VTPM279: ArieForce One SOLD! Epic Universe Deals, Disney Animation & More Theme Park News

Six Flags bought ArieForce One, Universal is offering Florida residents a cheaper way into Epic Universe, Disney has opened The Magic of Disney Animation, and that's only the beginning of a packed theme park news episode! On Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast Episode 279, Tom and Jon catch up on the biggest theme park stories from the first half of September. 🎢 Regional Park News • Six Flags purchases ArieForce One and plans to relocate the RMC coaster • Six Flags Magic Mountain announces the new Thrill Glider coaster • California's Great America confirms operations into 2027 • Dollywood announces plans to honor Dolly Parton • Hersheypark's Tidal Force takes its final splash • Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi reveals a massive three-land Harry Potter expansion 👻 SeaWorld & Busch Gardens • Howl-O-Scream 2026 is officially underway at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay • SeaWorld Orlando launches its 2026 Howl-O-Scream event • We share some thoughts now that we've actually experienced this year's Orlando-area events 🌎 Universal Orlando • Animal Actors on Location! is closing at Universal Studios Florida • Universal Nights adds more Epic Universe dates • Florida residents can now get a special three-day ticket including Epic Universe starting at $85 per day • The Traitors: New Blood takes over the bars at Universal's Great Movie Escape • Rock the Universe announces its 2027 lineup • Joey Fatone's Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice gets its Universal CityWalk grand opening date — September 19, with Joey himself appearing for the celebration 🏰 Walt Disney World • The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios • Disney announces Festival of the Arts and Flower & Garden dates for 2027 • Disney After Hours returns to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios • New 2027 Walt Disney World discounts arrive • Disney announces the 2026 Candlelight Processional narrator lineup • Hurly-Burly prepares to open at Disney's BoardWalk • Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill permanently closes at Disney Springs, ending nearly three decades of Wolfgang Puck restaurants at the resort There's a LOT happening, including some stories that could give us clues about where Universal goes next with Epic Universe Annual Pass access. 🎢 ThrillLedger – Track rides. Count memories. Keep track of your theme park visits, rides, wait times, ratings, coaster credits, stats and more: https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/ 🎙️ Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationeers-theme-parks-more-podcast/ 🌐 Vacationeers Podcast https://vacationeerspodcast.com/ ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VacationeersPodcast 👕 Vacationeers Merch https://vacationeerspodcast.com/merch/ Follow Tom X: https://x.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeer_tom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Follow Jon X: @pastorjonself Instagram: @jon.self.37 👍 Like the episode, subscribe and let us know in the comments: Where do YOU think Six Flags should relocate ArieForce One?