ARTICLES POSTED FEBRUARY 2

A New Coaster Drifts Into Universal Orlando Resort

With the demolition of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit and documentation attaching Intamin to its replacement, it is no secret a new roller coaster is on the horizon for Universal Studios Florida (Orlando). An announcement by the resort revealed it will follow in the footsteps of its California property and debut a thrill coaster called Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in 2027. (Posted 2/2/26) [MORE]

Remembering Richard Rodriguez, 1957-2025

World-class roller coaster marathoner Richard Rodriguez has died. He was 67. (Posted 2/2/26) [MORE]

ACE Western Pennsylvania: ACE Holiday Magic 2025

For the last several years, ACE Western Pennsylvania has held ACE Holiday Magic on Thanksgiving weekend, which is a good choice because many people come home for the holidays and are looking for opportunities to meet up with friends at a fun, attractive place. Kennywood is all that and more during its annual Holiday Lights, which this season, ran from mid-November 2025 through January 4, 2026. ACE Holiday Magic combines the best of what Kennywood has to offer plus perks specifically for attendees at the event. (Posted 2/2/26) [MORE]

ACE Pacific Southwest: Gills and Thrills at SeaWorld San Diego

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, ACE’s Pacific Southwest Region hosted its third annual Gills and Thrills event at SeaWorld San Diego (California). (Posted 2/2/26) [MORE]

ARTICLES POSTED JANUARY 26

A Wood Coaster for MagicLand!

Fans of wood coasters and of “firsts” will welcome the news that MagicLand in Valmontone, Italy, will be opening a wood coaster in 2027, the first in the park’s history and the first to operate in Italy since 2007 when Sierra Tonante closed at Mirabilandia. This new coaster won’t be ready in time for ACE’s Rome With ACE trip in 2026 but will make MagicLand, the largest amusement park in central and southern Italy, a much-anticipated destination for future trips. (Posted 1/26/26) [MORE]

ACE Pacific Southwest: Party at the Pier

Coastal living and coaster riding go hand in hand. Beachside roller coaster venues are the envy of the coaster world! Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier (California) is no exception. The pier has been the site of a few different amusement parks since it opened in 1916, and during that time it has hosted several different roller coasters. Pacific Park, the current occupant, has been entertaining those visiting the pier since 1996. The Santa Monica West Coaster roller coaster, built by D.H. Morgan, has been operating since then. (Posted 1/26/26) [MORE]

ACE Digital Event: Adventures in Videography

The Adventures in Videography ACE digital event on January 15 was hosted by the Coaster Con Video Contest Coordinator Luke Fillion, who has been a member of ACE for 18 years and has been coordinator of the contest beginning with Coaster Con 47 in 2025. (Posted 1/26/26) [MORE]

ARTICLES POSTED JANUARY 12

ACE Mid-Atlantic: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Hosts Coastin' Through the Snow 2025

On the morning of December 6, 2025, ACEers gathered at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) for the Mid-Atlantic region’s annual Coastin’ Through the Snow event. A total of 98 attendees were granted complimentary access to the preferred parking lot, and, despite the chilly weather, spirits were high as event check-in began. (Posted 1/12/26) [MORE]

A Digital Event Featuring Clayton Lawrence, Six Flags Entertainment Creative Producer

An ACE digital event on December 18, 2025, featured Six Flags Corporate Producer Clayton Lawrence, who has been working with the entertainment and design area of parks for 21 years. Lawrence spoke about his background, starting as a life guard at California’s Great America (Santa Clara), where he served as a “greeter” to educate guests on the upcoming project, Boomerang Bay. (Posted 1/12/26) [MORE]

From the President

I often hear from ACE’s industry partners about the kindness and gratitude you, our ACE members, show at events, and it makes me very proud. The thank-yous and positive attitudes uplift both those who serve ACE and those who host us, helping to build strong relationships that are essential to our success. ACE could not succeed without our industry partners. (Posted 1/12/26) [MORE]

ARTICLES POSTED JANUARY 5

ACE Europe: Winterfest 2025 at Phantasialand

Phantasialand is one of the most heavily themed parks, not just in Germany but in the world. It’s just a 20-minute train ride south of Köln (Cologne) near the town of Brühl. With its compact footprint, it packs a terrific collection of unique coasters and highly themed areas. (Posted 1/5/26) [MORE]

An Update From the October Executive Committee Meeting

In October, the Executive Committee met in Charlotte, North Carolina, for one of its three annual in-person meetings. These in-person meetings provide valuable opportunities for collaboration that are not fully achievable in a virtual setting. Nine Executive Committee members attended in person, with Robert Ulrich and Chris Tilsley joining via Zoom. ACE’s association manager, Jeffrey Seifert, also attended virtually. A huge thanks was extended to the Executive Committee members for their time and travel. (Posted 1/5/26) [MORE]

Remembering Barbara K. Ranker (1946-2025) and Robert J. Ranker (1943-2025)

After my mom, Barbara Ranker, died, I had no idea that I would be writing a tribute for both of my parents in the same year. My dad, Robert Ranker, passed only two months after my mom. (Posted 1/5/26) [MORE]