Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 119 - "Mammoth Deal" March 7th, 2026 Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about huge news... you might even call it mammoth! There's only a couple real stories this week but you'll hear lots of entertaining information and stories in the abundance of rabbit trails this week. 2026 New Attraction Wild Adventures launches 30th anniversary season  The Harlem Globetrotters want to join the NBA  Looking Forward: A New Chapter for Six Flags Six Flags to Sell Off 7 Beloved Amusement Parks Around the Country amid Financial Woes EPR Properties - Wikipedia EPR Properties Announces Definitive Agreements to Acquire Portfolio of Seven Regional Parks Enchanted Parks acquires multiple Six Flags properties Websites: Enchanted Parks IAM (Innovative Attraction Management) EPR Properties Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 118 - "Omaha's Biggest" February 28th, 2026 Bob, Greg and especially Ryan the Ride Mechanic are in rare form tonight as the rabbit trails hit some pretty funny moments -- especially starting the show off. Plenty of news gets talked about to keep you up to date. You Care What We Think: Biggest Cock In Omaha  United Parks & Resorts Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025 Results Stardust Racers Refurbishment Extended Again at Epic Universe Twin Brothers Allegedly Injured on New Harry Potter Ride at Universal Orlando After It 'Thrusted Erratically' Mid-Ride A Theme Park with Spongebob AND Jurassic World? Universal Kids Resort Deep Dive Doswell Virginia Industrial & Infrastructure Opportunity Six Flags says 'We want you back' | New CEO's plans for future  Does Dolly Parton have competition? Nate Bargatze's Nashville theme park plans Kennywood restores iconic trash can for upcoming season  Super Bowl LX players lose thousands to California's 'jock tax' on athlete income  Disney World's Villains Land Is Pivoting Away From Scaring Kids Disneyland abandoned plans for Disney Villains land, report says  A Beloved Amusement Park Nearly Closed for Good 6 Years Ago. Now It's Preparing for Its 100th Birthday  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 117 - "Flares and Orange Vests" February 21st, 2026 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic hold down the fort since Greg is a little under the weather this week but there is plenty to talk about starting off with Six Flags and ending with Geauga Lake. Six Flags 2025 Results Six Flags (FUN) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript Beloved Roller Coaster Is Permanently Shutting Down After 33 Years Six Flags begins building new 'record-breaking' roller coaster on Wednesday https://opencoaster.net/@ElToroRyan/116093195168193545     Kentucky Kingdom gives sneak peak at its 1st new roller coaster since 2019  Allegiant Announces "Flight #925: Destination Dollywood" for Travelers Headed to the Great Smoky Mountains this November  Disney Files NEW Permit for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets  New Jersey man accused of boosting almost $200K of metal from Ferris wheel renovation site Aurora begins development of new park at former Geauga Lake site  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 116 - "Dragon Fire" February 14th, 2026 Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about the scraps of news this week amongst rabbit trails that are sure to entertain. Social media age verification is full of risks and unclear rewards  Alton Towers U-turns on plan to restrict disability pass for people with ADHD and autism  Beloved Theme Park Files for Bankruptcy 4 Years After Fatal Accident That Killed 6-Year-Old Girl  Elon Musk's Tunnel Company Chosen to Develop Transit System to Connect Universal Orlando Theme Parks Experts say Elon Musk's tunnel empire has a 99% chance of ending in serious trouble – Morning Overview  Crossing Norway's fjords is going to get easier with world's first submerged floating tunnel Brendan Fraser is back for a new 'Mummy' movie — should Universal update coaster? Locals breathe fire as dragon from iconic Playland coaster chucked in dumpster: 'Should be in a museum' Six Flags Great Adventure reveals return of 'Wild' ride and guest experience upgrades for the upcoming season Mr. Freeze ride at Six Flags Over Texas is about to get even cooler  Levchuk: Amusement park not returning  Office Building Getting Demolished to Make Way for New Disneyland Resort Parking Structure  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 115 - "The Search for More Gold" February 7th, 2026 Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back to finding rabbit trails in an episode that finally has some bigger news stories and a lot of real time surprises. New Gold Pass Benefit: Visit Regional Six Flags Parks for Free Six Flags changes filming policy for roller coaster POVs Kings Island announces return of classic ride Polyp Octopus Monsters Alton Towers to remove disability pass for people with ADHD and anxiety  Disney names Josh D'Amaro as new chief executive Disney warns of hit from flagging foreign visits Starbucks scraps $250,000 cap on boss's use of company jet  You can say 'I do' at Disney's Haunted Mansion starting this summer   Universal Orlando Launches New Advertising Campaign Ahead of Super Bowl LX  Here's Why Companies Can't Say 'Super Bowl' in Their Super Bowl Ads  'Hell of a day:' Texts reveal state inspectors' response to Universal roller coaster death Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Opens This Summer Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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)  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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) Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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 Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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 Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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)  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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 Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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 Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 104 - "End of America" November 8th, 2025 Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Bob discuss a lot of dumb news including Bob talking about the last day of Six Flags America.   Fire-Rescue Superheroes Scale Inova Loudoun Hospital to Deliver Halloween Treats  Six Flags of America closes in Bowie  Superman breaks down at SFA Dumb guy climbs Batwing on the last day of Six Flags America YouTube Shoutouts: ROBB ZIPP AT SIX FLAGS AMERICA'S LAST DAY 11-2-2025  Savage Mister  Drens Adventure  Couple helps secure rider after seatbelt fails on Worlds of Fun's Mamba roller coaster Worlds of Fun visitors say they had to hold down young girls after alleged seat belt malfunction on roller coaster 2 girls fall from Ferris wheel at Louisiana harvest festival: Sheriff Intoxicated passenger falls out of amusement ride in Port Hardy   Cedar Point cased in terrorist attack plot foiled by FBI. What to know  Feds: Suspects in Ferndale terror case also cased Cedar Point; one is tied to video game lawsuit  New Report Shows Just How Bad Things Are for This Florida Theme Park Giant | Disney Dining  Stupid lawsuit of the week: NJ mother's lawsuit over kid who called her 'Karen' at amusement park dismissed by appeals court Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 103 - "Micro Capacity" November 1st, 2025 Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Bob explore the world of toy cars and corvids.... and some coaster and park news too. Woman sues SeaWorld after duck allegedly flies into her face while riding roller coaster Universal 'holding back' on operating Epic Universe at full capacity Kentucky Kingdom building new suspension roller coaster Roller-coaster track, likely for Mindbender replacement, spotted in Edmonton-area industrial park Renegade 'super fan' takes his 30,000th ride on the Valleyfair roller coaster Circuit of the Americas to offer amusement at top speed  Worlds of Fun roller coaster temporarily shut down due to safety violation Knoebels bald eagle passes away  Waldameer winds down after successful summer, announces Paratrooper comeback  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 102 - "Kelce and the Moose" October 25th, 2025 Greg and Bob take on this week's news without Ryan who's away for the week.  Another fun variety of stories and only a small bit about that big chain with a half dozen flags and lots of problems. Travis Kelce joins activist investor Jana Partners in push to revive Six Flags Travis Kelce Teases Possible 'Kelce Roller Coaster'  Low Flying Moose RMC will unveil a new coaster  RetroEscapes nostalgia theme park planned for Las Vegas RetroEscapes | Las Vegas retro destination | Las Vegas, NV, USA Inside Disney Imagineering's Sonic Labs Universal Orlando 2026 park-to-park tickets to include Epic Universe  Lagoon to retire Jet Star 2 roller coaster after 49 years Virginia man rides every roller coaster in the US—all 1,069 of them  Our biggest competition is screens at home, says theme park boss  Groundbreaking held for Aurora Park at Geauga Lake, site of former SeaWorld Ohio  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH  

Side Friction - Episode 101 - "Small Parks, a Sweatshirt and some Chickens" October 18th, 2025 Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Bob have an extremely wide variety of smaller stories this week along with some great rabbit trails.  This episode is sure to entertain. Six Flags Announces Corporate Governance Changes Various Six Flags parks now have free haunts  Barracuda Strike suspended roller coaster opening in 2026 Universal Kids Resort is coming to Frisco, Texas in 2026 Closed Universal Studios rollercoaster catches fire in Florida Lagoon unveils plans for new Screamin' Swing thrill ride Sweatshirt causes ride stoppage at Hersheypark's 'Wild Mouse' Mattel Adventure Park may not open in Bonner Springs until 2031 Westchester police searching for suspects who stole 200 stuffed animals, vandalized Playland Park Rollercoaster POV: New ride at COTALAND in Austin  Wilde Hilde - Schwaben Park Wilde Hilde - Theme Park Music  Arnolds Park Amusement Park sees record attendance A tour of Knoebels Amusement Resort from a dog's POV  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 100 - "Do a Line, Get In Line" October 11th, 2025 We've reached 100 episodes! Thank you so much to everyone who listens weekly and gives this little hobby of ours purpose. To celebrate this milestone we have brought together both legacy crews to join in on the conversation. In addition to our current crew of Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic we also have Steph joining us who co-founded Side Friction as well as Bob's counterparts from Coaster Talk Podcast, James and Timmy. We hope you enjoy this incredibly fun show.  Here's to another hundred! Note: There are multiple references made to Coaster Talk Podcast episode 200. If you'd like to listen to that you can find it at https://coastertalkpodcast.com/episode-200-a-walk-down-memory-lane  Universal to reopen Stardust Racers ride 2 weeks after man's death After Stardust Racers roller coaster rider dies, his family speaks out Attorney: Universal Stardust Racers coaster had history of complaints before Zavala died Second inversion of the Canobie Corkscrew rebuilt at the National Roller Coaster Museum in Texas Disney World, Disneyland Hike Ticket Prices  Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Opening Summer 2026! Canada blocks theme park from sending whales to China Canada's Marineland theme park says it will have to euthanize 30 beluga whales without emergency funding  18-year-old charged after climbing Busch Gardens roller coaster Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China Maurer to present new Spike Racer innovations at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH