Unlocking The Magic: Talking all things Disney Parks, Universal and Cruising · Konstantina Irving

489: 5 (or so) Things you need to know Parks and Resorts

January 25, 2025·40 min·4 clips

Space Mountain was the first coaster fully enclosed in the dark and controlled by a computer, revolutionizing theme park rides.

Hosts Bruce and the unnamed co-host share updates and opinions on Disney and Universal parks news. They begin by discussing a recent stay at the Disneyland Hotel, where the main pool was closed for refurbishment during the colder months. The hosts mention Universal Orlando's new space-themed value resort, Stella Nova, which is now open near Epic Universe and a Chick-fil-A. They note the resort's thematic design draws comparisons to the Aventura Hotel and the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. Universal has announced dates for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the holiday season, with Halloween events starting unusually early on August 29th. Space Mountain at Walt Disney World is celebrating its 50th anniversary, having opened on January 15, 1975. The hosts reference its historical significance as the first fully enclosed, computer-controlled coaster. Disneyland's Haunted Manor has reopened with a revamped attic scene featuring a new, more sorrowful bride character, replacing the previous Constance with the hatchet. The adjacent new gift shop receives mixed reviews for being too bright and lacking a spooky atmosphere. The episode also touches on Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney's California Adventure and the organic character interactions at Disneyland. The hosts express a desire to visit Tokyo Disneyland, especially to see the planned Space Mountain refurbishment in 2027. They share listener reviews of Stella Nova, including complaints about thin walls and parking fees. A surprising claim is that riding Space Mountain 22 times would equal the distance to the moon. The tone is casual and conversational, filled with personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter between the hosts. This episode is ideal for Disney and Universal park enthusiasts who enjoy informal updates and insider tips. Listeners seeking highly structured, deeply analytical content might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

Practical park talk with enough personality to keep the travel updates moving.

This episode is a practical parks-and-resorts conversation with a clear travel-news spine. It runs through listener guesses, winner shout-outs, and a steady stretch of Disney and Universal updates, then settles into Epic Universe ticket timing.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want park-and-resort chatter with a little Universal ticket intel and no corporate gloss.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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