Podcasts about amusement parks

We're taking our taste buds on a weekend adventure around Walt Disney World — from resort bites and zero-proof sips to full-on feasts and sweet endings. We kicked things off Thursday at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, grabbing a bite before heading to Disney Springs for an evening of food and fun. Summer House on the Lake's zero-proof cocktails, like the Pineapple Kick and Sparkling Rosé Lemonade, are perfect examples of how non-alcoholic doesn't have to mean boring, although this trip the pizza did not quite hit the mark. From there, we couldn't resist a stop at Gideon's Bakehouse, where we tried seasonal sweets like the Bride of Frankenstein Cookie, the Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookie, and the PB & Jelly Cake.Friday's lineup was a true flavor rollercoaster. Between lemon pepper chicken tenders at Magic Kingdom and a trip off-property for Benihana's, our taste buds covered just about every texture and temperature possible. Saturday brought one of our favorite types of Disney days — eat, explore, repeat. From Karamel Küche's Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Sandwich to the hearty rolls at Ale & Compass, smoky brisket from The Polite Pig, and Indian-inspired flavors at EET by Maneet Chauhan, the variety was endless. Sunday wrapped things up on the sweetest note possible — cookies from Summer House, a relaxed meal at The Boathouse, and a festive finale at Scat Cat's Café with Ghoulish Beignets and an Agave Garden mocktail that proved Disney's zero-proof game is getting strong.From sugar highs to savory standouts, this weekend reminded us why Disney dining never gets old — there's always something new to taste, try, and talk about on Main Street Magic.

In Georgia, a breakthrough in a 19-year-old amusement park murder. In Philadelphia, the murder of aspiring pageant queen Kada Scott leads to questions for police and prosecutors. Plus, a police precinct in Canada using documentaries to solve cold cases -- including a baby's mysterious death.Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're talking about something maybe every Disney fan should try at least once — visiting Walt Disney World solo. Whether you're a frequent park hopper, a first-timer craving some quiet time, or someone just curious about going it alone, we're diving into the perks and pitfalls of taking on Disney as a one-person party.We break down what makes a solo trip surprisingly magical — and occasionally a little awkward. There's the undeniable freedom to do what you want, from rope-dropping your favorite ride to napping mid-afternoon without guilt. You can go when you want, skip the group chats and calendar juggling, and let spontaneity be your guide. Want to hit every EPCOT festival booth? Go for it. Want to spend two hours just people-watching on Main Street with a Mickey pretzel? Absolutely your call.We'll also explore practical perks like saving money — fewer tickets, fewer meals, fewer souvenir “Can you get me this?” requests — and the all-powerful Single Rider superpower. From Expedition Everest to Test Track to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, being a party of one can mean cutting wait times in half. Even dining can become a breeze when you're the dream guest for last-minute lounge seating or bar-top bites.Of course, it's not all Dole Whips and fireworks. We'll be honest about the lonely moments — the times you wish you had someone beside you to laugh with, share a dessert, or snap that perfect castle photo. Still, for many, the solo Disney trip becomes a form of self-care, reflection, and rediscovery.So grab your MagicBand, pack your confidence, and join us as we explore what it really means to do Disney alone.

In Georgia, a breakthrough in a 19-year-old amusement park murder. In Philadelphia, the murder of aspiring pageant queen Kada Scott leads to questions for police and prosecutors. Plus, a police precinct in Canada using documentaries to solve cold cases -- including a baby's mysterious death.Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full of excitement, adrenaline rushes, thrills, and laughter, the amusement park is a place for fun. But there are a few secrets in these parks that aren't so fun, especially when it comes to our history. — 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, a non-profit Black media company. You make PushBlack happen with your contributions at https://www.BlackHistoryYear.com — most people donate $10 a month, but every dollar makes a difference! Thanks for supporting the work. The production team for this podcast includes Cydney Smith and Len Webb. Our editors are Lance John and Avery Phillips from Gifted Sounds Network. Lilly Workneh serves as executive producer. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you take, do you do rides?

Stupid News 10-20-2025 6am …Ohio looks Outlaw Marriages between People and AI Bots …These Morons Broke into an Amusement Park to Steal What? …He was Trafficking Thousands in Stolen Lego

We're heading down to the bayou for a live, on-site dining review of Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside Resort. This charming quick-service spot is one of our favorite places to slow down, grab a hearty meal, and soak in that peaceful Southern charm — and this time, we brought Stitch along for the adventure!We recorded right from the resort while waiting for our room to be ready, surrounded by the sounds of the Sassagoula River and the steady buzz of resort life. It was the perfect setting for an impromptu food review.We started with the Shrimp and Grits, a classic that hits all the right notes. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, the ham added a smoky punch, and the chardonnay gravy sauce tied everything together beautifully.Next up were the Jerk Barbecue Chicken Strips with Pineapple Salsa, one of several new specialty chicken strip flavors now showing up across Disney property. They were tossed fresh in sauce, topped with pineapple, and served over fries — crispy, tangy, and a little spicy.And of course, we couldn't wrap things up without dessert. The new Hand-Dipped Mickey Premium Bar, coated in white chocolate and topped with salted caramel pearls.If you're staying at Port Orleans Riverside or just stopping by for a bite, Riverside Mill Food Court delivers comfort, flavor, and that unmistakable Disney charm. Join us as we share our favorite bites by the bayou — one delicious dish at a time.

We're heading deep into the wilderness—and the savanna—for another round of Resort Wars, as we pit Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge against Disney's Wilderness Lodge in a Deluxe showdown of epic proportions. These two resorts share the same visionary architect, Peter Dominick, and both are masterclasses in immersive theming, craftsmanship, and storytelling. But which one delivers the stronger experience when it comes to comfort, dining, and Disney magic?From the African-inspired warmth of Animal Kingdom Lodge—with its thatched roofs, sweeping savannas, and authentic art collection—to the rustic majesty of Wilderness Lodge's Pacific Northwest design, this matchup is about atmosphere, emotion, and the little details that transport you. We'll compare everything from the crackling firelight in the grand lobby to the aroma of Boma's breakfast buffet, from serene savanna views to lakeside cabins with private hot tubs.Each round covers key categories like Theming & Atmosphere, Rooms & Comfort, Dining & Drinks, Transportation, Recreation, and Value for Money—plus, we'll share listener votes and personal memories to help declare a clear winner.Whether you're drawn to giraffes or geysers, this episode will help you decide which of these iconic Disney resorts deserves your next stay. Tune in for the storytelling, stay for the friendly debate—because in this Resort Wars, there can only be one Lodge left standing.

Devin & James are back in the Den to start Spooky Season with a 50th anniversary celebration of the HORROR MOVIES OF 1975! We begin by rediscovering the nihilistic classic THE STEPFORD WIVES. Next, we debate if the masterpiece PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK and the underseen THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD are even technically horror movies, or rather films so unique that they defy genre classification. Then we head to the drive-in for the cheestastic THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION. We next examine the taboos of David Cronenberg's disturbing, yet hilarious, SHIVERS. We travel to Spain to explore two bizarre horrors by filmmaker Amando de Ossorio, his final Blind Dead entry, NIGHT OF THE SEAGULLS and the totally unhinged Exorcist "homage" DEMON WITCH CHILD. We round things out with some Satanic Panic in two of the wildest Satanist cult films ever made, the RV road chase nightmare RACE WITH THE DEVIL, starring Peter Fonda and Warren Oates, and THE DEVIL'S RAIN, featuring unhinged performances by William Shatner, Tom Skerrit, John Travolta, and the GOAT, Ernest Borgnine! We also bring other 1975 tricks and treats like BUG, TRILOGY OF TERROR, THE AMUSEMENT PARK, SALO, KISS OF THE TARANTULA, and even DEAFULA! We've packed the candy sack as far as it'll stretch for this episode, so sit back with some witch's brew and enjoy the start of Halloween season with us!!

Support our Halloween “Overcoming the Darkness” campaign to help people with depression: https://weirddarkness.com/HOPEWhen newlyweds accept a brother-in-law's offer of a free honeymoon road trip to California, an unplanned stop at an abandoned amusement park becomes the most terrifying detour of their lives. It's an original story of horror from Brandon Faircloth entitled, “The Honeymoon.”SOURCES and RESOURCES:“The Honeymoon” by Brandon Faircloth from Creepypasta.com: https://tinyurl.com/y7lnrc7vEPISODE PAGE:https://weirddarkness.com/HorrorHoneymoon=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March, 2022ABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#WeirdDarkness #HorrorStory #Creepypasta #AbandonedPlaces #HoneymoonHorror #ScaryStories #TrueHorror #HorrorNarration #NoSleep #ParanormalStories

We're going all the way back to the very beginning — opening day at each of Walt Disney World's four parks — to celebrate the attractions that started it all and are still bringing the magic today. From the charm of 1971's Magic Kingdom lineup to EPCOT's futuristic beginnings in 1982, the movie-magic launch of Disney MGM Studios (Hollywood Studios) in 1989, and the wild debut of Animal Kingdom in 1998, we are ranking the rides, shows, and experiences that have stood the test of time.We'll share opening day stats, fun facts, and a few “did you know?” surprises.It's a nostalgic ride through Disney history and a celebration of the classics that continue to define why we all fell in love with the parks in the first place. Which OG will take the top spot? Tune in to find out!

In this episode Randy wants some meat, Clayton has been standing outside, Barney is thinking what you're thinking, and Coral needs a healing retreat. The Plot... Thickens!

We head to Magic Kingdom for a night of spooky fun at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025! This is one of our favorite events of the year, and this season felt bigger, brighter, and somehow even more magical than before. From the moment we stepped through the fog and heard that “Boo to You” parade music drifting down Main Street, we knew we were in for a night packed with tricks, treats, and a whole lot of fun.But first, we tried the return of Salt & Straw's Tacolate (yes, a chocolate taco filled with cinnamon-ancho ice cream!) and every spooky limited time treat from Everglazed, including the Nutella Boston Scream, Haunted Hour, and Spooky Tombstone, and we even grabbed the limited-edition Chai Sugar Showgirl Cupcake from Sprinkles — a Taylor-inspired treat that might just steal the show.Then on to MNSSHP, where we break down everything you need to know before heading to the party yourself — from ticket details and arrival times to the best tips to help you make the most of your evening. We share when to grab your wristbands, how to beat the candy lines, and which characters you'll want to prioritize early before their queues fill up. And of course, we talk all about the incredible entertainment lineup — from the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington, to the Boo-To-You Parade (complete with the Headless Horseman), and the always entertaining Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular with the Sanderson Sisters.We also talk costume comfort tips (Florida heat, anyone?), and give our best advice for making the most of those precious five hours of Halloween magic. Grab your candy bag and your Mickey ears — it's time to Boo-to-You right along with us!

This Halloween, jump into the eerie tale of Elmer McCurdy—a true crime deep dive into urban legends and America's carnival underbelly. In 1976, a seemingly innocuous Halloween haunt took a terrifying turn when a “mannequin” on a Long Beach dark ride wasn't a prop—it was a real human corpse. In 1976, a TV crew at The Pike's Laff in the Dark discovered human bone after a stunt arm snapped. Forensics exposed arsenic embalming, a copper bullet jacket, and a 1924 penny with old carnival tickets—breadcrumbs that led to Elmer McCurdy, a bungling Oklahoma train robber killed in 1911. For more than six decades, his body was bought, sold, and exhibited in sideshows and roadside museums, then misfiled as a prop and hung on a ride—until investigators finally confirmed the truth and laid him to rest under concrete in Guthrie (1977).This is a true-crime deep dive into America's carnival underbelly, the commodification of death, and how an outlaw became the Funhouse Mummy.Inside this episode:The 1976 discovery at The Pike: the moment the “dummy” bled clues—arsenic, bullet jacket, 1924 penny, tickets.McCurdy's final heist (1911): the botched robbery, the posse's shot, and an undertaker who wouldn't release the body.The carnival con: how promoters “claimed” the corpse and rebranded it coast-to-coast for decades.Forensic ID & burial (1977): the paper trail that ended with concrete sealing a grave in Guthrie, Oklahoma.Ethics & aftermath: why outlaw mummies vanished—and what the case says about spectacle vs. dignity.If you're searching funhouse mummy, Elmer McCurdy, Long Beach funhouse corpse, The Pike Laff in the Dark, outlaw mummy Oklahoma, arsenic embalming, sideshow history, or a true crime podcast about real “haunted” carnivals, this episode is your map. Follow and share for spooky-season specials all October.We're telling that story tonight.

Amusement parks are enduring vacation destinations for American families. The rides, the long lines for rides, the concessions, the long lines for concessions — these are practically familial rites of passage. Theme parks are also enormous moneymakers, with industry leaders such as Disney and Universal earning billions of dollars each year from their parks.In this episode, Gilbert Cruz chats with Brooks Barnes, who writes about show business (including theme parks), and Mekado Murphy, a film editor and thrill-seeker who reports on roller coasters. They talk about the state of the contemporary amusement park and the ups and downs of roller coasters around the world.On Today's Episode:Mekado Murphy is the assistant film editor for The New York Times, and its unofficial roller coaster correspondent.Brooks Barnes covers Hollywood for The New York Times.Background Reading:Riding Your Way Through Epic UniverseSee the Real Live Man Who Grew Up in a CarnivalPhoto: Business Wire/Associated Press  Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

We're stepping straight into the fog at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2025. From August 29th through November 2nd, HHN returns with 10 haunted houses, 4 sinister scare zones, pulse-pounding live shows, and a menu of spooky bites and drinks you'll only find at the event.We'll walk you through this year's lineup, including heavy-hitter IPs like Five Nights at Freddy's, Terrifier, Jason Universe, and Fallout, along with original houses that promise some of the most creative scares of the season. Plus, we'll share tips on tickets, Express Passes, and the best strategies to make the most of your night.Hungry for more than frights? We'll also dig into HHN-exclusive food and drink offerings — from pizza skulls and Death by Cheese Stick to churro “paint palettes” and sinister mocktails. Whether you're planning your first trip or you're a fog-season veteran, this episode is your survival guide to conquering Halloween Horror Nights 2025.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the closing of Riverview Amusement Park, the Cubs’ pennant win of 1945, the birth of the Sarah Lee Bakery, and more.

This week we're hitting rewind and bringing back one of my favorite episodes from last year — just in time for spooky season.I was joined by James and Shannon, who have been hosting elaborate themed Halloween parties for their family and friends for more than a decade. We talked all about how they pick a theme, plan and design the décor, send out invites, and put together food and drinks — all while keeping everything budget-friendly.If you're looking for inspiration for your own Halloween bash, curious about the behind-the-scenes planning, or just love hearing creative traditions, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and festive fun.So grab your pumpkin spice latte, light a candle, and enjoy this throwback conversation with James and Shannon.

Hey everyone! Im sorry ive been gone so long! I included an update at the end with my thoughts on the story. I hope you like the story, let me know what you think! Special thanks to RomNex, DusklightRadio, SpiritVoices, yenx0 for joining me in this video! We Discovered Something Horrifying at Our Favorite Amusement park (Mayhem Mountain by C.K Walker) https://ck-walker.com/2016/04/12/mayhem-mountain-2/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey everyone! Im sorry ive been gone so long! I included an update at the end with my thoughts on the story. I hope you like the story, let me know what you think! Special thanks to RomNex, DusklightRadio, SpiritVoices, yenx0 for joining me in this video! We Discovered Something Horrifying at Our Favorite Amusement park (Mayhem Mountain by C.K Walker) https://ck-walker.com/2016/04/12/mayhem-mountain-2/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you into your trivia? Calling all connoisseurs of cryptic to the ONLY quiz played live, all around Australia...Join the host of Weekend Nightlife Suzanne Hill for The History Quiz! 

Joining the London Horror Movie Club this week is Colin Corcoran of the UK branch of the George A Romero Foundation. We talk all things Romero from "Night of the Living Dead" through "Diary of the Dead", dive into the Romero archives, which include unfinished or never-produced scripts and lesser-known films like "The Amusement Park", which is coming out as a graphic novel. If you are a Romero fan, this is definitely one for you, but there are also great film recommendations, fun stories, thoughts on remakes and reboots, and films for your Halloween watch list.

We're heading down the bayou for a sibling showdown as Port Orleans Riverside takes on Port Orleans French Quarter in the latest round of Resort Wars. These two charming Moderates may share a name and a boat to Disney Springs, but when it comes to theming, food, amenities, and overall vibe—they couldn't be more different. We walk through seven battle rounds, comparing everything from room layouts and transportation to pool fun, recreation options, and value for your hard-earned vacation dollar. French Quarter brings that cozy, jazz-filled energy with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and of course—those famous Mickey-shaped beignets. Riverside answers back with lush walking paths, Royal Guest Rooms, and the fan-favorite Yeeha Bob at River Roost Lounge. Along the way, we'll share our own experiences at both resorts, a few personal preferences, and what we think makes each one special. We also reveal the results from your votes in our Facebook poll—because this battle isn't just about us…it's about the whole Main Street Magic community. So grab your floatworks beignet or your fishing rod from Ol' Man Island, and let's settle this once and for all.

We're counting down our favorite places to watch “Happily Ever After” without ever setting foot inside Magic Kingdom. Whether you're skipping the park for the night, looking for a more relaxed vibe, or just want to enjoy the fireworks with a Dole Whip in hand — we've got you covered.We'll walk you through our Top 5 viewing spots, from beaches and marinas to resort rooftops and private fireworks cruises, including one often-overlooked honorable mention that offers peaceful charm and piped-in music. For each spot, we share the best angles, when to arrive, and what to grab for snacks or drinks before the show begins. Plus, if you're staying at one of these resorts, we've got extra tips to make your viewing experience even better — including which rooms offer a chance at in-room magic.And of course, we wrap it up with our #1 pick — a splurge-worthy option that puts you right on the water with unbeatable views and synchronized audio.So join us as we go beyond the park gates and still catch all the fireworks feels. This is one magical countdown you won't want to miss.

We're unpacking the latest from our recent trip with some good old-fashioned mousekeeping and several updated dining reviews,. We'll touch on the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour, a tip for fixing your MagicBand to access your room, plus a shoutout to Cast Member Madeline for spreading some serious magic at the Polynesian.Then it's all about the food. We've got a Wailulu Bar update on fries, a tasty pineapple-coconut bread breakfast, and a trip back to Beak & Barrel featuring poblano corn griddle cakes and skull mugs.We also stopped by Connections Eatery to try the French Onion Burger, which just might surprise you. We head over to ‘Ohana for the classic all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner experience with our thoughts on wings, dumplings, noodles, and the beloved bread pudding. Finally, we sit down for lunch at Tiffins, sampling coconut-ube cauliflower soup, lobster mac and cheese, and their signature burger—plus the new to us Roasted Street Corn Tres Leches dessert.It's a jam-packed episode full of updates, laughs, and food worth planning your next trip around.

We've well and truly kicked off season 7 in style as we welcome our first guest onto the show - IAAPA Board Chairman, Massimiliano Freddi. In this episode, Paul sits down with Massimiliano Freddi, the first Italian to ever hold the role of IAAPA Chairman in the association's 107-year history. From his early dream of running a theme park to founding Wonderwood and shaping Italy's unique attractions landscape, Massi shares how passion, storytelling, and a people-first mindset continue to drive his vision for the industry. Skip The Queue is back for Season 7 and we're announcing some big changes! Get ready for new hosts, a fresh new look, weekly content and find out where you can catch us live at events to be part of the action.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn, or Bluesky for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcast.Competition ends on 24th September 2025. The winner will be contacted via LinkedIn or Bluesky. Show references:  https://iaapa.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddi/Massimiliano Freddi  a leading figure in the amusement and entertainment industry, has been appointed president of the steering committee of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the leading international association for attractions and theme parks) for 2025. This is the first time since the foundation of the World Association of Attractions (1918) that this position has been entrusted to an Italian.The appointment underscores his extensive experience and significant contribution to the global industry. Freddi brings a wealth of experience gained at some of the industry's most prominent companies. His career began in marketing and press office for the Italian market at Disneyland Paris. He subsequently joined Leolandia.A visionary entrepreneur, in 2018, Massimiliano Freddi founded Wonderwood, an adventure and amusement park for all ages, of which he is currently CEO, in his hometown of Trarego Viggiona, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region on Lake Maggiore. This growing business has redeveloped several local facilities and provided employment to several young residents of the small towns in the area. His passion for the sector also extends to academia. Since 2016, he has been a member of the coaching staff of Seth Godin's Altmba and is a professor of marketing and experience design at IULM University in Milan. At the same university, where Italy's first course in theme park and attraction management was introduced, he teaches subjects such as consumer experience, marketing, and soft skills as an adjunct professor. Freddi was also one of the original founders of Parksmania, the first newspaper dedicated to amusement parks.Freddi will continue to bring his innovative vision and deep industry knowledge to the global association, helping shape the future of attractions internationally. Regarding Italy, he commented that he sees great potential and wants to help realise it. Transcriptions:  Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best visitor attractions and the people that work in them. I'm Paul Marden, along with my co-hosts Andy Povey and Sinead Kimberley, I spend my days working with ambitious attractions like theme parks, museums, galleries, and science centres to help them to attract more guests. Paul Marden: Today on Skip the Queue, I'm joined by someone who has been shaping the attractions industry in truly remarkable ways. Massimiliano Freddi is the first Italian ever to hold the role of chairman in IAAPA's 107-year history. A milestone that not only celebrates his career, but also shines a light on Italy's growing influence in the global attractions landscape. Massimiliano has worn many hats across his journey, from fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a Theme Park Managing Director at just 28, where he grew guest numbers from 300,000 to over 800,000, to founding his own destinations like Wonderwood on Lake Maggiore and Wonderwood Spina Verde, overlooking Lake Como. Along the way, he's pioneered inclusive and eco-conscious practices, championing the power of storytelling and shown how attractions can thrive by creating meaningful experiences for every guest.Paul Marden: Beyond his leadership roles, Massimiliano is also a Professor of Marketing and Experience Design at IULM University in Milan, where he's passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent in our sector. Often described as both a dreamer and a doer, he brings together vision and practicality in a way that continues to inspire operators around the world.Paul Marden: Massimilliano, welcome to the show. It really is a pleasure to have you with us. We always start Skip the Queue and the kickoff of season seven, no less, is going to be no different. We always start with an icebreaker question. And I'm thinking back to, we're just back off of our summer holidays, aren't we? For your perfect holiday, would it start with planes, trains or driving.Massimiliano Freddi: Oh, that's a beautiful question. By the way, congratulations because you've pronounced Massimiliano in a very correct way. So that's unusual. I have a complicated name. I know, I know.Massimiliano Freddi: Hey, I would say train. Train is really, really part of the way that I love to travel with. And unfortunately, too often it happens by car, which I like a little bit less. I get dizzy, you know, and stuff. Train is my ultimate, ultimate way to travel.Paul Marden: I did a sleeper train to Scotland a couple of years ago, and it was amazing. I absolutely loved it. And what's brilliant is there's more of those sleeper trains hitting Europe, aren't there now? So there really is very few excuses for us not to be holidaying with the start with some elegant sleeper train. My only disappointment was that there was no murder on the train, so I couldn't have an Agatha Christie style novel themed around my train  journey, but uh, you know.Massimiliano Freddi: I mean, I mean, it could have been the Hogwarts Express, but apparently, it doesn't run every day, so.Paul Marden: That would be pretty cool as well. I've just come back from Edinburgh, actually, and we saw, you know, the viaduct where the train goes to Hogwarts, and completely unplanned, there was a steam train that went over the bridge whilst we were there. It was amazing.Massimiliano Freddi: Happy go lucky.Paul Marden: Yeah. So enough of my holidays. Let's kick off talking about you and IAAPA. What can international markets learn from attractions in Italy? Tell us a little bit about the attractions landscape over there in Italy at the moment.Massimiliano Freddi: Yes. So let's say that the attraction landscape is very similar, somehow, to how the restaurants or the retail landscape has always been, which means a lot of mom and pop stores. And I think that what people who travel to Italy love is to find something that is one of a kind that you can find only in Italy. I have a deep respect for Starbucks, but I'm always... questioning myself, you know, when somebody comes to Italy, do they really want to find Starbucks? Is this a real thing? So when it comes to parks and attractions, Italy has not faced a big concentration in players like it has happened in other countries. Of course, some big players are there. Parques Reunidos owns Mirabilandia, which is the second most important Italian park. And the most important Italian park is Gardaland, owned by Merlin Entertainment. Then we have a few other groups. Owning and operating some of the facilities, but let's say that, out of 250 parks between—or, you said, attractions— that's very correct now, if we talk about attractions, now the number is endless, because where is the border?Paul Marden: What is an attraction? Yeah, that's a big philosophical question.Massimiliano Freddi: Okay, okay, so let's say that, once upon a time, we used to count parks. So when we talk about parks, we have roughly 250 parks in Italy, and most of them are tiny, tiny, tiny, and they are independently owned. That's my case. I own and operate two parks right now, and I'm about to open, a third location that will be an indoor one this November. And so, yes, I think that what what others can learn from Italy i think is to keep this respect for your roots and to make sure that you don't make every attraction look like another one, but you kind of keep it, you know, different.Massimiliano Freddi: And so it's a matter of the mix of how people can have fun and get entertained. But it's really also about retail and about food and about shows and festivals and you name it, you know. So there are these places that we see on Instagram and immediately we say, oh, that's, I mean, when I see a picture of the Empire State Building or of the Tower Bridge. I know immediately where it belongs to. And so I think that, with attractions, we need to think in the future always about this. Guests coming to visit us, they want to have the ultimate experience and they want to have something that's different from anything they've done before. So this is the responsibility we have.Paul Marden: And a big one it is. Let's talk a little bit about the experience economy. And especially when we think about, you know, beyond the parks, there's this... massive ecosystem around the outside of different ways that people can enjoy themselves. What does that experience economy mean to you, especially in Italy?Massimiliano Freddi: The experience economy, first of all, it truly matters to me, the book. Because in 1999, it was once upon a time, it was really difficult to find literature and scientific literature on the leisure industry. And so I think that at that time, we thought that everybody could take inspiration from the attractions industry. And it has happened because right now. Yes, definitely. You know, food is experience and travel is experience and lodging is experience. You name it, you name it. You know, even there is also a funeral house in Italy, which has become very famous because they are really based on the experience they will give, you know, not to the people who passed away, unfortunately, you know, but the people remain. So I think that it's very hard now to find an industry that doesn't think, that we are in the experience economy and that everything should be experienced and experiential. And so I think that when I go back to my example, I think that we as attractions, we need to be even more wise in how we choose to present ourselves and what we cater to our guests.Massimiliano Freddi: Because of course, we need to raise the bar. So right now, we know that some access... And some services to our attractions have become better with technology. But still, we are, you know, long lines sometimes. And we feel we are paying too much for what we are getting back.Massimiliano Freddi: I would say that in the end, experience economy starts with people and ends with people. And so we need to be people-centric. And only like this, we can be truly experiential. I don't think that an experience is about technology.  It's always, always about people.Paul Marden: Absolutely. I wonder as well, I'm always struck by this industry, how close we are, how we collaborate with one another. And really, the competition aren't the other parks or attractions. The competition is getting people out and doing something. There are so many things at home that could keep you at home, getting you out and about and visiting places and enjoying those experiences. I wonder whether collaboration is the answer to this.Massimiliano Freddi: I think you nailed it because it's crucial. Everybody who has not been working for this industry, when they enter the industry, because they might change jobs, everybody is so surprised that we collaborate so heavily. And I think that a key to this success has always been this big collaboration. I have almost always in my career been part of smaller facilities. And to me, IAAPA and the associations were, it's been crucial, you know, because you are alone. Very, very often your facility is in the middle of nowhere. No matter if you're part of a big group, because even big groups have facilities in the middle of nowhere, but for family-owned and operated attractions, that's almost the golden rule.Massimiliano Freddi: And so there are so many days in your life, in your career, in your profession, where you would benefit strongly from talking to somebody else who's been through something like you before and who's found a different solution and who can open up your eyes. So I think that's the beauty of our industries is getting together. Again, if we don't get together, how can we make people get together?Paul Marden: Yeah, I'm very excited about getting together because I've got my first IAAPA in Barcelona coming up. And I'm very excited about what this is going to be like.Massimiliano Freddi: Oh, you will be blown away.Paul Marden:  I can't wait. I absolutely can't wait. Now, look. Someone has once described you as a dreamer and a doer. One of your dreams was to be managing director of a theme park. Where did that inspiration come from?Massimiliano Freddi: So it comes from a terrible childhood. And so it comes from the fact that, yeah, the world around me when I was a kid was not a positive world. And my family had a lot of troubles. And I'm an orphan from the side of my mother. I mean, I went through several things. And so I think that the attractions industry, to me, it really meant this place that's always happy and where grownups can really take great care of kids and kids at heart.Massimiliano Freddi: So I think that my passion came out of that. Now, dreaming and doing, of course, we all have as a big myth and as a reference, Walt Disney himself, and he was the guy who first said, 'Dreamers and doers' talking about, what enterprises, so his imagineers. I think that whenever I see something, I want to say something. Everybody who knows me knows pretty well. But it means that I love to see the world in a constant improvement. So, if I check in at a hotel and I see that there is something in there that, you know, it even doesn't impact me. But with a small step, they could make it better and fix it. I just share it and I share it, you know, wherever I am. And so I think that maybe this was a bit of my secret weapon because I got involved in several things. I think because I'm curious and maybe because I'm generous in sharing.Massimiliano Freddi: And I don't know if there is a secret there. There is just that in the moment in which you accept yourself the way you are and you acknowledge that you have some talents, and you don't have some others, and some skills you can get better, some others no way—okay. I could never never be an attorney, I could never do a lot of jobs on the planet, but now I know, at the age of 44, that I know what I'm good at, and even if I'm good at that, I want to constantly improve. So I think that maybe the support that I could bring to the table to the companies I've worked for, to the associations, to my own business, and so on, it's always been this obsession with constant improvement every day.Paul Marden: I think it takes a certain vulnerability, doesn't it? To spot something that you think can be improved and to offer a suggestion. And I think it's so valuable. I was at an attraction recently and I got the email at the end of the day, saying, 'How was it?' Please leave us a review. I went to click it and it didn't work. I knew the head of marketing, so I just pinged him off a quick email that just said, 'Oh, I had such a brilliant time but I couldn't leave you a review. I wanted to give you a brilliant review, but I couldn't do it because it didn't work. And that led them to go and look at all of their outbound emails, and none of them were working properly. But you know, you could walk by and just leave that alone. But I can't do it. However, it is sometimes does make you feel really awkward, couldn't you? But when I get great services in a restaurant, when somebody looks after me while at an attraction, I want to tell them how good it was, and if I can see something they can do better, I want to tell them what they could do.Massimiliano Freddi:  Totally, totally. And I'm so much on the same page. I was about to say that it's equally important to call people out when they're doing well.Paul Marden: Yeah.Massimiliano Freddi: So to make sure that they are aware. And sometimes, you know, to say there was one day where I travelled during a bank holiday, and I arrived at the entire bank holiday, and I arrived to the airport, and I decided I wanted to thank each and every employee that I would meet because they were there that day. I mean. We got used that Sundays are no longer Sundays, but the bank holidays, these are the moments in which you spend time with your family and with your kids and so on. And if you're there and you're working, I mean, it's good that somebody sees you and tells you, 'Hey, thank you because you're working even today, you know?' And you can tell how everybody gets surprised. So I think that we learn so much more by positive reinforcement.Massimiliano Freddi: And so how important it is also to tell attractions, facilities, managers, CEOs. I mean, CEOs, they are so used to just getting... I can't use swear words. Yes, you can. Under those kind of storms, you know, all the time, all the time. And so when a CEO does something good, come on, let's tell her.Paul Marden: Yeah, it's a really lonely job. And all you get is... is the spankings and the tellings off. Isn't it? So when they get it right, they definitely need a pat on the back because they're not going to get it. They're not going to get it. So I can't believe this. At the age of 28, you made your dream come true and you were managing director of a theme park in Italy for Minitalia, which became Leolandia, in this role you took guest numbers from 300, 000 guests a year to over 800,000.Paul Marden: Tell us that story. How do you so dramatically increase footfall at the attraction?Massimiliano Freddi: I don't think it was me. I think it was a great teamwork because it's a great teamwork, you know, and you can grow this much. If your operation is working very well, if your safety is right on spot, if the park is clean, you know, and so on. I can tell you one thing that when we were at the basic level, so at the very beginning, of course, we couldn't afford to buy big attractions or too heavily themed. And we needed really, I remember that the first Halloween, we had a 10K budget, 10,000 euro budget for a whole month of Halloween. Okay, so we would go to the do-it-yourself stores and buy brooms and build everything. I mean, that was a magical moment because it created the capability of the team to envision that, if you want, you can do with the things you have. And of course, with a huge budget, you can do fantastic things.Massimiliano Freddi: But sometimes, you know, this helps. So in that moment... TripAdvisor was a true success still. We're talking about 20 years ago. So TripAdvisor was kind of the reference. That's even before Google Maps and all that. So I remember that I did an analysis and I understood that every restaurant or park who had over 4. 5 out of 5 was growing. And having 4 out of 5 was not enough. Now we call it NPS, we call it a different way. But there, in this practical way, so I remember this moment with my team saying, 'Hey, we need to be obsessed with getting five stars.' And this is the point. So what can we do? First of all, we can have the cleanest toilets on earth. Let's make sure that the smell is good, they are super clean, and so on. Because people, that's a level of service. Of course, this is not a driver of visit, but this is a driver of satisfaction. And in the same way, let's start to work with better suppliers when it comes to food and beverage.Massimiliano Freddi: Let's start to make things more comfortable. So I think that this was the first thing. The second aspect, again, it's very much linked to IAAPA because I think that attending the show every year and knowing the people. At that time, Jakob Wahl, he used to be one of the employees of IAAPA in Brussels. I don't think he was a manager at the time yet. He was in charge of keeping relationships with members. So I reached out to him. We are the same age. I reached out to him and I said, 'Hey, I would love to visit a few facilities in other countries because I need to get fresh ideas.' It was a very delicate moment. We came out of two bad seasons due to bad weather. Because then you know, you don't go from here to here as a straight line, but always as this roller coaster. And in a moment you think, 'Oh, I made it.' There's a dip.Paul Marden: Yeah.Massimiliano Freddi: You can never sleep. And so he put me in contact with several facilities. I visited some in Belgium, in the Netherlands, and in the UK. And in the UK, I visited this, at that time, small park still called Paulton's Park. You might know that. I remember it was a weekday with bad weather and the parking lot was packed. And I was like, 'How comes?' Kids are not at school today. What is the point? I enter the park. The park is, yeah, not so crowded. So I really suspect that they are, you know, keeping the people all shut down together in a place. I don't know. I don't know what the point was. And then I enter the Peppa Pig's World.Massimiliano Freddi: And it blows my mind. And again, what blows my mind is that it didn't have any huge attraction. But it had that feeling. And people were just so happy. It was magic. Little kids there with their families, a lot of strollers all over the place, traffic jams due to strollers. And so I came back and I said, 'Hey, we need to get Peppa Pig.' And I remember that the team was like, 'It can't happen.' It has happened. In the end, we were the second park in the world after Paulton's Park to get Peppa. And that reshaped the entire strategy of the park we had at that time, turning it into what we wanted to achieve, is to become the best park for the kids under the age of 10 in Southern Europe. And best means really the best, rated from the bottom of the heart. And so this is what has happened. So I think that, you know, before Leolandia, I had worked for Disneyland Paris and I'm a big Disney fan. So that was kind of the school I had attended and I just had to apply. The theory that I've learned, I had to apply it, and I had a fantastic team and the resources to do that.Paul Marden: Amazing. Now, fast forward to 2018, and you've taken the step from MD to founder and founded Wonderwood on Lake Maggiore. Now, let's test my Italian. You've also founded Wonderwood Spina Verde. Massimiliano Freddi: I'm speechless. I can't correct anything.Paul Marden: Wonderful. Overlooking Lake Como, both of which, by the way, were... So I've been to Maggiore and Lake Como for my honeymoon. So a beautiful, beautiful place. And you've put two parks there. How has that been?Massimiliano Freddi:  It has been crazy. So I remember that the first year, and I mean, we created the company at the end of 2018. We've opened our gates in the summer of 2019. Now, if we all remember what has happened at the beginning of 2020.Paul Marden: Yeah.Massimiliano Freddi: Okay, so perfect timing. Now, I can tell you that the first season, every day, I would literally cry, but for real.Massimilliano Freddi: I was exhausted. My husband was exhausted. We thought that this was a nightmare, the worst possible nightmare. And if somebody had knocked on my door and asked me, 'Hey, could I just take it over?' I don't give you a penny. I will just take home the loans. I would have said yes. And that's because, of course, every project is over budget. Of course. No matter. No matter.Massimiliano Freddi: And when it's a family company and you don't have the money because you've contracted several loans and so on, it makes it super, super difficult. So in that moment, my call for action was because the possibility of Lake Maggiore was in the town where I spent every summer as a kid. So it was a love story. And I wanted to give back to the community. I wanted to do something in the nature that would inspire kids to hike more. To become more active and just not only to stay in front of a screen, but to do something different. So that came out of this kind of dream. And so it was a nightmare. It was a nightmare at the very beginning. Then COVID hit and we were very lucky, of course, because we didn't lose anyone from our families and friends. So I am very thankful for that. And at the same time, it gave us the possibility to stop for a second, rewind, and refine our strategy.Massimiliano Freddi: Because we had just closed the park in, I mean, the week before Christmas, and we were supposed to reopen in less than three months, but we were exhausted. So I'm telling this story because usually it's so nice to tell that the triumphs, you know, and say, 'Hey, it's been fantastic.' Yeah, we nailed it. We had, no, we made 200 mistakes.Massimiliano Freddi: And we paid for all the mistakes. So I think that in that moment, yeah, we were struggling at the beginning. We were reflecting in the middle part. And then three years ago, two to three years ago, I woke up one morning and I understood that I really loved what I was doing. And it had changed. It had changed. And seeing so many families happy and so many people visiting and seeing... How many young professionals or students started to work with us and then you see them leaping? I think that this is the most beautiful thing on earth. It's very empowering. So right now I'm in this situation where I am so grateful for this entire six years, even if they started in a way that was very, very heavy. But, you know, the Latins used to say 'per aspera ad astra.' It means... 'towards the stars through the asperities.' And so we need to go through that thing, that tunnel.Paul Marden: Absolutely. Now, as if founding your own parks wasn't enough, you also mix your time as a professor at the university. I can hear from what you were talking about, about bringing the young professionals into the park, that there's an element to you of apprenticeship almost, of teaching that next cohort of people that are going to come and take over the world.Paul Marden: How exciting is that for you to be able to mix that in at the university?Massimiliano Freddi: It's fantastic. It's fantastic. And again, it came out of passion. It came out. I didn't do a PhD after my university. My career wasn't supposed to be the academic one. And I didn't trust I would be able to do that. And then I got called for a lecture, then two lectures, and three lectures. And then, right now, I have several courses at university.Massimiliano Freddi: There's a point. The point is that, if we meet between our age of 14, 14, 15, until our 25, and if we narrow it down, it's between maybe 16 and 22, this is the moment in which it's more important to meet some mentors. And most of us don't meet mentors. They meet nice people around them, giving them very nice advice based on their experience and not seeing the talents they have in front of them. And in several cases, we are scared. We think that we are not enough. And so I really think that it's such a huge privilege for me to be able to be at university and to meet so many hundreds of students every year and to try to make my small impact so that, first of all, they can believe in themselves and they can believe that the world can be a better place, even if right now it's kind of a tough moment. But from tough moments, again, we can learn things.Massimiliano Freddi: Even at IAAPA, one of the things that I really am passionate more about is what are the spaces we can create for young professionals and students. So I want to give two very short examples. The IAAPA Foundation has evolved a lot over the last few years. We were able to collect so many more donations.Massimiliano Freddi: And now, this year, it will be a record-breaking year when it comes to scholarships to which students can apply in universities around the globe. So I think that's... But to me and to all of us in the board of the IAAPA Foundation, that's like the starting point. We are here celebrating because it's a big achievement and then we look each other in the eyes and say, 'Okay, now what's next?' Now, how can we make sure that the impact is even bigger? And if we go on the side of IAAPA, I think we are very... We pay a lot of attention to make sure that the membership fees are very low for the people entering. The word of leisure. Just a few weeks ago, it got launched on the IAAPA job board that whoever has a company and wants to post an internship, that's free to post. So that, you know, there could be thousands of internships available for students.Massimiliano Freddi: Of course, as a big association, we are used to talk to members and maybe older members because we visit facilities and we visit manufacturers and we need to deal with safety and stuff. But students and young professionals are not on the back of my head. They are like near and dear to my heart. And so my real question is: when this year ends in a couple of months, how can I dedicate myself even more to contribute to young people? Because I think that they are making a change. They will make a change. And we are learning so much from them because the work we are leaving you and me right now. I have bad news. It's no longer our world. We don't have the code to decode that. So we don't have the keys. We can just support people that are better than us and make sure that they can live, that they can teach, that they can learn.  That's a bit of what I see.Paul Marden: I completely agree with you. I think it's interesting because you talk about what you're giving, but you're also getting something back. This is not entirely altruistic, is it? The support that you're giving for these young people and early career professionals, you're getting something back, enriching yourself and learning new things from them.Massimiliano Freddi: Always, always. And I think that, you know, I don't always teach. Market leisure marketing and stuff— you know, I teach marketing at a at a Master's Degree in Management of Beauty and Wellness, total different industry, you know, food and wine. As I was telling, but what I bring home every time is how much young people need to feel seen and, and this is truly important because if we create for them not a safe zone, because of course we want them to get messy. We want them to take risks, but they need to feel safe as humans and they need to feel safe as seen. And so I appreciate a lot this because then the energy that I... And you know, when we talk about IAAPA, we have so many ambassadors that have been contributing to the IAAPA trade shows and events all over the globe. We have young people joining the committees.Massimiliano Freddi: Right now, there are a few, more than a few young professional task forces around the globe that are really helping us, old people, to understand what they need. So I think that we are at the very beginning. And if I could say a dream out loud, I wish that IAAPA in five or ten years, maybe in five years, can multiply the number of young engaged people in the association by 100. 10 is not enough. 20 is by 100. We need to make an impact. And I think we want to make an impact. So hopefully.Paul Marden: Well, there's an ambition for you. And I think every... worthwhile project— every it always starts with that kind of ambitious goal— at the very beginning of it you need to be driven by that  hundred times impact not the 10 times impact we we always like to finish our interviews with a book recommendation, fiction, non-fiction, industry-related or not, give us a view uh into your reading habits, okay, so can I mention more than one book? You bankrupt me because I always offer the book recommendation as a prize for people, but you can have more than one.Massimiliano Freddi: Okay. Okay. Thank you because I'm a big reader. So the first author that I would love to mention is J. K. Rowling because Harry Potter is not just a story of a kid or of magic, but it's a story of a woman who was a bit desperate. And then... She followed what she was feeling. She allowed her emotions to flow. And she has created a masterpiece. And she has impacted us all, you know, no matter business-related, non-business-related, and so on. So I think that, to read again, the first Harry Potter book, it's very important because it brings us back to some reason why, you know, and to some things. The second book that I would love to mention is a book written by Seth Godin. I have had the privilege to work for Seth for several years.Paul Marden: Really?Massimiliano Freddi: And yeah, he's an amazing guy. He's an amazing guy. And come on, he's such a generous person and he's amazing.Massimiliano Freddi: I don't have any other words that's amazing. He wrote a book maybe 10 years ago, 15 years ago called Linchpin. And Linchpin is not his most famous book, but it's the book that changed my life because it really nudges you. In a gentle and not so gentle way sometimes. No, I'm saying in a gentle way. It nudges you to don't set for what you have, but to see your inner talents and to innovate and to be creative, be generous, and so on. So, Linchpin to me is the book that changed it all for me. So, I think that everybody, young, less young, everybody should read once in a lifetime.Paul Marden: I feel like I need to go and read this because that is one Seth Godin book I have not read. So there we go. Listeners, if you would like a copy of Linchpin, then the first person that heads over to LinkedIn and reposts our show notice and says, 'I want Massimiliano's book' and can spell Massimiliano correctly, will have a copy of the book sent to them. We've got IAAPA Europe taking place next week in Barcelona.Paul Marden: And we have a very special Skip the Queue announcement. We are going to be hitting the show floor on a daily basis. We are going to go live for daily episodes of Skip the Queue from the show floor. We're going to be talking to operators about what their challenges are like. Finding out what new supplier announcements are coming out. And the Skip the Queue team is going to be feverishly working away. We'll be recording during the day and Steve and Wenalyn will be editing and producing through the night, ready to post the show the following morning. So I'm very excited about that.Massimiliano Freddi: And I think we are super excited to have you guys on the trade show floor. And I recommend... Of course, visiting it, making the most out of it, and don't underestimate the fantastic education sessions that take place. There is a strong lineup of speakers that will impact the way that the industry will be in a few years. So, great opportunity.Paul Marden:  How's that for a trailer? That sounds amazing. Massimilliano, it really has been a pleasure to talk to you.Massimiliano Freddi: Thank you so much, Paul, for me as well. And see you in Barcelona.Paul Marden: Yes, how exciting. Looking forward to it.Paul Marden: Remember, if you'd like a copy of today's book, head over to LinkedIn and repost our show notice saying, 'I want a copy of Massimiliano's book.' If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcasting platform. It really helps people to find the show. If you didn't enjoy it, or you've got ideas about how we could improve the show, then let us know at hello@skipthequeue.fm. My thanks to Massimiliano and his team at IAAPA for their help with this episode. Skip The Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, the digital agency that creates amazing websites for ambitious visitor attractions. This episode was written by Emily Burrows, produced by Wenalyn Dionaldo and edited by Steve Folland. To Skip the Queue team, also includes Sami Entwistle, Sinead Kimberley, Claire Furnival, and Andy Povey. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

We dive into our very first stay at the stunning Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This brand-new addition to one of Walt Disney World's most iconic resorts officially opened its doors on December 17, 2024. With modern Polynesian design, Moana-inspired touches, and some of the most unique room types on property (hello, Duo Studios!), this tower brings a fresh new vibe while still honoring the spirit of the original Poly.We break down everything from room categories and layouts to what views are worth the splurge, including Theme Park Views that let you watch Magic Kingdom fireworks right from your balcony. We share our thoughts on the brand-new Cove Pool and Moana's Voyage splash area, and explore the exclusive terrace gardens on each floor.Plus, we talk logistics: walking to the TTC, transportation options, how to score the best rates, and our favorite “pro tips” for making the most of your stay. This episode is your complete guide to Disney's newest deluxe resort experience.

A new documentary tells the story of an early Civil Rights Movement involving radical Black students, leftist white suburbanites, and a carousel. Emmy-award winning director Ilana Trachtman joins us to discuss her film, "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round" which opens at IFC Center this Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Hold onto your tiny surfboards! Average Boy is back with a hilarious (and humbling) experience on the "Flamingo FlowRider"— Henry Hippo's Amusement Park’s newest ride. After navigating long lines and an embarrassing wipeout, Bob learns an important lesson about riding the waves of life with faith and purpose. Tune in for fun, inspiration and awesome listener jokes! Click here to see the new Average Boy book title and cover! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions to Clubhouse Magazine, and much more! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Average Boy Podcast, please give us your feedback.

We're recording poolside at Disney's brand-new tower at the Polynesian Village Resort to talk all about the best Disney staycation resorts across several categories. Most people think of Walt Disney World as a place where you have to be in the parks from sunrise to fireworks, but we believe some of the very best Disney vacations happen when you never even step foot inside a park.For us, a Disney staycation is all about slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying everything the resorts have to offer. These aren't just hotels — they're destinations on their own. We're talking pools that feel like mini waterparks, restaurants that rival anything in Orlando, lounges with unbeatable theming, and hidden corners where you can kick back and unwind. Each resort has its own atmosphere, and some truly transport you to another world.In this episode, we're breaking it all down across several categories — from best pools and dining to most relaxing resorts, family favorites, and even a few hidden gems that often get overlooked. Whether you're planning your very first no-parks Disney getaway or you just want to know which resorts we think make for the perfect staycation, we've got you covered.

Today's conversation comes straight from our Q&A series, where I answer real questions from listeners.Andrea wrote in to share about an ongoing struggle with her 10-year-old daughter. She describes her as a “gladiator,” strong-willed, demanding, and often wanting everything her way. These traits can make family events stressful, sometimes leading to meltdowns and blow-ups that derail the day.With a trip to the theme park on the horizon, Andrea wanted to know: How do you prepare and set things up so the whole family has a better experience, even with a gladiator child on board?In this episode, I'll share practical strategies to help you set expectations ahead of time, manage transitions during the day, and create a plan that supports both your gladiator and the rest of the family. Because yes, family trips don't have to be a battle. With a few intentional steps, you can help your gladiator child feel more grounded while protecting the joy of the day for everyone.Jennifer's Takeaways:Introduction to the Episode and Andrea's Question (00:00)Understanding Neuro Spicy Kids and Their Behavior (01:38)Managing Expectations and Pre-Planning (02:52)Divide and Conquer Strategy (05:23)Handling Overwhelm and Making Choices (07:59)Dealing with Tantrums and Leaving Early (11:43)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today's Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari's powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children's emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer's wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation's leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You're Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

Hold onto your tiny surfboards! Average Boy is back with a hilarious (and humbling) experience on the "Flamingo FlowRider" Henry Hippo's Amusement Park's newest ride. After navigating long lines and an embarrassing wipeout, Bob learns an important lesson about riding the waves of life with faith and purpose. Tune in for fun, inspiration and awesome listener jokes! Click here to see the new Average Boy book title and cover! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions to Clubhouse Magazine, and much more! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Average Boy Podcast, please give us your feedback. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1443/29

Join us, while we're Waiting For Review... In this show: Daniel shares how Claude Code both helped and frustrated him while cleaning up warnings and tackling long-standing to-dos, reflecting on the “video game” feeling of working with AI tools. Dave talks about pushing Claude into orchestrator mode, hitting its limits, and resetting his approach. We cover where these tools shine, where they fall over, and the importance of keeping things human. Along the way: dusty offices, VHS shaders, a trip to a budget amusement park, and Daniel's discovery of Focus Friend; an adorable productivity app with a sock-knitting bean

We're diving into an epic Disney Resort showdown as two fan-favorite moderates go head-to-head: Caribbean Beach Resort vs. Coronado Springs Resort. It's a battle of beaches and bridges, towers and tropical villages, as we break down each resort across seven key categories to help you decide which one is right for your next Walt Disney World stay.First, we introduce both contenders. Caribbean Beach — Disney's very first moderate resort — brings that bright, beachy island energy, complete with a Skyliner hub, colorful villages, and family-friendly vibes. Meanwhile, Coronado Springs enters the ring with Spanish and Southwest-inspired architecture, top-notch dining, and the sleek, deluxe-style Gran Destino Tower, offering business-class comfort without the deluxe price tag.We go round by round through theming, rooms, dining, transportation, recreation, value, and even listener input, using your votes to help crown a winner. From rooftop tapas at Toledo to Sebastian's Bistro's coastal charm, and from the Dig Site pool to the Fuentes del Morro splash zone, both resorts bring serious perks to the table.So, which moderate resort comes out on top? Tune in as we weigh the magic, the convenience, and the cost to settle the debate once and for all.

This week, the boys return from summer break to review a summer's worth of movies featuring Weapons, The Long Walk, Together, I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Superman (2025), Eddington, Borderline, Nobody 2, Dangerous Animals, The Toxic Avengers (2025), Highest 2 Lowest, Caught Stealing and Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.Also this episode, Correia's Book Nook come back with vengeance as he competed in a Summer Reading Challenge to review The All-Nighter, Bitter Root: The Next Movement, George A. Romero's The Amusement Park, and Exorcism at 1600 Penn (he also read all of Preacher, The Walking Dead, and Invincible hence why he's not reviewing so many movies).Its all new on EYE ON HORROR!Movies Mentioned on the Show: https://boxd.it/OAxHqFollow us on the socials: @EyeOnHorror or check out https://linktr.ee/EyeOnHorrorGet more horror movie news at: https://ihorror.com

An West Virginia amusement park has a dark and haunted history.More Ghost Town: https://www.ghosttownpod.comSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/ghosttownpod (7 Day Free Trial!)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghosttownpodJason's InstagramRebecca's Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're taking you on a flavorful adventure across Walt Disney World with three unique stops that deliver everything from hidden menu gems to over-the-top themed cocktails. We start at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom, where we try the Enchanted Orange Dream — a refreshing, citrusy twist on DOLE Whip served with a playful candy rim. We also indulge in their off-menu Brazilian cheese bread (trust us, it's worth asking for), as well as two standout entrées: the Mess Hall Duck Fried Rice and the Nile Nellie's Noodle Bowl.Next, we head over to Disney Springs and drop into Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar for a mix of spooky snacks and creative concoctions. From deviled “zombie” eggs and mummy-wrapped sausages to the vibrant Cauldron Cooler and the nonalcoholic Snake Egg Surprise, this spot blends Indiana Jones-style theming with Halloween-ready flavor.Finally, we wrap things up at Beak & Barrel, the brand-new pirate lounge tucked into Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. With its moody décor, shareable plates, and immersive drinks served in skull mugs and topped with gold, it's already one of the most exciting new dining additions in the parks. Grab your appetite and join us!

We're taking you with us on a flavorful trip around the world — as we break down everything you need to know about the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, running August 28 through November 22.We share our top festival tips, from where to stay and how to pace yourself, to why sharing is not only caring — it's strategic. We talk budget hacks, gift card wristlets, and why weekends might not be your best bet.Then we dig into the Global Marketplaces, covering every single booth — the good, the bad, and the “seriously, who approved that recipe?” You'll hear which dishes blew us away, which ones missed the mark, and what you have to try before the festival ends.Plus, we chat Eat to the Beat concerts, scavenger hunts like Remy's Hide & Squeak and Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit, and those extra little surprises that make Food & Wine more than just a snack crawl.So grab your festival passport and come hungry — because we're not holding back.

In this episode Coral learns about her benefits, Randy just liked the name, Clayton brings in a ticket, and Barney apologizes a lot. The Plot... Thickens!

September 2, 2025Have you had your dose of The Daily MoJo today? Download the APP HERE"Ep 090225: The Wonders Of Amusement | The Daily MoJo"The content delves into themes of liberty and justice while introducing a daily segment that questions financial discrepancies involving a public figure. It shares personal experiences at amusement parks, discusses political engagement, and highlights the importance of spreading messages of personal responsibility. The narrative also touches on a tennis incident that sparks public outrage, emphasizing kindness and perspective in sports and life.Phil Bell's Morning Update - This Is NOT the time to let your guard down: HERE Dan Andros - host of The QuickStart Podcast and Managing Editor at CBN.com - Has some thoughts on the Polish CEO who took the kid's hat!FaithwireCBN NewsYouTubeOur affiliate partners:Be prepared! Not scared. Need some Ivermection? Some Hydroxychloroquine? Don't have a doctor who fancies your crazy ideas? We have good news - Dr. Stella Immanuel has teamed up with The Daily MoJo to keep you healthy and happy all year long! Not only can she provide you with those necessary prophylactics, but StellasMoJo.com has plenty of other things to keep you and your body in tip-top shape. Use Promo Code: DailyMoJo to save $$Take care of your body - it's the only one you'll get and it's your temple! We've partnered with Sugar Creek Goods to help you care for yourself in an all-natural way. And in this case, "all natural" doesn't mean it doesn't work! Save 15% on your order with promo code "DailyMojo" at SmellMyMoJo.comCBD is almost everywhere you look these days, so the answer isn't so much where can you get it, it's more about - where can you get the CBD products that actually work!? Certainly, NOT at the gas station! Patriots Relief says it all in the name, and you can save an incredible 40% with the promo code "DailyMojo" at GetMoJoCBD.com!Romika Designs is an awesome American small business that specializes in creating laser-engraved gifts and awards for you, your family, and your employees. Want something special for someone special? Find exactly what you want at MoJoLaserPros.com  There have been a lot of imitators, but there's only OG – American Pride Roasters Coffee. It was first and remains the best roaster of fine coffee beans from around the world. You like coffee? You'll love American Pride – from the heart of the heartland – Des Moines, Iowa. AmericanPrideRoasters.com   Find great deals on American-made products at MoJoMyPillow.com. Mike Lindell – a true patriot in our eyes – puts his money where his mouth (and products) is/are. Find tremendous deals at MoJoMyPillow.com – Promo Code: MoJo50  Life gets messy – sometimes really messy. Be ready for the next mess with survival food and tools from My Patriot Supply. A 25 year shelf life and fantastic variety are just the beginning of the long list of reasons to get your emergency rations at PrepareWithMoJo50.comStay ConnectedWATCH The Daily Mojo LIVE 7-9a CT: www.TheDailyMojo.com (RECOMMEDED)Rumble: HEREFacebook: HEREMojo 5-0 TV: HEREFreedomsquare: HEREOr just LISTEN:The Daily MoJo Channel Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-daily-mojo-with-brad-staggs--3085897/support.

We dive into our first stay at the new DVC Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort — and for the first time ever, we brought the dogs! From check-in to checkout, we're breaking down what it's really like to travel to Walt Disney World with your furry family members, including how the pups adjusted, what's included in Pluto's Welcome Kit, and why Fort Wilderness might just be the most peaceful spot on property to settle in and stay a while.We also talk through Disney's pet policy in full — which resorts allow dogs, how the booking process works, and what to expect when that $50 nightly fee kicks in. Then we get into the cabins themselves: the layout, the comfort, the thoughtful little touches, and how these redesigned spaces compare to other DVC options around property. Speaking of golf carts, we couldn't resist — and we're glad we didn't. We share how having one will totally change the vibe of your trip, made traveling with the dogs easier, and added a little extra fun to everything from fried chicken pickups to late-night loops through the campground.From there, we head into classic Fort Wilderness territory: scavenger hunts, gem mining at the Bike Barn, and a perfect mix of old-school charm and new family memories. We talk about meals at the cabin, including an easy homemade breakfast and a fried chicken feast from P&J's Southern Takeout that might still be one of the best values on Disney property.And of course, it wouldn't be a Main Street Magic episode without snacks around property. We'll tell you which ones were worth it (looking at you, monkey bread), which surprised us (hello, watermelon pop), and which ones we're still dreaming about (yes, that Lunchbox tart deserves the hype). We also wrap things up with a trip to Toothsome at Universal for a massive Cookie Jar sundae and one of the sweetest finales we've had in a while.Whether you're thinking about booking a cabin, bringing your pup, or just want to hear about monkey bread and golf cart joyrides, this one's packed with Fort Wilderness magic.

Summer is coming to an end, so we're taking a journey back in time to remember two amusement parks that have etched themselves into the imaginations of generations of Bay Area residents: Idora Park in Oakland and San Francisco's Playland at the Beach. This story originally aired in September of 2022, but we're bringing it back to celebrate the end of summer. Additional Resources Idora Park and Playland-at-the-Beach: Bay Area Amusement Parks of a Bygone Era Read the episode transcript Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts This story was reported by Christopher Beale. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Ethan Toven-Lindsey and everyone on Team KQED.

Be our guest as we invite you to pull up a chair and join us for dinner at VIVO Italian Kitchen™ inside Universal CityWalk™ Orlando. Instead of reviewing the restaurant after the fact, we did something different — we hit record right at the table so you could hear our real-time thoughts as the evening unfolded. From the moment the appetizer arrived to the last sip of our mocktails, every reaction, laugh, and side conversation was captured live.We each ordered something different, from handmade pasta entrées crafted with heirloom family recipes to creative zero-proof drinks that gave the night a refreshing twist. Along the way, we share our honest takes on presentation, portion size, service, and overall atmosphere. You'll hear the clink of silverware, the banter over the check, and the little details that make dining at VIVO a uniquely immersive experience.But of course, because it's us, the night also went a little sideways — leading to a surprisingly deep (and funny) conversation about VIVO's bathrooms, which turned out to be some of the most unusual we've ever seen at a theme park restaurant. By the end, we're not just talking food, but also sinks, stalls, and the unwritten etiquette of handwashing.If you've ever wondered what it's really like to dine at VIVO Italian Kitchen™, this episode delivers the flavors, the fun, and even a few unexpected laughs.

If you were lucky enough to have gone to New Jersey's Action Park before it closed in the '90s, you probably have the scars to prove it. This place was WILD. And while I understand why there are no longer parks around like it today, I also really, really wish I could've been there. This is a fun one! Merch and more: www.badmagicproductions.com Timesuck Discord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89vWant to join the Cult of the Curious PrivateFacebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" to locate whatever happens to be our most current page :)For all merch-related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste)Please rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and elsewhere and follow the suck on social media!! @timesuckpodcast on IG and http://www.facebook.com/timesuckpodcastWanna become a Space Lizard? Click here: https://www.patreon.com/timesuckpodcast.Sign up through Patreon, and for $5 a month, you get access to the entire Secret Suck catalog (295 episodes) PLUS the entire catalog of Timesuck, AD FREE. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch.

We're hitting record from some of Walt Disney World's most stunning deluxe resorts while answering a lightning round of listener-style questions all about the podcast, Disney, and beyond! From the first trip that made us truly fall in love with the parks to the spark that turned that passion into nearly 800 episodes, we're pulling back the curtain on the moments that shaped Main Street Magic.We'll share what episode felt like a milestone, our favorite collaborations, and even the bloopers that had us cracking up. We'll debate which Magic Kingdom resort we'd actually live in, which EPCOT pavilion we'd move into for a week, and the bold Disney hot takes we'll defend to the end. Plus, we dive into what recording inside an attraction might look like, the series we're excited to launch next, and where we'd host a dream live show.Along the way, we reflect on what we've learned about each other, which Universal land secretly rivals Disney, the snack that needs to be fired, and what hitting 800 episodes means to us. It's a mix of memories, milestones, and mayhem—recorded in the heart of deluxe Disney magic.

Should this amusement park law be passed? Also, should everyone throw away their shrimp? We talk about haircut anxiety, a fake Justin Bieber performance, and lots more!

We're kicking off a brand-new series: Resort Wars — where Walt Disney World resorts go head-to-head, and only one can walk away with the crown! First up, it's a Value Resort throwdown between Disney's Pop Century and Disney's Art of Animation.Pop Century opened in 2003 and celebrates the nostalgia of the 1950s through the 1990s with larger-than-life icons and over 2,800 rooms. Meanwhile, Art of Animation debuted in 2012 with immersive theming from beloved Disney and Pixar films, offering standard Little Mermaid rooms and spacious family suites themed to Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo.We pit these two fan favorites against each other across seven battle rounds — including theming & atmosphere, rooms & comfort, dining, transportation, recreation, overall value, and listener feedback. Who takes the win for pool bars and food courts? Which resort is more budget-friendly? And where will your family find the perfect blend of magic and convenience?Plus, we share results from our listener poll and highlight firsthand experiences and opinions from our amazing community to help settle the debate.Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation or just love a good Disney debate, this episode is packed with insight, tips, and a few laughs along the way. So grab your tie-dye cheesecake or swing by the Big Blue Pool — it's time to battle it out in Resort Wars: Pop Century vs. Art of Animation!

Go to https://kachava.com and use code HSP for 15% off on your subscription for a limited time! Head to https://www.tryfum.com/HEART and use promo code HEART to get your free gift with purchase and start the Good Habit today! Summer is the perfect time to visit an amusement park, but for every park that's open and bustling during the warmer months, there's one that's fallen into disrepair and sits there abandoned.  But what causes this to happen? Well, sometimes a series of horrible accidents cause the public to lose faith in a park, and ticket sales plummet. Sometimes, a once in a generation disaster occurs and an entire city must evacuate, leaving the park inside empty. And other times, a park somehow winds up built on an ancient graveyard, and unexplained, supernatural events scare the public away.  Today, we're talking about River Country, Pripyat Amusement Park, and Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park  TW: Child death Subscribe on Patreon for bonus content and to become a member of our Rogue Detecting Society. Patrons have access to bonus content as well as other perks. And members of our High Council on Patreon have access to our after-show called Footnotes, where I share my case file with our producer, Matt. Apple subscriptions are now live! Get access to ad-free episodes and bonus episodes when you subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Follow on Tik Tok and Instagram for a daily dose of horror. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank welcomes theme park experience designer Dave Cobb ("Men in Black: Alien Attack") and attraction show writer and author Robert Coker ("Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines") for an in-depth look at the fascinating histories of failed and forgotten amusement parks, including Freedomland USA, The Land of Oz, Pacific Ocean Park, Hanna-Barbera Land and The World of Sid & Marty Krofft, among others. Also in this episode: Soupy Sales hosts a beauty pageant, Grizzly Adams buys a carousel, Dave makes his pitch to Steven Spielberg and Robert reveals his favorite roller coasters. PLUS: The Escalator to Nowhere! The genius of Paul Frees! "Kiss Meets The Phantom of the Park"! All aboard the Banana Train! And the secret origin of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride"? Subscribe now on  Apple ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922⁠⁠ Spotify ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9⁠⁠ Amazon ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG⁠⁠ iHeart ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/⁠⁠ TuneIn ⁠⁠http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices