Episode 100 - Theme Park Video Games

Hello, everyone, SurferClock here along with TAP-G and TowerGirl to bring you the ONE HUNDREDTH EPISODE of What's the Attraction? Podcast!! We're so excited to have made to this landmark that we knew we had to do something big, something different, something artful and joyous!

So we're reviewing video games. (No, wait, come back!)

We're taking on the Big Three (Disney SeaWorld Universal!) in video game format. Join us on our greatest adventure yet as we pay homage to the Internet celebs that helped inspire us along the way, and bring a few guests along with us. This is Episode 100, and it waits for you in the link below!

EPISODE 100 - Theme Park Video Games on YouTube

Also, we want to let you know, too, that the show will be going on hiatus for a little while as we recuperate from this massive undertaking, in the hopes to bring you an even better, higher quality show in the coming year. 2016 will bring much to the theme parks, and we will be there covering it all!

Your Friend and Intrepid Co-Host,

SurferClock

Episode 99 - Turtle Trek

Hello, space fans! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

It's time to head back to an old friend we've neglected…SeaWorld Orlando, we're sorry we don't visit that often. We'll try harder, we promise! In fact, today's review will impress even the turtliest of turtle club members! Yes, Turtle Trek is our next stop, and this 2012 experience takes us through the life, times, and challenges faced by sea turtles from birth to their return to the beach at which they were born! But is it a true life adventure, or should it have lept over the cliff with all those lemmings? Find out by clicking the link below!

Episode 99 - Turtle Trek on YouTube 

Episode 98 - Fed Up! #8: Whatever Happened to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?

Hello there, listeners! TAP-G's here to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?" Yes, I'm going solo for another edition of the Fed Up! series. I wanted to talk a little bit about what happened to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, the portal-touting walkaround card game that debuted in Magic Kingdom Park in 2012...whatever happened to the game, and how can we escalate it back to its former glory? Click the link below, and let's talk about it!

Episode 98 - Fed Up! #8: Whatever Happened to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?

Episode 97 - Theme Park Reel-view #5: DINOSAUR

Hey there, folks! SurferClock and TAP-G here to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Because it's been a while, we wanted to review another of the many films that went on to inspire (or change) theme park attractions. Today's Reel-view will have you opening the door and getting on the floor, because today's review is the 2000 film, DINOSAUR. Disney's CGI darling was a relative success at the box office, but does it hold up and, more importantly, was it worth changing the exciting "Countdown to Exctinction" to the considerably…less so "DINOSAUR?" Find out by giving this reel-view a listen by clicking below!

Episode 97 - Theme Park Reel-view #5: DINOSAUR on YouTube 

Episode 96 - Top Ten "Wait, That Was A Thing?"s Part 2

And we're back! SurferClock reporting in, along with TAP-G, to bring you our latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Picking up from last episode's list, this time we're finishing the Top Ten "Wait, That Was A Thing?"s countdowns, counting down those obscure moments in theme park history that were here and gone, like a Blip in time (hey, guess what's also gone!). This is 5 - 1 in the countdown. Enjoy!

Episode 96 - Top Ten "Wait, That Was A Thing?"s Part 2 on YouTube 

Episode 95 - Top Ten "Wait, That Was A Thing?"s Part 1

Welcome, listeners! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

In theme park history, there are many, many great moments, ranging from park and attraction openings to dedications and re-dedications alike. With 60 years of history if you start with Disneyland, there are bound to be a few obscure moments…there's obscure, and then there's "only 12 people know this happened." We're counting down our Top Ten of these moments in theme park history. It's a humble list we're calling the Top Ten "Wait, That Was A Thing?"s. Part 1 this week, Part 2's happening next week! Stay tuned.

Episode 95 - Top Ten "Wait, That Was A Thing?"s Part 1 on YouTube 

Episode 94 - Poseidon's Fury

Ahoy there, listeners! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Universal's Islands of Adventure is our next stop as we swing over to what's left of Lost Continent and have a look at its only remaining attraction…erm, walking tour…known simply as Poseidon's Fury. What did we think of this opening-day attraction? Hear our thoughts by clicking the link below!

Episode 94 - Poseidon's Fury on YouTube 

Episode 93 - Versus!: Jurassic Park River Adventure vs. DINOSAUR

Hello from ringside, viewers! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Today, we've got a real slugfest as we put two attractions 65 million years in the making against one another, as the Jurassic Park River Adventure from Islands of Adventure takes on DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom! Who will be crowned the champ, and who will come home the dino-sore loser? Find out by clicking the link below!

Episode 93 - Versus!: Jurassic Park River Adventure vs. DINOSAUR on YouTube 

Episode 92 - Top Ten Best Celebrity Appearances

Hey there, folks. SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Although we've had a lot of fans requesting that we do more Top Ten countdowns, we've been racking our brains for something to count down…and now, we've come up with a brand new list. We love our celebrities, don't we? Seems there's an entire industry dedicated to following their every move. Today, however, we're going to count down a certain kind of move celebrities make…that's right, we're counting down the top ten best celebrity appearances in the parks! Join the fun using the link below, and as always, thanks for watching!

Episode 92 - Top Ten Best Celebrity Appearances on YouTube 

Episode 91 - Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros

Holy late blog posts! It's SurferClock, and I apologize profusely for this particular blog entry coming along so late...I had a lot going on the day the podcast posted.

So! With that out of the way, the episode released a few weeks back takes a look at the Gran Fiesta Tour over at Epcot, the refurbished El Rio De Tiempo ride from 2007 that got a colorful and, arguably, much-needed facelift! But what do the critics think? Find out by clicking the link below!

Episode 91 - Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros on YouTube

Episode 90 - Walt Disney: One Man's Dream

Greetings, listeners! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Today's episode brings us to Disney's Hollywood Studios, the park in flux, to have a look at one of the more respected attractions that has graced the park since 2001. 2001 brought with it the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade, the Sorcerer's Hat, and the subject of today's review, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream! It's not a ride or a show, but a museum and timeline dedicated to the life and times of Walt Disney. Check out what we think by clicking the link below!

Episode 90 - Walt Disney: One Man's Dream on YouTube 

Episode 89 - Kang and Kodos' Twirl 'N' Hurl

Hello, listeners! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

What starts out as a vacation to good ol' Springfield, [REDACTED] turns into something entirely different when the boys run into the subjects of today's attraction: a Universal Studios Florida spinner and the last in our coverage of spinners for a while (we promise!). Kang and Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl opened in August of 2013 to cap off the Springfield expansion at Universal Orlando, but does it distinguish itself from the numerous other spinners we've been reviewing? Join us as we take on one last spinner and a few old foes by clicking the link below!

Episode 89 - Kang and Kodos' Twirl 'N' Hurl on YouTube

Episode 88 - Triceratops Spin / One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Let's go for a spin, folks! SurferClock here along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Yep, as you may have guessed, we're doing a couple more spinner rides today! Today's offering, as selected by roulette, are Triceratops Spin (Animal Kingdom) and 1 Fish 2 Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (Islands of Adventure)! If you're not dizzy yet, check it out, and you'll be able to hear our thoughts on these!

Episode 88 - Triceratops Spin / One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish on YouTube

Episode 87 - Astro Orbiter / Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Hey-lo there, folks! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

So, you thought we were done with spinner rides? Hah! 5 more to go, but rather than milk this for all it could be worth, we're going to compress it up a bit, covering two today and two next time  as well. Today's twofer will cover both spinner attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The Astro Orbiter is first, followed by the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. How do these stack up to ol' Dumbo? Find out by clicking the link below!

Episode 87 - Astro Orbiter / Magic Carpets of Aladdin on YouTube

Episode 86 - Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Greetings, friends! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Grab your flying gear and strap in, because when you see this elephant fly, you'll probably want to hang on! Yes, we're finally getting around to tackling this Magic Kingdom classic. Dumbo helped to define the Fantasyland aesthetic as early as the Disneyland days, when you could hop right in to your favorite Disney classics and enjoy the characters in new and exciting ways. Now, WTA's 4th longest running in-joke will get his chance to shine when we review his attraction. Check it out at the link below!

Episode 86 - Dumbo the Flying Elephant on YouTube 

Episode 85 - Rest In Pieces: The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

Hello there, folks! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G and TowerGirl, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

Today's episode is a much-requested RIP episode taking us way back to the mid-90s Magic Kingdom, a Tomorrowland full of promise, adventure, and…carnivorous xenomorphic aliens?? Yes folks, we're taking on -that- attraction, much to the delight of our djinn, so here it is, one of our most requested episodes! Click below to join in on the scary-good fun and learn the true history behind one of the scariest attractions to ever hit the Magic Kingdom: the EXTRATERRORESTRIAL ALIEN ENCOUNTER!

Episode 85 - Rest in Pieces: The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter on YouTube 

Fed Up! #8 - Top Ten Crimes Committed by Universal Orlando

Hey there, folks! SurferClock here to let you know that TAP-G is taking the helm for this episode.

The last episode had SurferClock throw out a Top 10 List that was also a Fed Up!, and in two succinct parts, he let you in on the Top Ten Crimes Committed by Walt Disney World. Not content to leave just one side represented, TAP-G gathered his own list of crimes against the guest experience, but chose instead to take on Universal Orlando Resort. When you consider its recent impact and actual competitive nature against the Mouse House, it's only natural that not every bit of their red carpet rolls out perfect...click the links below and hear for yourself the charges against Universal's guest experience!

Fed Up #8 - Top Ten Crimes Committed by Universal Orlando (Part 1) on YouTube
Fed Up #8 - Top Ten Crimes Committed by Universal Orlando (Part 2) on YouTube

As always, thanks for listening!

SurferClock

Fed Up! #7 - Top Ten Crimes Committed by Walt Disney World

Hello there, folks. SurferClock here to bring you another solo segment of Fed Up!

The inspiration for today's episodes came from a sentiment I'm sure many of you listening share: the theme parks aren't perfect! Yes, we heap a lot of praise upon the parks, it's no secret...we're pretty big fans! Some have wondered if, other than about the rides and shows themselves, whether or not we have any criticism for how they're run or policies, especially more recent ones. TAP-G and I put our heads together and came up with our lists...that's right, while I got a Disney World list, it was only fair that he put together a Universal Orlando list to counterbalance. When we realized what we had, Fed Up! seemed the perfect place to host our lists. So, here they are (and here I am) to bring you the Top Ten Crimes Committed by Walt Disney World. Now, keep in mind that these aren't -crime- crimes, just criticisms that could be construed as 'crimes against guests' in more of a figurative sense. This time, we split the episode into two parts for more palatability...let us know what you think about this splitting, and if we should do it more often. Watch, listen, and enjoy!

Fed Up #7 - Top Ten Crimes Committed by Walt Disney World (Part 1) on YouTube
Fed Up #7 - Top Ten Crimes Committed by Walt Disney World (Part 2) on YouTube

Next time, TAP-G will give you his list of the Top Ten Crimes Committed by Universal Orlando! Stay tuned.

Episode 84 - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable

Hello there, folks! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you the latest episode of "What's the Attraction?"

We return to Epcot, heading over to the Land Pavilion to take in a show that doesn't involve soaring or vegetables, singing or otherwise. Yes, despite everything, there remain two attractions in the Land Pavilion that we have yet to review, and this, well…this is one of them. Debuting on the heels of The Lion King, "Circle of Life: An Environment Fable" replaced the relatively unknown "Symbiosis" show in the same space in 1995. In this 12-minute theater show, a fable is told of humans and their effect on the environment using Lion King characters Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa. Seeing no change in all the nearly 20 years it's been open, this continues to play to crowds of…uhhh…what did the critics think? Find out by clicking the link below!

Episode 84 - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable on YouTube 

Episode 83 - Mickey and Goofy explore the Universe of Energy (Comic Review)

Greetings, folks! SurferClock here along with the TAP-G of several dozen voices to bring you the latest "What's the Attraction?"

Instead of reviewing an attraction or show this week, the show's taking a bit of a detour and letting a couple of other schmucks go on a ride of sorts while we read of their hilarious comic adventure! From below the 2nd wall but slowly ascending as I get used to editing video together, today's episode is going to be a review of a strange little comic from Epcot Center's earliest incarnation of the Universe of Energy! Given to guests by then-energy-king Exxon, it follows Mickey and Goofy through the titular ride, and the strangeness doesn't even stop there! Check out SurferClock's review of this rare-ish Disney freebie by clicking the link below!

Episode 83 - Mickey and Goofy explore the Universe of Energy (Comic Review) on YouTube 

Episode 82 - The Incredible Hulk Coaster

We're back for 2015! SurferClock here, along with TAP-G, to bring you right into the new year of "What's the Attraction?"

We're starting this new year with a scream! The good kind, mind you…we're taking on some thrill rides to start the year, beginning with a true challenger: let's smash it up and take on the Incredible Hulk Coaster, a staple of Universal's Islands of Adventure since its opening in 1999. I'm not the biggest fan of rollercoasters, but much like TAP-G and his respect for Dinosaur and Haunted Mansion, I too must respect and review the coasters. Let's get this party started, and Happy New Year to you all! Click the link below and join us for one wild ride!

Episode 82 - The Incredible Hulk Coaster