Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 114 - "Blizzard Beach IRL"

January 31st, 2026

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have another slower news week but we get to hear about the Netherlands from Ryan as well as everything freezing over.

• Rare Extreme Cold Watch Issued for Walt Disney World: Wind Chills Could Drop to 7F Degrees
• Canada gives conditional approval for Marineland to export remaining belugas to the US
• Dreamland to put historic Scenic Railway into 'retirement'
• Six Flags Great Adventure - 450 ft. tall Crane for Roller Coaster Construction
• POV Antique Autos at Indiana Beach
• Swedish amusement park fined over fatal roller coaster derailment
• Who can pronounce death in FL
• Arnolds park receives $100K investment
• Legend - Arnolds Park (Image 22)

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Side Friction - Episode 113 - "Snow Drift"

January 24th, 2026

Bob, Greg and Caleb take a break from preparing for the snow and ice this weekend to talk about Universal, Mattel, Bluey, and a collection of other news stories in the industry.

• Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift – Opening in Florida In 2027
  • Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Orlando) construction timelapse
• Cause of Death Revealed for Grandma Who Lost Consciousness After Riding Revenge of the Mummy Roller Coaster
• It's so cold in Florida that even the rollercoasters are getting stalled on the tracks
• Disney Adventure Testing New Roller Coaster On The High Seas
• Alton Towers names and teases new 'Bluey' roller coaster
• Gotta Catch Em All: Universal's Latest Theme Park IP Deal Will Bring Pokémon to Life
• New Experiences in Hershey Throughout 2026
• Mattel's First Indoor Water Park Will Be Located 10 Minutes from Disney World, Newly Filed Plans Reveal
• Marineland requests U.S. permits for beluga and dolphin transfers
• Rapid City voters say "No!" to Libertyland theme park, soundly reject Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for it
• Building Outside the Lines (TV Series 2023– )
• 1980s-inspired, high-flying cirque amusement park adventure to come to the Center for the Arts
  • (Tour dates and locations)

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Side Friction - Episode 112 - "Enchanted Bar Crawl"

January 17th, 2026

Bob, Greg and Steph talk about an assortment of news including an infamous story from back when Steph was a regular on the show. We're sure you'll not only find this episode interesting but highly entertaining.

• Robin Williams Standup - Golf (full version)
• More shocking Six Flags park changes could be on the way, trademark docs reveal
• Six Flags 'will last and endure' in Saudi Arabia, partner executive says
• Six Flags Guest Sues Park After Allegedly Falling from 'Superman' Coaster Where Guests Ride Face Down, Head First
• IB Parks & Entertainment to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park beginning with the 2026 Season
• Verbolten Forbidden Turn: Extensive Thematic Overhaul
• Has visiting America's premier theme parks now become a luxury vacation experience?
• Knoebels ride is getting an upgrade for this season
• Disney performer who stopped boulder from hitting audience says he's no hero
• Disney World 'wedgie' lawsuit that went viral ends in court
• Disney adult sparks outrage with her 'trashy' bar crawl through kid-friendly theme park
• Vekoma Rides Parts & Services B.V. and Drone Over The Top LLC announce cooperation to advance safety-focused drone inspections for Theme Parks
  • Kings Dominion Rope Inspections
• Adorable Kangaroo Sneaks Its Ways Into a Lazy River at Australian Theme Park

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Side Friction - Episode 111 - "Fight or Flight"

January 10th, 2026

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic take a quick visit to a few stories circulating in a short but fun episode.

• More weather … really?
• Six Flags Announces Decision Regarding Six Flags Over Texas Partnership Call Option
• Six Flags Over Texas Teases Improvements to Mr. Freeze & Runaway Mine Train
• Six Flags issues $1 billion junk bonds to refinance debt
• Disneyland Guest Gets Four Stitches After Getting Attacked by Line Cutter
• Lawsuit against SeaWorld tossed: Park not liable for woman's 'hit by duck' claims
• Six Flags dominates 10Best Awards with Five of 10 Attractions
  • 10 best new theme park attractions across the country
• Dollywood Visitors Are NOT Happy About The Theme Park's New QR Code Drink System: "No Way My Dolly Approved This"
• Roller Coaster Museum announces 2026 events calendar

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Side Friction - Episode 110 - "Disney Dropped the Ball"

January 3rd, 2026

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about new years and a smaller selection of stories for the first episode of 2026.

• Six Flags Qiddiya City is Now Officially Open
  • POV: Falcon's Flight Roller Coaster from Grand Opening of Six Flags Qiddya City
  • Falcon's Flight - On ride POV - Six Flags Qiddiya City
• Monsters, Inc. Ride Update! Disney World's MASSIVE New Coaster Takes a Huge Step Forward
• Runaway Indiana Jones boulder smashes into Disney World staffer
• Sony to Acquire Control of Peanuts in $457 Million Deal
• Universal United Kingdom Resort – Plans Approved by UK Government, Construction Timeline, and Rumors – Orlando ParkStop
• Max The Dog Casting Process Revealed For Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort - WDW News Today

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Side Friction - Episode 109 - "An Incandescent Christmas"

December 20th, 2025

Greg, Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic close out the year with some final thoughts about Stardust Racers, Six Flags' lack of Christmas spirit, AI taking over, and a list of other stories for the last episode of 2025.

Everyone at Side Friction wishes you and your families a great holiday season and a happy new year!

• Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family, Universal reach agreement in Epic Universe Stardust Racers death: Attorneys
  • Medical examiner releases autopsy report in Epic Universe roller coaster death
• Two riders stuck on COTA roller coaster drop for 'nearly an hour'
• Palindrome Begins Testing at COTALAND | Gerstlauer Shuttle Coaster
• 'It's part of our history,' Lakemont Park sued by Blair County over century old roller coaster
• The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI reach landmark agreement to bring beloved characters from across Disney's brands to Sora
• Carowinds WinterFest 2025 | A budget-cut cry for help from Six Flags
• Six Flags Magic Mountain pushes back new coaster to 2027
• United Parks & Resorts Inc. (PRKS) Down More Than 19% Since Q3, Here's Why
• DOJ launches investigation into SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens
• LEGO contest sparks creativity in young builders with Legoland Galacticoaster ride opportunity
• Wait Until You See This Christmas Roller Coaster in Louisville
  • Texas Tornado - Wonderland Amusement Park (Amarillo, Texas, United States)

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Side Friction - Episode 108 - "McBroken"

December 13th, 2025

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic dive into the Stardust Racers incident again now that more information has been released as well as talk about Six Flags changes and a sampling of various other stories -- and rabbit trails.

• What to know about changes to Disney parks' disability policies
• Six Flags & former Cedar Fair parks make next big changes to unify portfolio
• No criminality found in Epic Universe roller coaster death: Sheriff's office
  • Death report reveals disturbing aftermath after rider killed on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe
  • Universal Altered Report on Stardust Racers Death to Remove Pre-Existing Conditions Reference
  • Kevin Rodriguez Zavala: Death report explains what happened on Stardust Racers ride
• Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way announces closure
• Enchanted Forest (Turner, Oregon, United States)
• Six Flags Magic Mountain files plans to demolish 2 beloved rides
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain confirms fate of 2 popular kids rides
• Legoland resorts set opening date for new Galacticoaster
• Dracula Land theme park to be developed in Romania
• CGA will reduce operating season
• Waldameer names new water rides for 2026
• THE GRAVITY GROUP MERCHANDISE STORE

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Web: https://sidefriction.com

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Side Friction - Episode 107 - "Brakefast Buffet"

December 6th, 2025

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have an entire buffet of news stories from all over the place to visit on this episode. Lots of big news happening and about the only thing that's certain is that, well, nothing is certain.

• Six Flags Appoints John Reilly President and Chief Executive Officer
• Six Flags Announces New Park Will Open by the End of the Year, 2 Weeks After Shutting Down Another
• Portland's Oaks Amusement Park Gets Green Light for Controversial New Ride Despite Bird Advocates' Appeal
• Is Maverick's Heartline Roll Coming Back??
  • Xcelerator Testing Over 100mph at Knott's Berry Farm
• Supports ON SITE for New Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure!
• National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives Names Pete Owens New Chairman
  • (2017) National Roller Coaster Museum to expand with Mark Moore Memorial Wing
• IAAPA: New Legoland coaster features customization, Space Creature
• International Drive roller coaster planned from operator of canceled Skyplex 'Polercoaster'
• Disney World Quietly Shuts Down Part of Iconic Ride Without Notice and Fans Are Heartbroken
• SFGrAd Closes on it's last day
• Hersheypark Winter Weather Promise
• Ocean City Council set to vote on Wonderland Pier property again
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg reveals 2026 roller coaster, Verbolten: Forbidden Turn
• 'Random aerial bird strike:' SeaWorld Orlando responds to coaster rider's 'duck' lawsuit
• Lagoon changes toddler policy for 2026 season — those under 24 months ride free

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Side Friction - Episode 106 - "It's Gonna be the Greatest..."

November 22nd, 2025

Ryan the Ride Mechanic, Greg and Bob have another incredibly fun filled conversation consisting of various different topics including all the news.... well, ride vehicles, from IAAPA, some announcements, theories, and, well.... isms.

• Wonderland Amusement Park, Amarillo icon since 1951, is officially up for sale
• Mack Rides CEO addresses fatal incident on roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe
• State ride inspectors wrote no reports after Universal roller coaster death, agency indicates
• SeaWorld class action alleges theme park chain uses 'bait-and-switch' tactics
• IAAPA Expo 2025: All the ride vehicles revealed for new theme park attractions
• Dolly Parton offers health update after missing IAAPA induction ceremony
• Zamperla: just being silly
• Intamin X ETF Ride Systems, Multi Dimension Mover
• Nate Bargatze Reviewing Sites for Nateland Amusement Park, Partners With Storyland Studios
• Already ready for summer fun: Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild announce 2026 opening dates
• Iconic waterfront amusement park in Myrtle Beach to open new roller coaster

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Side Friction - Episode 105 - "SBNO"

November 15th, 2025

Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Bob decide that this is an anything goes week as they all vent about dumb chains and closed museums. In an effort to keep some sanity, however, they scoured the web to find some news stories that aren't about parks being closed or falling flags.

• Herschend To Acquire Silverwood
• Cedar Point shares incredible videos of northern lights in Ohio illuminating night sky above park's roller coasters
• Six Flags says closing or selling more parks is 'priority'
  • Six Flags Eyes More 'Underperforming' Parks for Closure as Revenue Falls Short of Expectations
  • Six Flags warns it could close more parks as financial woes mount
• Six Flags facing federal lawsuit as pension fund accuses company of hiding years of neglect
  • Securities Fraud Investigation Into Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (FUN) Announced
• JANA PARTNERS PROVIDES UPDATE ON SIX FLAGS INVESTOR GROUP
• Exclusive: Future of old Six Flags site might resemble National Harbor, Md. leaders say
• Netflix is opening its first amusement park – and it's completely free
• Oasis Amusement Park On Lake Of The Ozarks Will Be Open By Fall 2026, Developer Says
• Last two boater bros busted for trashing historic Playland amusement park in boneheaded stunt
• Russian AI Robot Faceplants
• Pittsburgh-area man recreates Kennywood on Rollercoaster Tycoon video game
• Waldameer's Wacky Shack turns 55

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