Explore every episode of the podcast Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30

In this first audio edition of Green Tagged Insights, Philip reads the inaugural newsletter analyzing what he calls "The Uncertainty Epidemic" affecting the attractions industry. With economic uncertainty now higher than during COVID and consumer confidence plummeting, hear how industry leaders are responding through strategic diversification. The episode explores Universal's multi-faceted approach with their UK expansion, United Airlines' barbell strategy revealing shifting tourism patterns, and what attractions of all sizes can learn from these examples. Philip also covers Merlin's entertainment outsourcing partnership with RWS, Disney's Paris expansion plans, and Sphere's content strategy - all presented in a straightforward, analysis-focused format that complements the main podcast.

Travel patterns are changing. United Airlines' latest earnings reveal a strategic pivot as they prepare for two economic scenarios in 2025, cutting domestic flight capacity by 4% while seeing surges in both premium and budget travelers – but not the middle market. This "barbell demand" mirrors what's happening across the attractions industry, where guests increasingly choose either high-end experiences or budget options. This week, we examine whether regional parks should prioritize local audiences as flight routes decline. Additionally, Merlin confirms its partnership with RWS Global as their entertainment partner – is outsourcing creative talent the new economic reality for operators navigating uncertain waters? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Universal's newly announced UK theme park isn't just another expansion—it's a strategic economic revitalization plan positioned to transform Britain's post-Brexit economy. We analyze how this 476-acre project near London promises 8.5 million first-year visitors, 28,000 jobs, and a £50 billion economic impact by 2055. Scott and Philip explore why Universal's diversification strategy—balancing global location risk while expanding into kid-friendly, adult-horror, and now European markets—represents smart portfolio planning that mirrors current financial advice to balance US and international investments. Plus, we examine how Universal's IP-driven approach will differentiate it from Puy du Fou's cultural focus and potentially challenge Merlin's regional dominance. Is this massive project the vote of confidence Britain needs to overcome Brexit's tourism impact? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

In this bonus episode, we present the complete remarks from Massimiliano Freddi, IAAPA Chair of the Board and Wonderwood CEO, recorded at the IAAPA North America Summit. Hear Freddi’s powerful perspective on why attractions should become catalysts for true social connection—from countering phone addiction to designing transformative guest experiences. Tune in to discover new insights on how parks can foster genuine togetherness in a fast-paced, digital world.

Go behind the scenes at Disney with exclusive takeaways from IAAPA's North America Summit 2025 at Disneyland Resort! Philip shares first-hand insights from Disney executives on the thoughtful redesign of Toontown and how small, intentional changes create significant guest experience improvements. Discover how Disney balances operational necessities with guest comfort through innovative solutions - from stroller parking zones to decompression spaces to mixed-and-match cast costumes that enhance storytelling. We explore why seemingly simple elements like tables, chairs, and even non-flat grassy areas faced resistance yet proved crucial for guest satisfaction. Scott provides industry context to these practices, making these high-level insights applicable to attractions of all sizes. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

International tourism to the US is projected to decline by at least 5% this year instead of the expected 9% growth, threatening a $72 billion reduction in total travel spending. We analyze the factors behind this dramatic shift—from policy changes to negative media coverage—and explore how theme parks are responding. Disney's strategic summer announcements following Universal's Epic Universe opening suggest industry collaboration as parks work to make visiting the US "worth the hassle." Will these efforts be enough to overcome damaged international perceptions? Plus, we examine which destinations might benefit from America's branding crisis and whether the impact could extend through the 2028 Olympics. Listen to this week's episode for essential insights on navigating tourism's uncertain future.
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This week we analyze Herschend's strategic acquisition of Palace Entertainment's U.S. properties, potentially establishing them as a major third-place challenger in the theme park industry. Unlike the public Six Flags-Cedar Fair merger, this private company acquisition brings a different approach—emphasizing people-first culture, regional park identity, and quality entertainment experiences. With annual visitors projected to reach 20 million, Herschend is positioning itself alongside industry giants while maintaining its commitment to employee development and local communities. Plus, we explore Disney's new velvet rope experiences: an adults-only lounge in Epcot and a third exclusive DVC member retreat. Is consolidation the future of themed entertainment, or does Herschend's regional focus offer a different path forward? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

This week Philip shares key insights from the Themed Entertainment Association's Inspire Week and Leadership Forum. Amid tariff concerns and market volatility, we explore how Universal is strategically diversifying its entertainment portfolio. From a year-round horror experience in Las Vegas to fan-focused pop-up festivals and a family-centric local approach in Texas, Universal is placing calculated bets across multiple markets. Discover the inside details on Universal Horror Unleashed, FanFest Nights, Universal Kids Resort, and why "don't panic, just pivot" has become the industry's survival mantra in 2025's unpredictable economic landscape. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our patreon.

Six Flags reported a $206 million net loss for 2024—but investors are cautiously optimistic. Meanwhile, United Parks is blaming hurricanes for its flat revenue and attendance, but is it really the weather, or is there a deeper issue? This week, we break down earnings reports from Six Flags and United Parks, analyzing the good, the bad, and the uncertain. Six Flags is growing attendance and spending, but merger costs, debt, and operating expenses are eating into profits. Meanwhile, United Parks is downplaying Epic Universe’s impact—but with no major IP announcements and vague growth plans, analysts aren’t convinced.

Universal’s Horror Unleashed is officially opening in Las Vegas on August 14th—but will it succeed? Meanwhile, China’s tourism industry is rebounding, with the government aggressively fueling growth through investments, policy changes, and new attractions. This week, we break down Horror Unleashed’s opening details, including ticket pricing and what guests can expect. But with a challenging location at AREA15 and IPs that feel familiar rather than fresh, we discuss whether Universal’s year-round haunt is built for long-term success. Then, we shift focus to China’s massive tourism revival—including record-breaking attendance at Harbin’s Ice Festival, Hong Kong’s visitor rebound, and Warner Bros. bringing a Harry Potter Studio Tour to Shanghai. What does this mean for global theme park trends? And is China reclaiming its status as the next big market for attractions? Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly BONUS Episodes.

Come with us to IAAPA's Middle East Trade Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This episode is presented as a series of diaries over the course of three days, so you can hear our reactions in real-time to Qiddiya City and BLVD World. 

Tokyo Disney Resort is thriving with Fantasy Springs and seasonal events driving record-breaking revenue, while Universal Studios Hollywood is experimenting with a bold new event: Fan Fest Nights.This week, we break down Oriental Land Company’s latest earnings, revealing how Fantasy Springs and seasonal activations like Halloween helped boost attendance and spending—while also creating operational challenges. Then, we dive into Universal’s Fan Fest Nights, which blends pop-up experiences, immersive LARPing, and haunt-style walkthroughs to test new event formats. What does this mean for the future of park events? And will Universal’s experimental approach lead to year-round second gates? Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes.

Is Disney’s success unstoppable? Despite rising ticket prices, hurricanes disrupting domestic parks, and the looming Epic Universe, Disney still delivered strong earnings. This week, we dive into Disney’s Q1 FY25 earnings to explore how robust international attendance propped up U.S. shortfalls, Bob Iger’s plans to make ESPN Flagship a 24/7 sports streaming powerhouse, and why Disney+ and Hulu are now three-quarters profitable—even with subscriber challenges. Plus, learn how the cruise line expansion factors into Disney’s long-term play. Will consumers keep paying more, or is there a limit to how high Disney can push prices before families tap out?
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Trump’s proposed tariffs could drive up costs for theme parks, and Merlin Entertainment is cutting live entertainment across multiple locations—but what does it all mean for the industry?
This week, we break down how new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada could lead to higher construction costs, delayed projects, and rising ticket prices. Meanwhile, Merlin’s staffing cuts in Florida, California, and the UK are raising concerns—are they shifting to third-party contractors, or is this part of a larger trend away from live entertainment? Join us as we analyze these industry shake-ups and what parks should be doing to prepare. Listen to bonus episodes on our Patreon.

Immigration reform, tariff hikes, federally controlled ride safety, and drone regulations - The Trump Administration's policies will shake up the theme park industry, and we must be ready. 
This week, we discuss IAAPA’s position on these critical topics, including how changes to youth employment laws and visa programs might address the looming labor crisis. We explore the financial strain tariffs could place on park development and why IAAPA advocates for federal no-fly zones over amusement parks to ensure safety and security. Join us as we unpack the big questions: Can the industry adapt? And what should operators do to prepare? Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus shows.

This week, we connect two seemingly unrelated stories—the devastating California wildfires and TikTok’s temporary shutdown—to explore a common theme: crisis planning. With wildfires displacing employees and closing theme parks, and TikTok’s uncertainty highlighting the risks of "rented land," we examine how the attractions industry can better prepare for disruptions. From employee housing to social media strategies, this episode delves into what parks must do to adapt to a world of increasing unpredictability. Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly BONUS episodes. 

Scott is unavailable this week, so we're airing a panel discussion from IAAPA 2024. The panel, "IAAPA Fireside Chat: Inspiring Minds of the Industry," combines large and small attraction operators to discuss 2024 and industry trends. During this presentation, you'll hear how Mojang Studios is joining forces with Merlin Entertainments to bring Minecraft adventures to life in the real world through immersive and interactive attractions. Featured in this discussion: Kayleen Walters, VP of Franchise Development for Microsoft; Scott O'Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments; Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA; Robert Dahl, Founder & CEO of Karls Erlebnis-Dörfer; & Steve Thomas, President of Business Operations for Belmont Park. 

Subscribe to our Patreon for bonus episodes. On December 21, multiple drones from Sky Elements unexpectedly fell during a holiday show at Lake Eola, Orlando, injuring 7-year-old Zander Edgerton, who required open-heart surgery. Following the incident, on December 23rd, the FAA opened an investigation and suspended Sky Elements' Part 107 waiver, halting all night drone flights and shows over populated areas. Investigations by the FAA and NTSB are underway, and Sky Elements has since canceled multiple drone shows nationwide. Universal Orlando Resort removed drones from its nighttime show immediately following the incident. Today - we discuss the ramifications of this drone crash on the attractions and themed entertainment industries. 

In the final episode of 2024, we dive into the most prominent trends that defined the year and will shape 2025. From the evolution of immersive experiences and the rise of personalization to integrating AI into attractions, the duo explores how the industry is adapting to meet guest expectations. They discuss the balance between high- and low-tech solutions, the guest agency's role in storytelling, and why parks need to embrace AI as a tool for innovation. Plus, find out what these shifts mean for operators of all sizes in the new year. Listen to the weekly BONUS episode in our Patreon.

Tokyo Disneyland operator Oriental Land unveiled an ambitious USD 2.1 billion plan to launch an "offshore theme park" cruise by 2028, aiming to reduce its reliance on Maihama operations. This approach mirrors Disney's investment in cruises, which we discussed last week. While Disney has a smaller share of the cruise market, it has significantly less debt. Attendance rates rose from 63% in 2022 to 97% in 2024. Meanwhile, China's theme parks drive inbound tourism, now ranking alongside iconic attractions like the Great Wall and the Palace Museum. These significant shifts underscore global trends toward experiential, human-centric attractions—but did the U.S. get that memo? Get weekly BONUS episodes in our Patreon.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, is making waves with its IP-packed premium entertainment, like the Haunted Mansion Parlor, Tale of Moana, and Plaza de Coco dinner show. In essence, Disney is moving portions of the theme park experience onto their cruise ships, using a highly curated and controlled environment to deliver guest experiences that are no longer possible within the theme parks. Meanwhile, United Parks is taking the opposite approach by outsourcing elements of its food operations to C3, bringing recognizable brands like Umami Burger to their parks. This episode explores how attractions balance control and collaboration to deliver better guest experiences. Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes. 

Universal Studios Hollywood’s 2025 event calendar dropped, including dates for Halloween Horror Nights and the debut of FanFest Nights. Plus, we unpack the $5 million lawsuit verdict against Busch Gardens Tampa, discussing its potential ripple effects across the industry. Finally, we look at Disneyland’s 70th anniversary plans, featuring the highly anticipated Walt Disney animatronic and the return of beloved shows like Paint the Night.

Philip and Scott dive into key developments in the global attractions industry. China's theme parks are seeing a massive rebound, with a 71.8% surge in visitors and nearly 98% revenue growth in 2023. Meanwhile, Mexico's Grupo Vidanta revealed groundbreaking details for VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park, a $1.3 billion project opening in 2026. Finally, the Mattel Adventure Park opening has been delayed until 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry, from supply chain disruptions to economic uncertainty. Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes. Now you can gift a subscription to Green Tagged. 

Get weekly bonus episodes here. In this week’s Green Tagged, Philip and Scott unpack the networking and education opportunities that defined IAAPA Expo 2024, which broke records with 41,429 total attendees and over 140 educational sessions. Philip reflects on the IAAPA Fireside Chat, where industry leaders highlighted how partnerships like Merlin x Minecraft bridge the digital and physical worlds to drive engagement. Meanwhile, Scott shares insights from the Entertainment Professionals Network session, which spotlighted innovative approaches to talent development and live entertainment. Drawing on his own experiences as a session leader, Scott discusses how education sessions offered attendees practical strategies for elevating guest experiences in a challenging operational environment. Beyond the structured events, we explore how informal networking—on the show floor and after hours—fosters critical peer-to-peer learning. With such a dynamic range of opportunities, IAAPA proves yet again why in-person connections are indispensable for the future of attractions.

Philip and Scott dissect Disney's Q3 earnings, celebrating Disney+'s profitability, billion-dollar blockbusters, and robust park performance. CEO Bob Iger calls it “a new era of growth,” but looming challenges like declining TV assets and leadership succession raise questions. Meanwhile, Six Flags announces a $1 billion investment over two years, featuring record-breaking coasters, dining upgrades, and seasonal events. Will Six Flags’ efforts match Disney’s IP-driven strategy, or is it a short-term refresh? Plus, how does Disney’s storytelling mastery make its ecosystem thrive? Get weekly BONUS shows on our Patreon.

In this week's Green Tagged, Philip and Scott dive into Six Flags' Q3 earnings report and their new three-year plan, "Project Accelerate." With attendance dipping slightly but per capita spending climbing, Six Flags has pivoted to a revenue-over-quantity strategy—a trend echoing the broader theme park industry. Project Accelerate aims to boost attendance to 55 million guests and reach a 35% Modified EBITDA margin by 2027. However, as Philip and Scott discuss, the plan lacks specific, measurable goals and a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. Is this strategy bold enough to inspire transformation, or does it fall short? Join the conversation and let us know if you think Six Flags is on the right path! Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Universal promises 2025 will be its biggest year ever, but are those promises genuine or distractions covering up declining park revenue? This week saw two major announcements from Universal. First, Universal’s new experiment in year-round horror, Universal Horror Unleashed, will open in Las Vegas next year – the same year as Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park. Next, Universal released information surrounding the animatronics coming to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. However, Comcast posted a 5.3% decline in theme park revenue for the third quarter, citing lower attendance at domestic parks. This episode discusses what these reveals mean for Universal’s strategy, attendance trends, and how the new Vegas location could attract horror fans year-round. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon. 

Weekly bonus episodes on our Patreon. It’s our Halloween special! We dive into Fun.com’s costume data to see how IP-driven favorites like Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and Inside Out define the season, showing Halloween’s unique synergy across homes, media, and theme parks. We then delve into recent haunt visits: Scott’s behind-the-scenes look at Netherworld’s stellar operations and Philip’s trip to Dark at Fort Edmonton, exploring how the event has expanded.

Get weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon here. Universal Orlando Resort officially announced the opening date for their much-anticipated new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, slated for May 22, 2025. We discuss what this means for the park’s future and how it stacks up against industry expectations. Plus, Disney is launching the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, offering guests a more flexible option similar to Universal’s Express Pass. We discuss how this new offering might change the guest experience and what it signals for the future of queue management at Disney parks. Tune in for insights on these major theme park developments and more!

Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon. Florida's weather is growing more extreme, and our strategic planning must evolve to meet it. This week, we focus on Hurricane Milton's aftermath and its sweeping impact on Florida’s theme parks, including closures, operational challenges, and recovery efforts. Then, we turn to the future and discuss why strategic planning for hurricanes may need to evolve. 

Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus shows. Could Universal's Fan Fest Nights Define the Future of Hard-Ticketed Events? Joining Star Trek, Back to the Future, and Dungeons & Dragons are anime experiences from One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, expanding Universal’s reach into mainstream and niche fandoms. These additions leverage the studio’s scenic expertise and offer fans unique, interactive content. Universal’s "immersive pop-up" event strategy could shift theme parks' operations. Plus, a deep dive into the revitalization of Dark Harbor, with its larger footprint, modernized approach, and efforts to broaden Halloween’s appeal to a wider audience. 

Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes. IAAPA announced the IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi in 2026; this is perhaps one of the most significant signals that the industry is exploding in the Middle East. Back at home, Six Flags Fright Fest Extreme can't seem to get its haunted houses open nationwide, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg faces curfews that impact guest experiences. Finally, SeaWorld lost an 11.4 million dollar licensing judgment against Sesame Workshop.

In this episode, Philip and Scott break down the latest findings from the IAAPA Q3 2024 Quarterly Outlook Survey, exploring how theme parks are navigating a challenging landscape of reduced capital, labor shortages, and shifting consumer behaviors. With per-capita spending fluctuating and North American parks lagging in recovery, we dive into the role of creativity and innovation in keeping attractions engaging. We also connect insights from the TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report and Disney's earnings call to comprehensively examine the industry's future. Listen for an in-depth discussion on how parks find new ways to thrive amid tightening budgets and operational challenges.

It's our four-year anniversary, and we're celebrating by launching a Patreon for our Unhinged content. Find it here. This week, we discuss Dark Nights at Hershey Park and Field of Screams, which both opened last weekend. We also discuss Universal's new Butterbeer offering at CityWalk and the upcoming Wicked experience before addressing the controversial funding cap on Disney's Aspire program. 

NEW: Subscribe to BONUS content on our Patreon. In this episode, Philip and Scott discuss their recent experiences at Oogie Boogie Bash, Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood, and Fear Factory. They highlight the immersive and consistent atmosphere at Oogie Boogie Bash, where guests can interact with villains in well-designed sets. They also discuss the unique elements of Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood, such as the use of sign language by actors in the A Quiet Place maze and the intense chainsaw-filled Texas Chainsaw Massacre maze. Additionally, they mention the collaboration between Halloween Horror Nights Singapore and luxury streetwear brand Wang Design for a haunted house called Under the Castle. They emphasize the importance of partnerships and storytelling in creating memorable experiences.

NEW: Subscribe to BONUS content on our Patreon. Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) kicked off at Universal Studios Orlando this weekend. As the largest Halloween event in the world, HHN is a significant revenue generator for Universal, inspiring similar seasonal offerings at attractions worldwide. However, this year’s event falls short of expectations. Could the impending opening of Epic Universe be stretching the team too thin? Or is Universal experimenting with a lower-budget experience to see how it impacts sales? In this video, Scott and Philip break down the highlights and challenges of HHN 2024.

NEW: Subscribe to BONUS content on our Patreon. The 2023 Global Attractions Attendance Report from TEA/AECOM just dropped, and we are diving deep into its findings. The report highlights the recovery of the global attractions industry after the pandemic and the performance of different theme parks worldwide.  It also explores the trends in attendance and spending and the potential for growth in other regions. Scott and Philip draw attention to the impact of weather on attendance, the need for parks to focus on guest experience and creature comforts, the significance of Halloween events, and the potential for special events to drive demand throughout the year.

While Disney's income dip isn't exciting for investors, it signals that the tourism industry continues to moderate post-pandemic. Six Flags and Cedar Fair also released their final separate earnings; there's hope in those reports. Meanwhile, Universal has hijacked the news again by expanding Halloween Horror Nights to New York City. 

During the D23 Fan Expo last weekend, Disney confirmed plans for a new Villains Land expansion in Magic Kingdom, delighting fans and media alike. The announcement immediately drew comparisons to Universal's recent Dark Universe announcement. While this seems like a new season of 'Theme Park Wars' - how much of it was planned? In other words, are the two using each other to draw crowds and reduce the overall development they each do?

Universal kicked off the modern theme park ‘immersive’ trend with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010 – and now, it plans to up the ante. In 2025, as part of EPIC Universe, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its third installment of Harry Potter-themed lands with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The central ride ‘Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry’ is Universal’s most ambitious ride and promises to take guests across countries and time to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo for a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic. Meanwhile, in a remarkably fast turnaround, Disneyland workers ratify a new contract setting base wages at $24 an hour.

NBCUniversal Theme Parks division saw a 10.6% drop in revenue in the second quarter, and they’re attributing the drop to post-pandemic equalization; should we be concerned? Also, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights announced the all-original haunted house, “Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines,” and Union members at the Disneyland Resort voted to authorize a strike against the resort.

Country Bear Jamboree opened last week, and features popular Disney songs from other IPs - is this world building on Disney's part, or world destruction? Also, Scott has something to say about the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure. 

The Mega Movie Parade opened to much fanfare at Universal Studios Orlando, two years after the previous daytime parade, Universal’s Superstar Parade, which closed in 2022. The parade targets a broader demographic and signals Universal’s continued testing to balance pricing and investment. Two more ways Universal is trying to find a balance include the express for Multi-Night Halloween Horror Nights tickets that have sold out and the ticket policy announcement for EPIC Universe.

Following approval from the DOJ, the newly merged Six Flags operates 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. All 42 parks will retain their legacy branding for now, and the company has signaled new investment in rides and enhanced park offerings through intellectual property. Also, Dark Nights at Hersheypark has added a fifth haunted house for the upcoming Halloween season, all while keeping access free for passholders. And—Seaworld Orlando’s “no re-entry” policy. 

Six Flags unveiled partnerships with an expansive lineup of horror franchises to debut this Halloween season and is focusing development on the New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Mexico markets. Two of the franchises mentioned - Stranger Things and Texas Chainsaw Massacre - come from the Netflix catalog, which announced two new themed experience venues in Pennsylvania and Texas.  The story behind all these announcements is that Netflix is shifting from a streaming company to an entertainment company and is looking to replicate the Disney flywheel model. 

Universal Orlando Resort unveiled details about Dark Universe, one of the worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Dark Universe will feature a dark ride (Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment), a spinning family coaster (Curse of the Werewolf), a Monster Makeup Experience, character meet and greets, dining, and shopping. As the only ‘non-IP’ area at Epic Universe, we think Dark Universe caters to a niche market but also holds the most potential for future extension. Plus, how Disney empowered the guests and cast during their Pride Nite events and why CommuniCore offers essential creature comforts. 

Universal's new lagoon show, Cinesational, opened to the public this week, and A Quiet Place haunted house will use American Sign Language. Knott's Berry Farm has added a hotline for guests to report line jumpers, but will this worsen the issue? Scott and Philip debate why line jumping is more of a problem now; is it a generational phase or low staffing and opportunity? 

Universal is testing a ‘Premium Scream Night’ package that allows guests to ‘preview’ Halloween Horror Nights the night before opening – will it perform better than Taste of Terror, and can smaller attractions try something similar? Also, Saudi Arabia expands its tourist bubble with its first gender-inclusive wave pool; Illuminarium Las Vegas introduces a show inspired by Hasbro’s Lite-Brite; and why ‘Disney Dreams That Soar’ is the best thing to happen to Disney Springs in years.

IAAPA Expo Asia concluded last week, having returned to Thailand after 17 years. The show welcomed 4,623 verified attendees, 352 exhibiting companies, and 3,187 qualified buyers from 2,480 companies. Philip attended the show, and we recap his takeaways in this episode. 

Philip visited Fantasy Springs and has a trip report to discuss. Scott believes the era of food festivals is over, and Halloween Horror Nights has already announced 5 haunted houses.