Podcasts about theme parks

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

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

We're nearing the halfway point of Halloween Horror Nights 34 in Orlando. So, what better time to give our updated rankings? Let's see what houses have shot up our lists and which are starting to disappoint. Is Terrifier still divisive? Can Five Nights at Freddy's work it's way up our rankings? Will Wyatt Sicks continue to hold strong? Of course, we have to finally present our scarezone rankings too. After a few lackluster years, is this the return of a strong scarezone lineup? HHN always evolves throughout the season. Let's what that looks like for HHN 2025.10% off Horrors Untold:https://horrorsuntold.com/product/horrors-untold/aff/5/Follow HHN 365 on social media:Instagram HHN365Twitter @HHN365TikTok: @HHN365podJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/jUD9nZav2UMerch: HHN365.comFeatured audio is courtesy of White Bat Audio

In today's episode, we present Aaron Beyer's review of Jurassic World Rebirth! Did he love it or hate it? I think you know. Sit back, relax and ENJOY this episode of The Jurassic Park Podcast!Please check out my Newsletter featured on Substack! You can sign up for the newsletter featuring the latest from Jurassic Park Podcast and other shows I'm featured on - plus other thoughts and feelings towards film, theme parks and more!FOLLOW USWebsite: https://www.jurassicparkpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JurassicParkPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurassicparkpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jurassicparkpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@jurassicparkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jurassicparkpodcastApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2VAITXfSpotify:  https://spoti.fi/2Gfl41TDon't forget to give our voicemail line a call at 732-825-7763!Catch us on YouTube with Wednesday night LIVE STREAMS, Toy Hunts, Toy Unboxing and Reviews, Theme Park trips, Jurassic Discussion, Analysis and so much more.

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

Eric, known as Main Street Electrical Arcade, recently visited the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, California.  Hear all about it on today's episode of the podcast.

COFFEE MOANING the PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coffee-moaning/id1689250679ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3p6z4A1RbhidO0pnOGGZl2?si=IqwD7REzTwWdwsbn2gzWCg&nd=1HOW TO STAY MARRIED (SO FAR) the PODCASTON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/57MT4cv2c3i06ryQlIpUXc?si=1b5ed24f40c54ebaON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-stay-married-so-far/id1294257563 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#SWAMPWATCH / Inside the Expensive, Extremely Overwhelming, Engineered Fun of Theme Parks / PARENTING: Mom tells 9-yo daughters to pay rent or get evicted. Empty nest? What parenting looks like after they leave.

Only 19% of U.S. adults say they want “scary vibes” this Halloween—while 30% plan to wear multiple costumes and 70% say organized events are steady or increasing. Philip and Scott unpack the annual HalloweenCostumes.com survey and why it matters: the demand for cute, funny, and cosplay-style experiences is growing faster than gore, audiences are starting to plan earlier, and AI is already a factor in how people search for inspiration. They also discuss how rising competition and budget-conscious consumers may shape event calendars, citing Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Scary Farm cutting weeknights while Hersheypark's Dark Nights leans on bundled value and high-quality houses. The big question: with more families and casual fans in the market, can “giggles” and “cute” Halloween now generate more growth than scares? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

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

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

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Greetings from Coruscant Park.John & Matt discuss whether there were Theme Parks in the Star Wars galaxy far, far away! They agree there must have been, but what did they look like? How can you bring a thrill to beings who travel through hyperspace? What kind of waivers did you need to sign to ride the Podrace Express Coaster?Let's discover what thrills, chills and roller coaster hills there were!You've found the best Star Wars podcast with one-of-a-kind discussions in the spirit of fun! While you're here, look around our creator-focused network of podcasts with all the best of Star Trek, a deep-dive read of Harry Potter's magical world, analysis of film's greatest directors, and breaking news from top names in international film festivals, and so much more!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

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: Disney Adventure cruise ship delayed | See 86 concept images inside ‘Zootopia' stage musical in development from Disney Theatrical Productions Avengers ‘Tower of Terror' drop ride with Spider-Man, Doc Ock coming to Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted houses ranked | Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood (California) ‘The Conjuring: Beyond Fear' new 20-minute attraction | Review | Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Canada's Wonderland Bluey roller coaster opening in 2026 at Alton Towers ‘Run Dollywood' to debut in 2026 as inaugural race weekend Nate Bargatze theme park coming to Nashville, other future locations 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.

Episode 275 for the week of September 15, 2025 ...  and this is what is going on in our Disney World...News Roundup- Hong Kong Disneyland getting New Spider-Main Attraction. Source: Blog Mickey- Restaurant Marrakesh Sign Stripped of Lettering at EPCOT. Source: Blog Mickey- Universal Confirms Demolition of Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure. Source: Blog MickeyStarts @1:40 ...Construction Updates:- Not muchStarts @14:45 ...Phil's Epic Universe and Helios Grand Trip Report- Part 3 of Phil's Trip Report sees him breakdown his time at Universal. He covers:- Review of Grand Helios including Reviews of Flora Taverna and Bar Helios- One day at Epic Universe - how much did he get done and review of the attractions and areas- Ranks all the attractions and gives overall thoughts of the park and advice to visiting.Starts @16:29 ...* Reminder to like, subscribe, rate, and review the DBC Pod wherever you get your podcast *NEW! Landing Page for all things DBC Pod: magictravelonmain.com Send us an e-mail! .... thedbcpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on social media:- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedbcpod - Bluesky: @thedbcpod.bsky.social- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheDBCPod/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDBCPod- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDBCPod- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedbcpod- Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/cJ8Vxf4BmQNote: This podcast is not affiliated with any message boards, blogs, news sites, or other podcasts

(Sept 15,2025)The Fork Reporter Neil Saavedra fills iin for Bill while he is out on vacation. After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, chorus of conservatives want supporters of his murder ostracized or fired. Breakthrough on California housing could put taller buildings in single-family neighborhoods.

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

It was a traumatic day for almost everyone who witnessed it, but the Walt Disney Company had decisions to make immediately, and in the aftermath.  Rick discusses those decisions. 

Around the world, entertainment companies are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on shiny new theme park rides and attractions. It's a highly competitive market.They're big money-spinners for the owners and can help boost local economies too. We look at why a medium-sized town in southern England could soon become a magnet for thrill-seeking tourists, and we travel to Sweden, where a theme park with a very local flavour has been celebrating its 100th anniversary.But what happens if you live next door to the planned site of a major new attraction? And do the promises of new jobs and improved infrastructure in an area always come to fruition?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, you can email us at businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Elizabeth Hotson(Picture: People hanging upside down on a roller coaster track. Credit: Getty Images)

Adam Sandler launches his tour with Vanilla Ice and Kevin James in tow. Nate Bargatze talks Emmys, movies, and future theme park plans. Patton Oswalt embraces a half-empty casino gig. Bill Maher slams late night hosts. Stephen Colbert fans protest CBS. Plus: Earthquake's new special, Aziz wants a Parks reboot, Leanne Morgan renewed, Dog Park gets greenlit, and Jordan Jensen drops a Netflix special.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Become a premium subscriber! (no ads). For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING and the bonus “DCN8” show.You also get 25+ other series  (it's only $4.99 a month with a free-trial month)Contact John at john@thesharkdeck dot com  Media Thoughts is mcdpod.substack.com dailycomedynews.substack.com DCN on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailycomedynews https://linktr.ee/dailycomedynews www.buymeacoffee.com/dailycomedynews  

Skip The Queue is back for Season 7 and we're announcing some big changes! Get ready for new hosts, a fresh new look, weekly content and find out where you can catch us live at events to be part of the action.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden  and Andy Povey.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. Show references: Paul Marden The CEO of Rubber Cheese, Paul pairs two decades of digital expertise with a love of creative problem solving, making him the go-to guy for turning tricky tech into seamless guest journeys, all delivered with his trademark energy and wit.https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmarden/ Andy Povey The Co-CEO of Crowd Convert, Andy brings sharp insights, deep industry knowledge and notorious anecdotes from decades in attractions.https://www.linkedin.com/in/andypovey/  Transcriptions:  Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best visitor attractions and the people that work in them. I'm Paul Marden. Along with my co-hosts, Andy Povey and Sinead Kimberley, I spend my days working with ambitious attractions like theme parks, museums, galleries, and science centres to help them to attract more guests. In today's episode, Andy and I talk about what's coming up for Skip the Queue as we enter Season 7.Paul Marden: Seven seasons, hey? Good lord. How very exciting. We've had our summer holidays. We've had our little break, but there's no rest for the wicked, is there?Andy Povey: Absolutely not. You say it's a busman's holiday, really, isn't it?  Working in our industry.Paul Marden: I think it is, isn't it? Life has changed quite a lot for us recently, hasn't it? In the last few months, with the advent of Crowd Convert and Merac coming back to life again, we've been out on the road going everywhere, haven't we?Andy Povey: Absolutely everywhere. And I promise I'm not going to bitch about electric cars and charging.Andy Povey: That's the only thing I've found that annoys me more than a poor online ticketing experience.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. So we have both been visiting lots of clients. It's been very exciting. But we've also both had our summer holidays. Which attraction is memorable for you from your recent holiday?Andy Povey: Do you know, there's so many. We took our girls to the longest named tourist attraction in the world, I think. Warner Brothers Studio Tour London, the making of Harry Potter. On their 11th birthday. Oh, how was that? We had a beautiful experience. They have this really smart trick there where if they note your birthday, they give you a badge that says, 'It's my birthday.'Andy Povey: It's modelled on the birthday cake that Hagrid gave Harry. So it's all completely in keeping and in theme. So my daughters were walking around with these and every member of staff we saw that saw the badge wished them happy birthday. The first member of staff that did it absolutely blew my girls' minds. They hadn't associated it with the badge that they were wearing and they thought that they were the most special people on the face of the earth.Andy Povey: Absolutely superb. And the experience itself is wonderful. So that was probably the most memorable. I did something else very recently that was a little bit unusual. So I'm a man in my 50s. I was a teenager, probably not even a teenager, a kid when Grease came out. And all my mates and all my friends raved about it, and I didn't go and see it. And I've been very proud of the fact that I've never seen Grease.Andy Povey: Until last weekend. When we went to the Secret Cinema showing of Grease in Battersea Park, wow, wow, what an experience. Live actors, live scenes with the film running in the background, the fairground sitting outside the auditorium, where the final set, if you've watched Grease ever, where they're in the fairground, went out there.Andy Povey: Such a fantastic experience. Really does make me wonder why we don't have more of our larger parks doing that kind of stuff in partnership with Secret Cinema. It would make you stay for the evening and really extend your day. Absolutely superb experience. So, if you get the opportunity to go and see it, please do.Paul Marden: How very cool.Andy Povey: Tell them Andy sent you, which will mean absolutely nothing.  How about you?Paul Marden: We recently went to Scotland. We spent a day, which was really not enough, in Edinburgh. And actually, as you're talking about the Harry Potter experience, we did a little Harry Potter thing because there is a graveyard, Greyfriars Bobby's graveyard.Paul Marden: It was the inspiration for many of the names in Harry Potter. And this graveyard was, I mean, it was chock full of every nationality of tourist you could possibly imagine, plus the three of us wandering around all trying to find Harry Potter themed gravestones. Yeah, so we found Tom Riddle's tombstone. We saw a McGonagall. Yeah, it was just, that was quite magical. But the thing that sticks in my head is we also visited the Real Mary King's Close. And when you walk along the Royal Mile, falling off the side of the Royal Mile are all of these tenement closes that three of them were capped over a couple of hundred years ago and completely forgotten about. Continuum attractions have turned them into an attraction that you can wander around. You get a guided tour of this time capsule of what life was like in a tenement block. In Edinburgh, it was rated last year as the best tourist attraction in Britain, according to TripAdvisor.Paul Marden: And it really, really was magical. It was such a fun visit. We were guided around by a tour guide in costume and in character the whole way around. And at the end of it, she introduced herself as coming from Philadelphia.Paul Marden: She was really really great guide, and I just loved it. I've seen them in the Rubber Cheese Survey for the last four years, and thought, 'What a funny name for an attraction? I wonder what that is?' And so, when I saw it, I had to go. I loved every minute of it, and it was brilliant.Andy Povey: I agree, it's a fantastic place. Did you see J. K. Rowling's handprints just around the corner?Paul Marden: No.Andy Povey: In the courtyard next to the entrance?Paul Marden: No, I didn't.Andy Povey: See, I think they were trying to do something like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where there are famous people's handprints. I should have told you before. Is there something to go back for?Paul Marden: Oh, we'll definitely be going back. There was so much there in Edinburgh that we didn't get to see. You just couldn't do it in a day.Paul Marden: But so much fun. So much fun.Paul Marden: So we are into season seven. And just like the last few seasons, we've got lots of ideas, brimming with ideas, few changes. And we thought we would tease them for you here in this short non-episode, just to tell you about some of the things that are coming up. And yeah, shall we?Paul Marden: We'll talk about the first thing that you came up with, which was the move to weekly content.Andy Povey:  You're blaming me for this?Paul Marden: Absolutely. Absolutely.Andy Povey: I mean, the objective was to double the listenership of the podcast. And so you did that by doubling my work. And it seemed like it would be really, really easy to do that if we doubled the episodes.Andy Povey: So, yeah, we're going weekly. I'm sure we're going to have plenty to fill it. Because you look at all of the interesting stories we come across, the people that we talk to, the things that we want to talk about, and we end up editing and cutting things. So I'm convinced that we're going to have loads of really exciting things to talk about. We're also going to introduce a couple of different themes. So do you want to talk about the Millennium-funded projects?Paul Marden: Yes, so this is carrying on the theme that I started back at the back end of Season 6. When I spoke to another Edinburgh attraction, Dynamic Earth. They were a good example of a Millennium project that was obviously kicked off 25 years ago. And we had a lovely conversation about what has been the challenges, what has been the opportunities for them in the last 25 years, and what does the future look like? I'm off to the Association of Science and Discovery Centres conference next week. That episode will be out in a few weeks' time. And we're going to be talking a lot about science centres. and how they can thrive over the next 25 years. But we'll be talking to some other Millennium projects as well in the season ahead. So Charles Bishop from the National Space Centre, if you're listening, give me a call.Andy Povey: I'm going to try and hound you to appear on the podcast.Paul Marden: We've also, this is very self-indulgent, but we are going to be going through a little bit of a rebrand. The Skip the Queue brand has stayed the same for the six seasons. And our friends at Plaster Creative Communications have been working really hard. They're the only reason why we could possibly go weekly with our content because Emily and Sami are helping us to ramp up our content and working with us closely. But they've also helped us with our rebrand, which is also going to be an audio rebrand. So there's going to be some new audio tickling your ears coming up as well, which is very exciting.Andy Povey: It's not just the rebrand though, is it? Let's talk about the other things that we're going to be doing with Skip the Queue.Paul Marden: Yeah. Should we talk playbooks?Andy Povey: Absolutely. Tell me what it means.Paul Marden: So I, for a long time, thought that there was something that Skip the Queue could do because, you know. Yes, this is our baby, but it is a lot of hard work from across the industry that goes towards making the podcast the success that it is. And we're going to move that successful collaboration into a series of playbooks where we're bringing together people from across the industry to help guide attractions into... the state of the art and what's possible within the sector across a number of different subjects. And we're starting that with e-commerce. So we're currently collaborating with our friends at Stephen Spencer Associates and at Navigate. And we're producing the first in that playbook series all about what... What does it take to be able to build an amazing e-commerce experience for an attraction? How do you curate the products?Paul Marden: How do you come up with the ideas? How do you put the technology together? And then how do you get anybody to come and visit and buy from you? So that's very exciting.Andy Povey: So that's more of your gift shop. Retail e-commerce.Paul Marden: Absolutely. Absolutely. And there'll be room as well within the series for us to talk about other things as well. So we are completely open to ideas. So listeners, if you've got ideas of a playbook that you'd like to see, it could be about digital sustainability. It could be about ticketing. It could be about any aspect of operating an attraction. Come and tell us and come up with ideas of who we could work with and we'll put something together for you. So I think that's really exciting, and that will be coming out in a few weeks' time.Andy Povey: Very interesting. Look forward to that.Paul Marden: We were excited in Season 6 to break out of the four walls of our little dungeon offices, working via video conferencing and going out and about, weren't we? We absolutely loved visiting the NFAN Conference, ASDC.Paul Marden: We worked from the floor of so many different events, didn't we? And tried lots of formats. And we definitely, definitely want to do more of that. And there's an exciting turn because weekly isn't enough, is it?Andy Povey:  If you're going to do it, go big. Go big or go home.Paul Marden: We have been invited to the IAAPA Europe Conference Expo in Barcelona, no less. And we are going to be coming into your ears daily, not weekly, daily.Paul Marden: So we have got an amazing lineup of people that we are going to be talking to from the conference floor. But there's also so much time to fill. We don't know who we're going to talk to. We're going to be hitting the floor and just grabbing people, just like we did at NFAN. You'll be out, Andy, just hooking people. And we'll be talking to them. And we plan to do those interviews during the day, and Wenalyn and Steve, our long-suffering editorial and production team, will be working furiously through the night to publish the following morning.Andy Povey: Fantastic. So do we need to talk about our launch episode for Season 7?Paul Marden: Yes.Andy Povey: As this is just the trailer.Paul Marden: Yes. So in 29 minutes, I will be recording my launch episode. So I'm meeting with Massimiliano Freddi, who is the IAAPA board chairman. We're going to find out more about Massimiliano. Not only is he the first Italian chairman of IAAPA, which has been in existence for over 100 years, I believe. We are also going to find out about what he does in his day job and the attraction that he runs over in Italy. So that's a very exciting first episode. So we will be launching that episode 17th of September, and then we will be live from Barcelona starting on the 23rd and going out daily from there on for the rest of that week. I mean, what more could we want? Andy Povey: It's justification for the family for me going to Barcelona after just having returned from Menorca so daddy does a holiday work.Paul Marden: We've at least got to walk down Las Rambla and chat about the conference we can't just be within the expo location surely. A little vino tinto on.Andy Povey: I'm sure we will be at Tribudabo at what, in my experience, this is the third time I've been to IAAPA in Barcelona. But the opening night party in Tribudabo has always been one of the most fantastic events I've ever been to. The view over the city at night with rides and superb food, drink and entertainment going off behind you is just  out of this world.Paul Marden: But it's work just for anyone that's listening outside the door right now.Andy Povey: Very hard work for very important people.Paul Marden: Yes so we are still planning out the rest of season seven, obviously going weekly, lots of opportunities for us to talk to lots of people. If you've got ideas for themes or people that we could interview, we are absolutely all ears. So hit us up on LinkedIn, hello@SkiptheQueue.fm, or go to the website, skipthequeue.fm. Yeah, and you'll find all of our contact details and we'd love to hear from you with ideas of what we could do for the rest of this season. What would you find interesting? Apart from that, we're going to sign off. I've got an interview to go to in 25 minutes. We will be back with you on the 17th of September with our first episode and from IAAPA on the 23rd of September for the rest of that week.Andy Povey: You're going to be on IAAPA. Come and find us. Come and have a chat.Paul Marden: Looking forward to it.Paul Marden: Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, the digital agency that creates amazing websites for ambitious visitor attractions.  The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

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

Alex Jordan may spend his nine-to-five building animatronics and puppets for places like Universal and Disney, but that's just the beginning of his welding story. After hours, Alex runs his own job shop, dives into 3D printing as a fabrication tool, and shares his knowledge through YouTube and social media. In this episode, we talk about how 3D printers can transform a weld shop, the craftsmanship behind theme park projects like Raptors and parade floats, and how Alex turned a simple county fair project into a 15-year career. We also get into his custom electric pit bike builds, the importance of teaching what you know, and how community events like maker gift exchanges are fueling the next generation of creators. This conversation is full of innovation, hustle, and inspiration — don't miss it!   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Pipeline Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/pipeline/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event.   Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods     Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Fronius: Instagram: @FroniusUSA Website: Fronius.us ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase    

Get ready for a fun and inspiring conversation with Lauren Quirk, Founder of Travel With Character®! Lauren is proof that theme park travel can be just as chic, seamless, and story-driven as a luxury FIT trip. From hand-picking resorts and tickets to crafting VIP tours and personalized itineraries, she and her team sprinkle creativity, precision, and a little magic into every detail. With her bubbly personality and entertainment background, Lauren shares how she went from Broadway stages to building a thriving agency. She talks about why she recently transitioned from independent contractors to an employee model, why charging planning fees is a must, and how she blends personality-packed social media with polished systems to create unforgettable client experiences. Ready to see theme park travel in a whole new light? This episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and a dose of Lauren's contagious enthusiasm. About Lauren Quirk: Lauren is the Founder of Travel With Character®, a backstage production team for designing luxury family vacations. Over the past six years she has assembled a small team of creative women who guide today's discerning travelers who value personalized and attentive service over DIY booking methods. Lauren's education and background are in the performing arts, with a history on the off-Broadway stages of New York, and LA productions like "Grease Live! On Fox", and Comedy Central sketches. She now translates this creativity and storytelling into her travel business, crafting unique experiences for every client, helping them to embrace their own "main character energy." Lauren's innovative approach to travel industry marketing has not gone unnoticed. She has been a Travel Weekly Gold Magellan award recipient and a finalist in TravelAge West's Trendsetter Awards, celebrating her social media content. Her unique marketing signature includes creating comedic musical pieces related to travel, engaging audiences and inviting them into a world of exploration and enjoyment. @travelwithcharacter travelwithcharacter.com Today we will cover: (03:00) The story behind Travel With Character® and Lauren's journey from Broadway to travel (06:45) Why Lauren transitioned from independent contractors to employees for stronger brand consistency (12:20) Best tools and software for planning Disney and theme park vacations (18:45) Charging planning fees and demonstrating the value of professional expertise (23:35) Offering concierge-level Disney services including Lightning Lanes and dining reservations (28:35) Streamlining workflows to deliver a polished and seamless client experience (31:45) How to collect client testimonials and Google reviews that build trust (41:05) Expanding from theme park travel to international destinations (44:50) Creating engaging social media content with musical parodies for marketing (47:15) Lauren's top advice for travel advisors: confidence, systems, and preparation JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Moxie & Fourth - Get $30 off the List Launch Kit with code PODCAST

Episode 274 for the week of September 8, 2025 ...  and this is what is going on in our Disney World...Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Discussion- Disney has announced that they will be updating Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with a simplified packages and appearances by the Fairy Godmother - We discuss if we have every done this experience or if we ever would- Source: Blog MickeyStarts @2:26 ...Construction Updates:- Signage for Better Zoogether is starting Starts @8:43 ...Phil's Non-Destination D23 Disney Trip Report- Part 2 of Phil's Trip Report sees him breakdown his time at Disney apart from the Destination D23 Event. He covers:- Review of Coronado- First day of Food and Wine Fest along with his first ride on the updated Test Track- Dining Reviews: Geo-82, Jock Lindsey's Halloween Bar, California Grill, and ToledoStarts @14:29 ...* Reminder to like, subscribe, rate, and review the DBC Pod wherever you get your podcast *NEW! Landing Page for all things DBC Pod: magictravelonmain.com Send us an e-mail! .... thedbcpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on social media:- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedbcpod - Bluesky: @thedbcpod.bsky.social- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheDBCPod/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDBCPod- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDBCPod- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedbcpod- Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/cJ8Vxf4BmQNote: This podcast is not affiliated with any message boards, blogs, news sites, or other podcasts

In today's episode, we present a conversation between Conor O'Keeffe and Dr. Cary Woodruff in our segment, DINO DNA! Today, Conor and his returning guest discuss the Titanosaur and other Sauropods across the franchise. Did Jurassic World Rebirth get it right? Find out in episode 425!Previously, Dr, Woodruff appeared in our Pachycephalosaurus and Stygimoloch episode, so be sure to check that episode out as well. You can find that episode HERE. Sit back, relax and ENJOY this episode of The Jurassic Park Podcast!Please check out my Newsletter featured on Substack! You can sign up for the newsletter featuring the latest from Jurassic Park Podcast and other shows I'm featured on - plus other thoughts and feelings towards film, theme parks and more!FOLLOW USWebsite: https://www.jurassicparkpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JurassicParkPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurassicparkpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jurassicparkpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@jurassicparkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jurassicparkpodcastApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2VAITXfSpotify:  https://spoti.fi/2Gfl41TDon't forget to give our voicemail line a call at 732-825-7763!Catch us on YouTube with Wednesday night LIVE STREAMS, Toy Hunts, Toy Unboxing and Reviews, Theme Park trips, Jurassic Discussion, Analysis and so much more.

Summary In this episode, Shelby and Courtney dive into a variety of topics, starting with their love for coffee and seasonal drinks, particularly the Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte (#sponsorus). They then transition to discussing the recent Destination D23 event in Orlando, and the latest Disney news, including a humorous encounter with pod listeners at Epcot. The conversation shifts to the emotional challenges of parenting, particularly the first week of daycare for Shelby's son, and wraps up with a discussion on the importance of to-do lists and organization in daily life. In this episode, the hosts discuss various updates and insights related to Disney theme parks, including the Tron ride experience, the collaboration of Nine Inch Nails with Disney, the introduction of a Walt Disney animatronic in the Carousel of Progress, and the upcoming Villains Land. They also delve into the repainting of Cinderella Castle, reflecting on the legacy of Walt Disney and the importance of maintaining the integrity of Disney attractions. Takeaways Coffee preferences - decaf, full caf, seasonal, or standard? D23 events often yield mixed results in news. Meeting listeners unexpectedly can be a surreal experience. The emotional challenges of parenting are universal. To-do lists can help manage overwhelming tasks. Seasonal drinks can evoke strong opinions. Parenting transitions can be bittersweet. Organization can lead to a sense of accomplishment. Unexpected encounters can create lasting memories. Disney news can be both exciting and disappointing.                            The Tron ride experience has immersive visuals and sounds. Theme park delays can affect guest experiences. Nine Inch Nails has collaborated with Disney before. Animatronics are a significant part of theme park attractions. Walt Disney's legacy is being honored in new attractions. Villains Land is generating excitement but lacks detailed updates. Cinderella Castle is getting repainted to its original colors. The repainting of the castle raises questions about its execution. The hosts reflect on the importance of Disney's history.  

Universal's roaming Art the Clown character has become a lightning rod at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando, with videos showing guests harassing, chasing, and even blocking his path. Meanwhile, Hollywood's version of the same character ran smoothly—suggesting this is less about the IP and more about training, staffing, and audience management.Philip and Scott break down why safety lapses around street performers are a business problem as much as a guest problem, and how differences in talent pools, training, and crowd “rules” create very different outcomes on each coast. Plus: what Hersheypark's recent monorail incident and other headlines reveal about the industry's biggest challenge—safety as a living, evolving plan. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Universal Epic Universe Review    Morgan of Dreamfinding Parks tells us about her visit to Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe (Ep. 118/S4 from 08/30/2025). We hope you enjoy this review of Epic Universe, the food, the portals, and the merch. Check out Morgan @dreamfindingparks.           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

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

This week, Mike and EB have theme park news and rumors from around the world. They discuss a close call at an east coast park, the return of Phantom Theater at Kings Island, and the upcomingf closure of "Dinosaur" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They also have details about two new roller coasters and introduce a fun segment called "Trip Report Roulette," where listeners call in rapid-fire from parks across the country. We also have news about our next meetup!

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

Jen an Frank record the 400th episode of the most listened to and downloaded siblings podcast saluting all theme parks but mostly Walt Disney World dropping Thursday from that magical place we call Long Island... Theme Park Thursday with Dillo's Diz! On this episode…

Rick is joined by his co-host Maz, as the two talk about the major theme park announcements to come out of last weekend's Destination D23 event in Orlando, Florida.  

We survived opening weekend of Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Studios Florida and had an amazing time. On this episode we'll recap everything we experienced in what looks to be a year thar return HHN Orlando back to form. The event vibe, food, zones, and houses all feel like a step up from last year. Did properties like Five Nights at Freddy's surprise us? Was Terrifier not what was expected? Well, find out as we go over our house rankings after week one.10% off Horrors Untold:https://horrorsuntold.com/product/horrors-untold/aff/5/Follow HHN 365 on social media:Instagram HHN365Twitter @HHN365TikTok: @HHN365podJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/jUD9nZav2UMerch: HHN365.comFeatured audio is courtesy of White Bat Audio

Episode 273 for the week of September 1, 2025 ...  and this is what is going on in our Disney World...BREAKING: Dinosaur Closing Date Announced- Disney has announced that the remaining elements of Dinoland (Dinosaur, the Dino Institute Shop, and Restaurantosaurus) will all close effective February 2nd- Additionally meet and greets in that area will be relocated, Harambe Market will see it's menu updated, and Kali River's annual maintanence will be moved up.- What are our thoughts on this, the impact to timelines, and the impact to visiting Animal Kingdom at this time.- Source: Blog MickeyStarts @2:31 ...Destination D23 Announcements - Destination D23 happened over the weekend and while we didn't get some announcements we were expecting, we did get some less expected news.- We break it all down - what we got and what we didn't get. What are we most excited for? What surprised us the most? Were attendees justified in being disappointed in the amount of news?Starts @8:31 ...Destination D23 Review:- Phil breaks down his thoughts on the Destination D23 event - his takes on each of the panels, how the event was organized, and if he would go back again- What were his personal highlights, and how did the crowd react to the various news items?Starts @32:21 ...Construction Updates:- Foundation drilling has started on the Door Coaster, plus moreStarts @1:07:33 ...* Reminder to like, subscribe, rate, and review the DBC Pod wherever you get your podcast *NEW! Landing Page for all things DBC Pod: magictravelonmain.com Send us an e-mail! .... thedbcpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on social media:- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedbcpod - Bluesky: @thedbcpod.bsky.social- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheDBCPod/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDBCPod- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDBCPod- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedbcpod- Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/cJ8Vxf4BmQNote: This podcast is not affiliated with any message boards, blogs, news sites, or other podcasts

Love is like a roller coaster: it has its ups, it has its downs, and things get a little dicey if you eat too much funnel cake before getting things going. And that's why today we're doing Theme Parks! For this exciting episode we read "Roller Coaster Romance: A Sweet Romantic Comedy" by Kate Moseman and "Under Her Influence" by Amanda Radley. Our thrill-seeking hosts discuss wet tortillas, influencers picking up kids from school, and how sexy it is when someone is bad a customer service. Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/fmklitpod

My husband Jimmy joins me to break down this week's small talk news stories! These are stories to share at work or school, whether you're waiting for a computer to load or chatting about each others weekend's/hobbies, here are the fun, easy to share news stories of the week! We discuss: - feeling labor day/memorial day fomo- Netflix announces theme parks: https://people.com/netflix-announces-netflix-house-theme-parks-when-they-open-and-where-11800336- Matt Rife becomes handler of haunted Annabelle doll + other haunted items: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/comedian-matt-rife-says-now-legal-guardian-annabelle-haunted-doll-rcna222927- Airbud casting for it's newest Golden Retriever star, yours could be on screens next! https://people.com/nationwide-search-for-golden-retriever-next-air-bud-11787615IG: @justaquickpinch, @drconniewang

Carl & Eitan do one of the rare "2 topics and 2 topics only" SID episodes this week.They begin by breaking down the success of KPop Demon Hunters, including the winners and losers of the deal. Who do you think deserves more questioning: Netflix for not having the film in theaters for (way) longer, or Sony for having sold it in the first place?Then, Eitan shares his in-depth review of Epic Universe, Universal's newest theme park. He walks through the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Spoiler: It's mostly...good?)

Join us for episode 457 of the Theme Park Trader Podcast! This week on Theme Park Trader, we're stepping back in time to explore the UK's oldest theme park — Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight. Opened all the way back in 1843, it's a park steeped in history, charm, and more than a few quirks. From its famous cliffside views to the mix of nostalgic attractions, dinosaurs, and family-friendly experiences, Blackgang Chine has been delighting visitors for generations. We'll be sharing our thoughts on the park, its unique atmosphere, and how it compares to the bigger names in the UK and beyond. Join us as we uncover what makes Britain's very first theme park such a fascinating piece of theme park history. A reminder, if you have any questions for us, send us a message on TikTok or Instagram!

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

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This is the end, beautiful friends. We conclude the Summer of Rock with the much-better-than-I-remembered Jungle Cruise, a movie we abruptly pivoted to covering after trying to watch Black Adam and giving up out of boredom.  We cover the history of movies based on theme parks, the rocky production of Jungle Cruise, its unfortunate failure at the box office, and then we go through the movie itself, trying to figure out if this is one of The Rock's better late-career performances or if he's being carried entirely by Emily Blunt. The Summer of Rock is our summer 2025 miniseries covering the movie career of Dwayne Johnson through nine movies, presented in chronological order. Starting with his attempt at crossing over from the world of wrestling, The Rock's career got off to a bumpy start before finally taking off in the 2010s. But it wasn't long before the bumps returned, and we'll be telling the story for you all summer long! Next week: We'll have a shorter bonus episode to wrap up the Summer of Rock, and we'll answer a few mailbag questions. Our next proper episode will be September 12, 2025, about FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992). Bonus video: Matt does a deep dive into Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, the 1989 English-language anime: https://youtu.be/nkFqlLFebn8   Subscribe to our Patreon, Load Bearing Beams: Collector's Edition for $5 a month to get two extra episodes! https://patreon.com/loadbearingbeams    Time stamps: 00:02:59 — Wrapping up the Summer of Rock (sort of) 00:15:40 — General thoughts on Jungle Cruise 00:22:45 — History segment, part 1: The Jungle Cruise Disney theme park attraction and the craze of adapting theme park rides into movies 00:37:50 — History segment, part 2: the production and COVID-hampered release of Jungle Cruise; the production gets attention for featuring Disney's “first” “openly gay” character 00:58:40 — History segment, part 3: The Rock's movie career after Jungle Cruise: Red Notice, Black Adam, Red One, and The Smashing Machine 01:16:00 — In-depth movie discussion 02:10:50 — Final thoughts and star ratings   Sources: “Disney's 'Jungle Cruise' Movie Coming Out Scene with Gay Character ... But Avoids the Key Word” | TMZ (2018) - https://bit.ly/3UPda4W “Dwayne Johnson & Chris Evans' $200M+ Christmas Action Movie ‘Red One' Opens To $34M: Is It A Bomb Or A Streamer's Rounding Error?” by Anthony D'Alessandro | Deadline (2024) - https://bit.ly/47R1iH9    Artwork by Laci Roth.   Music by Rural Route Nine. Listen to their album The Joy of Averages on Spotify (https://bit.ly/48WBtUa), Apple Music (https://bit.ly/3Q6kOVC), or YouTube (https://bit.ly/3MbU6tC).   Songs by Rural Route Nine in this episode: “Summer of Rock” - https://youtu.be/dvRY72jNIEE  “Winston-Salem” - https://youtu.be/-acMutUf8IM “Snake Drama” - https://youtu.be/xrzz8_2Mqkg “The Bible Towers of Bluebonnet” - https://youtu.be/k7wlxTGGEIQ "Summer of Rock" theme song credits: Words and music by Matt Stokes Engineered, mixed, and mastered by TJ Barends | Bare Sounds Personnel: TJ Barends - backing vocals Wade Hymel - drums/guitar/backing vocals Laci Roth - vocals Matt Stokes - vocals/guitar/bass Follow Wade on Instagram: @wadealready Follow TJ on Instagram: @baresoundstwitaj Follow the show! Twitter: @LoadBearingPod | @MattStokes9 | @LRothConcepts Instagram: @loadbearingbeams TikTok: @load.bearing.beams | @mattstokes9 Letterboxd: @loadbearinglaci | @mattstokes9 Bluesky: @loadbearingbeams.bsky.social    

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

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

Chris and Andy talk about a pair of Netflix-branded event spaces coming to Dallas and Philadelphia before addressing the decision to play ‘KPop Demon Hunters' in theaters and what these developments suggest about the streaming titan (4:51). Then, they react to NBCUniversal's decision to pivot ‘The Paper' to a binge release a few weeks ahead of its Peacock premiere (15:03). Later, they break down the third episode of ‘Alien: Earth' (20:40) and the ‘Peacemaker' Season 2 premiere (45:13). Subscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episodes of ‘The Watch' and so much more! Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we present a look into the Bonus Features on the digital copy of Jurassic World Rebirth.  I relay info from the deleted scenes, featurettes and the two feature commentaries. There's some great info in the bonus features, so listen to find out! Sit back, relax and ENJOY this episode of The Jurassic Park Podcast!Please check out my Newsletter featured on Substack! You can sign up for the newsletter featuring the latest from Jurassic Park Podcast and other shows I'm featured on - plus other thoughts and feelings towards film, theme parks and more!FOLLOW USWebsite: https://www.jurassicparkpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JurassicParkPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurassicparkpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jurassicparkpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@jurassicparkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jurassicparkpodcastApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2VAITXfSpotify:  https://spoti.fi/2Gfl41TDon't forget to give our voicemail line a call at 732-825-7763!Catch us on YouTube with Wednesday night LIVE STREAMS, Toy Hunts, Toy Unboxing and Reviews, Theme Park trips, Jurassic Discussion, Analysis and so much more.

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