We're wrapping up our first season of theme park adventures with a look back at what we've accomplished and a peek at what's coming in Season 2. From humble beginnings as a "way for our partners to get rid of us for a few hours every week," we're so thrilled at what this has become.

Today is a wrap-up featuring some of what we've covered, current news and a peek at where we're going:

• Latest update on Evermore Park – the purchase deal has fallen through after disputes over what was included in the sale
• Disney's Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World officially closing and converting to office space
• Farewell to Muppet Vision 3D, Jim Henson's final directorial work and last time performing Kermit
• Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom closing after July 4th for a new Cars attraction
• New Coco-themed boat ride coming to California Adventure in the Paradise Gardens area
• Universal's Epic Universe now open, with Monsters Unleashed being called the highlight
• Season 2 will feature another "What If" episode creating an imaginary theme park
• Upcoming episodes on discontinued Disney merchandise, Six Flags, and macabre attractions
• Plans to explore the Winchester Mystery House and Knott's Scary Farm
• Deep dive into Universal Studios' evolution from 1916 silent film tour to modern theme park giant

Please spread the word about our podcast! If you enjoy what we do, leave a review!. We appreciate your support and would love to hear your suggestions for future episodes.

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a cheeky little review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

Come visit our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1511094196139406 or drop us a note to comments@lowdown-plus-up.com and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

Step with us into Tomorrowland, that curious realm where yesterday's futures linger in an increasingly static present. Why do Disney fans profess deep love for a land they rarely prioritize visiting? The answer lies in Tomorrowland's remarkable journey from hasty afterthought to kinetic wonderland to its current static identity crisis.

Our live audience at the Howard Johnson's "Suite of the Retro Future" helps us dissect what made Tomorrowland truly magical - not science fantasy, but genuine progress in motion. The 1967 "New Tomorrowland" represented a perfect convergence of transportation systems: monorails gliding overhead, PeopleMovers circulating endlessly, submarines diving beneath the surface. Everything moved! The land wasn't about laser blasters and aliens; it was about showing Americans what their future could actually be.

When did we lose this vision? As we trace Tomorrowland's evolution through corporate sponsorships, Operation Paperclip scientists, World's Fair connections, and eventually the 1998 renovation that prioritized intellectual property over dynamism, a troubling pattern emerges. Yet our passionate audience offers compelling solutions - from embracing "The Tomorrow That Never Was" concept to incorporating sustainable energy demonstrations that would make the land both educational and kinetic again.

Whether you're nostalgic for the PeopleMover or curious about what Tomorrowland could become, join us for a thought-provoking exploration of Disney's most philosophically complex land. As one audience member aptly suggested: perhaps it's time to encourage guests not just to remember the optimistic futures of yesterday, but to imagine new ones for tomorrow.

==========================================================================

Visit our friends from the episode at:

Our host, Paul Barrie from Window to the Magic (https://www.windowtothemagic.com)

Tracey and Scott from Disney Indiana (https://disneyindiana.com)

Clinton from Comedy4Cast (comedy4cast.com)/The Topic is Trek (https://www.thetopicistrek.com/)

Tony from Above the Firehouse (https://www.abovethefirehouse.com)

Our good friend Jill booked our travel for us. She's terrific. Reach out to her at jill@touringandcruises.com

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a cheeky little review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

Come visit our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1511094196139406 or drop us a note to comments@lowdown-plus-up.com and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .

Step back into the age of sword and sorcery as we unravel the untold story of Universal Studios' most dangerous and innovative attraction: the Conan the Barbarian Sword and Sorcery Spectacular. This legendary stunt show wasn't just entertainment—it was a revolution that forever changed how theme parks approach live experiences.

From Robert E. Howard's complex literary character to Frank Frazetta's iconic artistic vision and Arnold Schwarzenegger's silver screen portrayal, we trace Conan's evolution before diving deep into the attraction that dared to use real fire, military-grade lasers, and death-defying stunts to wow audiences. The show's creation marked the moment Universal deliberately established itself as the "anti-Disney," poaching Imagineers and pushing boundaries Disney wouldn't touch.

What forgotten theme park attractions do you wish would return? Share your memories with us on our Facebook group or at comments@lowdown-plus-up.com!

=========================================
Notes: de Camp editing - http://www.barbariankeep.com/issues.html
Planet of the Apes article: https://boardwalktimes.net/disney-drops-the-finest-science-fiction-film-series-of-all-time-on-hulu-4c1a03f1329d

Chronology of the Castle Theater: The Land of a Thousand Faces (1975-1980), Castle Dracula Live (1980-1983), The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular (1983-1993), Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Review (1991-1999), Spider-Man Rocks (2002-2004), Fear Factor Live (2005-2008), Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical (2009), Special Effects Show (2010-2023), Theater Closed for Fast & Furious coaster.

Thanks for listening!

We'd love it if you would give us a cheeky little review on your podcast platform of choice. They're really helpful.

Come visit our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1511094196139406 or drop us a note to comments@lowdown-plus-up.com and let us know any questions or comments about how YOU would like to plus-something-up!

We are a Boardwalk Times production.
Boardwalk Times, https://boardwalktimes.net/
Boardwalk Times store, https://boardwalktimes.store .