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 a…

🎢 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 …

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…

In Episode 246 of the VacationeerScares Podcast, Taggled Tom is joined by Electrocuted Ian to discuss Ian’s two-night HHN trip to Orlando, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream, Total Terror Haunted Attraction in Virginia, and the Howl-O-Sprint 5K at SeaWorld Orlando! From possessed corn mazes and wolf attacks to holiday-horror hybrids, we cov…

Welcome to Episode 245 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast! Tom is joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) for a jam-packed episode featuring a fiery week of theme park news — literally! From Universal’s Rip Ride Rockit catching fire during demolition to Disney’s latest ticket price hikes, we cover every spark, shock, and surprise across the…

In Episode 244 of the VacationScares Podcast, Taxidermied Tom welcomes Decapitated Dave and Cadaver Kris from Adventures By D for a glowing good time! They kick things off with Wild Adventures Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival before diving into Tom’s coast-to-coast Disney Halloween trip report. Tom recounts his vi…

In Episode 243 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom covers a wild mix of theme park news and personal adventures. News highlights include: The bizarre scuba-style robbery at Disney Springs’ Paddlefish A tragic death and lawsuits tied to Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Glenwood Caverns’ $205M “nuclear verdict” over the Haunted Mine Dr…

In Episode 242 of the VacationeersScares Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) for a jam-packed Halloween recap. Tom dives into his latest experiences at Halloween Horror Nights, including Stay & Scream, food booths, and shows like Nightmare Fuel and Haunt-O-Phonic. He also shares his impressions of Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park with it…

In Episode 241 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self to cover the latest theme park news and more. They break down all the big updates from Disney Parks, including Cinderella Castle’s return to its classic colors, the new Tron: Ares overlay, and the long-awaited Carousel of Progress update. They also go over clos…

In the continuing VacationScares saga, Tom and Jon discuss their opening weekend visits to both SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream. 🛒 Merch: Rip Ride Rockit Tee Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee I Came for the Boos (Disney) Follow & Support: Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More Tw…

The first VacationScares episode of the 2025 season is here! Tom is joined by Kris and Dave from the Adventures by D YouTube channel, along with Jon Self, to break down everything from Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025. We start with Premium Scream Night—Tom gives his unfiltered opinion on whether it lived up to last year’s high bar. Then Dave a…

In Episode 238 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) dive into a packed slate of theme park news and trip reports. Disney announces a glowing Rainbow Caverns scene for Big Thunder Mountain, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens November 7 at Animal Kingdom, and World Princess Week brings concerts, treats, and…

In Episode 237 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self dive headfirst into spooky season with a packed show. We break down the latest theme park news and debut our brand-new “news” bumper! This week’s news lineup includes: Busch Gardens Tampa’s mid-meal Dragon Fire Grill closure Six Flags introducing haunted house upcharges…

In Episode 236 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon break down a week packed with theme park news and adventures! Six Flags parks are canceling their holiday events, Michigan’s Adventure shortens its season, and ICON Park’s Blue Man Group theater finally resumes construction. Tom also spotlights major updates for Busch Garden…

In Episode 235 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) recap a full day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg—from early morning rope drop antics to an unforgettable stop at the new Burgermeister’s Hideaway speakeasy. They share ride reviews for InvadR, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, Verbolten, Pantheon, Apo…

In Episode 234 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, host Tom is joined by special guest Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) to dive into the latest thrills and chills from the theme park world! The duo discusses the big announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed coming to Chicago in 2027, exciting updates from Magic Kingdom—including the reopening…

In Episode 233 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom celebrates his birthday with a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and shares all the details. Also, Tom shares how he celebrated Father's Day at Disney Springs from City Works to Splitsville fun. Joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf), we also cover big theme park news, including EPC…

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 cl…

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…

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 …

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…

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: htt…

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…

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 Vacati…

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: …

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: …

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 t…

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://…

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://vacationeers…

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 …

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.…

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://tw…

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: …

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.…

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 …

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 NF…

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 Twitte…

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 websi…

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 Garde…

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 Vacationeer…

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: ht…

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 …

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…

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 enjoy…

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 …

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…

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/pastorjons…

In this episode, Tom and Kris from Adventures by D discuss Universal Orlando Resort’s announcement of the six original houses for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. Tom also talks about his recent visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg to ride the new and improved Loch Ness Monster roller coaster and finally Kris talks about her experience staying at the n…

In this episode, Tom and Joanna discuss Joanna’s April 2024 5-day western Caribbean Carnival Valor cruise and then Tom talks about his experience participating at the Inaugural SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas 5K run. Website: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ New Vacationeers Tee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G18TV2J TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vaca…

In this episode, Tom and Jon Self discuss Universal Orlando Resorts press release about the coming Universal Mega Movie Parade, Hogwarts Always projection show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show, Dreamswork Land opening date and the Summer Tribute Store. Then Tom reviews his visits to Wild Florida and Discovery Cove. Follo…