Get ready to plunge into the adrenaline-pumping history of roller coasters, amusement parks, and theme parks. From ancient Russian ice slides to the stomach-churning steel giants of today, discover the twisted tales behind iconic rides and learn about the masterminds who turned thrills into a global phenomenon. Buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside the podcast at all times, it’s going to be a bumpy ride… ~ In this episode:   Medieval Festivals Pleasure Gardens Dyrehavsbakken Brakemen A.C.E: American Coaster Enthusiasts Vauxhall The White City Coney Island Russian Mountains (Sliding Mountains) Nicolas Beaujon and the Promenades Aeriennes Centrifugal Railways Lamarcus Adna Thompson, Father of the Rollercoaster The Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway Mauch Chunk Gravity Railroad The Cyclone Tubular Steel The Matterhorn The Formula Rossa The Kingda Ka Disney ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources