The DIP (Desert Island Parks Podcast)

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.

The future is see-through, the kids are taking over Texas, and the fog is rolling in... in August?On this week's Weather Report, James heads to the radio tower to track the "digital front" coming out of CES Las Vegas and a massive storm system developing for Halloween fans.In this episode:The Tech Front (CES 2026): We break down the "Invisible AI" screens and smart glasses that could revolutionize ride vehicles and accessibility in the next decade.The Texas Twister: Universal finally confirms the land lineup for the Universal Kids Resort. It’s Shrek, Trolls, Jurassic World, and a huge win for SpongeBob fans.The German Ghost: Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg goes dark for its "Forbidden Turn" update. The Black Forest is getting scarier.Flash Flood Warning: Breaking news on Halloween Horror Nights 2026. The dates are out, and the season is starting earlier than ever before.Subscribe to Desert Island Parks for your weekly industry forecast.

Intro: The fog clears on 2026.Qiddiya is Open: The center of gravity shifts to the Middle East.Parc Astérix Germany: The acquisition of Belantis.Dracula Land: The "Gothic Storm" building in Bucharest.Feature Story: The Extinction of DinoLand U.S.A.Outro: Next week’s guest.

It’s Boxing Day on the island, and the forecast is anything but calm. On this week's Weather Report, James tracks a high-pressure system of rumours over the UK and a massive heat wave hitting the Middle East. In this episode: The Universal UK Identity Crisis: Rumours suggest James Bond and Paddington are coming to Bedford. James argues why a "British" Universal park misses the point entirely—we want Hollywood excess, not local polite bears. Heat Wave in the Desert: Universal is planning a Saudi Arabian park, but they might be too late—Six Flags Qiddiya opens its gates this New Year's Eve. Severe Weather Warning: Magic Kingdom is facing a "Category 5" crowd crisis. We explain the "Thunder Void" causing gridlock in Frontierland. West Coast Seismic Activity: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is testing at full speed. Grab your leftovers and tune in for the Boxing Day forecast.

The government has officially signed off on Universal Great Britain—so what happens now? On this week’s Weather Report, James heads up to the radio tower to scan the horizon for the biggest storms brewing in the theme park industry. It’s a week of extreme climates: from the "high pressure" corporate moves in Bedfordshire to the literal freezing temperatures shutting down Disney’s water parks in Florida. In this episode: Universal UK Confirmed: The Special Development Order is granted. We break down the massive scale of the project (700 acres!) and what this means for Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Epic Universe Holidays: The first reviews of the "festive accumulation" in Celestial Park are in—is the vibe enough to save a half-finished food menu? Bluey Mania: Vertical track is spotted at Alton Towers. Why the Heeler family is about to become the biggest queue in the UK. The Deep Dive: Can you really build an outdoor park in rainy Bedfordshire? We debate the "Indoor vs. Outdoor" philosophy and ask: Should Universal build a roof, or just sell ponchos? Join the debate: If you were designing a UK park, would you make it indoor-only? Let us know on Instagram @desertIslandparks.

Episode number eight! Close friend Jaime from the Jaime & Bobby channel joins us on the Desert Island Parks Podcast to talk all things theme parks, we travel around the world in a Disney centric special! Join us in designing their dream island...

Episode number seven! Close friend Lauren from All About The Lift Hills joins us on the Desert Island Parks Podcast to talk all things theme parks, including many extinct attraction and rule breaking! Join us in designing their dream island...

Episode number six! Long time friend Isaac from The Hyperion Gazette joins us on the Desert Island Parks Podcast to talk all things theme parks (mostly Disney). Join us in designing their dream island...

We are back with our fifth episode! We welcome long time friend Nicole from Parks & Pints to the Desert Island Parks Podcast to chat all things theme parks, mental health and design their dream island. Sharks, Drinking, Seaside Towns and (some) World Class Rides

Episode four of Desert Island Parks and today we welcome long time friend Isaac Walter to chat all things theme parks and design their dream island. Featuring Maths, Music, and some quality ride choices.

On the third episode of Desert Island Parks we welcome long time friend Abi from Parks & Pints to chat all things theme parks and design their dream island. Disney, Drinking, Singing and World Class Rides

On the second episode of Desert Island Parks we welcome long time friend Arch-Nemesis to chat all things theme parks and design his dream island. Music, films, horror and some of the best rides going!

On the first episode of Desert Island Parks we welcome long time friend Bobby Healy to chat all things theme parks and design his dream island. Dinosaurs, aliens, the Weeknd and fireworks? Let's find out as we listen to Bobby discuss his dream island.