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Is it summer already, or is that just our theme park budget melting in the sun? Either way, we're kicking off the season with our annual guide to roller coasters, churros, and how not to hurl after one too many loops. Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles returns to share the biggest news in amusement park land—from a new Disney park in Abu Dhabi (what?!) to Universal Orlando's game-changing Epic Universe. But what's a summer kickoff without a good ol' whiplash reminder that your brain can't be trusted when it comes to investing? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG dive into Jason Zweig's latest insights about how our market “memory banks” mess with decision-making, and why 2008 probably wasn't as scarring as your gut tells you. And yes, Doug's trivia ties it all together—with corn dogs, naturally. How to actually save money at theme parks without having to sleep in a costume closet. The surprising reason a $1,400 day at Disney might be your own fault. Which new coasters (and old favorites) are worth the detour this year. Why your gut—and your "market memory"—could be sabotaging your investments. The last time the stock market went down multiple years in a row (hint: not 2008). What Robert's favorite underrated U.S. parks are (spoiler: Dollywood shows up, again). How to strategically splurge or save at the parks—merch fans, avert your eyes.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort opened to mixed reviews this past weekend; Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood announces "Late Night with Chucky" live talk show; Go behind-the-scenes of HHN's "A Quiet Place" and "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" with Theme Park Insider and Attractions Magazine; Six Flags Magic Mountain will implement a chaperone policy for Fright Fest Extreme; The Broadway Halloween parade needs a hero sponsor by September 6th or its 2024 event may be cancelled; Coffin Creek cancels their 2024 event; Dinosaur World hosts its first-ever Halloween after-hours event; The Ghost Train is returning to Tweetsie Railroad this Fall; Alton Towers announces two new Scarefest attractions - "Compound" and "Amigos in the Afterlife"; Freeform announces its "31 Nights of Halloween" lineup; American consumers are planning to spend more on Halloween candy, food, and costumes than 2023. Read the news here.
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to two insiders about the latest and greatest happenings at California's theme parks. Along the way he also discovers tips and tricks for extracting maximum value from a theme park visit, as well as recommendations for tasty treats you can only get on the other side of the turnstiles. Johnson first interviews Robert Niles, founder of Theme Park Insider. Niles shares the newest developments in California's theme parks, including thrilling new rides, special anniversary celebrations, and exciting park expansions. Niles also highlights his personal favorite theme park attractions across the Golden State—roller coasters, live shows, and more. After that Johnson chats with family travel expert Katrina Hunt, who offers wallet-friendly tips for optimizing your theme park experience. Hunt discusses ways to unlock the best deals, shares money-saving strategies, and explores when it might make sense to pay extra to skip the lines. She also reveals some of the must-try theme park treats, from beloved classics like Disney's Dole Whip to limited-edition snacks.
Nothing says summer more than a trip to your favorite regional theme park. Whether with friends, family, or alone, a trip to a theme park can be either super expensive and tiring or a blast. So that's why our friend from Theme Park Insider, Robert Niles, is BACK to help us all kick off summer on the right foot, spending money wisely on experiences that will be memorable and fun. Not only will he help you save some money, but he'll also share tips on the hottest parks and attractions around the country. We'll talk about food (best food AND deals), thrill rides, family attractions, and more. In our headline, OG and Joe dive into the exchange-traded fund (ETF) craze. People are pouring money into ETFs, but are they doing it wisely? In many cases, no. We'll share how exchange-traded funds work, which types are the best to choose from, and how to avoid getting caught investing in something that sounds great...but truly is not. Of course, we'll also share Doug's trivia question about the biggest stock market drop of all time and FINALLY wrap up our 2024 "Joke Off." It's another day of fun on the Stacking Benjamins show. As always, thanks to our sponsors, and enjoy another show where we're ad-free the ENTIRE second half of the show (as always!). FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/theme-parks-summer-2024-1520 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode Notes Universal Studios is looking at England for its next theme park. The company has bought land near London to possibly build its next big project, writes Travel Experiences Reporter Selene Brophy. Universal said it's examining how viable a new theme park resort in the United Kingdom would be. Brophy notes the attractions operator expects to make its final decision about the project after several months of stakeholder and community engagement. If Universal decides to build the theme park, Brophy writes it would be its most significant foray into Europe. A Universal representative told Theme Park Insider that roughly half of the UK population lives within two hours of the proposed site. Next, the retailer Tommy Bahama is famous for producing Hawaiian-themed attire. The company is now taking its beach vibes to the hotel industry — it recently opened its first hotel, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill. Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood said the retailer decided to enter the hotel business on the advice of focus groups it commissioned. Tommy Bahama then bought the Miramonte, a struggling resort in California's Coachella Valley, with real-estate services firm Lowe. Tommy Bahama's first hotel, which underwent a roughly $20 renovation and redesign, includes a restaurant serving common beach offerings. While O'Neill writes the jury is still out on the hotel's success, Wood said he's looking to open more resorts. Finally, in-flight connectivity has gotten a major boost thanks to Starlink Aviation, writes Reporter Ajay Awtaney. Awtaney notes a growing number of airlines have turned to Starlink in recent years to improve in-flight internet service. Hawaiian Airlines, Latvia carrier airBaltic and Qatar Airways are among the carriers that have reached agreements with Starlink. In addition, Starlink signed Air New Zealand to trial internet onboard its domestic aircraft.
Mega-theme park operators Disney and Universal are making moves to improve and change their experiences, but they're taking two separate approaches: Universal is going ahead with a new park and smaller, regional parks, while Disney is making targeted improvements within its existing park structure. In this episode, retail editor Jamie Biesiada and Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, explore why Universal and Disney chose these routes and how external forces -- construction delays, DeSantis, space constraints -- play a role. What might we expect from the theme-park experience in the near future? And what might Disney do with the Galactic Starcruiser, aka the Star Wars hotel? This episode is part of our summer series featuring some of our most memorable recent episodes. This episode was originally published June 19 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations https://www.algvacations.com Related links: Theme Park Insider https://themeparkinsider.com/ A thrilling time for theme parks https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Thrilling-time-for-theme-parks Why Disney's Star Wars hotel didn't take off https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Why-Star-Wars-hotel-failed Disney pulls the plug on Lake Nona project https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-pulls-plug-on-Lake-Nona-projectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The central Florida mega-theme park operators, Disney and Universal, are making moves to improve and change their experiences, but they're taking two separate approaches. One is moving ahead with a new park (in this episode, our experts call the parks “gates”) and smaller, regional attractions. The other is making targeted improvements within its existing park structure. In this episode, retail editor Jamie Biesiada and Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, explore why Universal and Disney chose these routes and how external forces -- construction delays, Gov. Ron DeSantis, space constraints -- play a role. And what we might expect from the theme-park experience in the near future (and what might Disney do with the Galactic Starcruiser?). Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com Related links Theme Park Insider https://themeparkinsider.com/ A thrilling time for theme parks https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Thrilling-time-for-theme-parks Why Disney's Star Wars hotel didn't take off https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Why-Star-Wars-hotel-failed Disney pulls the plug on Lake Nona project https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-pulls-plug-on-Lake-Nona-project See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summer is here! Robert Niles kicks off our summer season by sharing deals and thrills around the nation's theme parks. We ask Mr. Theme Park Insider himself about how we can save money when we take the family but also (and maybe more importantly) how we actually make the day more fun so that it's worth the money we pay. Robert delivers on both fronts, with both wallet-saving and excitement-upping tips. We talk about some of the best theme parks in the USA plus the "big boys" of Disney and Universal. Plus, in our headline, one bank CEO thinks that we should impose some rules around "short selling." What is short selling anyway? How can people pick on "short" so much? We'll explore all of that. Of course, Doug will share some of his mouth-watering trivia AND we'll answer a fantastic question from the state of Wisconsin...proving that even though we thought Doug ruined it for us, this midwestern state still finds a way to love us. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/summer-theme-park-episode-robert-niles-1359 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson helps you fill out your summer travel itinerary as he confers with three knowledgeable experts. To start things off, Johnson chats with Robert Niles, the journalist and “professional rollercoaster rider” behind the website Theme Park Insider. Niles outlines what exciting new developments to expect in parks across the Golden State—ranging from gravity-defying coasters to nostalgic live entertainment experiences. Next, Johnson talks with Keryn Means, editor of PCH Travel Magazine, about her family's epic Central Coast road trip. Means details where to discover incredible beaches and breathtaking views in Carpinteria, Cayucos, Cambria, and many more seaside stops. Finally, Johnson connects with author and trail master John McKinney about some lesser-known hiking spots in California's national parks. McKinney shares expert tips for avoiding crowds and exploring the best nature has to offer in multiple national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and Pinnacles.
Gearing up for summer travel? Not only is summer fun about saving money; it's also about ensuring that the dollars you spend are worth it. What theme parks are actually worth your money? Today we help you kick off your summer because Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider joins us for his 8th annual survey of what's new/what's hot/what's undervalued in vacation travel. He shares the newest rides and attractions at various park across the country and offers tips to get the best bang for your buck. During our headline segment, we dive in to a piece that says investing in the stock market "won't make you rich," and then (of course) offers some alternative "best" places to invest instead. There's legitimate alternative investments out there, and many that are highly recommended, but this list might fall slightly short. We'll have opinions. We also share what you should look out for before investing. We then answer an anonymous caller's question on the Haven Life line about retirement survivor annuities, and of course, Doug also shares his trivia. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Haunted Attraction Network is partnering with the Haunted Attraction Association to highlight vendors in upcoming podcast episodes; The next Haunters Toolbox Masterclass, "Mindset & Monster: Preparing Your Attraction for 2022", will take place Wednesday, January 12th at 5:00 p.m. PST; Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida has won Theme Park Insider's inaugural award for Best Theme Park Halloween Event; Factory of the Dead will host a special "Valentine Massacre" event on February 12th; Halloween Eye released a behind-the-scenes video of Terror in the Corn; Halloween & Party Expo takes place this week - January 11th - 13th; Class highlights from next week's Fear Expo Live (January 21st - 23rd); Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show announced their costume ball theme - "A Vintage Halloween"; Distortions Unlimited released a new pumpkin spider prop; Spirit Halloween released a new Mad Scientist animatronic; A currently untitled Spirit Halloween film is slated for a 2022 release. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-jan-10
The Haunted Attraction Network is partnering with the Haunted Attraction Association to highlight vendors in upcoming podcast episodes; The next Haunters Toolbox Masterclass, "Mindset & Monster: Preparing Your Attraction for 2022", will take place Wednesday, January 12th at 5:00 p.m. PST; Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida has won Theme Park Insider's inaugural award for Best Theme Park Halloween Event; Factory of the Dead will host a special "Valentine Massacre" event on February 12th; Halloween Eye released a behind-the-scenes video of Terror in the Corn; Halloween & Party Expo takes place this week - January 11th - 13th; Class highlights from next week's Fear Expo Live (January 21st - 23rd); Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show announced their costume ball theme - "A Vintage Halloween"; Distortions Unlimited released a new pumpkin spider prop; Spirit Halloween released a new Mad Scientist animatronic; A currently untitled Spirit Halloween film is slated for a 2022 release. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-jan-10
Skywalking Through Neverland: A Star Wars / Disney Fan Podcast
Hello, friends! This month, we're gabbing about THEME PARKS, a subject Sarah and Bryn have a lot of experience with. Question 1: What was your favorite Theme Park experience as a kid, teen and adult? Kid Not Afraid: Bryn begins with the tale of the time her former fighter pilot father took her on her first upside-down roller coaster, the Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm in ‘80s Buena Park, California. Risk-taker: Sarah's also got a roller coaster memory for us: When it came to amusement park time for the Heitman family, the formula was Sarah and dad bonding on roller coasters, and her mom enjoying watching them from a bench with a nice coffee. Sarah's first experience was on The Rattler at Fiesta Texas, a wooden roller coaster. Teen Living in an ‘80s movie: Bryn takes us for a trip to a slightly alarming teenage memory of her 8th grade field trip to Disneyland, but redeems herself with tales of sultry summer nights at all-ages dance club Studio K at Knott's Berry Farm. Bryn didn't know this at the time of our recording, but found out that Studio K was located in the Fiesta Village esplanade where Jaguar! now stands. Sweet freedom: As a member of marching back from middle through high school, Sarah has plenty of band trips to various theme parks under her stylish belt. And she remembers this great sense of freedom, being unleashed at the parks without chaperones clinging tight: You're given your stipend of money to spend and a time to return to the bus. Have at it! She felt like flying. Biggest ride memory: Batman: The Ride for the first time. And the soundtrack theme was pumping through the line, it was at night, and it was very, very cool. Adult Moving to LA = Theme parks galore: Sarah discovered that when your new college friends have annual passes to Disneyland, you get an annual pass and become a regular. And she discovered that her favorite Knott's Berry Farm is actually Knott's Scary Farm. Moms and Kids and Solo Moms: Of course, one of Bryn's favorite things about theme parks has to be getting to take her kids there for the first time and watching their relationship with the parks evolve as they get older. An unexpected second discovery has been the joy of going to theme parks alone, which has been a gift to herself that has made a big impact on her. Extra: Bryn likes themed stuff: Clifton's Cafeterias, Old World, Madonna Inn Question 2: What do we want to learn about Theme Parks? Bryn dug into the difference between an amusement park and a theme park. This article from Theme Park Insider gives a good definition of a theme park. An amusement park generally is a large outdoor area with fairground rides, shows, refreshments, games of chance or skill, and other entertainments. American amusement parks came out of the idea of the “pleasure gardens” of Europe. A theme park is an amusement park that's organized and built around a particular theme or group of themes. Sarah brings us the 411 on roller coasters! History: Where did they come from? Engineering! How does a roller coaster work? Reading: Newton's first law of motion Extra credit: Weightlessness Extra credit: Weightlessness Question 3: What are you excited about regarding Theme Parks, especially now that they have reopened after a long period of closure? Sarah is super-digging how Disney California Adventure's new Avengers Campus is mirroring the Disney+ shows and changing up characters and interactions Bryn is looking forward to being more present when she's at the parks and appreciating the privilege of being there. And both of us are excited about getting dressed up in fun outfits/Disneybounds, and packing our bags with just the right stuff to optimize our day. Especially big scarves. BONUS Question: What's your favorite immersive Theme Park experience? Sarah relates her experience of walking into Be Our Guest, the Beauty and the Beast restaurant in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It was literally walking IN TO the beauty and the beast film's ballroom. Bryn cheated and said the Exploratorium's Tactile Dome in San Francisco. We'll all have to forgive her. About Totally Tell Me Everything Two friends, one fun topic, three burning questions = lots of fun conversation! Each month we pick a topic and ask each other three questions about it - we learn about the subject, our past and each other. So come sit by us and we'll totally tell you everything! How To Listen on the Go: Listen now and leave a Review on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts | RSS If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave a podcast rating and review!! Social Media Instagram: http://instagram.com/totallytellmeeverything Sarah: http://instagram.com/jeditink Bryn: https://www.instagram.com/brynane/ Join the Skywalking Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/488002904732240/ Subscribe to the Skywalking Network Newsletter
Hello, friends! This month, we're gabbing about THEME PARKS, a subject Sarah and Bryn have a lot of experience with. Question 1: What was your favorite Theme Park experience as a kid, teen and adult? Kid Not Afraid: Bryn begins with the tale of the time her former fighter pilot father took her on her first upside-down roller coaster, the Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm in ‘80s Buena Park, California. Risk-taker: Sarah's also got a roller coaster memory for us: When it came to amusement park time for the Heitman family, the formula was Sarah and dad bonding on roller coasters, and her mom enjoying watching them from a bench with a nice coffee. Sarah's first experience was on The Rattler at Fiesta Texas, a wooden roller coaster. Teen Living in an ‘80s movie: Bryn takes us for a trip to a slightly alarming teenage memory of her 8th grade field trip to Disneyland, but redeems herself with tales of sultry summer nights at all-ages dance club Studio K at Knott's Berry Farm. Bryn didn't know this at the time of our recording, but found out that Studio K was located in the Fiesta Village esplanade where Jaguar! now stands. Sweet freedom: As a member of marching back from middle through high school, Sarah has plenty of band trips to various theme parks under her stylish belt. And she remembers this great sense of freedom, being unleashed at the parks without chaperones clinging tight: You're given your stipend of money to spend and a time to return to the bus. Have at it! She felt like flying. Biggest ride memory: Batman: The Ride for the first time. And the soundtrack theme was pumping through the line, it was at night, and it was very, very cool. Adult Moving to LA = Theme parks galore: Sarah discovered that when your new college friends have annual passes to Disneyland, you get an annual pass and become a regular. And she discovered that her favorite Knott's Berry Farm is actually Knott's Scary Farm. Moms and Kids and Solo Moms: Of course, one of Bryn's favorite things about theme parks has to be getting to take her kids there for the first time and watching their relationship with the parks evolve as they get older. An unexpected second discovery has been the joy of going to theme parks alone, which has been a gift to herself that has made a big impact on her. Extra: Bryn likes themed stuff: Clifton's Cafeterias, Old World, Madonna Inn Question 2: What do we want to learn about Theme Parks? Bryn dug into the difference between an amusement park and a theme park. This article from Theme Park Insider gives a good definition of a theme park. An amusement park generally is a large outdoor area with fairground rides, shows, refreshments, games of chance or skill, and other entertainments. American amusement parks came out of the idea of the “pleasure gardens” of Europe. A theme park is an amusement park that's organized and built around a particular theme or group of themes. Sarah brings us the 411 on roller coasters! History: Where did they come from? Engineering! How does a roller coaster work? Reading: Newton's first law of motion Extra credit: Weightlessness Extra credit: Weightlessness Question 3: What are you excited about regarding Theme Parks, especially now that they have reopened after a long period of closure? Sarah is super-digging how Disney California Adventure's new Avengers Campus is mirroring the Disney+ shows and changing up characters and interactions Bryn is looking forward to being more present when she's at the parks and appreciating the privilege of being there. And both of us are excited about getting dressed up in fun outfits/Disneybounds, and packing our bags with just the right stuff to optimize our day. Especially big scarves. BONUS Question: What's your favorite immersive Theme Park experience? Sarah relates her experience of walking into Be Our Guest, the Beauty and the Beast restaurant in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It was literally walking IN TO the beauty and the beast film's ballroom. Bryn cheated and said the Exploratorium's Tactile Dome in San Francisco. We'll all have to forgive her. About Totally Tell Me Everything Two friends, one fun topic, three burning questions = lots of fun conversation! Each month we pick a topic and ask each other three questions about it - we learn about the subject, our past and each other. So come sit by us and we'll totally tell you everything! How To Listen on the Go: Listen now and leave a Review on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts | RSS If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave a podcast rating and review!! Social Media Instagram: http://instagram.com/totallytellmeeverything Sarah: http://instagram.com/jeditink Bryn: https://www.instagram.com/brynane/ Join the Skywalking Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/488002904732240/ Subscribe to the Skywalking Network Newsletter
Hello, friends! This month, we're gabbing about THEME PARKS, a subject Sarah and Bryn have a lot of experience with. Question 1: What was your favorite Theme Park experience as a kid, teen and adult? Kid Not Afraid: Bryn begins with the tale of the time her former fighter pilot father took her on her first upside-down roller coaster, the Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm in ‘80s Buena Park, California. Risk-taker: Sarah's also got a roller coaster memory for us: When it came to amusement park time for the Heitman family, the formula was Sarah and dad bonding on roller coasters, and her mom enjoying watching them from a bench with a nice coffee. Sarah's first experience was on The Rattler at Fiesta Texas, a wooden roller coaster. Teen Living in an ‘80s movie: Bryn takes us for a trip to a slightly alarming teenage memory of her 8th grade field trip to Disneyland, but redeems herself with tales of sultry summer nights at all-ages dance club Studio K at Knott's Berry Farm. Bryn didn't know this at the time of our recording, but found out that Studio K was located in the Fiesta Village esplanade where Jaguar! now stands. Sweet freedom: As a member of marching back from middle through high school, Sarah has plenty of band trips to various theme parks under her stylish belt. And she remembers this great sense of freedom, being unleashed at the parks without chaperones clinging tight: You're given your stipend of money to spend and a time to return to the bus. Have at it! She felt like flying. Biggest ride memory: Batman: The Ride for the first time. And the soundtrack theme was pumping through the line, it was at night, and it was very, very cool. Adult Moving to LA = Theme parks galore: Sarah discovered that when your new college friends have annual passes to Disneyland, you get an annual pass and become a regular. And she discovered that her favorite Knott's Berry Farm is actually Knott's Scary Farm. Moms and Kids and Solo Moms: Of course, one of Bryn's favorite things about theme parks has to be getting to take her kids there for the first time and watching their relationship with the parks evolve as they get older. An unexpected second discovery has been the joy of going to theme parks alone, which has been a gift to herself that has made a big impact on her. Extra: Bryn likes themed stuff: Clifton's Cafeterias, Old World, Madonna Inn Question 2: What do we want to learn about Theme Parks? Bryn dug into the difference between an amusement park and a theme park. This article from Theme Park Insider gives a good definition of a theme park. An amusement park generally is a large outdoor area with fairground rides, shows, refreshments, games of chance or skill, and other entertainments. American amusement parks came out of the idea of the “pleasure gardens” of Europe. A theme park is an amusement park that's organized and built around a particular theme or group of themes. Sarah brings us the 411 on roller coasters! History: Where did they come from? Engineering! How does a roller coaster work? Reading: Newton's first law of motion Extra credit: Weightlessness Extra credit: Weightlessness Question 3: What are you excited about regarding Theme Parks, especially now that they have reopened after a long period of closure? Sarah is super-digging how Disney California Adventure's new Avengers Campus is mirroring the Disney+ shows and changing up characters and interactions Bryn is looking forward to being more present when she's at the parks and appreciating the privilege of being there. And both of us are excited about getting dressed up in fun outfits/Disneybounds, and packing our bags with just the right stuff to optimize our day. Especially big scarves. BONUS Question: What's your favorite immersive Theme Park experience? Sarah relates her experience of walking into Be Our Guest, the Beauty and the Beast restaurant in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It was literally walking IN TO the beauty and the beast film's ballroom. Bryn cheated and said the Exploratorium's Tactile Dome in San Francisco. We'll all have to forgive her. About Totally Tell Me Everything Two friends, one fun topic, three burning questions = lots of fun conversation! Each month we pick a topic and ask each other three questions about it - we learn about the subject, our past and each other. So come sit by us and we'll totally tell you everything! How To Listen on the Go: Listen now and leave a Review on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts | RSS If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave a podcast rating and review!! Social Media Instagram: http://instagram.com/totallytellmeeverything Sarah: http://instagram.com/jeditink Bryn: https://www.instagram.com/brynane/ Join the Skywalking Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/488002904732240/ Subscribe to the Skywalking Network Newsletter
Episode Notes Washington Post writer Kate Silver discussed her recent driving vacation in the Carolinas and Kentucky, and then Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider chatted about new rides, ways to save money, and more
Returning right on time to kick off theme park season, we welcome Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, last year's season was cut short. Here's the good news: between new attractions, hot deals, and of course the world generally opening back up, there's a lot about Summer 2021 to look forward to. We've heard rumors that people have been smarter with their money than expected lately, and now we have some data to back that up. Ken Tumin joins us today to share the results of MagnifyMoney's annual April Savings Index. One thing to note, while people are saving, the top priority right now is funding vacation and travel. We don't want to rain on anyone's parade, BUT mom's curious to see how these numbers hold up after summer. More on the results and data during our time with Ken. Plus, Fidelity has announced a new (almost free) investing platform for teens. While parents need to have their own account at the company, teen accounts have no fees or commissions. Throw in some financial education with the low-risk early market exposure and we might call this one a win-win for everyone involved. Having some familiarity with the market and some understanding of what all the jargon means definitely will be a big help in many a young saver's journey. We finish today's show with a question from VJ, who's wondering if he should become a 1099 worker for his side-gig. He's currently a W2 worker and thinking about making the switch, but knows there are some tax implications to consider. While VJ isn't wrong to think about taxes, there's A LOT more that happens behind the scenes when you're running the show. OG shares some big points not only for VJ to consider, but anyone thinking about starting their own business. Of course, Doug also gets his share of air time and you can bet its going to be theme park trivia! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we explore allegedly haunted amusement parks, such as Cedar Point, Six Flags over Texas, and Busch Gardens Tampa.E-mail me at TCUpodcast@outlook.com; visit me on Facebook and Instagram as True Crime UniversityResources: dfw.cbslocal.com; Herald-Banner; usforacle.com; Ranker; Weird NJ; nolaghosts.com; ghostcitytours.com; WISH Indianapolis; culturetrip.com; yourghoststories.com; The Ghosts of Ohio; LA Times; ohiohauntedhouses.com; Theme Park Insider; Wikipedia; seeks ghost.blog spot; exemplore.com; pointbuzz.com; Asbury Park PressThis podcast is produced, edited, and written by Me, Debby Sullivan.My music, "Delusion32", is provided by Jason Shaw of Audionautix.com. Thanks Jason!Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com
Today we finish exploring allegedly haunted amusement parks, such as King's Island and Lake Shawnee. E-mail me at TCUpodcast@outlook.com; visit me on Facebook and Instagram as True Crime UniversityResources: dfw.cbslocal.com; Herald-Banner; usforacle.com; Ranker; Weird NJ; nolaghosts.com; ghostcitytours.com; WISH Indianapolis; culturetrip.com; yourghoststories.com; The Ghosts of Ohio; LA Times; ohiohauntedhouses.com; Theme Park Insider; Wikipedia; seeks ghost.blog spot; exemplore.com; pointbuzz.com; Asbury Park PressHelpful autism organizations: The Miracle Project, National Autistic Society, NEXT for AUTISM, Organization for Autism Research, The STAR InstituteLake Shawnee Amusement Park: wvlakeshawnee.com This podcast is produced, edited, and written by Me, Debby Sullivan.My music, "Delusion32", is provided by Jason Shaw of Audionautix.com. Thanks Jason!Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com
It's time for summer fun and theme parks are all closed! Will they open in time for there to be a season? Will there be any virtual fun coming from these entertainment companies? If we choose to head to a theme park, how are they keeping us safe and will there be discounts? Welcome to our annual theme-park guide episode! Today we'll ask all of these questions and more of Robert Niles (of Theme Park Insider), to find out how parks are coping during state shutdowns. We hope to ALL be surprised with good news during today's discussion. Here's a question: how did one unfortunate man find himself 9 million dollars in debt by the end of one trading day? We'll tackle that during our headlines segment. Plus, scams will be on the rise with so many people applying for unemployment and expecting relief checks. How should you protect yourself from becoming a victim? ...and during our Haven Life Line we'll take a question from Lisa, who is opening up a new HSA account. This being her second account, Lisa wonders if she can combine the two HSAs into one. Can she do that?
This week's news: • It was revealed this week that the Reagle Eagle Smokehouse coming to The American Pavilion of Epcot will be themed to the Muppet Sam Eagle. Keeping alive the dream that World Showcase is a tribute to all nations but mostly America. • the Theme Park Insider awards wrapped up this week with Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure being named best Park. With Star Wars Rise of the Resistance being another major winner. • Cast Member Previews have started at Disneyland's version of Star Wars Rise of the Resistance this week. • Universal Orlando have named their music acts for this years Mardi Gras, which include TLC, the Roots and Diana Ross. • Six Flags Magic Mountain has finally publicly opened West Coast Racers. • Southern California residents can visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure for three days for $199. • Disney World have Announced their Summer Free Dining Promotions this week, however there is only a 10 day booking window, so you'll have to move fast.
• Sea World Australia suffered the loss of beloved 19 year old Polar Bear Liya this week. Liya was the first polar bear to give birth in Australia, giving birth to Henry, who now lives in Canada and more recently Mishka who remains at Sea World. • at Disneyland’s version of Galaxy’s Edge, play tests of R2D2 have started. However the OCregister have confirmed these are tests only, not a permanent addition. • Six Flags Chinese development partner appears to be in financial difficulty as a trading halt has been called on the Riverside Investment Group. • The annual Theme Park Insider awards have started being announced this week, with the first winners being Universal Orlando hotels Cabana Bay and Loews Portofino Bay. • Knott's Berry Farm is adding a Build-a-Bear shop later this month to be located behind Mrs Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
Musician and songwriter Jonathan Mann on a new song every day for 10 years. Historian and Author Keith Lowe on why the West is obsessed with WWII. Pamela Weathers of Worcester Polytechnic Institute on a new cost-efficient cure for malaria. Gordon Chang of Stanford University on Chinese railroad. Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider on the adventure of a theme park journalist. Robert Stern of Boston University on a new research allowing diagnosis of concussions in living people.
Author John Bemelmans Marciano on the metric system. Aiden Arata of Meme Union on memes. Lisa Dinella of the Gender Development Laboratory at Monmouth on gender-specific toys limiting opportunities for children to learn and grow. Amber Gallego of Amber G. Production on concerts for the deaf. Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider on being a theme park journalist. Priya Vulchiand and Winona Guo of CHOOSE on writing a book on racial literacy.
Robert Niles, founder and editor of Theme Park Insider, talks to Gordon Byrd about an unusually slow summer for the theme park industry.
Mary Ziegler of Florida State University on abortion laws. Aiden Arata of Meme Union on meme creators unionizing. William Howe Jr of the University of Oklahoma on veteran culture shock. Gordon Chang of Stanford University on Chinese railroad. Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider on the adventure of a theme park journalist. Robert Stern of Boston University on a new research allowing diagnosis of concussions in living people.
Each year here in the basement, it isn't officially summer until we present this episode, which is why we're so happy to bring you Robert Niles, Mr. Theme Park Insider. He's coming down for his annual trip to the basement to help you find your best summer theme park fun. From the best upcoming rides, to fan favorites, plus the best way to get a few discounts from your favorite parks...he's bringing all his tips and tricks to you on this episode. I know! We're fired up, too! And in our headlines segment, where's the best place to save for big purchases like a house or other short-term goals? We'll probably have a few answers that are not exactly what you're thinking. And in our second piece, randomly selected stocks beat out investment picks by fund managers. So... what does that mean for us? We'll cover monkeys, darts, and savings goals on today's headlines segment. Just another day... Next, during our Haven Life Line call, we'll answer a voicemail from Dan, who wants to know how best to allocate his family's investments. He's diversified, but does he really need mid-caps and a total stock market index fund? Plus, in our follow-up letters segment, Steve calls in says that he's invested in large, mid, and small cap... (plus international funds.) Steve doesn't have a problem with his allocation, but is it an issue that it's all through one brokerage firm? You'll get the best of both worlds during today's listener focused segments. And don't worry, we'll still have time for some theme parked... themed trivia. Thanks to Ting for supporting Stacking Benjamins! Get $25 off your phone at sb.ting.com. How about $50 off your first job post? Head to Linkedin.com/sb
In episode 60 of Matterhorn Mondays, Alex and I are joined once again by Jeremy! We talk about the a very interesting article from Theme Park Insider, and we discuss our thoughts on the new Marvel Land rumors! 8:19 - News from the Peak 17:47 - How changing demographics are changing the theme park business 38:40 - Marvel Land Rumors 1:19:24 - Matt Hosts Ghosts Alex the Historian: https://goo.gl/LwMrjT Check us out on The Live Place!: http://www.theliveplace.com/ My Twitter: https://goo.gl/BKqnuY Alex's Twitter: https://goo.gl/uMi2jt My Patreon: www.patreon.com/matterhornmatt Donate to Alex on the app Venmo - @ayalexander https://wdwnt.com/2018/10/johnny-depp-will-no-longer-be-playing-captain-jack-sparrow-axed-from-the-pirates-of-the-caribbean-franchise/?fbclid=IwAR0X8m15ONQRmJkuTUJfk6aSP1W7V6dmmFxKZ3vFCSUOb-w75LJK8PGEWhQ https://dsnynewscast.com/2018/10/does-disney-have-a-secret-weapon-xi-deadpool-writers-in-talks-for-pirates-of-the-caribbean-reboot/ https://wdwnt.com/2018/10/muppetvision-3-d-now-operating-with-reduced-hours-daily-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/ https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/2018/10/24/18018254/indiana-jones-disney-hollywood-studios https://dsnynewscast.com/2018/10/indiana-jones-heading-to-hollywood-studios-whats-next-for-disneys-other-lucasfilm-franchise/ https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201804/6065/ https://wdwnt.com/2018/10/breaking-full-attraction-restaurant-store-lineup-revealed-for-marvel-super-hero-land-at-disneyland-resort/
It's officially summer for us when Robert Niles (from Theme Park Insider) drops by for our annual look at theme parks around the country. Going on vacation this summer? We'll have all the answers about fantastic deals, making the most of your money, the best new rides... and of course, rides and locations that you would do best to avoid. Our first headline may give you second thoughts before you decide to "take advantage" of company benefits. We'll cover how 200 workers were fired from Fidelity for abusing company benefits. Ouch. In our second headline we're asking the question: "How would you like to slash the length of your 30-year mortgage?" We'll tackle one writer's (convoluted) idea. Plus, we're throw out the Haven Life line to Alan, who wants to know the pros and of cons of having a simple IRA over a solo 401k. Should he switch? We'll also another listener letter, throw out Doug's trivia, and more. Thanks also to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring Stacking Benjamins as well. MagnifyMoney.com saves users on average $450 when they compare, ditch, switch and save on credit cards, student loan refinancing, checking, savings and more. Check out MagnifyMoney.com for your savings. Thanks to Lexington Law for supporting Stacking Benjamins. For a free credit report summary and credit repair consultation go to lexingtonlaw.com/SB
With Memorial Day right around the corner in the USA, we ask Mr. Theme Park Insider, Robert Niles, "Where we can find the best values?" As always, he delivers with suggestions for parks around the country, and with ideas for people and families of all ages. In our headlines we talk about money disorders that kill your financial plan. We also discuss a disturbing spending trend among older people. We throw out the Haven Life line to Emily, who wants to know if her boyfriend's job is sub-optimal (he's an active stock trader), and we answer a letter from Stephanie, who asks about buying a house. Should she plop down a bigger down payment or go with a bigger loan to leave her money invested? Of course we have Doug's trivia, some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to SoFi and MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Looking for show notes? They're right here.
Main Topic: Shelley Caran Shelley Caran started On the Go in MCO as a way to document her adventures in her new hometown, and 5 years later it's still going strong! She is the Theme Park Insider for WFTV's IcFlorida, Managing Editor of Orlando in Review Magazine, & contributor to Brazil's Orlando em Revista Magazine. She's also written for the Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando official blogs and been featured in USA Today as an 'Orlando Insider'. She is married with a daughter, two chihuahuas, and is a proud Hokie. Ears the News: *Opening of Planet Hollywood delayed *orcerer Class Bus?! *RUMOR: Liberty Belle ice cream social?! *Epcot Overhaul announced *Magic Band 2.0 details *Epcot to debut Festival of the Arts *Star Tours Update! *Drone Show opening *Pandora Opening Summer 2017!!! Magical Merriment: This is our Game section where you'll find out which Diva earns her EARS this week! Christine's new game... Topsy Turvy ~ Can you guess the riddles?? Need more Dish on our Guest? www.OnTheGoInMCO.com Social Media: @OnTheGoInMCO for all major forms of social media! Divas Dish Diz Sponsors: Upon a Star Travel &Concierge ~ Customized Disney travel planning for your family! Let our team customize a magical vacation for your family - there is no additional cost to you when you book a package with our team! Sugar Fox Flowers ~ Customize your wedding/event cakes with our made to order edible Sugar Flowers. Turn your DIY cakes into ShowStoppers! Need more Dish from our Divas??? You can find them at: Co-Host: Jennifer Novotny: Upon A Star Travel &Concierge ~ www.disiningmemories.com Co-Host: Christine Fox: @ChristineFox @SugarFoxFlowers@Foxmomof4 ~ www.sugarfoxflowers.com Social Media: Kally Lavoie: @Miss_K_Lavoie Katrina Rios: @katrinarabbit87
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the business of theme parks: How they’re trying to reach broader audiences, use technology to personalize visits, and raise the bar in the park experience as they raise prices. Our guests are Robert Niles, founder and editor of Theme Park Insider, and Martin Lewison, a professor of management at Farmingdale State College in New York who studies the theme park industry.