Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 148 - "Buckle Up"

October 31st, 2026

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic get to start out with something other than Goliath and then, well, they talk about Goliath before going into a few other things that are happening.

• Kentucky Kingdom - New Coaster

• Press Conference Schedule

• Update from John Reilly, Six Flags President and CEO

• Goliath restraint learning and failure part 2
• Did someone stand up on Beast?

• ArieForce One coaster coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain

• Six Flags Magic Mountain unveils ambitious investment plan

• N.J. Police Say They're 'Increasing Patrols' After Social Media Post Encourages Break-Ins at Shuttered 119-Year-Old Amusement Park
• UMD Thrill Rides Club gears up to participate in national roller coaster design competition
• Maurer Rides introduces the Spike PM360 transportainment system
• Woman starts petition to bring Corkscrew back to RI
• Holiday World 'crowns' new Cannonball roller coaster ahead of grand opening
• Layoffs reach Disney's theme parks division, at least 100 people impacted
• Universal Orlando Resort's fan-favorite, original holiday character, Earl the Squirrel, will soar as a larger-than-life balloon during the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Amusement ride designed to mimic the Titanic's sinking receives backlash

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Side Friction - Episode 147 - "4"

October 24th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph talk more about the Goliath incident and the effects it's having on the industry as well as some Universal and Disney weirdness.

• PHP Remote Code Execution
• eMudhra Intermediate Certificates Compromised
• State report details Cedar Point Millennium Force coaster mishap

• Another Six Flags Coaster Closes for Inspection After Piece of Car Breaks Off and Lands in Guest Area
• Cedar Point roller coaster resumes regular operations after bracket comes loose from ride car

• Hersheypark opens Candymonium coaster following Six Flags coaster death | ABC27
• SeaWorld Orlando reopens Mako after temporary closure following Six Flags death
• Six Flags Reopens Goliath Coaster in California That Closed After Tragic Death at Georgia Park
• Achterbahn bei Rust: „Silver Star" im Europa-Park fährt trotz US-Unfall | swp.de
• Six Flags Stock Pressured After Roller Coaster Tragedy but More Turbulence May Be Ahead
• Six Flags renames Fright Fest show after fatal Georgia roller coaster fall
• Cobb County Press Conference
• Six Flags Mexico Updates and News 2026 | New Attraction Construction Begins
• Universal cites competitors' strategy and Epic Universe ride challenges as attendance falls
• Walt Disney World Confirms Major Reservation Change Effective October 26
• IAAPA Launches Insurance Program for Amusement & Attractions Industry

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Side Friction - Episode 146 - "Kankakee"

October 16th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph talk mostly about the incident that occured this week at Six Flags Over Georgia on Goliath and later change speeds to throw in a few stories and lots of rabbit trails to balance out the heaviness of the incident.

NOTE: Please be aware that this show was recorded on October 15th and since information is rapidly changing it's likely that some comments in the show are no longer valid. Additionally please keep in mind that there is speculation in our comments and those comments may or may not turn out to be true. We are not placing blame in any direction at this time because there is not enough information. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased and those who are emotionally struggling with the events.

• Goliath Incident

• Major Crimes Unit Investigates Death at Six Flags Over Georgia
• 1 dead, 4 injured in Goliath ride incident at Six Flags Over Georgia
• Ryan: Goliath ride accident, speculation, and thoughts
• Six Flags Over Georgia to reopen as planned Friday as Goliath coaster remains closed after fatal fall
• New details on riders hurt in Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath incident
• Crisis expert urges Six Flags to answer questions after fatal roller coaster fall
• Terrifying safety loophole exposed after man is thrown to his death from roller coaster
• Six Flags Over Georgia - Park Update
• Restraints' efficacy is vital to Six Flags investigation: Ex-ride mechanic

• Other Coasters Closed

• SeaWorld Orlando temporarily closes Mako after rider killed on similar Six Flags coaster
• Hersheypark issues statement following fatal incident at Six Flags over Georgia
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg issues statement after fatal fall at Six Flags Over Georgia
• La Ronde's Goliath roller coaster closed after death at Six Flags in Georgia

• Character.ai's Bankruptcy Documents Show the Economics of AI Don't Work

• Your Chatbot Just Went Bankrupt. What Happens Now to Your User Data?

• Universal Orlando announces new Horror Make-Up Show featuring Blumhouse
• Dollywood Christmas Chapel Popcorn Bucket for Smoky Mountain Christmas Coming Soon Online

• Holy Family Shrine
• Lancaster, PA - Dutch Wonderland

• Bradley awards $2.9 million construction contract for waterpark infrastructure
• Aurora Park to open at Geauga Lake's former SeaWorld site on Oct. 25
• SeaWorld Wants to Make You Horny

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Side Friction - Episode 145 - "Six Flags Over North Ohio"

October 10th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back after a couple of weeks. Bob starts out the show remembering amusement park trips with his dad who passed away on Sept 25th and then it's back to covering the latest news stories and catching up on some big things that happened the last few weeks.

• More than 100 riders claim Six Flags ride led to brain injuries

• Retiring X2

• This Major Amusement Park Just Made History with a Record-Breaking Solar Power Upgrade
• Activist JANA Partners is pushing Six Flags to hire a bank and explore a sale
• Could Cedar Point's name change? Owners float idea in recent survey
• Mom sues Universal Orlando, says Stardust Racers gave son permanent
• Universal Destinations & Experiences names new chief brand and commercial officer
• Disney Hires Its First CTO: Karandeep Anand, Former CEO of AI Chatbot Start-Up
• Rohde: Disney Will Completely Replace the Current Yeti, Not Fix It
• Firefighters respond to blaze at Playland's legendary Dragon Coaster

• Rye Fire Fighters

• Lagoon's new 2027 coaster will be the first of its kind in the U.S.
• Shuttered South Jersey amusement park set to hit the auction block
• EQT to sell €1.7 billion stake in Spain's Parques Reunidos, Expansion says
• Castle Park in Riverside lays off more than 100 employees during makeover
• Judge signs off on contentious $15M sale of Glenwood Caverns (paywall)
• Roller Coaster Tycoon in Real Life
• The Block Zone Breeze
• It's Back!

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Side Friction - Episode 144 - "High Noon at The Potato Patch"

September 19th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about impending doom and a few news stories before getting into The Golden Ticket Awards where the expected, as well as some unexpected, disagreement appears.

• Uncontrolled AI could lead to 'silicon species' rivalling humans, warns Microsoft
• Anthropic staff warn of doom while company hunts spies, hackers and bioweaponeers
• Atlantic City's Iconic Steel Pier For Sale At $85 Million
• Former Fantasy Island property listed for $5 million as some passholders await refunds
• Even more Trimless Rides
• Fun Spot to bring rides from closed Atlanta park to Central Florida
• Roller coaster rescue at WA State Fair
• Vekoma Documentary
• Amusement Today, Golden Ticket Awards 2026
• Aquaticar Underwater Track Ride Details at IAAPA - YouTube
• Send Riley to Austria

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Side Friction - Episode 143 - "Ground Breaking"

September 12th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic are back after a week off to catch you up on the news including "ground breaking" news from Six Flags as well as some news from Dollywood, some happenings at small parks, and a few other odds and ends including some talk about Disney if you're into that sort of thing.

• Six Flags Introduces Flex Pay by Upgrade, Allowing Guests a New Way to Plan and Pay for Fun
• Six Flags Magic Mountain announces groundbreaking new 'Thrill Glider' coaster
• Six Flags buys ArieForce One roller coaster from closed Fun Spot America Atlanta
• Fun Spot America to auction equipment and assets from its Atlanta park on October 14, 2026
• Dollywood announces Dolly Parton tributes: New character, chapel area and exhibit
• Dolly Parton's sister pleads for end to 'AI garbage' posts after singer's death
• Efteling introduces new safety device for coaster riders with leg prostheses
• Clementon Park in NJ up for sale again
• Carolina Beach amusement rides could leave boardwalk next summer
• Special fund created for Kiddieland
• First look: Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios

• Once Upon a Studio

• Plans for old Six Flags site in Maryland reignite concerns for Belt Woods
• Animal Actors Show Closing Permanently for New Experience at Universal Studios Florida
• Alabama Adventure owner charged in Hoover after police say he tried to choke girlfriend
• Museum Inspires Great Memories of Conneaut Lake Park
• Is Hersheypark closing down? Tidal Force closing

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Side Friction - Episode 142 - "Theme Park No. 1"

August 29th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph remember Dolly Parton who we unfortunately lost this week in a segment before moving into a normal format show which is kept very upbeat and entertaining.

• Remembering Dolly

• Dolly Parton, Hardscrabble Storyteller Turned Global Entertainer, Dead at 80
• 'It's sad to lose a really nice person': mourners flock to Dollywood after death of Dolly Parton
• A biopic, a coffee brand and dog treats among Dolly Parton's business projects still to come
• Quotes by Dolly Parton (Author of Run, Rose, Run)
• Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

• 2 women suffer life-threatening brain injuries after riding famous Six Flags coaster, report says

• Magic Mountain Settles Wrongful Death Suit

• Six Flags to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Arlington, Texas, Strengthening North American Operations
• Six Flags St. Louis officially rebrands to Mid America Adventure
• VAI Resort developer takes over Mattel Adventure Park

• Another twist in the saga of Glendale's Mattel theme park

• Hersheypark Addresses Backlash Over 'Tactless' Ticket Prices Post After Dolly Parton's Death
• Saudi Arabia Goes Big on Dragon Ball Z. A $7 Billion Theme Park Deal Wil Be Built In France
• Kennywood parent company sued over alleged hidden online ticket fees
• Disneyland breaks ground on parking structure, transportation hub ahead of new attractions
• Lake Compounce welcomes new General Manager Daniel LLanas
• New filings in 'Leap-the-Dips' lawsuit ahead of pivotal hearing
• Vekoma Confirms Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Replacement Project

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Side Friction - Episode 141 - "Yeti, Set, Go!"

August 22nd, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph have tons of news to address in a way that probably only the 4 of them can. There's a lot going on this week so it's a longer show but it's entertaining the whole way through.

• NEW RIDE: Vala's Pony Express!
• Universal Studios to dampen 'disturbing' coaster screams with sound barriers
• Disney parks and cruises saw their best growth in two years despite a travel slowdown
• Expedition Everest Yeti Getting Fixed After Nearly 20 Years, Disney Confirms
• Disney World Reveals Villains Land, Maleficent Roller Coaster & Magic Mirror Dark Ride
• Monsters, Inc. Coaster Details, Will NOT Open With Land in Disney World
• Beloved 67-Year-Old Roller Coaster Takes Its Final Ride Before Closing Forever
• Switchback will live on
• Lost Island Theme Park Announces Forbidden Lair, First Ever RMC Family Shuttle Coaster
• Dolly Parton provides health update after skipping Dollywood ride opening
• On National Coaster Day, Hersheypark announces upcoming upgrade
• Miner's Mountain Express

• Miner's Mountain Express POV!

• Austin's COTALand revs ahead with amusement park opening date revealed
• Donation agreement frees up money for Bay Beach Amusement Park fixes
• Six Flags Guest Miraculously Catches Shoe Hurtling Toward His Face on 70 MPH Roller Coaster in Viral Video

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Side Friction - Episode 140 - "Tilt-ulator"

August 15th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic discuss the out of nowhere news and then move on to the smaller stories in a shorter but entertaining episode.

• Groundbreaking Six Flags coaster closed after incident with rider
• Kennywood closing Thunderbolt coasterdown for renovation
• Kennywood's Jack Rabbit receives Centennial Coaster designation from American Coaster Enthusiasts
• Knott's Berry Farm closes loophole on unlimited dining pass
• Cedar Point's Corkscrew to receive special honor
• Public memorial service planned for longtime amusement park owner
• OT: Facebook is paying controversial creators to produce rage-bait content
• Dolly Parton will not attend opening event for new Dollywood ride
• Oaks Park Launches $40 Million, 20-Year Modernization Plan
• OLD: Ride Manufacturer RMC Merging With Larson International
• Tilt-A-Whirl! The Minnesota invention and State Fair staple turns 100
• As attendance falls, United Parks places a bigger bet on Howl-O-Scream

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Side Friction - Episode 139 - "You owe me a buck..."

August 8th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic discuss Bob's car drama and his trip and then get into the latest news.

• BAKUNAWA POV & Off-Ride - World's Tallest & Fastest Spinning Launch Coaster!
• Six Flags Great America announces Camp Timber Trail with Sky Hawk roller coaster
• Knott's reopens MonteZOOMa coaster after 4-year closure
• Busch Gardens keeps expanding its original mythology with Return to Corkscrew Hill
• Family-Owned Amusement Park Officially Closes Its Doors After Announcing 'Difficult Decision' to Shut Down After 36 Years
• Kumba, R.I.P.
• Amarillo Fire Dept. releases additional details on Wonderland incident

• Scary incident details revealed after Texas roller coaster's 'wheel set failed,' appeared to derail with 18 'stranded' riders

• 'It sounds like bloody murder': Neighbors complain of screams from new Universal Studios coaster
• Power outage at Six Flags Magic Mountain delayed opening, park officials say
• All Disneyland restrooms closed as Anaheim hit with water pressure crisis

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Side Friction - Episode 138 - "Billy Bob's Fat Ones"

July 25th, 2026

Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph go way off the rails like they were Big Dipper at Blackpool. Buckle up for a very funny and entertaining show.

• Billy Bob's Wonderland
• Shut-down order lifted for Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds
• Big Dipper - Pleasure Beach Resort (Blackpool, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom)

• Big Dipper Derail
• Big Dipper Damage

• 2 arrested at Cedar Point for refusing to exit the Sky Ride when asked
• Universal reports 'softened' attendance at Orlando theme parks
• Video appears to show temporary wall falling on visitors at Universal Orlando
• See how Pixar, Marvel worlds and more come to life at Disney parks
• Coastersaurus Roars Back: Florida's Only Fully Wooden Coaster to Reopen Next Month at LEGOLAND Florida
• Iron Gwazi Money Back Scam
• 11Foot8
• Jack O' Lantern Spectacular to be moved to Kentucky Kingdom

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Side Friction - Episode 137 - "Asphalt Revenge"

July 18th, 2026

This week we mourn the loss of Dick Knoebel who passed away at the age of 87. He was an industry later that has shaped the industry that will be felt generations from now. Our thoughts and our hearts are with the Knoebels family during this time. More information can be found directly from the park or at the Amusement Today article.

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic then kick off a show that retains the typical upbeat format and news that our listeners have come to enjoy.

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay retiring Kumba roller coaster after 33 years
• Fury 325 at Carowinds shuts down after discovery of foundation issues
• Frank Hurricane / Thoosie Mob / Tee Shot / The Pop Cult
• California Theme Park Nears Reopening of 48-Year-Old Roller Coaster
• 1886 to 2026: Lagoon Amusement Park reaches 140th anniversary
• Universal Studios neighbors complain about noise from new Fast and Furious ride
• Universal Orlando sets closing date for Fast & Furious Supercharged
• Hocking Hills to open mountain coaster
• Wildfire smoke from Canada blankets Northeast Ohio: Cedar Point to close at 7 p.m. Thursday

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Side Friction - Episode 136 - "Orange is the New Brown"

July 11th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have a wide range of smaller stories that spark a lot of speculation and even some confusion.

• Pls don't hate us… --Fun Spot
• Look out Mammoth … New roller coaster rolls into C.J. Barrymore's
• LITD - C.J. Barrymore's "What's Ahead"
• 4 Six Flags Visitors Hospitalized After Being Struck by Falling Tree During 'Severe' Storm amid Fourth of July Celebrations
• World's Tallest, Fastest and Longest Giga Dive Coaster Officially Opens at Six Flags
• Meet the man who kept Kennywood rolling for nearly 50 years
• Kennywood asking guests to add more time for travel amid Parkway East closure
• Universal: New pass for 2 theme parks good through mid-December
• Virginia's first alpine coaster Mountain Mayhem opens at Massanutten Resort
• After 52 years, Inland Empire amusement park Fiesta Village is closing
• Woman sues Knoebels after breaking leg while exiting Ferris wheel
• Georgia Aquarium to receive two beluga whales from closed Canadian theme park
• New Study Reveals the Most Affordable Theme Park to Visit in the U.S. — and It's Not in Florida or California
• Disgusting video shows children riding boats in 'sewage brown' water at popular Maryland theme park

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Side Friction - Episode 135 - "Copy, Paste, Ride"

July 4th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about the latest industry news, tracking executives between park chains, Roller Coaster Tycoon, and whatever else happens to pop up.

• Holiday World unveils plans for 22 million USD water coaster
• Comcast announces NBCUniversal spinoff; what it means for Universal theme parks
• Six Flags site redevelopment will be guided by entertainment, housing and innovation
• Maryland is facing its first summer without Six Flags America. Here's where families are heading
• Six Flags Over Georgia closes new roller coaster for the season
• Six Flags Entertainment (FUN) Appoints Mark Pauls as COO Effective July 2026
• Kings Island's next big roller coaster may be hiding in Atlanta
• Six Flags Sets New Opening Date for Its Record-Breaking Dive Coaster After Unexpected Delay
• Project Purple Topped Off
• Joris en de Draak Titan Track cracks
• Ride the Wildcat at America's oldest continuously operating amusement park
• Neural Render Proxies for Interactive and Differentiable Lighting
• Marineland belugas one step closer to getting new homes
• Marineland Reportedly Sending Deer & Elk to Slaughter
• Disney World Guest's Phone Charger Catches Fire in Line for 'It's a Small World' Ride, Prompting Brief Closure

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Side Friction - Episode 134 - "Gargantuan Vertical Waterfall"

June 27th, 2026

Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph talk about some disappointing news, weird news, and then a few bits of good news with a whole lot of extra conversation in between in another entertaining episode.

• Realistic Mario - Oren Brimer as Luigi
• Disney details plans to make dark ride vehicles disappear
• Fun Spot to close Atlanta location in August

• Fun Spot Atlanta family, thank you for the memories…

• Universal Kids Resort promised family thrills, but delivered a $550M concrete carnival
• Six Flags Postpones Record-Breaking Dive Roller Coaster 4 Days Before Grand Opening
• Is Six Flags' new coaster Phantom Spire? What the park is and isn't saying
• Teen climbs out of Disneyland attraction mid-ride, taken to hospital
• Man banned from Kennywood after trespassing in restricted area, officials say
• Nashville Shores waterpark sold to out-of-state company for more than $12 million
• Cedar Point confirms metal piece fell from roller coaster after guest claims she was 'almost' hit

• https://www.facebook.com/jaymarisant/videos/1059603686586649/

• Fan favorite Whizzer roller coaster reopens at Six Flags Great America
• Knott's Berry Farm tests Montezooma launch coaster at full speed
• Zachs get half-price admission at Michigan's Adventure Friday
• BBQ Train

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Side Friction - Episode 133 - "Get Stuck, Have Fun, Don't Die"

June 20th, 2026

Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic have a fun collection of news stories along with more ride stoppages, the AI invastion, and share an example of why martial arts may not be ideal for automation.

• Hersheypark, GIANT Center union workers ratify contract, company says
• Star-Spangled Laff Trakk
• 4 rescued after ride stalls 120 feet in air at Six Flags St. Louis
• Man Attends Video Meeting From Active Roller Coaster
• Disney's Imagineering Announces Partnership with Adobe Firefly to Use AI Models for Park Designs
• Get ready for Disney's big AI ads push
• Top Disney AI Exec Gushes About Chatbot Assistant He Calls His 'Son' - Business Insider
• Ocean City Boardwalk Subcommittee proposes alternative to "Icona in Wonderland"
• British roller coaster club visits Memphis Kiddie Park
• Criminality not suspected after 12 kids sent to hospital in electrical incident at B.C. water park
• Amusement Park Guests Had to Be 'Rappelled' to the Ground on Ropes After Being Stranded on Gondola Ride
• Alabama Adventure announces the return of Rampage the wooden roller coaster and teases major upcoming announcement
• More Spikes!
• You have to see this! Child kicked by robot at amusement park

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Side Friction - Episode 132 - "The Don"

June 13th, 2026

Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic and Steph know it's not winter because it's hot outside but with all the announcements this week you'd think it was winter. This is a show you'll certainly want to listen to not only because it's a fun show but because there's a ton of cool stuff being talked about this week.

• Waldameer Unveils New 'Eagle's Pursuit' Coaster for 2027

• Eagle's Pursuit POV

• 2026 New Attraction | Fun-Plex - Omaha, Nebraska
• Funtime Fun Park Announcement

• Facebook Free Funtime Video

• New in 2027 | Rip Roarin' Falls | Carowinds

• Rip Roarin' Falls POV at Carowinds!

• Pennsylvania amusement park rolls out memberships for first time
• Kennywood chaperone policy in effect all day June 6

• This Amusement Park Just Announced Strict Chaperone Policy for Teens of a Certain Age

• Fire breaks out under Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coaster
• Terrifying 'Tilt' Coaster Strands Riders at 160 Feet in the Air Twice in One Weekend
• Riders briefly stuck on Untamed Roller Coaster at Canobie Lake Park
• Ride mechanic says roller coasters are built to fail safely
• People Named Ryan To Take Over Mall Of America For Free Roller Coaster Record Attempt
• Holiday World teasing huge announcement: 'We've been keeping a secret'
• unknown - Coolspring Ranch (Mercer, Pennsylvania, United States)
• Tidal Force at Pennsylvania's Largest Amusement Park | Hersheypark

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Side Friction - Episode 131 - "Rescue 1-0-0"

June 6th, 2026

Bob and Greg present a shorter show but one with some interesting (and some unexpected) stories.

• Everyone In This LEGO Dispute Should Have Spoken To A Lawyer Earlier Than They Did
• Hersheypark Contract Offer Rejected; Strike Authorized
• Watch rescue after rollercoaster stalls 100ft in the air

• How Galveston firefighters rescued 8 Houston students stranded 100 feet up on stalled roller coaster
• Officials determine failed sensor caused Galveston roller coaster to stop in mid-air

• Step right up to amusement park history in Grafton
• Polargy acquires Intermountain Lift
• Six Flags Great America brings back popular roller coaster after 10-year hiatus
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas unleashes Werewolf Gorge, the world's longest family launch roller coaster
• Is Dollywood's new NightFlight Expedition ride on track to open this spring?
• Man accused of depantsing Cedar Point guest entered park illegally: police
• Universal Officially Reveals the Name of its First U.K. Theme Park Opening in 2031
• Disney racks up $4.2bn deficit on Paris parks

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Side Friction - Episode 130 - "Round Rage"

May 30th, 2026

Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic start with the expected chicken nugget story, well, after a rabbit trail of course. The rest of the show covers about an equal mix of news and rabbit trails.

• Cedar Point guest gets lifetime ban from Six Flags parks for roller coaster stunt

• 'I understand': Man speaks out after Cedar Point bans him for eating nuggets on coaster

• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Will be Discontinued for Universal Orlando's Express Pass

• Hagrid's Equality

• SpongeBob, Shrek and Minions are getting a new theme park this summer
• Frontal Lobe: Home Edition

• Frontal Lobe Ride

• A Nearly 100-Year-Old Roller Coaster Reopens This Weekend After Being Shut Down Over Safety Concerns
• The First Roller Coaster Is Going Up At Oasis, And They Named It 'Shootout': Here's What We Know
• Mattel's immersive indoor water park coming to North Carolina
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress refresh to bring new decades, Easter eggs to Tomorrowland classic

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Side Friction - Episode 129 - "Cheaper than a Ballroom"

May 23rd, 2026

Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have a lot of fun and entertaining conversations about the recent news in the park industry and step into the tech industry a bit including an incredibly cool project you can build.

• Google Search as you know it is over
• Project Purple, Six Flags coaster coming in 2027. What we know about it
• Cedar Point Officials Address Fans' Claims They Installed Shorter Seat Belts on Beloved Coaster
• 'Gross negligence': COTA roller coaster riders stuck 120 feet in the air file $1M lawsuit
• Get a First Look at the New Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney World — Including the First Animatronic Muppets
• Disneyland targeted in class-action lawsuit claiming new program is violating guests' privacy
• Bring Disneyland Home With This Gorgeous New Lego Set
• RCT IRL: Roller Coaster Tycoon Ratings in Real Life
• First look at Nate Bargatze's $350 million Nateland theme park
• Verbolten: Forbidden Turn roller coaster to open at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on May 30
• Why Dolly Parton Doesn't Ride the Coasters at Dollywood — and Why She Might Finally Break Her Own Rule

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