Episodes
Feb. 20, 2024
Disney x Epic Games and Live Sports
Disney's latest earnings call showed the theme parks continue to perform well, and alongside that news, Disney announced a partnership with Epic Games and a foray into live sports.
Feb. 12, 2024
Let's Talk About Upcharges in Theme Parks
4 stories that show excellent up-charging strategies: Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure, The Giant at American Dream, the "SkyRide" attraction reopened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Monster Makeovers.
Feb. 5, 2024
Universal Epic Universe: Detailed Revealed
On Tuesday, Universal Orlando revealed more details about Epic Universe, which is set to open in late 2025. We dedicate the entire show to discussing the news!
Jan. 30, 2024
Top Risks for Theme Parks in 2024
This week we recap the https://finance.yahoo.com/news/comcast-corporation-nasdaq-cmcsa-q4-142425693.html from Universal Studios, discuss IAAPA's...
Jan. 22, 2024
Liquid Gold: Are drinks the new theme park trend?
This week we discuss Good to Go days at WDW, Legoland Shanghai, and - Are drinks the new theme park trend?
Jan. 15, 2024
Should Theme Park Restaurants use Dynamic Pricing?
This week: Disney Electrical Sky Parade, Puy du Fou to open immersive theater in Xuhui, and dynamic pricing in theme park restaurants.
Jan. 8, 2024
Steamboat Willie's Impact on Theme Parks
Steamboat Willie has crossed into the Public Domain, and we discuss what impact (if any) this has on the theme park industry. Philip references...
Dec. 31, 2023
2024 Trends and Predictions
In this special episode, we discuss 4 trends that we predict will heavily impact the theme park and attractions industry.
Dec. 24, 2023
Universal's UK Theme Park
News is out that Universal is considering a new theme park and resort in the UK, plus we recap Christmas events.
Dec. 18, 2023
What Taylor Swift Can Teach You About Storytelling
Taylor Swift is Time Person of the Year, and we discuss the parallels between her career and storytelling (“All great art is the art that sees you”). Philip referenceshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/podcasts/the-daily/the-year-of-taylor-swift.html.
Dec. 12, 2023
Universal Kids & Disneyland's 2024 Season Announcements
Announcements abound as attractions attempt to bolster 2024 sales and temper expectations. We'll discuss a select few: Universal Kids Resort, Disneyland After Dark, and Disneyland 2024 Events.
Dec. 4, 2023
The Christmas Pop-Up Bonanza
It seems like EVERYONE is doing something for Christmas. Some are repurposing assets to make Christmas events, while others are simply using their Halloween stuff, and yet others are just opening limited-run shows. We'll discuss a few, including the...
Nov. 28, 2023
World of Frozen Opens & 30th Annual Theas
World of Frozen opened Nov 20th, 2023, at Hong Kong Disneyland and the 30rh Annual Thea Recipients from the Themed Entertainment Association were announced - what do these say about the trend of entertainment?
Nov. 20, 2023
IAAPA Expo 2023: Best of
IAAPA Expo is the largest tradeshow in the attractions industry, and this week we break down the top announcements from this year's show. Watch Philip's video here: https://youtu.be/Kwp1QiQLWVk
Nov. 13, 2023
Will Disney rightsize? Q3 2023 Earnings Takeaways
This week we discuss Disney's latest earnings report, the new Jollywood event, and SeaWorld's drop in attendance.
Nov. 6, 2023
Six Flags and Cedar Fair Merger
This week, Cedar Fair and Six Flags are merging. The combined company, using the Six Flags name, will boast 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks, for a combined annual revenue of more than $3.5 billion.
Oct. 30, 2023
Staffing Struggles in the Themed Entertainment Industry
We discuss the article 'What haunts the haunted house industry?' and discuss solutions to staffing concerns in the themed entertainment industry: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/10/27/what-haunts-the-haunted-house-industry/
Oct. 22, 2023
The Swing to Halloween Festivals
This week: Philip's segment on NBC and how you can prepare for media; Disney's new reporting system reveals how profitable their parks are; Halloween Nights at Eastern state penitentiary
Oct. 16, 2023
IAAPA Presents: Universal Studios Japan
We discuss takeaways from IAAPA Presents: Universal Studios Japan, held Oct 11, 2023, in Osaka.
Oct. 10, 2023
Takeaways: Dark at Fort Edmonton, Terror Vault, and Treasure Hunt The Ride
Scott and Philip discuss takeaways from events they've worked on the past week, including: Dark at Fort Edmonton, Terror Vault at the San Francisco mint, Terror Roulette in Chicago, and Treasure Hunt: The Ride in Monterey CA.
Oct. 3, 2023
Shrek's Swamp, NERF Land, ESports, and Media Nights
This week: Spend the night in Shrek’s Swamp, now on Airbnb; Beto Carrero World introduces the world’s first NERF-themed land in a theme park; Cedar Point Esports: New gaming facility to open in Sandusky on October 6; Scott and Philip discuss their...
Sept. 28, 2023
Takeaways: Knott's Scary Farm and Terror Roulette
Scott and Philip are busy installing shows for Halloween, and this week they're sharing takeaways.
Sept. 20, 2023
The 2023 Golden Tickets and Dark Nights at Hersheypark Opens
The 2023 Golden Award ticket winners, Dark Nights at Hersheypark opens, and Six Flags delays the opening of their new maze.
Sept. 11, 2023
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Opens; D23 Announcements
Halloween Horror Nights has opened in Hollywood, and we share takeaways any attraction can apply to their operations.