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Pull up a chair and toast to our dear podcast friend, Kevin Williams, as we celebrate the arrival of his baby boy! But as you know, we're not just about cheer and toasts. We're also about addressing the quirky, the innovative, and the outright extraordinary in the world of theme parks and attractions. So, brace yourself to be part of an entertaining discussion on the strangely appealing golf Instagram challenge involving marshmallows and the potential to turn this into a golf simulator lure. Plus, we're buzzed about Universal's ambitious family-friendly venture in Texas - the Universal Kids Resort. We do have our quibbles with that name, though!

Moreover, we'll transport you into a fascinating world of immersive experiences. We're all geared up for Phantom Peak, a singularly thrilling attraction in London that's sure to set your pulse racing. But the thrill doesn't stop there. Get ready to embark on a sensory journey at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Step inside a simulated Coke bottle and let your senses soak in an aroma-filled experience. We'll also delve into the captivating history of Coca-Cola and what sets Coke Classic apart from its newer kin. So come along for this interactive walk down memory lane and stay for some insightful discussions about the rising trend of immersive experiences.

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Think you know everything about the world of 'deep fakes'? How about the exciting blend of fun and fitness at the new KTR indoor park? Join us, CB and BW, as we navigate through these diverse topics and more! We'll share our musings about the playful campaign featuring Jesus on bouncers (yes, you read that right), and explore the anticipation brewing for the KTR new location – promising a ninja and parkour course like no other!

Are mini golf and McDonald's more your speed? We've got you covered! We'll take a virtual stroll through Urban Putt, San Jose's latest mini-golf marvel. The themed courses and golf ball-filled tables promise an immersive experience that we sadly won't soon. Yet, we'll also dive into the nostalgia and speculation around McDonald's new spin-off, Cosmic, as we reminisce about the beloved alien character from Ronald's gang and guess what might be in store with this offbeat concept. Tune in and let's unpack the quirky world around us together!

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It's time to deck your facility with unique and festive holiday decor, and serving up irresistibly delicious treats like Lego Land's Granny's Apple Fries and the Yeti Holiday Shake. That's the magical journey we're embarking on today. We'll delve into how the word 'authentic', crowned as the word of the year by the Miriam Dictionary, has shaped our experiences this year. Authentic, genuine, real - these are more than just words, they've become a guiding principle for many. We'll go beyond the holiday trimmings, into the heart of what it really means to be authentic during this season of cheer.

But, hold on to your reindeer - it's not just about holiday preparations. We're also taking an exhilarating ride into the world of innovation in the entertainment industry. We'll start with a bizarre news story about a man who, under the influence, decided to climb a theme park ride. From there, we'll transport you to the Blooloops Festival of Innovation, where you'll discover some mind-blowing new products. Picture an immersive eating experience called Eaterenalin, or an interactive lighting system named Twinkle Twinkle Star that turns any birthday party into a cosmic delight. Or, you could immerse yourself in history with the interactive Titanic museum experience. So buckle up, because it's going to be an amazing exploration of creativity and innovation.

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Uncover the secrets of a successful businesswoman who turned her passion for service and connection into a thriving career. You will be inspired as we sit down with Beth Standlee, a leading figure in sales, service, and leadership training. From her early Tupperware sales days to becoming a renowned coach, Beth's journey is one of determination, resilience, and a constant thirst for knowledge.

As we navigate Beth's personal and professional life, we gain a deeper understanding of the choices she made to achieve work-life balance. A mother, a wife, and a career woman, Beth shares her experiences of juggling the demands of family and work. Her journey wasn't always smooth sailing, but her strong will and dedication led her to where she is today. We also get a glimpse into her writing process for her first book, "People Buy from People," which was inspired by a chance meeting with Zig Ziglar.

In our conversation with Beth, it becomes apparent that her success lies in her ability to build and maintain lifelong relationships with clients. As she navigates the challenges of running a multi-business organization, Beth emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. As we explore the future of the entertainment industry and Beth's role as a thought leader, she sheds light on her plans for expanding her company's coaching services. Join us for an episode filled with lessons on resilience, determination, and the power of connection.

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What if you could elevate your child's birthday party to an innovative and inclusive experience? That's exactly what Chuck E Cheese has done with their latest updates, introducing an ASL performance by Kids Bop's Savvy and a partnership with Evite for seamless party planning. Get ready to be transported back to your childhood as we reminisce about our experiences at Chuck E Cheese and Show Biz Pizza and share some intriguing facts about Chuck E Cheese's history. Plus, we'll discuss the new animatronic show at a California location, offering a nostalgic nod to the 80s and 90s.

Ever wondered about the odds of sharing a birthday with someone else? We delve into the captivating concept of the birthday paradox and direct you to a fascinating website for an in-depth exploration. As we shift our gaze to the successful Build-A-Bear franchise, we'll share the secret to their prosperity and how integrating a Build-A-Bear station into your FEC is a clever move. Lastly, we investigate the Party City and Anagram bankruptcy!

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Ever wondered what the reaction would be if you gifted someone a chapstick with Indian food flavor or trout-flavored brandy? Join us, your hosts Christine Buhr and Brandon Wiley, as we unearth a treasure trove of oddball Christmas gift ideas that will make your festive season shopping a lot more exciting. We don't just stop at listing these quirky gifts, we also share our candid thoughts on them, sparking some lively banter. 

Then ee're taking you along on a virtual journey to the MAPIC event in Cannes, France, where we'll deep-dive into the latest leisure and entertainment buzz. Get ready to be amazed by Valo Motion's interactive attractions and their fresh-off-the-oven concept, Valo Park. Also on the agenda is Storyland Studios' audacious mission to transform a Portuguese island into a resort theme park while keeping its natural charm intact. And if you are a Disney fan, we've got some exclusive footage of the now-closed Galactic StarCruiser attraction for you, courtesy of the YouTube channel, Ordinary Adventures. So buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride!

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As we journey down memory lane, let's reminisce about the timeless Smurfs on their 65th anniversary. Is it even possible to forget those blue creatures from our childhood who have evolved into pop culture icons, UNICEF ambassadors and have even dabbled into NFTs? We reflect on these little blue beings and talk about  putting  mini golf attractions, including Lucky Putt and Hologate. Trust us when we say, the new installation of Lucky Putt at Putts and Pins in West Des Moines, Iowa is a hole-in-one that you wouldn’t want to miss!

Ever wondered what it feels like to experience the thrill of a cave, without actually stepping foot in one? We discuss the growing trend of artificial caves that are pushing boundaries to give you a realistic spelunking experience. From edutainment to speleo thrill caves, we've got you covered. Highlighting the fascinating volcano cave at the World of Wonders Family Artainment Center in Qatar, we then whisk you away to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan. Here, Seven Group’s eye-popping $13 billion investment is set to redefine entertainment with 21 new destinations. To top it all off, we share our takes on the immersive movie experience at Area 15, and how attractions and experiences are being creatively used to drive revenue. Stick around; we're just getting started!

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Ever wondered what makes the Peanuts franchise so globally adored, even 75 years on? As we gear up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this beloved series,we will take you on a grand journey into the enchanting world of Peanuts. We're talking about everything from its rich history, unparalleled popularity, to the fresh and exciting partnership with Cedar Fair amusement parks. Get ready to take a wild ride on the new Camp Snoopy attractions at Knott's Berry Farm and Kings Island.

But that's not all! Adventure awaits as we take you through a unique museum filled with interactive exhibits and a Hasbro game board area. Imagine stepping into a world where your favorite board games come alive! Plus, we'll indulge in the festive spirit as we tour the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, transformed into a Peanuts-themed fall wonderland. As the snow falls outside and the holiday season rolls in, we'll chat about our favorite holiday traditions, the joy of snowy weather, and the warmth of hot tea on cold mornings. Lastly, a gentle reminder as we say our goodbyes - we're taking a short break for the holiday, but we'll be back on Monday with more exciting stories. Until then, happy listening, folks!

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Get ready to explore the future of entertainment with our special guest, Kevin Williams! We're diving deep into the world of VR free roam arenas, taking a hard look at the challenges they present and how standardizing these systems can make life easier for operators. Are we seeing the end of VR as a novelty, and the rise of VR as a key revenue driver? You can't afford to miss this insightful discussion.

But the future isn't just about VR. We're also tackling the tough topics of pricing and intellectual property in VR, AR, and XR, and how these issues could shape the industry. Kevin shares his thoughts on the shift from ticket-based to a la carte pricing, the pros and cons of licensed content, and how pricing strategy can make or break an entertainment experience. And don't think we've forgotten about our robotic friends in the hospitality industry! Join us as we delve into the different types of robots changing the game, their decision-making process, and the ways they're enhancing guest experiences. It's an episode packed with the insights you need to stay ahead in the evolving world of entertainment and hospitality.

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Hey there, fellow entertainment junkies! Are you ready for a wild ride through the thrilling world of immersive experiences? Buckle up as BW and CB, your trusty guides, plunge into the heart of Wonderverse - a 45,000 square foot playground right outside of Chicago, jam-packed with pulse-pounding attractions based on your favorite Sony IPs. We're talking Uncharted, Ghostbusters and more! And let's not forget about the killer features like the VR academy, zombified bumper cars, and a 21 Jump Street-themed bar. We've even got some juicy gossip about potential celebrity sightings at the grand opening!

But we're not stopping there. We're also hitting up the arcade, nerding out over the fine art of repair and maintenance that's crucial to keeping these pixelated paradises running smoothly. Then we're switching gears to take a swing at the growing phenomenon of pickleball - yes, you heard right, pickleball! From its rise to stardom to the rising competition between public facilities and dedicated venues, we're covering it all. And as a cherry on top, we're taking you down memory lane, revisiting the adrenaline rush of childhood slides and the not-so-glamorous realities of maintaining indoor playgrounds today. So, what are you waiting for? Pop in those earbuds and join us for a trip you won't forget.

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