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.