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Welcome back to the Lido Loop Podcast! This week, we kick things off with an incredible travel story after a lucky traveler turned a layover at the Las Vegas airport into a life-changing $3.3 million jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine. 

Then we dive into the latest cruise news, including a guest making a major art purchase at sea, Celebration Key receiving another upgrade and what it means for the Cruise Legend app, and Carnival rolling out its new milestone rewards program. 

We also cover the latest in theme parks and travel, including whether Universal Kids Resort has improved after early criticism now that it’s officially open, Frontier Airlines lowering fares and cutting routes as summer travel slows, and Tormenta’s long-awaited soft opening and official opening date announcement. 

To wrap up the episode, we share some of our favorite cruise hacks to help you save money, avoid common mistakes, and get the most out of your next vacation at sea. Thanks for listening to the Lido Loop Podcast! If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and send us your cruise and theme park questions—they could be featured in a future episode.

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This week on the Lido Loop Podcast, Jack and Jesse will talk the latest news from the cruise and theme park industries before diving into one of our biggest discussion topics yet.

In cruise news, the guys break down Carnival’s new rewards program and how it's impacting the company’s financial performance. They will talk about Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas is set to begin its inaugural voyage on June 29th, and Carnival introduces a limited-edition bourbon for cruise fans and give their best guesses as what will it taste like.

On the theme park side of things, Tormenta Rampaging Run's opening has been delayed once again, and they break down the reports after a 13-year-old fell from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and separate the facts from the rumors. Also, Disney World is offering discounted admission to both Animal Kingdom and EPCOT during select dates in August-October. They will tell you if this is a good deal or not. 

To end the show, the guys count down their top 10 worst cruise etiquette mistakes— from chair hogs and elevator behavior to food blunders and other habits that can ruin the vacation experience for everyone.

Whether you’re planning your next cruise, visiting the parks, or just want to stay up to date on the latest travel industry news, we’ve got you covered.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Lido Loop Podcast so you never miss an episode.

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This week on Lido Loop, Jack and Jesse break down the latest cruise and theme park news before diving into a special Cruise FAQ’s and Listener Questions segment.

Cruise News

• Carnival rolls out new drink package options for kids and teens. We’ll compare the available beverage packages and discuss whether the new offering provides real value for families.
• Fights and disruptive behavior continue making headlines across the cruise industry. Should cruise lines create a permanent no-sail list similar to the airline industry’s no-fly list?
• A look at what major cruise lines have planned for the Fourth of July, including fireworks, patriotic celebrations, special entertainment, and holiday sailings.

Theme Park News

• Universal continues teasing future expansion plans for Epic Universe. We discuss the latest permits, rumors, and what could be coming next for the resort.
• Media previews have taken place at Universal Kids Resort, and early reactions have been mixed. We’ll break down what visitors liked, what concerns were raised, and whether the park can meet expectations when it officially opens.
• Six Flags Over Texas has announced an opening date for Tormenta Rampaging Run. We discuss the timeline, what riders can expect, and what this addition means for the park.

Main Topic: Cruise FAQ’s and Listener Questions

We’re answering your cruise questions and tackling topics submitted by listeners. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, we’ll cover tips, advice, and common questions to help you make the most of your next sailing.

Follow Lido Loop for weekly cruise and theme park news, trip planning tips, industry updates, and listener discussions.

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Welcome back to the Lido Loop Podcast! This week, Jack and Jesse break down the latest news from the cruise and theme park industries.

In cruise news, we discuss how much money Royal Caribbean actually makes per passenger ticket—and the numbers may surprise you. We also take a look at Carnival’s upcoming Sail & Sign changes, rumors that Perfect Day Mexico could be getting new additions, and Carnival’s continued rollout of new dining options across its fleet.

On the theme park side, we cover a rough week for ride operations as Sky Screamer became stuck at Six Flags St. Louis and Siren’s Curse experienced a stoppage at Cedar Point. We also discuss Carowinds’ announcement that Rip Roarin’ Falls will open in 2027 featuring the world’s tallest log flume drop, plus Disney’s latest updates on the highly anticipated Monsters, Inc. land "Monstropolis" coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For our main topic, we’re answering some of the most common cruise questions from listeners and first-time cruisers. What’s included in your cruise fare? Which dining time should you choose? How do purchases work onboard? What travel documents do you need before sailing? And is travel insurance worth the extra cost?

Whether you’re planning your first cruise, your next vacation, or just love keeping up with the latest cruise and theme park news, we’ve got you covered.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Lido Loop for more cruise and theme park content every week.

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This week on The Lido Loop, we discuss several major stories from the cruise industry, including upgrades coming to Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, MSC Cruises’ quiet removal of drink package limits, and the possibility that a mile-long cruise ship could one day become a reality. 

We also cover the latest theme park news, including new details about Universal’s upcoming theme park in the United Kingdom, additional information surrounding the extended stoppage of the Iron Shark roller coaster, and a friendly NBA Finals wager between Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Six Flags Great Adventure.

For our main topic, we’re focusing on practical ways to save for your next cruise vacation. We take a look at Carnival’s payment plan options, discuss cashback and rewards apps such as Upside, GasBuddy, Fetch, and MyVegas Slots, and explain how credit card rewards can help reduce travel costs. We also break down how saving just $58 per week can add up to $3,000 in a year and share several side hustle ideas that can help turn your cruise goals into reality. Whether you’re planning your next sailing or just starting to budget for one, this episode offers tips and strategies to help you get there sooner.

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This week on Lido Loop, we dive into the latest developments from the cruise and theme park industries.

In cruise news, we discuss the announced opening date for the new water park at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination, a lawsuit filed against Carnival after a guest allegedly suffered burns from hot deck surfaces, Royal Caribbean’s crackdown on stateroom door decorations, Carnival’s latest data breach concerns, and new enforcement efforts regarding food being brought into cruise ship staterooms.

On the theme park side, we cover Universal’s decision to remove Express Pass access from Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure beginning July 1, the upcoming opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, and an incident that left riders stranded for hours on the Iron Shark coaster at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. We also share a bonus update on Tormenta testing at Six Flags Over Texas and discuss Six Flags Fiesta Texas revealing the name of its new 2027 roller coaster, Werewolf George. Plus, we talk about Cedar Point banning a guest after they were caught eating chicken nuggets while riding a roller coaster.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with discussion of Tilman Fertitta’s reported acquisition of Caesars.

Join us for all the latest headlines, analysis, and commentary from the worlds of cruising, theme parks, and attractions.

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Welcome back to the Lido Loop! This week we’re diving into the biggest cruise and theme park headlines making waves across the industry. We break down the growing controversy surrounding cruise chair hogs and the lawsuit that could change pool deck policies forever, plus why Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day Mexico” project may be hitting major roadblocks. Carnival is making moves too, with upgrades coming to one of their private beach destinations and a brand-new security seal being added fleetwide across all Carnival ships except two and a certain state has something to do with this. 

On the theme park side, Disney fans finally get the opening they’ve been waiting for as Rock ’N’ Roller Coaster: Starring the Muppets officially launches, while Universal’s Epic Universe celebrates its one-year anniversary after a huge first year. Over at Busch Gardens Tampa, summer is heating up with a brand-new drone show and the return of free beer.

We also share our best summertime travel tips, including the best days to visit theme parks during peak season, which days you should absolutely avoid if you hate crowds, and how to prepare for the brutal summer heat in Florida and beyond. Plus, we talk about finding the best vacation deals — whether that’s through Groupon, Undercover Tourist, third-party ticket sites, or working directly with a travel agent to save money and stress.

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Welcome aboard the Lido Loop! This week, Jack and Jesse break down the latest cruise and theme park news making waves across the industry.

In cruise news, they discuss the tragic death of a passenger at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line canceling select bookings, and some brand-new menu items coming to Carnival ships.

Over in the theme park world, Disney unveils new Muppets animatronics for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, announces a new American-themed experience for Soarin’ Around the World, and Fiesta Texas teases another new prop connected to its upcoming 2027 attraction.

Plus, Jack and Jesse each share their top three cruise destinations or ships they dream of experiencing someday, along with three theme parks they still have on their bucket list to visit.

Set sail and join the loop!

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Welcome back to Lido Loop! In this May 9, 2026 episode, we’re covering the latest theme park and cruise news making waves across the industry.

This week in cruise news, Carnival Cruise Line guests will soon need to sign up for a brand-new rewards program, Disney Cruise Line faces headlines after a cruise was canceled after passengers had already boarded, and Royal Caribbean has revealed fresh details about its next class of ships. Plus, if you’re sailing to the Bahamas, there’s an important alcohol policy change taking effect May 12 you’ll want to know before your trip.

On the theme park side, Universal is reportedly planning to close the fan favorite Mythos Restaurant and the iconic talking fountain in 2027, while SeaWorld Orlando is expanding its Electric Ocean summer event with even more entertainment, including a brand-new drone show lighting up the night sky. Over at Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain is back open and the park is running at full capacity for the first time in forever. 

We also break down the legendary “Maddie Method” for casino survival at sea:
Money: Bring cash.
Attitude: Stay positive, you are here for fun not to get rich.
Don't gamble money you can’t afford to lose.
Double down on 11.
If the machine feels hot, invest those winnings.
Every spin could be a winner.

Grab your sunscreen, charge your SeaPass card, and join us for another lap around the Lido Deck on Lido Loop.

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Jack and Jesse are back with a brand-new episode of The Lido Loop!

This week, the show kicks off with the breaking news that Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2. The guys break down what led to the shutdown, what it means for travelers, and how airfare prices could be impacted moving forward.

In cruise news, Jesse covers a wave of major headlines, including a new ship heading to Galveston, Royal Caribbean ordering two brand-new vessels, two influencers being banned by a cruise line following a negative review, and growing frustration among Royal Caribbean guests over waterslides being out of service for much of their sailings.

Over in the theme park world, Disney has announced dates for its Halloween festivities, leading Jack and Jesse to debate whether Disney’s offering can compete with Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Plus, Six Flags Fiesta Texas makes headlines after riders were left stranded on the Star Flyer, and the park is teasing a massive new attraction for 2027 that could shatter records.

To wrap things up, Jack and Jesse share some of their dream themed cruise concepts, from sports and music to some truly unique ideas that cruise fans won’t want to miss.

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