In Episode 238 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) dive into a packed slate of theme park news and trip reports. Disney announces a glowing Rainbow Caverns scene for Big Thunder Mountain, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens November 7 at Animal Kingdom, and World Princess Week brings concerts, treats, and merch galore. SeaWorld San Diego reopens Journey to Atlantis, Howl-O-Sprint 5K returns to Orlando this October, and Shark Encounter is set for a 2026 refresh. Universal’s Epic Universe adds Harry Potter and Donkey Kong rides to Express Pass. Plus, Tom recaps Disney Springs dining, Rainforest Café, and even a night out with Nate Bargatze.

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In Episode 237 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self dive headfirst into spooky season with a packed show. We break down the latest theme park news and debut our brand-new “news” bumper!

This week’s news lineup includes:

• Busch Gardens Tampa’s mid-meal Dragon Fire Grill closure
• Six Flags introducing haunted house upcharges for Halloween events
• United Parks Q2 earnings & how Epic Universe is boosting Orlando tourism
• Six Flags cutting 2026 capital spending & the uncertain future of the Snoopy license
• Disney’s Q3 earnings with a massive jump in theme park income
• Disney Destiny cruise ship float-out and Magic Kingdom’s new Beak and Barrel pirate pub

Then, we unveil our SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream hype lists along with our Halloween Horror Nights hype list for 2025. Finally, we share our full “Halloween” season schedules—covering all the events we’ll be attending this spooky season!

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So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

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In Episode 235 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) recap a full day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg—from early morning rope drop antics to an unforgettable stop at the new Burgermeister’s Hideaway speakeasy. They share ride reviews for InvadR, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, Verbolten, Pantheon, Apollo’s Chariot, Escape from Pompeii, Le Scoot, Griffon, and more. Hear why Big Bad Wolf topped Phoenix Rising, why Verbolten desperately needs some TLC, and how Tom scored six beers for just over two bucks thanks to the passholder deal.

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So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 233 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom celebrates his birthday with a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and shares all the details. Also, Tom shares how he celebrated Father's Day at Disney Springs from City Works to Splitsville fun. Joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf), we also cover big theme park news, including EPCOT’s Test Track reopening date, Kings Dominion’s water main break closure, and SeaWorld San Antonio’s sad loss of killer whale Kamea. Plus, we dive into Halloween Horror Nights’ two new original houses: El Artista – A Spanish Haunting and Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters.

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So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 232 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom shares big Halloween Horror Nights 34 news including the reveal of the Fallout haunted house and Premium Scream Night plans.

He also reviews EPCOT’s GEO 82 offerings and returns to Epic Universe for a second visit with a full meal at Blue Dragon Pan-Asian. Plus, coverage of major closures at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the end of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a new lawsuit at Blizzard Beach, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND updates, and a Metallica weekend in Tampa.

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In this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Dave, Kris and Madison from the YouTube channel Adventures By D as they recap their unforgettable Southern California vacation!

From their very first steps into Disneyland and Batuu West to character-packed days at Avengers Campus, cocktails at Trader Sam’s, and a full day of fun at Universal Studios Hollywood—they cover it all! Plus, hear about unexpected surprises like Jack Black sightings, iconic eats like Monte Cristos and Voodoo Doughnuts, and thoughts on Disneyland's 70th anniversary nighttime shows.

Whether you’re planning a California theme park trip or just love hearing trip reports, this episode is packed with magic, laughter, and plenty of travel tips.

🎢 Trip highlights include:

• Disneyland + Disney California Adventure
• Universal Studios Hollywood (Toadstool Café, Grad Night chaos & more!)
• Academy Museum, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Madame Tussauds
• Knott’s Berry Farm’s legendary chicken dinner
• Shopping, sipping, and pineapple treats at Downtown Disney

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Thanks for listening — and until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 230 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined once again by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) to cover all the latest happenings from the theme park world and beyond.

Here’s what we’re talking about this week:

🎢 Theme Park News & Updates

• 🎉 Epic Universe is finally open! We break down opening day crowd levels, ride waits, and early impressions.
• 🧙‍♂️ Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure adds Express Pass access starting May 30.
• 🦓 Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa—an update may be on the way.
• 🌊 Blizzard Beach is back! Both Disney water parks are now open simultaneously for the first time since 2019.
• 🎭 Blue Man Group?
• 🎡 Major shake-up at Six Flags as 27 park presidents are removed.

🧳 Tom’s Travel Tales

• A wild trip to Richmond: SunPass mishaps, AC woes, and Arepas
• AC/DC concert in Tampa + the “Highway to Hell” (I-4 edition)
• Mini golf at Disney’s Winter Summerland
• Elena’s first visit to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

🇬🇧 London Trip Cancelled

Tom discusses the difficult decision to cancel his upcoming trip to London due to recent UK legal rulings affecting trans travelers. Hear what led to the change and the broader implications for LGBTQ+ tourism.

🎙️ Coaster Versus Segment

It's time for another head-to-head thrill ride showdown — which coasters reign supreme?

• VelociCoaster vs. Iron Gwazi
• Revenge of the Mummy vs. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Manta vs. Flight of Passage
• ...and many more!

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• Yuengling Draft Haus
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort Tour
• 🕖 Livestreams every Wednesday at 7 PM ET!

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🎙️ Thanks for listening — and until we stream again… keep making memories!

In this episode, Tom is joined once again by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) to talk theme parks, epic updates, and all the latest happenings from Universal Orlando, Disney Springs, and beyond.

They cover recent visits to Universal (Butterbeer at CityWalk, VelociCoaster first-timers, and soggy Skull Island), Mother’s Day eats at Disney Springs (including Elena’s triple Earl of Sandwich run), and huge theme park news—like Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s 50th anniversary, a new EPCOT lounge, and Disney’s expansion to Abu Dhabi!

Theme Park News Highlights:

🎢 Six Flags America closing after 2025 season

🐺 Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge opens May 23, 2025

🌐 EPCOT’s GEO-82 Lounge & Fireworks Experience

🇦🇪 Disneyland Abu Dhabi Resort announced

🐧 SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey drama

🍽 Magic Kingdom’s new dining location: The Beak and Barrel

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