The Season Pass: The Essential Theme Park Podcast

What does the next decade look like for the UK theme park industry? Nick sits down with theme park commentator and analyst Shawn Sanbrooke for a wide-ranging discussion about the biggest developments shaping Britain's attractions landscape. We explore the latest progress on Universal Studios Bedford, what the arrival of a major new resort could mean for the UK market, and how existing parks may respond. We also look at what's on the horizon for Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, and Paultons Park, discussing recent investments, rumoured projects and how each park is positioning itself for the future. With new rides, expanding resorts, and international competition on the way, how will the UK theme park scene evolve over the next six years — and beyond? Will Universal change everything, or will Britain's established parks rise to the challenge? Join Nick and Shawn as they dig into the opportunities, risks, and exciting possibilities ahead for UK theme park fans.

Nick is joined by Serena from CoasterForce for a passionate deep dive into the legendary Halloween event Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. A huge fan of the event, Serena shares what makes Halloween Horror Nights so special – from the immersive storytelling to the unforgettable haunted houses that have defined the event over the years. Together, Nick and Serena count down some of their favourite houses, the ones they'd love to see created in the future, and even a few they hope never return. They also talk about the houses they regret missing and the legends of the event that have become part of Horror Nights folklore. The conversation also explores how video game properties are increasingly influencing the event's haunted houses, and what that might mean for the future of Horror Nights. Finally, Nick and Serena look ahead to the arrival of Universal Studios Great Britain, discussing how Halloween Horror Nights could evolve when it eventually reaches the UK – and how the event might need to adapt for British audiences when the park is expected to open in Bedford in 2031. A must-listen for Halloween Horror Nights fans, theme park enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of immersive seasonal events.

TSPP returns in 2026 celebrating the life of a good friend and a legend in the Themed Entertainment Industry, Eddie Sotto. Christopher Merritt (Creative Director-Universal Creative/Author of Knott's Preserved, The Happiest Place on Earth) joins Doug, Brent, and Robert to look back on the incredible legacy of Eddie. Enjoy. Links: Chris Merritt & Don Hahn's The Happiest Place on Earth (Amazon Books) Walt Disney Birthplace Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2026 Season Pass Podcast

Nick is joined by Adam for a packed episode of Nick's ERT, diving deep into the latest theme park news from the UK, Europe, and beyond. Adam is gearing up for his second visit to Epic Universe, and the pair discuss what makes a return trip so exciting — and what Adam is most looking forward to experiencing again. Back on home turf, they break down Paultons Park's brand-new Viking land, discuss the arrival of Paw Patrol at Chessington World of Adventures, and speculate on what the future might hold for Chessington — including rumours of a potential Minecraft-themed area. Elsewhere in the UK, they chat about Bluey's continued theme park expansion at Alton Towers Resort, and take a look north to Blackpool, where a dramatic new Gyro Swing ride is set to change the skyline. Internationally, Nick and Adam discuss the newly announced LEGO Space coaster planned for California and Florida, and ask the big question: should something similar come to Windsor to help compete with Universal's expected UK arrival around 2031? They also touch on guest experience concerns at Busch Gardens, questioning locker charging policies, before finishing in Paris with thoughts on Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris — including excitement around its upcoming Frozen-themed ride.

Nick welcomes back return guest Mike for a timely and fascinating conversation about two huge pieces of Universal news. Fresh from a visit to Epic Universe, Mike shares his on-the-ground impressions of Universal's newest theme park and how it's shaping expectations for the future of immersive entertainment. The discussion then turns much closer to home with the announcement of Universal Studios UK — a development that's especially personal for Mike, who lives within walking distance of the proposed site. Together, Nick and Mike unpack how the news broke, what the reaction from local residents has been like, and Mike's own evolving views on what the project could mean for the area, the UK theme park industry, and fans alike. Mike also talks about his work covering the story in depth through his own shows, including his Universal-focused podcast BRICKING IT, and his YouTube channel Universal Studios Great Britain Updates, which tracks every rumour, update, and planning development surrounding the park. A must-listen episode for anyone excited, curious, or cautiously optimistic about Universal's future in the UK — and what it feels like when a world-class theme park might be coming to your literal doorstep.

Nick's ERT on The Season Pass Podcast Episode: Nathan Brine – The Path to Paddington In this episode, Nick sits down with Nathan Brine, Director of Live Stage Productions at The Path Entertainment Group — the team behind immersive attractions such as Monopoly Lifesized, SAW Escape Experience London and other large-scale experiential productions. Nathan takes us behind the scenes of Paddington: The Immersive Adventure at London's iconic County Hall. They discuss the extraordinary technology powering the production, the creative development that brings Paddington's world to life and what it takes to run a major immersive show day-to-day. Nick also pitches a new idea for how the experience could evolve in the future… and Nathan responds!

We RETURN to the TSPP Mother Earth of Haunt..Knott's BerryFarm for Scary Farm 2025! Jeff Tucker joins Doug and Robert on all the happening for this year's Haunt Event and we are also joined by Maze Designer and Creative, Jon Asperin to discuss his 2025 works and guide us through a Walk-Though of his new creation, MARY. Spooky and chilling fun ahead, Enjoy. **Bonus audio at the end...Stereo Experience of The ZOO (Haunted Maze). Links: Knott's Scary Farm Knott's Berry Farm Walt Disney Birthplace MiceChat Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2025 Season Pass Podcast

We are at SeaWorld San Diego for Howl-O-Scream 2025! Doug is joined by SeaWorld Entertainment Specialist, Alexander Krikes to learn more about the fifth year of the event, its five mazes, eight scare zones, shows and more. We are also joined by the rest of the event creative team on the stomping grounds of the incredible Monster Stomp music and dance spectacular—Jordan Mason - Entertainment Specialist (Technical Production), Leo Gentleman - Entertainment Specialist (Technical Production), and Verenice Meza - Entertainment Specialist (Creative Production). There's also three complete stereo audio maze walk-throughs at the end of the podcast (Nightmare Experiment Sweet DreamzZz, Area 64: Alien Outbreak, & Death Water Bayou Awakening). Enjoy. Links: SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream Walt Disney Birthplace Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2025 Season Pass Podcast

Nick and Hannah head to Universal Orlando's brand-new theme park, Epic Universe! From jaw-dropping rides to a few hiccups along the way, they share their honest take on everything this dazzling park has to offer. Expect lively discussion on the attractions, the food (of course!), and even the little errors that come with opening a park of this scale. Join us as we step through the portal and explore one of the most exciting theme park openings in recent history!

Doug reviews his experience at Midsummer Scream 2025 that was on August 15-17. Joining Doug from ground zero of Midsummer Scream is Creative Director Rick West. Enjoy. Links: Midsummer Scream Walt Disney Birthplace MiceChat Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2025 Season Pass Podcast

Doug and Robert will be returning to Midsummer Scream for 2025 on August 15-17. Here to tell us what we're in for is Midsummer Scream Creative Director (and long time friend of the Season Pass), Rick West. Enjoy. Links: Midsummer Scream Walt Disney Birthplace MiceChat Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2025 Season Pass Podcast

In this very special episode of Nick's ERT, Nick is joined by fellow theme park aficionado Adam for a journey with a difference — quite literally! The pair hop on a train from London to Bedford to visit the proposed site for the UK's brand-new Universal Studios theme park. Join them on the rails as they chat candidly about what this massive project could mean for British tourism, the UK theme park landscape and Merlin's monopoly. From the excitement of immersive lands and blockbuster IPs to the challenges of local infrastructure, planning red tape, and good old British weather — nothing is off-limits. It's part travelogue, part theme park speculation, and 100% ERT. So sit back, grab a sandwich from the trolley and enjoy the ride to what could be the UK's most ambitious theme park yet.

*Subscribe @ iTunes* Doug, Brent and Robert celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the greatest themed entertainment stunt show ever, The WaterWorld Stunt Show at Universal Studios Hollywood! Also joining the conversation...some of the creative/production crew that made this BOMB SHOW happen: Eddie Newquist (Former Creative Director of Universal Creative/WaterWorld), Nick Drobins (Former Universal Studios Tech Guy & Director of Technical Design for WaterWorld), and Norm Kahn (Former Project Manager/VP of Entertainment for Universal Studios/Production Manager & Everything Man for WaterWorld). Discussion of the origins, creative process, and chaos that made WaterWorld the monumental Stunt Show of Theme Parks. Get ready for EPIC! Enjoy. Links: Universal Studios Hollywood-WaterWorld Retlaw Enterprises Walt Disney Birthplace MiceChat Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2025 Season Pass Podcast

In this thrilling episode, Hannah shares with Nick her journey from coaster-phobe to thrill-seeker! After a confidence-boosting trip to Europa Park, where she braved some of Europe's most iconic coasters, Hannah finally faced her biggest challenge yet: riding Hyperia at Thorpe Park. Listen in as they chat about the adrenaline, the nerves, and the unexpected joy of conquering major rides at Thorpe — including The Swarm, SAW The Ride and Nemesis Inferno. The duo also dive into Europa Park's standout rollercoasters and how they compare to UK counterparts. Plus, they briefly touch on the exciting news of Disneyland's newly announced project in Abu Dhabi — what could this mean for the future of Disney parks?

*Subscribe @ iTunes* Doug, Brent and Robert are HERE!! In 2025!! Yes Ya'll! Brent revues his Epic Universe experience while Doug and Robert drool on their mics. BUT! Doug and Robert also share their talk on a 100 years of roller coasters on WNYC New York Public Radio with Brian Lehrer, Friday, April 11, 2025. We're back peeps! Enjoy. Links: Epic Universe Brian Lehrer Show: 100 Years of 100 Things: Roller Coasters Walt Disney Birthplace MiceChat Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your support is extremely appreciated. © 2025 Season Pass Podcast

In this super-sized episode of Nick's ERT, we're back on track with more theme park tea—because Universal's UK park plans just won't quit! In the first half, Nick is joined by Hannah to take a wander through the latest changes coming to Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. From reimagined lands to possible new IPs, what's in store for the French mouse house and is this really in retaliation to Universal coming to the UK?! Then, it's all aboard to Bedford! In part two, Nick and Adam dream big as they dig into the themes, rumours, and wild hopes for Universal's potential UK resort—and how its arrival could shake the foundations of Merlin's magic and Mickey's European empire.

In this very special episode of Nick's ERT for the Season Pass Podcast, Nick is joined by Hannah, Chris, Nikki and Jamie as they dive headfirst into the now-confirmed plans for Universal Studios UK, officially announced by the UK government! Set to open in 2031 with construction beginning in 2026, the park will be built in Bedford, marking a monumental moment in UK theme park history. The gang unpacks the huge news, speculates on what major IPs might be featured, imagines possible rides and themed lands, and explores the ripple effect this could have on the rest of the UK's theme park industry. Will we see Hogwarts next to Jurassic World? Could the Minions finally conquer Britain? And what will this mean for parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park? Join us for a lively discussion filled with excitement, hot takes, and a bit of British theme park banter as we look ahead to what could be a true game-changer on the horizon. Spoiler: Chris is already scouting flats in Bedford.

Doug, Brent and Robert talk with the creators of the new ACE Documentary "The Legacy of Schwarzkopf." Eight years after their widely successful and coaster audience pleasing "The Legacy of Arrow Development," the crew of the new film sit with TSPP to give insight, back story, tidbits, and filming experiences on creating this massive new historic film. So listen and hear from the power source: Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Kris Rowberry, Robert Ingle & Scott Schaffer. Enjoy! Links: American Coaster Enthusiasts ACE Online: The Legacy of Schwarzkopf Legacy of Schwarzkopf Press Release Upstop Media Coaster Force Ride Entertainment Walt Disney Birthplace MiceChat Season Pass Closing Song - Wheels by Enuff Z'nuff on iTunes Check Out The Season Pass Podcast Website at: www.seasonpasspodcast.com Like the TSPP Facebook page! - www.facebook.com/theseasonpass Check Out TSPP on Instagram! - www.instagram.com/theseasonpass Contact us: Doug - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] © 2024 Season Pass Podcast

Join Nick, Hannah as they tell Adam about their unforgettable adventure in Dubai, exploring some of the world's most iconic theme parks and attractions! From Hollywood-inspired rides at Motiongate to the high-speed thrills of Ferrari World, and the immersive worlds of Warner Bros. Studios Park, the trio leaves no stone unturned. Discover how Hannah overcame her fear of tall coasters (with a little help from the UAE's adrenaline-packed lineup) and hear Nick's triumphant story of finally riding the legendary Mission Ferrari! The episode also features their stay at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm, where they dive into the resort's epic water park and share tips on making the most of your time in this stunning destination. #ThemeParks #DubaiAdventures #RollercoasterThrills #FerrariWorld #Motiongate #AtlantisThePalm #WaterParkFun

Doug, Brent and Robert FINALLY RETURN for 2024!! We discuss recent Theme Park Events, Halloween & Haunts, Review the Aftershock Metal Music Festival '24, and interview the Author of the NEW BOOK based on Dollywood, The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood, Erin Browne!! Make to listen to the end for LIVE AUDIO from Brent and Robert in Disneyland Paris (recorded in the Summer of 2024). Enjoy!! We're back BABY! ;) Links: Thrillrags!! The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood Cemetarium Haunted House Terror on the Creek The 17th Door