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What if your holidays could be more exciting and unique? Join us in SoundOff episode 44 as we challenge the norms of traditional celebrations like Halloween and Christmas, discussing the potential benefits and hurdles of crafting custom holiday events that truly stand out. Alongside our engaging debate, we share our personal Halloween stories, adding a touch of humor and relatability to the mix. Transitioning to industry news, we delve into recent crowd management issues at Busch Gardens and a surprising dip in Disney park attendance, supported by insightful data from Thrill Data.

Let's unravel the mysteries behind the recent downturn at Disneyland and Disney World, considering factors from inflation to the buzz around Epic Universe. We bring you the latest from the GTI Asia show, where neon crane machines and a shift in the VR market took center stage. Our conversation also spans the consumer video game sector, highlighting Sony's latest PlayStation 5 update and the future trajectory of cloud-based gaming. As Web3 and the metaverse seem to lose their allure, we discuss VR companies' potential pivot towards commercial entertainment, spotlighting the upcoming Smurfs VR free-roaming game and the resurgence of shuffleboard in competitive socializing.

Finally, we dive into the expanding world of competitive socializing venues, focusing on the exciting trends in shuffleboard and electric shuffleboard, with notable expansions by companies like Puttshack. We also explore innovative additions like augmented reality darts and carnival games that elevate guest experiences. The episode wraps up with an exploration of immersive entertainment experiences, strategic expansions, and industry restructuring, including the revival of a 50-year-old bowling site and Area 15’s decision to cancel its Orlando expansion. Tune in to discover how these developments are shaping a more sustainable and dynamic future for the entertainment industry.