CoasterBuzz Podcast #141 - May 25, 2009

Jeff, Mike and Pat review this week's news in the amusement industry.

• Freestyle marketing, any marketing is an improvement over no marketing. And why are the locals more upbeat on it this year?
• And then there was the lawsuit trying to prevent the park from opening at all based on IP and trademark issues. The park opened anyway.
• Magnum opened 20 years ago, and we agree that it's an important roller coaster in history due to its height and speed.
• A new Kong ride is headed to Universal Studios Hollywood, with 4-D elements. Jeff is not a fan of projection rides.
• Texas state fair wants to compete with Six Flags.
• New Orleans keeps bugging Six Flags, but for what purpose?
• Ghost Town gets a mystery investor.
• Chicago's Kiddieland will close after 80 years, and it seems like the only reason is that one faction of the family thinks the land is better sold.
• Manta opens at SeaWorld Orlando. What makes a good flying coaster? Up high or down low?
• Terminator opens at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and the focus has moved mostly to the theme pieces before the ride.
• Epcot Innoventions scores Disney a million for each exhibit.
• Conneaut Lake sort of opens.
• Cheating the height requirements is something only stupid parents do.
• We appreciate your support of CoasterBuzz by joining the club. It's only $20 per year, and your membership helps support this podcast.
• Jeff completes a three-park tour in eastern PA, and finally gets why enthusiasts love Phoenix so much.