Shows / Theme Park Insider
Theme Park Insider
The crew from Theme Park Insider talks about the week's news from top theme parks around the world, including Disney and Universal.
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Episodes
Theme Park InsiderWhy theme park attendance is down, and how to fix it
The theme park industry's annual attendance report has bad news for a lot of parks. So what can Disney, Universal and Six Flags do to get their numbers back up…
Theme Park InsiderSplitting Six Flags?
Jake and Robert consider Six Flags’ plunging stock price (down over 85% from the merger close) and what the company's next moves might be. Get full access to…
Theme Park InsiderProcessing the Six Flags Goliath tragedy
Jake and Robert talk about what Six Flags needs to do to respect the memory of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, by finding out what led to his death on the Goliath…
Theme Park InsiderThe best, and worst, holiday attraction overlays
Jake and Robert talk their favorite - and least favorite - theme park attraction holiday overlays, including those at Disney, Universal and Knott's. Get full…
Theme Park InsiderCan Six Flags restore Magic in its Mountain?
Robert and Jake talk about Six Flags Magic Mountain's decision to retire X2 and what the company can do next to help improve the former Thrill Capital of the…
Theme Park InsiderSept. 24 - Troubles at Six Flags
Robert and Jake talk about how being a hard-ticket event (or not) affects the quality of a Halloween haunt. We also get into the latest existential threats to…
Theme Park InsiderSeptember 17, with Joe Rohde
We are honored to welcome Disney Legend Joe Rohde as our guest on the Theme Park Insider Podcast this week. Get full access to Theme Park Insider at…
Theme Park InsiderSeptember 10, 2026
Robert and Jake take on this week’s announcements (and lack of announcements) from Six Flags. Plus, Harry Potter plans in Abu Dhabi, and why Southern…
Theme Park InsiderPodcast: September 3, with Bob Rogers
Industry legend Bob Rogers joins us to talk about the "Deep Story" secrets to great attraction design. Jake and Robert also talk about what works, and doesn't…
Theme Park InsiderPodcast: August 27 - Thank you Dolly
Jake and Robert offer their thanks and tribute to Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday. We also talk about her legacy with Dollywood and the lessons that…
Theme Park InsiderPodcast: August 20, 2026
Robert and Jake talk about the D23 Expo, Knott's Walt Disney-coded Scary Farm maze, and new attractions at Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and Lost Island. Get…
Theme Park InsiderWhat to expect from Disney D23
Jake and Robert look forward to what to expect from Saturday’s Disney Experiences Showcase at D23. But not until they share their worst bird encounters from…
Theme Park InsiderMaking it rain, in a good way
On this week’s Theme Park Insider Podcast, Robert and Jake dive into this week’s financial reports from Disney (great!), Six Flags (promising!) and United…
Theme Park InsiderWhat's new at Six Flags and Disney
Jake and Robert talk about what’s coming to major parks in 2027, as well as this year’s Halloween plans, the Holiday Hunger Games, and what is Disney’s version…
Theme Park InsiderInside Universal's 'soft' summer
Robert and Jake break down Universal’s latest earnings call… and that “softness” that Universal reported in its theme park attendance. Get full access to Theme…
Theme Park InsiderMurphy's Law at Universal
Robert and Jake discuss the latest Universal, Knott's, Disney, and United Parks news. Get full access to Theme Park Insider at…
Theme Park InsiderTime for a coaster comeback
We’re back after a one-week break for the U.S. Independence Day holiday. So Jake and Robert are recapping two weeks of news in this week’s podcast episode. Get…
Theme Park InsiderA tough week for coaster fans
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Theme Park InsiderWhat was Universal thinking in Texas?
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Theme Park InsiderTell a story, or else!
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Theme Park InsiderWhat is a family coaster, anyway?
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Theme Park InsiderEx-cast members talk Disney, and more
The crew at ThemeParkInsider.com talks about the week's news from top theme parks around the world, including Disney and Universal. Get full access to Theme…
Theme Park InsiderDisneyland on the Mountain
Robert Niles is joined by Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer, authors of "Disneyland on the Mountain," a new book looking at the history of Disney's never-built…
Theme Park InsiderTalking Disney With Josh D'Amaro
The Chairman of Disney Parks Experiences and Products joins Robert Niles to talk about Disney's relationship with its fans, its cast members... and local…
Theme Park InsiderBob Rogers and 40 Years of BRC Imagination Arts
We talked with IAAPA Hall of Famer Bob Rogers about starting BRC Imagination Arts, 40 years of designing award-winning attractions and what's next for the…
Theme Park InsiderMaking Jurassic World VelociCoaster, with Greg Hall
Greg Hall, Creative Director at Universal Creative, talks about how Universal Orlando Resort brought this fan-favorite new roller coaster to life. Hall also…
Theme Park InsiderMaking Music Soar, with Brian Yessian
Music is one of those elements that can elevate an ordinary attraction into something great. We talk with an expert at making great attraction music - Brian…
Theme Park InsiderHow Do You Find the World's Best Attractions?
What makes a theme park attraction world-class? I ask that question to the leaders of the Themed Entertainment Association's Thea Awards: Luc Mayrand from Walt…
Theme Park InsiderMaking holiday magic at Universal Orlando
What makes for a great holiday celebration at a major theme park resort? Universal Orlando's Vice President Entertainment, Deborah Buynak, and Senior Manager…
Theme Park InsiderHalloween Horror Nights, with Michael Aiello and Blake Braswell
Creative directors Michael Aiello and Blake Braswell talk about the development of Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, including the inspiration for…
Theme Park InsiderBuilding a whole new world
First, designers built attractions and lands, but now the very best build entire worlds. What drives theme park designers to create immersive worlds? What are…
Theme Park InsiderLet the Good Times Roll, with Universal Orlando's Blake Braswell
What does it take to put on one of the most popular Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans? Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras combines a Cajun food…
Theme Park InsiderTelling Original Stories, with Universal's Dale Mason
Established IP can help in developing a world-class theme park or attraction, but it's not necessary. Dale Mason, Vice President and Executive Art Director at…
Theme Park Insider'Battle for Eire' and the fight for VR's future
Is there any future for virtual reality in theme parks? David Schaefer from Falcon's Creative Group joined me to talk about what theme parks have done with VR…
Theme Park InsiderGetting in the game with sports-themed attractions
Some of the most popular entertainment brands in the world are sports teams. With IP being king in theme parks these days, why don't we see more parks…
Theme Park InsiderMaking Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with designer Dave Cobb
Dave Cobb and his team were tasked with designing what is now the world's largest indoor theme park for one of the biggest studios around. From inception to…