Corkscrew Convos: A Theme Park Podcast

Universal killed Fear with Express six weeks before HHN 35, then opened its most affordable park ever in Texas. Two launches based on opposite bets.

In this Convo, Chris and DJ break down Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Studios Florida: the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme, co-icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, the house lineup including Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Evil Dead Burn and the return of H.R. Bloodengutz, plus every price increase and the discontinued Fear with Express bundles. Then we head to Frisco, Texas for Universal Kids Resort, Universal's first park built for young kids, and ask whether the earliest reviews matter when annual passes sold out before opening.

In this episode:

Fear with Express discontinued, and what HHN 35 costs now

The house lineup: originals versus IP in an anniversary year

Rumor watch: the unconfirmed tenth house

Scare zones and shows: Fortnite, Killer Klowns, Return to Hawkins

Universal Kids Resort: seven lands in Frisco from $54.99

The reviews versus the sold-out annual passes

COTALAND and the Texas regional market

Ceiling versus floor: what both bets say about Universal

In what was originally planned to be an engaging trip report from a delightful visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, DJ and Chris are sidetracked into an exploration of stoicism and theme parks.

Universal Orlando has revealed new details for the 35th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights, including the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares” theme and the return of Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow as the event’s ringmasters. The reveal also includes the original house “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control,” which explores the origins of their rivalry and how the two characters ultimately join forces. In this episode, Dj and Chris break down the HHN 35 announcement, the history of Jack and Oddfellow, and what the reveal says about the anniversary year for Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Orlando.

Speculation is already circulating about Halloween Horror Nights 35 and which haunted houses will appear at Universal Studios Florida. 

In this bonus episode, DJ and Chris sort through the speculation threads. They discuss why Lady Gaga is a recurring rumor, what a Hellraiser house might look like, the odds of Stranger Things returning, and the possibilities for It: Welcome to Derry and Resident Evil. They also allude to the chances of Sinners at the anniversary event.

Chris & DJ close with a quick evaluation of when 2026's "Magic Week" could be, as the best time to visit Orlando for lower crowds.

DJ and Chris draft an entire theme park built from this year’s biggest films — from A Minecraft Movie to F1 the movie to the Grammy-nominated KPop Demon Hunters — and invent ride concepts, lands, and merch. With the Academy Awards happening this weekend, it’s the perfect time to mix Oscar buzz and box-office properties into absurd, thrilling park ideas. 

This episode is full of quick-fire ride pitches, fan-service Easter eggs, and a few legitimately unbelievable coaster concepts — perfect for listeners who love movies, theme-park design, or imagining what Hollywood's newest movies would look like in theme park form.

Universal Orlando Resort is still revealing itself as DJ & Chris take a focused look at the Epic Universe's biggest surprises, greatest accomplishments, and the moments that still feel unfinished. The episode examines why some elements land and others do not, including a close look at Le Cirque Arcanus and what may be holding back the wider The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Other segments include a taste report on secret Coca-Cola Freestyle flavors, the time the table ordered a record number steaks at Das Stakehaus, and a frank rundown of the park’s top attractions. DJ and Chris each name their top four Epic Universe experiences and explain why those rides, shows and dining choices should be on every visitor’s list.

The episode finishes strong with pro tips for visiting Epic Universe: a sound early entry and rope drop strategy and how to prioritize attractions in the first two hours. DJ closes by revealing his new favorite roller coaster and why coaster fans should plan their visits now.

With the 2026 Formula 1 season kicking off in Melbourne, Australia, this weekend, we asked how motorsport energy is influencing theme-park design at a new theme park coming to Austin, Texas.

On this episode of Corkscrew Convos, we sit down with Matt Hughey to unpack the jump from a small family attraction to a coaster-forward destination, the inspiration behind standout rides, and how COTA’s event ecosystem shapes the vision for COTALAND. If you love coasters and/or motorsports, this conversation blends theme park design, operations, and showmanship into one fast lap.

DJ and Chris return to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort and share updated impressions, strategy tips and what surprised them most on a second visit. From crowd flow to ride priorities, they break down what matters right now for anyone planning a Florida theme park trip.

They also dig into Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands, how the interactive games work, and whether the extra cost is worth it for families.

On the Walt Disney World side, the conversation turns to Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT. Chris also reviews a Teppan Edo hibachi dinner at the Japan pavilion.

Finally, DJ shares what it was like taking the family to Magic Kingdom for the first time, including planning lessons, dining options, and what families with young children visiting Walt Disney World for the first time should keep in mind.

This episode covers Epic Universe, Super Nintendo World, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT, Teppan Edo, Magic Kingdom strategy, all in one practical Florida theme park planning conversation.

DJ and Chris recap their full trip to Universal Orlando Resort during Halloween Horror Nights 34 in 2025. Hear detailed rankings of all HHN34 haunted houses, highlights from their extended park days, and tips from experiencing the event with minimal wait times. The episode also covers a full Universal Orlando trip report, with more to come on Epic Universe.

DJ and Chris are BACK to share excitement over the spooky season, including their impending trip to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort.

Hype lists, event food & beverage, and other ways to get the most of a trip to the event are discussed.