Vacationeers Theme Parks & More

Vacationeers Theme Parks & More
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast discusses topics from vacation trip planning to trip reporting on vacations at theme parks, beaches, cruises, international travel & anywhere else a vacation may take you. We may sprinkle in a little theme park news or a game just for fun.

  1. Sep 1

    VTPM278: EPCOT Food & Wine 2026: Best, Worst & Opening Day Review

    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/ 🎢 Track your theme park visits, rides, wait times, All-Day Dining and more with ThrillLedger: https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🌐 Vacationeers: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast 👕 Merch: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/

  2. Aug 23

    VacationScares 277: HHN 35 House Hype Lists + Jon Returns to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

    🎃 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 🎢 Track your theme park adventures with ThrillLedger: https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ Track rides. Count memories. 🌐 Vacationeers Podcast: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ 🛍️ Merch: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ 📱 Follow Vacationeer Tom: X: https://x.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast 📱 Follow Jon Self: X: @pastorJonSelf Instagram: @jon.self.37

    VacationScares 277: HHN 35 House Hype Lists + Jon Returns to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

  3. Aug 19

    VTPM276: D23 2026 Recap: Villains Land Rides, Dreamfinder Returns, Yeti Fix & HUGE Disney Parks Updates

    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! 🎢 ThrillLedger — Track rides. Count memories. https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast 𝕏 X: https://x.com/VacationeerTom 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom 👕 Merch: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/

  4. Aug 15

    VTPM275: Halloween IP Takes Over! HHN Ozzy, Howl-O-Scream, Six Flags & D23 Preview

    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 🎢 ThrillLedger — Track rides. Count memories. https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ Use promo code LAUNCH15 for 15% off an annual subscription through August 2026. 🏠 Vacationeers Property Services Veteran-Owned Vacation Home Care Near Disney https://propertyservices.vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🌐 Vacationeers Podcast https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🎙️ Podcast Page https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast 🛍️ Merch https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ Follow TomX: https://x.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Follow JonX: @pastorjonself Instagram: @jon.self.37

  5. Aug 8

    VTPM274: SeaWorld Lockers, Busch Gardens Tampa Lion & Hyena Ridge plus Taproom Pizza Review and the Bakunawa Reveal

    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 Busch Gardens’ New Lion & Hyena Ridge, Taproom Pizza and Free Beer: https://youtu.be/sj90pBzyhnA 🎢 THRILLEDGER Track your theme park visits, rides, wait times, ratings and memories with ThrillLedger. Track rides. Count memories. https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🏠 VACATIONEERS PROPERTY SERVICES Veteran-owned vacation-home care near Disney, including turnover cleaning, property inspections and detailed digital reports. https://propertyservices.vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🎙️ VACATIONEERS THEME PARKS & MORE PODCAST https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ 🌐 VACATIONEERS PODCAST Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ X: https://x.com/VacationeerTom Merch: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

  6. Aug 1

    VTPM273: HHN 35 Passes & Stay & Scream Changes, Comcast Split & Disney Food News

    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 DiscussedSeaWorld 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 ThrillLedgerTrack your theme park visits, rides, wait times, ratings, coaster credits and memories with ThrillLedger. Track rides. Count memories. https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ Vacationeers Property ServicesVeteran-owned vacation home care near Disney, including vacation-rental turnover cleaning, property inspections, restocking and digital completion reports. https://propertyservices.vacationeerspodcast.com/ Follow Vacationeers PodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ Podcast: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ X: https://x.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Merchandise: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ Follow JonX: @pastorjonself Instagram: @jon.self.37

  7. Jul 15

    VTPM272: Kumba Is Closing, HHN 35 Reveals, Universal Nights, Theme Park News & 4th of July at Legoland

    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. ThrillLedger, the new theme park ride and visit tracker from Vacationeers Media Group. Track your park visits, log your rides and wait times, count your coaster credits, unlock achievements and see your theme park stats all in one place. 🎢 ThrillLedger Track rides. Count memories. thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com 🎙️ 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 🌐 Vacationeers Podcast vacationeerspodcast.com 📺 YouTube youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast 🐦 X x.com/VacationeerTom 📸 Instagram instagram.com/vacationeer_tom 📘 Facebook facebook.com/VacationeerTom 🛍️ Merchandise vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

  8. Jul 8

    VTPM271: Aquatica Orlando & Adventure Island All-Day Dining Plus Jon’s SeaWorld AP Rewards Redemption Stats

    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. Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ Podcast: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ X: https://x.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Merch: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ ThrillLedger: Track rides. Count memories. https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/

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4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast discusses topics from vacation trip planning to trip reporting on vacations at theme parks, beaches, cruises, international travel & anywhere else a vacation may take you. We may sprinkle in a little theme park news or a game just for fun.

Information

  • Creator
    Vacationeers Theme Parks & More
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    280
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019
  • Show Website
    Vacationeers Theme Parks & More

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