IAAPA Expo 2025 set a new record with 38,520 verified attendees, more than 28,000 qualified buyers, and an expanded floor featuring over 1,100 exhibitorsgt-nov-23. Philip and Scott break down the trends that truly mattered this year: the push toward indoor attractions (from SeaWorld Orlando’s new Vekoma indoor inverted coaster to…
Six Flags will attempt to leverage Travis Kelce’s 9% investment into a full branding partnership, leaning into ‘the new world.’ Meanwhile, Disney’s stock dipped 7% after its latest earnings show cable is collapsing faster than expected. Streaming and the parks remain its lifeboat, with both those sectors performing well, underscoring…
Three companies, one economic reality—and three very different responses. Six Flags is doubling down on its “smaller and more nimble” plan, prioritizing core parks and openly confirming that more closures or sales are coming. United Parks & Resorts (SeaWorld/Busch Gardens) is battling brand confusion after a 25% profit drop, citing…
From Hollywood to Florida and New York to Oregon, this year’s Halloween season proved that the industry is evolving—just not abandoning its roots. Sliders continue to grow as choreographed street theater, chainsaws remain the undeniable American haunt anthem, and creative teams nationwide are finding new ways to give guests something…
Kansas City Chiefs star—and Taylor Swift’s fiancé—Travis Kelce now owns a 9% stake in Six Flags alongside hedge fund Jana Partners, instantly making the struggling park chain a national headline. Former Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet, however, wasn’t impressed—publicly calling out the board for “cycling through CEOs, destroying value, and…
Six Flags is losing more of its board—Executive Chairman Selim Bassoul and Lead Independent Director Daniel Hanrahan will leave the board at year’s end, following CEO Richard Zimmerman’s exit announcement. Bassoul, who also lined up a new role outside the industry, will remain as a consultant through the launch of…
The conversation delves into the significant impact of tariffs on the industry, highlighting the uncertainty they create for manufacturers and the challenges in launching new products. The discussion also touches on the future of theme parks and attractions, particularly in the context of economic pressures and changing consumer behavior. Additionally,…
This week, Philip and Scott discuss the latest theme park news, focusing on rising costs at Disney Parks and what it means for guests visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland. At Disneyland, parking now costs $40 a day and the top-tier Inspire Key annual pass jumps to $1,899, still with…
Universal has reopened Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, following a fatal incident earlier this year, and has introduced new signage and stricter accessibility requirements. The latest safety guide now warns guests with weakened bones, limited mobility, or difficulty maintaining an upright position not to ride—and the “must walk independently” clause…
This week, we respond to your comments from last week's show, plus Scott recaps his visit to IAAPA Expo Europe, and we discuss Lego's aqusition, and Atlas 9. News Stories: - Lego invests £200M in acquisition of Lego Discovery Centers from Merlin - New immersive art venue Atlas9 opens in…
Six Flags welcomed 298,000 more guests this summer, but revenue still dropped 2% as ticket discounts pushed per-cap spending down 7%. Management says passholder growth will pay off long-term, but that’s harder to believe with Knott’s Scary Farm cutting Wednesdays, Magic Mountain canceling Thursday Fright Fests, and Sesame Place San…
What do People Want This Halloween, and how does that impact your attraction? That's what we tackle today. 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…
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.…
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando is quietly reshaping its playbook. This year, Universal pushed queues outside the park, massively expanded the backstage infrastructure and food offerings, and layered in new entertainment to complement returning classics. From two full shows to new roaming characters, scare zone “boo boxes”, and stage moments like…
Las Vegas has logged six straight months of year-over-year visitor declines, with June alone down 400,000 guests amid economic jitters, inflation, and weaker Canadian travel. Yet in Orlando, Epic Universe’s Monsters Unchained just passed a million visits, SeaWorld hit record attendance, and Disney reported another record quarter. Plus, fan conventions…
Six Flags will charge for haunted houses at the Legacy Cedar Fair this Halloween, requiring a new $10–$20 Haunted Attractions Pass for mazes—and an extra $15 for The Conjuring house. Even Gold Pass holders must pay, sparking backlash from fans who see it as a bait-and-switch. Philip and Scott debate…
Six Flags posted a nearly $100 million loss in Q2—down from a $55 million profit a year ago—on 1.4 million fewer visitors, a smaller base of season passholders, and what it calls “adverse weather.” The company is looking to sell nonessential assets, while also running an aggressive August pass sale…
