Podcasts about attractions

Epic Universe Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe!  Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing josephcheung@travelmation.net today!  Episode Description Universal's third* theme park, Epic Universe, is now open! Joe had the chance to experience it courtesy of Universal's hospitality for a media event, but we wanted to bring on someone who paid for their ticket so Shawn from Miles to Memories and MTM Travel joined to discuss everything Epic Universe. We talk about new attractions, the amazing portals, some food, some merch, and whether Epic will be a Disney Killer - or at least an Epcot Killer. Are you excited about Epic Universe? Have you visited? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on social media, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram! Episode Notes (all timestamps are approximate) 4:41 - What is Epic Universe? 8:46 - The different portals and which are our favorites 15:04 - Entertainment and overall park overview 21:31 - Will Epic be a Disney killer? 23:24 - Attractions and more Epic/Disney discussion 40:12 - Favorite attractions 44:25 - Food 50:04 - Negatives 57:16 - Disney Universal dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link. If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Bluesky and Instagram! Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.  

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topics of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies for each portal New Epic Universe print magazine celebrates the grand opening The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando, joins us in today's new episode!

[The episode has three friends in it: Joey Svendsen, Amy Alderman, and Hayne Griffin]Joey read a book that captures the American history of adolescent girls' commitment to having the best possible body.  You can check out "The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls" here.  With some of the book's contents as the context, Joey, Hayne and Amy talk through women's arduous struggle toward gender equality and how far along society has come, while Joey now having read this book, admits ignorance to many aspects of the challenge for women.  Amy opens up about some personal body image issues, personally relating to the societal research spelled out in this particular book.  Joey and Hayne try to explain why they are not sexually attracted to 20 year olds and Amy gives her best shot at explaining why she thinks they are not.  Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air)E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Check out Joey's Substack. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Universal Orlando's Epic Universe has officially opened, and it's a game-changer! In this episode, I'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of each attraction across the park's five immersive lands - Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark UniverseI'll share the thrill levels, theming, and potential motion sickness triggers of each ride. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or someone prone to motion sickness, this guide will help you plan your visit.This episode is perfect for fans of Universal Studios, theme park enthusiasts, and anyone planning a trip to Epic Universe. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review and reach out for help planning your trip to EPIC!  Get A Quote I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @mountains_of_magic or Facebook at Fantastical Vacations by Daniele. If you would like help in planning an upcoming Disney or Universal vacation, email me at danielerobbins@fantasticalvacations.com or fill out a quote form to get started planning the magic Get A Quote Want the latest travel deals and all my tips for Disney, Universal and Cruising?Join my email newsletter  Want to try fetch rewards and get free gift cards by scanning receipts? Use my code 8G48W to get 2000 points at sign up. FETCH REWARDSMy Website mountainsofmagic.square.siteMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/bring-the-funLicense code: E9BZCTS1O3JRPERX This podcast is not sponsored or supported by Fetch Rewards. Views of the host are her own.  

Join Erik and Tage this week as they are joined by Ryan and Olivia as they discuss the stores they wish existed in Disney shopping districts, the attractions they think Tage and Erik should go on first on their trip to Disneyland, what they would put in their foodie guides if they could make their own, and the experiences that don't exist anymore that they wish they could experience again. Support the podcast by going to https://www.thehubcrawl.com/support. Question 1: I'm going to riff off of a question from a few weeks ago. What is a store that you wish existed in the Disney Shopping district of your choice (Downtown Disney or Disney Springs)? Question 2: Which attraction should Tage and Erik experience first on their trip to Disneyland in July? Question 3: Disney has put out an insane amount of foodie guides in the past couple of years. You get to make your own foodie guide/foodie booth - it has to have a snack, "main" (think like food and wine festival), drink and dessert. These can be items already in the park in general, past foodie guide offerings, your faves in normal life etc. Question 4: What is an experience that doesn't exist anymore that you would like to do/do again? Bonus Question: If you had to pick one attraction from any Disney theme park that best represents the Disney brand as a whole, what would it be and why? What elements / attributes / emotions come to mind when you think of the brand and how does the attraction relate to those?

The landscape of Walt Disney World is shifting dramatically, with major transformations coming to every park. From Dinoland USA becoming a vibrant Central Americas-themed land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones, to Tom Sawyer Island making way for a Cars attraction, these changes represent Disney's evolving approach to park experiences.We dive deep into what these transformations mean for the Disney experience, exploring the tension between nostalgic attractions and Disney's push toward more recognizable intellectual properties. The upcoming Villains Land behind Big Thunder Mountain promises thrilling new experiences without replacing existing attractions, while Hollywood Studios will soon feature a Monsters Inc land with an innovative suspended coaster based on the door conveyor system from the beloved film.These changes raise important questions: Is Disney losing some of its original magic by replacing unique Imagineering creations with movie tie-ins? Or is this evolution necessary to compete with Universal's Epic Universe and appeal to younger generations? We consider whether the Disney experience has improved or declined since 2019, discussing the loss of beloved perks like Magical Express and free FastPass while acknowledging the exciting new attractions on the horizon.We also share our upcoming plans to test the new Multi-Pass system during our next trip, estimating we'll spend around $500 extra for our family of four to access all premium ride options. Will the convenience justify the cost? Is the Free Dining package actually saving money when factoring in required add-ons like Park Hopper tickets? These practical considerations reflect the changing economics of a Disney vacation in today's landscape.Whether you're a Disney purist concerned about these changes or excited to experience the new attractions, this episode provides thoughtful perspective on what Walt Disney World's transformation means for different types of visitors. Connect with us on social media @CircleOfParks to share your thoughts on Disney's evolving future!Please Check Out Our Links Below:  Our Sponsor:www.travelplannererica.com Email Us:circleofparks@gmail.com Our Website:www.circleofparks.com Facebook:www.facebook.com/circleofparks Instagram:www.instagram.com/circleofparks X:www.x.com/circleofparks Ad Music:Carefree Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Jakob Wahl, CEO of IAAPA, the leading global association for the attractions industry. Jakob shares his inspiring journey from program manager to CEO, highlighting pivotal moments like honoring trailblazing members and expanding IAAPA's mission of connection, innovation, and inclusivity. With heartfelt stories, including the creation of Morgan's Wonderland, Jakob emphasizes the power of community in driving industry-wide change.Wahl also discusses IAAPA's strategic initiatives around safety, sustainability, workforce development, and global growth—including the launch of the IAAPA Expo Middle East. His insights on evolving trends like immersive accommodations, tech-driven experiences, and the use of intellectual property underscore IAAPA's role as a catalyst for industry progress.

CONTACT US TODAY! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@windowtothemagic YouTube: http://youtube.com/windowtothemagic Email: podcast@windowtothemagic.com Voicemail: 1-307-GET-WTTM (438-9886)  SEASON 20 CONTINUES!  On this episode, Michel visits Disney Studios Paris (from before its recent construction) and wanders the park, finding magic at every turn.  Attractions include WEB ADVENTURE, CARS ROAD TRIP, TOWER OF TERROR and FROZEN: MUSICAL INVITATION Enjoy!!  107 mins ))HD BINAURAL((

What began as "Russian Mountains" evolved across Europe, and eventually, found their way to the good ol' U.S. of A... In 1884, one man wanted to use his vast fortune--NO! Not to help anyone!--to keep a recently re-unioned American population from getting too drunk, too horny, and too gambly... So he built himself a roller coaster, and with it, he made even more money (which he did not share), but at least he gave us all the gift of post-mule speeds, and the exhilaration that comes with it! Join us to learn about the FIRST ROLLER COASTER! Plus, we get Springy in the MouthGarf Report, and especially confounding (and that's saying something) in I See What You Did There!Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster#Russian_Mountainshttps://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/10/24/roller-coasters/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/14-fun-facts-about-roller-coasters-180972920/ Please give us a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts! Want to ask us a question? Talk to us! Email debutbuddies@gmail.comListen to Kelly and Chelsea's awesome horror movie podcast, Never Show the Monster.Get some sci-fi from Spaceboy Books.Get down with Michael J. O'Connor's music!Next time: First X-Files Episode Directed By A Woman 

Disney Abu Dhabi and New Lounges     Disney announces a new destination, Disney Abu Dhabi. And we discuss the new lounges, Beak and Barrell coming to Magic Kingdom and Geo-82 coming to Epcot at Walt Disney World. Disney Night Live gives their opinion on the announcement of a new park and resort coming to Abu Dhabi (UAE) and is Disney building too many lounges? All this on the latest episode of Disney Night Live (Ep. 109/S4 from 05/10/2025).          As always, DMagicWorld.Com is our favorite 24/7 Disney music streaming station. Looking to book a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney's Aulani, Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? I am a Travel Specialist specializing in Disney destinations and can help you plan the perfect Disney visit. DavidPicciano@TravelMation.Net Now That's Disney on FB. A fun and family friendly Disney loving group. And be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Now That's Disney. Now That's Disney's, Disney Night Live can be seen live every Saturday @ 8pm EST in Now That's Disney on FB and YouTube. Disney Night Live Podcast and Now That's Disney is in no way part of, endorsed or authorized by, or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its affiliates. As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney. Disclosure | Privacy Policy Be sure to like, subscribe, download, and comment on all our social media platforms. We appreciate the engagement. Now That's Disney's, Disney Night Live is a live stream and is better consumed as a visual. We take the audio from the live stream and put it out as a podcast. #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyland #orlando #florida #california #themeparks #visit #travel #vacation #nowthatsdisney #disneynightlive #magickingdom #epcot #animalkingdom #hollywoodstudios #pixarpier #eat #drink #resorts #mickeymouse #livestream #merchandise #attractions                                         Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/308244676281060 Instagram @nowthatsdisney_dp YouTube (Smash That Bell

In this episode of the Birds Up Podcast, we welcome UTSA Alumnus Jesse Vargas, Chief Operating Officer of the San Antonio Zoo. Jesse takes us on a journey through his remarkable career—from his first job as a lifeguard at Fiesta Texas to leading some of the world's most iconic attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Atlantis Dubai. His career has spanned the globe, taking him from San Antonio to Mexico, Spain, the UAE, and beyond.Jesse shares how his experiences at UTSA, where he earned his degree in Business Administration, laid the groundwork for a career built on leadership, innovation, and community impact. Now back in his hometown, Jesse is helping write the next chapter for the San Antonio Zoo—overseeing a $250 million transformation that will make the zoo a must-see destination for visitors from around the world.In this inspiring conversation, Jesse reflects on the lessons he's learned along the way, the importance of mentorship and giving back, and why embracing adventure, adaptability, and authenticity are key to leadership success. Whether you're a young professional, a leader in the making, or someone who simply loves a good story of resilience and reinvention, this episode is a must-listen.------------------------------Show Notes:San Antonio Zoo UTSA Alumni GalaUTSA Alumni UTSA AthleticsUTSA Alumni Online Store   Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, Laurel Greatrix and I explore why today's travelers are seeking out the experience first and planning trips around it. She shares the top types of experiences that travelers are searching for and explains why they allow visitors to explore a destination more deeply. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why today's travelers are increasingly planning trips around experiences rather than destinations, and what this shift means for destination marketers What types of travel experiences are trending right now, from outdoor adventures to immersive, small-group offerings like cooking and craft classes How Viator supports both large and small experience operators and helps them reach wider audiences through powerful distribution partnerships Why authenticity matters in travel experiences and how travelers are seeking unique, non-mass market interactions to go deeper into destinations What roles collaboration and strategic partnerships play in Viator's business model, including the relationship with TripAdvisor and broad third-party distribution The Experience-First Shift in Travel Planning Historically, travel planning centered around destinations, accommodations, and flights. Travelers picked a location, locked in their hotel, and then considered what activities to do once on site. But according to Laurel Greatrix, Vice President of Marketing at Viator, the world's largest travel experiences marketplace, that approach is rapidly evolving. Increasingly, travelers are first setting their sights on unique and memorable experiences and building their trips around them. What sets the experiences sector apart isn't just its offline-heavy operation or diversity, but the sheer pace of its growth. Since the pandemic, demand has soared for outdoor and active experiences, with destinations like Alaska, Utah, Colorado, and Banff seeing impressive spikes in bookings. Simultaneously, activities such as cooking classes and craft workshops are seeing consistent double- and even triple-digit growth rates. These trends show travelers craving meaningful engagement with destinations, a trend accelerated by the global prioritization of health, wellness, and authentic encounters. Authenticity and Personalization “Authentic” is a buzzword often used in travel, but as Laurel points out, it means something different to every traveler. Viator's data shows that while classic attractions, think the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, remain bucket-list essentials, growth is skewing toward bespoke, local, and hands-on experiences. Travelers increasingly seek opportunities to connect with local culture, meet passionate guides, and try their hand at activities like perfume making in Paris or chocolate crafting in Belgium. For marketers and operators, this means a growing need to communicate what makes their experiences unique, accessible, and “authentic.” Reviews, detailed product descriptions, and visually rich content can help set expectations and attract customers seeking depth over breadth. Collaboration in the Experiences Ecosystem Viator's success is rooted in collaboration, internally and through partnerships. Its acquisition by TripAdvisor shows how powerful collaborations can transform an entire market segment. By powering bookings across thousands of partner sites ranging from airlines to travel agencies and even Amazon, Viator helps even the smallest operators achieve global reach. Collaboration also extends to working with destinations and other experience providers. By joining forces, they can disperse visitor traffic, reduce overcrowding at major sites, and promote lesser-known experiences that contribute to local economies and more sustainable tourism practices. Resources: Website: https://www.viator.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelgreatrix/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viatortravel/ X: https://x.com/ViatorTravel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viator YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ViatorTravel We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Send us a textWelcome, welcome back, foolish mortals! In this oldie but goodie episode, I talk about my perfect day in Animal Kingdom. This is the second episode in a series: My Perfect Day in ... [fill in the park]. Animal Kingdom is my second favorite park in Walt Disney World. So this episode will be filled with what I would do, see, and eat on my perfect day in that park. It also has a sense of nostalgia since some things may have closed or might be closing due to revamping in Animal Kingdom.Enjoy this great oldie but goodie episode.Sit back, relax, listen to this episode ... and I'll see you real soon.Support the showFollow along with me on social media:- Facebook (@disneylifehappywifepodcast)- Instagram (@disneylifehappywifepodcast)Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns? Do you have a topic to recommend? Is there something Disney-related that you want to talk about? DM me on social media OR email me at dlhwpodcast@gmail.com.Would you like to contribute to my podcast financially? This could go to better equipment or even towards the next Disney trip. Check out my new page on Patreon.

Disney vient d'annoncer le développement d'un futur parc Disneyland à Abu Dhabi aux Émirats Arabes Unis.Dans cet épisode nous passons en revue ce que l'on sait, on spécule sur ce que l'on ne sait pas, on essaye de comprendre le pourquoi du comment et on aborde l'étonnant clash culturel que représente l'installation d'un parc Disney—et donc des valeurs d'inclusion et diversité régulièrement affichées par la Walt Disney Company— dans un pays depuis longtemps pointé du doigt par les organisations internationales pour ses violations des droits de l'homme.On a hâte de lire vos commentaires sur cet épisode! Interagissez avec nous sur:InstagramBlueskyThreadsFacebookTwitter Merci pour votre écoute!

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Tired of outdated systems holding your attraction back? Gatemaster believes technology is part of the experience, transforming every touchpoint into an opportunity. Imagine seamless online booking, effortless mobile ordering, and data-driven insights at your fingertips. Ready to revolutionize your guest journey and maximize revenue? Power your attraction with Gatemaster. Discover the future at Gatemaster.com.   Attractions and hospitality organizations often view name tags as a simple part of the uniform—a box to check to ensure guests know who they're interacting with. However, overlooking the deeper significance behind name tags can lead to missed opportunities in team engagement, guest connection, and even operational accuracy. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about how a name tag can be a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and personal connection that strengthens both the employee and guest experience. Name Tags as Symbols of Pride and Representation "It was a weighty responsibility, but I felt like I was representing the company." Matt reflects on his personal connection to the name tags he wore throughout his career, recognizing them not just as an identifier, but as a symbol of the company and his role within it. The discussion highlights that when team members are given a name tag, it can become a source of pride and ownership—if organizations frame it that way. Rather than being a disposable piece of plastic, it can represent belonging and responsibility within the company culture. The Risk of Misidentification "What if that person provided an exemplary experience and that guest wrote an online review about that individual or sent in an email or called and said, you absolutely have to recognize Nick?" Josh points out the operational risks of allowing employees to wear random name tags simply to meet uniform standards. Whether the result is a missed opportunity to recognize excellence or a guest complaint directed at the wrong person, the repercussions can erode both guest trust and team morale. By ensuring accurate name tag usage, organizations reinforce the integrity of both the guest experience and internal processes. A Tool for Connection and Storytelling "It was a micro-moment about personalizing the experience. I was the guest. I did this." Josh shares a personal story where a name tag sparked an unexpected connection during a visit to Epic Universe. This anecdote illustrates how name tags can become tools for personalized storytelling, conversation starters, and guest engagement. When name tags include elements like hometowns, passions, or favorite rides, they create openings for guests to connect authentically with team members—turning a small detail into a memorable moment. Elevating the Importance of Name Tags "There could be maybe more of a presentation like here's your name tag. Like this is something that's super important and you should think it's important." Matt suggests that organizations can enhance team pride by elevating the name tag presentation process itself. By treating it as a meaningful rite of passage—rather than a casual handoff from wardrobe—leaders can reinforce the value placed on identity and representation. This small gesture can have a lasting impact on how team members view their role within the company. Practical Tips for Effective Name Tag Use "Make it big enough to read." Matt closes the conversation with a practical reminder for anyone involved in name tag procurement: ensure the text is large enough for guests to read comfortably. A name tag's primary function is to allow guests to identify and connect with employees, and if the name isn't easily visible, the opportunity is lost.   Do you have creative ideas for making name tags more impactful? Matt and Josh encourage you to share your experiences and suggestions. Connect with them on social media or through the AttractionPros website and join the conversation about how small details like name tags can make a big difference in the guest and employee experience.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Audio and Video editing by Abby Giganan   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topics of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood Epic Universe docuseries coming to Peacock World's first aquarium submersible: SeaSub at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi ‘Jaws' returning to movie theaters for 50th anniversary in summer 2025 New Disney theme park coming to Abu Dhabi on Yas Island Why Disney in Abu Dhabi? Iger talks ‘huge endorsement' of location The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom offers a diverse array of attractions that blend thrilling rides, captivating live shows, and immersive animal encounters. This week, Ric and Gina dive into their top 5 favorite experiences within the park, encompassing both rides and live-action shows. They also share their thoughts on the 2 attractions they consider less essential or skippable during a visit.Enjoy episode 221 of Spill the D!Spill the D is the official podcast of 407&Beyond Vacation Co., start your Disney vacation at ⁠www.407vacations.com⁠Get all your Disney Parks news from the official 407 Blog at https://407vacations.com/blog/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spillthedpodcast/⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIDM7wNqmxY

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topics of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: Six Flags America permanently closing after 2025 season Volcano Bay to close for 2027 refurbishment, discontinue virtual line Top Thrill 2 reopening + new coaster Siren's Curse on the way at Cedar Point Help save Kingda Ka coaster cars with Roller Coaster Museum ‘Incredibles,' ‘Up' possibly coming to Tokyo Disneyland by 2035 in Adventureland redesign The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

Are you ready to maximize your Disney vacation and experience the most popular attractions with minimal wait times? We're diving deep into the strategic world of "rope dropping" at Walt Disney World - that magical practice of arriving before park opening to be among the first guests rushing to key attractions.Every minute counts when planning your Disney mornings, and we're sharing our battle-tested strategies for each park. At Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain emerges as our family's go-to choice while the crowds rush to Fantasyland. We'll explain why Tomorrowland's morning ambiance creates the perfect start to your day, along with alternatives like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for families with different priorities.Hollywood Studios presents the toughest rope drop decisions with its concentration of blockbuster attractions. Should you prioritize Rise of the Resistance's immersive Star Wars experience or the classic thrills of Tower of Terror? We break down the pros and cons of each option, plus family-friendly alternatives in Toy Story Land.For Animal Kingdom enthusiasts, we reveal why Kilimanjaro Safaris might actually be a better rope drop choice than Flight of Passage for repeat visitors. The morning safari experience offers significantly more active animals and natural behaviors than you'll see later in the day - a complete game-changer for wildlife lovers.From Test Track at EPCOT to the strategic value of experiencing elaborate queues without the crushing crowds, these insider tips will transform how you approach your Disney mornings. We've made the mistakes so you don't have to! Join us for this essential planning guide that will help you create magical memories without spending your vacation waiting in standby lines.Please Check Out Our Links Below:  Our Sponsor:www.travelplannererica.com Email Us:circleofparks@gmail.com Our Website:www.circleofparks.com Facebook:www.facebook.com/circleofparks Instagram:www.instagram.com/circleofparks X:www.x.com/circleofparks Ad Music:Carefree Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Send us a textSupport the show

Investors hit the sell button in Sydney after PM Anthony Albanese’s reelection. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, this episode unpacks Warren Buffett’s shock decision to step down from Berkshire Hathaway, with Greg Abel set to lead. We spotlight Morgan Stanley’s top AI stock pick: TSMC. Plus, how are Exxon Mobil, Shell, Marks & Spencer, and Singapore’s Straco performing? And a look at STI movers like DFI Retail, Hong Kong Land, and CapitaLand Investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

長島（ながしま）スパーランドや、大阪（おおさか）万博（ばんぱく）に引（ひ）き続（つづ）き、今回（こんかい）は日本（にほん）で最（もっと）も人気（にんき）のある東京（とうきょう）ディズニーランドの人気（にんき）アトラクションのランキングについて話（はな）しました。ディズニーランドは、長島（ながしま）スパーランドやUSJと比（くら）べるとジェットコースターより来（き）た人（ひと）が楽（たの）しめる雰囲気（ふんいき）を重視（じゅうし）したテーマパークで、人気（にんき）アトラクションも私（わたし）たちの想像（そうぞう）とは全（まった）く違（ちが）ったものがランクインしていました。みなさんはどのアトラクションが人気（にんき）だと思（おも）いますか？想像（そうぞう）しながら聞（き）いてみてください。Following our episodes on Nagashima Spa Land and the Osaka Expo, this time we talked about the ranking of the most popular attractions at Tokyo Disneyland, one of the most beloved theme parks in Japan.Compared to Nagashima Spa Land or USJ, Tokyo Disneyland focuses more on creating an enjoyable atmosphere for visitors rather than thrilling roller coasters. Interestingly, the attractions that ranked high were completely different from what we had expected.Which attraction do you think is the most popular? Try to imagine it as you listen!The script is available here: https://www.makiko-japanese.com/I will update this episode on Youtube as soon as possible!! Please check out and subscribe to our youtube channel: ⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UChu8-tNd_4RyWo-iE5cr-Ow⁠email, comments, requests, also Japanese lesson inquiries: toranomaki.nihongo@gmail.comにほんごのかいわのレッスンもしています。メールでれんらくください。toranomaki1212@gmail.comPlease follow our Instagram, @toranomaki.nihongo

In episode 138, we visit several top attractions in and near Lava Beds National Monument in California. Lava Beds National Monument, located in northern California, is a unique and fascinating destination for those interested in exploring caves. This volcanic landscape features over 800 caves formed by lava flows from the nearby Medicine Lake volcano. Visitors can hike through underground tunnels, climb up lava tubes, and witness stunning geological formations such as stalactites and flowstone.  In this episode, we visit: Captain Jack's Stronghold Canby Cross Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge Petroglyph Point Medicine Lake The Places Where We Go Resources PODCAST: Released every other week in your favorite podcast app WEBSITE & BLOG www.theplaceswherewego.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER YOUTUBE: The Places Where We Go YouTube Channel INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theplaceswherewego TWITTER / X: https://twitter.com/theplaceswhere1 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ThePlacesWhereWeGo EMAIL: Write to us at comments@theplaceswherewego.com GEAR WE USE: The Places Where We Go Amazon Storefront We'll see you at the places where we go. Julie & Art AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURE The Places Where We Go contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Disney Discounts and Current Vacation Offers     The Disney Night Live show breaks down the different Disney discounts and current vacation offers (Ep. 108/S4 from 04/26/2025). All the ways to save wrapped up in one episode. From Annual Pass Holders (AP) and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) discounts to all the vacation savings you can gobble up. Let us dive into it.         As always, DMagicWorld.Com is our favorite 24/7 Disney music streaming station. Looking to book a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney's Aulani, Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? I am a Travel Specialist specializing in Disney destinations and can help you plan the perfect Disney visit. DavidPicciano@TravelMation.Net Now That's Disney on FB. A fun and family friendly Disney loving group. And be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Now That's Disney. Now That's Disney's, Disney Night Live can be seen live every Saturday @ 8pm EST in Now That's Disney on FB and YouTube. Disney Night Live Podcast and Now That's Disney is in no way part of, endorsed or authorized by, or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its affiliates. As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney. Disclosure | Privacy Policy Be sure to like, subscribe, download, and comment on all our social media platforms. We appreciate the engagement. Now That's Disney's, Disney Night Live is a live stream and is better consumed as a visual. We take the audio from the live stream and put it out as a podcast. #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyland #orlando #florida #california #themeparks #visit #travel #vacation #nowthatsdisney #disneynightlive #magickingdom #epcot #animalkingdom #hollywoodstudios #pixarpier #eat #drink #resorts #mickeymouse #livestream #merchandise #attractions                                         Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/308244676281060 Instagram @nowthatsdisney_dp YouTube (Smash That Bell

Legendary American scholar and critic Tom Gunning has changed the way we think about film history and the future of the medium, profoundly influencing generations of academics, artists, and cinephiles. On Sunday, April 27, Devika Girish and Clinton Krute hosted a live conversation with Gunning and curator David Schwartz at the Museum of the Moving Image, following a screening of Hal Hartley's Flirt (1995), an experimental narrative of love and loss set in three cities—New York, Berlin, and Tokyo. The event was part of a multiday series of screenings and discussions organized by Schwartz, taking place at venues including MoMI, Anthology Film Archives, and Light Industry. This special weekend marked the publication of a new collection of Gunning's writing, entitled The Attractions of the Moving Image: Essays on History, Theory, and the Avant-Garde. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from Gunning's seminal essay “The Cinema of Attractions” (1986) to his teacher-student relationship with Hartley to some contemporary films that he's (perhaps surprisingly) enjoyed.

Kelly Messina, senior director of leisure sales for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the very first Spotlight Nevada, a new trade event designed to promote resorts and attractions in Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada. On April 13-15, nearly 80 travel advisors gathered with roughly 100 suppliers to meet and experience all the state has to offer. And Spotlight Nevada will return next year. For more information, visit www.spotlightnevada.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

In this episode, we're diving into everyone's all-time favorite Attractions, Restaurants, and Resorts at Walt Disney World. From thrilling rides that keep you coming back, to unforgettable dining experiences and the coziest places to stay, we're sharing the ultimate fan favorites. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Disney pro, you're bound to hear something that sparks your nostalgia—or adds a new must-do to your list. We also share a few of our personal picks and the stories behind them. It's a fun, laid-back discussion filled with memories, laughs, and a little friendly debate. So grab a Dole Whip and join us as we count down the best of the best at the Most Magical Place on Earth!Please leave us a rating and review! And check us out on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wdw-4-families-a-disney-world-travel-planning-podcast/id570358277

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topics of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 Mandalorian update to Smugglers Run will let guests choose their path and interact with Grogu Epic Universe park hours for opening week in May 2025 SeaWorld Orlando arctic flying ride Expedition Odyssey opening May 9 with Uki the walrus Land of Oz opens at U.K. theme park with flying monkeys ride How ‘Elementa' in Los Angeles is shaping the future of dining shows | Interview DC super heroes coming to Orlando + 3 more cities at Gaylord hotels The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

Zach and Brittany break down their top over, under, and properly rated attractions and restaurants in Walt Disney World based on personal experiences and family preferences.• Peter Pan's Flight unanimously chosen as most overrated attraction due to consistently long wait times despite short ride duration• Animal Kingdom trails and Living with the Land recognized as underrated gems offering unique experiences with minimal crowds• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure praised as properly rated experiences delivering on their promises• Ohana at the Polynesian and The Edison at Disney Springs identified as overrated restaurants not living up to their hype• Skipper Canteen and Geyser Point Bar & Grill highlighted as underrated dining options with exceptional food and atmosphere• Tusker House and The Boathouse earn spots as properly rated restaurants consistently delivering quality experiences• Zach shares updates from his recent research trip to Walt Disney World, documenting locations for his upcoming book• Their sons Ryan and Nolan contribute their own opinions on Disney's best and worst experiences• Interesting Disney trivia about Hans Scharf's mosaics in Cinderella Castle and the Land pavilionPlease Check Out Our Links Below:  Our Sponsor:www.travelplannererica.com Email Us:circleofparks@gmail.com Our Website:www.circleofparks.com Facebook:www.facebook.com/circleofparks Instagram:www.instagram.com/circleofparks X:www.x.com/circleofparks Ad Music:Carefree Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Send us a textTravel Trends with Dan Christian #1 B2B Travel Podcast. Execs, Start-Ups, Major TrendsListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

⚠️ATTENTION⚠️Afin de preserver la surprise pour celles et ceux qui le souhaitent, nous avons placé à la fin de l'épisode les discussion et spoilers sur les attractions Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry et Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

Wednesday “What's Buggin' You” segment for 4-30-25

Send us a message with feedback or questions!Welcome to the latest episode of The Florida Project – the podcast where Disney fans celebrate Walt Disney World and all things Disney! In this episode, we'll discuss some nonsense in small topics, catch up on some news out of Star Wars Celebration, and then quiz one another with Disney Trivia! All of that and more is coming up in this week's episode of The Florida Project!-- Recorded on April 25, 2025Small Topics / GameBeyonce's Cowboy Carter tour is starting this week and I got some of her Sir Davis Whiskey to sip when I go in July. If you were to create a celebrity alcohol, what type of alcohol would you make?The second season of Andor premiered last week and we are exploring the Star Wars universe more. What would you like to see spun off into its own show?Sadly, the Pope passed away last week and his funeral is tomorrow. The new Pope will be chosen by a secretive rite called the Conclave. If we needed to choose a new Podcast host, what would our version of the Conclave include?Discussion TopicDisney Trivia ShowdownUpcoming EpisodesThunderbolts* (next week)PlugsJason: @Schmuck00Will: @ThyWillBDunnMichael: @MichaelMcDuckSite: http://www.tfppodcast.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tfppodcast.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/tfppodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@tfppodcastPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/tfppodcastSupport the show

Best Of 2GG: Local Attractions PART 1 by Two Girls and a Guy

Best Of 2GG: Local Attractions PART 2 by Two Girls and a Guy

In this episode, play along as we try to guess the average wait times of Disney & Universal Attractions! Join along with friends and family to test your "wait time knowledge" and see how well you do compared to the hosts. BUT NO CHEATING!!If you like what you hear, and want to enjoy bonus content, make sure to check us out at patreon.com/wtmhpodcast to join our Magic Mafia!HOPE YOU ENJOY!Support the show

Summer's not that far off, and the kids are already thinking “vacation.” Will you be ready for it?How can you make great family memories without breaking the budget? That's always the challenge, but Crystal Paine joins us today with some great tips for a budget-friendly family vacation.Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year. How to Take a Great Family Vacation Without Breaking the BankPlanning a family vacation is one of life's great joys—and, if you're not careful, one of its greatest budget busters. Here are some practical and encouraging tips on how to plan a memorable getaway without coming home to credit card regret.1. Start with a Plan—and Start EarlyPlan ahead. Start early to maximize your options. That includes scouting for affordable destinations—especially those a little off the beaten path—and using tools like Google Flights to find the best travel deals.Google Flights lets you enter your preferred dates and search anywhere for the lowest fares. It's a great way to discover places you might not have thought of but can afford. Also, set a clear trip budget early on and decide as a family what matters most. Maybe it's staying near the beach, and you're willing to save by eating in.2. Look for Free ActivitiesYou'd be surprised how many free attractions are out there. Just type your destination and “free things to do” into a search engine. From parks and hiking trails to museums and community festivals, many cities offer hidden gems that cost nothing but create lasting memories.3. Get the Whole Family InvolvedVacations are more meaningful when everyone has a say. Let your kids have a voice in the planning process. Even if they're not picking the destination, they can help select activities. Better yet, give each family member a mini-budget to plan a portion of the trip.This allows kids to learn about budgeting, decision-making, and the real cost of things, making the trip more personal and fun.4. Be Strategic About MealsEating out can quickly blow your vacation budget. Instead, be intentional. That's why it's recommended to stay at a hotel with a complimentary breakfast and bring snacks or simple meals from home.Another good idea is to stop by a grocery store after you arrive. You can grab basics like peanut butter, bread, fruit, and chips. It's way cheaper than dining out every meal.Save the splurge for one nice dinner, and make it count—this way, you can enjoy a special moment without feeling guilty about the cost.5. Set a Daily Spending LimitOne final way to stay on track financially is to set a daily limit for discretionary spending and make it a family challenge. How far can we stretch our budget today while still having fun?This not only helps you stay on target, but it also models financial wisdom and creativity for your kids, transforming money management into a team effort.Remember that the best vacation is the one you come home from without credit card debt. With some planning, creativity, and teamwork, your next family getaway can be affordable and unforgettable.Want more money-saving tips from Crystal? Visit MoneySavingMom.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I just set up a new bank account, and they recommended using a debit card to pay bills. But I've always used my credit card and think it's more secure. What's your advice on using a debit versus a credit card for monthly bills?I have a 401(k) and want to invest more deeply in stocks. I know the stock market is dropping, but I remember when it fell much more. I'm confident about our economy and in God. I'd like to invest about 30% in stocks, but I'm wondering if I'm getting in too soon, or should I wait for the market to go lower?I have a question about annuities. We talked to someone about an annuity that's locked into some kind of care, like long-term care insurance. We're in our early 60s, and I'm wondering if it's too late and if this is a good idea.I have a money market account into which my wife's paycheck goes, and we pay our mortgage. Is this a safe place for our emergency fund, or is there a better option?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineMoneySavingMom.comGoogle FlightsBankrate.comWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Episode 169:Ranking the Attractions in Disney's Hollywood StudiosListen here:https://linktr.ee/ofmiceandmainstreetmenCheck out links to the shop and travel agency:OfMiceAndMainStreetMen.comShare this episode with your friends and help us spread the gospel of Of Mice & Main Street Men! Happy listening!Cheers!Sean & Tristan #disneypodcast #waltdisneyworld #disneypodcasters #waltdisney #disneyfans #tagtheqc #disneyland #ofmiceandmainstreetmen

It's the final round of our attraction rating showdown with the Circle of Parks Podcast, and we're closing things out at the most magical park of all: Magic Kingdom! In this episode, we go attraction by attraction and call them like we see them—underrated, overrated, or properly rated. It's all on the table, from beloved classics to thrill ride staples. And yes…there will be some controversial takes. Who plays it safe? Who drops the hottest hot takes? And which Magic Kingdom attraction sparks the biggest debate? You'll have to listen to find out!If you're loving the show, we'd be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Our Friends: @CircleOfParksPodcastIG: @OnceUponAParkPodcastErica IG: @TravelPlannerEricaJonny IG: @Darth.MouseEmail Us: OnceUponAParkPodcast@gmail.comReady to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line? I'd love to help! Visit my travel website at www.TravelPlannerErica.com

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter  or Bluesky for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcast.Competition ends on 7th May 2025. The winner will be contacted via Bluesky. Show references: Dynamic Earth website: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/Dynamic Earth X: https://x.com/ourdynamicearthDynamic Earth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/our-dynamic-earth-dynamic-earth-enterprises-ltd-dynamic-earth-charitable-trust-/Mark Bishop joined Dynamic Earth in the summer of 2022. The Edinburgh Science Centre & Planetarium provides science engagement to over 250,000 people a year at the centre and across Scotland. Prior to joining Dynamic Earth, Mark was a director at the National Trust for Scotland for seven years. In the 23 years Mark has been in the voluntary sector, he has also held senior roles at Prostate Cancer UK, Leonard Cheshire Disability and The Royal British Legion. His commercial sector experience includes roles at HarperCollins, Sky, and he co-founded two Internet start-ups. He continues to be a Trustee of Dads Rock, which is a charity dedicated to supporting men to be great parents. Transcriptions: Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, a podcast for people working in and working with visitor Attractions. I'm your host, Paul Marden. The Millennium Commission was set up by the UK Government to celebrate the turn of the millennium. Funded by the National Lottery, not only did it fund the Millennium Dome, now the O2, it also funded many regional venues, including a number of science centres such as Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, which was the first major millennium attraction in Edinburgh. In this episode, I'm talking to Mark Bishop, the CEO of Dynamic Earth, about those millennium babies and what the next 25 years looks for them. After a career in charity fundraising, Mark moved to the attraction sector in 2015 at the National Trust for Scotland, before becoming CEO of Dynamic Earth nearly three years ago. Now let's get into the interview. Paul Marden: Mark, welcome to Skip the Queue. Mark Bishop: Hi. Morning. How are you? Paul Marden: I'm very good. I'm very good on a very sunny morning here down in Hampshire at the moment. I don't know what the Easter holidays are like up there for you at the moment, Mark. Mark Bishop: Well, people always talk about the weather being different in Scotland, so here in Edinburgh, we had the most amazing first week of spring last week, and that made me sad because indoor visitor attractions often benefit from when it's cloudy or rainy. So I am delighted to say the second half of Easter is terrible outside, but amazing inside our building. Paul Marden: Oh, good. So, visitor numbers are good for you this Easter holiday, are they? Mark Bishop: Well, we had probably the best number of people in since COVID Yesterday. We had 1302 people in. Paul Marden: Wowsers.Mark Bishop: That's great, because to have families and groups in celebrating science in our building during their holiday time makes me happy. Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, went. I've been doing day trips with my daughter just recently over the Easter break and you can definitely feel there's lots of people out and about and enjoying themselves over these Easter holidays. So good to hear that it's been kind to you as well. Longtime listeners will know that we always start our interviews with an icebreaker question that you cannot prepare for. So I think I've been kind to you. I've got a couple for you here. This is an A or B question. If you're going out for a night out, is it going to be a concert or is it going to be a museum nighttime exhibition? Mark Bishop: I think I'm supposed to, on behalf of the sector, go for the latter, but I am going to answer it in an authentic way and say A, a concert. So before I had kids, I'd probably go to about 150 concerts a year. Really, in the days when NME existed and it had a print edition and I'd pretty much just buy it, flick it and go, that looks interesting. And go without ever even hearing things because Spotify didn't exist and he goes to stuff and it was terrible or brilliant, but I loved it just from the variety and the surprise factor. Obviously, these days we kind of plan our music events a bit better. We know the artists and in theory we make better choices. But perhaps we don't do such good random things as well. Who knows? Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. Okay, now this one's a little bit more in depth. If there is a skill that you could master immediately, what would it be? Mark Bishop: Trying to understand how my three kids think and how I need to respond to that. But I don't think I'm the only parent on the planet that loves seeing the variety of ways they behave. But just question, how on earth did they come to be and think like that? Paul Marden: Yeah, it sounds like almost a kind of being able to speak child and become an interpreter, a child whisperer. Mark Bishop: And I think we, you know, sort of kind of be a bit more profound about these things. As an Earth Science Centre, that predominantly kind of has family audience, actually, some of the best questions we get are from younger people. So sometimes minds are probably more open and liberated. Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. Well, that's a nice segue, isn't it? So why don't you tell us a little bit about the Dynamic Earth? What stories does the Dynamic Earth try to tell? Mark Bishop: So Dynamic Earth, for those who don't know it, is the Edinburgh Science Centre and Planetarium. And as I'm sure we'll talk about, we were the first out of the millennium babies to launch back on 2nd July 1999. Our building predates being a science centre. It used to be a Scottish and Newcastle brewery. So when people say, I can't organise the proverbial in a brewery, I go, possibly released half row. And in the mid-1990s, they stopped making beer and handed the land over to public benefit. And it's become the UK's leading Earth science centre. So we're very much a science centre, but we're a science centre with a very specific theme around our planet and our universe and the experiences are very deliberately immersive. Mark Bishop: So we allow people to experience in a safe way what it feels like to be in an earthquake, to see a volcanic eruption, to touch a real iceberg, to dive to the bottom of the ocean and then fly out to the outer reaches of space. And we do all of that because we think our planet is beautiful and fascinating and the wonders of the world need to be celebrated. But increasingly, we also want to showcase the perils we're placing on our planet, our only home. We have about a quarter million people come through our doors a year, and that would be families, that'd be tour groups. There'll be a lot of school groups coming in, 30,000 kind of school groups coming in, and then we have about 400 conferences and events a year. Mark Bishop: So we have everything from Arctic conferences, water resilient conferences, and electric aeroplane conferences. You name it, we have it in our building. And I think a lot of the conferences have keynote speakers that tend to be first ministers or senior politicians, because unless somebody can tell me otherwise, I think we are the closest science centre in the world to a seat of government, because the Scottish parliament is 10 yards across the road. Paul Marden: Excellent. So you have the year of government as well? Mark Bishop: We like to think so. Paul Marden: So I've not been to Dynamic Earth yet, and I need to solve that problem. Yeah. But I'm getting a picture in my mind of telling the story around the geology of the planet, and there's going to be lots of physics around. The planetary stuff that you talk about when you take that big zoom out. Are there other elements of the science, the different sciences, that you bring into this storytelling? Is there elements of biology and botany and things like that you bring into this? Mark Bishop: Yeah, absolutely. So, for example, one of the galleries I didn't mention to you is a rainforest gallery. So you go into a tropical rainforest, regardless of what the weather is like outside in Edinburgh and Scotland, you come into a tropical rainforest, but the sounds and smells and sensations of that rainforest immerse you. And we do that because, you know, probably very few people will travel in their lifetime to a tropical rainforest. And there's lots of environmental reasons why you probably wouldn't encourage people to do that. But to be immersed in that space and to feel what it's like to be in a rainforest allows you to understand that it's humans' relationship with the world around them, and that we're not the only beings on this planet. And so hopefully we try and humble people by realising there are other habitats and species than ourselves. Paul Marden: Excellent. So today's episode, what we want to do, we've got a series of episodes that we want to do around the Millennium Project. I've got particular interest in this because my first job whilst I was still at uni was at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, which was a millennium project. So I was there whilst they were digging. I can vividly remember it being a building site, and this dome where they built the gardens, sort of lifted out of the earth. So I felt, I can remember being there and feeling like this was something important, we were building something for the long term. It was an exciting opportunity. And we're at this kind of big anniversary, aren't we, this year, 25 years since many of those millennium projects opened. Paul Marden: And I wanted to kind of look back on those 25 years. Did it work out the way it was planned to work out? Did it turn out to be this exciting new opportunity, building a long term legacy for the country? Were there some growing pains, that kind of thing? And what does the future, what's the next 25 years and beyond look like for those millennium babies? So let's take a little step back because although I was wearing my wellies and walking around a building site, I didn't pay a lot of attention to what drove the investment in the first place. So there was a big explosion, wasn't there, through investment from the Millennium Commission in science centres. So what drove that in the first place? Why did these science centres come into being as a result, the Millennium Commission? Mark Bishop: Well, I think the thing that probably everybody felt in the 90s, from the mid-90s onwards, was you just heard about the millennium coming, as if this was going to be a significant zeitgeist kind of piece. We're all being told that every electronic device was going to break because of the millennium bug. Paul Marden: Yes. Mark Bishop: And that one didn't come to be kind of thankfully. But I think beyond that kind of anxiety piece around technology, there was a sort of spirit of looking to the future, thinking what might be. I felt like a time of optimism and hope. And so therefore it kind of made sense for government and other agencies to invest in thinking about the future, because a lot of museums and galleries and other institutions are fantastic custodians of the past. Mark Bishop: And of course galleries and museums reflect present times in terms of exhibitions and storytelling and interpretation. But there really weren't many science centres or organisations that were specifically existing to help each of us come to terms with what hasn't yet happened. So I think that's probably the kind of founding driving spirit behind it. And Dynamic Earth was very much part of that wave. Paul Marden: You talk a little bit about being a former brewery. How did Dynamic Earth come into being? What, what was the background story to it? Because these things didn't just appear on the high street in the year 2000. They were projects that ran up to that point, weren't they? Mark Bishop: Yeah. And I love going through our limited but really important kind of archive of documents to try and understand these things. And I sort of love heritage because my last job was working at the National Trust for Scotland. So therefore I'm kind of fascinated by the past as well as kind of looking to the future. And so when I go through our kind of archives and records, it shows that we stopped being a brewery in the early 1990s. Scottish Newcastle said to themselves, you know, we want to give the space over to public benefit. At the time, it wasn't defined to be a science centre. And this part of Edinburgh, the bottom end of the Royal Mile, had a royal Palace. It's had that for a long time. But it was pretty much run down housing and factories. Mark Bishop: And so this whole end of town was very down on its luck and everything kind of needed to be thought through again. So Edinburgh City Council and other agencies like Scottish Enterprise and major kind of funders all got behind thinking about this whole part of town in Scotland's capital, rather than just thinking about a side centre. Paul Marden: Right. Mark Bishop: So the land that Scotland Newcastle gave over to doing good things was partly sold off by dynavicarth to allow, you know, to allow flats to be developed next door we've got Rockstar North. The other side of me, we've got the Scottish parliament that opens 24 hours away from Dynamic Earth kind of stuff. So they opened the same week. So it's a whole story of kind of urban capital city regeneration that lies behind that. But very specifically, why did Dynamic Earth become an Earth Science Centre? Yeah, and you can't see it, but if I dramatically look out my window, I can see Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags through Holyrood Park. Anybody who comes to Edinburgh, whose legs allow, will walk up the hill and experience an old volcano and a beautiful view of the city. Mark Bishop: And now the reason that's significant is that a guy called James Hutton, 300 years ago was a real leading light in the Enlightenment, and he managed to challenge all those kind of religious zealots in terms of the age of the planet by studying the rock forms right outside my window. And he went, “Guys, I've got a thought. This wasn't done in a day or seven days”. I'm telling you now, there's billions of years of laying down of rocks and stuff like that. And so, therefore, when we thought, what does this brewery need to become? Mark Bishop: A number of good people said, well, let's make this centre a homage to James Hutton, the idea that the Enlightenment is still alive with us today, the idea that you should be able to challenge existing hard set views by using insight and science to inform your thinking. And then the rest happened. Paul Marden: Excellent. So I didn't know that Edinburgh was the kind of the seat of that thinking around the geological history of the Earth and what drove the purpose for the centre. It makes lots of sense now. So let's talk about opening up. What was that experience like for the Dynamic Earth? I know there were lots of positives for many people. I know lots of millennium attractions didn't bring in the numbers of people that they were perhaps hoping for. What was that early life like at the centre? Mark Bishop: Well, so inevitably, anything that's new attracts a crowd of people who are curious. So the early couple of years were really good from a kind of visitor attraction side of things. But actually quite early on, within the first couple of years, my predecessors realised that you just can't, generally speaking, break even or make a profit from just running a visitor attraction, particularly when your purpose is educational rather than just pure entertainment. Paul Marden: Yes. Mark Bishop: And so our building had the answer built into it, in the sense we have an amazing set of conference suites for businesses, weddings and other kind of celebrations. And so quite early on, we started an events team and that now means we have 400 plus events here a year. Half of them, I would say, are kind of environmental science specific events. But that generates, you know, one and a half getting off £2 million of income ultimately for us. And that's very significant way of A, making sure that we are a place where ideas take place. Our convening power, if you want to call it that, but actually also the net contribution of that is a very significant way to fund any gap you have on the visitor side of things. Paul Marden: Yeah, I should imagine having the seat of Government 10 yards from the building helps with bringing in the events. And that's certainly not going to detract from the events portfolio, is it, being smack in the centre of the city like that? Mark Bishop: Well, if I think, I mean, in the space of what, the last three or four months, ie, 20, 25, we've had the first minister here two or three times, we've had the Deputy First Minister here the other evening. And so therefore, if you're a company or a conference organiser and you want to attract all the good and the great in terms of delegates, knowing there's a senior political figure to do the keynote address is a good way of making your marketing literature kind of really sing. I think, you know. Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. Mark Bishop: And also from a. I guess for the politicians as well, because their time is in demand, very precious. So the idea that they can reach their key stakeholders on pretty much any topic in the space of 10 yards, half an hour here and then back at your desk within the hour, that's quite attractive from a political perspective. Paul Marden: Absolutely. So, going back to those early days, as your predecessors were finding their feet, of figuring out what operating a science centre was going to be like, what were the growing pains? Were there some challenges along the way? Mark Bishop: So, inevitably, what is brand new doesn't stay new forever. And I think if you design a science centre and retrofit it into a brewery, there's obviously some trade offs in terms of layout and the design. And you have beautiful architects come in and do amazing things for you that look amazing at a kind of brochure, aesthetic level. But when you trade them day in, day out, you do sometimes question the infinite logic behind the design principle. So, for example, if you come through Dynamic Earth, we're a beautiful tented structure like the Millennium Dome or the O2 as it is today. And if you're coming in and you're buying a ticket in person, you would turn left and go to our ticket desk and join the queue there. But then the actual experience side of things is completely on the other side of the building. Mark Bishop: So the intuitive flow of coming in, getting a ticket and joining the experience is designed in a counterintuitive way where, in effect, audiences sort of meet in the middle to a certain extent. So that's probably an example of things that you just wouldn't have got right on day one, but kind of are a gentle living curse for you every day since. Paul Marden: I wonder, though, by retrofitting the centre into this old historic brewery, whether you may not have fallen foul of some of the other attractions that were built around that time, because many of them have got problems with the fabric of the building now, haven't they, these new buildings that perhaps were built with the same level of care and attention that we might lavish on them these days. Mark Bishop: Yeah, I mean, that's a good thing. I sit in this amazing sort office that basically looks like a castle turret. The walls are this thick, you know, they are very sort of stone and authentic. So it's a very authentic historic building, but with new ideas and thinking and experiences within it. So it's a trade off, I guess. Paul Marden: Yeah. So now that these centres are getting to early adulthood, how do you think they're doing? Mark Bishop: Well. Thankfully, the vast majority of science centres and other experiences that launched inspired by the millennium are still in existence. So survival in the first instance is a form of success. And I think that the fact that we're open shows we've all stood the test of time, which I think is an important achievement. I think what's clear from talking to all the science centres that I bump into is we all find it quite challenging to get that balance between your purpose and your profit, trying to get that balance between why you exist in the first place versus how you fund the building, your staff and your other bills. And so that's an ongoing kind of challenge that the original business plans are used to justify an investment probably don't reflect reality 25 years on. Mark Bishop: I think the other thing I would say that's a real shift is I think centres like Dynamic Earth were opened at the time when the Internet was absolutely in its infancy.Paul Marden: Completely. Mark Bishop: And I still remember from my homework and university work, going to libraries and getting books and using physical things to kind of acquire knowledge. And of course, the Internet now means that any facts and figures are available at the touch of a button. So if you want to know about a volcano, you can find as many facts and figures as you want on the Internet, Wikipedia or other sources. It means that Dynamic Earth and other science centres have kind of shifted from simply thinking about ourselves as a knowledge exchange centre to being a place where we inspire people to think for themselves and that. Mark Bishop: I don't know whether that happened on day 4009 or whatever it was, but I definitely think that when you look at what were doing on day one versus what we're doing in our 25th year, there's been a shift in emphasis and approach. Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. You're right that all of these facts and figures are the fingertips of the young people who are completely immersed in that as a natural way for them to research. But I've done enough school party visits, I've taken kids to different science centres, and you can't replace the storytelling, you can't replace being immersed in the place that is so powerful. Mark Bishop: I think 100% agree, and you'd be surprised if I didn't say that. But the idea that you learn as a shared experience, either as a school group or a family or a tall group, you have some jokes, you bounce ideas off of each other. And I saw that recently when my daughter came here a few months back for her last primary school visit, aged just 11, coming at 12.  And she begs me over breakfast, she said, “Please, Dad, don't do anything to embarrass me.” And I absolutely, solemnly swore at breakfast, you know, I will not do anything to embarrass you today. And I maintain I kept my promise. Mark Bishop: But when her school bus pulled up outside our building, the doors open, the kids poured out, my daughter's friends all pointed up to the top of the stairs and went, “There's a dinosaur there, Autumn, that's your dad. It's going to be your dad. You know that.” And I hope that you know that their school group had an amazing experience through the galleries, an amazing experience with our learning team and a fantastic sort of outer space experience in the planetarium. But even that sort of jokey bit of Dad's a dinosaur stayed with the kids. So at the end of their year's show, one of them hired a dinosaur outfit and they reenacted my daughter's embarrassment. And so even that tiny, silly example shows that shared experience is what it's all about. Paul Marden: Completely. I think those experiences that kids have when they go out on their school trips, it's something that Bernard et ALVA talked about earlier on this year as being really important, key points for that ALVA was asking of the government, was to make those school trips integral part of the curriculum. I think they're so powerful and so many kids don't get to experience that well. Mark Bishop: I think the challenge we sort of see here that be the same across Scotland and UK wide is even when there are opportunities to have subsidised tickets and you do everything you can to make sure the price of entry for school groups is as low as possible, often the barrier is the cost of the coach hire. Paul Marden: So I'm a governor at my daughter's school and I was talking to the head and they're in a really lucky position because they've got us. They're a very small village school, so there's only 90, 95 kids in total anyway. But they've got their own minibus which makes them mobile, so it means that any. We were at the Horse Crest, like the local heritage railway, just recently because we got invited for a trip and it was dead easy for us to go straight away. Yes. Because the kids can just get there easily and that's a different kettle of fish if you've got to hire coaches, because it's so perilously expensive now. Anyway, we digress a little bit. You've been in post now for three years, nearly three years, I think it is. Yeah. Paul Marden: What does your plan look like in the short term, but also what do you think the next 25 years look like for Dynamic Earth? Mark Bishop: I think that question sort of speaks to the idea that while an organisation should be proud of its 25 years of existence and everything it's done in that time, and we've certainly had some lovely staff celebrations and public celebrations to celebrate that important milestone. It's too self indulgent to spend all your time looking back rather than thinking about and facing into the future. And that's probably more true of science centres than anybody else, because if you were founded on looking to the future, you get to 25 years. Mark Bishop: Yes, have a little look back, but bang, think about looking forward to the future again and ask yourselves brave questions like what do we need to do that honours the spirit of what our founders did and thought about to put us together in the first place and not to betray our roots, but equally not to be constrained by them. Because the world is very different 25 years on, and particularly around the climate emergency and planetary crisis. We at Dynamic Earth, as an Earth Science Centre, feel not just an opportunity, but a kind of absolute responsibility to play our part, to kind of really shift the dial around helping people understand their role and responsibility when it comes to protecting our only home planet Earth. And so that's the kind of challenge we've set ourselves. Mark Bishop: And I'm going to do a dangerous thing of involving a prop. About 18 months, two years ago, we launched our 10 year strategy from beginning to end, and it's a document at the end of. But the exact summary is this. And of course you can see there's a clock there and you might be able to see the kind of temperature, kind of pieces, and the 1.5 is the 1 that we know quite tragically we're going to reach sometime very soon. And what we've done with that 10 year strategy is say how do we honour what we've been famous for, but how do we push and pivot that towards climate kind of response storytelling? Mark Bishop: And so therefore what we are trying to work through for ourselves is how do you maintain a popular visitor attraction? How do you inspire people, bring entertainment and delight into people's lives, but how do you absolutely hit home with some really hard truths around what we are doing to destroy the beauty of our only hope? Mark Bishop: And I'm not sure I've quite got the answers to that because becoming sort of quite purposeful and, you know, risks being didactic. And being didactic takes away the idea that you're helping people to think for themselves and risks being a bit preachy. So there's a really good set of conversations going on at Dynamic Earth and I think a lot of other places across the UK, which is, how do you, how do you exist on the right side of history while still existing as a visitor attraction? Paul Marden: Yes, because it is a tough story to tell, isn't it? And that doesn't necessarily sit comfortably with being a lovely day out with the family, but that doesn't take away from the importance of telling the story and telling it well. Mark Bishop: And I think what we feel is, if there's one criticism I'd kind of make of the past is we probably overdefined ourselves as a visitor attraction and underdefined ourselves as an Earth science education charity that happens to run the visitor attraction. And that might feel semantic, but actually it's quite fundamental because if you realise that your purpose is about educating people inclusively across Scotland, including in Edinburgh, and now increasingly helping people come to terms with climate issues, then your visitor attraction is a tool, a prop, an asset to achieve a bigger thought than just visiting numbers. Paul Marden: So is there work that you do, outreach work that goes beyond the centre in Edinburgh? Are you talking to people outside of that centre? Mark Bishop: Absolutely. And some of the work that makes me most proud of being chief exec here at Dynamic Earth is the stuff you do not see day in, day out. So we have outreach work that goes into schools and community groups right across Scotland. There's about 10 regional science festivals that take place across the year. We're at every one of those with our pop up planetarium, it's got an inflatable planetarium. Unbelievably, 30 people can slip inside a big squishy tent, and the universe comes to life wherever you happen to be. And that's kind of pretty magnificent. We go into children's hospitals, we work with community groups, we do digital and in person delivery in schools. And so therefore what we do away from Dynamic Earth as a science centre is as important as what we do at the centre. Mark Bishop: Because probably the people who might not be able to come to us for geographic reasons or financial or cultural reasons are often the people we most need to reach. And if we really believe that everybody in Scotland should play their individual and collective part in responding to climate planetary emergencies, we can't just say, well, if you don't come to us, we're not going to come to you. Because the climate issues need all of us to respond. So we have the added burden opportunity to get out there and tell our story across Scotland with that in mind. Paul Marden: Is there a shake up that's going on in the centre as you move on to this next stage of the maturity of the organisation? Mark Bishop: So I think that the things that are different in our approach is thinking about channel mix and that we kind of music to your ears because I think that science centres absolutely pride themselves on that in person shared experience, and that shouldn't go away. But actually thinking about how a one off experience is part of a longer customer or supporter journey is really key. So how do you connect with people before they come? By setting them, I know, a kind of online quiz and say how many of these questions about our planet can you answer? And then ask people to redo the quiz afterwards and see whether a visit to Dynamic Earth or another science centre has enriched their kind of knowledge. Mark Bishop: How do you connect what a family does on a Saturday to what a school group do in a classroom on a Tuesday and Wednesday? How do you get to what I call a nudge strategy, a multiple engagement kind of model? Because it strikes me that most things that, you know, mean something to people are developed over time rather than just one off experiences. So that's a shift in thinking, and it's a shift in thinking by not thinking for yourself as a visitor attraction, but thinking for yourself as a charity that exists to promote learning and engagement more broadly. Paul Marden: That's really interesting. So I'm totally guilty of thinking about the visitor attraction first and the commercial elements of it, because I guess that's our job is to get bumps on seats and to drive revenue. But when you think of that visitor attraction as the tool, not the end, you're using that tool to meet your bigger goals, aren't you? And it changes your perspective on how you do that. Mark Bishop: Well, it does because it allows you to sort of exist in a dual way of saying at a customer, experiential level, digital attraction side of things. How do you make sure that the experience you offer to people is distinctive, compelling, exciting and all the basic service features of toilets, cafe, shop, all this car parking, all those sorts of things on the functional side are doing what they need to do and then it means on the other side that you're also saying, “So what? you know, what is that trip all about? What did somebody take away?” Mark Bishop: And part of what people take away is that sense of shared experience, fun, entertainment, something to do on a wet Saturday afternoon. And that's valuable. But if you fundamentally help even a small proportion of your audience think radically different about themselves and the world around them. You might be doing something that goes way beyond what this attraction could ever imagine. Paul Marden: Yes, absolutely. So is that what you're aiming for? Is it the few minds that you can change radically, or is it the nudge of making small changes to the larger numbers of people that walk through the door? Mark Bishop: I mean, the answer to that is both, because we think every one of us has an opportunity and a responsibility to do basic things. So, I mean, the obvious good examples would be how you recycle stuff. And I look at my teenage boys, are they always recycling things in the best way or am I going through the bin resisting things? But then you ask more fundamental questions of, well, it's not just a case of recycling the bottle of plastic water. Why did you buy a bottle of plastic water in the first place? Yes, this stuff like that. Mark Bishop: And so a science centre like us helps people not just do the right thing in kind of lip service ways, but think more fundamentally about your role and relationship with what excites you at school, what studies you take, what degree you might go on to take, or what job are you going to go on to do? And how do you make sure that where you buy things from, where you work, where you spend your time is reinforcing the good rather than perpetuating the bad? And that's, you know, maybe I'm an idealist, maybe I'm a lack of realism, but actually I really do think that on our day, that's what we exist to do. Mark Bishop: And there will be maybe 1%, 2% of the people who come through our doors who are so inspired by science that they choose careers that are acting as environmental activists. I can think of a lovely lady I met the other day. I'll change her name to Laura. She told me that she came To Dynamic Earth 20 years ago for our Saturday science clubs and she used to come most Saturday mornings. And she so fell in love with science that she chose science subjects at school, went on to do a science degree and is now just finishing off a PhD in understanding volcanoes with a view that she wants to look at volcanic eruptions, where they happen and help think about where humans live alongside volcanoes. So all of that came from her coming here on Saturday mornings. Mark Bishop: So she is living proof that you inspire people young, and it can inform the whole direction of their studies and clear intention.Paul Marden: And deadline. Yeah, completely. What a lovely story to end on, but there's one more thing we have to do before we end today's Interview. We always end with a book recommendation. So, Mark, what book have you got for our listeners to maybe win today? Mark Bishop: So it will sound slightly sort of sanctimonious, but I've just started reading Mike Berners-Lee's book, A Climate of Truth. Now, Mike was in Edinburgh the other evening to do a talk as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival. Such an inspirational guy in terms of kind of climate, sustainability kind of issues. His mum must be very proud to have him. And you know, his, you know, one of the boys invents the Internet, the other one saves the planet. You sort of think to yourself, that ain't too bad. And I'm going to cheat slightly. And also just recommend one poem to people. It's Scottish poet Douglas Dunn. And it's a poem that I first heard when I was at school and I would say I read it probably 20 times a year. Mark Bishop: And the poem is called A Removal From Terry Street and it's only about 15 lines. And what I love about it is it finishes on that, on a beautiful line. That man, I wish him well, I wish him grass. And the context the poem is talking about a family removing, you know, working class family moving away from Hull and the neighbour is looking at them moving out and saying, you know, I wish him well, I wish him grass. And so I think that's just a lovely line that stayed with me. It speaks to the idea that we should all think the best of each other and hope for the futur, and think positive thoughts. Paul Marden: Well, Mark, it's been lovely talking to you. Thank you ever so much for coming on Skip the Queue, telling the story of dynamic Earth and looking forward to what happens next for your amazing attraction. Thank you very much. Mark Bishop: Thank you. Paul Marden: Thanks for listening to Skip the Queue. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review. It really helps others to find us. Skip The Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them to increase their visitor numbers. You can find show notes and transcripts from this episode and more over on our website, skipthequeue fm.  The 2024 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsDownload the 2024 Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

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Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topic of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: Photo tour: MSC World America | New cruise ship The Slidecoaster was my favorite part of sailing on Norwegian Aqua | Review SeaWorld Orlando All-Day Dining Plan: Cost, tips, & full-day review Knoebels: A free-admission amusement park for the family LA28 Olympic Games: One sport will be played at Universal Studios Hollywood on the set of ‘Back to the Future' Preview of Universal Studios Hollywood's ‘Star Trek' and ‘Dungeons & Dragons' experiences at Fan Fest Nights The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

ICYMI: Hour One of ‘Later, with Mo'Kelly' Presents – A look at the latest preparations taking place at Disneyland to ready the theme park for its 70th celebration…PLUS – Thoughts on Sam's Club plans to implement “Scan & Go” technology at all store locations AND why superstar Beyoncé's ‘Cowboy Carter' tour is not filling stadiums - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio app

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In this magical episode, we're joined by Taylor, a performer with Disney on Ice, who gives us an exclusive look into life on the road, what it's like bringing Disney magic to cities around the world, and some incredible stories from behind the scenes.Plus, Phil and Jeremy break down the latest results from the Disney Attractions Bracket and get ready for the next round of matchups. Who's advancing, and which fan favorites are on the chopping block? Tune in and find out!✨ Cast member stories, bracket drama, and all the Disney vibes you could ask for—this episode has it all!

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topic of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: New Universal theme park near London to break ground in 2026, if U.K. approves Airline Luggage Transfer introduced at Disney World hotels Disney Destiny cruise ship preview Doctor Strange themed lounge coming to the Disney Destiny The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

We rate and review every attraction in Disney's Magic Kingdom as underrated, overrated, or properly rated to help you navigate your next vacation more effectively. From Main Street USA to Tomorrowland, we share insights on wait times, experiences, and whether popular attractions live up to their hype.• Main Street USA is often overlooked as guests rush to rides, but contains incredible historical details and charm• Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is severely underrated and represents the first audio-animatronic attraction in Disney history• Jungle Cruise's quality depends heavily on your skipper, making it inconsistent but best experienced at night• Tiana's Bayou Adventure successfully reimagines Splash Mountain while maintaining the beloved flume ride experience• Peter Pan's Flight is overrated when considering its consistently long wait times relative to the short ride experience• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is one of the most underrated attractions in the entire park• Space Mountain remains properly rated as a must-do classic despite newer, more thrilling coasters• Enchanted Tales with Belle offers an interactive, immersive experience that doesn't receive enough recognition• The Haunted Mansion is universally beloved and properly rated despite consistently long wait times• Happily Ever After fireworks show perfectly combines projection mapping, music, and pyrotechnics to create the ultimate Magic Kingdom finaleYour Disney experience should reflect what matters to you, not just what has the longest lines. Consider adding some of these underrated gems to your next Magic Kingdom day.Please Check Out Our Links Below:  Our Sponsor:www.travelplannererica.com Email Us:circleofparks@gmail.com Our Website:www.circleofparks.com Facebook:www.facebook.com/circleofparks Instagram:www.instagram.com/circleofparks X:www.x.com/circleofparks Ad Music:Carefree Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Send us a textSupport the show

Join us: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicIn episode 499 of Unlocking The Magic, Bruce and Connie dive into something different: the best things to do around Orlando besides the theme parks!From beach days at Cocoa Beach to gliding through the swamps on airboats, this episode is full of fresh ideas for your off-park itinerary. Plus, get a sneak peek at their thoughts on Discovery Cove, Kennedy Space Center, and quirky stops like Ripley's Believe It or Not.Chapters:00:00 – Podcast Intro & Episode 499 Celebration01:26 – Listener Shoutouts & Real ID Jokes04:30 – Podcast Memory Problems & Social Media Chaos08:01 – Topic Reveal: Orlando Beyond the Parks09:00 – Cocoa Beach: Our Favorite Day Trip13:20 – Why You Need to Visit Kennedy Space Center18:10 – Airboat Rides & Wild Florida Adventures21:40 – Natural Springs & Off-the-Beaten-Path Nature23:00 – Discovery Cove: Worth the Price?29:00 – Boston Honesty, Reviews, and Keeping it Real33:08 – Ripley's Believe It or Not & Weird Museum Fun36:55 – Paranormal Florida: Haunted Investigations?38:39 – Real Estate Ghost Stories + House Whisperer Chat40:00 – Final Recap of Attractions & Vacation Tips42:50 – UTM Club, Episode 500 Ideas & Mousercise Madness

***This show is brought to you by DistroKid. Go to http://distrokid.com/vip/the500 for 30% off your first year!*** Imperial Bedroom's success was due to the intense collaboration between Elvis Costello and Producer Geoff Emerick, who had engineered some of the later work of the Beatles. Greg Proops joins Josh to discuss Costello's seventh studio album and his time on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Follow Greg on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/proopdog/ https://www.gregproops.com/ DistroKid Artist Of The Week: Ben Kweller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7lnNCAM6rk Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshadammeyers/ Follow Josh on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshadammeyers Follow Josh on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoshAdamMeyers Follow Josh on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshameyers Josh's Website: https://www.joshadammeyers.com/ Follow The 500 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the500podcast/ Follow The 500 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/the500podcast Follow The 500 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The500PodcastWithJAM/ Email the show: 500podcast@gmail.com Check the show's website: http://the500podcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices