Side Friction: Roller Coasters and the Parks They Live In

Side Friction - Episode 142 - "Theme Park No. 1"
August 29th, 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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