On Tuesday, Universal Orlando revealed more details about Epic Universe, which is set to open in late 2025. Celestial Park is the first area guests will see upon arriving at Epic Universe, and it serves as the gateway to the other areas, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –…
This week we recap the latest earnings from Universal Studios, discuss IAAPA's new office in the middle east, and review the "Top 2024 Risks" from the Eurasia Group. 00:00 Intro 00:42 Universal Earnings 08:36 IAAPA's Middle East Office 14:50 Top Risks for Theme Parks SOURCES: Universal: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/comcast-corporation-nasdaq-cmcsa-q4-142425693.html IAAPA: https://www.iaapa.org/news/iaapa-press-room/iaapa-expands-presence-middle-east-new-office-and-director-operations-hosts Eurasia…
This week, we’ll discuss Good to Go days at Walt Disney World, Legoland Shanghai’s opening date, and a segment I’m choosing to call – liquid gold – about why drinks are the new hot item for 2024. 00:00 Intro 00:40 Good to Go Days at Walt Disney World 10:50 Legoland…
This week: Disney Electrical Sky Parade, Puy du Fou to open immersive theater in Xuhui, and dynamic pricing in theme park restaurants. The story we mention from marketplace is here. 00:00 Disney Electrical Sky Parade 07:19 Puy du Fou in China 20:50 Dynamic pricing in theme park restaurants SOURCES https://attractionsmagazine.com/see-the-new-electrical-sky-parade-drone-show-at-disneyland-paris/…
Steamboat Willie has crossed into the Public Domain, and we discuss what impact (if any) this has on the theme park industry. We also highlight the five 2024 openings we're most excited about. 00:00 Intro 00:05 Steamboat Willie 17:18 Five new openings in 2024 NOTES The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/5/24026433/mickey-mouse-steamboat-willie-youtube-teepublic-takedowns-public-domain Attractions Magazine:…
In this special episode, Scott and Philip discuss 4 trends that we predict will heavily impact the theme park, themed entertainment, and attractions industry in 2024. 00:00 Intro 01:30 The US soft landing 09:29 The misinformation avalanche 16:50 The content reckoning 26:48 Climate change
IAAPA Expo is the largest tradeshow in the attractions industry, and this week, we break down the top announcements from this year's show, including: Sally Dark Rides – Spongebob Hersheypark – Comet Sub Sea Systems Froggys – Brass Ring Creative Visions – Throne Mattel Adventure Park – Dream House and…
Disney's theme parks division saw a 13% increase in revenue to $8.16 billion, helping the company beat expectations in the latest quarter. Is Disney beginning to turn around its 9-year low? Disney plus is nearly profitable; will Disney take one of the top Three spots in the Streaming Wars? We'll…
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. More Reading: https://www.npr.org/2023/11/03/1210387592/cedar-fair-and-six-flags-will-merge-to-create-a-playtime-powerhouse-in-north-ame
This week, we discuss takeaways from the Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood opening: - How Hollywood and Orlando are adjusting their haunted houses to match their assets - "The Purge: Dangerous Waters" and "Blumhouse: Behind the screams" experiences Orlando International Airport opens Halloween Horror Nights “scare zone” https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/orlando-airport-halloween-horror-nights/ The Weeknd is…
This year’s 50th anniversary of Knott’s Scary Farm includes three new mazes (totaling 10), five scare zones, and four shows. Beginning on September 21 and running through October 31, the event will see 29 terrifying nights of scares. Full Details: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/knotts-scary-farm-celebrates-50-years-nightmares/
Haichang Ocean Park plans tourism investment in Saudi Arabia, but will it work for the area? Also this week: Annual Passes are back at Disney World, Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition opens May 19, Pride Nite comes to Disneyland, and Katmandu Park Punta Cana announces its opening date.
We recap the major takeaways from the First Annual IAAPA North American Trade Summit, specifically, the central theme of Authentic Reality. The IAAPA Trade Summits have replaced the former Leadership Summits, and each region will host a local trade summit annually. The trade summits combine member connections and education on…
Sustainability, Safety, and Staffing- these areas continue to be challenging in the attractions industry. We don't have answers yet, but IAAPA plans to ask questions. We'll discuss what it might mean for the industry and whether politics has anything to do with it. 00:00 Intro 00:19 IAAPA Board Meeting Recap…
Everything you need to know about the Disney VS DeSantis debacle involving the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. 00:00 Intro 00:40 The Background 05:10 Scott's Rebuttal 17:45 Is this a bid? 21:20 Another gate?
This episode was originally broadcast on March 19, 2023, and contains outdated information regarding DeSantis and Disney. See our new episode for the latest. Political clashes are shaking up the theme park world: Biden against Resort Fees and Disney versus De Santis. Plus, trends are unfolding in the world of…
Universal announces a rebrand as their expansion in Texas is approved. Meanwhile, Disney is hitting a price ceiling due to a lack of demand for the Galactic Starcruiser. 00:00 Universal Rebrands to Become Universal Destinations & Experiences 09:25 Universal Park in Texas is Approved 13:06 Peppa Pig Theme Park coming…
