48 episodes

Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts.

The Themed Attraction Podcast McGowan, Martin & Hill

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 70 Ratings

Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts.

    46: John Wood of Sally Dark Rides

    46: John Wood of Sally Dark Rides

    Our guest is Dark Ride master designer, John Wood of Sally Dark Rides.

    John is truly a pioneer and innovator in the theme park industry, and most specifically in the design, development and execution of some of the world’s most iconic dark rides. John co-founded Sally Dark Rides 45 years ago to turn his clients dreams into rideable realities, with thrilling adventures, IP branded attractions, and unique storytelling experiences worldwide.

    Connect with John Wood at SallyDarkRides.com and on LinkedIn.

    Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

    Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

    Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

    Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

     

    • 44 min
    Announcing Storyland Studios Design Challenge 2024

    Announcing Storyland Studios Design Challenge 2024

    In this mini-episode, Freddy announces the Storyland Studios Design Challenge for 2024.

    In partnership with Gensler, Storyland is offering a $25k grand prize to the individual or team that presents the winning attraction design concept.

    Go to designchallenge.storylandstudios.com for more information.

     

    • 2 min
    45: Linda Alcorn

    45: Linda Alcorn

    Our guest is show control engineer, Linda Alcorn.

    Linda is a groundbreaking Theme Park show control engineer with over 40 years of experience bringing some of our favorite experiences to life. Linda, the first female electronic engineer at WED, played a pivotal role in shaping iconic projects like EPCOT and pavilions in Canada, France, and China. Her journey continued at Disney Studio in Burbank, supporting EXPO '86 projects, and later contributing to the initial design and installation teams of Disney-MGM Studios, Euro Disney, and Animal Kingdom. She was named a TEA Master in 2020.

    Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

    Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

    Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

    Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

    • 37 min
    LIVE at IAAPA 2023

    LIVE at IAAPA 2023

    Come See Us LIVE at IAAPA 2023

    This quick episode gives you all the details of our LIVE Episode Recordings during IAAPA!

    Come visit the Storyland Studios Booth #1373 at 11am on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (11/14-17) to listen in on LIVE recordings of the Themed Attraction Podcast.

    Jeffrey Burton – Former WED Imagineer: Tuesday 11/14 @ 11AM

    Linda Alcorn McBride – Former WDI Imagineer & Disney’s first female engineer: Wednesday 11/15 @ 11AM

    John Wood – President of Sally Dark Rides: Thursday 11/16 @ 11AM

     

    • 1 min
    44: Jeff Damron, Architect and Theme Park Master Planner

    44: Jeff Damron, Architect and Theme Park Master Planner

    Our guest is Architect and Theme Park Master Planner, Jeff Damron.

    Jeff is a 30+ year veteran of themed entertainment and destination design providing his expertise as an architect, designer and master planner in theme park projects, hotels, resorts, casinos, and many other mixed-use projects where people can live, work and play. Most recently he came on board as one of Mel’s Storylanders as the Senior VP of Architecture, Master Planning and Design.

    Connect with Jeff Damron at StorylandStudios.com and on LinkedIn.

    Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

    Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

    Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

    Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

    • 57 min
    43: David and Valeria Beaudry of Beaudry Interactive

    43: David and Valeria Beaudry of Beaudry Interactive

    Our guests are David and Valeria Beaudry of Beaudry Interactive.

    This dynamic duo of dynamic experiences have developed the technology to bring to life in voice and personality some of our most beloved walk-around characters in parks today, including that tallest of yellow friends, Big Bird. They were honored with a TEA Thea Award for this technology which is making authentic interactive environments a reality in parks and experiences worldwide.

    Connect with David and Valeria at binteractive.com and on LinkedIn.

    Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

    Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

    Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

    Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

    • 58 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
70 Ratings

70 Ratings

LvMusic00 ,

Amazing insight!

I love this podcast! It is such a gift to have this much insight to the industry from so many masters! Thank you!

C.D. Bread ,

Inspiring Dreamers One Episode at a Time

This podcast does an excellent job of getting into the nitty gritty of the themed entertainment industry without dissuading listeners from the magic of it. The guests they feature are enthusiastic and passionate as well as experienced and honest about the work they do.

As somebody who has always dreamed about working in this industry, this podcast educates and inspires me with each new episode. Can’t wait to see who I get to hear from next!

Paul qua ,

I love this podcast!

This podcast is full of awesome interviews. You will not be disappointed!

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