The Attractions Group Podcast | Season5, Episode 32
Join Clete Reinberger and David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast as they welcome back Elizabeth Ringas, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).
In this deep-dive episode, we explore the massive lineup of coaster events for 2026, including Coaster Con 49, international adventures like Rome with ACE, and the prestigious ACE Landmark and Centennial Awards.
We discuss the evolution of roller coaster culture, the “Year of the Jack Rabbit,” and the legendary preservation efforts keeping history alive at parks like Seabreeze and Kennywood. Plus, Elizabeth shares her ultimate “backyard coaster” pick and details on her epic 4,100-mile coaster road trip.
Whether you’re a seasoned “thoosie” or a casual rider, this episode is packed with industry insights, travel tips, and a look at the future of the world’s largest coaster enthusiast organization.
🕒 CHAPTERS:
- [00:00] – Intro: Roller Coaster News & The Cincinnati Reds
- [02:37] – Industry Updates: Project Purple, Europa Park, & SeaWorld Lawsuit
- [06:22] – “Dumb Things Guests Do”: The Home Edition & Crazy Refund Requests
- [12:30] – Guest Welcome: Elizabeth Ringas, President of ACE
- [14:24] – The ACE Renaissance: Membership Growth & New Merch
- [19:03] – ACE Leadership: Upcoming Elections & Transition
- [22:04] – Coaster Con 2026: Six Flags New England, Lake Compounce, & Great Escape
- [26:15] – Spring Con: Texas, Frontier City, & National Roller Coaster Museum
- [28:38] – Preservation Con: The Final Sendoff for Wild Waves
- [30:32] – Rome with ACE: International Coaster Adventures
- [35:28] – 2026 ACE Landmarks: Flying Turns & Bobsleds
- [38:24] – Centennial Awards: The Year of the Jack Rabbit
- [43:10] – The Ultimate Backyard Coaster & Elizabeth’s 4,100-Mile Road Trip
- [58:13] – The Great Debate: What Counts as a Roller Coaster?
- [01:03:41] – World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month
🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS:
Elizabeth Ringas & American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE):
- Website: https://www.ridewithace.com/home
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanCoasterEnthusiasts
- Instagram: @ridewithace
- Twitter/X: @aceonlineorg
the Attractions Group:
- Website: https://theattractionsgroup.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAttractionsGroup
- Instagram: @theattractionsgroup
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/attractions_grp
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
- Attractions Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Keywords: Roller Coasters, Theme Parks, American Coaster Enthusiasts, Coaster Con 2026, Amusement Park History, Elizabeth Ringas, Themed Entertainment, Park Operations, Roller Coaster Landmarks, ACE.
#RollerCoasters #ACE #AmericanCoasterEnthusiasts #CoasterCon #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #CoasterEnthusiast #TheAttractionsGroup #ElizabethRingas #RideWithACE #CoasterHistory #Travel #Podcast
Music License for intro music obtained through Pond5 (Shutterstock), Transaction ID: 9453749. Item#209327727 Individual License, Commercial, BMI “Open Road” – 10 second edit Above taken from Certificate receipt, no “License Number” was observed.
