Whether he was disappointed with how his work for EPCOT Center turned out or he was simply inspired to do it again, Ray Bradbury created his own vision of a theme park: The Great Electric Time Maze.
Impractical, economically unviable and centered around completely untethered Blue Sky concepts, this midwestern phantasia of a park is right up our alley! 
Join us as we zoom through time, battle dinosaurs with our Electro-Guns, narrowly escape from the Mechanical Hounds and drown in the Sea of Eats in the park that only the greatest science fiction writer of the 20th century could have conceived.

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
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Star Trek is an enduring contradiction. It's strong progressive ideals are often at odds with the fiscal reality of the entertainment business, and its presence in theme parks are no exception.
But the morality of Star Trek, more often than not, wins out.
Pete and Kelly take a look at the franchise's complicated history - from Lucille Ball to Las Vegas to a remarkable Elvis impersonator in upstate New York - and finds profound meaning in the times that America's most resilient science fiction franchise burst into the real world and let us become a living part of it.

IDIC is real. 

Live long and prosper.

#startrek
#universalstudios

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
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Pete takes mercy on Kelly, who's been under the weather, and does the heavy lifting on our follow-up to last season's "Rude Mechanicals - Jungle Cruise: The Early Years."
Bill Evans is back to see the fruition of the project he began over 35 years prior. His dream becomes a reality in the best way!
Disney doubles down on immersion with unintended consequences!
The jungle grows, transforms, and becomes something even more mysterious as it tries to embrace the Forbidden Eye of Mara!
Join us!

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
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Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

It's a brief, Mid-summer (Don't get in the bear!) minisode.

Ever wondered what's really happening with Disneyland Forward? Dive into this revealing mini-episode where we crack open the truth behind Disney's highly publicized expansion plans in Anaheim. 

https://boardwalktimes.net/disneylandforward-what-exactly-is-it-3f4c79bf93c4

A new full episode in a few weeks!

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

Jaws was a lynchpin to Universal's theme park success, both in California and Florida. It was also one of the biggest headaches the parks ever dealt with.

Join us for the return of the J-Bang(!!!) as we pick apart what happened, follow the recriminations and discuss some amazing behind-the-scenes theme park designers who worked on this ambitious, and occasionally reckless, attraction.

It's so much Jaws goodness that you're gonna need a bigger boat. 

================================================================

Special shout-out to Dustin McNeill's excellent "Adventures in Amity: Tales from the Jaws Ride" (https://www.harkerpress.com/jaws)

And to Sam Gennawey's "Universal vs. Disney" (https://shop.adventurewithkeen.com/product/universal-vs-disney/)

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

We contend that there is nothing more patriotic than being conned into believing that water runs uphill.

Step into a world where the laws of physics seemingly take a vacation as we explore America's beloved gravity-defying roadside attractions. From the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot to Confusion Hill nestled in California's redwoods, these quirky destinations have been baffling and delighting travelers since the '40s.
The long and cloudy history of Gravity Shacks/Confusion Hills/Mystery Spots are living reminders of the wonders of weird roadside attractions and a kind of quirky, delightful, oddball America that Pete and Kelly love. From Aldebert Ames to Bill Cipher we trace the stories, and myths, of where these mysterious, physics-defying, buildings came from.

Let's learn how to stop worrying and embrace the con!

It's the first episode of Season 2 of Lowdown on the Plus-Up: America's Addiction to Gravity - Mystery Spots

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

We're wrapping up our first season of theme park adventures with a look back at what we've accomplished and a peek at what's coming in Season 2. From humble beginnings as a "way for our partners to get rid of us for a few hours every week," we're so thrilled at what this has become.

Today is a wrap-up featuring some of what we've covered, current news and a peek at where we're going:

• Latest update on Evermore Park – the purchase deal has fallen through after disputes over what was included in the sale
• Disney's Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World officially closing and converting to office space
• Farewell to Muppet Vision 3D, Jim Henson's final directorial work and last time performing Kermit
• Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom closing after July 4th for a new Cars attraction
• New Coco-themed boat ride coming to California Adventure in the Paradise Gardens area
• Universal's Epic Universe now open, with Monsters Unleashed being called the highlight
• Season 2 will feature another "What If" episode creating an imaginary theme park
• Upcoming episodes on discontinued Disney merchandise, Six Flags, and macabre attractions
• Plans to explore the Winchester Mystery House and Knott's Scary Farm
• Deep dive into Universal Studios' evolution from 1916 silent film tour to modern theme park giant

Please spread the word about our podcast! If you enjoy what we do, leave a review!. We appreciate your support and would love to hear your suggestions for future episodes.

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

Step with us into Tomorrowland, that curious realm where yesterday's futures linger in an increasingly static present. Why do Disney fans profess deep love for a land they rarely prioritize visiting? The answer lies in Tomorrowland's remarkable journey from hasty afterthought to kinetic wonderland to its current static identity crisis.

Our live audience at the Howard Johnson's "Suite of the Retro Future" helps us dissect what made Tomorrowland truly magical - not science fantasy, but genuine progress in motion. The 1967 "New Tomorrowland" represented a perfect convergence of transportation systems: monorails gliding overhead, PeopleMovers circulating endlessly, submarines diving beneath the surface. Everything moved! The land wasn't about laser blasters and aliens; it was about showing Americans what their future could actually be.

When did we lose this vision? As we trace Tomorrowland's evolution through corporate sponsorships, Operation Paperclip scientists, World's Fair connections, and eventually the 1998 renovation that prioritized intellectual property over dynamism, a troubling pattern emerges. Yet our passionate audience offers compelling solutions - from embracing "The Tomorrow That Never Was" concept to incorporating sustainable energy demonstrations that would make the land both educational and kinetic again.

Whether you're nostalgic for the PeopleMover or curious about what Tomorrowland could become, join us for a thought-provoking exploration of Disney's most philosophically complex land. As one audience member aptly suggested: perhaps it's time to encourage guests not just to remember the optimistic futures of yesterday, but to imagine new ones for tomorrow.

==========================================================================

Visit our friends from the episode at:

Our host, Paul Barrie from Window to the Magic (https://www.windowtothemagic.com)

Tracey and Scott from Disney Indiana (https://disneyindiana.com)

Clinton from Comedy4Cast (comedy4cast.com)/The Topic is Trek (https://www.thetopicistrek.com/)

Tony from Above the Firehouse (https://www.abovethefirehouse.com)

Our good friend Jill booked our travel for us.  She's terrific.  Reach out to her at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

Step back into the age of sword and sorcery as we unravel the untold story of Universal Studios' most dangerous and innovative attraction: the Conan the Barbarian Sword and Sorcery Spectacular. This legendary stunt show wasn't just entertainment—it was a revolution that forever changed how theme parks approach live experiences.

From Robert E. Howard's complex literary character to Frank Frazetta's iconic artistic vision and Arnold Schwarzenegger's silver screen portrayal, we trace Conan's evolution before diving deep into the attraction that dared to use real fire, military-grade lasers, and death-defying stunts to wow audiences. The show's creation marked the moment Universal deliberately established itself as the "anti-Disney," poaching Imagineers and pushing boundaries Disney wouldn't touch.

What forgotten theme park attractions do you wish would return? Share your memories with us on our Facebook group or at [email protected]!

=========================================
Notes: de Camp editing - http://www.barbariankeep.com/issues.html
Planet of the Apes article: https://boardwalktimes.net/disney-drops-the-finest-science-fiction-film-series-of-all-time-on-hulu-4c1a03f1329d

Chronology of the Castle Theater: The Land of a Thousand Faces (1975-1980), Castle Dracula Live (1980-1983), The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular (1983-1993), Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Review (1991-1999), Spider-Man Rocks (2002-2004), Fear Factor Live (2005-2008), Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical (2009), Special Effects Show (2010-2023), Theater Closed for Fast & Furious coaster.

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

Join us for part two of the strangest story we've told thus far.
The 1990s launch with a particularly charming story about jet packs, The Rocketeer. But then Kinnie Gibson, Brad Barker, Larry Stanley and Bill Suitor return to pick up a story that involves assault, murder, kidnapping and a giant flying beer can.
Strap in! And remember, when the helmet vibrates, you only have 14 seconds to find a place to land!

============================================================

Notes:
Rondo Hatten - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rondo_Hatton
The RB 2000 - http://www.inventordoug.com/07RocketBelt/Rocket02.htm
Jaxxon - https://screenrant.com/star-wars-jaxxon-special-ewoks-mignola-cover/

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

And get in touch and let us know about YOUR Plus-Ups for the attractions we've talked about! We'd love to tell them on the air.

Come visit us on Bluesky, Mastodon, Instagram, or whatever social media you like. Just look up Lowdown on the Plus-Up and you'll probably find us. Or drop us a note to [email protected] and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .