Parkcast - The UK’s Original Theme Park Podcast

25 Episodes

Reverse

S2 Ep14: Parkcast 2024 wrapped up - The Best Bits

2024-12-2046:03

And with that the Parkcast 2024 season comes to a close; and we're wrapping up the year with a festive treat! In this special episode, enjoy a bite-sized Christmas buffet-esque selection of highlights from the podcast. Relive some of the best moments with our incredible guests, including John Wardley and Digital Dan. We'll revisit topics like Universal UK, Merlin’s chaotic year and even those crazy enthusiast rumours. If you’ve joined us in 2024 - thank you! We’ll be back in January 2025 park fans

S2 Ep13: Has Merlin lost its magic? With Kip Hakes

2024-12-1301:09:40

It’s been a turbulent year for Merlin Entertainments with their CEO stepping down just a few weeks ago, a challenging theme park season for ride reliability and signs of financial struggles. But with a new Minecraft IP on the horizon and the success of Nemesis Reborn and Hyperia, is it enough to turn things around? In this episode we’re joined by renowned blogger and vlogger Kip Hakes to work out if the magic can be saved or if it’s been lost for good.

S2 Ep12: Rita or Oblivion - You can only save one with Digital Dan

2024-12-0601:01:56

Theme Park Content Creator legend Digital Dan joins us for this week’s episode and we’re putting him on the spot! With news of The Blade’s removal, we’re looking further ahead to the future of some of Alton Towers’ most iconic rollercoasters. But if one had to go - which would he happily lose?! Plus we find out which coaster Dan would say you’ve “just gotta ride”.

S2 Ep11: When enthusiasts go wrong - theme park rumours that were never to be

2024-11-2946:37

We all love a good theme park rumour, especially when they turn out to be true. Sadly the rumours in this week’s episode never came to be. Whether through change in direction, or simply by the fiction of the fan forums, we discuss the rumours around UK parks & potential ideas for new attractions that never came to pass.

S2 Ep10: Disneyland Paris vs Efteling - which should you book?

2024-11-2201:02:30

With the closed season underway in the UK we’re setting our sights abroad for our Winter rollercoaster fix. But when it comes to the ultimate family theme park trip, where should you go - Disneyland Paris or Efteling? Can the fairytale charm of Efteling hold its own against the magic of Disney? We dive into the details and help you decide in this episode!

S2 Ep9: Building the Dream with Planet Coaster 2

2024-11-1536:53

Our favourite theme park creation game is back and better than ever! Planet Coaster 2 was released last week and we're chatting to game director Rich Newbold. He's taking us through all the awesome new features and additions to help you build the theme park of your dreams. We're also asking if those manufacturer names are just coincidental.....

S2 Ep8: Is Drayton Manor the most underrated park in the UK?

2024-11-0801:01:25

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at a park that, just a few years ago, faced an uncertain future. Join us as we explore the attractions that have shaped its history, discuss the positive transformations made since Looping Group took over, and share our predictions for what lies ahead. Spoiler Alert: We don't think it's a Drunken Barrels themed area.....

S2 Ep7: Talking USA with Mark Rosenzweig from 3dx Scenic

2024-11-0136:49

We're back with our favourite enthusiast from across the pond Mark Rosenzweig. As well as being a top level coaster fan, Mark has also worked in the theme park industry for years and is a passionate ambassador for all things ride related. In this episode he talks us through what's new in the US, his current work with scenic installation company 3dx Scenic and how to get into the industry.

S2 Ep6: Who won Halloween 2024?

2024-10-2558:17

As we enter the final week of Spooky Season 2024 we take a look at what theme parks in the UK have had to offer. Apart from offering an amazing opportunity to ride our best rollercoasters in the dark, what worked and what didn’t? And now that Hex has finally reopened, what has dark ride guru Kev got to say about the new experience?

S2 Ep5: Universal UK - it’s finally happening?!

2024-10-1801:13:05

We know, we’ve been here before! But this time it looks like we really might be getting a brand new UK theme park - and Universal at that! Were joined by Lawrence from Universally Bedford who takes us through absolutely EVERYTHING we already know, predictions for the park and the impact it might have on the UK theme park industry.

S2 Ep4: Should Blackpool Pleasure Beach bring back free entry?

2024-10-1148:57

With declining revenues and visitor numbers it it time BPB brought back the “good old days” of free entry? We chat about this and what the future might look like for the park.

S2 Ep3: What is going on at Alton Towers?!

2024-10-0452:28

Poor ride availability, a disappointing Scarefest lineup, food complaints and will Hex ever reopen?! 2024 has been a tricky season for the UK’s biggest theme park - but is there light at the end of the tunnel? We chat about all this and more in this episode.

S2 Ep2: Andy Hine on Rollercoaster Enthusiasm

2024-06-2101:23:39

We're joined by the OG UK enthusiast Andy Hine! We find out how the Rollercoaster Club of Great Britain has literally changed lives, get his thoughts on the enthusiast community in 2024, and ask what he really thinks about RMC-ing the Nash.....

S2 Ep1: John Wardley’s Life After (and before!) Nemesis

2024-05-1701:21:58

We’re back for 2024! Join Bex and new host Kev as we chat to theme park legend John Wardley. From his early days with Chessington, to the Haunted House, Nemesis, Air and beyond! We get his honest thoughts of Nemesis:Reborn and find out what his biggest regret was.

S1 Ep11: Chatting to an American Roller Coaster Enthusiast during lockdown

2020-05-3135:00

We chat to American enthusiast, ride guru and industry insider Mark Rosenzweig about life as a roller coaster fan across the pond. Mark is an experienced industry professional with bucketloads of passion and expertise. We get his thoughts on theme park life after lockdown, and he tells us which roller coaster he thinks is the greatest in the world.

S1 Ep10: Lockdown Edition : Top 10 Rollercoasters

2020-05-2716:21

Whilst we are still unable to enjoy theme parks (in the UK at least) - Alex "The Milkman" Crump continues his Top 25 rollercoaster countdown with his Top 10. We also have general coaster chat with Danny from Theme Park Family and find out why Phantom's Revenge didn't quite make the Top 10.

S1 Ep9: Theme Park Lockdown and Alex's Top 25 rollercoasters

2020-04-2834:16

This is Parkcast: Lockdown Edition! As we can't get to the studio we recorded this special episode over remotely - technology hey?! The parks may all be closed, but we've still got Theme Parks to discuss. We are joined by Danny from Theme Park Family as we muse over what we're missing and Alex starts to countdown his Top 25 coasters.

S1 Ep8: Theme Park Fastracks and Coronavirus

2020-04-1027:51

Alex is joined by Shawn from Theme Park Worldwide for this special episode recorded just before the UK's lockdown. Q jump/fast lane.......everyone has a view on fastrack tickets at theme parks - but should we be using them or do they just create problems that wouldn't exist without them? This podcast was recorded just before the UK's coronavirus lockdown whilst the parks were still open and all information was correct at the time of recording.

S1 Ep7: Winter Theme Park Visits

2020-01-2538:33

We take a trip to Europe for some out of season rollercoaster action. With Phantasialand and Efteling on our list, do they live up to expectations? And is it worth taking a trip abroad for a Winter Theme Park fix? Plus the latest news from around the parks.

S1 Ep6: Parkcast Episode 6

2019-10-0931:19

Theme Park Halloween Season is upon us! One of our favourite times of year to visit parks. And when Blackpool Pleasure Beach said they were planning a new experience for 2019, it would have been rude not to check it out for you. In this Episode you can find out exactly what they've got in store, and find out what we make of it. Plus Shawn from Theme Park Worldwide pops up from the back seat (which is not as weird as it sounds......)

#box-pro-ellipsis-173540814648285{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Parkcast - The UK’s Original Theme Park Podcast

Parkcast - The UK’s Original Theme Park Podcast