Tecuani Beast coaster and teases many 2025 announcements!

Links

Hersheypark's Twizzlers Twisted Gravity - 2024 IAAPA Expo Official Gondola Unveil

Twizzlers Twisted Gravity

VidantaWorld

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

ACE’s Preservation Conference marked the end of an amazing summer of conferences, regional events and informal meetups. We round out the summer with a mega episode that recaps 2024’s final national ACE event. Join us as correspondents/producers Derek and Doug Perry and co-host Jessica Gardner introduce our new correspondent Gerik Gooch to walk through this awesome weekend.

The Bertch family, owners of Lost Island Theme Park, surprised ACE by making a new coaster announcement during dinner! We can’t wait to see how Firerunner enhances an already-exciting park.

In this Episode:

[1:50] Meet new ACE Ride with Us correspondent Gerik Gooch!

[8:50] Gerik is part of the Blusiasts (Black Enthusiasts) group

[11:10] Preservation Con (aka Corn Con) introduces Lost Island Theme Park

[30:35] Moving on to Adventureland for day 2, Doug Perry introduces the ride highlights

[38:42] Adventureland’s Tornado became an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark

[40:57] Alex Payne, former Regional Public Relations Manager at Palace Entertainment, talks about the history of Adventureland

[1:01:00] Day 3, Worlds of Fun!  Derek Perry shares some history of the park, the group walks through ERT and ride highlights

Check out the Preservation Conference videos on ACE’s YouTube channel!

Day 1: Lost Island

Day 2: Adventureland

Day 3: Worlds of Fun

ACE Roller Coaster Landmark: Tornado

Learn more about the Blusiast in their Facebook group or on Instagram.

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Correspondents: John Davidson and Gerik Gooch

Since Worlds of Fun opened in 1973, it has delighted visitors to the Kansas City, MO location ever since. It’s home to many historic rides and has a rich history. ACE members had a chance to visit the park during the 2024 Preservation Conference, enjoying behind-the-scenes experiences, great catered meals, ERT and some thorough presentations. 

During the conference, Unofficial Worlds of Fun Historian Jennifer Lovesee-Mast shared a delightful presentation that highlighted the park’s history. Join us for a replay of this presentation plus a Q&A with the ACE members in the audience.

In this Episode:

[06:40] Unofficial Worlds of Fun Historian and worldsoffun.org founder Jennifer Lovesee-Mast shares the park’s history

[11:10] Shoutout to the original Von Roll skyride from the park’s opening days

[12:00] Moving the steamboat Cotton Blossom from California to Kansas City! 

[19:00] Adding and subtracting rides over the years

[41:40] Questions and answers about the park 

Learn more about Worlds of Fun

Visit worldsoffun.org to learn more about the park’s history or visit their Facebook page.

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. 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 and Correspondents: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Correspondent: John Davidson