Vacationeers Theme Parks & More

In the continuing VacationScares saga, Tom and Jon discuss their opening weekend visits to both SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream. 

🛒 Merch:

• Rip Ride Rockit Tee
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• Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt
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• Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee
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• I Came for the Boos (Disney)

Follow & Support:

• Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More
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• Twitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelf
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• Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast
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So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

The first VacationScares episode of the 2025 season is here! Tom is joined by Kris and Dave from the Adventures by D YouTube channel, along with Jon Self, to break down everything from Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025.

We start with Premium Scream Night—Tom gives his unfiltered opinion on whether it lived up to last year’s high bar. Then Dave and Kris share their opening weekend experience, including using Express Pass and Stay & Scream, while Jon adds his own perspective on this year’s event.

Finally, we dig into the house rankings, comparing notes on what worked, what disappointed, and which houses absolutely terrified us.

🎬 Watch our HHN Premium Scream Night vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKmfJgjev8

📖 Read the full blog: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/2025/09/01/did-hhn-premium-scream-night-2025-live-up-to-the-hype/

🎥 Check out Adventures by D: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyD

🛒 Merch:

• Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt
• Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• I Came for the Boos (Disney)

Follow & Support:

• Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More
• Twitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelf
• Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast

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

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.

🛒 Get your Vacationeers gear:

• Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• Graveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt
• I Came for the Boos (Disney)

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!

👕 Support the show:

Rip Ride Rockit Tee #1 – https://amzn.to/4kMk06e

Rip Ride Rockit Tee #2 – https://amzn.to/4kMk06e

Scaredy Cat Tee – https://amzn.to/4kMk06e

🎃 New! Check out our VacationScares page for all our Halloween coverage:

https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationscares

🔗 Follow us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/

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

🛒 Vacationeers Merch:

RIP Ride Rockit Tee

Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee

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.

🎥 Latest YouTube Videos: Disney’s Character Warehouse, San Juan Vlogs, Yuengling Draft Haus, Cabana Bay Beach Resort Tour

🔗 Follow us: Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More | Twitter: @VacationeerTom @pastorJonSelf | Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast

🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit merch on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kMk06e

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.

 🔗 Follow us: Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More | Twitter: @VacationeerTom @pastorJonSelf | Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast

🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit merch on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FVd1cf

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.

🛍️ Grab our Rip Ride Rockit shirt here: https://amzn.to/3FVd1cf

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

🎥 Watch more from Adventures By D:

https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresByD

👉 Subscribe & Follow Us!

🌐 Website: https://www.vacationeerspodcast.com

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast

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🎧 Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app!

🛍️ Grab our Rip Ride Rockit shirt here: https://amzn.to/3FCEWxx

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