Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Episode 136 - Orange is the New Brown

Side Friction - Episode 136 - "Orange is the New Brown" July 11th, 2026 Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic [https://www.youtube.com/@ryantheridemechanic] have a wide range of smaller stories that spark a lot of speculation and even some confusion. * Pls don't hate us… --Fun Spot [https://www.tiktok.com/@funspotamerica/video/7660614891870440717] * Look out Mammoth … New roller coaster rolls into C.J. Barrymore's [https://www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2026/07/09/new-roller-coaster-rolls-into-cj-barrymores/] * LITD - C.J. Barrymore's "What's Ahead" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0uGpmMYRgg] * 4 Six Flags Visitors Hospitalized After Being Struck by Falling Tree During 'Severe' Storm amid Fourth of July Celebrations [https://people.com/four-six-flags-visitors-hospitalized-struck-falling-tree-severe-storm-12012243] * World's Tallest, Fastest and Longest Giga Dive Coaster Officially Opens at Six Flags [https://people.com/world-s-tallest-fastest-and-longest-giga-dive-coaster-officially-opens-at-six-flags-12015772] * Meet the man who kept Kennywood rolling for nearly 50 years [https://triblive.com/local/offbeat-pittsburgh-meet-the-man-who-kept-kennywood-rolling-for-nearly-50-years/] * Kennywood asking guests to add more time for travel amid Parkway East closure [https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/kennywood-parkway-east-closure-impacts/] * Universal: New pass for 2 theme parks good through mid-December [https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/07/09/universal-pass-0711/] * Virginia's first alpine coaster Mountain Mayhem opens at Massanutten Resort [https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginias-first-alpine-coaster-mountain-mayhem-july-9-2026] * After 52 years, Inland Empire amusement park Fiesta Village is closing [https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/fiesta-village-closing-22334506.php] * Woman sues Knoebels after breaking leg while exiting Ferris wheel [https://www.pennlive.com/news/2026/07/woman-sues-knoebels-after-breaking-leg-while-exiting-ferris-wheel.html?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwY2xjawS9AyZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFFMTlmOENsbjc1YlF2b3h2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmJRgmnZB8wE3mxrFTWU7FdYttoYgWdV5cLvAXX0YYrg61JOSTpNyMe608rU_aem_LZ6uVTPpPeToMqL-ghcV5A] * Georgia Aquarium to receive two beluga whales from closed Canadian theme park [https://www.gpb.org/news/2026/07/09/georgia-aquarium-receive-two-beluga-whales-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 [https://people.com/this-is-the-most-affordable-theme-park-to-visit-in-the-u-s-new-study-reveals-12012592] * Disgusting video shows children riding boats in 'sewage brown' water at popular Maryland theme park [https://nypost.com/2026/07/07/us-news/disgusting-video-shows-children-riding-boats-in-sewage-brown-water-at-popular-maryland-theme-park/] Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction [https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction] Web: https://sidefriction.com [https://sidefriction.com] NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Episode 135 - Copy, Paste, Ride

Side Friction - Episode 135 - "Copy, Paste, Ride" July 4th, 2026 Bob, Greg, and Ryan the Ride Mechanic [https://www.youtube.com/@ryantheridemechanic] 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 [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/holiday-world-in-indiana-unveils-plans-for-22-million-water-roller-coaster/ar-AA26ZeJi] * Comcast announces NBCUniversal spinoff; what it means for Universal theme parks [https://attractionsmagazine.com/comcast-spin-off-nbcuniversal-universal-theme-parks-new-ownership-structure/] * Six Flags site redevelopment will be guided by entertainment, housing and innovation [https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2026/06/26/six-flags-redevelopment-timeline.html] * Maryland is facing its first summer without Six Flags America. Here's where families are heading [https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-six-flags-amusement-parks-summer/] * Six Flags Over Georgia closes new roller coaster for the season [https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/six-flags-over-georgia-closes-new-roller-coaster-season] * Six Flags Entertainment (FUN) Appoints Mark Pauls as COO Effective July 2026 [https://www.gurufocus.com/news/8943602/six-flags-entertainment-fun-appoints-mark-pauls-as-coo-effective-july-2026] * Kings Island's next big roller coaster may be hiding in Atlanta [https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/kings-islands-next-big-roller-coaster-may-be-hiding-in-atlanta] * Six Flags Sets New Opening Date for Its Record-Breaking Dive Coaster After Unexpected Delay [https://people.com/six-flags-sets-new-opening-date-for-record-breaking-coaster-after-unexpected-delay-12011572] * Project Purple Topped Off [https://old.reddit.com/r/rollercoasters/comments/1ukxcvo/project_purple_is_topped_off/] * Joris en de Draak Titan Track cracks [https://mastodon.nl/@RingelbergNick/116840723310845794] * Ride the Wildcat at America's oldest continuously operating amusement park [https://www.nbcmiami.com/video/news/national-international/oldest-amusement-park-wildcat/3826915/] * Neural Render Proxies for Interactive and Differentiable Lighting [https://studios.disneyresearch.com/2026/07/01/neural-render-proxies-for-interactive-and-differentiable-lighting/] * Marineland belugas one step closer to getting new homes [https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7222622] * Marineland Reportedly Sending Deer & Elk to Slaughter [https://animaljustice.ca/blog/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 [https://people.com/disney-world-guest-s-phone-charge-catches-fire-in-line-for-it-s-a-small-world-prompting-brief-closure-12011610] Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction [https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction] Web: https://sidefriction.com [https://sidefriction.com] NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Episode 134 - Gargantuan Vertical Waterfall

Side Friction - Episode 134 - "Gargantuan Vertical Waterfall" June 27th, 2026 Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic [https://www.youtube.com/@ryantheridemechanic] and Steph [https://www.instagram.com/rollercoastersteph?igsh=Y3p4ZzIwYXpod3Mw&utm_source=qr] 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 [https://youtube.com/shorts/eEtm1PnpvjU?si=ogO3gRVpgzL2Rt-t] * Disney details plans to make dark ride vehicles disappear [https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202606/12513/] * Fun Spot to close Atlanta location in August [https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/25/fun-spot-atlanta-0627/] * Fun Spot Atlanta family, thank you for the memories… [https://www.instagram.com/funspotamericathemeparks/p/DaBRIHStIF2/] * Universal Kids Resort promised family thrills, but delivered a $550M concrete carnival [https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts-culture/universal-kids-resort-promised-family-thrills-but-delivered-a-550m-concrete-carnival-40689942/] * Six Flags Postpones Record-Breaking Dive Roller Coaster 4 Days Before Grand Opening [https://people.com/six-flags-postpones-debut-record-breaking-dive-roller-coaster-four-days-before-grand-opening-12004566] * Is Six Flags' new coaster Phantom Spire? What the park is and isn't saying [https://www.app.com/story/news/2026/06/24/six-flags-project-purple-phantom-spire-name/90676120007/] * Teen climbs out of Disneyland attraction mid-ride, taken to hospital [https://ktla.com/news/disneyland-ride-stop-teen-exits-log-flume/] * Man banned from Kennywood after trespassing in restricted area, officials say [https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/man-banned-kennywood-after-trespassing-restricted-area-officials-say/43SFNY425BHBLN2TNIEEN4LFSU/] * Nashville Shores waterpark sold to out-of-state company for more than $12 million [https://www.wsmv.com/2026/06/24/nashville-shores-waterpark-sold-out-of-state-company-more-than-12-million/] * Cedar Point confirms metal piece fell from roller coaster after guest claims she was 'almost' hit [https://www.wkbn.com/news/national-world/cedar-point-confirms-metal-piece-fell-from-roller-coaster-after-guest-claims-she-was-almost-hit/] * https://www.facebook.com/jaymarisant/videos/1059603686586649/ [https://www.facebook.com/jaymarisant/videos/1059603686586649/] * Fan favorite Whizzer roller coaster reopens at Six Flags Great America [https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/fan-favorite-whizzer-roller-coaster-reopens-at-six-flags-great-america/] * Knott's Berry Farm tests Montezooma launch coaster at full speed [https://www.ocregister.com/2026/06/24/knotts-berry-farm-tests-montezooma-launch-coaster-at-full-speed/] * Zachs get half-price admission at Michigan's Adventure Friday [https://www.wilx.com/2026/06/24/zachs-get-half-price-admission-michigans-adventure-friday/] * BBQ Train [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1914976182756396] Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction [https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction] Web: https://sidefriction.com [https://sidefriction.com] NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

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

Side Friction - Episode 133 - "Get Stuck, Have Fun, Don't Die" June 20th, 2026 Bob, Greg, Ryan the Ride Mechanic [https://www.youtube.com/@ryantheridemechanic] 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 [https://www.abc27.com/news/top-stories/hersheypark-giant-center-union-workers-ratify-contract-company-says/] * Star-Spangled Laff Trakk [https://www.hersheypark.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/laff-trakk] * 4 rescued after ride stalls 120 feet in air at Six Flags St. Louis [https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/four-stranded-130-feet-above-ground-at-six-flags-st-louis/] * Man Attends Video Meeting From Active Roller Coaster [https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/man-attends-video-meeting-active-100000628.html] * Disney's Imagineering Announces Partnership with Adobe Firefly to Use AI Models for Park Designs [https://wdwnt.com/2026/06/disneys-imagineering-announces-partnership-with-adobe-firefly-to-use-ai-models-for-park-designs/] * Get ready for Disney's big AI ads push [https://www.businessinsider.com/disneys-ai-generated-tv-ads-set-to-launch-in-july-2026-6] * Top Disney AI Exec Gushes About Chatbot Assistant He Calls His 'Son' - Business Insider [https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-ai-chatbot-jason-cox-son-employee-reaction-2026-5] * Ocean City Boardwalk Subcommittee proposes alternative to "Icona in Wonderland" [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/ocean-city-boardwalk-subcommittee-proposes-alternative-to-icona-in-wonderland/4418148/] * British roller coaster club visits Memphis Kiddie Park [https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/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 [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cultus-lake-injuries-students-9.7237396] * Amusement Park Guests Had to Be 'Rappelled' to the Ground on Ropes After Being Stranded on Gondola Ride [https://people.com/23-amusement-park-guests-left-stranded-after-unexpected-stoppage-on-ride-12001615] * Alabama Adventure announces the return of Rampage the wooden roller coaster and teases major upcoming announcement [https://amusementtoday.com/2026/06/alabama-adventure-announces-the-return-of-rampage-the-wooden-roller-coaster-and-teases-major-upcoming-announcement/] * More Spikes! [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZu19x5lkiZ/] * You have to see this! Child kicked by robot at amusement park [https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/06/you-have-to-see-this-child-kicked-by-robot-at-amusement-park/] Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction [https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction] Web: https://sidefriction.com [https://sidefriction.com] NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH

Episode 132 - The Don

Side Friction - Episode 132 - "The Don" June 13th, 2026 Bob, Ryan the Ride Mechanic [https://www.youtube.com/@ryantheridemechanic] and Steph [https://www.instagram.com/rollercoastersteph?igsh=Y3p4ZzIwYXpod3Mw&utm_source=qr] 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 [https://www.erienewsnow.com/news/waldameer-unveils-new-eagle-s-pursuit-coaster-for-2027/article_4e50f0c6-cc45-4a64-8730-70d269d1f397.html] * Eagle's Pursuit POV [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR8FRutRXbU] * 2026 New Attraction | Fun-Plex - Omaha, Nebraska [https://fun-plex.com/explore/2026-new-attraction/] * Funtime Fun Park Announcement [https://www.facebook.com/reel/2951997761805969/?mibextid=ZZyLBr] * Facebook Free Funtime Video [https://opencoaster.net/@RagingWolfBob/116733196477227473] * New in 2027 | Rip Roarin' Falls | Carowinds [https://www.sixflags.com/carowinds/new-in-2027] * Rip Roarin' Falls POV at Carowinds! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1W5aohF6_U] * Pennsylvania amusement park rolls out memberships for first time [https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-amusement-park-rolls-out-memberships-for-first-time/] * Kennywood chaperone policy in effect all day June 6 [https://www.wtae.com/article/kennywood-chaperone-policy-unauthorized-gathering/71508388] * This Amusement Park Just Announced Strict Chaperone Policy for Teens of a Certain Age [https://people.com/this-amusement-park-just-announced-strict-chaperone-policy-for-teens-11995744] * Fire breaks out under Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coaster [https://nypost.com/2026/06/11/us-news/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 [https://people.com/terrifying-tilt-coaster-strands-riders-at-160-feet-in-the-air-twice-in-one-weekend-11994218] * Riders briefly stuck on Untamed Roller Coaster at Canobie Lake Park [https://www.wmur.com/article/riders-stuck-roller-coaster-canobie-lake-park-nh/71529927] * Ride mechanic says roller coasters are built to fail safely [https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/roller-coasters-built-to-fail-safely/] * People Named Ryan To Take Over Mall Of America For Free Roller Coaster Record Attempt [https://patch.com/minnesota/southwestminneapolis/people-named-ryan-take-over-mall-america-free-roller-coaster-record] * Holiday World teasing huge announcement: 'We've been keeping a secret' [https://www.14news.com/2026/06/11/holiday-world-teasing-huge-announcement-weve-been-keeping-secret/] * unknown - Coolspring Ranch (Mercer, Pennsylvania, United States) [https://rcdb.com/24218.htm] * Tidal Force at Pennsylvania's Largest Amusement Park | Hersheypark [https://www.hersheypark.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/tidal-force] Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction [https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction] Web: https://sidefriction.com [https://sidefriction.com] NXR2BBLGADRGMFVH