Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

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

Side Friction - Episode 99 - "It's Not Fair" October 4th, 2025 Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Greg close out the last of the double digit episodes with more Six Flags turmoil, fair rides going wrong, and a new place to stay but if that wasn't enough you'll also get to hear Bob's thoughts on Top Thrill 2 and Siren's Curse. Deutsche Bank Issues Grim Warning for AI Industry  Microsoft launches 'vibe working' in Excel and Word  Kings Dominion - Show Me the Weather Ashland, VA Weather Sept 27 Land & Buildings Issues Letter Spooktacular – Watch the trailer for the documentary about America's first horror theme park Carnival ride malfunctions during school 'Family Fun Day' event in Pico-Union area Accidente de juego mecánico en la Feria de San Miguel Arcángel y la Alfarería en Guanajuato deja cinco heridos Video of accident  Dutch Wonderland Inn Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 98 - "Not the Fountain!" September 27th, 2025 Greg is back with Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic to talk about a whole new assortment of things and this week it's back to being mostly about coasters with the normal amount of rabbit trails. The news starts off grim but gets more positive as the show goes on. Universal Orlando Resort president says Stardust Racers ride was functioning properly State inspectors align with Universal's findings that roller coaster was working right when man died Woman sues Universal Orlando over injuries from same roller coaster in which man died after ride Glenwood Caven's Statement on the Jury Verdict Kennywood confirms employee killed after being hit by vehicle in Near Park Universal Orlando News: Lost Continent Demolition Permits and Footers for Rockit Replacement TORMENTA RAMPING RUN - Six Flags Over Texas Giga Dive Coaster New Six Flags Over Texas rollercoaster will be tallest, fastest, longest and first-ever giga dive Report: Austin theme park won't be arriving as soon as planned California theme park adds first new thrill ride in 20 years Dollywood owners closing Gwinnett County amusement park after 20 years Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Side Friction - Episode 97 - "The Ride is Out There" September 20th, 2025 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have Airtime Myke on the show this week to talk about... well.... A LOT.  This is the longest episode to date but genuinely probably one of the most interesting.  As for rabbit trails, well, that's basically the whole last hour but the whole show is lots of fun. Siren's Curse 2025 Uptime Stats  Cause of death revealed for Universal Epic Universe guest found unresponsive after ride 'Help! Help!' Cause of death revealed for guest who rode Stardust Racers at Epic Universe   What does the future of Cedar Point look like following merger with Six Flags? Six Flags Reports Strong Attendance Growth and Season Pass Unit Sales Through Labor Day Weekend  Six Flags' Financial Woes: Debt, Closures, and Uncertainty  Six Flags Over Texas closes popular boat ride 'The Conquistador'  Worlds of Fun evacuated first night of Halloween Haunt for unsubstantiated gunshots Partnership Mansion - Wikiwand  NightFlight Expedition  Intamin Flume Ride - 2025 New Elements Animations  Mission Bermudes On-Ride POV - A Fun Futuroscope Adventure! Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com

Side Friction - Episode 96 - "Bluer" September 13th, 2025 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are joined by CoasterBro (aka Caleb) of Coaster Cuzzies this week while Greg spends time with his family.  The 2025 Golden Ticket Awards honor 27 winners, presented live from Carowinds Judge sides with resident in Conneaut Lake Park dispute  Fate of Columbia County man's backyard roller coaster uncertain after losing appeal LA buys Griffith Park Carousel Nine Inch Nails To Soundtrack Disney Roller Coaster  Maurer to present new Spike Racer innovations at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025  Nate Bargatze Is Hoping to Build 'Nateland' Theme Parks  Riders evacuated from Hersheypark rollercoaster  Peanuts license at Six Flags parks extended through 2030 Silver Dollar City, O'Reilly Auto Parts partner for theme park transit department Six Flags America's Boo Fest  Batwing closed permanently Oaks Park is auctioning off its original roller coaster tub  Zoom Coaster - Oaks Amusement Park (Portland, Oregon, United States)  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com

Side Friction - Episode 95 - "Show Me the Weather" September 6th, 2025 Another week means another episode of Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talking about the dumpster fire that just consumes theme park news, how Disney has it's own problems, and a bunch of other stuff. Who is shocked by this one? Six flags extends their MVP Sale What's next for Six Flags? Cedar Point parent faces park sell-off, possible bankruptcy Six Flags bankruptcy fears mount as brand eyes sale after abruptly shuttering two parks and suffering $500 million blow  Disney theme parks quietly abandon middle-class travelers  Man speaks out after rescuing boy walking on Hersheypark monorail Austin's first tilt roller coaster nears finish line High Stakes, High Speed: What You Need To Know About F1's Return to Vegas  Trial begins in lawsuit against Colorado theme park after 6-year-old's fall to her death  Busch Gardens closing Stanley Falls Flume after 52 years Kennywood cancels 21-plus nights due to fights, reiterates "Zero-Tolerance" policy The Legacy of Schwarzkopf  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com

Side Friction - Episode 94 - "Electric Mayhem" August 30th, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic go a lot lighter on Six Flags (well, relatively) this week with one of the more varied assortment of news stories with some mile rabbit trails thrown in as a bonus. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: What to Expect Kings Island announces revival of beloved ride with modern upgrades The Legacy of Schwarzkopf Knott's Berry Farm Locks Up Your Wallet Boy, 10, hospitalized after electric shock on bumper car at Israeli amusement park Flying Turns: Chicago's Riverview Park ride is reborn at Knoebels Amusement Resort Appetronix robot arm might make your food in a theme park soon X2 coaster gets a little TLC at Six Flags Magic Mountain Downed trees cut power to Knoebels  Disneyland ends early access privilege and introduces Lightning Lane Waldameer's Original Endless River Closing; New Water Rides Coming in 2026 - Erie News Now  Multiple women banned from Kennywood Park after fight breaks out on adults-only night  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com

Side Friction - Episode 93 - "Unhitched" August 23rd, 2025 Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic (as well as the entire community) can't get away from Six Flags so join them for another dive into the mess that circles the chain.  Even if Six Flags isn't your thing this episodes doesn't forget about you. Dragon wagon loses part on the track   Kings Island Teaser  Six Flags to Cut 2026 Capital Spending on New Rides in the US at Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Other Parks Amid Attendance Decline  Big changes coming this year to Cedar Point's Halloweekends: What to know before you go  Six Flags is under investigation for fraud as it tries to reel in more visitors Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Lawsuit  Iconic roller coaster opens for the first time this season Lagoon's legacy: 3 generations of family business Lagoon's 2026 Attraction? Kennywood hosting two 21-plus nights  British man rides 55 different roller coasters in one week  Bubba from 100.7 Star breaks record on Kennywood's Steel Curtain roller coaster  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com

Side Friction - Episode 92 - "Closed for Litigation" August 16th, 2025 Yes, more Six Flags talk from Greg, Bob, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic but entertaining and a shorter duration this week. If you are tired of Six Flags, don't worry, plenty of other stuff besides Six Flags gets addressed as well. Carowinds Guests Blindsided as Entire Park Suddenly Closes—Here's What We Know JOANN Fabrics, Party City, Toys R Us, Red Lobster — private equity drove all of them to the ground  Did sirens curse Cedar Point? Power Tower breaks, roller coasters shut down, evacuated After Cedar Point coaster breakdowns, Ohio legislator pushes for change. See the proposal  Final days of beloved TX amusement park brings a 'roller coaster of emotions' The Construction of Six Flags Great Adventure's New Roller Coaster Is Interesting Thirteen children hurt in pleasure park ride accident and police issue update Wacky worm gets hooked Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl  Tropical Americas News Update: Construction, Permits, and Rumors for Animal Kingdom Shaquille O'Neal roller coaster overlay coming to Hersheypark Lagoon test roller coaster collides with HVAC technician allegedly causing 'permanent disfigurement,' park denies claims Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster will permanently close next week - WFTV  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com