Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 149 - "SBF Infinity" November 7th, 2026 Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic talk about a bunch of new, if smaller, coasters coming to parks next year as well as talking about some Universal, Six Flags, and Disney happenings. McDonald's must face lawsuit over McRib, US judge rules  A Conspiracy of Hogs: The McRib as Arbitrage  New all-indoor roller coaster coming to Universal Epic Universe in Orlando Kentucky Kingdom to get 'world's largest' indoor wooden roller coaster     Adventureland roars into its 65th year with two tiger-themed rides New Family Roller Coaster Coming to Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire United Parks CEO promises Busch Gardens Tampa Bay improvements, continued investment Waldameer COO provides update on new roller coaster Disneyland Is Testing Life-Size Cars Characters as Parking Lot Attendants New details released about dead beluga whales rescued from Canada amusement park Six Flags CEO seeks to reassure investors, raises possibility of selling more parks Six Flags Magic Mountain offers free season passes to senior citizens        Universal Orlando replaces Jaws, Kong and Jurassic Park parking garage themes  Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction Web: https://sidefriction.com NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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