The Weather Report: Cranes, Vikings & The Enchanted Sell-Off - 19th January 2026

The holiday crowds have vanished, and the heavy machinery has moved in. It is officially "Construction Season" in the theme park industry. James heads up to the radio tower to track the massive projects breaking ground—from the swamps of Florida to the hills of Yorkshire.In this episode:Florida Forecast: The cranes have arrived at Magic Kingdom for the Villains Land expansion, but two Frontierland classics have closed their shutters forever.Corporate Climate Watch: A strange trademark filing for "Enchanted Parks" suggests Six Flags might be preparing for a major sell-off of its smaller regional parks.Regional Radar: Dollywood unveils a world-first "Hybrid" coaster-raft ride for Spring 2026, and Six Flags Mexico gets a Hollywood stunt coaster.The European Front: Lightwater Valley gets a new owner (and new hope), Paultons Park dates its Viking invasion, and Legoland Germany beats Universal to the punch with the world's first Harry Potter Hotel.Long Range Outlook: Futuroscope drops a massive announcement for 2028 involving a suspended racing coaster.