Corkscrew Convos: A Theme Park Podcast

Universal killed Fear with Express six weeks before HHN 35, then opened its most affordable park ever in Texas. Two launches based on opposite bets.In this Convo, Chris and DJ break down Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Studios Florida: the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme, co-icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, the house lineup including Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Evil Dead Burn and the return of H.R. Bloodengutz, plus every price increase and the discontinued Fear with Express bundles. Then we head to Frisco, Texas for Universal Kids Resort, Universal's first park built for young kids, and ask whether the earliest reviews matter when annual passes sold out before opening.In this episode:Fear with Express discontinued, and what HHN 35 costs nowThe house lineup: originals versus IP in an anniversary yearRumor watch: the unconfirmed tenth houseScare zones and shows: Fortnite, Killer Klowns, Return to HawkinsUniversal Kids Resort: seven lands in Frisco from $54.99The reviews versus the sold-out annual passesCOTALAND and the Texas regional marketCeiling versus floor: what both bets say about Universal

In what was originally planned to be an engaging trip report from a delightful visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, DJ and Chris are sidetracked into an exploration of stoicism and theme parks.

Universal Orlando has revealed new details for the 35th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights, including the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares” theme and the return of Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow as the event’s ringmasters. The reveal also includes the original house “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control,” which explores the origins of their rivalry and how the two characters ultimately join forces. In this episode, Dj and Chris break down the HHN 35 announcement, the history of Jack and Oddfellow, and what the reveal says about the anniversary year for Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Orlando.

Speculation is already circulating about Halloween Horror Nights 35 and which haunted houses will appear at Universal Studios Florida. In this bonus episode, DJ and Chris sort through the speculation threads. They discuss why Lady Gaga is a recurring rumor, what a Hellraiser house might look like, the odds of Stranger Things returning, and the possibilities for It: Welcome to Derry and Resident Evil. They also allude to the chances of Sinners at the anniversary event.Chris & DJ close with a quick evaluation of when 2026's "Magic Week" could be, as the best time to visit Orlando for lower crowds.

DJ and Chris draft an entire theme park built from this year’s biggest films — from A Minecraft Movie to F1 the movie to the Grammy-nominated KPop Demon Hunters — and invent ride concepts, lands, and merch. With the Academy Awards happening this weekend, it’s the perfect time to mix Oscar buzz and box-office properties into absurd, thrilling park ideas. This episode is full of quick-fire ride pitches, fan-service Easter eggs, and a few legitimately unbelievable coaster concepts — perfect for listeners who love movies, theme-park design, or imagining what Hollywood's newest movies would look like in theme park form.

Universal Orlando Resort is still revealing itself as DJ & Chris take a focused look at the Epic Universe's biggest surprises, greatest accomplishments, and the moments that still feel unfinished. The episode examines why some elements land and others do not, including a close look at Le Cirque Arcanus and what may be holding back the wider The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Other segments include a taste report on secret Coca-Cola Freestyle flavors, the time the table ordered a record number steaks at Das Stakehaus, and a frank rundown of the park’s top attractions. DJ and Chris each name their top four Epic Universe experiences and explain why those rides, shows and dining choices should be on every visitor’s list.The episode finishes strong with pro tips for visiting Epic Universe: a sound early entry and rope drop strategy and how to prioritize attractions in the first two hours. DJ closes by revealing his new favorite roller coaster and why coaster fans should plan their visits now.

With the 2026 Formula 1 season kicking off in Melbourne, Australia, this weekend, we asked how motorsport energy is influencing theme-park design at a new theme park coming to Austin, Texas. On this episode of Corkscrew Convos, we sit down with Matt Hughey to unpack the jump from a small family attraction to a coaster-forward destination, the inspiration behind standout rides, and how COTA’s event ecosystem shapes the vision for COTALAND. If you love coasters and/or motorsports, this conversation blends theme park design, operations, and showmanship into one fast lap.

DJ and Chris return to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort and share updated impressions, strategy tips and what surprised them most on a second visit. From crowd flow to ride priorities, they break down what matters right now for anyone planning a Florida theme park trip.They also dig into Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands, how the interactive games work, and whether the extra cost is worth it for families.On the Walt Disney World side, the conversation turns to Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT. Chris also reviews a Teppan Edo hibachi dinner at the Japan pavilion.Finally, DJ shares what it was like taking the family to Magic Kingdom for the first time, including planning lessons, dining options, and what families with young children visiting Walt Disney World for the first time should keep in mind.This episode covers Epic Universe, Super Nintendo World, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT, Teppan Edo, Magic Kingdom strategy, all in one practical Florida theme park planning conversation.

DJ and Chris recap their full trip to Universal Orlando Resort during Halloween Horror Nights 34 in 2025. Hear detailed rankings of all HHN34 haunted houses, highlights from their extended park days, and tips from experiencing the event with minimal wait times. The episode also covers a full Universal Orlando trip report, with more to come on Epic Universe.

DJ and Chris are BACK to share excitement over the spooky season, including their impending trip to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. Hype lists, event food & beverage, and other ways to get the most of a trip to the event are discussed.

It's time. Chris and DJ discuss a special visit to preview Universal Epic Universe, the newest theme park in Orlando. From the monsters of Dark Universe to the flights of How to Train your Dragon, we explore what it is to visit this incredible new experience.

Chris and DJ unpack Chris' bittersweet first (and last) experiences with Muppet Vision 3D before its impending closure at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Then, Mardi Gras' 30th anniversary at Universal Orlando Resort is reviewed -- beignets and all. Plus, the guys open with a candid, yet inspirational discussion on cologne and the use of fragrance.

DJ and Chris review the recent clash of their favorite football teams, before determining the inaugural class of the wooden coaster hall of fame. What wooden coasters have stood the test of time to leave a legacy--and are worthy of such a distinction?

In honor of Epic Universe's impending debut, DJ and Chris each draft four movies from 2024 and plan corresponding attractions. Also: more egg talk.

After time away, it's good to come back and enjoyed shared adventures and new experiences. Also: Spotify Wrapped, hard boiled eggs, banshees, and a lemon (in no particular order).

As spooky season draws to a close, Chris and DJ reflect on Universal Orlando's signature halloween event in 2024. Also: Chris can't find cookies.

DJ and Chris are back to prepare for peak spooky season, and unpack what it means to embrace autumn.

DJ shares a trip report with Chris, including Idlewild, Kennywood, PNC Park, and plenty of Potato Patch fries.

Chris brings DJ a spoiler-free look at his first two nights of Halloween Horror Nights 33 at Universal Studios Florida. Where to start? What to pack? And more...

DJ and Chris are back to review the adventures of late summer, plus an in-depth packing list for spending 18 hours straight at Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights. Also, DJ shares about his visit to The Big Easy, and Chris confesses about the latest piece of roller coaster history he has acquired.

Over the span of a few days, the trajectory of Disney Parks have changed forever. Billions of dollars' worth of new attractions have been announced for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure. But what will be retired to make room for this progress? Where there's smoke, there's fire...

With the final realm of Universal Orlando's newest theme park finally announced, DJ and Chris explore what this means for next year's grand opening. Also, Chris recounts his adventure seeing Twisters in 4DX...

An EPIC new announcement for Universal's new Orlando park dropped today... one that involves a monstrous band of characters. DJ and Chris explore the shadows of Darkmoor Village and its haunts, like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Curse of the Werewolf, Das Steakhouse, and more.

DJ and Chris catch up on Halloween Horror Night announcements before embracing the quintessential experience of peak summer: the water ride. What do we love? What do we hate? What do we tolerate? What do we elevate? Also: keyboard shortcuts.

DJ and Chris discover the song of the summer ahead of Chris' trip report from the opening weekend of Busch Gardens' Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On and Food & Wine 2024. Also: the first house announcements for Halloween Horror Nights 33 at Universal Studios Florida are here!

The hurricane [coaster] with my name [Fun Spot]. Chris recounts more from Kissimmee, Lake Nona, SeaWorld, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Chuy's, and TopGolf. Also: skin care.

Universal's newest Orlando theme park shares the details about SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, including Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, Yoshi's Adventure, and Mine-Cart Madness. Also: Chris is in need of more kitchen utensils. The game begins in 2025!

DJ and Chris decode the recent announcement for Universal Epic Universe's next featured realm: How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. Also: the meteoric rise of the Cosmic Crisp® apple is discussed.

Kinsey and Thomas join the show to tell DJ and Chris about their experience at SeaWorld's all-inclusive resort experience in Orlando, Florida.

Chris regales DJ about his journey to the capital of Georgia, replete with pandas, comets, whale sharks, pickleball, Beverly, and more. Locations featured: College Football Hall of Fame, ACE Pickleball Club, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Horizon Theater's production of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, The Vortex Bar & Grill, and the Atlanta Zoo.

Chris shares about his trip to Busch Gardens Tampa, ZooTampa, and the eats, sights, and vibes of Tampa.

DJ's trip to San Antonio, Texas. Including SeaWorld San Antonio, the Alamo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and MORE.

An urgent exploration into today's EPIC announcement. Also: questions that remain about Universal's newest theme park and what is set to be the single greatest experience within.

32,000 steps at SeaWorld, frozen adventures in Chicago, a scheme to improve at Men In Black: Alien Attack, and karaoke. Also: best practices in lettuce preparation.

DJ and Chris ponder reorganizing the holiday season and returning to the original intentions of The Grinch. Then, a few nice poems to start the new year off right.

Everything in its time. A new year means time for contemplation on what stays in 2023 and what goes with us into 2024.

What does the future hold for Busch Gardens Tampa? We explore the future and analyze the past. Everything, from an axis coaster to a giga coaster, from a hotel to an island in the sky, is considered...

Orlando. Skyline Chili. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. The Bourne Stuntacular. Tour of Tango. Soarin. Iron Gwazi. Miller's. Wawa.

Bracing from a late night at HHN, DJ steels his nerves to conquer all four WDW parks in quick succession. Plus: Ohana.

The first leg of DJ's grand tour of Orlando: Buc-ee's, Disney Springs, and Halloween Horror Nights

DJ and Chris look back on Chris' first trip to Halloween Horror Nights and DJ's impending sojourn to Orlando.

Jeffrey Siebert, Park President of Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas, joins DJ and Chris to talk 2024 additions, enhancements over the last few years, and more.

Dallas joins DJ and Chris to talk autumn's visual identity and its place among the seasons. calicocauldron.com

Your wait for CC is over, but another wait has just begun. Ft: Top Thrill 2 coming to Cedar Point and Good Gravy! coming to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in 2024.

Chris and DJ return to talk new testing by Skyline Attractions, Worlds of Fun trip reports, and the last remaining wooden wild mouse roller coasters. Also: milkshakes.

DJ and Chris explore the Spider-Verse and Gotham City Escape before swinging into the question of 2023's most impactful coasters

One park opens, and another park makes noticeable progress in doing so. Also: the real problems with drawbridges and cream cheese.

Chris and DJ return to cover the opening of DarKoaster, Busch Gardens' 10th roller coaster, and the park's Food & Wine Festival. Interviews include: Virginia Beer Co., Andrew from Coaster101, and Cassady from Busch Gardens.

Chris and DJ review the return of one thing and the refurbishment of another. Also: The Shining.

DJ and Chris mark 100 episodes of Corkscrew Convos by planning a park for Myrtle Beach and revelling in the joys of kitchen appliances. "Bluey" also makes an appearance at some point.