This week Universal Orlando Resort announced its Mardi Gras concert lineup.  Plus, there is a huge deal going on to stay at the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser where you could save up to $700 off!  We also discuss what could be going in place of the Universal Orlando kid's area where Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Fivel's Playland and Curious George Goes To Town once was. The construction walls that have been put up since it closed this week may be a hint.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Find out this week how teachers and preschoolers can visit an Orlando theme park for free.  Plus, we now know when you can finally ride the Tron Lightcycle Power Run at the Magic Kingdom and changes announced to the Walt Disney World reservation system for passholders. Also announced this week are two new Universal theme parks coming to Texas and Las Vegas. So much news to kick off 2023!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week we discuss what you need to know about visiting Universal Orlando for the holidays.  Micaela learned there is a way to meet the Grinch when you visit the parks, but you will need to do something on the park app first! Also, is the Tribute Store coming back in 2023? Find out in our "Rumor Mill" segment.  Plus, Micaela also got to see a Disney Legend this weekend for the first time. See what she had to say about YeeHaw Bob!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week Micaela tells us what we need to know when visiting the EPCOT International Festival Of The Holidays. The celebration is going on now through December 30th.  We give you tips on the best way to see the extremely popular Candlelight Processional and find out which celebrity narrators are scheduled for the rest of the festival. Learn about the Holiday Cookie Stroll and how to get the most out of that experience. What to be on the lookout for when sampling the tasty treats at the Holiday Kitchens and so much more.  Plus, don't forget to be ready to snap adorable family photos while walking around the park. Not only can you brag to your friends on social media about all the fun you are having, but a lot of the decorations and photo-op areas make for great holiday cards!  Plus, we discuss what to be on the lookout for in the Walt Disney World parks with  Avatar: The Way Of Water, the highly-anticipated sequel to James Cameron's Avatar, hitting theaters this week.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This morning (12/8) Universal Orlando announced what new attraction will fill the space that was once occupied by Shrek 4D at Universal Studios! They will be expanding the Minion footprint with the new attraction and food location that will expand making a Minion Land on Illumination Ave. Listen to the podcast to learn more about and when you can experience the new "first-of-its-kind" attraction. Shrek 4D closed its doors in January 2022. The attraction opened in 2003 and welcomed guests for 19 years and was popular with theme park enthusiasts. It was an especially popular place for guests to hide from the Florida sun and heat as it was air-conditioned and a fun immersion into the world of Shrek. At the time it opened it featured new technology and tricks that delighted (or scared) guests. We can't wait to see what new technology will be included in the new attraction that Universal Orlando has announced to be "first-of-its-kind".  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week we get an insider's look at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. We are joined by our guest JP Taylor who is the manager of Promotions and Partners at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. We talk about the lights, food, and fun that you can experience now through January 9th. Micaela and Rachel even got to attend the media event and tell you some of the things you have to do and the foods you need to try! *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

A central Florida theme park has had to delay the opening of one of its new attractions. Find out which one and when it should be ready for riders. As we get into the Halloween weekend, it's also time to make sure you already have your theme park holiday plans scheduled. Plus, if you can't make it to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas there is still a way to get into the holiday spirit during the day!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Big news! The crowd-favorite Fantasmic! is returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios and we have a date! After being shut down since Spring of 2020 when the pandemic hit, Fantasmic! is finally reopening. It will also have a new look and will feature Moana, Mulan, Frozen 2 and more!  Plus, Universal Orlando has announced the return of their Mardi Gras celebration.  Do you love meeting characters? We have an awesome Theme Park Tip of the Week to help you meet a bunch of characters at the same time!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week Micaela is joined by our friend Jen who attended media night for Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2022. She tells us all about the haunted houses, scare zones and shows you can experience at this year's event. *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week we discuss the time of year when it's not quite Halloween yet, but it's time to plan your Christmas holidays at the Theme Parks. A lot of special holiday events are limited-ticket events, so it's good to plan and get your tickets early. We talk about EPCOT's Candlelight Processional and the list of guest narrators for this year. Plus, a great Theme Park Tip of the Week will save you time waiting in line to see the show *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Santa is already making appearances at Disney Springs.  We all know the big guy likes to summer in Florida, but he is already making the rounds at a restaurant in Disney Springs. We run down everything you can expect by making a reservation for Breakfast with Santa. This is great for anyone visiting central Florida or for the locals. Instead of waiting in line at a mall to get your kid's photo with one of Santa's helpers, you can get fed and a photo at this holiday event. This week we also discuss a really cool dining experience at Universal Orlando Resort that will get you in to the Halloween spirit.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week we review the theme park & attraction announcements from the D23 Expo. Micaela was in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center during the Parks Panel and she brought back lots of notes that we discuss in this week's episode. We also hear about the displays Micaela saw on the Show Floor. She was also able to squeeze out a bit of Disney MagicBand+ info from one of the Imagineers on the Show Floor, too!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Micaela attended the first night of Halloween Horror Nights 2022! She lists her favorite haunted houses and scare zones. Plus, we couldn't forget about the food and drink options!  Be sure to listen to this episode before you head to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando so you can plan your night and not miss one scary thing!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Disney+ announced details for their upcoming day of celebrations at Walt Disney World.  Early park entry, PhotoPass freebies and character meet & greet are just the tip of the iceberg for the celebration coming up on Thursday, September 8, 2022.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Hear all about the houses, scare zones and shows featured this year at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. We will get a full review of the spooky event when Micaela is goes to opening night on September 2nd.  Plus, how you can save some money at the theme parks by shopping at Target.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

There is a new dinner experience now available at one of your favorite Florida theme parks. Find out where you can have dinner and see a show for a great price!  National Roller Coaster Day is coming up and one Florida Theme Park is giving behind the scenes tours to park visitors. Find out which park and how to get on the list!  Plus, more details have been released for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  Plus, the schedule for the D23 Expo is out. Micaela talks about a couple to be excited about. *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

Micaela tells us what it is like to sail on the Disney Wish.  She was lucky enough to go on one of the first handful of sailings a couple of weeks ago and returned with so much great info. There is so much to talk about that we can't do it in just one episode, so she goes over her Top 5 Favorite Things About The Disney Wish. Micaela also tells us about the new MagicBand+ as she has already bought her own and tried it out. Plus, believe it or not, fall and Halloween events are just around the corner and we have details on some new haunted houses at your favorite spooky events.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

In this week's episode we try something a bit different and we discuss Florida State Parks and Springs. Did you know that July in Florida is known as Recreation and Parks Month? Living in Florida we are so lucky to have a vast array of parks, springs, wildlife and just straight-up cool places to explore. Plus, most of these places can be done on a budget and make a great family day trip.  So get out and explore these 10 Florida State Parks and Springs with us!  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

We have a great tip on how to make sure your kiddos meet certain height requirements for rides before you get to the park.  We also discuss two rumors that are swirling around the internet about the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride and the Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction both in Hollywood Studios.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.

This week in the Rumor Mill we discuss the $5,000 drink you can reportedly buy on the Disney Wish. Micaela recently visited Walt Disney World and got to experience the updates on the People Mover and the Carousel Of Progress. Official plans were also publicized for the Splash Mountain makeover at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Also, this is the last weekend for Veterans to take advantage of their special deal from Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando.  *New episodes of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast are available every Thursday! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! We would also love to know what you think of the show. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review!  Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery.