Corkscrew Convos: A Theme Park Podcast

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...

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 E...

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 pit...

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 segmen...

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...

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 wo...

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.