Episode 14: New Theme Park Who Dis

Ken finally does the thing: he steps outside the Disney bubble and spends a day at Universal… and comes away both impressed and irritated.

In this episode of The Paradise Podcast, Ken is joined by his cousin Mark (you've heard him on Gen-X Reverb) and his sister Karyn—his longtime "open-to-close" Disney ride-or-die partner—to compare notes on Universal vs. Disneywithout feeding the usual online feud.

Mark brings a trip report from Universal Studios Japan, where Super Nintendo World is the main event: the pipe entrance reveal, the music, the details, the interactive Power-Up Band games, and food that feels like it actually got plated on purpose. He also breaks down the reality of crowds, timed entry stress, and why the Mario Kart ride can be both a must-do and a letdown (incredible queue… slower ride than you expect).

Karyn shares her experiences from Universal Studios Hollywood and Islands of Adventure, including why Universal has always leaned more into big rides and thrill energy (and why she still braved Hulk and Dueling Dragons even as a non-coaster person).

Then Ken drops his first-timer perspective from Epic Universe: one of his best coaster experiences ever with Stardust Racers, the chaos of wait times in Super Nintendo World, the overpriced Express Pass frustration, and why Universal's highs don't automatically erase Disney's strengths—especially when it comes to hospitality and the "whole day" experience.

By the end, the verdict is simple: Disney and Universal aren't supposed to feel the same—and that's the point. One is where you chase magic, the other is where you scream your head off.

Oh—and the crew officially books their next episode: a childhood throwback movie review of Condor Man.

What about you? Are you Team Disney, Team Universal, or "why not both"? And do you want more theme park episodes like this?