Podcasts about amusement parks

Park with rides and attractions

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Best podcasts about amusement parks

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Latest podcast episodes about amusement parks

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
908: The Story Behind Main Street Magic: Jeremy Joins the Diz Twitter Podcast

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2026 53:38


This time, Jeremy's on the other side of the microphone!Jeremy joins Nick on the Diz Twitter Podcast to talk about the moments, memories, and friendships that turned occasional Disney vacations into a huge part of his family's life—and eventually became Main Street Magic.From a toddler's unforgettable meeting with Mickey Mouse to a concert trip that sparked a whole new appreciation for Disney resorts, Jeremy shares how it all began. They chat about building the podcast, visiting Walt Disney World month after month, finding fun beyond the rides, and how enjoying Disney changes through different seasons of life. Plus, there's music talk, Disney Cruise Line love, and a reminder of why this community means so much.This episode features approximately the first 45 minutes of a longer conversation. To catch the entire episode, head to Nick's YouTube channel.The full version continues with an honest discussion about livestreaming, content creation, and respecting other guests' vacations; Jeremy's sobriety journey and rediscovering Disney without alcohol; and a lightning round covering favorite resorts, restaurants, festivals, attractions, and more. Yes, a few Disney opinions make an appearance!

Haunted American History
The Haunted Amusement Park: Lake Shawnee (West Virginia)

Haunted American History

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2026 22:17


Deep in Mercer County, West Virginia, the rusting remains of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park are slowly being reclaimed by the forest. Long before the rides arrived, the land was the site of frontier violence and an Indigenous settlement stretching back centuries. Then came the amusement park, where a series of accidents—including the deaths of two children—became part of its dark reputation. Decades later, a new owner attempting to resurrect Lake Shawnee discovered something extraordinary beneath the property: human remains and evidence of a much older community.Today, visitors report children's voices, moving swings, strange figures, and other unexplained activity among the abandoned rides.Tonight, we explore the history and hauntings of Lake Shawnee—and how generations of tragedy transformed an abandoned amusement park into one of West Virginia's most enduring paranormal legends. Tales from the Shadows Weekend in Lancaster PA CONDEMNED links - https://linktr.ee/CondemnedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HauntedAmericanHistoryTikTok - @hah_podcasthauntedamericanhistory.comPatreon- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/hauntedamericanhistory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HAH DISCORD - https://discord.com/invite/bJdbpH3hQm Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
907: Top Ten Things We'd Tell Our First-Time Selves

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 37:12


We're sharing the top ten things we wish we'd understood before our Walt Disney World vacations, with plenty of reminders we still need today.We kick things off by talking about why you can't do everything and why that shouldn't determine whether your trip was a success. From choosing one priority for each family member to building backup plans for weather and ride closures, we discuss how a little flexibility can keep disappointment from taking over your vacation.Then we tackle the practical lessons, including an overdue investment in comfortable shoes, the value of midday pool breaks, and choosing a resort that fits how you actually travel. Whether you're spending every minute in the parks or making relaxation the main event, your hotel should match your plans and budget.Food gets its moment, too, as we explain why scheduling every meal can eat up your time and why the dining plan deserves a closer look before you commit. We also cover learning the basics before arrival, setting aside money for what matters to you, and letting your family's version of fun guide your decisions.Finally, we share why working with a travel advisor is our biggest takeaway, including how Amy with MEI-Travel helps us compare options, handle bookings, and find available savings while leaving us free to enjoy planning.Whether you're preparing for your first visit or your fiftieth, these lessons are about making your vacation feel like yours. Less pressure, more flexibility, and happier feet? That's a magical place to start. And yes, permission to skip someone else's must-do is part of the package.

Skip the Queue
A Theme Park, a Festival Site and a Film Set: How Dreamland Stopped Being Just an Amusement Park with Eddie Kemsley

Skip the Queue

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2026 27:26


In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland in Margate – one of the oldest surviving amusement park in the country, and one of the most reinvented.Dreamland dates back to 1880. It closed in 2003, and reopened in 2015 as a vintage amusement park. Since then it has become something harder to categorise: a park, a six-and-a-half-thousand capacity outdoor music venue, an indoor events space, a wedding venue and a filming location, all on sixteen acres of seafront.At the end of 2023, LN-Gaiety - the Live Nation and Gaiety Investments joint venture - took a controlling stake in the business.Eddie now leads the boutique festival side of the business, she has served on BALPPA's Management Committee and still sits on the marketing sub-committee, helping shape the association's marketing seminars.They talk about diversification as strategy rather than accident, what the events and filming side really contributes, and what the industry network gives an operator who sits beyond the usual categories.This episode is part of Skip the Queue's mini-series celebrating 90 years of BALPPA, looking at the people and businesses shaping the UK attractions industry. Show references: Eddie Kemsley - CEO Dreamland, Margatehttps://www.dreamland.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-kemsley-59926110/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, 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. Credits:Written by Laura Baxter (YourCMO)Edited by Steve FollandProduced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here

Skip the Queue
From Bird Gardens to Britain's Best-Rated Theme Park: The Independent That Out-Rated the Giants with Richard Mancey

Skip the Queue

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2026 34:04


In this episode of Skip the Queue, Laura Baxter is joined by Richard Mancey, Owner and Managing Director of Paultons Park in Hampshire. Paultons opened in 1983 as a country park and bird gardens, founded by Richard's parents John and Anne. Forty years on it covers 140 acres, and the introduction of the world's first Peppa Pig World in 2011, changed everything. In May this year it opened Valgard: Realm of the Vikings - a twelve million pound land and the park's biggest investment to date.It's also consistently rated among the best theme parks in the country, is the current reigning “Best Theme Park” at the UK Theme Park Awards, and has been ranked among the best in the world, on guest reviews alone.This episode is part of Skip the Queue's mini-series celebrating 90 years of BALPPA, looking at the people and businesses shaping the UK attractions industry. Show references: Our Guest Host in partnership with BALPPA:Laura Baxter - Founder of YourCMOhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-baxter-4a756466/ BALPPA - https://www.balppa.org/ Our Guest:Richard Mancey — Managing Director, Paultons Park https://paultonspark.co.uk/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Laura Baxter.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, 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. Credits:Written by Laura Baxter (YourCMO)Edited by Steve FollandProduced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here

LOVE MURDER
Husband Charged 19 Years After Wife's Murder at His Amusement Park [Current Affairs]

LOVE MURDER

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2026 6:22


In 2006, mother of three Doris Worrell was shot and killed at the Georgia amusement park owned by her husband, Jon Worrell. Nearly two decades later, after years abroad and a new interview with the family's former nanny, Jon was arrested and accused of arranging his wife's murder.Current Affairs is Love Murder's shorter show about the cases of love gone fatally wrong that are in the news right now.Sources:https://people.com/husband-accused-of-killing-wife-at-amusement-park-and-moving-in-with-their-nanny-12123405https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-05-23/gbi-makes-arrest-19-year-old-cold-case-death-doris-worrell-coffee-countyhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/doris-worrell-cold-case-murder-georgia-husband-arrested-fled-nanny/https://douglasnow.com/cold-case-cracked-a-timeline-of-the-investigation-into-the-2006-death-of-doris-worrell/https://www.walb.com/2026/01/13/jon-worrell-enters-not-guilty-plea-third-time-doris-worrell-murder-for-hire-case/Find LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
906: Resort Wars Showdown: Polynesian vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2026 32:32


Resort Wars Showdown is back, and we're bringing two Walt Disney World favorites into the ring: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. We start with our gut reactions, then compare these resorts across theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, and value for money.We love the Polynesian's tropical grounds, spacious rooms, and location across Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom. With the monorail, boats, buses, and a walking path, we have plenty of ways to get around. We also have a soft spot for its dining lineup, from 'Ohana and Kona Café to Trader Sam's and a DOLE Whip at Pineapple Lanai.At Animal Kingdom Lodge, we're drawn to the peaceful atmosphere, design, and chance to watch wildlife on the savanna. We talk about Jambo House and Kidani Village, remember our favorite resort activities, and dig into a dining lineup that includes Boma, Sanaa, and Jiko.As we work through each category, our choice gets harder. Would we rather stroll the Polynesian's lively grounds or relax on a balcony overlooking the animals? Which rooms feel most comfortable? How much does easy access to Magic Kingdom matter, and what kind of experience gives us the best value for our vacation?When our comparisons leave the decision in the hands of the Main Street Magic community, we turn to your listener poll and share which resort moves on in Resort Wars Showdown. We also read your comments and talk about why the winning resort might not be the right choice for every trip.Join us for a debate, resort memories, and a closer look at two places we'd gladly call home on our next Walt Disney World vacation. Then tell us: are you Team Poly or Team Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Saints and Cinema
Episode 96 - LARS AND THE REAL GIRL with Scott Stiegemeyer

Saints and Cinema

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2026 62:36


Send us Fan MailTim and Jay dig into Lars and the Real Girl with Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer. Join us as we talk about what this cinematic parable can teach us about life, community, and grace.Find Scott at Flesh and Blood Bioethics.Scott's piece on Lars and the Real Girl. We've also talked with Scott about FRANKENSTEIN, AFTER YANG, THE AMUSEMENT PARK, and horror movies.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Lars and the Real Girl, Her, Obsession.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube (starting with Episode 81)Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Skip the Queue
From the Big Top to the Seafront: A Lifetime on the Same Patch of Sand with Gary Smart

Skip the Queue

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2026 34:26


In this episode of Skip the Queue, Laura Baxter is joined by Gary Smart, chairman of Harbour Park in Littlehampton and a man who has spent his entire working life in this industry.The park opened in 1932, built by Billy Butlin on the site of an old fort and windmill. In 1977 it was bought by the Billy Smart circus family, and in 1994 Gary led the redevelopment that turned Smart's Amusement Park into the Harbour Park we know today - sat right on the beach, next to a working harbour, and free to walk into.Gary has served the wider industry through BALPPA and IAAPA, and was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to leisure parks and tourism. His sons now run the park day to day. This year he also received BALPPA's Lifetime Membership Award. They talk about what's changed across four decades, what stubbornly hasn't, and what it takes for a small independent seaside park to still be standing. This episode is part of our mini-series marking 90 years of BALPPA, looking at the people and businesses shaping the UK attractions industry.Show references: Our Guest Host in partnership with BALPPA:Laura Baxter - Founder of YourCMOhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-baxter-4a756466/ BALPPA - https://www.balppa.org/ Our Guest:Gary Smart — Chairman, Harbour Parkhttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/gary-smart-7413b121https://www.harbourpark.com/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Laura Baxter.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, 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. Credits:Written by Laura Baxter (YourCMO)Edited by Steve FollandProduced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
905: A Taste of Germany: Biergarten Live Dining Review

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 63:21


Pull up a chair at EPCOT's Germany pavilion because we're taking you along for a live dining review of Biergarten Restaurant and the Eat to the Beat Dining Package before seeing Hanson!We explore the Bavarian village atmosphere, explain how the dining package works, and taste our way through the buffet. From beer cheese soup, pretzel rolls, German potato salad, sausage salad, bratwurst, sauerkraut, pork schnitzel, meatballs, roasted potatoes, and chicken schnitzel to mac and cheese, apple strudel, Baumkuchen trifle, and salted caramel cheesecake, we share our honest reactions. We also reveal which dishes we would go back for, which ones we would skip, and the delicious creation built at the table: a chicken schnitzel, beer cheese, and pretzel roll slider.Of course, this was not an ordinary meal. Right in the middle of Biergarten's live entertainment, the fire alarm sounded and the entire restaurant had to evacuate. We take you outside with us as guests and Cast Members wait for the all clear, then return to our table to finish the buffet after an interruption neither of us had experienced during hundreds of Disney meals.Along the way, we talk about the atmosphere, the musicians and dancing, the service, the value of using Biergarten for a concert dining package, and whether the restaurant deserves a place in your EPCOT rotation. At $69 per person, did the combination of an all-you-care-to-enjoy German buffet and reserved seating for Hanson make this package worth the price?Join us for food, laughs, questionable German pronunciations, one runaway bratwurst, an unexpected evacuation, and our final verdict on Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT. Whether you are planning an Eat to the Beat concert night or considering this unique World Showcase dining experience, this episode will help you decide if it belongs on your Disney dining list.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
904: Riviera Views, Topolino's Dinner, and Fireworks on the Water

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2026 90:46


We're setting sail, checking in, and admitting we got one wrong! We share our private Happily Ever After fireworks cruise experience, from a scenic ride around Bay Lake and an up-close look at the Electrical Water Pageant to watching Magic Kingdom's fireworks with synchronized audio onboard. We break down the experience, the cost of splitting a boat with friends, and whether this Disney extra deserves a spot on your vacation wish list.Then, we check into Disney's Riviera Resort for our first overnight stay, and discover that visiting a resort and calling it home are two very different experiences. We cover our spacious one-bedroom villa, pool time, the resort's relaxed atmosphere, and the bathroom layout that left us wishing for a little more privacy. Plus, we revisit Riviera's Resort Wars matchup against Saratoga Springs and officially change our winner!Of course, there's plenty of food along the way, including Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, Le Petit Café, and a memorable dinner at Topolino's Terrace. From duck confit gnocchi and standout tiger shrimp to affogatos, decadent desserts, and rooftop views of Luminous, this trip gave us plenty to talk about—and a few things we're already craving again.

Fluent Fiction - French
Whispers of Hope in the Abandoned Amusement Park

Fluent Fiction - French

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2026 17:02 Transcription Available


Fluent Fiction - French: Whispers of Hope in the Abandoned Amusement Park Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-09-12-07-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Le vent soufflait doucement sur le parc d'attractions abandonné.En: The wind blew gently over the abandoned amusement park.Fr: Autrefois, cet endroit était rempli de rires et de cris d'enfants.En: Once, this place was filled with laughter and the screams of children.Fr: Maintenant, il n'y avait que le bruit des feuilles d'automne qui tombaient sur le sol humide.En: Now, there was only the sound of autumn leaves falling on the damp ground.Fr: Les montagnes russes, autrefois majestueuses, se dressaient comme de sombres fantômes en arrière-plan.En: The roller coasters, once majestic, stood like dark phantoms in the background.Fr: Lucien et Sylvie exploraient ce lieu dévasté.En: Lucien and Sylvie explored this devastated place.Fr: Ils cherchaient des provisions pour survivre.En: They were searching for provisions to survive.Fr: Le virus avait tout changé.En: The virus had changed everything.Fr: Paris, la ville lumière, était maintenant vide et silencieuse.En: Paris, the city of light, was now empty and silent.Fr: Sylvie, toujours méfiante, pensait surtout à trouver de la nourriture et de l'eau.En: Sylvie, always cautious, was mainly thinking about finding food and water.Fr: Lucien, lui, rêvait de retrouver d'autres survivants.En: Lucien, on the other hand, dreamed of finding other survivors.Fr: Il avait l'espoir secret de recréer une communauté, une famille.En: He secretly hoped to recreate a community, a family.Fr: « Tu cherches encore des rêves, Lucien », murmura Sylvie en fouillant un vieux stand de confiseries.En: "You are still searching for dreams, Lucien," murmured Sylvie while rummaging through an old candy stand.Fr: « Peut-être », répondit Lucien avec un sourire.En: "Maybe," replied Lucien with a smile.Fr: Ses yeux tombèrent sur une boîte poussiéreuse.En: His eyes fell on a dusty box.Fr: Il s'approcha pour la nettoyer, révélant une vieille machine de voyance.En: He moved closer to clean it, revealing an old fortune-telling machine.Fr: À l'intérieur, un message fané.En: Inside, a faded message.Fr: « Viens à l'endroit des lumières.En: "Come to the place of lights.Fr: Nous avons besoin de toi.En: We need you."Fr: » Lucien leva le message vers Sylvie.En: Lucien held the message up to Sylvie.Fr: « On doit essayer », proposa-t-il.En: "We have to try," he suggested.Fr: Elle hésita, fronçant les sourcils.En: She hesitated, furrowing her brow.Fr: « C'est peut-être un piège.En: "It might be a trap."Fr: » Mais après un instant, elle hocha la tête.En: But after a moment, she nodded.Fr: « D'accord.En: "Alright.Fr: Pour plus de provisions, je te suis.En: For more provisions, I'll follow you."Fr: » Ils traversèrent le parc, leurs pas résonnant sur le béton craquelé.En: They crossed the park, their steps echoing on the cracked concrete.Fr: L'endroit indiqué était vide, sauf pour des cendres de feu de camp encore tièdes.En: The indicated place was empty, except for the still-warm campfire ashes.Fr: Lucien s'accroupit et toucha les cendres.En: Lucien crouched down and touched the ashes.Fr: « D'autres gens, pas loin.En: "Other people, not far."Fr: » Sylvie posa une main sur son épaule.En: Sylvie placed a hand on his shoulder.Fr: Elle vit le potentiel que Lucien voyait, la possibilité d'unir leurs forces avec d'autres.En: She saw the potential Lucien saw, the possibility of joining forces with others.Fr: Prêts à continuer, ils aperçurent soudain une colonne de fumée au loin.En: Ready to continue, they suddenly noticed a column of smoke in the distance.Fr: Cela pouvait être un autre groupe, peut-être un camp de sécurité.En: It could be another group, perhaps a safe camp.Fr: « Continuons », dit Sylvie, cette fois avec une étincelle d'espoir qu'elle ne montrait jamais.En: "Let's keep going," said Sylvie, this time with a spark of hope she never showed.Fr: Lucien hocha la tête, appréciant son changement d'attitude.En: Lucien nodded, appreciating her change in attitude.Fr: Ensemble, ils prirent la route, les bruits du parc les suivant, plus déterminés que jamais.En: Together, they set off on the road, the sounds of the park following them, more determined than ever.Fr: Lucien comprit qu'un équilibre était nécessaire entre ses rêves et la réalité.En: Lucien understood that a balance was necessary between his dreams and reality.Fr: Sylvie comprit que la confiance et la coopération étaient cruciales.En: Sylvie understood that trust and cooperation were crucial.Fr: L'avenir était incertain, mais pas sans espoir.En: The future was uncertain, but not without hope.Fr: Le parc d'attractions, témoin silencieux de leurs épreuves, rappelait que même les endroits les plus sombres pouvaient abriter des nouvelles histoires.En: The amusement park, a silent witness to their trials, reminded them that even the darkest places could harbor new stories. Vocabulary Words:the wind: le ventgently: doucementabandoned: abandonnélaughter: les riresscreams: les crisautumn leaves: les feuilles d'automnedamp ground: le sol humidethe roller coasters: les montagnes russesmajestic: majestueusesdark phantoms: de sombres fantômesdevastated: dévastéprovisions: les provisionsvirus: le virusalways cautious: toujours méfiantethe hope: l'espoira community: une communautéthe candy stand: le stand de confiseriesthe dusty box: la boîte poussiéreusefortune-telling machine: la machine de voyancethe faded message: le message fanéa trap: un piègecampfire ashes: les cendres de feu de camphe crouched down: il s'accroupitpotential: le potentielcolumn of smoke: une colonne de fuméea safe camp: un camp de sécuritéchange in attitude: le changement d'attitudedetermined: déterminésbalance: un équilibretrust: la confiance

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
903: Main Street Eats: Live Dining Review of The Plaza Restaurant Halloween Offerings

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 48:00


Join us at our table as we taste The Plaza's limited-time Halloween offerings, starting with the delightfully creepy Skull Meatloaf. This thick, skull-shaped meatloaf is served over creamy red-skin mashed potatoes with seasonal green beans, crispy onions, and a Caribbean-style glaze. It may look a little frightening when it arrives, but does the flavor bring it back from the dead? We discuss the portion size, seasoning, crispy edges, and why serving the sauce around the plate may be the secret to making this meatloaf work.Next up is the Devilish Crispy Chicken Sandwich, featuring a generously sized piece of fried chicken topped with ghoulish spiced mayonnaise, red cabbage, and Fresno peppers, all served on a wonderfully soft black kaiser roll. The heat starts gently, but it doesn't stay that way! We talk about the sandwich's slow-building spice, super-crispy chicken, tangy cabbage, and whether this Halloween creation crosses the line from “Disney spicy” into genuinely spicy territory.Of course, no Halloween meal is complete without dessert. We finish our lunch with the limited-time caramel pecan cheesecake, a layered treat with a chocolate cookie crust, vanilla cheesecake, caramel pecan cheesecake, chopped pecans, and plenty of caramel and chocolate on the plate. Even a diner who normally wouldn't choose a pecan dessert finds this one dangerously close to plate-licking territory.Along the way, we discuss The Plaza's reliably good food and service, where it ranks among Magic Kingdom's table-service restaurants, and whether the chicken sandwich or skull meatloaf would be our first choice on a return visit. We also break down the final bill, marvel at the surprisingly reasonable cheesecake price, question the wisdom of paying $4.99 for a Sprite, and perform a little classic Disney math.Are these Halloween offerings worth adding to your Magic Kingdom plans? Pull up a chair and find out in this lively, honest, and occasionally noisy restaurant review recorded right from the heart of the park!

WI Morning News
Amusement Parks - 091126 WSAU WI Morning News

WI Morning News

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 4:44


Some amusement parks won't reopen after this summer's season. More with Chris Conley on the WSAU Wisconsin Morning News.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get Sleepy
A Sleepy Evening at a Seaside Amusement Park

Get Sleepy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2026 42:45


Narrator: Vanessa Labrie

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
902: More Bites, Sips, and Surprises: Food & Wine Live Review, Part 2

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2026 71:21


We're back at the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival with more bites, sips, surprises, and completely unfiltered reactions in Part 2 of our live review.This time, we try an elevated brisket Sloppy Joe from Hops & Barley, spicy tuna and Wagyu beef hand rolls in Japan, a chicken gyro from Greece, flavorful hummus bowls at Tangierine Café, plant-based mushroom chili, beef bourguignon, Brazilian shrimp, a cookie butter Belgian waffle, Korean-inspired poutine, and plenty of festival desserts.Along the way, we discover some unexpected favorites, debate which items are worth their price, and finish tasting all the festival's new dishes before sharing our biggest hits and misses.This episode features audio edited down from our full video reviews. To watch every review and see the food and reactions for yourself, visit WonderlandCrew.com. You can join the Wonderland Crew for full access or purchase individual videos.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
901: Eating Around EPCOT: Food & Wine Festival Live Review, Part 1

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 84:55


We're eating our way around the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and sharing our completely unfiltered reactions as each dish hits the table, or more accurately, the nearest Disney trash can. In Part 1 of our two-part live review, we try everything from basil pesto chicken dumplings and Buffalo dill pickle wings to tempura shrimp tacos, Norwegian caramel cream bread, a Dubai-style chocolate pistachio cookie, pumpkin pie funnel cake, and plenty more. Some dishes absolutely wow us, while others leave us wondering how they escaped the kitchen. Our friend and fellow food reporter Jon Self joins the fun as we discuss festival favorites, disappointing bites, value, portion sizes, and whether Italy may finally be turning things around. These reactions were captured live while filming our festival videos, so you're hearing our honest opinions before we've had time to reconsider—or recover from eating quite so much. This episode features edited audio from our original video reviews. To watch the complete videos and see all the dishes and reactions for yourself, visit WonderlandCrew.com. You can join the Wonderland Crew for full access or purchase the individual videos you'd like to watch.

DLWeekly Podcast - Disneyland News and Information
From Legends to Entertainment: D23 Ultimate Fan Event

DLWeekly Podcast - Disneyland News and Information

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2026 73:55


This week, the pathway between Cars Land and Avengers Campus has reopened, Bob Gurr is to be honoured by the International Association of Amusement Parks, Details about the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort have been announced, the Main Street Cinema has reopened. We talk about the Entertainment Panel and Legends Ceremony at the Ultimate Fan Event, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: The pathway connecting Cars Land and Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure has reopened after being closed since April 2025 for construction. The reopening also includes a new Take-A-Brake Rest Stop restroom themed as a tire repair shop, with water fountains and a bottle refill station outside. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/dca-cars-land-avengers-campus-path-reopens/ The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, which includes original Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr, along with Chip Cleary, Jeffrey Ellis, and Miguel Quintana Pali. Gurr helped develop several Disneyland attractions, including the Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Autopia. The inductees will be honored November 16 during IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/iappa-hall-fame-2026-bob-gurr-chip-cleary-jeffrey-ellis-miguel-quintana-pali/ Even though we are only a couple of weeks into the Halloween Season at the parks, Disneyland has already announced The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. The festivities will return November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. World of Color – Season of Light will return to Disney California Adventure after sitting out last year for the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration. Other returning favorites include A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks at Disneyland, and more. Seasonal attraction overlays will also return, including “it's a small world” Holiday, Luigi's Joy to the Whirl, and Mater's Jingle Jamboree. – https://www.micechat.com/443516-disneyland-update-holiday-whiplash-disneylandforward-disney-downsizing/ The Main Street Cinema has reopened at Disneyland following a refurbishment, now showing modern Mickey Mouse cartoons on all six screens. On the Disneyland Railroad, Primeval World has also reopened after more than two months of refurbishment, with restored dinosaur figures and updated lighting. The Grand Canyon Diorama, which comes just before Primeval World, remains closed behind construction walls, and Disney has not announced a reopening date for that section. Meanwhile over at DCA, The Silly symphony Swings has also reopened after a major refurbishment that began in April. – https://www.micechat.com/443516-disneyland-update-holiday-whiplash-disneylandforward-disney-downsizing/ https://wdwnt.com/2026/08/silly-symphony-swings-reopens-at-disney-california-adventure-after-lengthy-refurbishment/?fbclid=PAdGRleAUEAuJwZG9mAmZkaWQWUNnGJmEp5wCd-3R7cHcQ8pTDMViMC2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABpx5hnUBU7LJUsGWfq_FZ5RRX1zRUIw2qvtm8DSFlm80fDtu_ctUuXZCXhHbs_aem_E3aNY3tKwXA-Fgp9wXN1Zw Discussion Topic: D23 Ultimate Fan Event Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
900: Jeremy & Rhonda Have Lost Control

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2026 112:01


Nine hundred episodes. That's a whole lot of Disney opinions, vacation planning, restaurant debates, resort stays, questionable decisions, and unforgettable moments—and somehow, we've made it this far without completely losing control. Until now. For this very special milestone episode, Sean from But Mostly Disney takes over the host's chair and puts us through five rounds of questions, games, debates, and a few mildly uncomfortable moments. With Sean running the show, neither of us knows exactly what is coming next—and that is where the fun begins. We start with a rapid-fire game of “Finish the Sentence,” covering everything from the most unnecessarily stressful parts of a Disney vacation to overrated attractions, misunderstood Disney foods, and the little things we do that drive each other crazy. We also answer the same questions separately to see how closely our answers match after 900 episodes together. Next, Sean tests how well we really know one another in the Main Street Magic Newlywed Game. Can Jeremy identify Rhonda's ideal Walt Disney World resort? Does Rhonda know Jeremy's most predictable Disney food order? If one of us disappeared inside a Disney park for several hours, would the other know where to start looking? We're about to find out. Then it is time for “Keep It, Fix It, Kill It.” Sean gives us 20 Disney attractions, restaurants, resorts, experiences, and Disney Cruise Line offerings, and we must decide whether each one should remain exactly as it is, receive a much-needed update, or disappear forever. From Tomorrowland Speedway and Journey Into Imagination with Figment to the Disney Dining Plan, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Pirate Night, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, no Disney favorite is safe. The conversation gets a little more personal during the 900th Episode Hot Seat as Sean asks us questions we do not hear every day. We reflect on what each of us brings to Main Street Magic, what we have learned from one another, how this incredible community has changed us, and what we never want the podcast to become. Finally, Sean closes with one question that brings our entire 900-episode journey into focus: When someone eventually listens to their final episode of Main Street Magic, what do we hope they gained from the time they spent with us? This episode is funny, honest, occasionally chaotic, and filled with the kind of friendly Disney disagreements you would expect when we hand control of the show to Sean.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
899: Resort Wars Showdown: Riviera vs. Saratoga Springs

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 31:57


Resort Wars: Showdown rolls on, and this time two very different Deluxe Villa resorts are stepping into the ring as Disney's Riviera Resort takes on Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa! We're putting these two resorts head-to-head across seven rounds, comparing them in theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, value for money, and of course, listener intel. Riviera brings an upscale European-inspired atmosphere, a compact and easy-to-navigate layout, one of the strongest resort dining lineups at Walt Disney World, and the huge transportation advantage of the Disney Skyliner. But is all of that enough to justify the premium price? Saratoga Springs counters with a completely different experience. It's sprawling, peaceful, packed with recreation, offers everything from Deluxe Studios to the unique Treehouse Villas, and puts Disney Springs within walking or boating distance. It may not have the same polished feel as Riviera, but does its space, versatility, location, and value make it the better overall resort? We'll debate each category, award a point round by round, bring in your listener votes and comments, and make our final arguments before crowning a winner. Only one can advance in Resort Wars: Showdown. Will it be Riviera or Saratoga Springs?

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
898: Truth or Dare: Vacation Planning Edition

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2026 48:54


We're putting our Disney planning opinions, habits, strategies, and questionable decisions to the test with a brand-new round of Truth or Dare! We're taking turns choosing between Truth or Dare and randomly pulling from a collection of questions and challenges covering Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and general vacation planning. But which ones did we actually pull? You'll have to listen to find out. The possible Truths could have us confessing our biggest Disney planning mistakes, admitting which advice we don't always follow ourselves, revealing what guests spend way too much time worrying about, deciding which experiences aren't worth rearranging an entire day for, or exposing the planning decisions where we are most likely to disagree. And then there are the possible Dares. We could be forced to choose between giving up park hopping or Lightning Lane, pick one Walt Disney World resort to stay at for our next five trips, visit only two parks on our next vacation, choose between three nights at a Deluxe resort or seven nights at a Value, or plan a trip with some of our favorite options completely taken away. Disney Cruise Line could bring tough decisions involving staterooms, itineraries, excursions, dining, and onboard experiences. Disneyland could force us to rethink how we plan a completely different kind of Disney vacation. And the general vacation questions might reveal just how much control we're actually willing to surrender when somebody else is involved in the planning. Those are just some of the Truths and Dares waiting in the pile. Which ones did we draw? Which choices caused the biggest arguments? And what did we reveal that we probably would have preferred to keep to ourselves? There's only one way to find out. It's Disney Planning Truth or Dare!

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
896: We Put Universal Express Pass to the Test

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 53:59


We're heading outside the Disney bubble for a full Universal Orlando trip report! On this episode, we're recapping our recent stay and everything we experienced across Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, including 18 attractions, plenty of snacks, some seriously wet water rides, and one of the biggest questions we had going into the trip: just how valuable is Universal Express Pass? We worked our way through nine attractions at each park, from The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster to Revenge of the Mummy, E.T. Adventure, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Along the way, we tracked the posted standby wait for every attraction and compared it with how long we actually waited using Express. And the results were pretty eye-opening. We also talk about our stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, transportation, park entry, and some of the food and snacks we tried along the way, including Butterbeer, a Honeydukes pumpkin pastry, and the wonderfully strange Pizza Dog. Then we wrap everything up by looking at the actual cost of Unlimited Express during our visit and answering if would we pay for it separately? Does staying at a Signature Universal resort where Express is included completely change the value equation? And beyond simply saving time, did Express make the entire Universal experience better?

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
895: LIVE Dining Review: Jock Lindsey's NEW Halloween Menu

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 62:34


We're coming to you live from Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at Disney Springs with our good friends Jon and Susan to try almost the entire new Halloween seasonal menu—and as usual, Jock Lindsey's absolutely brings it when it comes to presentation. We work our way through five of the seasonal offerings, skipping only the returning Alien Invader Sliders. On the table are the Candelabra Eggs, topped with crispy fried chicken and sweet charred pepper sauce; the Dark Forest Dip, featuring creamy hummus and a seriously impressive black cat presentation; the Skull of the Dead Dip, loaded with barbacoa, cheese, fried onions, and plantain chips; the Bone Kabobs, featuring pork and beef served on some of the coolest skewers we've seen; and the Midnight Mayhem Popcorn Chicken, complete with buffalo sauce, candied bacon, nuts, and plenty of Halloween flair. We also try the very sweet, very colorful Viper's Nest non-alcoholic drink and spend probably way too much time trying to figure out where Jock Lindsey's finds all of these incredible Halloween serving pieces. But underneath all the skulls, coffins, bones, cats, and spooky presentation, how does the food actually taste? Along with Jon and Susan, we break down which dishes impressed us most, which were simply solid bar food, whether the plantain chips were the right choice, why “creamy tomato sauce” may be playing a little fast and loose with the word creamy, and whether these small plates justify Disney Springs prices. Plus, we talk about what makes Jock Lindsey's such a fun seasonal stop, why you probably shouldn't order five appetizers at once on one tiny table, and whether this Halloween lineup is worth adding to your next Disney Springs visit. Grab a seat at the table—it's time for a spooky live dining review!

AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk
Xbox Games on Mac & Linux? Freddy Fazbear Goes IRL & Video Stores Return | AwesomeCast 791

AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 59:40


Sorg and Dave Podnar are back for another AwesomeCast packed with Pittsburgh tech, gaming, streaming, photography, AI, retro media, and a surprisingly practical app for finding a bathroom when you really need one. The episode starts locally with Dave highlighting Stormfreak, a Pittsburgh-area weather enthusiast who has built a following on Reddit by offering practical, level-headed forecasts without the sensationalism that often accompanies severe weather coverage. That leads into a bigger conversation about how Reddit, YouTube, and independent creators increasingly fill information gaps once occupied by traditional specialty television. Sorg then takes a trip back to the video-store era with Binge Buster, a web experience that lets users browse movies available on their existing streaming subscriptions in an interface inspired by wandering through the shelves of a physical rental store. Gaming takes over a large part of the conversation, including EA going private in a massive Saudi-backed deal, Netflix getting an extended GTA 6 preview, Atari showing signs of financial improvement, the possibility of accessing Xbox and PC Game Pass titles on Linux and Mac through the XODUS project, new content for the original Quake, and Sorg's experience comparing Xbox cloud gaming with NVIDIA GeForce NOW. Then things get weird in the best possible way: Diablo is heading to amusement-park Halloween events, while a permanent Freddy Fazbear's Pizza experience complete with animatronics is planned for American Dream. Dave also shares his latest experience with Adobe Project Indigo, including computational photography, AI photo critiques, and the increasingly blurry line between traditional editing and generative AI. The episode wraps with two ideas that bring physical experiences back into a digital world: Pittsburgh's Lost Lizard renting VHS, DVD, and even Betamax tapes, and Nature Calls Run, an upcoming crowdsourced app designed to help runners, cyclists, travelers, and people with medical needs locate bathrooms, water, and other resources. Stories, Gadgets & Topics Discussed 300–600mm iPhone zoom lens — Dave points listeners toward iPhonography Podcast co-host Greg McMillan's detailed look at an enormous telephoto solution for iPhone photography. Stormfreak and Pittsburgh weather on Reddit — Dave highlights the local forecaster's calm, practical approach to Pittsburgh weather and the community that has formed around his posts. They discuss how independent online weather coverage can sometimes be more useful than national television coverage when people need highly local information. The changing role of specialty media — Sorg and Dave compare today's creator-driven information sources with the original promise of channels like The Weather Channel, Discovery, TLC, and Food Network. Binge Buster — Sorg tries a streaming discovery site that recreates some of the experience of browsing a video store. Users select the streaming services they already subscribe to and browse movies through virtual box art, descriptions, genres, trailers, staff picks, and more. https://bingebuster.net/ Awesome Person of the Week: Lewis Latimer — Dave profiles the inventor, draftsman, engineer, and patent expert whose work intersected with both Alexander Graham Bell's telephone patent and the development of more durable electric-light filaments. Slice on Broadway pizza sauce — Dave discovers jars of Slice on Broadway's original pizza sauce while shopping at Labriola's Italian Market. EA goes private — Chachi's Video Game Minute covers EA completing its reported $55 billion sale to a Saudi-backed buyer and what private ownership might mean for the future of EA's games and monetization. Netflix and GTA 6 — Netflix is set to feature an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27, prompting discussion about whether GTA really needs any additional publicity. Atari's financial comeback — Atari reports its strongest annual revenue in roughly a decade, giving Sorg and Dave an opportunity to talk about the strange history of the Atari name, its changing ownership, and the collection of gaming properties associated with it over the years. Xbox games potentially coming to Linux and Mac through XODUS — Sorg discusses an open-source reverse-engineering project designed to make compatible Xbox and PC titles accessible beyond Windows, including the possibility of accessing portions of a user's existing Microsoft gaming library. Xbox backward compatibility — The conversation touches on original Xbox and Xbox 360 games potentially becoming increasingly accessible through Microsoft's PC ecosystem. New Quake content decades later — Quake continues receiving new content around its 30th anniversary, giving players another reason to revisit the classic first-person shooter. NVIDIA GeForce NOW vs. Xbox cloud gaming — Sorg compares his experience streaming games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Forza Horizon, finding GeForce NOW's higher-end hardware particularly impressive for demanding, fast-moving games. Do you still need a gaming PC? — Cloud gaming raises a bigger question: if a service already supports hundreds of games in your library and provides continuously upgraded hardware, does spending thousands on a dedicated gaming PC still make sense? Diablo invades Cedar Point and Six Flags — Blizzard's Diablo becomes part of the Halloween amusement-park experience, leading to a conversation about licensed haunted attractions and the changing amusement-park industry. Cedar Fair/Six Flags consolidation and disappearing amusement parks — Dave looks back at the history of older amusement parks, including Pittsburgh-area memories of White Swan Park and the larger trend of parks disappearing as land was redeveloped. Freddy Fazbear's Pizza becomes real — A permanent Freddy Fazbear's Pizza experience featuring animatronic stage shows is planned for American Dream in 2027. Naturally, Sorg and Dave wonder whether anybody involved has actually learned the lesson of Five Nights at Freddy's. American Dream as the modern destination mall — The conversation expands into how malls are evolving from shopping centers into entertainment destinations with theme parks, water parks, skiing, restaurants, attractions, wrestling events, and other experiences. Adobe Project Indigo — Dave continues experimenting with Adobe's computational photography app, particularly challenging lighting situations and shooting directly toward a sunset. AI-powered photography reviews — Project Indigo can analyze a photo and provide feedback, giving photographers another way to evaluate composition and possible improvements. When an AI edit becomes a different photograph — Dave demonstrates an AI edit that substantially changes clouds and the sky, prompting an important conversation about the difference between enhancing a photograph and generating new visual information. AI quietly becoming another editing tool — Sorg shares his experience using AI to quickly create client graphics and discusses how generative tools increasingly feel less like a separate novelty and more like another part of a production workflow. Lost Lizard brings video rentals back to Pittsburgh — A Lawrenceville business is renting VHS tapes, DVDs, Betamax tapes, and even retro video games. The concept triggers plenty of nostalgia for independent video stores and their wonderfully strange horror collections. Physical media versus digital ownership — Reports of purchased digital movies disappearing from user libraries lead to a larger discussion about what consumers actually own when they "buy" a digital movie. Movies Anywhere and fragmented digital libraries — Sorg discusses the usefulness of synchronizing eligible purchases across services while acknowledging that licensing can still make digital ownership complicated. Maybe it's time to buy DVDs again — The uncertainty of digital licenses gives physical media another unexpected advantage: nobody can remotely remove a disc from your shelf. Nature Calls Run — An upcoming Pittsburgh-created app will crowdsource public restrooms, water sources, and other useful resources for runners, cyclists, travelers, parents, and anyone suddenly asking the most important question of the day: "Where can I go?" https://naturecallsapp.com/ Restroom access as an accessibility and medical issue — The app also plans to educate users about restroom-access laws affecting people with conditions including Crohn's disease and IBS. GCXC running events — Dave also discusses upcoming Pittsburgh-area races and the community surrounding GCXC events. https://gcxc.com/events-pa Support AwesomeCast: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast

Sorgatron Media Master Feed
AwesomeCast 791: Xbox Games on Mac & Linux? Freddy Fazbear Goes IRL & Video Stores Return

Sorgatron Media Master Feed

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 59:40


Sorg and Dave Podnar are back for another AwesomeCast packed with Pittsburgh tech, gaming, streaming, photography, AI, retro media, and a surprisingly practical app for finding a bathroom when you really need one. The episode starts locally with Dave highlighting Stormfreak, a Pittsburgh-area weather enthusiast who has built a following on Reddit by offering practical, level-headed forecasts without the sensationalism that often accompanies severe weather coverage. That leads into a bigger conversation about how Reddit, YouTube, and independent creators increasingly fill information gaps once occupied by traditional specialty television. Sorg then takes a trip back to the video-store era with Binge Buster, a web experience that lets users browse movies available on their existing streaming subscriptions in an interface inspired by wandering through the shelves of a physical rental store. Gaming takes over a large part of the conversation, including EA going private in a massive Saudi-backed deal, Netflix getting an extended GTA 6 preview, Atari showing signs of financial improvement, the possibility of accessing Xbox and PC Game Pass titles on Linux and Mac through the XODUS project, new content for the original Quake, and Sorg's experience comparing Xbox cloud gaming with NVIDIA GeForce NOW. Then things get weird in the best possible way: Diablo is heading to amusement-park Halloween events, while a permanent Freddy Fazbear's Pizza experience complete with animatronics is planned for American Dream. Dave also shares his latest experience with Adobe Project Indigo, including computational photography, AI photo critiques, and the increasingly blurry line between traditional editing and generative AI. The episode wraps with two ideas that bring physical experiences back into a digital world: Pittsburgh's Lost Lizard renting VHS, DVD, and even Betamax tapes, and Nature Calls Run, an upcoming crowdsourced app designed to help runners, cyclists, travelers, and people with medical needs locate bathrooms, water, and other resources. Stories, Gadgets & Topics Discussed 300–600mm iPhone zoom lens — Dave points listeners toward iPhonography Podcast co-host Greg McMillan's detailed look at an enormous telephoto solution for iPhone photography. Stormfreak and Pittsburgh weather on Reddit — Dave highlights the local forecaster's calm, practical approach to Pittsburgh weather and the community that has formed around his posts. They discuss how independent online weather coverage can sometimes be more useful than national television coverage when people need highly local information. The changing role of specialty media — Sorg and Dave compare today's creator-driven information sources with the original promise of channels like The Weather Channel, Discovery, TLC, and Food Network. Binge Buster — Sorg tries a streaming discovery site that recreates some of the experience of browsing a video store. Users select the streaming services they already subscribe to and browse movies through virtual box art, descriptions, genres, trailers, staff picks, and more. https://bingebuster.net/ Awesome Person of the Week: Lewis Latimer — Dave profiles the inventor, draftsman, engineer, and patent expert whose work intersected with both Alexander Graham Bell's telephone patent and the development of more durable electric-light filaments. Slice on Broadway pizza sauce — Dave discovers jars of Slice on Broadway's original pizza sauce while shopping at Labriola's Italian Market. EA goes private — Chachi's Video Game Minute covers EA completing its reported $55 billion sale to a Saudi-backed buyer and what private ownership might mean for the future of EA's games and monetization. Netflix and GTA 6 — Netflix is set to feature an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27, prompting discussion about whether GTA really needs any additional publicity. Atari's financial comeback — Atari reports its strongest annual revenue in roughly a decade, giving Sorg and Dave an opportunity to talk about the strange history of the Atari name, its changing ownership, and the collection of gaming properties associated with it over the years. Xbox games potentially coming to Linux and Mac through XODUS — Sorg discusses an open-source reverse-engineering project designed to make compatible Xbox and PC titles accessible beyond Windows, including the possibility of accessing portions of a user's existing Microsoft gaming library. Xbox backward compatibility — The conversation touches on original Xbox and Xbox 360 games potentially becoming increasingly accessible through Microsoft's PC ecosystem. New Quake content decades later — Quake continues receiving new content around its 30th anniversary, giving players another reason to revisit the classic first-person shooter. NVIDIA GeForce NOW vs. Xbox cloud gaming — Sorg compares his experience streaming games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Forza Horizon, finding GeForce NOW's higher-end hardware particularly impressive for demanding, fast-moving games. Do you still need a gaming PC? — Cloud gaming raises a bigger question: if a service already supports hundreds of games in your library and provides continuously upgraded hardware, does spending thousands on a dedicated gaming PC still make sense? Diablo invades Cedar Point and Six Flags — Blizzard's Diablo becomes part of the Halloween amusement-park experience, leading to a conversation about licensed haunted attractions and the changing amusement-park industry. Cedar Fair/Six Flags consolidation and disappearing amusement parks — Dave looks back at the history of older amusement parks, including Pittsburgh-area memories of White Swan Park and the larger trend of parks disappearing as land was redeveloped. Freddy Fazbear's Pizza becomes real — A permanent Freddy Fazbear's Pizza experience featuring animatronic stage shows is planned for American Dream in 2027. Naturally, Sorg and Dave wonder whether anybody involved has actually learned the lesson of Five Nights at Freddy's. American Dream as the modern destination mall — The conversation expands into how malls are evolving from shopping centers into entertainment destinations with theme parks, water parks, skiing, restaurants, attractions, wrestling events, and other experiences. Adobe Project Indigo — Dave continues experimenting with Adobe's computational photography app, particularly challenging lighting situations and shooting directly toward a sunset. AI-powered photography reviews — Project Indigo can analyze a photo and provide feedback, giving photographers another way to evaluate composition and possible improvements. When an AI edit becomes a different photograph — Dave demonstrates an AI edit that substantially changes clouds and the sky, prompting an important conversation about the difference between enhancing a photograph and generating new visual information. AI quietly becoming another editing tool — Sorg shares his experience using AI to quickly create client graphics and discusses how generative tools increasingly feel less like a separate novelty and more like another part of a production workflow. Lost Lizard brings video rentals back to Pittsburgh — A Lawrenceville business is renting VHS tapes, DVDs, Betamax tapes, and even retro video games. The concept triggers plenty of nostalgia for independent video stores and their wonderfully strange horror collections. Physical media versus digital ownership — Reports of purchased digital movies disappearing from user libraries lead to a larger discussion about what consumers actually own when they "buy" a digital movie. Movies Anywhere and fragmented digital libraries — Sorg discusses the usefulness of synchronizing eligible purchases across services while acknowledging that licensing can still make digital ownership complicated. Maybe it's time to buy DVDs again — The uncertainty of digital licenses gives physical media another unexpected advantage: nobody can remotely remove a disc from your shelf. Nature Calls Run — An upcoming Pittsburgh-created app will crowdsource public restrooms, water sources, and other useful resources for runners, cyclists, travelers, parents, and anyone suddenly asking the most important question of the day: "Where can I go?" https://naturecallsapp.com/ Restroom access as an accessibility and medical issue — The app also plans to educate users about restroom-access laws affecting people with conditions including Crohn's disease and IBS. GCXC running events — Dave also discusses upcoming Pittsburgh-area races and the community surrounding GCXC events. https://gcxc.com/events-pa Support AwesomeCast: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
894: Resort Wars Showdown: Coronado Springs vs. Port Orleans Riverside

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 32:33


We're kicking off Resort Wars: Showdown, a brand-new phase of our popular series where previous Resort Wars winners return to face each other head-to-head. From here, the winners keep advancing until only one Walt Disney World resort is left standing as the ultimate Resort Wars champion. Our first Showdown features two fan-favorite Moderate Resorts with very different personalities: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort vs. Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. We put these former champions through our familiar Resort Wars categories, comparing them on theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, and overall value. Coronado Springs brings Gran Destino Tower, an impressive dining and lounge lineup, beautiful grounds, and amenities that can sometimes make it feel more Deluxe than Moderate. Riverside counters with peaceful Southern charm, gorgeous landscaping along the Sassagoula River, boat transportation to Disney Springs, classic Disney atmosphere, and one of the most relaxing resort experiences on property. Plus, we bring in the listener vote to see which resort the Main Street Magic community thinks deserves to advance. Two Resort Wars winners enter the Showdown. Only one moves on. Which resort survives the first battle?

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
893: Disney Truth or Dare: Food Edition

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 59:54


It's time for another round of Disney Truth or Dare, and this time we're diving into one of our favorite topics—Disney food! In this episode, we're putting each other on the spot with a stack of Truth and Dare cards filled with honest opinions, impossible choices, and plenty of opportunities for some spirited debate about the best eats around Walt Disney World. Will we have to choose between Dole Whip and the Mickey Premium Bar? Eliminate an iconic Disney snack forever? Reveal our biggest Disney food hot take? Or defend which restaurant we'd recommend if someone only had one table-service meal during their entire vacation? Those are just a few of the questions that could come up—but with every card drawn at random, we never know what's coming next. From snacks and quick service to signature dining, festival booths, Disney Springs favorites, and resort restaurants, no corner of Walt Disney World's food scene is off limits. Once a card is drawn, there's no backing out, no changing the question, and definitely no saying, “It depends!” Whether you're planning your next Disney dining adventure or simply love hearing passionate Disney food debates, this episode is packed with fun, laughs, and plenty of opinions that may have you cheering us on… or yelling at your speakers. Grab your favorite Disney snack and play along to see how your answers compare to ours!

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
892: Disney Springs Bites, Beak & Barrel Updates & House of Mouse Magic

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 52:57


We're serving up a weekend roundup packed with delicious bites and exciting updates from Walt Disney World and beyond! We kick things off at Disney Springs with a look at the latest limited-time offerings from D-Luxe Burger, including the new Cheddar Biscuit Burger loaded with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, and jalapeño jam. Then we grab a scoop from Salt & Straw as we break down this month's creative pie-inspired flavors—from Wild-Foraged Berry Slab Pie to the surprisingly intriguing Gruyère & Tomato Custard Tart. Next, we head over to Beak and Barrel to discuss the newest details released, including menu updates and extra seating. Finally, we recap our weekend at House of Mouse Expo 2026, sharing some of our favorite moments, the incredible Disney community, and what made this year's event such a memorable experience. Whether you're planning your next Disney Springs foodie day, curious about the latest Disney news, or just looking to hang out with fellow Disney fans, this episode has a little something for everyone.

Weird AF News
Chicken amusement park is shut down because the chicken wasn't cooked. New raccoon pet law makes it easier to own one in Tennessee.

Weird AF News

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 21:27


Authorities shut down a chicken amusement park run by an influencer because the chicken was undercooked. London man admits to killing his neighbors koi fish because the noise drove him insane. New law in Tennessee made it much easier to own a pet raccoon. Weird AF News is the only daily weird news podcast in the world. Weird news 5 days/week and on Friday it's only Floridaman. SUPPORT by joining the Weird AF News Patreon http://patreon.com/weirdafnews - OR buy Jonesy a coffee at http://buymeacoffee.com/funnyjones Buy MERCH: https://weirdafnews.merchmake.com/ - Check out the official website https://WeirdAFnews.com and FOLLOW host Jonesy at http://instagram.com/funnyjones - wants Jonesy to come perform standup comedy in your city? Fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvYbm8Wgz3Oc2KSDg0-C6EtSlx369bvi7xdUpx_7UNGA_fIw/viewform Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lynch and Taco
5:35 Idiotology August 6, 2026: Chicken Amusement Park Shut Down

Lynch and Taco

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 8:51 Transcription Available


Airline pilot caught smuggling 70,000 ecstasy pills 'likely' on drugs while flying, Influencer's "chicken amusement park" shut down because all the meat was undercooked doubles as Headline of the Week contender #5, Man arrested after dressing as Grim Reaper on hospital roof staring at patients

Lynch and Taco
5:35 Idiotology August 6, 2026: Chicken Amusement Park Shut Down

Lynch and Taco

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 8:51


Airline pilot caught smuggling 70,000 ecstasy pills 'likely' on drugs while flying, Influencer's "chicken amusement park" shut down because all the meat was undercooked doubles as Headline of the Week contender #5, Man arrested after dressing as Grim Reaper on hospital roof staring at patientsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cook & Joe Show
Hour 1: Jerry Rice vs. Randy Moss, Kenny Pickett discourse, amusement parks and Hallmark movies

The Cook & Joe Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 52:18


Hour 1: A debate erupts to start the show when Dom says Randy Moss is a better receiver than Jerry Rice. Are amusement parks just for kids? Do we need to cut Kenny Pickett a break now? And do the guys watch Hallmark movies?

The Perks Of Being A Book Lover Podcast
S15:Ep283 - The Mixed Marriage Project with Guest Dorothy Roberts + Amusement Park Book Recs

The Perks Of Being A Book Lover Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 73:48


Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Dorothy Roberts at www.dorothyeroberts.com/ or you can find her on IG at @dorothyeroberts .   This week, we chat with Dorothy Roberts, the author of the book The Mixed Marriage Project: A Memoir of Love, Race, and Family.  As an esteemed professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania and a social justice advocate, Dorothy Roberts has written many scholarly books and academic papers about reproductive justice, child welfare, and bioethics, but her most recent book is a much more personal one.  She is the child of a white father who was an anthropologist and a black Jamaican mother, both now deceased. When Dorothy's sister gave her boxes of her father's files, she began to read transcripts of research he had done on interracial marriage over a 60-year period. She had no idea how these files would affect her memories of her childhood, her parent's marriage, and her own racial identity.  This book is a fascinating look at racial history in Chicago as well as a very touching memoir about a father/daughter bond.     And for our book recommendation segment of the show, we turn to one of the most iconic parts of an American summer. August is here, which means people are having their last hurrahs at amusement parks. With this in mind, we decided we would feature books about these places where people go to be entertained, eat overpriced food, and argue with their relatives. The books we've chosen are set in various amusement park venues, such as a western theme park in Arizona, an arcade park where reality disintegrates, a place called Dreamworld where everyone is happy, a real-life New Jersey amusement park that was certainly ride at your own risk, a North Carolina park that was the site of a murder mystery, and an amusement park set in the mind.     Books Mentioned In This Episode: 1- The Mixed Marriage Project: A Memoir of Love, Race, and Family by Dorothy E. Roberts  2- The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson  3- Martin Marten by Brian Doyle  4- The Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson  5- Jane Kenyon: The Making of a Poet by Dana Greene  6- The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and Obsession by Michael Finkel  7- The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel  8- The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt  9- A Five Star Read by Fellow Book Lover Elizabeth S. @fireplacebookworm - Beartown by Frederik Backman 10- The Free Lunch by Spider Robinson  11- Krazyland by Mar Romance-Moore  12- The Insignificant Events in the Lives of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling  13- Joyland by Stephen King  14- Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park by Andy Mulvihill with Jake Rosen  15- Anxietyland by Gemma Correll    Media Mentioned:  1- The Odyssey (2026) 2- Emily Wilson review of the Odyssey - https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v48/n14/emily-wilson/an-uncomplicated-man 3- Class Action Park (2020, HBO Max)    

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
891: Main Street Magic Mailbag: Listener Q&A Part 39

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 48:12


We're answering another fantastic batch of questions from the Main Street Magic Community, covering everything from Disney dining and EPCOT festivals to blue-sky Imagineering ideas and even one very unexpected bird discussion. We kick things off by talking about one of our favorite Disney treats and whether Animal Kingdom's famous Anandapur Ice Cream Truck has any worthy rivals across Walt Disney World. Then we revisit one of Disney's most debated vacation planning topics—the Disney Dining Plan—and discuss whether it's still worth purchasing. We also answer the impossible question of which single Disney park we'd choose to podcast about forever and dream up our own perfect EPCOT festival, complete with food booths, entertainment, and a scavenger hunt. From there, we share ideas for keeping the magic alive after multiple Disney vacations, react to a creative concept for indoor “Minni Disney” destinations around the country, and imagine how we'd completely redesign some of Disney's most disappointing quick-service and table-service restaurants. We also compare Disney's attraction technology with what Universal has accomplished at Epic Universe, debate which after-hours or holiday party offers the best value today, and help a family visiting Walt Disney World for just one day decide which park should make that unforgettable first impression before setting sail on a Disney Cruise. Whether you're planning your next vacation, looking for fresh Disney ideas, or just enjoy hearing us tackle fun “what if” scenarios, this episode is packed with laughs, opinions, and plenty of Disney magic.

Learn American English With This Guy
Listen Every Night to Speak English Fluently (10-Hour Sleep Lesson)

Learn American English With This Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 593:50


Welcome to 10 hours of soothing English lessons designed to help you relax, fall asleep, and improve your fluency naturally. Just press play, drift off to sleep, and let your brain absorb clear English vocabulary and pronunciation overnight.☀️ Summer is the perfect time to level up your English fluency!Private 1-on-1 conversation sessions are officially back. Let's work together in a comfortable space to build your speaking confidence, sharpen your pronunciation, and fix common mistakes.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
890: Main Street Magic Mailbag: Listener Q&A Part 38

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 49:35


We're tackling a wide variety of questions submitted by the Main Street Magic Community, covering everything from trip planning and resort decisions to Disney debates and even a little Universal Orlando. We discuss one of the most awkward situations you'll encounter in the parks—line cutting—and share our thoughts on where we draw the line (literally). Then we help a couple planning a Christmas vacation choose the perfect breakfast and dinner, including a character dining experience. We also look ahead to the future of Walt Disney World and debate whether 2027 or 2028 offers the better opportunity for a return visit based on upcoming attractions. Of course, no Q&A would be complete without some hot takes, so we're sharing the Disney hills we're willing to die on, from parks to movies and beyond. We also help a family decide between Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, discuss whether Deluxe Resorts are really worth the extra cost, and compare All-Star Music Family Suites versus the Art of Animation Family Suites and the value of having Skyliner access. Finally, for all the Disney fans venturing over to Universal Orlando for the first time, especially self-proclaimed ride chickens, we offer tips to help make that first visit fun, stress-free, and unforgettable. Whether you're planning your next vacation or just love talking Disney, this episode has something for everyone!

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
889: Our Top Burger Spots at Walt Disney World

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 40:29


We're ranking our top burger spots from across the parks, resorts, Disney Springs, and beyond, discussing what makes each one stand out and whether it's worth going out of your way to try. From the iconic Stack Burger at Steakhouse 71 and the island-inspired Wayfinder Burger at Wailulu Bar & Grill to the legendary Bison Cheeseburger at Geyser Point and the fan-favorite creations at D-Luxe Burger, we'll break down the flavors, toppings, atmosphere, and overall experience at each location. Along the way, we'll also highlight a few underrated burgers that deserve more attention, including favorites at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, Yak & Yeti Restaurant, Victoria Falls Lounge, Beaches & Cream, and more. As a bonus, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the best burgers ever served during EPCOT's festivals, including one of our most beloved Food & Wine Festival burger offerings of all time. If you're planning your next Disney vacation and want to know where to find the juiciest, most flavorful burgers on property—or you're just looking for an excuse to talk Disney food—this episode is for you. Grab some fries, maybe a milkshake, and join us as we crown the best burgers at Walt Disney World!

City Cast Chicago
How To Check For Chicagoland Ticks. Plus, Amusement Parks, and Reboots We Want

City Cast Chicago

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 36:45


Now that the smoke has largely cleared out, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and into nature. Whether you're planning a quick hike or weekend camping trip, the Illinois Department of Public Health wants you to protect yourself against ticks and mosquitoes. Contributors Al Scorch and PJ Walker help us run through IDPH's guidelines. Plus, we're asking our guests what makes Chicago's live audiences so special, whether amusement and water parks still go-to summer spots, and what reboots would they welcome with open arms? Good News:  The Trashy Summer Market We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
888: Disney Truth or Dare: Disney Cruise Line Edition

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 47:10


We're putting each other on the spot with a mix of honest confessions, impossible choices, and hot takes covering everything from ships and staterooms to dining, entertainment, private islands, and more. Is Castaway Cay still the ultimate private island, or is Lookout Cay making a serious case? Which onboard restaurant would we bring to land, and what Disney Cruise tradition do we think gets a little too much hype? Once a card is drawn, there's no backing out—we have to give a clear answer and defend it, even if it sparks a debate. While we've personally sailed the Disney Magic, Disney Wish and the Disney Destiny, this episode celebrates the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet. Whether you've sailed once, sailed them all, or are dreaming about your very first Disney cruise, you'll find plenty of fun conversations, surprising opinions, and maybe even a few ideas for planning your next adventure at sea. So grab your favorite tropical drink, settle into your deck chair, and play along with us. Would your answers match ours, or would you make completely different choices? There's only one way to find out!

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
887: The Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup: Championship Weekend

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 42:44


The field has been narrowed from eleven pavilions to just four, and now it's time to crown a champion in the final episode of the Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup! After surviving the play-in round and quarterfinals, the remaining pavilions enter the Final Four with everything on the line. We'll once again compare each matchup across food, drinks, attractions, immersion, shopping, hangout factor, hidden details, festival presence, and overall experience—but at this stage, every decision feels tougher than ever. The two semifinal winners will advance to the championship match, where we'll take one final look at what makes each pavilion special and decide which one truly deserves to lift the Cup.  Then, after three episodes, multiple upsets, and plenty of tough calls, only one pavilion remains standing. Which pavilion survives the Final Four? Who reaches the championship match? And which World Showcase country is crowned the first-ever Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup champion? Grab your bracket at https://www.patreon.com/wonderlandcrew/posts/main-street-cup-163717533, see whether your picks are still alive, and join us as we finish the tournament and crown the ultimate EPCOT pavilion!

The Top 5 Podcast
Top 5 Amusement Park Rides

The Top 5 Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 59:01


We are finally doing it! We have been teasing y'all for years about favorite blenders, ice creams, sock brands, and all that nonsense in our intro. Well, today is the day we finally deliver and discuss our Top 5 favorite Roller Coasters. Wait a minute, that actually doesn't sound that interesting. How about this, let's expand it. Today we are discussing our Top 5 Amusement Park Rides. We did not share our lists with each other and are by no means experts in said category. So sit back, relax, keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times, and enjoy the show. The Top 5 Podcast is hosted by Zach Rancourt, Eric Schoen, and Thomas Lockhart. It is available on Apple, Pandora, Spotify, Amazon, TuneIn, and Podbean. We appreciate your fandom! If you like what you hear, don't forget to rate and subscribe. Your participation helps us immensely! You can also find us on Bluesky and Twitter @podcaststop5. Enjoy!  

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
885: The Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup: The Road to the Cup

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 53:13


Welcome to the Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup! In this special tournament series, we're putting all 11 World Showcase pavilions head-to-head in a single-elimination bracket to determine, once and for all, which pavilion deserves to be crowned the ultimate EPCOT champion. Before the competition begins, we explain exactly how the tournament was created. Using AI analysis, rankings and opinions from some of the most trusted Disney fan sites, and our own experiences after countless visits to EPCOT, we seeded each pavilion into the bracket based on six major categories: Food, Drinks, Attractions, Immersion, Shopping, and Hangout Factor. But once the tournament starts, the seeds no longer matter—every matchup is decided one category at a time, with the winner advancing and the loser going home. After introducing the rules and revealing the full bracket, it's time for the opening play-in round. Three exciting matchups kick off the tournament as lower-seeded pavilions battle for the chance to face the top contenders waiting later in the bracket. Every debate is filled with tough decisions, surprising opinions, and plenty of Disney discussion as we compare everything from signature restaurants and iconic snacks to rides, entertainment, architecture, hidden details, and festival offerings. Who earns the first victories? Which pavilion pulls off an upset? And which favorites are waiting for their chance to enter the tournament? Welcome to the Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup!

disney magic travel food blog shopping disneyland disney world drinks walt disney using ai main street universal studios immersion stay connected theme parks animal kingdom magic kingdom epcot attractions disney parks amusement parks hollywood studios travel agents wdw disney springs universal orlando world showcase disney resorts disney podcast citywalk disney fans disney dining disney food epcot food disney dining plan islands of adventure disney attractions frozen ever after disney travel disney world vacation disney entertainment epcot world showcase disney planning disney community mexico pavilion gran fiesta tour disneylife japan pavilion france pavilion canada pavilion disney bracket disney discussion disney world attractions via napoli disney world tips norway pavilion monsieur paul china pavilion disney vacation planning mei travel mouse fan travel spice road table united kingdom pavilion walt disney world podcast mousedining american adventure pavilion biergarten restaurant
Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
884: 4th of July at Disney's Polynesian: Fireworks, Food & Fun

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 72:14


We're wrapping up an unforgettable Fourth of July weekend at Walt Disney World with plenty of food, fireworks, resort updates, and a few surprises along the way. We kick things off by giving shoutouts to some amazing members of the Main Street Magic community we had the chance to meet before diving into the latest changes around Disney's Polynesian Village Resort—including an update to Wailulu Bar & Grill's menu and the unexpected reason Disney has eliminated zero-proof cocktails across its owned restaurants. From there, we eat our way through the weekend with breakfast at Steakhouse 71, featuring Walt's Prime Rib Hash, seasonal pancakes, a build-your-own omelet, and some must-order sides before heading poolside to Barefoot Pool Bar for refreshing drinks and spicy honey pork wings. We also stop by Trader Sam's Grog Grotto to sample several appetizers and then chat about finishing the trip at Tambu Lounge with a couple of classic favorites. Along the way, we share our thoughts on the new Disney Springs bus procedures, recap what it's like spending Independence Day at Disney's Polynesian Resort, and discuss everything from fireworks to crowd levels to whether this holiday weekend is worth experiencing for yourself. Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, looking for honest Disney dining reviews, or just want to spend some time hanging out with us, this episode is packed with food, fun, Disney updates, and plenty of holiday magic.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
882: Forty-Eight Hours, Seven Dining Locations, One Hungry Weekend

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 82:26


We're recapping another food-filled weekend at Walt Disney World and beyond as we take you through every meal, snack, and dining experience from our latest trip. Over the course of just 48 hours, we visited seven different dining locations, ranging from Disney quick service favorites and signature dining to a brand-new off-property brunch spot that completely impressed us. We kick things off with lunch at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge before heading to Disney Springs for dinner at House of Blues. We make a stop at Golden Oak Outpost to try the new Banana Caramel Beignets, revisit Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, and enjoy dinner at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood atop Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. We also venture outside the Disney bubble to experience brunch at Harlow Grove in Winter Park, a beautiful new restaurant that quickly earned a spot on our list of must-visit dining destinations. As always, we're sharing exactly what we ordered, our honest thoughts on each dish, what surprised us the most, what we'd definitely order again, and whether each location is worth adding to your next Walt Disney World vacation itinerary.  Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation, looking for new restaurants to try, or simply enjoy hearing honest Disney dining reviews, this episode is packed with plenty of delicious conversation, helpful recommendations, and a few unexpected favorites that might just inspire your next meal. Grab a snack and join us as we break down one of our tastiest weekends yet!

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
881: Resort Wars: Building Our Ultimate Disney Resort

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 43:58


What would the ultimate Walt Disney World resort look like if we could mix and match the best features from every Disney resort? In this episode, we're taking on the ultimate Disney Resort Draft Challenge to find out. Using a snake draft format, we each build our dream resort by selecting from categories including location, overall theme, lobby, standard room, pool, quick service restaurant, table service restaurant, lounge, transportation, and recreation. But there are plenty of twists along the way. We each receive a one-time Steal Card that can completely change the outcome of the draft, while a randomly assigned Forced Pick means every resort—even Value and Moderate resorts—has a chance to shine. To keep things balanced, we're also required to include at least one Value Resort selection and one Moderate Resort selection in our final resort. Throughout the draft, we explain the reasoning behind every pick, debate what makes each resort element special, and do our best to convince each other—and you—that our choices create the ultimate Disney vacation destination. Whether you're dreaming about your next stay, planning a future trip, or simply love talking Disney resorts, this episode is packed with strategy, friendly competition, Disney debates, and plenty of opportunities to play along and decide whose resort you'd book first.

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
880: Disney Foodie Weekend: The Hits, The Misses, and The Must-Try Bites

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 76:16


We recap an incredibly food-focused weekend at Walt Disney World, where we made our way through Disney Springs, EPCOT, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Port Orleans Riverside, and several resort dining locations in search of some of the newest and most talked-about menu items. We share our thoughts on everything from Italian favorites at Terralina Crafted Italian and massive cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse to specialty pizzas at Pizza Ponte, unique ice cream flavors at Salt & Straw, and the limited-time Pepperoni Pizza Burger from D-Luxe Burger. Along the way, we also sample Fourth of July-themed treats, Annual Passholder-exclusive Joffrey's beverages, and several seasonal desserts that are perfect for summer. The food tour continues with stops at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT, Satu'li Canteen and Pizzafari in Animal Kingdom, Scat Cat's Club at Port Orleans Riverside, Hurricane Hanna's at Disney's Beach Club Resort, and more. We break down what was worth the money, what surprised us most, and which items we'd happily order again. To wrap things up, we hand out our Foodie Superlatives, including things like Best Overall Item, Best Sweet Treat, Best Savory Item, and the one item we'd skip next time. Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation or just looking for your next must-try snack, this episode is packed with plenty of Disney food recommendations and honest reviews.

Morbid
Amusement Park Disasters (Volume 2) : Theme Parks

Morbid

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 60:13


Since the late nineteenth century, amusement parks have been providing countless hours of enjoyment for people all around the world. Often driven by the latest technology and advances in mechanical engineering, the thrill rides at parks like Disney Land, Great America, and other independent parks offer a controlled environment to experience terror and excitement. While these rides, and the parks in general, are very safe and held to strict safety standards, there are times when the unthinkable happens—a cable snaps, a safety harness breaks—and the once safe ride becomes a nightmare for passengers. Far more often than not, tragic amusement park accidents are the result of human foolishness or, far less often, operator error. But other times, they are a bizarre fluke; a one in a million mechanical problem no one saw coming. Either way, the results can be shocking, horrifying, and even deadly. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Tickets for Alaina's Book Tour for THE BUTCHER LEGACY! Get Tickets to our MORBID LIVE show at Radio City Music Hall with Special Guest Jonathan Van Ness! References Akst, Daniel. 1982. "Short circuit found in fatal amusement ride." The Record (Hackensack, NJ), August 5: 3. Anaheim Bulletin. 1973. "D'land visitor drowning victim." Anaheim Bulletin, June 23: 1. Associated Press. 1980. "Roller coaster death probed." Free Lance (Hollister, CA), April 3: 10. —. 1998. "Disney visitor had no chance, surgeon says." Sacramento Bee, December 28: 4. Brown, Lee. 1964. "2 youths tell story of fatal 'bobsled' ride." The Independent (Long Beach, CA), May 22: 17. Daily News. 1983. "A ride to the courthouse." Daily News (New York, NY), July 3: 32. Daily Record. 1982. "Electrical shock killed man on Action Park ride." Daily Record (Morristown, NJ), August 1: 2. Fisher, Joseph. 1980. "Man who fell from alpine slide dies after several days in coma." Daily Record (Morristown, NJ), Juky 17: 1. Futia, Michael, and John Mintz. 1982. "Death doesn't cut lines for thrill rides." The Record (Hackensack, NJ), August 2: 13. Gaura, Maria. 1998. "Coaster victim's death witnessed by family." San Francisco Chronicle, September 11: 13. Gaura, Maria, and Manny Fernandez. 1998. "Victim's kin mull suit against Great America." San Francisco Chronicle, Seoptember 9: 1. Haefele, Marc. 1980. "Dangers cited by slide employees." Daily Record (Morristown, NJ), August 14: 19. Hatfield, Larry. 1980. "Roller coaster crash caused by 'phantom'." San Francisco Examiner, May 1980: 3. Hoover, Ken, and Sabin Russell. 1999. "Fall from ride kills boy at Great America." San Francisco Chronicle, August 23: 1. Kiely, Eugene. 1987. "Prosecutor: Action Park drowning accidental." The Record (Hackensack NJ), July 21: 28. Los Angeles Times. 1964. "Boy criticallt hurt on ride at Disneyland." Los Angeles Times, May 17: 3. —. 1966. "He tried to join his friends." Los Angeles Times, June 19: 3. —. 1964. "Inquest ruled out in fatal Disneyland fall." Los Angeles Times, May 27: 35. Lyman, Julie, Kevin Fagan, and Bill Workman. 1999. "Questions linger in amusement park death." San Francisco Chronicle , November 6: 1. Mulvihill, Andy. 2020. "Remembering Action Park, New Jersey's Deranged Theme Park, "Where You're the Center of the Accident"." Esquire, July 2. Press-Telegram. 1964. "Boy badly hurt in tumble from Disney bobsled." Press-Telegram (Long Beach, CA), May 16: 13. —. 1966. "Monorail victim crashing party?" Press-Telegram (Long Beach, CA), June 19: 4. —. 1964. "Bobsled rider's death probed." Press-Telegram, May 20: 39. Reckard, Scott, and Tracy Weber. 1998. "Autopsy sheds light on Disneyland fatality." Los Angeles Times, December 31: 31. Soiffer, Bill. 1980. "Brakes suspected in coaster tragedy." San Francisco Chronicle, March 31: 3. Stolztfus, Duane. 1984. "Water slide blamed for son's death." Daily Record (Morristown, NJ), August 28: 11. Webber, Tracy. 1999. "Fatal accident at Disneyland in '98 still haunts family." Los Angeles Times, December 13: 110. Yi, Daniel, and Robert Ourlian. 1998. "Man dies 2 days after being injured at Disneyland." Los Angeles Times, December 27: 76. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep1030: Jim McTague. Jim McTague analyzes Lancaster County's economy, noting a surge in tourism at local amusement parks. He highlights how falling gasoline prices have increased disposable income, leading to more aggressive consumer spending at retai

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 1:04


Jim McTague. Jim McTague analyzes Lancaster County's economy, noting a surge in tourism at local amusement parks. He highlights how falling gasoline prices have increased disposable income, leading to more aggressive consumer spending at retailers.1942 LANCASTER

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast
879: More Than an Expo: The Magic of HOME with Michele and Scott Atwood

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 79:10


Jeremy sits down with Scott and Michele Atwood, founders of The Main Street Mouse and creators of House of Mouse Expo, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved Disney fan events in the country. With House of Mouse Expo returning July 31 through August 2, 2026, there's no better time to explore how it all began, how it has grown over the years, and what continues to make it such a special experience for Disney fans. The conversation begins with Scott and Michele's journey from Michigan to Central Florida and how their passion for Disney led them to launch The Main Street Mouse, a community that has connected Disney fans for more than a decade. From there, Jeremy dives into the origins of House of Mouse Expo, discussing the inspiration behind the event, the challenges of getting it off the ground, and how it evolved into a gathering that brings together Disney fans, creators, vendors, and special guests from around the country. Along the way, Scott and Michele share stories from behind the scenes, including the planning, logistics, unexpected obstacles, and memorable moments that attendees rarely get to see. They also discuss the friendships and connections that have formed through the expo and why creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere has always been at the heart of HOME. The episode also includes a fun dream guest draft, expo superlatives, and a look ahead at what's next for House of Mouse Expo. Whether listeners are longtime attendees, considering their first visit, or simply curious about what goes into creating a successful Disney fan event, this conversation offers a unique look at the passion, dedication, and community that continue to make House of Mouse Expo feel like HOME. Connect with Scott & Michele Atwood

Who Smarted?
Trusty Trivia: AMUSEMENT PARKS!!!

Who Smarted?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 6:05


Bonus Smarting! Trusty answers questions sent in by SmartyPants! Email your SmartyQs to - Whosmarted@whosmarted.com