Diamond Hearts Theme Parks

We’re baaack! In this episode, I talk about some changes that happened in my life. If you’re here strictly for theme park news and reviews, SKIP TO 20:35. Later in the show, I recap my visit to Dreamscape Immersive. It’s my second VR experience; and while it was drastically different from my first one, I loved it just as much! Lastly, I discuss some exciting news for Universal’s Epic Universe. Nintendo is not the only land bringing their “A” game. Enjoy, and RIP Kobe. Links OrlandoParkStop.com – Universal Classic Monsters at Epic Universe Dreamscape Immersive – Virtual Reality Experience

Are you… a Movie Buff? a Theater Nerd? a Fandom Blerd? a Gamer? a Foodie? a techie? a runner? artsy? You may be surprised at how theme parks can fill your “hobby” cup! Even so, those that are hesitant to jump into uncharted waters usually have the same questions for me. As we start the year with our goals and aspirations, I address the Top 5 hesitations I receive for planning a theme park vacation. Now go ahead and book already! You’ll love it. I promise. This episode originally aired January 12th, 2020 References Disney World Resort Perks – Episode #48 Disneyland Resort Perks – Episode #74

In this episode, I give my movie review of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. Also, I share my most anticipated 2020 theme park attractions AND share my personal goals for the new year (you know…to hold myself accountable and what not). Happy New Year! This episode originally aired on January 5th, 2020!  

In the final episode of 2019, I review my favorite TV series of the year, “The Imagineering Story” on Disney+. SPOILER ALERT! It was incredible. I share my favorite highlights from the series and recommend [what I think are] the most impactful episodes. Later, I look back at and react to my first episode of the year where I anticipate experiencing the new upcoming attractions of 2019…ha. God said, “You thought!” Enjoy! This episode originally aired, December 22nd, 2019

Haunted House? No, Holiday House! Scot Redman, Co-Founder of SnowDay Dallas, joins the show talk about his inspiration to create a fully themed holiday pop up photo experience. Later in the show, Scot shares his top 3 themed locations/lands in the United States! LINKS SnowDay Dallas

It’s a cold one! Martha Neibling, Director of Marketing and Public Relations returns to the show to share all of the holiday festivities taking place at Gaylord Hotels! Later in the show, Camara McCowan from the Weekend Buzz and I review Frozen 2. Did we enjoy it? Here’s a hint: the entire episode is pretty…icy! This episode originally aired December 8th, 2019 Links Christmas at Gaylord Hotels

In this episode, General Manager of The Galleria Dallas Angie Freed joins me to discuss all of the wonderful holiday happenings at the Galleria! This includes lighting celebrations in front of the largest indoor Christmas Tree in the United States! For more information on events at The Galleria, visit galleriadallas.com/holiday This episode originally aired December 1st, 2019

In this episode, Jessica Zazzara joins me to talk about Vitruvian Lights! A dazzling display of colorfully lit trees at Vitruvian Park. As the Event Coordinator for UDR and Vitruvian Park, Jessica discusses the, “flip the switch” lighting ceremony, taking place on November 29th. Enjoy! This episode originally aired on November 24th, 2019    

I’m blown away! In this episode, I give you the Top 5 things I LOVED about The VOID Experience. Go do it! This is episode originally aired on November 17th, 2019. LINKS First Look at THE VOID – VIDEO

Hello November! It’s the month of appreciation and gratitudes. In this episode, I share which movies and TV shows that I’m looking forward to on Disney Plus and share some gratitudes of mine! This episode originally aired on November 10th, 2019

Halloween is upon us! In this episode, I recap my visit to Pumpkin Nights in Arlington, TX. You can also experience this event in Colorado, Utah, and California. Enjoy! This episode originally aired on October 27th, 2019

In this episode, I review and put my “Top 5 Haunted House Tips” to the test at Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano, TX. Enjoy the show! This episode originally aired October 20th, 2019 Links Dark Hour Haunted House – Plano, TX

In this episode, Tristan Gray and Jeridan Jackson join me to review our experience of loading on a bus and shooting zombies in the woods…with paintballs! Enjoy This episode originally aired October 13th, 2019 LINKS Zombie Safari – Cousins Paintball

In this episode, I share my top five tips to get through a Haunted House! I also use the month of October to share the biggest fears I faced when starting Diamond Hearts Theme Parks. Enjoy! This episode originally aired October 6th, 2019

*This was a locally based episode for the KFXR broadcast area in Dallas/Fort Worth on Talk Radio 1190am* In this episode, I give you the BEST pumpkin patches, haunted mazes, and attractions to get you ready for the fall season in the Dallas Fort-Worth Area! This episode originally aired September 29th, 2019 LINKS Pumpkin Patches Autumn at the Arboretum Hall’s Pumpkin Farm –  Grapevine, TX Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch – Flower Mound, TX Storybook Ranch – McKinney, TX Spooky Events Zombie Safari – Forney, TX Cutting Edge Haunted House – Fort Worth, TX Dark Hour Haunted House – Plano, TX Six Flags Fright Fest Presented by Snickers – Arlington, TX

In this episode, I pick my favorite well-themed attractions with a fleshed out storyline..from beginning to end! Enjoy Links PHOTOS – Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Ride Vehicle  This episode originally aired September 15th, 2019  

In this episode, Co-Creator of Black Girl Disney Mia White joins the show to share the struggles of being a southern-based Disney fan and to provide tips to get to the parks more frequently! We also discuss the creation of Black Girl Disney with her co-founder, Dominique Brown and react to more exciting attractions coming to the parks! Enjoy. This episode originally aired September 8th, 2019

In this episode, Emmy Award Winning Host, Emcee, Comedian, and everyone’s favorite Disney Personality, Mark Daniel joins me to unpack the announcements from the D23 Expo’s Parks, Experiences, and Products Panel. Enjoy! This episode originally aired September 1st, 2019

In this episode, Nikky J from ThemeParkHipster.com joins me as we share our hopes, dreams and predictions for the D23 Expo’s Parks, Experiences, and Products Panel (aka Parks and Resorts). Marvel Expansion? New Epcot Pavilions? Will my dreams of a Wakanda Land come true? Not likely. Enjoy! This episode originally aired on August 18th, 2019

In this episode, I share my top 5 screen-based attractions from the Disney and Universal parks! Later, I discuss the two new houses announced for Halloween Horror Nights (queue a terrifying version of, “I Got Five On It” by Luniz…baDUMbum) and some new developments regarding the Disney/Fox acquisition. Enjoy!

A NEW THEME PARK! Universal Orlando has finally announced their 4th park, Epic Universe. What’s going to be included in the new park? Alicia Stella of OrlandoParkStop.com has all of the details. You won’t believe how incredible and revolutionary this new park will be. Enjoy! Links Episode #39 – Hagrid Coaster Details with Alicia Stella VIDEO – Donkey Kong ride off-site testing

In this episode, I update you on the latest HHN and theme park news. Later, I compare the live action Lion King to its 1994 animated counterpart. What worked better in the original? What was improved upon in the 2019 version? Let’s discuss! Links POV – Tron Lightcycle Power Run Ride at Shanghai Disneyland

In this episode, I cover the latest news from the past few weeks and eagerly await an announcement of Halloween Horror Nights newest house. Later, I share my opinion on the Disney community as the changes to the parks creates further divide. Big changes to the parks will be announced soon. Is #distwitter ready to accept change and evolve with the parks? Let’s talk about it! Links Halloween Horror Nights’ Newest House is…… Lighting of the Castle (Skip to 7:10)

In this episode, Disney Bounding Queen and host of the “Afros and Pixie Dust” podcast joins me to talk about the Black Disney Community and why it is so important and necessary for us Disblerds. June also gives the Top 5 Tips for successful Disney Bounds. Enjoy! This episode originally aired July 14th, 2019 Links June’s Disney Bounds!

In this episode, Roller Coaster Enthusiast Matt Cather joins me to rank the top 5 most thrilling attractions at Six Flags Over Texas! If you’re in the DFW area and heading to the park solely for that adrenaline rush, Matt has got you covered. Enjoy! This episode originally aired on July 7th, 2019 Links Six Flags Over Texas – Texas Skyscreamer POV – Must Watch! (Be easy on your watch if your prone to motion sickness)

Inhumane?! Unscrupulous!? #DisTwitter had a field day with these two words last week. If you missed it, I’ll catch you up. Later, Camara McCowan joins me from the Weekend Buzz to rank all four Toy Story films. This was harder than we thought.. they’re all stellar! Enjoy  

In this episode, Hal Lublin and Mark Gagliardi from the “We Got This” podcast join me to pick the Best Mountain attraction at the Disney Parks. This was a blast. Enjoy! Links “We Got This” Podcast with Mark and Hal My Personal Favorite Episodes Ep #1 – Should You Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog? Ep #25 – Best Disney Parks Ride Ep #58 – Best Cereal Mascot Ep #115 – Best Movie Snack Any Clean Slate

In this episode, I talk about the reactions from opening day of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure…and that TEN hour wait! Later in the show, I reveal the 5 most visited water parks in the US. Enjoy! This episode originally aired on June 16

In this episode, I plan two last minute trips to Orlando! The first is a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, and the second is to Universal Orlando Resort. I have park tickets, food, and lodging covered, and I do it all under $500. Technically, I do it all in under $400…but who’s counting!? You. You are. Enjoy! This episode originally aired June 9th, 2019

USA Today released Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM’s ranked list of most visited theme parks in the United States. Later, I go over the hits and misses (if any) of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Enjoy! This episode originally aired on June 2nd, 2019 Links LIST – Most Visited Theme Parks in the United States

*This particular entry is a locally based episode for the KFXR broadcast area in Dallas/Fort Worth on Talk Radio 1190am* In this episode, I find all of the best things to do for us theme park lovers who can’t travel to the parks, but still want our fix! This episode originally aired on May 26th, 2019 Links Leaky Con – Harry Potter Convention Hogwarts Bar Crawl Frozen Broadway Musical  Marvel Universe Live A Kon  Plano Balloon Fest

In this episode, we’re talking Star Wars! Sheldon Stone joins me to discuss all of the things he’s anticipating prior to the opening of Disneyland’s new Star Wars themed land,Galaxy’s Edge. Later in the show, I’ll tell you everything you MUST know before visiting Galaxy’s Edge. Please take heed! It can make the difference between you getting in and/or a wasted trip! Enjoy, and to everyone visiting on opening weekend, have a blast!

In this episode, Brandon Puller joins me to recap and review Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. Magic Mountain currently holds the title for the most roller coasters, and we rode the best of them! We also discuss how the trip highlighted the difference between an amusement park and a theme park. Later in the show, Brandon recaps his experience staying on-site at the Disneyland Hotel. Are the perks worth the price? Tune in to find out! This episode originally aired on May 12th, 2019.

In this episode,I give you my favorite attractions to overcome your fears! Drop rides? Simulators? Coasters? I’ll tell you where to start. Be brave! The best things in life are on the other side of fear. Later in show, Me and Camara McCowan of the Weekend Buzz review Avengers: Endgame (SPOILER WARNING). Enjoy! This episode originally aired May 6th, 2019

In this episode, I catch up on all of the big theme park news releases and announcements from March and April! Attractions Magazine visited Disney Imagineering and it was a fantastic read. Universal is stepping their game up with amazing drone tech. I’ve provided links to the big announcements below. Enjoy. This episode originally aired April 28th, 2019. Links Game of Thrones Studio Tour?!? Attractions Magazine visits Disney Imagineering (MUST READ) Universal’s Fantastic Worlds Layout Details via Theme Park Stop Latest on the Halloween Horror Nights Houses  Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party WATCH THIS drone tech at Universal’s Hogwarts Castle show NOW (Skip to :40)

In this episode, Bernard Puller joins me as we go through the semi-finals results. PLUS an update from Nikky J from ThemeParkHipster.com at Universal Orlando! Later, Kim Ansley joins the show as the champion is revealed in the final showdown! A HUGE thank you to everyone who voted for the “It’s Just the Rare Necessities” Bracket Challenge.

In this episode, the Top 4 is revealed! Comedian and Emmy Award Winning Host Mark Daniel breaks down the contenders, and Bernard Puller joins me to discuss the results! Cast your vote for the “It’s Just the Rare Necessities” Bracket Challenge at ridesoother.com/vote

You voted, votes tallied, and the Top 8 is revealed! In this episode, Bernard Puller joins me to review the results from the, “It’s Just the Rare Necessities” bracket challenge. Cast your vote for the Top 4 at ridesoother.com/vote!

As we prepare for this year’s showdown, enjoy highlights from last year’s Attraction Bracket. Voting starts Monday, March 17th at 8pm CT. 3 Votes per week. Vote at ridesoother.com/vote, or through instagram stories polling at @diamondheartsthemeparks and @diamondgray29 This was so much fun! Thank you to everyone that voted last year and enjoy the show!

Disney gave us ANOTHER giant news dump on Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge! In this episode, I discuss the new developments and few particular (and very intriguing) details on the Millennium Falcon attraction. Enjoy! LinksThe Big Bounce America Tour DatesMillennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Details

Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Details?! Universal’s Hagrid’s Creatures Motorbike Adventure Opening Date?! This year will be amazing for us theme park fans and I can’t wait! Enjoy LinksStar Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Details, Concept Art, Menus and MOREEpcot’s NEW Entry way and Pavilion Concept ArtHagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Construction ImagesUniversal Classic Monsters Land Likely to Appear in Universal’s Fantastic Worlds

In this episode, I discuss the ride details of the rumored Jurassic Park Coaster speculated to open at Universal’s Island of Adventure. Later, I share my favorite single ride lines. Which ones will get you in and out of an attraction with a short wait time? Tune in to find out! LinksRUMORED Jurassic Park Coaster Details

There are some attractions give you a wonderful return on investment…and by investment, I mean your time and patience. Bernard Puller returns to the show to discuss which attractions are worth an hour or maybe even a two hour wait! Enjoy!

In this episode, I react to all of the Disney films nominated for an Oscar at the 2019 Academy Awards! Enjoy

Do you want to take a trip to a world-renowned theme park and don’t know where to start? In this episode, I put the Disney and Universal parks head to head against their coastal counterpart to see which is best for first timers. Enjoy!

In this episode, I share all of the things I’m looking forward to this year. Attractions, expansions, and maybe even a big announcement? I also talk about that Expedition Everest controversy? Hmm. Enjoy!

In this episode, I am joined by Nikki J from ThemeParkHipster.com to recap our favorite theme park moments of 2018! We can’t wait to see what 2019 brings. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

In this episode, I give you the top 5 ways I travel without breaking the bank! Later in the show, I share my first time experience riding Frozen Ever After +NEWS! Enjoy Links Disneyland 2019 After Hours Events

In this episode I speak with Martha Neibling, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Gaylord Texan. We discuss all of the holiday events happening at select Gaylord Hotels across the country. Also, more details are revealed about the Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction at Epcot. Enjoy!

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband Tristan Gray to review both Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Universal’s Aventura Hotel. How do they compare to one another? Enjoy!

In this episode, I share the newly rumored details about Disneyland’s Marvel Land. Walt Disney World announces a new Nature-Themed Resort, and I give my thoughts on the haunted theme-park based movie, Hell Fest. Could it really happen? Enjoy!