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 Meta...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 232
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 li...
Jun 08, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 231
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 Ga...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 230
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 e...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 229
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/RIPRideMerch Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: http...
May 01, 2025•2 hr•Ep. 228
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/RIPRideMerch Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/V...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 227
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/RIPRideMerch Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTo...
Apr 01, 2025•46 min•Ep. 226
In this episode, Tom and Jon talk about experiencing Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival and news from Disney and Universal. Rip Ride Rockit Tee Link: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerch Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Tw...
Mar 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 225
In this episode, Tom and Jon talk about their 2025 happy hour crawl at Disney Springs, providing their thoughts and experiences at all of the Disney Springs happy hours. Rip Ride Rockit Tee Link: https://tinyurl.com/RIPRideMerch Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: h...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 224
In this episode, Tom and Jon talk about Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival Food announcement. Tom also discusses visiting Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras event again where he ate, drank and threw beads from a parade float. Then Tom finishes with his first Florida State Fair visit at the Tampa fairgrounds, as well as his thoughts of staying at the Hilton Inn by Hilton Tampa Fairgrounds and Casino. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcas...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 223
In this episode, Tom and Jon talk about attending Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras, new Epic Universe food options and Tom’s stay at the new Universal Stella Nova Resort. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom Youtube: https://ww...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 222
In this episode, Tom and Jon talk about Jon’s hard hat tour of Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Tampa’s Mardi Gras event, preview of SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Festival and Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras. Then they end it with some news. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.fac...
Feb 01, 2025•56 min•Ep. 221
In this episode, Tom, Jon and Adventures By D Dave and Kris look back at everyone's 2024 statistics. From the podcast, to YouTube to park visits and attraction rides, we've got plenty of 2024 statistics to cover. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Adventures By D YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyD Adventures by D website: https://adventuresbyd.com/ Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 220
In this episode, Tom and Jon discuss Tom’s experience at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, Jon’s experience at SeaWorld Christmas Celebration and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmastown, plus much more. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: https://twitt...
Jan 01, 2025•56 min•Ep. 219
In this episode, Tom and Ian discuss some of the 2024 roller coaster closings as well as some new attractions opening in 2025. Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcast Contact the show at vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com ....
Dec 30, 2024•48 min•Ep. 218
In this episode, Tom goes solo and discusses the Now Snowing event in Celebration and Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jollywood Nights event. Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcast Contact the show at vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com ....
Dec 25, 2024•31 min
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Jon’s initial thoughts of Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays. Then Tom describes his stay at Gaylord Palms and his visit to Ice! Featuring Elf. Then Tom talks about attending this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. They end the episode with some Disney news as well. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 216
In this episode, Tom and Dave from Adventures by D discuss Tom’s opening day experience at the Holidays at Universal Orlando, including attending the Grinch & Friends Breakfast, Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Holiday Tribute Store, and Universal’s Holiday Parade. Dave then discusses visiting Stone Mountain for their holiday offerings and finally Tom talks about going to Disney Springs on Thanksgiving where he had Thanksgiving dinner at Paddlefish and cookies for dessert at Summer House on ...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 215
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss the four announced haunted houses at the Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas as well as Tom, Elena and Dave from Adventures by D’s final HHN night experience. Then Tom details his 11 crazy days where he had 3 round trips to Richmond for a high school football game, work and the Steeler vs. Washington NFL game. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.co...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 214
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Kings Dominion’s new Intimidator 305 name announcement, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s new 2025 coaster name announcement, Disney’s Cake Bake Shop finally opening, Disney’s new Lightning Lane Premier Pass and finally Tom’s experience purchasing his 1-day AP Universal Epic Universe ticket. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: http...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 213
In this bonus and final VacationScares episode of the season, Tom welcomes back Kris and Dave from the Adventures By D YouTube channel to discuss Tom’s recent weekend trip to Atlanta to visit Netherworld Haunted House and Six Flags Over Georgia for the first time. Adventures By D YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyD Adventures by D website: https://adventuresbyd.com/ Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://ww...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 212
In this VacationScares episode, Tom and Jon discuss breaking Disney news regarding upcoming closures, refurbs & more. Then Tom chats about participating in SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Sprint 5K on September 13, 2024. Jon and Tom then talk about visiting SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream on Jon’s birthday and finally Tom discusses attending Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream and his experience with their all-day dining. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: http...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 211
In this VacationScares episode, Tom and Jon discuss Tom’s recent weekend getaway where he camped at Disney’s Fort Wilderness for two days and attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Hoop Dee Doo Revue and a horse carriage ride. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twi...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 210
In this VacationScares episode, Tom and Jon discuss their recent visits to both Florida United Parks Howl-O-Scream 2024 events at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Adventures by D website: https://adventuresbyd.com/ Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter: ht...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 209
In the inaugural VacationScares episode of 2024, Tom, Jon and Kris & Dave from Adventures by D discuss Tom attending the inaugural Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night event. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Adventures by D website: https://adventuresbyd.com/ Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom ...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 208
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Universal Orlando Resort’s latest Halloween Horror Nights 2024 announcements, including three scare zones, Duality of Fear, Demon Queens and Enter the Blumhouse plus the last haunted house, Universal Monsters Eternal Bloodlines. They also follow-up on Kevin’s email regarding his upcoming November trip. Then finally the go over all of the Disney World announcements made at Disney’s D23 event. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Websit...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 207
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Universal Orlando Resort’s latest Halloween Horror Nights 2024 announcements, including the show named Nightmare Fuel - Nocturnal Circus and two scare zones, Swamp of the Undead and Torture Faire. They also discuss Tom’s recent trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on the free shuttle from Orlando where Tom enjoyed the new Bourbon & BBQ event and got to ride the new 2024 roller coaster, Phoenix Rising. But before they get into all of that, they answer a fr...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 206
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Universal Orlando Resort’s third intellectual property announcement, Insidious: The Further, for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. They also discuss HHN multi day tickets becoming available, first news of Universal’s Epic Universe tickets, Tom’s opinion of Universal’s newest parade, Mega Movie Parade, Blue Man Group returning to Orlando and finally Tom’s and Jon’s thoughts of SeaWorld Orlando’s newest roller coaster, Penguin Trek. Of course, there’s always m...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 205
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Universal Orlando Resort’s second intellectual property announcement, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. They also discuss Disney’s Rock ‘N Roller Coaster reopening, the newly announced Disney Lightning Lane Plus, waffle and hush puppy gate, Tom’s visit to SeaWorld Orlando to use his monthly benefits before the end of the month and finally Tom’s visit to the Magic Kingdom to ride the newly opened Tianna’s Bayou Adventure. Foll...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 204
In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Universal Orlando Resort’s first intellectual property announcement, A Quiet Place, for Halloween Horror Nights 2024, Busch Gardens Tampa Summer Nights media event, plus Universal Orlando and Disney World news. Tom starts answering a listener's question. Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastorjonself Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationeers_...
Jun 15, 2024•51 min•Ep. 203
