Welcome to Episode 245 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast!Tom is joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) for a jam-packed episode featuring a fiery week of theme park news — literally! From Universal’s Rip Ride Rockit catching fire during demolition to Disney’s latest ticket price hikes, we cover every spark, shock, and surprise across the parks.Then, Tom breaks down his California weekend getaway, with stops at Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, and a full day at Disneyland that included Oogie Boogie Bash, 20 attractions, 8 Lightning Lanes, and a breakfast chimichanga that might just top Dole Whip.📰 News Rundown Includes:Busch Gardens Tampa: Iron Gwazi locker crackdown (paid lockers now enforced)Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Guest climbs Tempesto coaster (and gets arrested)Icon Park: 100,000 sq. ft. expansion with new Arte Museum coming in 2027Disney Parks: Ticket price increases, PhilharMagic refurbishment, virtual queue returnGordon Ramsay at The Carnaby coming to Downtown DisneyMuppets takeover of Rock ’n Roller Coaster confirmed for 2026Haunted Mansion guest incident at DisneylandUniversal Orlando: Rip Ride Rockit fire during demolitionStardust Racers reopens after safety investigationEpic Universe teases Christmas events in Celestial Park and Wizarding WorldBanana Ball coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports (May 29–30, 2026)✈️ Tom’s California WeekendStayed at Whiskey Hotel Hollywood and The Anaheim HotelLunch at Seaside on the Pier, Bloody Marys & bottomless mimosasExplored Santa Monica, Hollywood & Disneyland (20 attractions in one day!)Total cost: $2,425.55🎢 A perfect mix of sunshine, churros, coasters, and chaos!
In Episode 244 of the VacationScares Podcast, Taxidermied Tom welcomes Decapitated Dave and Cadaver Kris from Adventures By D for a glowing good time! They kick things off with Wild Adventures Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival before diving into Tom’s coast-to-coast Disney Halloween trip report.Tom recounts his visits to both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure—then puts them head-to-head in a Halloween showdown. Which Disney party wins: East Coast nostalgia or West Coast villainy?🕷️ Watch Adventures By D on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresByD 🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: https://amzn.to/4kMk06e 🎃 Visit: https://vacationeerspodcast.com
In Episode 243 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom covers a wild mix of theme park news and personal adventures.News highlights include:The bizarre scuba-style robbery at Disney Springs’ PaddlefishA tragic death and lawsuits tied to Epic Universe’s Stardust RacersGlenwood Caverns’ $205M “nuclear verdict” over the Haunted Mine DropMajor new attractions: SeaWorld Orlando’s SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, Legoland’s Galacticoaster, Six Flags Over Texas’ record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run, Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition, and Universal’s Jurassic Park River Adventure refurbSesame Place San Diego shifting to seasonal opsPlus, Tom shares trip reports:Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (tent mishaps, golf cart fun, and eating big at Trail’s End)Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort (cabana rental, resort fee perks, rainy weekend, and Pier 60 livestream during the Verizon outage)And don’t miss what’s really included in those resort fees — from yoga to bottled water.🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: RIP Ride Rockit Tee | Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In Episode 242 of the VacationeersScares Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) for a jam-packed Halloween recap. Tom dives into his latest experiences at Halloween Horror Nights, including Stay & Scream, food booths, and shows like Nightmare Fuel and Haunt-O-Phonic. He also shares his impressions of Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park with its unique interactive houses, Zombie Paintball, and standout interactive haunts. They also head to LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat, complete with trick-or-treating, meet & greets, and the Monster Skytacular drone show—plus the big announcement of the new Galacticoaster family indoor coaster opening in 2026.
In Episode 241 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self to cover the latest theme park news and more. They break down all the big updates from Disney Parks, including Cinderella Castle’s return to its classic colors, the new Tron: Ares overlay, and the long-awaited Carousel of Progress update. They also go over closures coming to Animal Kingdom, including Dinosaur’s official end date.The panel reviews the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, where Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe dominated, Volcano Bay finally toppled Schlitterbahn’s 26-year reign, and Carowinds’ Fury 325 and Knoebels’ Phoenix kept their winning streaks alive.Beyond the news, Tom shares his experience dining at the Beak & Barrel Tavern at Magic Kingdom, while Jon dishes on EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, including the items you might want to avoid this year.🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: RIP Ride Rockit Tee | Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
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 TeeScaredy Cat Halloween ShirtGraveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeI Came for the Boos (Disney)Follow & Support:Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and MoreTwitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelfInstagram: @vacationeerspodcastSo 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 TeeScaredy Cat Halloween ShirtGraveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeI Came for the Boos (Disney)Follow & Support:Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and MoreTwitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelfInstagram: @vacationeerspodcastSo 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 TeeGraveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit TeeScaredy Cat Halloween ShirtI 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 closureSix Flags introducing haunted house upcharges for Halloween eventsUnited Parks Q2 earnings & how Epic Universe is boosting Orlando tourismSix Flags cutting 2026 capital spending & the uncertain future of the Snoopy licenseDisney’s Q3 earnings with a massive jump in theme park incomeDisney Destiny cruise ship float-out and Magic Kingdom’s new Beak and Barrel pirate pubThen, 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.
In Episode 236 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon break down a week packed with theme park news and adventures! Six Flags parks are canceling their holiday events, Michigan’s Adventure shortens its season, and ICON Park’s Blue Man Group theater finally resumes construction. Tom also spotlights major updates for Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream—including the all-new M.A.R.S. haunted house—and Disney’s big changes at Hollywood Studios and water parks.Then, join Tom for a full Universal Orlando staycation recap! From scoring cheap beers in Old Town and beach time at Honeymoon Island to splurging on Royal Pacific Resort and exploring Epic Universe, every detail is here—including Express Pass strategies, the latest on Epic’s attractions, and pro tips for navigating early entry crowds.Plus: parade premieres, Voodoo Donut reviews, haunted house announcements, and what’s new at Halloween Horror Nights.Don’t miss this episode for your essential theme park fix and firsthand trip reports!🛒 Vacationeers Merch:RIP Ride Rockit TeeGraveyard 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/4kMk06eSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In Episode 234 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, host Tom is joined by special guest Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) to dive into the latest thrills and chills from the theme park world! The duo discusses the big announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed coming to Chicago in 2027, exciting updates from Magic Kingdom—including the reopening of Hall of Presidents and Astro Orbiter, and a touching new verse debuting in "It’s a Small World."Tom and Jon also cover refurbishments at Buzz Lightyear and Spaceship Earth, the lineup for EPCOT’s Eat To the Beat Concert Series, and exclusive insights from Tom's experience on Test Track 3.0. Plus, get ready for the frightful fun with announcements from Halloween Horror Nights Orlando—including houses like "Grave of Flesh," "Dolls Let’s Play Dead," "GalKN - Monsters of the North," and the gruesome "Terrifier." They also share the latest house reveals for SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s spooky return of Stranglewood Estate.Closing out with food reviews from Yuengling Draft Haus in Downtown Tampa and insights into Jon's SeaWorld Platinum passes value, this episode is packed with updates you won't want to miss!🔗 Follow & Support:Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and MoreTwitter: @VacationeerTom, @pastorJonSelfInstagram: @vacationeerspodcast🎥 Check out the latest YouTube videos:Disney’s Character Warehouse (Outlet)San Juan VlogsYuengling Draft HausCabana Bay Beach Resort Tour🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit merch on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FVd1cfDon’t forget to leave a positive review on iTunes!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/3FVd1cfSo 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 AdventureUniversal Studios Hollywood (Toadstool Café, Grad Night chaos & more!)Academy Museum, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Madame TussaudsKnott’s Berry Farm’s legendary chicken dinnerShopping, 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 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/VacationeerTom 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/🎧 Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app!🛍️ Grab our Rip Ride Rockit shirt here: https://amzn.to/3FCEWxxThanks 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 TalesA wild trip to Richmond: SunPass mishaps, AC woes, and ArepasAC/DC concert in Tampa + the “Highway to Hell” (I-4 edition)Mini golf at Disney’s Winter SummerlandElena’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 GwaziRevenge of the Mummy vs. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindManta vs. Flight of Passage ...and many more!📺 On YouTube Don’t miss our recent vlogs and livestreams:Disney’s Character WarehouseSan Juan VlogsYuengling Draft HausCabana Bay Beach Resort Tour 🕖 Livestreams every Wednesday at 7 PM ET!📱 Follow & Support UsRock your own Rip Ride Rockit gear via our Amazon affiliate link: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerchWebsite: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTomTwitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertomFollow Jon: https://twitter.com/pastorjonselfYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 📧 Contact: vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com🎙️ 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 BarrelFollow & Support Us: Rip Ride Rockit Tee: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerch Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom Follow Jon: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 📧 Contact: vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, Tom and Jon both talk about visiting Universal’s Epic Universe. Tom also discusses staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to get early entry. Rip Ride Rockit Tee Link: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerchFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonselfWebsite: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2JTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTomTwitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertomYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcastContact the show at vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com.
In this episode, Tom and Jon talk about Jon’s first visit to Universal’s Epic Universe. They start out by chatting about a big announcement from Tom and then his recent visit to Disney Springs. Rip Ride Rockit Tee Link: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerchFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonselfWebsite: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2JTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTomTwitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertomYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcastContact the show at vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com.
In this episode, Tom and Dave from Adventures by D talk about Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort news. Then Dave outlines some of his Memorial Day week’s California vacation. Rip Ride Rockit Tee Link: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerchFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonselfWebsite: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2JTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTomTwitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertomYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcastContact the show at vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com.