The Mega Movie Parade opened to much fanfare at Universal Studios Orlando, two years after the previous daytime parade, Universal’s Superstar Parade, which closed in 2022. The parade targets a broader demographic and signals Universal’s continued testing to balance pricing and investment. Two more ways Universal is trying to find a balance include the express for Multi-Night Halloween Horror Nights tickets that have sold out and the ticket policy announcement for EPIC Universe.

Following approval from the DOJ, the newly merged Six Flags operates 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. All 42 parks will retain their legacy branding for now, and the company has signaled new investment in rides and enhanced park offerings through intellectual property. Also, Dark Nights at Hersheypark has added a fifth haunted house for the upcoming Halloween season, all while keeping access free for passholders. And—Seaworld Orlando’s “no re-entry” policy.

Six Flags unveiled partnerships with an expansive lineup of horror franchises to debut this Halloween season and is focusing development on the New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Mexico markets. Two of the franchises mentioned - Stranger Things and Texas Chainsaw Massacre - come from the Netflix catalog, which announced two new themed experience venues in Pennsylvania and Texas.  The story behind all these announcements is that Netflix is shifting from a streaming company to an entertainment company and is looking to replicate the Disney flywheel model.

Universal Orlando Resort unveiled details about Dark Universe, one of the worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Dark Universe will feature a dark ride (Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment), a spinning family coaster (Curse of the Werewolf), a Monster Makeup Experience, character meet and greets, dining, and shopping. As the only ‘non-IP’ area at Epic Universe, we think Dark Universe caters to a niche market but also holds the most potential for future extension. Plus, how Disney empowered the guests and cast during their Pride Nite events and why CommuniCore offers essential creature comforts.

Universal's new lagoon show, Cinesational, opened to the public this week, and A Quiet Place haunted house will use American Sign Language. Knott's Berry Farm has added a hotline for guests to report line jumpers, but will this worsen the issue? Scott and Philip debate why line jumping is more of a problem now; is it a generational phase or low staffing and opportunity?

Universal is testing a ‘Premium Scream Night’ package that allows guests to ‘preview’ Halloween Horror Nights the night before opening – will it perform better than Taste of Terror, and can smaller attractions try something similar? Also, Saudi Arabia expands its tourist bubble with its first gender-inclusive wave pool; Illuminarium Las Vegas introduces a show inspired by Hasbro’s Lite-Brite; and why ‘Disney Dreams That Soar’ is the best thing to happen to Disney Springs in years.

IAAPA Expo Asia concluded last week, having returned to Thailand after 17 years. The show welcomed 4,623 verified attendees, 352 exhibiting companies, and 3,187 qualified buyers from 2,480 companies. Philip attended the show, and we recap his takeaways in this episode.

Philip visited Fantasy Springs and has a trip report to discuss. Scott believes the era of food festivals is over, and Halloween Horror Nights has already announced 5 haunted houses.

This week: Arrivals in Japan are set to surpass the annual record of 31.9 million seen in 2019, but this is causing friction among the locals; Qiddiya Investment Co. incorporates SEVEN to advance the Saudi entertainment industry; United Parks reports slight gains to start the year; and Cedar Fair and Six Flags are Struggling in Q1.

Airbnb debuted 11 Icon experiences as part of its Summer 2024 Release and many of them are full-on themed experiences. As a bonus episode, Philip brings you into the room where Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky unveiled the Icon experiences. Explore the detailed theming of all 11 experiences in the full recording of the Airbnb press conference. See photos from Airbnb here.