Airtime Traveler - The Roller Coaster History Podcast

In today’s episode, we discuss Wicked at Lagoon. Opened in 2007, this launched vertical tower coaster was Lagoon’s most ambitious project yet, blending a daring design by Arrow veteran Dal Freeman with Zierer’s engineering. Join us as we explore the discussion about its unique restraints, costly manufacturing issues, and...have you ever ridden a coaster with a booster seat?

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In today’s episode, we discuss Firebird at Six Flags America. Debuting in 1990 as Iron Wolf, this stand-up coaster was the very first creation from Swiss designers Bolliger & Mabillard. Join us as we explore the early days of B&M, the coaster's journey from Illinois to Maryland, and…the 1994 Macaulay Culkin movie Richie Rich?

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In today's episode, we discuss Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World resort. Debuting in 1975, this computer-guided indoor coaster became the blueprint for every Disney “mountain” that followed. Join us as we explore its groundbreaking technology, break down its complicated operations, and...can you rent a coaster for $10,000/hr?

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In today’s trip report, we cover Nathan’s solo detour to Six Flags America as a last-chance look at a fading park. We talk about the incredibly low attendance, theming from Main Street 1776 to Steam Town, ride closures and one-train operations, coasters such as Joker’s Jinx and Ride of Steel and ask...is Six Flags giving this park the send-off it deserves?

In today’s episode, we discuss Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA. This multi-launch coaster opened in 2012, rising from the ashes of the legendary Big Bad Wolf. Join us as we trace its Bavarian village roots, the ways this attraction honors its predecessor, and...a roller coaster-riding reptile?

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In today’s episode, we discuss Sky Rocket at Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. This lap-bar launch prototype debuted in 2010, reigniting Pittsburgh’s love for loops and putting Premier’s LSM tech on the map. Join us as discuss the Turnpike’s final cruise, the coasters that followed this prototype, and…a brief period where the ride featured stock car racing simulation?Our socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

In today’s episode, we discuss SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa in Tampa, FL. This groundbreaking dive coaster debuted in 2005 as the first of its kind in North America. Join us as we explore the ride’s bird-of-prey origins, its impact on the dive coasters that followed, and...a sultry marketing campaign?

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In today’s episode, we discuss Lightning Racer at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. This dueling wooden coaster debuted in 2000 and helped launch GCI into coaster stardom. Join us as we explore the origins of modern racing coasters, the ride’s quirky development process, and...a showdown fueled by McDonald’s?

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In today's episode, we discuss Backlot Stunt Coaster at Kings Island, Kings Dominion, and Canada’s Wonderland. This Premier Rides LIM coaster was originally themed to The Italian Job and opened in 2005/2006, but does it still hold up? Join us as we discuss Premier’s Hollywood aspirations, Cedar Fair’s abrupt retheme, and…can headlights be classified as Intellectual Property?

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In today's episode, we discuss Zambezi Zinger at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO. This GCI hybrid coaster was constructed in 2023 as an homage to the 1973 original, but is it as good? Join us as we discuss Schwarzkopf's Jet Star models, Zinger's troubled opening, and...endangered salamanders and bats?

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