Afleveringen
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"The Great Reset," Six Flags' new strategic plan, aims to reach 58 million in annual attendance and $3.8 billion in revenue by 2028. The 88-slide presentation boils down to one thing: a better product makes more money. The plan gives concrete examples of what industry professionals have known for decadesâimproving the guest experience means guests will want to come back and spend more, convert to annual passes, bring their friends, and grow market penetration. And Six Flags has laid out an excellent plan, complete with benchmarks, examples, and research. But - can the newly merged mega-chain deliver? It sounds simple, but executing doesn't always work out. Plus: why Falconâs Beyond buying Oceaneering tips the turnkey arms race, and what IAAPAâs board thinks about staffing, storms, and tariffs. Tune inâthen catch the gloves-off debate in Green Tagged Unhinged on Patreon.
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Disneyâs stock jumped 7 % after a blockbuster Q2â streaming gained a million subs, Thunderbolts opened #1 worldwide, domestic park profit climbed 13 %, and Bob Iger unveiled the first âauthentically Disney, distinctly Emiratiâ Disney park on Abu Dhabiâs Yas Island. Philip and Scott unpack why Disney is leaning into the parks (finally), Disney's new quality-over-quantity pledge, and debate whether the glowing numbers are a trailing indicator before tariffs, weather, and China headwinds bite; and examine how licensing to Miral lets Disney tap 500 million potential guests without spending a dime of cap-ex. Plus, Scott shares on-the-ground LGBTQ insights from living in the UAEâand what other operators can learn from Disneyâs risk calculus. Hear the Six Flags and United Parks earnings showdown (and Chicagoâs new Harry Potter retail-tainment) in this weekâs Unhinged on Patreon.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Six Flags/Cedar Fairâs first post-merger casualty is Six Flags America, erasing 70 full-time and 700 seasonal jobs and $3.5 million in local tax revenueâfreeing capital for âmarqueeâ investments elsewhere. At the same time, Marriottâs Gaylord resorts are turning their glass atriums into mini-comic-cons with a DC-branded summer slate, headlined by a 17,500-sq-ft lantern trail of 24-ft heroes, to lure families who might skip a theme-park trip. Philip and Scott ask whether strategic portfolio pruning and shoulder-season IP pivots are the new survival play as rising rates have already killed Sacramentoâs planned $300 million Elk Grove zoo. Listen for the implicationsâand catch the gloves-off bonus chat on Patreon.
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Universal Studios Hollywood is stress-testing a brand-new revenue season with Fan Fest Nightsâ12 evenings of Comic-Con-meets-HHN running April 25-May 18th from 7 p.m.â2 a.m. Tickets range from $74-$84, and the event is anchored by a 45-minute Back to the Future immersive experience on the actual Courthouse Square backlot. By leaning into nostalgia, the Universal team has created a masterfully written, one-of-a-kind immersive theatre experience for BTTF. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, proving that Fan Festâs format has legs; the question for 2026 is whether Universal will rebalance resources toward the bigger, younger fandoms that clearly showed up this year, and whether they have permanently hamstrung this event. Listen to our bonus episodes on Patreon.
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Cord-cutting continues to threaten Comcast, but it sees hope in its theme parks. As 200,000 broadband subscribers abandon Comcast in a single quarter, the company is aggressively pivoting toward theme parks despite them representing just 6.3% of current revenue. With $5 billion in free cash flow, Universal is simultaneously launching Epic Universe while developing Horror Unleashed in Vegas and planning new attractions in Texas and the UKâa diversification strategy that Disney, constrained by debt and market scrutiny, cannot match. Can the theme parks and media divisions grow fast enough, or is management selling an optimistically stable storyline? We explore how Universal aims to deliver Disney-level quality at broader accessibility and whether it can weather potential tourism challenges. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon
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In this first audio edition of Green Tagged Insights, Philip reads the inaugural newsletter analyzing what he calls "The Uncertainty Epidemic" affecting the attractions industry. With economic uncertainty now higher than during COVID and consumer confidence plummeting, hear how industry leaders are responding through strategic diversification. The episode explores Universal's multi-faceted approach with their UK expansion, United Airlines' barbell strategy revealing shifting tourism patterns, and what attractions of all sizes can learn from these examples. Philip also covers Merlin's entertainment outsourcing partnership with RWS, Disney's Paris expansion plans, and Sphere's content strategy - all presented in a straightforward, analysis-focused format that complements the main podcast.
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Travel patterns are changing. United Airlines' latest earnings reveal a strategic pivot as they prepare for two economic scenarios in 2025, cutting domestic flight capacity by 4% while seeing surges in both premium and budget travelers â but not the middle market. This "barbell demand" mirrors what's happening across the attractions industry, where guests increasingly choose either high-end experiences or budget options. This week, we examine whether regional parks should prioritize local audiences as flight routes decline. Additionally, Merlin confirms its partnership with RWS Global as their entertainment partner â is outsourcing creative talent the new economic reality for operators navigating uncertain waters? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
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Universal's newly announced UK theme park isn't just another expansionâit's a strategic economic revitalization plan positioned to transform Britain's post-Brexit economy. We analyze how this 476-acre project near London promises 8.5 million first-year visitors, 28,000 jobs, and a ÂŁ50 billion economic impact by 2055. Scott and Philip explore why Universal's diversification strategyâbalancing global location risk while expanding into kid-friendly, adult-horror, and now European marketsârepresents smart portfolio planning that mirrors current financial advice to balance US and international investments. Plus, we examine how Universal's IP-driven approach will differentiate it from Puy du Fou's cultural focus and potentially challenge Merlin's regional dominance. Is this massive project the vote of confidence Britain needs to overcome Brexit's tourism impact? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
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In this bonus episode, we present the complete remarks from Massimiliano Freddi, IAAPA Chair of the Board and Wonderwood CEO, recorded at the IAAPA North America Summit. Hear Freddi’s powerful perspective on why attractions should become catalysts for true social connection—from countering phone addiction to designing transformative guest experiences. Tune in to discover new insights on how parks can foster genuine togetherness in a fast-paced, digital world.
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Go behind the scenes at Disney with exclusive takeaways from IAAPA's North America Summit 2025 at Disneyland Resort! Philip shares first-hand insights from Disney executives on the thoughtful redesign of Toontown and how small, intentional changes create significant guest experience improvements. Discover how Disney balances operational necessities with guest comfort through innovative solutions - from stroller parking zones to decompression spaces to mixed-and-match cast costumes that enhance storytelling. We explore why seemingly simple elements like tables, chairs, and even non-flat grassy areas faced resistance yet proved crucial for guest satisfaction. Scott provides industry context to these practices, making these high-level insights applicable to attractions of all sizes. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
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International tourism to the US is projected to decline by at least 5% this year instead of the expected 9% growth, threatening a $72 billion reduction in total travel spending. We analyze the factors behind this dramatic shiftâfrom policy changes to negative media coverageâand explore how theme parks are responding. Disney's strategic summer announcements following Universal's Epic Universe opening suggest industry collaboration as parks work to make visiting the US "worth the hassle." Will these efforts be enough to overcome damaged international perceptions? Plus, we examine which destinations might benefit from America's branding crisis and whether the impact could extend through the 2028 Olympics. Listen to this week's episode for essential insights on navigating tourism's uncertain future.
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This week we analyze Herschend's strategic acquisition of Palace Entertainment's U.S. properties, potentially establishing them as a major third-place challenger in the theme park industry. Unlike the public Six Flags-Cedar Fair merger, this private company acquisition brings a different approachâemphasizing people-first culture, regional park identity, and quality entertainment experiences. With annual visitors projected to reach 20 million, Herschend is positioning itself alongside industry giants while maintaining its commitment to employee development and local communities. Plus, we explore Disney's new velvet rope experiences: an adults-only lounge in Epcot and a third exclusive DVC member retreat. Is consolidation the future of themed entertainment, or does Herschend's regional focus offer a different path forward? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
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This week Philip shares key insights from the Themed Entertainment Association's Inspire Week and Leadership Forum. Amid tariff concerns and market volatility, we explore how Universal is strategically diversifying its entertainment portfolio. From a year-round horror experience in Las Vegas to fan-focused pop-up festivals and a family-centric local approach in Texas, Universal is placing calculated bets across multiple markets. Discover the inside details on Universal Horror Unleashed, FanFest Nights, Universal Kids Resort, and why "don't panic, just pivot" has become the industry's survival mantra in 2025's unpredictable economic landscape. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our patreon.
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Six Flags reported a $206 million net loss for 2024—but investors are cautiously optimistic. Meanwhile, United Parks is blaming hurricanes for its flat revenue and attendance, but is it really the weather, or is there a deeper issue? This week, we break down earnings reports from Six Flags and United Parks, analyzing the good, the bad, and the uncertain. Six Flags is growing attendance and spending, but merger costs, debt, and operating expenses are eating into profits. Meanwhile, United Parks is downplaying Epic Universe’s impact—but with no major IP announcements and vague growth plans, analysts aren’t convinced.
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Universalâs Horror Unleashed is officially opening in Las Vegas on August 14thâbut will it succeed? Meanwhile, Chinaâs tourism industry is rebounding, with the government aggressively fueling growth through investments, policy changes, and new attractions. This week, we break down Horror Unleashedâs opening details, including ticket pricing and what guests can expect. But with a challenging location at AREA15 and IPs that feel familiar rather than fresh, we discuss whether Universalâs year-round haunt is built for long-term success. Then, we shift focus to Chinaâs massive tourism revivalâincluding record-breaking attendance at Harbinâs Ice Festival, Hong Kongâs visitor rebound, and Warner Bros. bringing a Harry Potter Studio Tour to Shanghai. What does this mean for global theme park trends? And is China reclaiming its status as the next big market for attractions? Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly BONUS Episodes.
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Come with us to IAAPA's Middle East Trade Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This episode is presented as a series of diaries over the course of three days, so you can hear our reactions in real-time to Qiddiya City and BLVD World.
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Tokyo Disney Resort is thriving with Fantasy Springs and seasonal events driving record-breaking revenue, while Universal Studios Hollywood is experimenting with a bold new event: Fan Fest Nights.This week, we break down Oriental Land Companyâs latest earnings, revealing how Fantasy Springs and seasonal activations like Halloween helped boost attendance and spendingâwhile also creating operational challenges. Then, we dive into Universalâs Fan Fest Nights, which blends pop-up experiences, immersive LARPing, and haunt-style walkthroughs to test new event formats. What does this mean for the future of park events? And will Universalâs experimental approach lead to year-round second gates? Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes.
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Is Disneyâs success unstoppable? Despite rising ticket prices, hurricanes disrupting domestic parks, and the looming Epic Universe, Disney still delivered strong earnings. This week, we dive into Disneyâs Q1 FY25 earnings to explore how robust international attendance propped up U.S. shortfalls, Bob Igerâs plans to make ESPN Flagship a 24/7 sports streaming powerhouse, and why Disney+ and Hulu are now three-quarters profitableâeven with subscriber challenges. Plus, learn how the cruise line expansion factors into Disneyâs long-term play. Will consumers keep paying more, or is there a limit to how high Disney can push prices before families tap out?
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Trumpâs proposed tariffs could drive up costs for theme parks, and Merlin Entertainment is cutting live entertainment across multiple locationsâbut what does it all mean for the industry?
This week, we break down how new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada could lead to higher construction costs, delayed projects, and rising ticket prices. Meanwhile, Merlinâs staffing cuts in Florida, California, and the UK are raising concernsâare they shifting to third-party contractors, or is this part of a larger trend away from live entertainment? Join us as we analyze these industry shake-ups and what parks should be doing to prepare. Listen to bonus episodes on our Patreon. -
Immigration reform, tariff hikes, federally controlled ride safety, and drone regulations - The Trump Administration's policies will shake up the theme park industry, and we must be ready.
This week, we discuss IAAPAâs position on these critical topics, including how changes to youth employment laws and visa programs might address the looming labor crisis. We explore the financial strain tariffs could place on park development and why IAAPA advocates for federal no-fly zones over amusement parks to ensure safety and security. Join us as we unpack the big questions: Can the industry adapt? And what should operators do to prepare? Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly bonus shows. - Laat meer zien
