🎃 VacationScares continues as Ian returns to Vacationeers Theme Parks & More!

This week, we’re talking about two of Central Florida’s biggest Halloween events — Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream.

Ian joins Tom to share his experiences at both events, including his thoughts on the houses, scares, atmosphere, and how HHN and Howl-O-Scream compared during his visits.

Then Tom breaks down his recent Saturday night at Halloween Horror Nights and why Stay & Scream can be an absolute game changer, especially if you only have ONE night to experience HHN.

This year, Stay & Scream works a little differently, with three houses beginning to open as early as 2 PM. Tom and Elena went without Express Passes on a busy holiday weekend, putting the strategy to the test.

How much can you actually accomplish before the event officially gets rolling? Is Stay & Scream worth planning your entire HHN night around? And could it make the difference between seeing everything and leaving houses behind?

Plus, Ian gives us another perspective on the 2026 Halloween season with his experiences at both HHN and SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream.

👻 IN THIS EPISODE:

• Ian returns to Vacationeers Theme Parks & More

• Ian’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026 experience

• Ian’s SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream experience

• Comparing the atmosphere and scares of both events

• Tom’s HHN Saturday holiday-weekend visit

• How HHN Stay & Scream works in 2026

• Three houses opening beginning at 2 PM

• Experiencing HHN without Express

• Why Stay & Scream is so valuable for one-night guests

• Strategies for getting more done during your HHN visit

🎥 WATCH TOM & ELENA’S HHN STAY & SCREAM VLOG:

https://youtu.be/ydR2RzeQ5nk

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🎃 VacationScares continues with a full Halloween Horror Nights 2026 roundtable!

Tom welcomes Jon Self, along with Kris and Dave from the Adventures by D YouTube channel, to talk all things Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights.

We break down our experiences at this year’s event, including what worked, what didn’t, the overall atmosphere, scares, sets, and some of the moments that stood out during our visits.

Then it’s time for the big one — our Halloween Horror Nights house rankings!

With four different people around the table, you can probably guess that we don’t agree on everything. We compare our rankings, defend some choices, question others, and see which houses rise to the top of the group.

👻 In this episode:

• Our overall thoughts on Halloween Horror Nights 2026

• What stood out from this year’s event

• Favorite scares, sets, themes, and moments

• Houses that exceeded our expectations

• Houses that didn’t quite work for us

• Tom’s house rankings

• Jon’s house rankings

• Kris and Dave’s house rankings

• Where we agree — and where we definitely don’t

A huge thanks to Kris and Dave from Adventures by D for joining us for this year’s HHN discussion!

🎃 VacationScares is Vacationeers Theme Parks & More’s celebration of Halloween events, haunted attractions, spooky experiences, and everything that goes bump in the theme parks.

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Until we stream again… keep making memories.

This week on Vacationeers Theme Parks & More, Tom and Jon have a packed episode with major coaster news, another possible leadership shakeup at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and the results of the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards.

We start with breaking news from Six Flags Magic Mountain, where X2 has been permanently retired. The one-of-a-kind 4D coaster had already been closed for months, but Six Flags has now confirmed that one of the park’s most recognizable attractions will not reopen. We look back at what made X2 so unique and what its loss means for a park built around its massive coaster lineup.

Then we head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where Jon’s reporting at Main Street Magic indicates that park president Jon Vigue may already be leaving the position, despite only being officially introduced in June. United Parks & Resorts has not publicly confirmed a departure, and details surrounding the situation remain unclear, but if the report proves accurate it would continue an extraordinary stretch of turnover in the BGT president’s office. Main Street Magic

And to close the episode, we dive into the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards.

Central Florida had a huge showing this year, with VelociCoaster, Iron Gwazi and Stardust Racers all ranking among the Top 10 steel coasters, while Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment took Best Dark Ride. We go through the major winners, Florida’s rankings, and discuss what the results say about the current state of the theme park and coaster industry.

Along the way, we also cover:

🎢 Old Town Kissimmee being sold

🎢 Fun Spot Atlanta’s liquidation

🎃 LEGOLAND Florida’s Halloween overlay for The Dragon

🌊 Kyle Miller being named President of United Parks & Resorts

👻 SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream getting national attention

🍔 Five Guys opening at Universal CityWalk

🎭 Universal Mardi Gras 2027 running one week shorter

🏛️ Continued demolition of The Lost Continent

🦍 Skull Island: Reign of Kong reopening without its Kong finale

🤖 Disney developing an AI-powered vacation-planning tool

👹 New Monstropolis and Glob Theater details

🧸 Toy Story 5 music arriving at Alien Swirling Saucers

🚂 Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment

🐅 Bakso leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom

🍽️ Disney dining updates

🌐 Disney’s continuing S.E.A. mystery

🎂 Walt Disney World celebrating its 55th anniversary

🎙️ Join Tom and Jon for VTPM280!

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Six Flags bought ArieForce One, Universal is offering Florida residents a cheaper way into Epic Universe, Disney has opened The Magic of Disney Animation, and that's only the beginning of a packed theme park news episode!

On Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast Episode 279, Tom and Jon catch up on the biggest theme park stories from the first half of September.

🎢 Regional Park News

• Six Flags purchases ArieForce One and plans to relocate the RMC coaster

• Six Flags Magic Mountain announces the new Thrill Glider coaster

• California's Great America confirms operations into 2027

• Dollywood announces plans to honor Dolly Parton

• Hersheypark's Tidal Force takes its final splash

• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi reveals a massive three-land Harry Potter expansion

👻 SeaWorld & Busch Gardens

• Howl-O-Scream 2026 is officially underway at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• SeaWorld Orlando launches its 2026 Howl-O-Scream event

• We share some thoughts now that we've actually experienced this year's Orlando-area events

🌎 Universal Orlando

• Animal Actors on Location! is closing at Universal Studios Florida

• Universal Nights adds more Epic Universe dates

• Florida residents can now get a special three-day ticket including Epic Universe starting at $85 per day

• The Traitors: New Blood takes over the bars at Universal's Great Movie Escape

• Rock the Universe announces its 2027 lineup

• Joey Fatone's Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice gets its Universal CityWalk grand opening date — September 19, with Joey himself appearing for the celebration

🏰 Walt Disney World

• The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Disney announces Festival of the Arts and Flower & Garden dates for 2027

• Disney After Hours returns to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

• New 2027 Walt Disney World discounts arrive

• Disney announces the 2026 Candlelight Processional narrator lineup

• Hurly-Burly prepares to open at Disney's BoardWalk

• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill permanently closes at Disney Springs, ending nearly three decades of Wolfgang Puck restaurants at the resort

There's a LOT happening, including some stories that could give us clues about where Universal goes next with Epic Universe Annual Pass access.

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Where do YOU think Six Flags should relocate ArieForce One?

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is back for 2026 — and Jon was there on opening day to eat his way around the festival!

On Episode 278 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon break down Jon’s picks for the best, worst, biggest surprises and best values from this year’s festival, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Which new foods are actually worth your money? Which returning dishes still deserve their spot? Has the Italy booth finally redeemed itself? And why should you never take a Mickey-shaped macaron for a walk through EPCOT in the Florida heat?

Before we eat, there’s plenty of theme park news to discuss, including:

• The passing of Dolly Parton and her incredible legacy at Dollywood

• Tim Curry, including his memorable role as S.I.R. in ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

• Peter Cullen, longtime voice of Eeyore and Optimus Prime

• Dollywood opening NightFlight Expedition

• The latest questions surrounding X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain

• LEGOLAND Florida rebuilding Coastersaurus

• New Brick or Treat details

• SeaWorld Orlando introducing Pestilence for Howl-O-Scream

• Halloween Spooktacular bringing Hotel Transylvania to SeaWorld Orlando

• Fast & Furious: Supercharged permanently closing at Universal Studios Florida

• Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift beginning technical rehearsals

• Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle returning to Universal Orlando

• Halloween Horror Nights 35 officially beginning

• Disney retiring the Play Disney Parks app

• EPCOT apparently giving up on the World Celebration pavement lighting

• Disney Lakeshore Lodge receiving an opening date and new details

• And more!

Then it’s off to EPCOT as Jon takes us through his opening-day Food & Wine experience, including the Chocolate-Pistachio Cookie, Spicy Temaki Hand Roll, Blackberry Buckle, Paella Caldoso, Mickey-Shaped Celebration Macaron and plenty more.

Some were great.

Some were questionable.

And apparently Jon actually found something he liked at the Italy booth.

🍽️ Read Jon’s complete Best & Worst review at Attractions Magazine:

https://attractionsmagazine.com/best-worst-food-epcot-food-wine-festival-2026/

🎂 Read Jon’s Mickey-Shaped Celebration Macaron review at Main Street Magic:

https://www.mainstmagic.com/mickey-celebration-macaron-epcot-food-wine-review/

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🎃 VacationScares is back!

Halloween season has officially arrived in Orlando, which means it's time to close the coffin on the regular Vacationeers Podcast and resurrect VacationScares for another season!

On Episode 277, Tom welcomes Joyless Jon Self back from the second Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2026 at Magic Kingdom. Jon shares his experience from the party, including the Halloween atmosphere, entertainment, food, attractions and what stood out during his night.

Then we turn our attention across town to Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Orlando Resort.

With the houses announced, it's time for one of our favorite preseason traditions: the HHN House Hype List.

Tom and Jon rank the HHN 35 haunted houses based entirely on how excited they are to experience them before ever stepping through the doors. Which houses immediately jumped to the top? Which ones have some convincing to do? And just how badly will these rankings age once HHN actually begins?

The screams have started.

VacationScares 2026 is officially underway.

👻 Featuring:

Tom – Vacationeer Tom

Jon Self – @pastorJonSelf

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Disney dropped a mountain of theme park news at D23 2026, and we're digging through the biggest announcements, surprises, and updates from around the world.

At Walt Disney World, we finally learned what the two attractions inside Villains Land will be, got new details and names for the Cars attractions coming to Magic Kingdom, and learned that Spaceship Earth is getting a major update. But perhaps the biggest EPCOT surprise of all: Dreamfinder is coming back with Figment!

And somehow, after all these years, Disney says they're finally going to bring the Expedition Everest Yeti back to life.

We also discuss the major reimagining of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, new details about Indiana Jones and Encanto at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the rollout of Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, Disneyland's massive Tomorrowland overhaul, the upcoming Coco attraction, Avengers Campus, Disneyland Paris' new Lion King attraction, and much more.

So which D23 announcement has us the most excited — and which projects still leave us with way more questions than answers?

Join us for our complete D23 2026 Disney Parks recap!

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Halloween season is taking over the theme park industry — and apparently everybody wants some of Universal's IP money.

On Episode 275 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon look at the growing battle over licensed Halloween properties as Six Flags, United Parks and Universal roll out some big-name horror franchises.

Six Flags is bringing Jason Voorhees to select parks with JASON: Blood Reign, while Cedar Point and Kings Dominion are opening a portal to Blizzard's Diablo franchise.

United Parks is making one of its biggest moves yet into licensed Halloween IP, bringing I Know What You Did Last Summer to SeaWorld parks and Anaconda to Busch Gardens Tampa and Williamsburg. We go through the latest Howl-O-Scream houses and scare zones, along with some interesting comments from United Parks management about why IP could become increasingly important to the event.

Over at Universal, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness is coming to Halloween Horror Nights — and now Ozzy is getting his own themed HHN bar as well. We also discuss the latest HHN updates, Universal Orlando's 2026 holiday plans and Universal Nights tickets going on sale.

Then we compare the latest quarterly results from Six Flags, United Parks and Disney Experiences. Disney had the strongest quarter of the three, while United Parks continues to see guests spend more money inside its parks even as attendance struggles.

Disney is also using an internal J.A.R.V.I.S. AI system with Imagineers, and we look at what has already been revealed at D23 ahead of the big Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase.

Before the news, it's time for The Queue!

Tom talks about a recent SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica visit where he and Elena:

• Picked up their free Pass Member basting brushes.
• Hit Waterway Grill Bar's happy hour for a $5 beer and $9 cocktail.
• Tried the Jalapeño Cheese Warm Pretzel and Bougee Bratwurst at Red, White & BBQ — spending just 20 cents on each after using SeaWorld Bucks.
• Discovered Aquatica's Happy Hour promotion has ended.
• Ordered “single” scoops of ice cream that somehow turned into three scoops each…and then became free when the register went down.
• Used Beach Bucks and Pass Member discounts to grab kids meals and beers at Waterstone Grill for final out-of-pocket totals of just $2.67 and $2.71.

Tom also talks about getting to Busch Gardens Tampa for Kumba's final weekend, arriving for 8 a.m. early entry and getting three final rides on the legendary coaster.

And naturally, since every theme park company is licensing an IP for Halloween now, Tom has an announcement of his own:

The IP-licensed Pitch Perfect condo Halloween event is apparently coming soon.

🎙️ Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast

Hosted by Tom with Jon

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Tom and Jon finally get around to The Queue segment that didn’t fit into Episode 273 and apparently theme park leftovers can still make a full meal.

We begin at SeaWorld Orlando, where Tom discusses visiting on the final day of the park’s free-beer promotion and his experience with the locker system near Mako.

Next, we head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Tom talks about unusually long security lines stretching beyond the tram area, his first look at the new Edge of Africa: Lion & Hyena Ridge, weather interfering with plans to ride Kumba and another round of free beer.

There was also food involved, because naturally there was. Tom, Elena and Jon tried the 16-inch Family-Size Meat Lovers Pizza from Taproom Pizza for $33.99.

Finally, Tom and Jon briefly discuss Six Flags Great Adventure’s newly announced Bakunawa. Coming in 2027, the massive spinning launch coaster is being promoted as a six-record-breaking attraction featuring a 382-foot climb, speeds of up to 100 mph and an upside-down launch.

🎢 IN THIS EPISODE

• SeaWorld Orlando’s final free-beer day

• The Mako locker experience

• Massive security lines at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Edge of Africa: Lion & Hyena Ridge

• Weather interfering with one last Kumba ride

• Busch Gardens’ free-beer promotion

• Taproom Pizza’s Family-Size Meat Lovers Pizza

• Six Flags Great Adventure’s Bakunawa announcement

📺 RELATED VIDEO

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In Episode 273 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon break down the newly released HHN 35 multi-night passes, the elimination of multi-night Express products, and Universal Orlando’s dramatically revamped Stay & Scream process plus much more.

No rumor report this week—only confirmed news from official announcements, financial filings and dependable reporting.

Topics Discussed

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens

• SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream 2026

• Area 64: MOTHERSHIP

• SeaWorld Orlando’s Nekrosis scare zone

• The Rewind interactive bar

• Busch Gardens Tampa’s “The Doctor Is Back” teaser

Universal Orlando and Hollywood

• Comcast’s quarterly theme park results

• Possible implications for Epic Universe annual passes

• Comcast’s proposed separation from NBCUniversal

• Back to Hogwarts at Universal Orlando

• Back to Hogwarts at Universal Studios Hollywood

• Downtown Clowntown

• Art the Clown and Killer Klowns from Outer Space

• Fortnitemares

• Evil Dead Burn

• Ozzy house all but officially announced

• HHN 35 multi-night passes

• Rush of Fear and Frequent Fear pricing

• Elimination of multi-night Express passes

• New Stay & Scream wristband process

• Haunted houses beginning at 2 p.m.

• The Untrainable Dragon temporary closure

• Jimmy Fallon attraction evacuation

Walt Disney World

• The Magic of Disney Animation opening September 14

• Drawn to Wonderland

• Off the Page! character experiences

• Olaf Draws!

• Once Upon a Studio Theater

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party food

• Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France

• Ale & Compass removes its breakfast buffet enhancement

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Kumba's days are officially numbered.

In Episode 272 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon discuss the latest theme park news and announcements from the first half of July 2026.

Busch Gardens Tampa has confirmed that Kumba will permanently close following its final day of operation on August 2. We look back at the legendary B&M coaster, discuss its impact on Busch Gardens Tampa, and talk about what could eventually replace it.

We also dive into the latest Halloween announcements from both Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Halloween Horror Nights continues its 2026 rollout with the Hellraiser haunted house, Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir, and new scare zones including Sideshow of Decay. SeaWorld Orlando has also started revealing what's waiting for guests at Howl-O-Scream 2026.

Plus, we discuss Universal Nights at Epic Universe, the return of UOAP Nights, and Holiday World's newly announced record-breaking water coaster.

Then it's time for the Rumor Report, including speculation about a possible major Space Mountain refurbishment at Magic Kingdom and the last two remaining houses yet to be announced at HHN.

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🎙️ In This Episode:

• Kumba closing at Busch Gardens Tampa

• What could eventually replace Kumba?

• SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream 2026 announcements

• Halloween Horror Nights 35 reveals

• Hellraiser comes to HHN

• Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir

• New HHN scare zones

• Universal Nights at Epic Universe

• UOAP Nights return

• Holiday World's new record-breaking water coaster

• Space Mountain refurbishment rumors

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In this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon are talking all about water park All-Day Dining at Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island.

At Aquatica Orlando, Tom and Jon both used the All-Day Dining plan on the same day. The plan cost $44.99 per person and allowed them to get an entrée, side or dessert, and fountain drink every 90 minutes during park hours. They compare each meal stop side-by-side, including Waterstone Grill, Kookaburra Kitchen, Papa’s Pizza, Walkabout Pizza, Mango Market, and more.

Tom’s estimated Aquatica food and drink total came to about $175.36, saving around $130.37 compared to the $44.99 plan price. Jon’s estimated Aquatica total came to about $165.15, saving around $120.16. Combined, they estimate they received about $340.51 worth of food and drinks for $89.98 in dining plans, saving about $250.53.

Then the discussion moves to Adventure Island, where Tom and Jon visited on separate days. Jon tried meals from Surfside Café, Mango Joe’s, and Colossal Pizza, with a total menu value of $166.96 and savings of $116.97. Tom’s Adventure Island visit included Surfside Café, Mango Joe’s, Colossal Pizza, and Captain Pete’s, with an estimated menu value of around $168 and savings of around $118.

Along the way, they discuss food quality, value, menu confusion, portion sizes, best and worst picks, and which water park had the better All-Day Dining plan overall.

So, is water park All-Day Dining actually worth it? Financially, yes. Emotionally? That depends how you feel about eating theme park food every 90 minutes like you’re training for the Buffet Olympics.

Thanks for watching and listening. So until the next podcast, vlog, or livestream, keep making memories.

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In Episode 270 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon for a packed theme park news episode covering major stories from Disney, Universal, United Parks, Six Flags, and more.

The big breaking story this week is Fun Spot America Atlanta announcing it will permanently close after its final operating day on August 2, 2026. Tom and Jon discuss what that could mean for ArieForce One, the Rocky Mountain Construction coaster that quickly became the park’s signature attraction.

They also cover Six Flags Over Texas delaying Tormenta Rampaging Run, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay naming Jon Vigue as its new park president, Universal Epic Universe adding Universal Celestial Goodnight, Universal Orlando’s July 4th entertainment plans, and the latest Halloween Horror Nights 35 house announcements, including Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!, MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, Cybergoria, and INVASION: Alien Abduction.

On the Disney side, the episode covers the Disneyland Tiana’s Bayou Adventure guest incident, Walt Disney World’s July 4th fireworks offerings, Disney’s 2026 holiday announcements, the permanent retirement of the Grand Floridian gingerbread house, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates, Disney Jollywood Nights extending into January, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Oogie Boogie Bash replacing Frightfully Fun Parade with Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake, the Eat to the Beat concert lineup, Disney BoardWalk updates, Disney Lakeshore Lodge details, and Level99 opening at Disney Springs.

Plus, Tom and Jon check in on recent Vacationeers YouTube videos, Jon’s Disney food stops, SeaWorld Orlando’s Electric Ocean entertainment, and what’s coming in Episode 271.

Use discount code Launch15 for 15% off annual ThrillLedger plans through August 31.

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In this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom welcomes back Dave from the Adventures by D and Dave’s Dugout Grill YouTube channels.

Dave discusses his first-ever visit to Six Flags Over Texas, sharing his initial thoughts on the park, what the overall day was like, and the rides he was able and not able to experience during his visit. From first impressions to ride reactions, Dave gives us a first-timer’s perspective on the original Six Flags park. 

Was Six Flags Over Texas better than expected? Did the park make a strong first impression? And most importantly, would Dave go back?

Grab a seat, lower your restraint, and enjoy Episode 269 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast.

So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

This week, we break away from our normal format because Tom was not prepared — but it’s his birthday month, so cut him some slack.

Tom and Jon “kick” things off with a look at the FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience at LEGOLAND Florida, then head over to Universal Orlando Resort where FIFA has taken over CityWalk and the Universal Mega Movie Parade has returned for the summer.

Tom also shares details from his day-of-recording visit to SeaWorld Orlando with Elena and some of her family, including the usual mix of plans, surprises, and theme park reality setting in.

Then Jon gives us his review of his dining experience at Biergarten Restaurant in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion before we wrap things up with something new: May theme park stats tracked by Tom’s soon-to-be-released ThrillLedger app.

It’s FIFA, food, family, stats, and a host who definitely had a plan… until he didn’t.

In this episode:

• Why Episode 268 breaks from the usual format
• LEGOLAND Florida’s FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience
• Universal CityWalk’s FIFA World Cup Watch Party
• The return of Universal Mega Movie Parade
• Tom’s SeaWorld Orlando visit with Elena and family
• Jon’s Biergarten Restaurant dining experience at EPCOT
• May theme park stats from Tom and Jon
• A preview of how ThrillLedger tracks park visits, attractions, and more

So until the next podcast, vlog or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 267 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon to talk through a busy week of theme park updates, food reviews, and in-park testing.

We start with some “old breaking news,” including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure no longer being included with Universal Express beginning July 1, plus the news that Bad Bunny will voice a pizza character named Pizza with Sunglasses in Toy Story 5.

Then we head into Universal Orlando Resort’s opening weekend of Summer at Universal. We discuss the overall event atmosphere, the noticeable lack of a parade, and some of the featured summer food offerings. We also review a newer menu item that is not tied to the summer event but absolutely got our attention: the S’mores Cookie at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure.

Food discussed in this episode:

S’mores Cookie at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure — $6.29

We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat Platter at Richter’s Burger Co. in Universal Studios Florida — $22.99

Irene’s Creamsicle Cheesecake Calzone at Minion Cafe in Universal Studios Florida — $11.99

Finally, we talk about our Magic Kingdom visit on Wednesday, May 13, when the park closed early at 5:30 PM for a private event. Early close days are often rumored to have lighter crowds, so we rope-dropped the park to see if attraction wait times were actually lower.

Magic Kingdom ride timing discussed:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — delayed

Haunted Mansion — Posted 13 minutes / Actual 2 minutes

Jungle Cruise — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 1 minute

Pirates of the Caribbean — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 1 minute

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 1 minute

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — Posted 25 minutes / Actual 24 minutes

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — Posted 25 minutes

Space Mountain — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 13 minutes

Listen to Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast:

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So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 266 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon recap a packed week of theme park visits, including AquaGlow at Aquatica, Pass Member perks gone wrong, Soarin’ Across America, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Expedition Odyssey Fire & Ice, and Peppa Pig Theme Park. 

They also discuss HHN’s newly announced Sinners house, the Mandalorian and Grogu update to Smugglers Run, and Bluey’s Wild World opening at Animal Kingdom.

In Episode 265 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon to break down their full Busch Gardens Tampa All-Day Dining 2026 experience from Saturday, May 9.

The park was open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving us a full 12-hour window to put the dining plan to the test. We ate at multiple locations across the park, including Zagora Café, Zambia Smokehouse, BG Cuban Café, Dragon Fire Grill, Oasis Pizza, and even made a stop at Giraffe Bar to use Busch Bucks.

We discuss what we ate, what worked, what didn’t, where the best value was, and whether Busch Gardens Tampa’s All-Day Dining is still worth it in 2026.

Our total if paid à la carte would have been $284.36. The All-Day Dining price was $60, and after using $20 in Busch Bucks, Tom’s actual cost was only $40 plus tax.

Watch the Busch Gardens Tampa All-Day Dining 2026 vlog:

https://youtu.be/3cj5klSCFig

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So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon to catch up on recent theme park visits, livestreams, food reviews, and a packed round of theme park news.

We start in The Queue with updates from SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival, Universal Orlando’s UOAP Bonus Benefits, EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival livestreams, House of Blues, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Chicken Guy, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Discovery Cove.

Then we move into the news, including the latest quarterly results from Disney, Universal/Comcast, United Parks & Resorts, and Six Flags, plus major updates from around the theme park industry.

Stories discussed include:

• Universal Orlando confirming the phased closure of The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure
• Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show temporarily closing for a reimagined version
• Universal replacing Thunder Falls Terrace with a new full-service dining concept
• Disney World reopening Big Thunder Mountain Railroad after refurbishment
• Disney Springs adding Level99 and Six Ravens this summer
• Walt Disney World adding its first new Magic Kingdom ferryboat since 1976
• SeaWorld Orlando’s Electric Ocean returning with a new drone show
• Six Flags bringing Holiday in the Park back to Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Great Adventure

From earnings reports to ferryboats, closing lands, returning festivals, drone shows, cookies, and theme park food, this episode covers a little bit of everything.

So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

Tom is joined once again by Kris and Dave from Adventures by D and Dave’s Dugout Grill for a coaster-filled theme park road trip episode!

In Episode 263 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, the group talks about Kris and Dave’s recent visit to Six Flags Over Georgia during opening weekend, including their thoughts on the park, operations, rides, food, and overall experience.

They also recap their visit to Carowinds during its second weekend of the season, discussing the coaster lineup, park atmosphere, and how the trip compared to Six Flags Over Georgia.

Plus, Dave previews his upcoming visit to Six Flags Over Texas, sharing what he is looking forward to and how it fits into his growing theme park adventures.

Whether you love roller coasters, theme park road trips, Six Flags parks, or just hearing friends talk parks, this episode has plenty to dig into.

Listen to the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast:

https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/

Check out Adventures by D: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyD

Dave’s Dugout Grill: https://www.youtube.com/@DavesDugoutGrill

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