In Episode 241 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self to cover the latest theme park news and more. They break down all the big updates from Disney Parks, including Cinderella Castle’s return to its classic colors, the new Tron: Ares overlay, and the long-awaited Carousel of Progress update. They also go over closures coming to Animal Kingdom, including Dinosaur’s official end date.

The panel reviews the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, where Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe dominated, Volcano Bay finally toppled Schlitterbahn’s 26-year reign, and Carowinds’ Fury 325 and Knoebels’ Phoenix kept their winning streaks alive.

Beyond the news, Tom shares his experience dining at the Beak & Barrel Tavern at Magic Kingdom, while Jon dishes on EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, including the items you might want to avoid this year.

🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: RIP Ride Rockit Tee | Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee

So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

In the continuing VacationScares saga, Tom and Jon discuss their opening weekend visits to both SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream.

🛒 Merch:

• Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• 
  
• Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt
• 
  
• Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• 
  
• I Came for the Boos (Disney)

Follow & Support:

• Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More
• 
  
• Twitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelf
• 
  
• Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast
• 
  

So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

The first VacationScares episode of the 2025 season is here! Tom is joined by Kris and Dave from the Adventures by D YouTube channel, along with Jon Self, to break down everything from Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025.

We start with Premium Scream Night—Tom gives his unfiltered opinion on whether it lived up to last year’s high bar. Then Dave and Kris share their opening weekend experience, including using Express Pass and Stay & Scream, while Jon adds his own perspective on this year’s event.

Finally, we dig into the house rankings, comparing notes on what worked, what disappointed, and which houses absolutely terrified us.

🎬 Watch our HHN Premium Scream Night vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKmfJgjev8

📖 Read the full blog: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/2025/09/01/did-hhn-premium-scream-night-2025-live-up-to-the-hype/

🎥 Check out Adventures by D: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyD

🛒 Merch:

• Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt
• Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee
• I Came for the Boos (Disney)

Follow & Support:

• Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More
• Twitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelf
• Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast

So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.