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On this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom welcomes back Ian for a coaster-packed conversation as they each rank their top 10 roller coasters they’ve ridden. With Tom’s coaster count at 229 and Ian’s at 206, there is plenty of track record behind these rankings. Along the way, they also give some love to their honorable mentions and call out a few rides that landed on their least favorite coaster lists. From elite airtime machines to rides that just did not do it for us, this is a fun, opinion-filled episode for coaster fans who love rankings, hot takes, and a little chaos. Whose list is better? Which coasters made the cut? And which rides got absolutely no mercy? Listen now and see where your favorites stack up against ours. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ 🌐 Visit our website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ 📸 Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast 🐦 Follow Tom on X: https://x.com/vacationeertom 📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Whether you agree with our rankings or think we completely lost the plot somewhere around steel, wood, or launch coasters, let us know your top 10. So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

Welcome to Episode 260 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast! This week, Tom and Jon cover personal updates, theme park news, the latest Halloween Horror Nights speculation map, and a listener-driven main topic built around Chris’s Orlando vacation planning questions. In The Queue, Jon talks about breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace, Tom talks about Easter weekend at the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, another visit to 3 Daughters Brewing Clearwater Beach, a stay at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, and seeing Helloween at House of Blues. In the news, the guys discuss the passing of Buddy the Gator at Gatorland, changes coming to SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey, CityWalk updates at Universal Orlando, the return of free beer at SeaWorld, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopening, and the latest timing for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In the Rumor Report, Tom and Jon discuss the latest Halloween Horror Nights speculation map and what it could mean for this year’s event. Then in the main topic, Tom breaks down a long list of practical vacation-planning questions from listener Chris, including SeaWorld hotel perks, Quick Queue strategy, All-Day Dining timing, Aquatica logistics, ticket rules, Universal hotel strategy, Gatorland discounts, and more. It’s a useful discussion not just for Chris, but for anyone trying to plan a smoother Orlando theme park vacation. Whether you’re plotting your rope drop, planning your first meal, decoding HHN rumors, or just trying not to get soaked on Journey to Atlantis, this episode is packed with practical tips and current updates. Listen now and keep making memories.

On this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon are back to break down the latest theme park news and talk about food, coasters, and a whole lot more. Jon shares his experience visiting SeaWorld San Antonio and trying the All-Day Dining, including what he ate, how the value compared, and whether it is worth it. We also cover: United Parks’ two current lawsuitsHalloween Horror Nights 35 MegaCon announcementsHHN 35 tickets now on saleStardust Racers reopening early at Epic UniverseBuzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin previews at Walt Disney WorldPlus, in The Queue, Tom talks about a Disney Springs visit with a $5 happy hour draft at Stargazers, Earl of Sandwich, Summer House on the Lake cookies, Disney resort Easter eggs, and another disappointing BoardWalk Pizza experience. If you love theme parks, food reviews, trip planning, and keeping up with all the latest Orlando-area news, this episode is for you. Listen now and keep making memories!

On Episode 258 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon are back to talk theme park news, Orlando happenings, and what they’ve been up to lately. In the news, Butterbeer Season has officially arrived at Universal Orlando with new treats across the Wizarding World, Waymo self-driving robotaxis are now operating in Orlando, and Six Flags has confirmed the sale of seven parks to EPR Properties in a major shakeup for the industry. We also hit The Queue, including a rough Manta situation at SeaWorld Orlando, a packed outlet and SeaWorld visit that sent us to Aquatica instead, our 2026 Disney Springs Happy Hour Crawl, and a visit to Blizzard Beach and Winter Summerland Mini Golf. Then we dive into our main topics: Busch Gardens Tampa Food, Wine & Flowers Festival and EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Plus, the Rumor Report returns. In this episode:Butterbeer Season begins at Universal OrlandoSix Flags sells seven parks to EPR PropertiesWaymo robotaxis launch in OrlandoSeaWorld Orlando Manta incidentDisney Springs Happy Hour CrawlBlizzard Beach & Winter Summerland Mini GolfBusch Gardens Tampa Food, Wine & Flowers FestivalEPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalRumors of more Vekoma at SeaWorld OrlandoSubscribe for more theme park podcasts, livestreams, vlogs, and Orlando area coverage. Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast X: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 257 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is flying solo after a technical glitch forced a full re-record — because sometimes the show must go on. This week we dive into major theme park industry updates and some real-world experiences: 🦈 Barracuda Strike gets its official opening date at SeaWorld San Antonio 🎸 A Luke Combs “Category 10” country bar is coming to Universal CityWalk 📉 Six Flags reports disappointing 2025 earnings — what went wrong? ✈️ Dollywood teams up with Allegiant for a themed “Flight #925” fan experience 🚇 The Boring Company is selected for a proposed underground transit system connecting Universal CityWalk and Epic Universe Plus: A stay at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Victory Casino Cruise on Valentine’s Day Responding to a viewer comment about off-plan dining options at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld The theme park world is evolving — bigger experiences, bigger risks, and bigger competition in Orlando and beyond. Listen in and let’s break it all down.

🎢 Welcome to Episode 256 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast! This week we’re diving into festival season in Florida — from SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival (including sampler card value + my personal “winners and misses”), to Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras (food booths, tribute store love, and parade observations), and a full rundown of our day at the Florida State Fair in Tampa (pigs, corgis, circus, and some very “atmosFAIR” food). 📰 News Roundup Busch Gardens Tampa: Cheetah Hunt is back openUniversal Orlando: Volcano Bay goes cashless on Feb 25 + Annual Pass promo (3 extra months)Disney: Josh D’Amaro CEO transition details + water park schedule updateDisney: New Disney Inspire Credit Card (we discuss what’s new and why it matters)Six Flags: Gold Pass/Membership Regional Park Access (4-region model)🎯 Main Topics SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival (Jan 30 – May 17 on select days)Universal Orlando Mardi Gras (Feb 7 – Apr 4, daily)Florida State Fair Tampa (Feb 5 – Feb 16)🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform 🌐 Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 🐦 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom  So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

Tom and Jon are back with Episode 255 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast — and we’ve got a packed show with updates, rumors, festival talk, and a Halloween survey from United Parks for some intrigue. News we cover: Universal Orlando Resort announces Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (plus what it means for Fast & Furious: Supercharged)Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval concert lineup revealedRevenge of the Mummy incident update (medical examiner findings + attorney Ben Crump involvement)Missed last episode: the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! boulder incident at Disney's Hollywood StudiosDisney Skyliner closure window + other Walt Disney World Resort updates (including Cinderella Castle show adjustments)Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup drop at EPCOTHarambe Market reopening menu, plus Gideon's Bakehouse expanding with Six RavensSeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas concerts + Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Mardi Gras datesDevelopment Watch: Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks filed plans near the Disney areaRumor Report: Pokémon at Universal (global partnership is real — Orlando location is the speculation)Supercharged replacement guesses Main topics: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts thoughts Full recap of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Mardi Gras weekend: Serengeti Safari, food samples, Springs Taproom, and yes… the “lost lanyard” saga.More from Vacationeers: https://vacationeerspodcast.com Follow Tom: X/Twitter: @vacationeertom | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 254, Tom is joined by Jon, Dave, and Kris for a full 2025 stats breakdown—YouTube performance, podcast numbers, park visit tracking, ride counts, and the takeaways your data is screaming at you. Plus: Disney Springs news, a Disney+ arbitration controversy update, a Universal Epic Universe incident making headlines, SeaWorld’s “duck lawsuit” dismissal, Disney summer deals, and Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 park-by-park.

Welcome to Episode 253 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast — and our first episode of 2026. After a short break from the news desk, Tom and Jon are back with a packed episode covering major industry headlines, park changes, Disney announcements, and a full Rumor Report segment where the fog rolls in and the fact-checking clocks out. In this episode, we discuss the passing of SeaWorld Orlando’s killer whale Katina and former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto, major IP news as Sony acquires control of the Peanuts brand, attraction updates across Florida parks, Disney’s newly released 2026 calendar, ticket deals, and a mountain of announcements from Walt Disney World. Plus, we dive headfirst into rumors, including potential changes coming to Busch Gardens Tampa, Universal Orlando rumors, and early speculation surrounding Halloween Horror Nights 2026, including rumored houses, scare zones, and live entertainment changes. Proceed with caution — this episode covers facts and speculation.

It’s the final VacationCheers episode of the season and the last podcast of 2025, so naturally we went big. In Episode 252, Tasseled Tom is joined by Caroling Kris for a holiday-packed rundown featuring a Tennessee Christmas weekend, festive theme parks, concerts, and haunted holidays. We kick things off with a Christmas-filled trip to Pigeon Forge, including our stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge on the Parkway, dining mishaps (and wins) at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and festive fun at Anakeesta during Enchanted Christmas. From there, it’s all aboard for Dollywood and their iconic Smoky Mountain Christmas. We talk about rides, shows, lights everywhere and first-time reactions to Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier. We also touch on: • Wild Adventures Theme Park – Christmas Wild & Bright • Red Vein Haunted Christmas with Ian • Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday magic with Joanna Along the way, there are injuries, veteran discounts, hot cocoa economics, percussion appreciation, and a few classic Vacationeers side quests. We close out the episode—and the year—by saying thank you for the support in 2025 and looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026.

Central Florida goes full sleigh-bell chaos, and we’re here to break it all down. In Episode 251 of the VacationCheers Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon as they kick things off with Jon’s firsthand experience at Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida, before diving headfirst into the heavy hitters: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, and Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. From LEGOLAND’s family-friendly seasonal fun to millions of lights, ice shows, sampler cards, Grinch sightings, wizarding holiday magic, and Macy’s-style parades, we cover: What each event offersWhen they runWhat’s included vs. up-chargeAnd what’s actually worth your time (and money)Whether you’re planning a holiday park crawl or just want to soak in the festive chaos from your couch, this episode has you covered. 🎄 Bring the cocoa 🎢 Watch the wait times 🎟️ Never lose your sampler card

Episode 250 is here — and it’s time to take a victory lap. In this milestone episode of Vacationeers Theme Parks & More, we celebrate 250 episodes by breaking down the podcast by the numbers. From the most-discussed parks and seasonal spin-offs to co-host appearances, episode lengths, and how the show has evolved since Episode 1 in 2017, this episode is all about the journey. We look back at the early days, the rise of VacationScares and VacationCheers, the growth into longer-form discussions, and the incredible friends who’ve joined us along the way. Whether you’ve been listening since the beginning or just hopped on the ride recently, Episode 250 is a celebration of theme parks, travel, and the memories we’ve made together. Thanks for being part of it — here’s to the next 250. ⏱️ Episode DetailsEpisode Number: 250Podcast: Vacationeers Theme Parks & MoreRelease Date: December 1, 2025Length: 45:06Host: TomCo-Host(s): Ian, Dave & Kris📌 Topics Covered250 episodes of Vacationeers historyPodcast stats and milestonesCo-host Hall of FameMost-covered parks and destinationsVacationScares & VacationCheers evolutionHow the show has changed over timeLooking ahead to the future of the podcast🎧 Where to Listen🎙️ Podcast available on all major platforms 📺 YouTube (audio version): https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 📩 Contact the show: [email protected] 🧠 Episode 250 “By the Numbers” Highlights(Great to include in show notes or on your website) 250 episodes released since 2017Average release cadence: ~12 daysTotal runtime: 271+ hours (over 11 days of audio)VacationScares episodes: 30VacationCheers episodes: 15Only one solo episode ever: Episode 217🏰 Most-Covered DestinationsUniversal OrlandoBusch Gardens WilliamsburgWalt Disney WorldSeaWorld OrlandoBusch Gardens TampaCruises & travel adventures

Welcome to Episode 249 of the VacationCheers Podcast! I’m your jolly host, Twinkly Tom, joined by Christmas Kris, and today we’re diving face-first into Florida’s holiday trifecta: ❄ Now Snowing at Celebration 🎄 Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios 🧊 ICE! at Gaylord Palms We break down the atmosphere, entertainment, food, surprises, and all the cozy-chaotic fun each of these holiday events brings to Central Florida. Whether you’re hunting for snowfall in 70-degree weather or freezing your mittens off inside a 9-degree ice cavern, there’s something magical waiting for you. 🔥 Related Vlogs You Shouldn’t Miss: • This year's ICE!: https://youtu.be/A-fnDvlrUGU • Jollywood Nights Opening Night Vlog: https://youtu.be/Q3bXcJrYUlg • Last year’s ICE! (for comparison): https://youtu.be/7pgQisZFatY 📺 Latest from Vacationeers YouTube Livestreams every Wednesday at 7 PM on the Vacationeers YouTube Channel! 🛒 New Merch on Amazon: Rip Ride Rockit Tee Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt Graveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Tee I Came for the Boos (Disney inspired) 🔗 Follow & Support Us Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ If you enjoy the show, please leave a positive review on iTunes—it helps the holiday spirits find us faster!

🎢 Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast – Episode 248 Disney just debuted Zootopia: Better ZOOgether inside Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug, and we’ve got thoughts — including Tom’s favorite part! We also talk: 🦅 Soarin’ Across America (new version coming Summer 2026) 🐭 Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure returning in 2D 🎭 Six Flags’ DC Heroes Fest replacing Holiday in the Park 🎢 Universal Orlando’s Finnegan’s refurb 🎠 Silverwood’s acquisition by Herschend 🌏 Global news: PokéPark KANTO, Infinity Planet Project   🥐 Plus: Tom reviews the Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France at EPCOT — bottomless mimosas, buttery croissants, and all. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔗 vacationeerspodcast.com 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vacationeerspodcast 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom  ☀️ So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In the final VacationScares Podcast of 2025, Tom is joined by his skeleton crew of Jittery Jon, Deceased Dave, and Cremated Kris as they descend upon Atlanta for a triple-dose of terror! From the blood-soaked brilliance of Netherworld Haunted House, to the screams of Six Flags Over Georgia’s Fright Fest, to a rush of RMC airtime at Fun Spot America Atlanta—the crew breaks it all down. They share every scream, scare, and coaster count (including Tom’s 227th!), plus Jon recounts his own Halloween Horror Nights experience from Orlando. It’s an episode packed with haunted thrills, theme park chills, and plenty of laughs from beyond the grave. 🕷️ Recent YouTube Vlogs: Haunted Mansion Holiday • Monster Stomp on Ripper Row • Total Terror Haunted Attraction • Oogie Boogie Bash • Howl-O-Sprint 5K • Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party • Brick or Treat • Scream-A-Geddon • Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar • HHN Premium Scream Night 💀 Subscribe & Support: Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More Twitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelf Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast Website: vacationeerspodcast.com 👕 Shop the Merch: 🛒 Rip Ride Rockit Tee 🛒 Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt 🛒 Graveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Tee 🛒 I Came for the Boos – Disney Inspired 🎢 Locations Featured: Fun Spot America Atlanta • Netherworld Haunted House • Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest 🧟‍♂️ Until next Halloween season, keep having nightmares.